Where everything is bipartisan until it is not.
That magical moment when someone officially verifies that yes, the thing you asked about is actually happening and you didn't misunderstand the entire email. In some contexts, it's also a religious rite where teenagers make promises they'll totally remember forever.
Compensation provided to a group for historical injustices or damages. Money for past wrongs, though politicians often prefer to forget them.
A large, multi-decked sailing ship used from the 15th to 18th centuries, particularly by Spanish and Portuguese explorers and traders. Galleons were designed for both cargo transport and naval combat, featuring significant firepower and cargo capacity.
A person or movement opposed to or working to reverse a revolution; specifically, one who resists revolutionary change and seeks to restore previous political systems or social orders. Often used pejoratively in revolutionary rhetoric.
A politician's reversal of a previously stated position—the cardinal sin of politics, because voters apparently prefer consistency to evolving views based on new information.
A metaphorical crossing point in Cold War politics where tensions reached dangerous levels. Named after the famous Berlin border crossing.
A political philosophy emphasizing strong military interventionism and American global dominance, often advocated by former liberals. Think interventionism meets ideology.
To exclude or banish someone from a group, community, or society, typically as a form of social punishment or rejection. The term carries the weight of deliberate, often coordinated exclusion rather than mere disagreement.
When political parties move to ideological extremes and refuse compromise, making the center disappear. Democracy's current mood disorder.
Deliberately not voting on a legislative measure, either for moral reasons or strategic advantage. Political cowardice dressed as principle.
The principle or practice of cooperation, fellowship, and unity among Christian denominations that transcend individual theological differences. It emphasizes shared beliefs and common ground between various branches of Christianity.
A low, raised ridge or hump placed across a road or parking lot to slow down vehicle traffic and improve safety. Speed bumps force drivers to reduce speed or risk damage to their vehicles.
A prolonged bitter feud or cycle of revenge between two families, groups, or individuals, where each side seeks retribution for perceived wrongs committed by the other. Vendettas can span generations and involve escalating acts of retaliation.
An agreement or understanding between nations, particularly informal ones. Basically friends with benefits, but for countries.
A government representative skilled in negotiation and tact, basically a professional liar with impeccable manners.
The process by which colonies achieved independence from colonial powers, often messily. Freedom tastes better when you fight for it.
A heavy grille of metal or wood with sharp points at the bottom, designed to be lowered vertically to block a castle gateway or drawbridge entrance as a defensive barrier.
Having an intense fear, hatred, or intolerance of people from other countries or cultures. The term combines the Greek 'xenos' (foreign) with 'phobos' (fear), describing an attitude that views foreigners or foreign things as threatening or inferior.
The ideology, movement, or practice of opposing a revolution or revolutionary changes, typically by those seeking to restore a previous political or social order. Counterrevolutionists actively resist revolutionary ideals and attempt to preserve or reinstate traditional systems.
An alleged classified U.S. government operation purportedly established in 1947 to investigate extraterrestrial activity and alien incursions—largely considered a hoax, though conspiracy enthusiasts cite various unverified documents as 'proof.'
A shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a politician who acts out of self-interest and is willing to use dishonest tactics. The term is primarily used to describe someone who is wily and cunning rather than straightforward.
A heraldic cross formed by two diagonal lines crossing at the center, resembling an X shape, commonly found on flags and coats of arms. The most famous example is the saltire on the flag of Scotland.
A two-wheeled cart or wagon used historically to transport manure, goods, or condemned prisoners (famously during the French Revolution); it could be tilted to dump its contents. The term is also spelled 'tumbril' and was a common vehicle in medieval and early modern Europe.
A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power either directly or through elected representatives. It emphasizes individual rights, free speech, and rule by majority with protections for minorities.