1. n. A book or movie, often part of a school curriculum, that is renowned for its symbolism, examination of underlying themes, and emotional impact on the consumer. Consequently, exposure to the material often sends the consumer into a crying jag, using their vice of choice as a source of comfort and avoiding human contact until their deep depression passes.
2. n. A book or movie that leaves the consumer questioning the meaning of life and finding it devoid of all warmth and happiness.
"Have you read 'The Yellow Wallpaper?'"
"Why, yes. I found it to be a heartbreaking work of staggering power."
"...This is going to depress the hell out of me, isn't it?"
"Oh, yeah."
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.
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 peecalculus.