Speedog's definitions

causality

Noun (physics terminology): the natural sequential relation between any cause and its subsequent effect in the known universe, in which any effect is invariably preceded by the cause of that effect, and never the reverse.

"Newton's Third Law of Motion is essentially a confirmation of the principle of causality."

by speedog April 30, 2010

Roman handshake

Noun: a manner of shaking hands peculiar to ancient Rome, in which the parties grasp each others right wrist.

"The Roman handshake was the accepted practice of greeting among gentlemen in the Western world from the beginning of the 1st century BC until the end of the 5th century AD."

by speedog April 30, 2010

unintentionally hilarious

Adjective: description of any expression, statement or definition which, although originally intended in earnest, results adversely in humorous disdain.

"Wendy's attempt to explain how her underwear ended up in the frat house rec room was unintentionally hilarious."

by speedog April 28, 2010

de-orbit

Verb: To descend (as in a spacecraft) from orbit around the Earth, or other planetary body.

"Following their mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, the crew of the Space Shuttle successfully executed their de-orbit procedure and landed safely at the Kennedy Space Center."

by speedog April 24, 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

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

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