1 definition by ScottLG

The way rejection tends to be handled by Californians, who are sunny in disposition and less brusque than East Coast residents. Instead of bluntly saying "no," Californians say no by avoiding the question, forgetting to respond to emails, and generally postponing the issue. The best way to give a California no is to do nothing at all, as opposed to saying it outright.

This is especially popular in the entertainment industry. For example, Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal is quoted as saying: "To me, postponing a Hollywood lunch meeting is the new passing. They figure they'll postpone you until you go away. This way, they are not saying no. If that happens more than twice -- obviously emergencies come up -- you've got to get the hint."
A: So I emailed that agent a week ago and still no response. What is going on?

B: He's giving you the California no.
by ScottLG August 9, 2013
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