Definitions by benbisley

slice on the mat 

A slice on the mat is a Second War British term. It signifies the eager anticipation of a serviceman returning home on leave; as his woman opens the door they can't even wait to get to the bedroom, and have sex there and then, on the mat, just inside the door. It is still used.

I hadn't seen her for three months, and when I turned up she immediately gave me a slice on the mat. She did remember to close the door, though. . .

slice on the mat by benbisley July 22, 2010

set up

verb

to place someone in an awkward or unpleasant situation by guile or deceit; to play emotional games with someone prior to letting them down.

*sighs* "I have been waiting here on this park bench for two hours, and she hasn't turned up. I guess I've been set up."

set up by benbisley March 8, 2010

chimmie 

a woman's long, loose undergarment: a shift. Pronounced shimmy. Probably a corruption of the French word chemise.

Angela sat next to the wood-stove, drinking coffee. She was wearing a white chimmie. She looked good, and didn't she just know it.

chimmie by benbisley February 1, 2009

Needle-match 

A spiteful exchange between two enemies each of whom seeks to injure the other.

It can be physical or verbal.

After a boundary dispute the croquet game degenerated into a needle-match.

It was clear across the hotel dining room that Rebecca and Susan were part-way through a needle-match. And I knew who would win. Susan was no match for Rebecca, with her mental agility and mordant wit.

Needle-match by benbisley October 29, 2008

Lord Muck

A British term used to rebuke a small boy who takes favours and presents for granted without giving appropriate thanks: also used after other discourtesies. Usually used by his mother.
Lady Muck is the feminine equivalent.

Mother] Alex, say thank-you when I give you your sandwiches. Who do you think you are: Lord Muck?

Mother] Alice, don't just sit there like Lady Muck when you can see I need a hand with passing round the plates.

Lord Muck by benbisley August 21, 2008

tough puppy 

A British slang term signifying hard luck or misfortune. Usually used humorously; also used to needle.

I say! My daughter Estella has run off with a blacksmith's boy!

Well, tough puppy, Miss Havisham.

tough puppy by benbisley June 27, 2008

brown study 

A state of mind, where deep but incoherent thought comes wordlessly. A lonely mental abstraction; not necessarily gloomy but often so. When you emerge from a brown study it is often difficult to remember what you have been thinking about.

Amanda looked out at the rain and the leaden sky. She was alone. At times like this she was prone to quote melancholy poetry and then fall into a brown study.

brown study by benbisley April 13, 2008