Ryan Thompson's definitions

Vanishing Americana

A term for Americanisms or inventions that are gradually disappearing, as described in the book "Going Going Gone: Vanishing Americana" by by Susan Jonas and Marilyn Nissenson.

Hood ornaments. Prank phone calls. Phonebooths with doors. Blue laws. Hitchiking. Men's clubs. Garter belts. The 'Red Menace'. Typewriters. Rotary telephones.

by Ryan Thompson January 6, 2004

civil union

A type of quasi-marriage some places (in the US) offer for gays and lesbians. Its marriage, but not quite marriage. It is like 'seperate but equal' in that it is inherently discriminatory.

One drinking fountain was for whites, the other was for blacks, but the one for blacks rarely worked right.

In most places in the United States only straight people can marry. For gay people, civil unions are the 'seperate but equal' answer.

by Ryan Thompson August 1, 2004

troll

An older gay male, usually over 35 or so, who hits on younger guys who aren't interested in him. When they tell him they aren't interested, the troll will often flip out and get angry. Trolls are not just something seen in chat rooms but can be found just about anywhere people hang out/gather. Many trolls are secretly into underage guys but don't talk about it unless they are talking to another troll who is into the same thing, or if they are talking one-on-one with an underage guy.

Some guys are perpetually undeservedly hit on by nothing but trolls. Just because I like classic rock doesn't mean I want to date somebody my dad's age. Get over it.

by Ryan Thompson July 6, 2004

incentive

Something, such as the fear of punishment or the expectation of reward, that induces action or motivates effort.

Jake was promised free entry into the bar if he mowed the lawn for his neighbor.

by Ryan Thompson July 19, 2004

trucker cap

An overpriced baseball cap. See Von Dutch clothing/apparell.

California has a lot of places that sell Von Dutch.

by Ryan Thompson July 15, 2004

fart cannon

An enlarged exhaust pipe that people sometimes add to their cars. The result is a fart-like sound from the engine. Some fart cans are just for show -- they only make noise, and don't make the car any faster.

This car modification is usually done to Asian import cars, but not always.

See related: Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda, fart can

by Ryan Thompson January 15, 2004

fundy

The mispelled version of the word fundie.

The fundies stared at me. It was creepy.

by Ryan Thompson January 9, 2004