“What’s a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know, and what does it mean?” That’s something I ask in almost every episode of my podcast WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE…. It’s become my single-favorite question, because it provides a quick and tangible glimpse into the worlds of different professions. Below are my top 10 favorite answers:
1. ADR (Veterinarian): Ain’t Doin’ Right. “ADR” is something a vet writes in an animal’s medical records when they come in looking unhealthy. As opposed to BAR: Bright Alert Responsive.
2. Woman’s revenge (Barman): A shot ordered by a woman who’s receiving unwanted attention from a man. The bartender serves something utterly disgusting, such as Bailey’s and lime juice, which (when mixed) curdles instantly.
3. Left of boom (Secret Service agent): The precious time you have before a bad thing happens, when (with proper planning) you can prevent it from happening altogether.
4. Midrats (Aircraft carrier commander): Short for “midnight rations.” The fourth meal of the day served on an aircraft carrier, which operates 24/7.
5. Pantser (Mystery novelist): Someone who writes novels by the seat of their pants. As opposed to a “plotter,” who writes using an outline.
6. Dope & drop (Day care owner): When parents medicate a sick child and drop them off at daycare, hoping symptoms won’t show until later.
7. Lucky Loser (Tennis coach): A tennis player who loses in the final round of qualifications for a tournament but then ends up being admitted to the main tournament anyway, because another player dropped out. That lucky player will get a huge check ($110,000 at the US Open!) just for being part of the main tournament.
8. Draggin’ up (Welder): Quitting a job without notice. (Best when coupled with some kind of taunt to the boss, such as: “You wouldn’t come off the cheddar, so I found something better, dog. I’m draggin’ up.”)
9. 415 (Homicide detective): The California penal code for challenging someone to a fight or disturbing the peace. But, in police slang, it’s a general term for anyone who is agitated or upset or prone to an outburst. “Don’t talk to Detective Jones today—he’s totally 415.”
10. Lumper (Long-haul truck driver): The person who unloads your truck at a loading dock. They’re paid a “lumper fee.” And don’t miss a ton of bonus trucker slang terms in this episode: “reefers,” “skateboards,” “parking lots,” and “4-wheelers,” none of which match up with their everyday meaning. Check out the episode for the translations…
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And, finally, let me ask YOU the same question: What’s a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know, and what does it mean?
Send your answer to dan@heathbrothers.com.
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