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noblesse oblige
Literally means, "nobility obliges". It's generally used to imply that with wealth, power, and prestige come social responsibility. It's mostly used to refer to the wealthy who are condescending and shower their money and privileges upon those who don't necessarily want it.
noblesse oblige by Devryck Weaver March 4, 2007
Related Words
noblessez-faire
someone elected to government noble enough to avoid cronyism, and allow citizens to prosper
(portmanteau combining these French terms, used in English):
1. Noblesse oblige: Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly.
2. Laissez-faire: transactions between private parties free from state-intervention --------> 3. (my neologism)
(portmanteau combining these French terms, used in English):
1. Noblesse oblige: Whoever claims to be noble must conduct himself nobly.
2. Laissez-faire: transactions between private parties free from state-intervention --------> 3. (my neologism)
People running for office -- as wealthy as Ross Perot, Mitt Romney, and John Kerry -- would ideally be uninfluenced by lobbyists' money, level the playing field by the principle of "noblessez-faire".
noblessez-faire by anamorphosis February 6, 2012
NoblesseNoble
Great personality, fine habits, and best at helping. Whenever can will help. Someone who doesn't curse at all.
NoblesseNoble by Noble_ February 11, 2017
Nobless
Nobless by Massivejockstrap January 11, 2021
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wrongun
anyone who succeeds in disgracing/over indulging themselves in the throws of clubland
square grouper
Nickname given to bales of marijuana thrown overboard or out of airplanes. Origin is reportedly from members of the US Coast Guard in the area of Southern Florida.
square grouper by slipsheet November 6, 2004
Word of the Day on October 7, 2026
Bunhead
A girl who does ballet and only talks about ballet. Her schedule is filled with dance classes which does not allow her to do any other activity.
trucker's tan
A sunburn or suntan focused on the left arm. It is caused by the left side of the body being the only half that gets exposed to sunlight while driving. Presumably, it would be located on the right side of the body in countries where they drive on the left side of the road.
trucker's tan by population361 May 30, 2006
Word of the Day on October 5, 2026
kidulting
Every time I walk into the toy aisle, I catch myself kidulting over the latest action figures and LEGO sets!
kidulting by Emotional Cruiser October 12, 2025
Word of the Day on October 4, 2026
Boffin
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.
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.