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living in a van down by the river 

A figurative expression meaning being a complete failure at life, a drain on society. Originates from the SNL skit featuring Chris Farley as Matt Foley, motivational speaker.
"You kids are probably saying to yourself, "Now, I'm gonna go out, and I'm gonna get the world by the tail and wrap it around and put it in my pocket!" Well, I'm here to tell you that you're probably gonna find out, as you go out there, that you're not gonna amount to jack squat!" You're gonna end up eating a steady diet of government cheese and living in a van down by the river!" -Matt Foley

Dad: "You made it, son! Congratulations on graduating from Harvard Summa Cum Laude and getting that great job at Goldman Sachs, the world's #1 investment bank."
Son: "Thanks, dad. But actually I only got Magna Cum Laude and will be working at Morgan Stanley, the #2 investment bank in the world."
Dad: "WHAAAAAAT?!?! How have I raised such a worthless, good-for-nothing slacker? You couldn't even finish in the top 10% of your Harvard class with your 3 point..."
Son: "3.76."
Dad: "3.76? A monkey with down syndrome could get a better GPA than that! You miserable failure!"
Son: "Dad, seriously, I worked really hard!"
Dad: "I bet you did! I bet you worked your ass off playing beer pong and chasing the coeds! Well sonny, you're going to have plenty of time to drink beer and chase trashy women when you're LIVING IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!!!"
Related Words

Boogie Down Bronx 

80's reference and nod to the strong influential role the Bronx had on hip hop.
Livin in up in the Boogie Down Bronx
Boogie Down Bronx by NYCriotgirl82 December 31, 2011

I fell down some stairs 

what to say to your friends when you got beat up and and don't want to admit it. Because of it's overuse (a result of the historical precedent for lying about spousal abuse in order to preserve the sancity of marriage) it is considered a thinly veiled cry for help.
"woah, Joanie, what happened to your eye?"
"I fell down some stairs."
"is everything OK with Phillip?"
"yeah, everything's fine. I just fell down some stairs, ok, Mom?"
I fell down some stairs by kateyc September 5, 2008

Trickle Down 

A cocktail you can get at the bar in which you keep buying a rich person drinks until they eventually puke in your glass.
They serve trickle downs at the bar, Reagan Diaries, in DC.
Trickle Down by cephallica January 6, 2011

picking up what you're putting down 

Understanding what the person is saying. Reaching an agreement.
"Do you understand?"
"Yes"
"Are you picking up what I'm puttting down"

Party down 

Extreme partying that includes lots of liquor, drugs, hot chicks, open bedrooms. Party that has no end time.
Yeah, tonight we're gonna party down like Tupac was still alive. Lots of bush, booze, bud, and beds, bro.