1. To hype or excite someone, either intentionally or unintentionally, only to disappoint or let them down afterward.
2. To deliver bad news, often wrapped in an initially positive or luxurious gesture, such as gift-giving or celebratory actions.
3. (Military slang) A tactic used to prepare soldiers for bad news, where "lobster" (or another symbol of indulgence) is served beforehand to signal that unpleasant news is forthcoming.
2. To deliver bad news, often wrapped in an initially positive or luxurious gesture, such as gift-giving or celebratory actions.
3. (Military slang) A tactic used to prepare soldiers for bad news, where "lobster" (or another symbol of indulgence) is served beforehand to signal that unpleasant news is forthcoming.
"The whole team was excited about the promotion, but when they called us into the office, I felt like they were serving lobster—we knew something bad was coming."
"The general served us lobster before delivering the news of the deployment extension; it was a classic case of serving lobster."
"The general served us lobster before delivering the news of the deployment extension; it was a classic case of serving lobster."
by Cat Frankenstein November 29, 2025
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