Definitions by speedstan

FRED 

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.

"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)."

FRED by speedstan March 1, 2010

slick 

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!"

slick by speedstan February 24, 2010

hobbyist 

An active customer of prostitutes and escorts who shares information with similar customers, typically on some type of online forum.

"Joe has been a hobbyist for years - he has over 100 reviews under his handle on XXX site."

hobbyist by speedstan February 24, 2010

ramp tramp 

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."

ramp tramp by speedstan February 24, 2010

Bought The Farm 

phrase: refers to someone deceased in a military accident or operation. Phrase predates World War II, but came into common use at that time due to the large numbers of training casualties due inexperienced pilots/crewmembers trained in aircraft that are much less reliable than today. Common accidents in rural areas would result in aircraft crashing into barns, fields, or rural property, resulting in damages. The US Government would compensate the affected property owners with checks to pay for damages, or in some cases condemn land contaminated with undetonated/unlocated munitions/weapons, in effect "buying the farm".

"28 of us started out in my class in UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training) but only 11 of us earned our wings. 13 washed out, 2 got held back, and Higgins and Baker bought the farm when they lost power on climb-out."

Bought The Farm by speedstan February 24, 2010

hump 

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."

hump by speedstan February 23, 2010

attitude adjuster 

A large, heavy, prominent object that can be used as a weapon for self-defense purposes under circumstances where conventional weapons are prohibited or impractical. An "attitude adjuster" is considered to have served its intended purpose if the mere display of the object is enough to keep potential antagonists at bay. Term is of 1970's-1980's vintage and commonly used by military, law enforcement, and railroaders in urban areas.

"I always keep a three-cell Mag-Lite under the seat when I drive downtown after dark. It's a good attitude adjuster to keep the locals from harassing me..."

attitude adjuster by speedstan February 23, 2010