arunabh das's definitions

spin alley

Wherever there is a big candidates' debate there is Spin Alley. After the debate, journalists have to write stories, produce TV packages. For this they need quotes and authorized knowers who can talk on camera.


There to provide such are the spinners: hired guns, stand-ins, soulmates who agree to meet the press after the debate to explain why their candidate "won." Of course this is a verdict known in advance; however that fact too is known in advance, so no one really minds. Spin Alley will live again in whatever large, air-conditioned room is next designated for the ritual. Unless it's stopped.

After the debate, I took the press shuttle back to the media center -- and to the small section therein blatantly designated "Spin Alley," ringed on three sides by bare-bones makeshift broadcast platforms and stuffed to capacity with reporters, camera crews and politicos. Everywhere you looked there were clusters of media people surrounding spinners and surrogates, whose names were printed on laminated red signs held high above the crowd by aides. I felt like I was standing in the middle of one of my own damn cartoons come to life.

by Arunabh Das April 24, 2005

nerdismo

nerdismo is nerd-machismo. It goes a step beyond just plain "being a nerd" to the realm where you flaunt the fact of living the nerd lifestyle...

I love Richard Stallman for his nerdismo, yo!

by Arunabh Das January 30, 2007

twecsitgredep

The Worst Economic Crisis Since The Great Depression.

This is twecsitgredep. If I had more time, I would tell you what I mean by that but my home is being repossessed, my bank has gone under and my plastic surgeon wants to perform liposuction on me so he can eat. So I'll save time by referring to it as the twecsitgredep.

by Arunabh Das February 18, 2009

straw dog

In business, something (an idea, or plan, usually) set up to be knocked down. It's the dangerous philosophy of presenting one mediocre idea, so that the listener will make the choice of the better idea which follows.

It backfires with some frequency, as the listener (out of sheer perversity) will insist on the straw dog.

by Arunabh Das April 22, 2004

webcrib

The cool, streetslang word for homepage / website. Webcrib is exactly what the name implies. Your homepage, webpage, website but "cooler".

I'll check out your webcrib fo shizzle homie. Now where's Michael Phelps' bong at?

by Arunabh Das February 18, 2009

the celery dances at midnight

redundant answer to an obfuscated question

"What's the meaning of it all?"

"Does the celery not dance at midnight?"

by Arunabh Das March 6, 2005

IALTO

I Am Like That Only

Ramesh was always pulling a fast one on his friends. He explained by saying "IALTO".

by Arunabh Das April 22, 2004