Definitions by VAKI5

all-nighter 

A study or work session that goes through the night; studying without sleep (usually a last-minute course of action).

The term is popular with college students who spend the night before an exam studying (or 'cramming'), trying to learn a lot of material in a short period of time. The term is frequently used in the phrase 'pull an all-nighter'.

1) We pulled an all-nighter to finish the report.

2) I pulled an all-nighter to study for my math exam.

all-nighter by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

an arm and a leg 

A large amount of money; very expensive or costly.

Some things are so expensive that they are painful to buy, and cost everything you have.

My new Mercedes cost me an arm and a leg!

an arm and a leg by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

artsy fartsy

Trying too hard to be artistic; an overly strong interest in appearing to be aesthetically aware.

From a lyrical marriage of the words "art" (creative or imaginative activity such as painting or poetry) and "fart" (expelling gas). The implication is that the art (or person) in question is no more than a glorified fart.

I don't like his paintings - they're a little bit too artsy fartsy.

artsy fartsy by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

art house 

A movie theater that shows independent or noncommercial or foreign films.

In the United States, most people like big, expensive movies with lots of explosions and violence. Any film that is made by people outside of the Hollywood production system, and that focuses on more subtle themes, tends to be called an 'art film'.

I love our local art house - it's the only place you can see the new existentialist thriller 'The Angry Clown'.

art house by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

anyhoo 

Alternative form of "anyhow"; in spite of it all; anyway.

Anyhoo... Let's get back to me issue at hand--we need to cut back on our expenses.

anyhoo by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

all ears 

Listening carefully; keenly attentive.

You listen with your ears, so if you are 'all ears' your entire being is listening to someone speak.

I was all ears as Svet told me his exciting story.

all ears by VAKI5 May 10, 2005

all-out 

Giving as much effort as possible; not holding back.

'All' refers to everything, and 'out' is an intensifier. So 'all-out' means 'everything and more'.

1) Karen went all-out in the race, and won a gold medal.

2) Captain Barne's final act was to order an all-out assault on the fortress.

all-out by VAKI5 May 10, 2005