Speedog's definitions

dago dazzlers

Noun (plural): a multiplicity of official (or official-looking) documents, permits, passes, and/or letters of authorization, typically bearing apparently authentic governmental stamps, seals, and signatures, to be presented mostly by scientific expeditions from developed nations whenever challenged by local, often sub-literate, authorities attempting to impede their progress to extort monies or other remunerations in return for “safe passage” through a specific area under their control; the intent being to thwart such local tactics by implication of the threat of condign action from a superior governmental power should the papers presented be ignored.

"Suddenly our progress was halted by a group of armed men, but after a few tense minutes they waved us along, after Dr. Keller flashed his packet of dago dazzlers in their faces."

by Speedog December 2, 2009

Climb Mount Nitaka

Phrase (WW II Japanese military): code phrase authorizing the activation of "Operation Z", the Japanese attack on U.S. naval forces based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Once Emperor Hirohito had given his assent to Operation Z, the code phrase "Climb Mount Nitaka" was transmitted to Admiral Yamamoto.

by speedog July 7, 2010

against her will is against the law

Expression (chiefly American): an admonition to males engaging in sexual behavior with females that at any time the female expresses the wish to cease such activity, the male must immediately comply or risk potential legal consequences.

Any guy out on the town needs to remember the mantra "against her will is against the law."

by speedog June 25, 2010

shoot the pier

(Surfing term): to maneuver one's surfboard in such a manner as to attempt to pass with safety between the supporting pilings of a pier; either "head on", meaning to pass directly under the entire pier from its oceanside terminus to the beach; or "side on", meaning to pass from one side of the pier to the other at an angle oblique to the shoreline prior to reaching the beach.

"Gary said he was going to try and shoot the pier on his longboard, but we talked him out of it."

by Speedog February 1, 2010

nova

Noun (astrophysics terminology): the catastrophic self-destruction of a "main sequence" stellar body via a runaway nuclear fusion reaction caused by the accretion of hydrogen atoms over time, surpassing the star's ability to burn off the accreted hydrogen prior to the initiation of the reaction.

The Crab Nebula was originally thought to be the product of a nova explosion, but is now known to be the result of the supernova of star Taurus-A.

by speedog July 10, 2010

Alberto VO5

Noun: a brand of hair care products trademarked and patented in 1955 by The Alberto Company (now Alberto-Culver), and famously employed by such celebrities as Lucille Ball and Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis.

In order to maintain her classic coiffure, the First Lady made extensive use of Alberto VO5.

by speedog May 28, 2010

helotize

Verb (from ancient Spartan social terrminology): To reduce a population of formerly free peoples to serfdom, usually by means of military force, invasion, occupation, or annexation under political duress.

"Although not overtly stated in public, from the beginning the Nazi policy for the Eastern Occupied Territories was to helotize all Slavic peoples who were not immediately selected for extermination."

by Speedog December 28, 2009