forced my lute

An old-timey obscure saying found in a letter about distilling coal.
No-one knows for sure its meaning, current theories suggest meaning something similar to "forced my hand."

Forced my lute, or broke my glasses (as used in the letter)

forced my lute by bowlofsoup August 17, 2023

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forced my lute

A phrase used in "An Experiment concerning the Spirit of Coals", a letter to Robert Boyle from John Clayton.

Its literal meaning would be that the preassure created during the experiment was enough to breeak the "lute", which was a substance used to make seals between various chemistry apparatus (1)

A more modern use of the phrase thats recently started to recently arise, is to use it as an alternative to "grinds my gears" (2)

(1) "At first there came over only phlegm, afterward a black oil, and then likewise a spirit arose which I could noways condense; but it forced my lute, or broke my glasses" - An Experiment concerning the Spirit of Coals, a letter to Robert Boyle from John Clayton

(2) "Ya know, it really forces my lute when people dont read the pinned comments" - Technology Connections : Pressure lamps: gaslighting on the go

forced my lute by vivid_62 February 10, 2024

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I mean I guess bro

a word of expression to when you give up on comprehending someone's words of ignorance, stupidity, absurdity or are too exhausted to formulate a proper response.

Commonly seen in TikTok comment sections in replies to lazy attempts at humor, overconfidentally incorrect statement, or an over-the-top comment or when someone completely misses the mark on something.

"actually... incorrect statement, hope this helps!"
"I mean I guess bro"

I mean I guess bro by clydedrewblood June 24, 2026

Word of the Day on July 12, 2026

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abandonware

n. software that is no longer sold or supported by the original publisher / developer, often found as free downloads on the internet because it cannot be obtained elsewhere. Not legal, but often seen as morally acceptable because the company that made it is no longer selling the title, nor releasing it as freeware, therefore abandonware is "keeping the game alive", so to speak.

Doom II is not abandonware because id still sells it, while The Incredible Machine is not sold, therefore is abandonware.

abandonware by Spoom October 24, 2003

Word of the Day on July 11, 2026

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Foot prisons

Socks. Annoying, sweat-causing, non-barefoot enducing, everyday socks.

The first thing I do when I take off my shoes, is rip off the foot prisons I had to wear inside them. That's why I prefer flip flops, even in winter!

Foot prisons by Jackalope Hunter December 13, 2022

Word of the Day on July 10, 2026

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cornholio

Ruler of Lake Titicaca. Rumored to have a bunghole that gets very angry if it does not receive toilet paper. Cornholio the Great is often seen walking around with his shirt over his head and his hands in the air, chanting songs about his power, and his bunghole.

"I am Cornholio! You do not want to face the wrath of my bunghole, for I need TP!"
Butthead: Shut up, Beavis! (uh huh huh huh)
Beavis: Um, okay. (heh heh heh heh).

cornholio by AYB July 20, 2003

Word of the Day on July 9, 2026

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mickey mousing

In a movie, when the music is syncronized perfectly with the action, just like a mickey mouse cartoon.

Mickey mousing is used in the shower scene of Psycho

mickey mousing by Freezing the Mainstream July 18, 2006

Word of the Day on July 8, 2026

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