NOMINALLY ENTERTAINING GLOSSARY
Herein are terms that may be foreign to you depending on your species and dimension of residence—some terminology will become clearer as you read subsequent story installments
Academy of Omniosophical Arts & Sciences – The Omniverse’s pre-eminent institution of interdimensional tutelage and advancement since ante-antiquity.
Alarm – A torture device created to obliterate pleasant somnambulant wanderings and cause one to face the day in a state of abject panic and despair.
Arbin* – Of or relating to Arbis, the wood element and one of the academy domains.
Artichoke – This robust purple and green flower is a favorite among Terrin (earth element) brides who traditionally bite off the sharp tips of their bouquet’s florets after reciting their nuptial vows. The prevalence of bridal choking led to the artichoke designation of these flowers originally named kaktos. In Dimension Q (where you most likely live), chokes are most frequently grown in the classical realms as well as the mythic oasis known as California.
Auto-Scrub – Automatic vehicle-washing device in the inventing stage, as conceived and designed by Peyton Drake.
Avocado – This large single-seeded berry, sometimes called the alligator pear owing to its bumpy tough-skinned exterior, boasts sedative as well as aphrodisiac qualities. The denizens of California are reputed to be addicted to the rich, creamy fruit, including it in nearly every food dish they serve.
Bacon – Made from the cured skin of the rare Porcine Pomelo, this member of the citrus family is a favorite among Dimension Q inhabitants, especially males from Gaia who possess excessive amounts of testosterone.
Ballerina – A ballet dancer. Ballet is an acutely formalized type of dance created in Dimension T as a form of punishment. Practitioners of the art (almost always those incarcerated for physical violence) are made to don unnatural footwear known as "pointe shoes" (the word "pointe" refers to the penal system making a "point" to discipline inmates) while attempting to move gracefully, showing no signs of the agony their feet are suffering.
Barmpot – Pejorative Northern English term for an objectionable and foolish person.
Baseball Cards – A bygone form of idolatry and capitalistic commerce whereby images of athletes were printed on small pocket-sized cards. Consumers were encouraged to either keep, sell, or trade the cards in order to earn extra cash and misdirected boasting rights. (If the braggart collector’s own face was on the cards, that would be something to be proud of.)
Battle – Planned and strategized combat between warring factions. A portion of a greater (greater in terms of quantity, not quality) war.
Bed – A concept devised by the Aethereans (aether element), bed is a personal refuge of supreme comfort and rest. Many of life’s most enjoyable and memorable activities take place ‘in bed.’ Accessories known as pillows make the bed experience nothing short of rapturous.
Blanket Fort – A place of refuge for those seeking solace in a suburban home. A stronghold constructed of cozy bedding.
Bone-colored – The age-old tradition of decorating one's habitat with the bones of their conquered foes has given way to more genteel forms of customization, i.e. paint that resembles the color of human bones. Paint cans should be kept away from young children who are known to drink the paint, believing it to be bone marrow soup. This can be a costly, messy, and poisonous mistake.
Box – A usually rectangular cardboard container that is a favorite object of play and diversion among cats, i.e. the species that rules Gaia (what Dimension Q denizens know as Earth).
Brisk – “Punctually,” “on the dot” as pertains to the measurement of time.
Bubble Gum – Created to strengthen the jaws of carnivorous warriors in Dimension Omicron, the inadvertent “treat” became wildly popular in the Age of Nostalgia. That is, until sentients began losing all their teeth.
Butter Rum Lifesavers – Thumbnail-sized rings of hard candy that when sucked on can take away the woes of the day, thus making them worthy of their boastful moniker.
By the ... bayou, binary, byway” – Colloquial forms of segue used in conversational speech.
Cake – A soft sweet food baked into a pan or mold and served at times of celebration—every day being an opportunity for celebration; the means of appeasing malcontent fae. Prudent denizens of Terris keep cake on hand at all times, just in case.
Car – Originally short for "carriage," it is a road vehicle comprised of four wheels, an internal combustion engine, and (most important) a radio. The superior forms of automobiles have a retractable roof allowing drivers to enjoy the elements as well as attention from the opposite sex.
Carmen Miranda – Born Maria do Carmen Miranda da Cunha, "The Brazilian Bombshell" was a samba singer popular for her fruit-laden apparel. While observers assumed the fruit represented a fashion statement, in truth, Miss Miranda often became peckish while shooting films in Hollywood. The fruits provided a quick fix, enabling her to continue to work without her stomach growling.
Carpe diem” – A rallying cry coined by Horace, the literal meaning is ‘seize the day’; not to be confused with the Aquin (water element) term ‘carperdiem’ indicating a daily allowance of fish.
Carrot – A vegetable enjoyed both cooked and raw, the latter, especially with “dip.” The term for something used as an incentive.
Casserole – A one-dish meal that starts off with the humblest and often most disparate of ingredients. Thanks to the magical powers inherent to the modern-day oven, the dish miraculously transforms into something palatable, if not delicious. Curiously, many of these hodge-podge concoctions taste better the next day, especially cold!
Cassette Player – A palm-sized plastic compact through which a ribbon of tape is run, resulting in the playing of glorious music; a wily invention prone to get stuck beneath a car seat or gas pedal.
Catapult – A delightful device whereby tension is harnessed and suddenly released to hurl an object or (preferably) a person. Fun for the whole family.
Cheriste som*” – Generally used as a sign-off to a conversation the Naturim phrase translates to “Above all, love”.
Chocolate – An edible substance made from sweetened ground cacao seeds. A form of currency in certain realms, an irresistible aphrodisiac in others. Its magical properties have been known to quell the ire of shrews and harpies.
Cigar Box – While the smoking of cigars is taboo for young boys in most dimensions, the boxes themselves have long been the preferred form of treasure storage for Dimension Q lads. Expect to find “baseball cards,” “marbles,” and “yo-yos” in these portable vaults.
Clusterfail – A convoluted or messy situation involving multiple individuals or entities.
Cold as an Aurelean Moon” – Referring to the coldest area in the Omniverse, the moons of Aurelea boast a temperature of -2.3 Kelvin. Thus, the term implies something is a bit chilly.
Cordless Drill – Part of the grouping called “power tools,” the automated drilling device obviates the necessity of manual labor. Despite the fact such automation serves to weaken the arm power of the user, males in possession of power tools feel a marked increase in virility and self-worth.
Custodian – Steward who watches over and protects the dimensional denizens of an assigned region. Custodians work closely with their local guardeners.
Defensive Tackle – In the curiously named Gaia sport of football, this term refers to a player whose job it is to clog the middle of the defensive line so as not to allow members of the offensive team to get by them, thereby depriving the offense of the opportunity to gain ground and/or score.
Dental Floss – An oral hygiene product used in dimensions where beings possess teeth. Generally put to use by those who do not possess hair strands long enough or strong enough to do the job.
Deora – The generic term for all that is good and wonderful in the Omniverse; the Omniverse itself; the all-in-all, the great creatrix. Often used in explanatory phrases such as: “For Deora’s sake,” “Deora forbid,” “Exalted Deora!”
Dim – Abbreviation of the word dimension, not to be construed as a slur regarding a lack of intelligence.
Dim Phi Fiddle – The phrase “fit as a Dim Phi fiddle” refers to Dimension Phi and means ‘ready for use, ‘in good shape.’
Diner – An eating establishment often constructed from (or made to look like) a train dining car; often open ’round the clock; patrons expect swill-like coffee, greasy grilled fare, and friendly service by a waitress with a heart of gold and a storied past.
Dinner – The heaviest meal of the day, served midday in manual labor communities, served after work for those engaged in non-physical labor.
Doodad – A whimsical contrivance created to perform a simple task using complicated steps; as much a form of entertainment as it is a machine of function. The term was coined by Peyton Drake of Dimension Q.
Doohickey – Drake’s original name for the Doodad.
Draft – Compulsory recruitment; the early stage of a writing project when the work is rubbish; a sneaky bit of wind that enters a structure uninvited.
Dragon – The term for a winged fire-breathing reptile, usually six feet in height and 30 feet in length with a wingspan of 60-90 feet. Just as caterpillars in the majority of realms go through a pulverizing metamorphosis when transforming into butterflies, dragons often start off as serpents. Warm-weather dragons (nearly 75%) are born via egg. The remaining 25% that inhabit colder climes are born ovoviviparously, fully formed from their parent's womb, since the ground is too cold to allow for proper incubation. Egg-laying dragons may produce as many as 100 eggs in a litter, but only 1-5 of the eggs usually turn into dragons. This is not because the other eggs perish. They are lain as a means of subterfuge to confuse and mislead would-be predators. The species is thought to be extinct in Dimension Q.
Duck Tape – So named because of its ability to slough off water, this Dimension Q invention was originally used to keep ammunition casings waterproof—later called duct tape. Quickly, it became apparent that the product was good for nearly every sort of repair, going so far as mending broken marriages.
Earthquake – Similar to how a person will shudder or thrash about when being vexed by an insistent insect, the surface of the earth tremors when something is "bugging" it. If Earth is tickled, its quaking is accompanied by a rumbling laugh.
Edisyuh id Deora*" – A cry for immediate assistance, translated from Naturim (the first language) as "Help me, creatrix."
Element – A particular or fundamental aspect of something, especially one that is vital, primary, or characteristic; that which relates to or embodies the essence and powers of the natural world.
Estate – Sometimes used to suggest a vast expanse of personally owned land on which sits a grand abode, thereby conveying a sense of wealth. At the academy, the term refers to the element domain in which a student lives.
Father – A figure (often male) who serves as protector and provider for those in his/her/its/hemm care. A generic term for a male who provides seed required for propagation. Someone credited with the origination or early history of an ideology, fad, or new “thing.”
Felilum* – A salutation. “Good day/morning.”
Fly Fisherman – In Dimension Q a fly fisherman refers to an angler who employs an artificial fly as a lure to catch fish, using various methods of casting a line across the water (as opposed to casting a line down into it) from a fishing pole. Occasionally, when a lake is especially still, you can hear tiny screams of agony from the supposedly "artificial" flies. In other dimensions, fly fishing refers to the fae activity of capturing horse flies with the intention of riding them. Horse fly rodeos are a popular draw in many realms. The blood-sucking female horseflies are known to put up quite a fight.
Football – Many believe this gridiron sport was created by someone who was either drunk or lost a dare, as the game has nothing to do with “feet” and the “ball” in question is pointed at two ends and doesn’t do the rolly thing one expects a ball to do. Though technically the purpose of the game is to score goals, the bulk of activity involves tackling opponents and slamming them to the ground in heaps.
For cryin’ out loud” – A minced oath euphemism expressing surprise or displeasure.
Gaia – If you are reading this, you are here. The third planet from a star called Sol, located in the Aakash Ganga (a.k.a. the Milky Way), Local Group, Virgo Supercluster, Laniakea; often mis-referenced as Earth.
Gold Volcano Award – A trophy bestowed in Dimension Q to a young inventor for excellence in design and functionality; a highly coveted honor.
Goldilocks – A fairytale about a blonde girl who breaks into the home of a bear family, messes up their beds, busts one of their chairs, and eats their food, all the while complaining about the quality of their home furnishings and hospitality.
Good Gobfinkle!” – A popular exclamatory phrase indicating shock or surprise. Gobfinkle was a newscaster known for his shocking headline announcements as well as his practice of dressing in a way that camouflaged him with the environment so he could jump out of his surroundings to surprise bystanders on camera.
Gopher – A burrowing rodent skilled in digging tunnels; also a person who is sent on miscellaneous, menial errands.
Green Army Men – Two-inch tall molded plastic toy soldiers, generally olive green in color, often standing on a solid plastic base to keep them upright, nearly always wielding a weapon of some sort, usually from the 20th Century. The low cost of the items made them a favorite of Peyton Drake who tended to destroy the little soldiers when trying out his latest warfare gadgetry.
Guardener – Academy sentinel charged with deciding who is admitted into the dimension to be guarded; works closely with the local custodian.
Hi” – Pronounced “hai,” it is a Dimension Q, Gaia greeting, now part of the People’s Parlance (what you may know as English).
High School – A social battleground for teens in a majority of the dimensions. Under the guise of education, students face a litany of heinous life challenges including dealing with unsightly erupting facial pustules, extreme and usually unwarranted peer censure, issues of identity, the protocols of courting, and most egregious of all—parents! The term “high school” comes from the student tendency to get “high” on a myriad of narcotic substances designed to create artificial short-term euphoria.
Hula – a Polynesian dance usually associated with the idyllic Hawaiian Islands. Traditionally accompanied by oli (chant) or mele (song), it is comprised of six basic steps and is employed as a means of storytelling. In modern times in the West, the dance form is called auana (which means “to wander”) and is danced to music played by guitar, double bass, and most notably ukelele. The clothing most often associated with hula is a skirt made of long strands of grass and a brassiere made of halved coconut shells.
Jawing – Talking at length, chitchatting. This term has replaced the phrase “shooting the breeze” which was outlawed as cruel and inappropriate in Nitris (air element) realms.
Jot – A teeny tiny bit, the term was inspired by the name of the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet; brother of Iota.
Jugular – The neck or throat and its primary vein; a delicacy for bloodsucking newts and vampires.
Kale – A headless wild cabbage devoid of redeeming qualities. The drab vegetable rose to 21st Century prominence when information on it was “tweeted” by a publicist whose “autocorrect” software mistakenly replaced the word “Kardashian” with “Kale.” Both the K vegetable and K persons are similar in vacuous, faddish nature.
Kiss – Contact, generally made by human lips, on the flesh of another being. The touch is meant to convey affection, friendship, desire (that's a whole other level of kissing), or is used in greeting. It can also refer to a small bit of something such as a chocolate candy or sprinkling of perfume or sugar.
L’enfant Terrible – A troublemaker; indiscreet, irresponsible instigator.
Laundry List – It remains to be satisfactorily explained why dirty clothes would request or require a list.
Leash – A tether generally used to restrain and guide a domesticated canine or the submissive in a domination relationship. The leash is usually clipped to a collar, a circle of metal or fabric that surrounds the neck.
Lieutenant – A junior commissioned officer in the armed forces, fire brigade, or constabulary. The rank may have subdivisions such as Lieutenant Commander, Second Lieutenant, Sub-lieutenant, Lieutenant Junior Grade. In the case of Lt. Drake whose commission is part of the U.S. Navy, the Army equivalent would be Captain, and Air Force equivalent Flight Lieutenant. Lt. Drake's insignia is comprised of two medium gold braid stripes. He's very proud of his stripes.
Lilliputian – Very small, a term coined by travel writer Jonathan Swift during his sojourn in the country of Lilliput, located in Dimension Tao.
Little Bo-Peep – Refers to a nursery rhyme about a neglectful shepherdess accused of losing several of her sheep when focused on a device called an iPhone. She is generally depicted in Lolita fashions; that is to say, wearing a short pastel capped-sleeve dress, white bloomers and stockings, and a bonnet. In addition to her mobile telephone, she carries a crook.
Little Brother – A fraternal source of unending annoyance for most older siblings. Term used for anything that tests the boundaries of patience.
Long Night – Colloquial phrase meaning comatose state.
Lunch – A midday meal in Dimension Q, less substantial than Splitz and often devoid of nutrients; a form of socialization observed by wealthy jobless spouses who have no purpose other than to criticize their friends and peers.
Marble – A small ball of swirled-colored glass used by adolescents (primarily males) in games and as currency. Units of knowledge contained in the cranium of certain species.
Marines – Formally known as the United States Marine Corps, this power projecting branch of the armed forces is especially formidable because of its ability to multitask on land, sea, and air. The original Marines (a strictly aquatic corps) merged with infantry units to defend naval vessels in 1775 A.D. The rest is modern history as well as a source of pride. The first troops chose the English Bulldog as their mascot, owing to the breed’s natural tenacity and love of playing with squeaky toys in kiddie pools.
Marshmallow – A squishy edible cube made of sugar and gelatin; one of the staple ingredients of a Dimension Q culinary phenomenon known as s’mores.
Mongoose – A long, but small, feliform carnivorous mammal, venerated for its ability to handle venomous serpents. The term “silly mongoose” refers to a mongoose who shows off while serpent-taming and becomes distracted, thus being fatally bitten by the serpent.
Mother – In some species, a female child-bearer; a purveyor of warm fuzzy feelings and edible palliatives; the omniversal symbol of Deora's unqualified love.
Naturim – The primum lingua, language of the ancients. The Naturim phrases included herein are written using the People’s Parlance alphabet. For pronunciation and syllabary, consult the English~Naturim Lexicarta available where Omni books are purveyed.
Ocademy” – An abbreviated term referring to the Academy of Omniosophical Arts & Sciences.
Okay” – A Dimension Q term phoneticized from the letters O and K. The debate over the term’s origin has waged for fui anardsekk (three centuries). Some claim it comes from the phrase “oil correct”as in “all is correct” or even from the Greek “ochs” which was an incantation used to dispel fleas. Others attribute it to the 19th century Choctaw phrase “oke” meaning “it is” or the Wolof “waw- kay” indicating an emphatic “yes.” However, the French language seems to have the best claim to the term, either from the emphatic phrase “oh qu’oui” meaning “ah, yes” as noted in 1768, or the less likely term “aux quais” meaning “on the quays” as pertains to French sailors making appointments with American girls “on the quays” during the American Revolutionary War in the 1780s. The truth of the matter, though not chronicled, is the term comes from the marriage of Dimensions O and K that took place after their anil-long (of millennium duration) feud was resolved.
Omelette – An egg turnover whereby a disk of cooked egg is topped with appealing ingredients then folded over; a short prayer or mantra.
Omni – Translates as “all” or “of all things,” also used as an abbreviated name for the Academy of Omniosophical Arts & Sciences.
Omnigram – A written communique usually delivered by a Mercury Messenger travelling 750 miles per hour, just under the speed of sound so as not to create sonic thunder. (More on these delivery folk in future installments of Pete's story)
Omniosophical – Related to the study of everything.
Omniverse – The Great All; the entirety of creation wherein the whole is infinitely more than the sum of its parts.
Onion Skin – Rest assured, no pungent bulbs were skinned alive to create this lightweight translucent form of paper from an era gone by. Among paper airplane enthusiasts, onion skin reigns supreme as the go-to fabrication material. It is also used in traditional “cell animation” art because of its translucency.
Over the moon” – Dimension Q phrase indicating joy and jubilance; the term was inspired by the event during which J.J. Flash leapt over the moon when his sweetheart, Jill, accepted his marriage proposal.
Pajamas – A fashion oxymoron insomuch as it is a seemingly formal buttoned-up jacket and pants ensemble designed for sleep and lounging.
Park – A rural pocket of an urban area; the source of life for cities; also a practice whereby hormonal teens stop their vehicles at a picturesque vista for the purpose of snogging.
People’s Parlance – The modern omniversal language, currently what Gaia inhabitants know as English.
Pill – A small round or oval mass of curative meant to be ingested whole. Whether taken in medicated or placebo form, the expectation of relief on the part of the user often results in immediate change for the better.
Pillow – One of the most beloved personal comfort items in the Omniverse, this sewn bag of fluff, preferably filled with donated caladrius (healing bird) feathers, is a source of sublime rest and bliss. Used in tandem with a “bed,” it takes slumber to sublime heights.
Pizza – An Italian dish considered by many to be of divine origin, its ingredients are simple and irresistible when combined: a baked disk of dough covered in pulverized tomato secretions and moldy bovine lactation curds, often topped with meats or vegetables to glorious effect.
Platen – The newest (and final) omniversally recognized element (metal).
Porch – A covered area along the edge or perimeter of a home; a place of refuge and tranquility much loved by those looking to enjoy solace, sunsets, or sweet tea.
Portal – Transdimensional and interdimensional gateways.
Q-zer – A less than flattering term for a denizen of Dimension Q, often followed by the word “loser.”
Rabies – A viral mammalian disease transmitted via saliva; a fatal affliction that causes madness and convulsions prior to death; also a ‘pet’ term for those who attend rave dance parties (such as those held at pyramids).
Robe – A soft fluffy outer garment worn over pajamas when pajamas are deemed insufficient; a loose cloak or mantle.
Safety First – A moralistic Dimension Q science-themed comic book series for youths. Representative articles include the condescending You May Not Be as Smart as You Think, and That’s OK; the sanctimonious Don’t Make Us Say We Told You So; and the ignominious Birds & Bees and Between the Knees.
Salad – A mélange of things; also a cold dish comprised of a variety of vegetables, usually raw, and coated with a “dressing.” The term “salad days” refers to a time when one who is young or inexperienced. It derives from the idea that an inexperienced cook would be unable to properly prepare anything more complicated than a salad.
Scabs - An omniversal exclamation owing to the enjoyment produced by saying the word. It has no relation to the crusty substance that forms to protect an open wound during the healing process, nor does it refer to individuals who flout the dictates of the local union by showing up to work during a labor strike.
Scarabs!” – An Ignin (fire element) exclamation or invective indicating surprise.
Scrammer – Invention created by Peyton Drake at 6 years of age, designed to scramble eggs.
Silly mongoose” – Innocuous phrase used to gently tease someone when he/she/it/hemm says or does something absurd.
Slippers – Soft, comfortable, slip-on footwear meant to be worn indoors. Sometimes the bottoms are made of hard rubber or leather so that the slippers can be worn outside. This effectively defeats the idea of having slippers in the first place, not to mention it takes away their ability to slip.
Snake in the grass” – A sneaky individual who vows loyalty, but secretly betrays. This phrase is thought to have been coined by the Roman poet Virgil in 37 pre-R.C.
Snakes alive!” – Exclamatory phrase. Urban legend holds the saying came from a Gobi Desert dinner party gone wrong.
Sourmug – A scurrilous epithet for the noble and proud canine breed known as the Bulldog. The stocky animal walks with a pleasant rolling gait. Its body is compact, with a relatively large head, attractively folded ears, a suitably short muzzle, a lower jaw that protrudes somewhat. It wears an oversized fur suit resulting in wrinkles around the head and face. The breed is the equivalent of a clown baby or baby clown, depending on who you ask.
Stampede string – A length of twine attached to a hat and tightened under the chin to prevent the hat from flying off when the wearer is traveling at high speeds or stampeding through the streets of Pamplona.
Statue of Liberty – A transgender midsize neoclassical copper statue gifted by one principality to another on the planet Gaia. The initial reason for the gift concerned the accidental incineration of a group of nationals at a state dinner when the table-side torching of crème brûlée got out of hand.
Steel Farthings – The basics, the essentials; similar to the Dimension Q phrase “brass tacks.”
Sticks in (one’s) craw” – A phrase indicating a lingering bother or grievance.
Street clothes – Non-school-uniform apparel.
Sun – A fixed heavenly body of luminous gases held together by its own gravity, around which planets often orbit.
Swimming – Propulsion of the body through liquid—especially water—by use of the limbs, fins, or tail; a recreational activity in certain dimensions, a way of life in others.
Swing – A contraption and activity whereby a seat is hung from a girder and the one seated is pushed forth and back to engage the gravity stream, resulting in a physical effect of freedom that momentarily approximates flight; a type of dance whereby one of the partners is swung up into the air, over the shoulder, through the legs, up into the chandelier.
Television – A system of transmitting live or recorded action, images, and sound to a viewing screen; the means by which the Game of Thrones saga (sometimes referred to as The Great Betrayal) is witnessable in multiple dimensions.
Teppanyaki – Iron griddle Ignin (fire element) “quick-cooking,” often involving entertainment as chefs rapidly chop ingredients, create vegetable volcanoes, fling edibles into the mouths of delighted diners, and even juggle their cutlery.
Three Little Pigs (the) – A folktale about a trio of anthropomorphic swine who build their homes using disparate materials, each with differing degrees of success when it comes to preventing a noisome wolf from blowing their buildings down. Originally written in the med-aevum era as a holiday gimmick designed to sell bricks manufactured by the Folkestone Masonry Companye, the story caught on. In many dimensions, an animated film version of the tale is televised each sekkl around the time of the Autumnal Equinox harvest. Its viewing is a family tradition, usually featuring a feast with a pork roast as its centerpiece.
Thumb – A digit on the hand, separated from the array of fingers, and used for grabbing, as well as “hitchhiking” i.e. requesting complimentary transportation via use of the pollex. Despite the fact most thumbs are “opposable,” they tend to get on together well.
Time Trialist – An individual who races against the clock in his/her/its/hemm given sport. The competitor who travels the greatest distance in the shortest amount of time is crowned victor. One of the most fiercely contended trials is the Prologue stage of the annual cross-countries Tour de France, a duo-wheel race in Dimension Q that began in 1903 A.D. as a means of selling L’Auto newspapers.
Tire – A round, shock-absorbing wheel cover.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste – Products used together to cleanse “teeth” i.e. small, bony enamel-covered body bits used by vertebrates to bite, tear, or chew. Since teeth collect debris, resulting in foul expulsions from the mouth, the “paste” is made of fresh-smelling ingredients meant to bathe and disinfect; the “brush” is used to spread the paste around and dislodge the wreckage lurking between the teeth.
Towel – Touted by Dim Zeta former fiddlehead (and intergalactic hitchhiker) Douglas Noel Adams as the most indispensable item one can possess. In simplest terms, it is a length of absorbent cloth or paper used to dab or wipe surfaces and sentients dry. In reality, it is so much more.
Tree – A large-scale woody plant bearing branches, leaves, and sometimes fruit, nuts, or blossoms; ages-old planetary steward. In a host of dimensions, trees bring life to planets and shield the terrain from the relentless rays of a blazing sun.
VW Bug – The Volkswagen Käfer (People's car - beetle) was developed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1938 at the command of Dimension Q Gaia villain, Adolph Hitler. To this day, the Beetle line remains the longest-running, most manufactured automobile in Dimension Q Gaia history.
Waffle – A crisped, hand-sized butter cake made with the use of a patterned iron consisting of two hot metal plates, between which leavened batter is poured and cooked. The acclaimed waffle diner chain Jenny’s is owned by a drove of donkeys using the original recipe of matriarch Jenny Pace. Their catch phrase “Hay is for horses” became overused by the same folk who insist on saying “Well ... that’s a very deep subject,” “Take a picture. It lasts longer,” and those who make rhymes employing the word “orange.” Jenny’s later changed their slogan to “Every day’s a heyday at Jenny’s.”
War (Warfare) – Armed conflict between those who should know better, most often perpetrated by materialistic intergalactic bullies; outlawed in most dimensions.
Watch (noun) – Timepiece, chronometer, fashion accessory utilized to “watch” time; a manipulative device used to hypnotize humans who are obscenely susceptible to its powers and worship time nearly as much as they do currency. Time has become a trendy crutch and scapegoat in the younger dimensions.
Wazzak – “Crazy” person; used as a derogatory term.
When pigs fly” – A Gaia expression used to describe an impossible feat as (sadly) the swine on that particular planet are inexplicably incapable of flight, most likely owing to the atmosphere’s gravity and the poor quality of porcine nutrition there.
Yahtzee – A dice game popular in Dimension Q’s “wholesome family” era, the word is also used as an exclamatory cry of triumph.
Zombie – A member of the undead. A creature who becomes infected with the zombie virus loses all cognitive abilities as well as speech; however, they retain basic motor skills and get about on foot to feed on living flesh.
Terms used in Mind the Portal, Tomo 1, parsas 1-7 in Peyton Drake's Omni Tale saga
