1. The act of being unusually nice or pleasant to a person, as that person is simultaneously being dumped upon, blown off or otherwise snubbed.
2. An inappropriately apathetic or hostile response to a thoughtful or kind gesture.
Airline {In a warm, syrupy prerecorded voice}: Your flight from Reno to Chicago was due to depart in an hour. We took the liberty of canceling that flight just a few minutes ago. You needn't thank us now, but we made arrangements to complete your trip by rerouting you via Portland, Maine late tomorrow. It willadd only a few hours in a crowded plane to your vacation!! And have a great day!!
Jim (to wife): "Crap. The airline just handed us a modified Cleveland Steamer."
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.