# New words or phrases our language needs **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 1, 2020, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759 "2020-03-01T22:22:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dale\_Sams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/779978/32.png) [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2020, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/1 "2020-03-01T22:22:13Z")
“Losing your hoots”: You almost finish a long tweet or new thread when you suddenly realize you don’t g ---
**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2020, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/2 "2020-03-01T22:32:45Z")
Go die. (succinct and no real explanation needed) ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2020, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/3 "2020-03-01T23:22:07Z")
A word either for twice a month or once every two months. (One of them will replace “bimonthly.”) ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2020, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/4 "2020-03-02T02:22:39Z")
I love hot dogs. An elderly man loves his dying wife of 60 years. Sometimes I feel learning new meanings for that one word is a succinct answer to, ‘what is the meaning of life?’ Other times, I feel language is only useful if it transmits meaning so we need to figure this out. ---
**Author:** ![Author\_Balk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Author\_Balk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Author_Balk)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2020, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/5 "2020-03-02T14:55:08Z")
I haven’t heard of a word to use for sending something with a drone. Maybe use the word drone as a verb. We will drone the pizza to you. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2020, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/6 "2020-03-02T15:25:26Z")
If there’s a word for something which is designed to solve a problem that doesn’t exist, then I don’t know it. And we really need a word, because these things are already all over the place and they’re proliferating. Those ridiculous shelves in refrigerators which consist of a row of circular holes that you’re supposed to place eggs in to keep them safe and stop them rolling about. You know, the eggs that come in an egg box? Yeah, those eggs. Or the key that you used to be able to buy that you attached to one end of a toothpaste tube , so that by turning the key _you could squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube_. Stone me, [you can still get them](https://www.amazon.co.uk/VWH-Aluminum-Toothpaste-Squeezers-Squeezer/dp/B07C5WZMDS/ref=asc_df_B07C5WZMDS/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=394229377131&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4895492235027323320&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006661&hvtargid=pla-877134500125&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=84693556791&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=394229377131&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4895492235027323320&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006661&hvtargid=pla-877134500125). Why isn’t there a word for this? j ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/7 "2020-03-02T16:06:30Z")
And PS, can we have a new and _different_ word for meme, as in internet meme, so that I can have the [original](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme#Origins) meaning of the word back? > [@](#): > > Dawkins used the term to refer to any cultural entity that an observer might consider a replicator. He hypothesized that one could view many cultural entities as replicators, and pointed to melodies, fashions and learned skills as examples. Memes generally replicate through exposure to humans, who have evolved as efficient copiers of information and behavior. Because humans do not always copy memes perfectly, and because they may refine, combine or otherwise modify them with other memes to create new memes, they can change over time. Dawkins likened the process by which memes survive and change through the evolution of culture to the natural selection of genes in biological evolution. j (PS: yes I know it says that the idea predates him) ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/8 "2020-03-02T16:07:38Z")
My first timeout-related double post! Go me! j ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/9 "2020-03-03T06:33:40Z")
I need one word that tells the bear or mountain lion not to try to eat me. “Socialism!” doesn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![Dale\_Sams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/779978/32.png) [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2020, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/10 "2020-03-03T23:49:27Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > If there’s a word for something which is designed to solve a problem that doesn’t exist, then I don’t know it. And we really need a word, because these things are already all over the place and they’re proliferating. Those ridiculous shelves in refrigerators which consist of a row of circular holes that you’re supposed to place eggs in to keep them safe and stop them rolling about. You know, the eggs that come in an egg box? Yeah, those eggs. Or the key that you used to be able to buy that you attached to one end of a toothpaste tube , so that by turning the key _you could squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube_. Stone me, [you can still get them](https://www.amazon.co.uk/VWH-Aluminum-Toothpaste-Squeezers-Squeezer/dp/B07C5WZMDS/ref=asc_df_B07C5WZMDS/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=394229377131&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4895492235027323320&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006661&hvtargid=pla-877134500125&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=84693556791&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=394229377131&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4895492235027323320&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006661&hvtargid=pla-877134500125). > > Why isn’t there a word for this? > > j Similarly but not the same thing…tech that is supposed to be more advanced but actually makes things harder. Like…an electronic trashcan?? Hello? I could have just lifted the lid, or used the foot pedal thing but now I have to stand here and try and figure this thing out. ---
**Author:** ![RioRico](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/11 "2020-03-04T05:02:47Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > If there’s a word for something which is designed to solve a problem that doesn’t exist, then I don’t know it. The word is “marketing”. People sweat but that wasn’t a problem till marketers convinced people that “body odor” (eww!) offends. Inventing problems is profitable. If something ain’t broken, break it and sell glue. ---
**Author:** ![furryman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/furryman/32/99_2.png) [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/12 "2020-03-04T18:57:22Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > And PS, can we have a new and _different_ word for meme, as in internet meme, so that I can have the [original](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme#Origins) meaning of the word back? > > j > > (PS: yes I know it says that the idea predates him) I know it’s not what you want, but to me a fad is something outside of the internet while a meme is something on the internet. Of course nowadays they’re linked. For example superhero movies are a fad probably because of the internet. ---
**Author:** ![furryman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/furryman/32/99_2.png) [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2020, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/13 "2020-03-04T18:59:37Z")
We need a word for somebody who likes something but doesn’t love it. Of course immediately you suggest the word “fan” but to me a fan is someone who loves something. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/14 "2020-03-10T14:24:22Z")
A new verb: _ **to lobster** _. Usually used in the form _ **to be lobstered** _. Definition: to end up in a bad situation by a failure to recognize an extensive but near imperceptible worsening of you circumstances. (Real) Example: I went out on the bike today; the weather forecast wasn’t great, but not so bad - heavy cloud and a very low chance of rain. As I set off I noticed the merest hint of moisture in the air - but nothing to worry about. At some point, about 15 miles in, it occurred to me that my gloves were getting wet and there was a steady dripping off my helmet. It was drizzling steadily, getting worse, and I was an hour from home. I had been properly lobstered. j ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/15 "2020-03-10T14:32:36Z")
We need a verb for the act of trying to tie your shoe while holding a dog on a leash that is distracted by a squirrel. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/16 "2020-03-10T14:46:16Z")
> [@madmonk28](#): > > We need a verb for the act of trying to tie your shoe while holding a dog on a leash that is distracted by a squirrel. Eichhörnchenjagdhundleineschuhbinden. Next! j ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/17 "2020-03-10T15:02:47Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > A word either for twice a month or once every two months. (One of them will replace “bimonthly.”) I get what you’re at, but _semimonthly_ means twice a month (literally “half-monthly”) whereas _bimonthly_ means every two months (think _bicycle_, two wheels). Yes, I do manage periodicals, why do you ask? ---
**Author:** ![BeagleJesus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5daacb/32.png) [@BeagleJesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeagleJesus)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/18 "2020-03-10T15:17:06Z")
We need a new 1 syllable word to describe human females of all ages that doesn’t have any misogynistic undertones (like girl) and doesn’t sound antiquated (like gal). ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/19 "2020-03-10T16:19:47Z")
Not a new one, but an antiquated one that I wish would become common. Hurple - to raise one shoulders to one’ ears in response to cold weather. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2020, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759/20 "2020-03-10T16:25:15Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > Not a new one, but an antiquated one that I wish would become common. Hurple - to raise one shoulders to one’ ears in response to cold weather. I watch too much QI. It also means to limp, and it rhymes with purple. > **[Definition of HURPLE](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurple)** > > … See the full definition > **[Definition of HIRPLE](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hirple)** > > to walk with a limp : hobble… See the full definition j [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-words-or-phrases-our-language-needs/848759.md?page=2)