white boy

Used by both non-white and white Americans, this largely playful term refers to a white male of any age, but particularly young adults (15 - 30 years old), as seen specifically from the perspective of certain traditional non-white stereotypes.

The preconceptions suggested by this term often include ideas such as white men's inferior physical prowess in certain traditionally non-white sports, white men's awkward social behavior (especially around black and other non-white social groups), white men's tendency to pursue certain careers, hobbies, musical interests, political affiliations etc., which differ from those of their non-white counterparts, and countless other indicators which may or may not have a basis in objective reality.

While the term may occasionally be used by non-whites to express actual hostility at white people over historical racial issues, the trend has been toward a more playful, even ironic, use of the term. It is not uncommon to hear a black person use the term affectionately when speaking of a white friend, or even to hear two white people using the term in reference to each other and/or themselves.

As the slang term described above, this two-word expression generally appears in spoken dialog only. In official written English, a white boy requires the preceding article (a, the) and means only a young male who is white.

"Hey, white boy.. put down the basketball and go find a soccer field somewhere.."

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bully

One who typically interacts with others, particularly those percieved as weaker or less powerful, by using tactics of fear and intimidation for the purpose of exercising undue, inappropriate and often arbitrary control over them. The word is derived from the word "bull", and that animal's generally agressive behavior.

The bully is generally interested in power for its own sake and for the sensation of strength it brings them, as opposed to a strategic use of power for the purpose of attaining some specific result. This sensation of strength is of particular value to the bully as it often serves to counteract, at least superficially, underlying self-doubt as to the bully's own value and worth.

Bully can be used as a noun (a bully) or a verb (to bully), which simply means to display the behavior exhibited by a bully.

(n): He was afraid to walk home from school alone for fear that Tom, a neighborhood bully, would spot him.

(v): His father was an insecure man who would often bully his own children simply to impress his drinking buddies.

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a Blow

(n.) A defeat, loss, reduction or failure, especially of a severe or devastating nature. This term is optionally preceded and/or followed by the prepositions "to" and/or "from", which can be used to further refine its scope of meaning.

Examples:

1. It has been over two months since the team's last win, so the coach's job may be at risk if they suffer another blow this Saturday.

2. In their currently weakened state, a blow from the north may be enough to destroy the army's 3rd division.

3. While the demotion had no meaningful impact on his salary, it was certainly a blow to his ego.

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whoopic

(adj.) As in or relating to things which cause people to whoop (yell excitedly, become animated, etc.), especially spontaneously, as the result of being overwhelmed by emotion. Use of the term generally indicates an element of scandal or misbehavior.

Last week's New York Times article implicating the mayor in a series of murders was whoopic enough to force several state representatives to return from vacation early.