Roman holiday

An instance in which someone experiences enjoyment on account of someone else's suffering. The expression, first used in this sense in Byron's "Childe Harold," derives from the fact that the Roman Empire frequently proclaimed work-free days on which to hold gladiatorial games. "Roman holiday" can function as a loose equivalent of the German term Schadenfreude, which also means pleasure derived from another person's misfortune.

When he had to enter rehab himself, he realized that his mockery of Rush Limbaugh's painkiller addiction ultimately amounted to nothing more than a petty Roman holiday.

by Samuel Sundquist March 11, 2008

voting irregularities

The default explanation for an electoral defeat given by a losing candidate for public office.

Reporter: "But you lost the election by a 50% margin!"
Candidate: "Well, that's because of voting irregularities."

by Samuel Sundquist September 12, 2008

voting irregularities

The default explanation for an electoral defeat given by a losing candidate for public office.

Reporter: "But you lost the election by a 50% margin!"
Candidate: "Well, that's because of voting irregularities."

by Samuel Sundquist September 10, 2008