running on impulse engines

In the original Star Trek series, whenever the main engines (warp drive) broke down (which was pretty frequent) the Enterprise would only be able to move using "impulse engines" - a low power, sub-lightspeed manouvering system based on a small fusion ram/ion drive.

By inference, someone described as "running on impilse engines" or "impulse power only" is either:

1. Very tired (a.k.a. 'running on empty')

2. Genuinely ill

3. (derog.) Slow and/or stupid.

"Jesus, I've just had to brief the sales guys on the new product.... they're all running on impulse engies up there".

"You want to go for a beer ?"

"No, man, I'm running on impulse engines... got to go home and grab some sleep."

by Eighth of Seven May 24, 2007

self esteem engine

A person who is confident to the point of deluded arrogance. Bumptious against any reservations whatever.

Person a: "That guy's a bit too sure of himself..."
Person b: "Sure of himself? He's a flippin self esteem engine!"

by burkehey February 20, 2010

SEC (Socially Engineered Capitalism)

A factor that represents the promotion, perpetuation, and persuasion of economic influence to maintain the status quo for the one percent in power.

Economic treason results from the occupation of labor forces in countries other than that of residing corporate board directors where profit values are substantiated by the SEC (Socially Engineered Capitalism).

by Mikal Machievelli December 5, 2011

Thomas the Dank Engine

The dankest engine in all of engine history.

Thomas the Dank Engine is such a dank meme god.

by Nielsnlamf November 26, 2019

launch the rocket with one engine

When a man with one testicle is able to ejaculate.

This is the first time after my orchiectomy that I was able to launch the rocket with one engine.

by Mattcguy June 16, 2023

steam engine time

A period of time when many inventors all over the world, despite isolation from each other, and with no contact with each other in any way, begin inventing a similar technology with a coincidental commonality of ideas.

The invention of the steam engine didn't occur in only one place but was invented independently and in isolation by many inventors all over the world.

Another example of steam engine time includes the independent invention of the aeroplane by people in isolation from each other in many different regions of the world, leading to arguments about "who" invented the aeroplane first.

by Wataru108 January 21, 2009

Engineering eighty

The equivalent of freshman fifteen but for engineering majors. The engineer will spend his university life doing nothing but eating, sleeping, studying, and drinking. Thus, over the term of their degree engineers will be the last ones picked for varsity sports, due to their poor exercise habits and non-existent cardio.

Eww I'm never gonna put him on our football team, engineering eighty hit him hard!

by Pandarchon November 23, 2011