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1. Either a deivce attached to a computer that allows it to take a picture or text from another source, and transfer it to the computer.

2. In some science fiction novels, scanners trace brain patterns, allowing the user to read ones mind.
This scanner is sucking, it can't even get the image!

I scanned his brain because I am a jerk.
scanner by mr. pockets January 19, 2007
people with a very big variety of interests (jacks of all trades, polymaths etc) often to the point that they don't know what to choose as they don't want to give up their other interests
Jim has tried this and that but still hasn't decided on a clear path, he is, I guess, what you call a scanner. Sadly, he's in his early thirties.
scanner by U8IK April 11, 2011
To intentionally or unintentionally copy another persons opinions, ideals, visions of the future and vernacular in order to obtain acceptance from their peers in a lame attempt at awesomeness.
Person A: yo, crosby fucking suckkks. worst player in the nhl by far.
Scanner: yeah man, he sucks! hes definitely the worst player ever!!!1!1!!11!!!!!
Person B: do you ever formulate your own opinions, or are you just going to piggyback on everyone elses?
Scanner: (To Person A) yeah ya duster, stop copying me.
Person B: ughhhh, what a fucking scanner.
scanner by d-bombbb March 2, 2009

Scanner Hound

Someone who lives vicariously through listening to police and/or fire scanners. Generally someone who has an uninteresting life of their own, or flat out nothing better to do. Some say it's a disease caused by people who only wish they could be a Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, Sheriff's Deputy or Police Officer...we may never know! A few scanner hounds have taken to the extreme and created Facebook pages/Twitter Feeds to inform the public each time something happens on the scanner. Another extreme, scanner hounds that turn into Ambulance Chasers, so they can get a first hand glance at the 'action'.

If someone you know is suffering from being a Scanner Hound, simply slap them in the face and tell them to get a life!
That guy is a hard core scanner hound, he walks around with his scanner on, his phone, and iPad listening to 3 different stations at once!

Scanner Dan 

Slightly neurotic, greasy, larger homeless man that frequents State Street on a regular basis, who also supports the UW Greek System and LOOOVES the GAmma Phi ladies. Must ride a bicycle with a police scanner attatched to his hip. Hence the name, Scanner.
Scanner Dan, also look for Piccolo Man in bright orange suit located outside the bookstore playing his piccolo. Also, look for Shim Saxophone player up near the capitol or outside Statesider playing Pink Panther till the weeeee hours of the morning.
Scanner Dan by Bass Mouth September 19, 2003

Scanner Chasing 

(verb): The act of a listening to police, fire, or other emergency personnel radio traffic and responding to the scene to see the action unfold live. While this technique is used by many news crews to get the inside story first, it is also considered a hobby by some scanner enthusiasts.
While scanner chasing today, I heard the police being dispatched to a vehicle rollover. I responded to the scene of the incident and took pictures!
Scanner Chasing by CPD 103 December 27, 2010
More from Urban Dictionary
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 murderer used a serrated blade.
Boffin by Agnon February 11, 2023
Word of the Day on October 3, 2026

Pee Calculus

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 pee calculus.
Pee Calculus by anorlondo October 1, 2026
Word of the Day on October 2, 2026
Literally "dirty" pronounced with a West Indian accent. Can also have a positive connotation, for example Sean Paul's album title "Dutty Rock".
"The girl is pretty but she corrupt and dutty!"

or, in a positive usage:

"Booya! That freestyle was dutty!"
Dutty by J Hall April 3, 2003
Word of the Day on October 1, 2026
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