noun: railroad acronym for "Flashing Rear End Device", the "black box" attached to the rear of most freight trains in the US since the 1980's, replacing the caboose.
Officially known as an End of Train Device (EOT), this is attached to the rear coupler and air brake line of the last car on the train. The device incorporates a pressure sensor and a radio to transmit brake line air pressure back to the lead locomotive, and a flashing red light to serve as a warning marker to other trains at night.
Also referred to in less complimentary terms as a "Fucking Rear End Device", due to the fact that early versions were heavy, cumbersome to handle, and not known to be especially reliable.
Officially known as an End of Train Device (EOT), this is attached to the rear coupler and air brake line of the last car on the train. The device incorporates a pressure sensor and a radio to transmit brake line air pressure back to the lead locomotive, and a flashing red light to serve as a warning marker to other trains at night.
Also referred to in less complimentary terms as a "Fucking Rear End Device", due to the fact that early versions were heavy, cumbersome to handle, and not known to be especially reliable.
"FRED is telling us we have no air. Either we broke the train in two (uncoupled cars or broke a coupler knuckle, which would disconnect an air line) or somebody closed an angle cock (valve that supplies air pressure to individual car brakes)."
by speedstan March 01, 2010
Get the FRED mug.verb: to carry a load by hand, usually referring to an unusually heavy or unwieldy load, and/or an abnormally long distance, that would not be expected of sane, rational, people. Term is military/aviation in origin.
"Amtrak was running 3 hours late, so there were no taxis at the station when we got into town. We had to hump our bags 6 blocks through 'da hood to get to the hotel. Not my idea of a party."
by speedstan February 23, 2010
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Get the hobbyist mug.noun: Military in origin, an official recognition or commendation for good work that is recorded in one's personnel file, specifically one that is a positive influence in a subsequent pay raise or promotion.
"Jones wasn't HR's choice for the new department manager, but the attaboys he got from the customer for that last project convinced the VP to lean on the Personnel weenies on his behalf"
by speedstan February 23, 2010
Get the attaboy mug.noun: derisive term for a recruit, trainee, or new member to an organization who is untrained and not yet educated/adjusted to the organizations working practices or culture, one who continually embarrasses him/herself and others with ignorant and inappropriate behavior. Term is military in origin, short for "slick-sleeves" referring to an E-1 or lowest rank in the military (Airman Basic in USAF, Private in Army or Marine Corps), as these individuals have no stripes on their uniforms, hence "slick sleeves". Term is liberally used in basic training during the first week when a D.I. (drill instructor) has yet to learn the name of all recruits in his platoon/squadron.
(Drill Instructor): "Forward, March!"
(Drill Instructor): "NO, Slick, start on your OTHER left foot!"
(Drill Instructor): "NO, Slick, start on your OTHER left foot!"
by speedstan February 24, 2010
Get the slick mug.Nickname for the US Air Force B-52 strategic bomber, referred to as a "Big Ugly Fat Fellow" or "Big Ugly Fat Fucker". Considered a term of endearment when used by aviation types.
The NVA types in Hanoi were a bunch of cocky bastards until Linebacker II (major Vietnam War bomber campaign in December 1972). The sight of all those BUFFs rattling their windows on a daily basis was enough to tighten their sphincters good.
by Speedstan May 19, 2008
Get the BUFF mug.noun: 1960's origin, military/aviation terms for a semi-skilled or unskilled airport/airbase flight-line worker: typically a baggage handler or aircraft cleaner. Flight crew and skilled mechanics/avionics personnel would NOT typically be considered "ramp tramps".
"Looks like the Port Authority police busted a bunch of ramp tramps at United (Airlines) for stealing baggage again."
by speedstan February 24, 2010
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