A shortened version of the word madam, which was formally used when addressing women in the days when etiqute and common curtesy were commonplace.
The term Ma'am is often coupled with the word No, to create the phrase "No Ma'am", which flows off the tounge very well if you have a Southern US accent.
Ma'am: Excuse me officer, could you tell me the route to Texas, I seem to be lost?
Officer: Sorry Ma'am, that is something I am unable to do at this time.
British slang for a scientist or technical expert, esp . when the speaker is not certain of the expert’s specific field of study. Not necessarily derogatory, but typically used by persons without a technical background. In the US, the equivalent would be “egghead”, “squint”, or “geek.”
Origin of the word is unknown. Started sometime in World War 2. Given the typical evolution of British slang, could easily have started because what these experts did was confusing or “baffling” to the common person.
According to the boffins downstairs, the murdererused a serrated blade.
When you have to pee in a movie but don’t want to miss anything, and must do the following mental equation: will the amount I have to pee cause enough discomfort to diminish my attention capacity for the remainder of the movie to an extent which is greater than the amount of the movie I would miss by making a mad dash to the restroom.
I saw Satantango last night, wonderful film but by the 5th hour I had to start doing peecalculus.