Definitions by Howard Ogden
The Strait of Hormel
The narrow and precarious passage through the digestive system navigated by Spam, canned chili, and other Hormel products. Like its geopolitical namesake, a critical chokepoint through which significant quantities of heavily processed material must pass, at considerable strategic risk to all parties involved.
"After three cans of Hormel chili at the tailgate, Dave spent the rest of the game navigating the Strait of Hormel."
"The Strait of Hormel is open, but conditions are hazardous."
Jon Winokur
"The Strait of Hormel is open, but conditions are hazardous."
Jon Winokur
The Strait of Hormel by Howard Ogden September 4, 2026
The Strait of Hormel
The narrow and precarious passage through the digestive system navigated by Spam, canned chili, and other Hormel products. Like its geopolitical namesake, a critical chokepoint through which significant quantities of heavily processed material must pass, at considerable strategic risk to all parties involved.
"After three cans of Hormel chili at the tailgate, Dave spent the rest of the game navigating the Strait of Hormel."
"The Strait of Hormel is open, but conditions are hazardous."
Jon Winokur
"The Strait of Hormel is open, but conditions are hazardous."
Jon Winokur
The Strait of Hormel by Howard Ogden September 4, 2026
Trump change
Trump change
noun
Money legitimately owed but deliberately withheld — payment refused or reduced by Donald Trump to contractors, vendors, and workers who completed work for his businesses. A portmanteau of "chump change" and "Trump," reflecting the practice of treating debts as negotiating leverage or simply not paying them.
noun
Money legitimately owed but deliberately withheld — payment refused or reduced by Donald Trump to contractors, vendors, and workers who completed work for his businesses. A portmanteau of "chump change" and "Trump," reflecting the practice of treating debts as negotiating leverage or simply not paying them.
"The painting contractor won his lawsuit but still hasn't been paid — classic Trump change."
"He thought he'd get his invoice honored, but all he got was Trump change."
Jon Winokur
"He thought he'd get his invoice honored, but all he got was Trump change."
Jon Winokur
Trump change by Howard Ogden September 4, 2026
A/I
First-person pronoun used to disclose that the speaker or writer has relied on artificial intelligence to form or support an opinion or to assist in writing.
A portmanteau of the standard first-person singular pronoun "I" and the abbreviation "AI" (artificial intelligence), it alerts the listener or reader that the opinion expressed reflects AI-assisted rather than purely independent human reasoning.
Jon Winokur
A portmanteau of the standard first-person singular pronoun "I" and the abbreviation "AI" (artificial intelligence), it alerts the listener or reader that the opinion expressed reflects AI-assisted rather than purely independent human reasoning.
Jon Winokur
"A/I believe that data centers are good for America."
"A/I think the new trade policy will reduce inflation, but don't quote me on it."
"A/I'm not sure about this, but the evidence seems to support it."
"A/I think the new trade policy will reduce inflation, but don't quote me on it."
"A/I'm not sure about this, but the evidence seems to support it."
A/I by Howard Ogden September 4, 2026
A/I
First-person pronoun used to disclose that the speaker or writer has relied on artificial intelligence to form or support an opinion or to assist in writing.
A portmanteau of the standard first-person singular pronoun "I" and the abbreviation "AI" (artificial intelligence), it alerts the listener or reader that the opinion expressed reflects AI-assisted rather than purely independent human reasoning.
A portmanteau of the standard first-person singular pronoun "I" and the abbreviation "AI" (artificial intelligence), it alerts the listener or reader that the opinion expressed reflects AI-assisted rather than purely independent human reasoning.
"A/I believe that data centers are good for America."
"A/I think the new trade policy will reduce inflation, but don't quote me on it."
"A/I'm not sure about this, but the evidence seems to support it."
"A/I think the new trade policy will reduce inflation, but don't quote me on it."
"A/I'm not sure about this, but the evidence seems to support it."
A/I by Howard Ogden September 4, 2026
pro pas
noun. pronounced pro pah
When you use the wrong personal pronoun for someone.
After the French, faux pas, a socially awkward mistake or breach of etiquette.
When you use the wrong personal pronoun for someone.
After the French, faux pas, a socially awkward mistake or breach of etiquette.
pro pas by Howard Ogden September 24, 2025