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  1. Who Was the Original “Snake Oil Salesman”? (with picture)

    Feb 11, 2025 · You don’t have to look far in the realms of business, politics, and wellness to find the terms “snake oil” and “snake oil salesman” being thrown around. “Snake oil” has long been a …

  2. Should You Be Offended If Someone Calls You an ... - WiseGEEK

    Jan 2, 2025 · You've probably come across an ultracrepidarian at some point in your life, even if you've never encountered the term itself. So, what exactly is an ultracrepidarian and where did the term …

  3. Why are Police Officers Called Cops? (with pictures) - WiseGEEK

    May 16, 2024 · Police officers are often referred to as cops, but the origins of this nickname are something of a debate. It is known that, up until the 1970s, "cop" was something of a slang term, and …

  4. What is a Lariat? (with picture) - WiseGEEK

    May 16, 2024 · In the world of cattle ranching, a lariat is a length of braided leather rope used to wrangle or capture livestock, generally by forming a loop and snaring the animal's legs or head. A typical …

  5. What is a Scepter? (with pictures) - WiseGEEK

    May 16, 2024 · A scepter is a ceremonial device which denotes an office of high power, and it is particularly associated with royalty. In British English, it is spelled sceptre. Scepters are often heavily …

  6. What does It Mean to get "Punked"? (with pictures) - WiseGEEK

    May 16, 2024 · To get "punked" is to be intentionally fooled in some way, usually the butt of a practical joke perpetrated by a friend or colleague. In a harsher and more extended context, getting punked …

  7. What is a Rectory? (with pictures) - WiseGEEK

    May 16, 2024 · A rectory is a residence maintained for the use of a parish priest. Traditionally, priests have been reassigned frequently to new churches in many Christian denominations, and the Church …

  8. What is a Fairy? (with pictures) - WiseGEEK

    May 16, 2024 · A fairy, or a creature of fey, also spelled fae, is an anthropomorphic being of magic and myth. What constitutes a fairy can change from culture to culture, and tradition to tradition. Some …

  9. What Are Some Slang Terms for Money in the United States?

    May 16, 2024 · In the United States, there are many commonly used slang terms for money. Perhaps the most common is the term "bucks" as a reference for US Dollars. Other common slang terms for …

  10. What does It Mean to "Hock a Loogie"? (with pictures) - WiseGEEK

    May 16, 2024 · It's generally a good idea to keep most of your bodily fluids to yourself, especially if they can be described as loogies, luggies, lugies, or green spit. Others will thank you for your self-control …