Ryan Thompson's definitions

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

greenback

A form of United States currency, specifically a Federal Reserve Note, which is the paper currency presently used by the United States. The ink on the reverse side of Federal Reserve Notes being green is what led to the nick name "greenback". To a lesser extent, Silver Certificates and United States Notes also had green backs, but the seal and serial numbers on the front were printed in blue instead of green ink. They were last issued in 1957 and 1966, respectively. Your parents probably remember them.

'Greenbacks' have been printed since before the turn of the 20th century, when the size of the paper currency was printed on was about 1/3 wider and 1/3 longer than its present size.

by Ryan Thompson January 4, 2004

Birfing babies

Ebonics. To give birth to a child, or children. Actual spelling of this term is 'birthing babies', even though it is pronounced differently. Even the correct pronunciation isn't really used outside the world of ebonics.

Lemongelo said birfin' babies was usually part of married (and unmarried) life.

by Ryan Thompson September 5, 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

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

fundy

The mispelled version of the word fundie.

The fundies stared at me. It was creepy.

by Ryan Thompson January 9, 2004