22 January 2017

palooka

[puh-loo-kuh]

noun, Slang.

1. an athlete, especially a boxer, lacking in ability, experience, or competitive spirit.
2. a stupid, clumsy person.

Origin of palooka

1920-1925, Americanism; origin uncertain

Dictionary.com

Contemporary example

Butch: You lookin’ at something, friend?
Vincent: You ain’t my friend, Palooka.
Butch: What’s that?
Vincent: I think you heard me just fine, Punchy.

– Pulp Fiction screenplay

Anagram

oak opal

Today’s quote

This is how you control your domestic population – by making people afraid and by identifying an enemy.

– Roger Waters

On this day

22 January 1973 – In the landmark ‘Roe v Wade’ case and decided simultaneously with ‘Doe v Bolton’, the United States Supreme Court rules that abortion is a Constitutional right because of the application of the due process clause of the 14th Amendment to a woman’s right to privacy, which includes the right to abortion. This was to be balanced with other state interests, namely the right to protect prenatal life and the protection of women’s health.

22 January 1930 – construction commences of the Empire State Building. It was completed 410 days later and was the world’s tallest building at that time.