eViL pOp TaRt's definitions

Scottish play

This is a periphrastic way of referring to William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," a device sometimes used by actors to avoid referring to the play by name, because of the supposed bad luck that it might bring if it is referred to by name. Likewise, the protagonist and his wife are referred to as"Mr. and Mrs. M."

The Village Players led off this year's season with the Scottish play.

by eViL pOp TaRt April 24, 2010

friends with minor benefits

These are two individuals, usually a male and a female, who occasionally engage in noncoital sexual behavior (most often masturbation but possibly other forms) without being lovers or having any long-term commitment. Usually this is done on an infrequent basis if one or the other is in need. Think of this as one possible and occasional outcome of a strong friendship between a man and a woman. I hope this definition does not offend.

While Tom and Jennifer's relationship was usually Platonic, sometimes theirs devolved into that of 'friends with minor benefits.'

by eViL pOp TaRt April 27, 2006

Duke of Marlborough effect

The “Duke of Marlborough Effect” was mentioned by Richard Dawkins to refer to the increase in masculine libido that results from experiencing a victory, whether directly or vicariously. This was so-named from an entry in the Duchess of Marlborough’s diary, “His Grace returned from the wars today and pleasured me twice in his top-boots.” Male athletes tend to experience elevated testosterone levels before a contest; those who win tend to maintain afterwards those elevated testosterone levels, but the testosterone levels of losers drops dramatically afterwards.

There will likely be a lot of canoodling in Old Boston now that the Red Sox have won the Series due to the Duke of Marlborough effect and the subsequent release of proper Bostonian inhibitions.

by eViL pOp TaRt January 5, 2009

drachenfutter

Drachenfutter is a gift or some other form of peace offering used by a husband or boyfriend in order to appease an angry woman or girlfriend. Used primarily in cities where there is a significant population of German origin.

Since Jack forgot Madeline's birthday and went out with her older sister, she will punish him by withholding affection until he expresses sufficient repentance with some appropriate drachenfutter.

by eViL pOp TaRt October 5, 2010

Parkinson's law

Parkinson's law is an administrative principle that states that work tends to expand in relation to the time available for its completion. From C. Northcote Parkinson, a professor of the University of Malaysia, who first wrote of this law. While Parkinson, like Laurence J. Peter, apparently wrote his book as a satire on administration, unfortunately it turned out to be true.

It's a sad rule of corporations, and universities are not exempt, that the administrative apparatus tends to expand with time. Unfortunately, this is accompanied by stasis in what is accomplished. Parkinson's law holds true.

by eViL pOp TaRt September 9, 2005

equine actuary

An equine actuary is a bookmaker: one who gives odds and accepts bets on horse races.

Crazy Chester was a well-reputed equine actuary in New Orleans. He could tell you who was running at any of the racetracks and their likely odds.

by eViL pOp TaRt February 11, 2013

Professor

Professor is a term of respect given to pinao players in New Orleans. Originally, the term might have been bestowed ironically on the piano players playing in brothels, but has more general and nonironic use nowadays to refer to any type of soloist musician.

Tip the professor at least a five before you go. Doing this is good form, Dawlin'.

by eViL pOp TaRt January 18, 2009