June 2005

To Coin a Phrase: stonewall

The recent revelation about the identity of Deep Throat prompts memories of this quintessential piece of Watergate-related vocabulary. Coincidentally, this month also marks the 36th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. See how a fence made of stone developed its allusive quality.

October 2005

To Coin a Phrase

Next month’s off-year elections haven’t generated much commentary from the pundits, which may be why we have yet to hear whispers about an October Surprise, a political term that turns 25 years old this month. Read the story.

February 2006

To Coin a Phrase

On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, so according to tradition, we’re due for another 6 weeks of winter. That’s bad news for most folks, but no one would dream of shooting the messenger.

May 2006

To Coin a Phrase: the mother of all . . .

May is the mother of all months for presenting gifts to mothers. The term the mother of all, however, is far older than Mother's Day itself, at least in Arabic. Read the story, as taken from Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Allusions.

May 2008

To Coin a Phrase: silent spring

Rachel Carson was born May 27, 1907. In her 56 years, the biologist and writer wrote beautiful prose that led readers to reflect on her notion that "man is a part of nature and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself." In 1962, two years before her death, Carson published Silent Spring, credited with helping launch the environmental movement. The phrase silent spring quickly caught on with the public. Read more.