Supratentorial

A word used by doctors and nurses to imply that a patient's problems are all in their mind. The tentorium is a membrane just under the brain, so "supratentorial" refers to what is above that, namely the brain. This term can be used in front of the patient or patient's family because it sounds like technical jargon.

Patient: "Every time Dr Phil comes on TV, my arms and legs start twitching!"

Doctor, quietly to nurse: "Seems to be a supratentorial problem."

Then to patient, condescendingly: "Sorry, dear, we're just talking shop. Go on."

Supratentorial by DrDWK June 5, 2008

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supratentorial

The tentorium cerebelli is the membrane that separates the brain from the lower parts of your nervous system. Therefore, a supratentorial problem is NOT a way in which doctors can call you crazy without you knowing it. Rather, it is a way for them to define the cause of the neurological problem. Left supratentorial damage causes sensory and motor dysfunction on the right side of your face and body, and vice versa.

Patient: I cannot feel the left side of my face or the left side of my body, doc!
Doctor: Sounds like supratentorial damage.
Patient: Are you saying it's all in my head?
Doctor: Kinda. Damage to your right brain has caused you to lose all feeling on the left side of your face and body.

supratentorial by RealDoc June 2, 2010

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Related Words

supratentorial

Adjective describing patient complaints that have no medical basis, most likely concocted.

Intern: Mrs. Smith is asking for demerol again for her headache.
Resident: Don't worry, it's all supratentorial.

supratentorial by alcoholic ivdu September 22, 2005

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funiosity

The art of being peculiar, but in an amusing fashion.

"Wow, look at that dog running on three legs"
- "Yeah, that sure is a funiosity"

funiosity by Supersonic Stevie November 23, 2007

Word of the Day on July 25, 2026

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Toe Rag

A toe rag was originally a foot wrapping used, since mediaeval times up until the mid-nineteenth century, to protect the foot from chafing by boots or shoes. As these were, quite literally, rags they weren’t usually washed, and so with use they became very smelly until they were thrown away. Because of the similarity in smell, toe rag also became the name applied to dried, salted cod or other things with a strong, unpleasant, fishy smell. It didn’t take that long before the name was applied to someone who was an obnoxious, unpleasant OIC.

1 “Socks! Those aren’t socks you smelly git, they’re toe rags!”
2 “What have you been cooking? Smells like toe rag!”
3 “I can smell ‘er fanny from ‘ere, proper toe rag.”
4 That Heale Malcolm is a right toe rag.

Toe Rag by AKACroatalin November 29, 2016

Word of the Day on July 24, 2026

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Eternity leave

When some resigns or retires from a job, they are on "eternity leave". This can also refer to someone who has passed away, especially someone who worked somewhere for a long time, retired/resigned, then passed away later.

Oh I'm sorry, you didn't know that Kelly is on eternity leave? She resigned and moved to Hawaii!

With regrets I would like to inform you that my boss is officially on eternity leave. I will never see or hear them again. Ever.

Eternity leave by LingDanc803 February 7, 2023

Word of the Day on July 23, 2026

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jody

The hypothetical man (often a sinister character who decided not to go to boot camp) that is doing your girlfriend/wife while you are on deployment overseas.

Ain't no use in goin home,
Jody's got your girl and gone.
Ain't no use in goin back,
Jody's got your Cadillac,
Ain't no use in feeling blue,
Jody's took your checkbook too.

jody by Sgt Apan March 31, 2006

Word of the Day on July 22, 2026

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