While you might expect the names Bush, Blair and Radcliffe to appear together in a ‘who's who' of 20th century greats, the names have cropped up together somewhere else - Europe's best-selling contemporary English dictionary.
The Delmer International Dictionary & Thesaurus 2004 is the definitive guide for everyone learning English as a second language and this year's edition sees quite a few new slang entries, including prominent world figures and events.
The letter ‘B' is particularly well served with sport and politics making a linguistic impact.
And the Holy Roman Church is even considering adopting the term ‘radcliffe' to describe the rhythm/withdrawal method, the only acceptable form of contraception to Catholics.
Some of the new entries are:
Beckham (v): to suddenly cease to be dependable; to become erratic; to lose complete sight of the target.
As in: The team is heading towards certain victory then the captain beckhams his chance and the game is lost.
Blair (n): meaningless phrase, or phrases; sycophantic gobbledegook
As in: Toni said she could never love anyone else but Gordon knew a blatant blair when he heard one.
Blunkett (v): to utter non-enforceable decrees; to pointlessly legislate
As in: King Canute said he could turn back the tide at his command. His Court knew the twit was blunketting once again.
Bush, George (n): the denial of logic, the lack of compassion, the inability to recognise personal folly
As in: The President of the United States of America is a certain george bush.
Iraq (n): a complete botch-up, an inexcusable mess, a personal folly
As in: George tried to pass himself off as smart but made a complete iraq of it.
Kerry (v): to want something too badly; to desperately seek approval
As in: Although he was the best candidate for promotion, his consistent kerrying meant the post could go to someone less able.
Radcliffe (n, v): n, a state of incompletion, unfinished business; v, to be incapable of finishing.
As in (n): The sheriff rode into town; there was a radcliffe between him and the James gang.
As in (v): Eric stared at his desk and decided to radcliffe all the paperwork and go home.
Tory (n): to suffer from long-term impotence.
As in: Michael knew that no matter how desperately he wanted a conquest, he was a tory and it just wasn't going to happen.
The Delmer International Dictionary & Thesaurus 2004, published by Sefton Books, is available from all reputable outlets, priced £16.95.
