Words That Shaped This Week: "Blizzard," "The Postal Service," and "The Karlie"

Words That Shaped This Week: "Blizzard," "The Postal Service," and "The Karlie"
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By Juli Weiner, Vanity Fair

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For your edification, a look back at the phrases, nouns, and neologisms that have, for better or for worse, shaped the week's national discourse.

Oscar nominations [oz-kur nahm-ih-nayshuns], noun: The annual short-list -- and unofficial, corresponding snubbed list -- of the year's best actors, actresses, and movies, according to members of the (not infallible) Academy.

Blizzard [bliz-erd], noun: A weekend-ruining weather system currently battering the northeastern United States and wreaking havoc on the whiskey budgets of many -- at least one -- New Yorker(s) anticipating a snowed-in Saturday.

The Postal Service [thuh poh-stul sur-vis], noun: The federal mail-delivery agency slash modernity antagonist, the delivery schedule of which may shrink to just five days a week if this "Internet" fad keeps apace.

George W. Bush [jorg dub-ul-yoo bush], noun: A recent ex-president whose influences appear to include John Maynard Keynes, Alex Katz, etc.

Donnie [don-ee], noun: A dumb old rat who, miraculously, shares some D.N.A. with, for example, Bridget Fonda and certain people who have been said, twice, to look like Bridget Fonda.

Ashley Judd [ash-lee juhd], noun: The early-aughts-era romantic comedy star whose possible interest in going after Mitch McConnell's Kentucky Senate seat has inspired the ire of early-aughts-era sweaty henchman Karl Rove.

Westminster Dog Show [west-min-ster dog show], noun: New York's annual gathering of fancy dogs, devoted owners, and bloggers who will not hesitate to steal a Pekingese if no one is looking. Starts next week!

The Karlie [thuh car-lee], noun: A chic, shoulder-length haircut newly adopted by, and named for, preternaturally charming supermodel Karlie Kloss.

Thongs [thongz], noun: A "bare fleshy under curve of the buttocks"-exposing clothing item verboten from the thigh/groin areas of this year's Grammy performers.

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