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scaphism
Scaphism, also known as the boats, is an ancient Persian method of execution designed to inflict torturous death. The name comes from the Greek word skaphe, meaning "scooped out".
The naked victim would be firmly fastened within a back-to-back pair of narrow rowboats (or in some variations a hollowed out tree trunk). The victim's head, hands, and feet would protrude from this improvised container.
The victim would be forced to ingest milk and honey to the point of developing severe diarrhea, and more honey would be rubbed on his body so as to attract insects to the exposed appendages.
He would then be left to float on a stagnant pond (or alternately, simply exposed to the sun somewhere).
The diarrhoea would accumulate within the container, attracting more insects, which would eat and breed within the defenseless victim's exposed (and increasingly gangrenous) flesh.
Death, when it eventually occurred, would probably be due to a combination of dehydration, starvation and septic shock.
In other recorded versions, the insects did not eat the victim; biting and stinging insects such as wasps, which were attracted by honey on the body, acted as the torture.
Death by scaphism is painful, humiliating, and protracted. Historical records suggest that Mithridates, sentenced to die in this manner for a perceived insult to the king, survived for 17 days before expiring.
The naked victim would be firmly fastened within a back-to-back pair of narrow rowboats (or in some variations a hollowed out tree trunk). The victim's head, hands, and feet would protrude from this improvised container.
The victim would be forced to ingest milk and honey to the point of developing severe diarrhea, and more honey would be rubbed on his body so as to attract insects to the exposed appendages.
He would then be left to float on a stagnant pond (or alternately, simply exposed to the sun somewhere).
The diarrhoea would accumulate within the container, attracting more insects, which would eat and breed within the defenseless victim's exposed (and increasingly gangrenous) flesh.
Death, when it eventually occurred, would probably be due to a combination of dehydration, starvation and septic shock.
In other recorded versions, the insects did not eat the victim; biting and stinging insects such as wasps, which were attracted by honey on the body, acted as the torture.
Death by scaphism is painful, humiliating, and protracted. Historical records suggest that Mithridates, sentenced to die in this manner for a perceived insult to the king, survived for 17 days before expiring.
sapphism
Sapphism is a word unknown to most of the world. It is a synonym for lesbianism. The word Sapphism originates from the lesbian poet Sappho who lived on the island of Lesbos.
sapphism by Artemis Elani December 11, 2008
sephism
A religion devoted entirely to the goddess of destruction/chaos/life, Seph. Pretty much the best thing you could ever join without being a full blown satanist. If you are scared or intimidated by this religion, clearly you do not belong. The believers resemble those of cults all over the world, and make daily sacrifices to thier patron goddess. Not for the faint of heart, only the awesome need join.
sephism by Jumping Ship June 23, 2009
scaphism
scaphism by 007heaciousmaterial November 26, 2009
sophisms
to use mid/post conversation disapproving indications and or 'star making' humour, including-
raising an eyebrow
raising both eyebrows rare
pursing your lips
flicking hair
subtle sarcasm
raw competetiveness
raising an eyebrow
raising both eyebrows rare
pursing your lips
flicking hair
subtle sarcasm
raw competetiveness
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anyone who succeeds in disgracing/over indulging themselves in the throws of clubland
square grouper
Nickname given to bales of marijuana thrown overboard or out of airplanes. Origin is reportedly from members of the US Coast Guard in the area of Southern Florida.
square grouper by slipsheet November 6, 2004
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kidulting by Emotional Cruiser October 12, 2025
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Boffin
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.
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.