13 definitions by poorbrokegradstudent

Currently, the world's favorite Linux distribution. Ubuntu is a free distribution developed and managed by Canonical. There are many different Ubuntu packages that are customized for PC or server use, different microprocessors, RAM levels, hard drive space, and video. Ubuntu is a derivative of the Debian distribution of Linux. It uses the Debian package system (*.deb, dpkg) and repository system (apt-get, aptitude).

Ubuntu is the most viable open source competitor against Windows and Mac OSX to date. Sure, 31337 #4XX0rZ might compile a Linux kernel from scratch or custom configure their own Debian system. A Ubuntu distribution offers a one-stop installation that can be later customized according to user preferences or used as is. Almost everything can be done through the graphical interface rather than through text commands. Ubuntu can be a non-intimidating graphical GUI for casual computer users or a robust Debian-based distribution for computer nerds.
I've been programming computers for twenty years. I use Ubuntu on all of my computers because it's easy to install, easy to customize, and has great user forum support.

If you're tired of Windows viruses, crashes, and slowdowns, try Ubuntu. It has the same look and feel of Windows, but is more resistant to buggy programs.
by poorbrokegradstudent December 26, 2011
Get the Ubuntu mug.
Ubiquitous 1990's late night TV infomercial phenomenon. PSN was a 1 900 number psychic service that charged astronomical per minute charges. Instead of merely hiring an actor to pose as a psychic and hawk services directly to a camera (see Miss Cleo), PSN employed past their prime entertainment personalities to "host" a casual roundtable discussion that persistently extolled the proficiency of the network psychics. PSN also used phone testimonials from shills to enhance a not so subtle peer pressure to dial the phone.

PSN's infomercial model proved very successful. Like Home Shopping Network and QVC, the creation of an artificial peer group to sell almost anything attracted many people with few social outlets.
Back in 1993, Melvyn's mom racked up $10,000 in phone bills from watching Psychic Friends Network late at night. After the auto accident, she had nothing to do but lie in her full body cast and endlessly call for her horoscope.
by poorbrokegradstudent August 20, 2010
Get the psychic friends network mug.
To take control of a term that has a pejorative context. queer, dyke, and queen are examples of words that have been reclaimed by the LGBT community. Taking control of a slur removes the ability of bigots to use that term in a hurtful manner. Reclaiming empowers marginalized communities.

NOTE: Do not use reclaimed words that are not part of your sexual, racial, or ethnic self-identification. For example: do not use the n word or variant words to describe yourself if you're not part of the African American community. Or, don't use words like fag or faggot if you are not a gay man. Reclamation is only for those people who have historically suffered because of the word in question. Outsiders, even sympathetic outsiders, should not use reclaimed words casually.

Even if you are part of a community that uses reclaimed terms, be selective in how you use them. Don't use reclaimed terms to start a fight where you and or others might be physically or verbally attacked. Use discretion.
When I encounter Christian fundamentalists who try to put me down for being gay, I say that 'I am a faggot'. I want to reclaim the word from haters to they can't use it to hurt others.
by poorbrokegradstudent July 25, 2010
Get the reclaim mug.
Theoretically, no gay Republican politicians exist because the GOP is a pro-"family values", christianist party which despises LGBT people.

In reality, about 45.3412% of male Republican politicians (and climbing) rilly want some of that viking love but act like homophobic dicks in public in a desperate attempt to hide their secret attractions. 'Til they get caught in a "compromising position", that is.
"_I am not gay!_" -- protest of self-identified not-gay gay Republican IN state senator Phil Hinkle, who attempted to have a business sexual relationship with a young man Hinkle contacted on craigslist. Hinkle was subsequently outed to his wife by the other man after Hinkle gave the man his smartphone in a state of panic. (2011)

See also: Larry Craig, Tom Foley, Troy King, Roy Ashburn, etc. urban dictionary could have a spin-off site with just gay Republican follies.
by poorbrokegradstudent July 29, 2012
Get the gay republican mug.
Amateur radio (ham radio) morse code abbreviation for wife.

Hams call any (assumed) single female ham radio operator a YL or "young lady". A ham radio operator's wife is often called an XYL or "ex-young lady" even if she is a ham. Male operators are always called OM or "old man". There is an obvious double standard for women.

It's impossible to tell whether a person sending morse code is a man or a woman. Still, it was the custom for a long time to greet any operator on morse code as OM. Thankfully that custom is dying out. Now no gender assumption is made.

Some women ham radio operators find XYL offensive. These operators prefer that hams refer to all women as YLs. The term XYL is still used frequently on the air however. Perhaps this is because the vast majority of ham radio operators are men and apathetic about the feelings of women operators.

I agree with women operators that advocate for the universal use of YL especially since it is no longer customary to greet every ham on morse with OM. The universal use of YL also removes a double standard.
I am a ham radio operator that calls all women YLs on the air. I think XYL is anachronistic.
by poorbrokegradstudent September 2, 2010
Get the xyl mug.
(v. trans.) to make butch; to conform a man to stereotypical standards of heterosexual manliness.
Pete: "Mom and Dad, I'm gay."

Dad: "That's okay, son. We'll send you to conversion therapy. They'll butchen you up for sure!"
by poorbrokegradstudent September 22, 2010
Get the butchen mug.