Vote for the best verboticism.
DEFINITION: v., To facilitate camaraderie among your colleagues by making fun at your boss's expense, only to discover that you-know-who is standing right behind you. n., A professional faux pas made with the best intentions.
Verboticisms
Click on each verboticism to read the sentences created by the Verbotomy writers, and to see your voting options...
You have two votes. Click on the words to read the details, then vote your favorite.
Detaunt
Created by: artr
Pronunciation: dātônt
Sentence: In an act of detaunt, Jesse performed his best impression of the boss firing one of his workers. He is convinced that he added to the camaraderie in the office and that people would have laughed if the boss hadn*t gotten to work early and taken over the performance for real.
Etymology: détente (the easing of hostility or strained relations) + taunt (a remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone)
Exitango
Created by: Mustang
Pronunciation: exuh-TAN-goe
Sentence: Dancing on the bosses desk and parodying his voice and mannerisms as she cavorted wildly, Lucinda realized too late that she had been doing the exitango.
Etymology: Blend of 'exit' (to leave by being fired) and 'tango' a lively dance
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COMMENTS:
The warm-up act most have been the bossanova. Good word. - artr, 2008-10-21: 04:40:00
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Shenanigaffe
Created by: Tigger
Pronunciation: shə-nān'ĭ-gāf
Sentence: Marta usually got a laugh from her coworkers when she would imitate her boss, asking if they remembered to use a cover sheet on their TPS reports, but she eventually realized she'd made a shenanigaffe when their eyes went wide and they began making subtle motions with their hands, pointing behind her.
Etymology: shenanigan - a playful or mischievous act (Origin: 1850–55, Americanism; of obscure orig.) + gaffe - a clumsy social error; a faux pas (from Old French, "hook")
Toemunching
Created by: contiki
Pronunciation: toe munching
Sentence: I did some major toemunching today when the boss heard me making fun of him! SO embarrassing!
Etymology: To put ones foot in ones own mouth when speaking.
Coldbossted
Created by: Nuwanda
Pronunciation: cold-BOSS-ted
Sentence: Luke didn't feel his job offered him many perks, but one undeniable benefit was the feeling his co-workers gave him that he was the funniest guy in the office because he did the best impression of their dufus manager. Even after he was coldbossted by said dufus, Luke swaggered through the cube farm with confidence, winking and mugging at the giggling gaggle as he followed Ron to his office for a long lecture.
Etymology: Cold busted means being caught red-handed at doing something stupid. Altered to incorporate boss.
Bossajova
Created by: OZZIEBOB
Pronunciation: BOS-uh-JOV-vuh
Sentence: When Mr Legree's words: "Perhaps your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others!" boomed loudly across the office, Roxie knew that her bossajova would have serious repurcussions.
Etymology: Based on "bossa nova" a carefree dance & music style; boss; & jovial: good humoured, merry , joking.
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COMMENTS:
funny! - remistram, 2007-11-23: 09:22:00
very good - Jabberwocky, 2007-11-23: 12:00:00
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Ooplause
Created by: Mustang
Pronunciation: ewe-plawz
Sentence: Mary Lou expected a standing ovation from her office mates for her insulting and rowdy parody of their boss during her break but what she got instead was a silent ooplause and looks of terror on the faces of her friends when they noticed the boss watching Mary Lou's performance from immediately behind her.
Etymology: Blend of 'oops' and 'applause'
Mockupation
Created by: Nosila
Pronunciation: mok u pay shun
Sentence: When the Boss left, Sally would entertain the troops by imitating him and playing the fool. Her mockupation went too far, when he returned early and caught her mid-act. Her mockupation lead to her walkupation right out of a job.
Etymology: Mock (make fun of;ape;mimicry) & Occupation (career, calling, work one is paid for)
Tomteamery
Created by: remistram
Pronunciation: tom-teem-uh-ree
Sentence: Ever since the boss got a new hair piece the tomteamery has been non-stop.
Etymology: tomfoolery (joke around, goof off)+ team
Hijinxed
Created by: Jabberwocky
Pronunciation: hi/jinxed
Sentence: I've been hijinxed several times trying to bolster dispirited colleagues.
Etymology: hijinks + jinxed
Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by Mustang. Thank you Mustang! ~ James
Mustang - 2007-11-23: 02:38:00
What a pleasant surprise to find one of my submissions on display! It's inspiring. :-)
Congratulations Mustang! I am sure your Boss is also quite thrilled. ~ James
Mustang - 2007-11-23: 08:17:00
When I retired 20+ yrs ago I WAS the boss. :-)
Well, you're the still big boss here! ~ James
Jabberwocky - 2007-11-23: 12:12:00
nice save James - I think you just got caught making fun of the boss
Are you trying to fundermine my steambuilding efforts? ~ James
The warm-up act must have been the bossanova.
galwaywegian - 2008-10-21: 08:47:00
extempoorise
galwaywegian - 2008-10-21: 08:47:00
oops
Today's definition was suggested by Mustang. Thank you Mustang. ~ James