Slang

Latest news on slang

Japanese monsters, and how to survive their wrath: YOKAI ATTACK

I just got my copy of Yokai Attack: The Japanese Monster Survival Guide (Kodansha International), and it is essential reading for anyone who would prefer not be eaten alive by a giant, wrathful squid. Author Matt Alt, a bilingual, culturally fluent fellow who grew up in DC, also works as a translator, explains, It's what we believe is the world's first English-language guidebook to surviving potential encounters with monsters of Japanese myth and legend. For generations they were believed to have stalked Japan's mountains, forests, fields, coastlines, and towns. And who's to say they still aren't around? Written and created by Hiroko and I, illustrated by the talented manga-ka Tatsuya Morino, it's the last guide to Japan you'll ever need. The book is organized by yokai, letting you take in important characteristics like pronunciation, size, locomotion, prevalence, danger level, and habitat at a glance. But don't let the "datafile" format fool you: this sucker is dense. Every entry also contains abundant info about each creature's historical/cultural background and modus operandi -- handy for surviving potential close encounters. It isn't "fiction," isn't anime or manga -- it's a collection of anecdotes and conventional wisdom about the creatures, giving you a leg up on the many references to yokai that appear in Japanese literature, film, anime, slang, and even cuisine (another serving of Kappa Maki, my friends?) Yokai Attack (Amazon), and website for the book with more info. BTW, Matt knows a thing or two about squid. (Thanks, Sean Bonner!)...

New slang words a guide

A selection of the new additions to the Oxford English Dictionary of Modern Slang.

Phwoar look at that fit stud muffin says OED

Builder's bum arm candy and hairy eyeball among terms included in new Dictionary of Modern Slang.

The Mercedes Coupe in Wagon Clothing

Mercedes will mess with your mind in Paris next month when it debuts a sleek shooting brake (cool British slang for station wagon) it's calling ConceptFASCINATION. And why not? Cadillac made a similar move in Monterey last month when it unveiled a classy estate (another cool British word for station wagon] version the second-gen CTS. The difference is Cadillac plans to actually build its estate, er shooting... ah, you know what we mean. Mercedes, on the other hand, has no intention of building such a car, which is shame because it's pretty cool in a Volvo C30 kinda way. On the bright side, we are all getting a sneak peak of the next generation E-Class coupe, otherwise known as CLK. The crew from Stuttgart knows a thing or two about penning sexy rooflines. The company debuted CLS in 2004 to much acclaim and was single-handedly responsible for making "four-door coupe" part of every enthusiast's, and auto marketer's, vocabulary. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and several similarly styled models are approaching production, including the VW Passat CC, Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. Just as CLS made you ponder what a sedan could and should look like, ConceptFASCINATION -- Mercedes makes it one word, with the second half in caps -- design study aims to do the same for wagons. "This design study continues the long tradition of exciting coupés from Mercedes-Benz in impressive style," says Daimler boss Dr Dieter Zetsche. "With its emotionally appealing lines, ConceptFASCINATION offers a completely new interpretation of the coupé. Its aesthetic, dynamic looks and painstakingly crafted details ensure that this study meets the highest design standards."Power comes from a new 2.2 liter four-cylinder diesel engine good for 204 HP. The engine makes its production debut this fall in the Euro-market C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition sedan. And no, we don?t know what the deal is with Mercedes and its partially capititalized, overly wordy model names. Installed in the C-Class, the diesel emits 138 g/km -- for comparison, the Toyota Prius emits 104 g/km -- and returns a respectable 45 mpg. Fascination is not merely a flight of fancy. Mercedes? War and Peace-style press release made a point of mentioning the concept?s "technical underpinnings" were drawn from the future E-Class coupe [CLK]. It also notes that Mercedes' design studies tend to influence future styling trends (see also the Passat CC, Porsche Panamera, et al) while encouraging feedback from customers. Sounds like PR talk for "take a look at this cool wagon and tell us what you think of the front end we may put on the next CLK." Feel free to voice your opinions on the new mug below. Fascination?s front end is decidedly more muscular than the current CLK. There's also more surface transition and design detail. Among the new styling elements is a clean character line running the length of Fascinations hood. Not only does it contrast nicely with the dual trapezoidal ?rhomboid? headlamps replacing the older round ones, but it cleverly starts life as a crease in the lower fascia below the massive Mercedes star. And speaking of the star, it is mounted smack in the middle of a single crossbar grille just like the one seen on the recently refreshed SL. Expect the next CLK to maintain this look while the sedan will likely offer buyers the option of a booshie hood ornament. Also new is the 3-place air damn positioned directly below the grille. Like Audi?s R8/A5/A4, slick-looking LED clusters, housed within the headlamps, serve as daytime running lights. And Fascination wouldn?t be quite as fascinating without some over the top concept car features. The ?load compartment?, or trunk, is made of wood with brushed aluminum protective rails. At the push of a button, a smoked glass table rises out of the floor to reveal a humidor. There is also a refrigerated compartment for drinks and champagne flutes. How very equestrian of them. Images by Mercedes.

Slang dictionary to help parents understand teenagers

Parents struggling to keep up with the everchanging language used by their teenage children are being offered online translation.

User Experience and Design

Join Sun software lead user experience designer Jeff Hoffman at his JavaOne session, Designing GUIs 101 (4968), so you can sling the slang around user-centered design with authority.

In WND column, Corsi co-author Craig R. Smith called Obama "our first hip-hop president"

In his August 25 WorldNetDaily column, Craig R. Smith, who co-wrote Black Gold Stranglehold: The Myth of Scarcity and the Politics of Oil (WND Books, October 2005) with Obama Nation author and WND staff writer Jerome Corsi, asserted that "the real reason" Sen. Barack Obama's election would be "a moment of historical significance unlike any other" is because Obama "will be our first hip-hop president." Smith continued: "I can only imagine how the world will embrace the leader of the free world when he introduces other foreign leaders with, 'give it up for my man Vladimir.' Giving 'props' for joining us in a treaty. Or the first lady Michelle talking about 'my man' the 'daddy of my babies' when referring to the president. ... The use of ghetto slang during the primaries and even today may be a clear indication just how the Obamas intend to 'roll' if given the privileged seat in the Oval Office." Smith also wrote: "I can see it now. Air Force One decked out with '22s' and spinners. Maybe even a set of hydraulics. Watching the hip-hop president in the Oval Office with his baseball cap on backward coping a gansta lean in the big chair. Should be really pimp, don't you think?" Smith's column was highlighted by Atlantic Media blogger Andrew Sullivan on August 27. From Smith's column, headlined "The hip-hop president": If Barack Obama is to become our 44th president, it will be heralded as a moment of historic significance unlike any other. However, I think many are missing the real reason why. It's because Barack Obama will be our first hip-hop president. I can only imagine how the world will embrace the leader of the free world when he introduces other foreign leaders with, "give it up for my man Vladimir." Giving "props" for joining us in a treaty. Or the first lady Michelle talking about "my man" the "daddy of my babies" when referring to the president. That should go over well everywhere from 10 Downing Street right on down to the streets of the Middle East. The use of ghetto slang during the primaries and even today may be a clear indication just how the Obamas intend to "roll" if given the privileged seat in the Oval Office. Of course, having no sense of decorum and awe is nothing new to Democrats. Bill Clinton did a masterful job of disgracing the office, and I expect no less from Obama if given the chance. But he will be so fly! I can see it now. Air Force One decked out with "22s" and spinners. Maybe even a set of hydraulics. Watching the hip-hop president in the Oval Office with his baseball cap on backward coping a gansta lean in the big chair. Should be really pimp, don't you think? Cool man, real cool. Instead of giving away presidential cuff links to guests, as is the custom, he will offer "bling bling." I imagine a whole group of special advisers to the president sitting around the Oval Office discussing policy. Kanye West, 50 Cent and maybe even Eminem (to keep the diversity thing going), all sharing their life experiences with the prez to assist him in understanding his "peeps." No more press conferences or State of the Union addresses will be necessary. He will text message any comments he has to his public and his pals in the media. When it comes time for the State of the Union, he can just post it on his blog and cc the Daily Kos and the Huffington Post. The first interactive, full-bandwidth prez. How 21st century. After a few months on the job, he can refer to his cabinet members as his "bitches." Hey don't get angry at me. Take a listen to any hip-hop song, and that is the type of endearing language you will hear. A group of playas that have no respect for the country. The same country that affords them a lifestyle most people only dream of, and all they can do is endlessly complain about it. Barack is very good at putting America down. Just like his hipster homeboys. Remember that hip-hop is a culture, not a color. It's a mind set and a way of life -- one that is chosen not inherited. It has been slowly infiltrating every class and race in America for years. A culture that has led people to believe they deserve more. That America somehow owes them something. And because they think they have been ripped off in some fashion, they are angry.

Small Room w/private Bath, Huge House, Amazing Kitchen, Hella Parking (ingleside / SFSU / CCSF) $650

Sorry about the slang, being a Norcal native I was bred at an early age to maximize use of the word Hella at all costs and this year I've been way under my quota. So here's our story. We recently had a room open up and we are looking for a laid back guy to join the household by August 1st. You'd be moving into an Large 4-bedroom/ 3-bathroom home shared by 4 other straight/easy going/professionals (ages 27-31). Check out the details and pics below! The House: - Large furnished living room - Dinning room - Large Kitchen with itÂ’s own island - Washer and Dryer - Garage for storage space - Ample street parking including 1 drive way spot - Backyard - Peaceful/safe location (this is Ingleside Terrace- best part of Ingleside) - Professional Air Hockey Table - High speed WiFi The Room: I'll cut right to the chase - This is a small room, it's probably only about 80-90 square feet. Inside contains a desk/shelf unit attached to the wall, which takes up some of the limited space so you have to be someone who doesnÂ’t require a lot of space. Also, you should know that the room is right next to the kitchen, which is great for getting midnight snacks but bad if youÂ’re a light sleeper (although weÂ’re all very considerate to this and try to not make any noise at night time). However, the good news is the room does comes with its own bathroom, which is pretty nice and youÂ’re getting a huge house to roam around in as well. Rent= $650 + utilities (runs $35-$80 per month). Move in cost requires first, a last month's rent deposit of $650, and a $300 security deposit. http://home.comcast.net/~mcallsworth/bedroom1.jpg The Roommates: Michele- 30-year-old sparkling chatterbox beaming goodwill and character. Can be found usually downtown working or chatting it up over her daily late. Spend an hour with her and you will be tickled by her Rhode Island personality as she shares her goals of breaking the Guinness book record for career changes in a lifetime. http://home.comcast.net/~mcallsworth/IMG_1167.JPG Brian (31), former hypersominac who's reluctantly becoming the old man of the house. When not bounded by responsibility, enjoys playing sports, live music shows, ultimate frisbee, or wandering the streets aimlessly searching for the quintessential restaurant. Inquisitive, tolerant idealist who specialty is making mean cocktails and faking professional demeanors. http://home.comcast.net/~mcallsworth/Brian.jpg Mike- (30), east coaster struggling to adapt to the carefree, disconnected city life. Has a passion for road trips, outdoors, watching & playing sports, baking the world's greatest banana bread, and, most importantly, helping his roommates with their car problems. MikeÂ’s brings a hilarious Jersey perspective to our often laid-back west coast lifestyle and have yet to meet a person who didnÂ’t like him. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26454269@N02/2481284626/ Alex, 27-year old professional by day, rockstar by night. When he's not charming the young folks, can be found watching sports, sharing his extensive movie knowledge, schooling us on sleep disorders, or holding clinics on obscure board games. Talented, funny dude who's turning out to be a great roommate. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26454269@N02/2481284632/in/photostream/ Looking for: - Ages 25- 35 - Respectful, financially stable, direct(isn't a fan of passive aggressiveness) - Doesn't own any pets (we love them but our landlord doesn't) - Somewhat social but won't bring bar home with you - Clean and understands how to live in a shared environment - Low maintenance (has their own life) - Not a light sleeper (don't worry, we don't blast heavy metal but the house does have thin walls) - Someone who owns a plasma big screen (just kidding) Location: In the very southern part of the city, Ingleside Terrace is a quite residential neighborhood, located between the West Portal district and SFSU. It is about 4 blocks away from Ocean Avenue, which has all of your amenities (gym, dry cleaners, wallgreens, restaurants etc.). ItÂ’s a bit of hike from downtown, so if you donÂ’t drive, you need to patient enough of a person to take a 30-50 minute muni/bart ride. So if you think this might be your type of place, send us a brief description of yourself (including age) and a picture or a myspace/friendster/etc link (not because we're that shallow- only one of us is - but because we want to put a face behind the words) and we'll get back to you with the showing time. Email Brian at- briancorona@gmail.com Thanks!

School bans youth slang and sees exam results soar

A school has banned its pupils from using "street slang" as part of a strict behaviour policy which is transforming its exam results.