Down time

'Down time' is time when you don't have to be anywhere doing anything and can actually relax. It speaks to how over-programmed and over-scheduled so many Americans are.

Example:
-I really need some down time! I've been way too busy lately!
-Yeah, me too! (Sigh.)

Drop it

'Drop it' is something you say to end the topic of a conversation. Said as a direct command, it's most likely to be said by a parent to a child. Where the power relationship is closer, it is often asked, 'Can't we please just drop it?'

Examples:
-Mom, please can we stay up until 10? It's Saturday...!
-I've already said no, so drop it.

-Your aunt drives me crazy!
-I know. I'm sorry.
-I mean, she's always...
-Can't we please just drop it? We're almost to her house and I'm sure she's made a nice dinner for us!

Douchebag

A 'douchebag' is a serious insult to a guy, meaning he is a complete (fill in explicative here). A douche is a product sold to clean a woman's vagina. This term is extremely derogatory and should only be used in informal situations.

Example:
-My roommate threw up on my bed again.
-What a douchebag!

Downsizing

'Downsizing' means moving from a larger place into a smaller one. It can refer to a physical space, like a large house to a condo, or it can refer to what a company or organization can do. In the case of the latter, downsizing is actually a euphemism for getting fired.

Examples:
-What prompted your move?
-Now that the kids are out of college, it was time to downsize. We just didn't need that much space anymore.

-So, I heard your department is downsizing.
-Yeah, 10 people are being let go.

Dead-end job

A 'dead-end job' is one where there is no opportunity for advancement. It leads to nowhere, like a dead-end street.

Example:
-I'm afraid I may have to get a job at a fast-food restaurant.
-Well, it's pretty much a dead-end job, but hopefully it'll help you pay some bills!

D'oh!

"D'oh" is the catch-phrase of Homer on the TV series "The Simpsons" (1989-) He says it whenever something bad or unfortunate happens to him, or when he makes a mistake. Part of what makes this phrase so memorable is the way in which he says it. (Search for "D'oh!" on YouTube until I post the link.)

Example:
-Hey, we had a test today! Where were you?
-D'oh!

"Do or do not. There is no try."

This famous movie quote was said by Yoda in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (1983). It is often said by fans of the movie as a response to when someone says that they'll 'try' to get something done. The reason they use this quote is because they're frustrated with the other person's lack of commitment to do the thing. That's not to say Americans don't like to 'try' new things; this quote refers to getting someone to commit to doing something.

Example:
-Are you going to come to brunch with my parents in the morning?
-Well, I'll try. I'm not sure how I'll feel in the morning and anyway, I have a lot to do tomorrow.
-"Do or do not. There is no try."


True story:
I loved this movie so much that I would actually practice doing handstands and trying to lift up one hand like Luke did in the movie.

Duh!

"Duh!" is a sarcastic interjection used to point out that someone has said or done something painfully obvious or stupid.

Examples:
-I really need to study for that physics final if I'm going to get an A!
-Duh!

-Now where did I leave my car keys? Oh, duh, they're right here in my pocket!


True story:
I'm surprised at how often I find myself saying this, especially to myself!