Utica Degree

Basically a synonym for nepotism, this word derives from Utica, NY (a city of approx. 60,000 in Central NY) where high-paying jobs are widely asserted to be obtained through family and acquaintance connections rather than through education and proven experience. These illegally acquired jobs often come with various perks and kickbacks that are as questionable as the means used to obtain the job.

Who is the new superintendent of schools?
I don't know, some nobody with a Utica degree. I heard he got the job because he was the brother of the board president.

Where did the VP of the bank go to college?
Nowhere. He's got a Utica degree so he didn't need to go to college.

Why is that arson detective able to afford a Hummer and a $600,000 house in New Hartford?
I don't know, he probably has a Utica degree.

Utica Degree by Jamallerian October 13, 2007

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fogey

Fogey/fogy /fougi/ sl. (early 18C+, orig. Scot) old-fashioned, stuck-in-the mud.
Person with old fashioned ideas which he is unwilling to change: Come to the disco and stop being such an old fogey!

You think me an old fogeyand an old tory, his thoughtful voice said. I saw three generations since O’Connel’s time. I remember the famine. Do you know that the orange lodges agitated for repeal of the union twenty years before O’Connel did or before the prelates of your communion denounced him as a demagogue? You fenians forget some things. (James Joyce, Ulysses. Penguin Books,1992. p. 38)

fogey by Petyush September 14, 2005

Word of the Day on May 31, 2026

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Related Words

Utica Degree • Utica • Utica, NY • Utica College • Utica, Mi • Utica Aftershave • Utica Boiler • Utica Club • utica crib • Utica Effect

Jarlic

Minced garlic in a jar

Add a tablespoon of jarlic to two teaspoons of butter and spread it in bread to make garlic bread

Jarlic by YSAC fanboy June 6, 2020

Word of the Day on May 30, 2026

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Pitpig

An armpit enthusiast — typically of the scent, appearance, and touch of hairy underarms.

That dude’s such a pitpig, I have to wear deodorant to keep him at bay.

Pitpig by wimbledon May 28, 2026

Word of the Day on May 29, 2026

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You the birthday

You the birthday-you the point, you the topic, the reason we here, can be used as a compliment / u looking good or silly/trolling

Nah fr, you the birthday, you got all the attention.

You the birthday by Dev-in April 4, 2026

Word of the Day on May 28, 2026

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church hurt

church hurt is where you experience a degree of distance, pain, or judgement from your church community. Essentially, you are just unable to “find your place”. This is prevalent in the Christian community, but can be extended to other religions.

Now that I am an adult I am beginning to heal from the church hurt that was inflicted on me as a child.

church hurt by PrincesaLatina21 May 1, 2022

Word of the Day on May 27, 2026

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honkin

Huge. Surpassing normal expectations.

I was fishing with a Spinner Bait and a HONKIN pike came after it and hit it . Felt like a lawnmower running over a brick.

honkin by R. LaJoy December 26, 2005

Word of the Day on May 26, 2026

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