Bill M.'s definitions

and then some

A slang expression used to humorously imply that the preceding statement was an understatement. If speaking, the word "then" is usually stressed.

"You're a real bastard, ya know that, Joe?"
"And then some." - from the film 'The Last Boy Scout' (1991)

by Bill M. July 27, 2004

wwjd

Stands for "What Would Jesus Do?", where "Jesus" refers to Jesus of Nazareth (see New Testament). Often printed on cheap bracelets or along the length of lanyards.

Articles with "WWJD?" are worn by Christians to promote and/or reflect the idea that in times of conflict or moral dilemna, one should speculate (based on the teachings and behaviors described in the Gospels) what Jesus would probably have done in the given situation.

"I'm not sure if I should write this webpage script in Perl, Java or PHP. Hmm, What Would Jesus do?"

"WWJD? Well for starters, he probably wouldn't purchase and wear tacky jewelry."

"Why is exclaiming 'Jesus Christ!' considered taking the Lord's name in vain, but wearing tacky 'WWJD?' jewelry isn't?"

by Bill M. July 30, 2004

backstage pass

A pass, usually in the form of a laminated card or felt-like sticker, that allows the bearer access to the "backstage" area of an entertainment event (e.g., a concert). The area might not literally be behind the stage, but some other at the venue normally restricted to the other event attendees. An event may have different types of backstage passes for different levels of access; typically the "All Access" passes for a concert are of the laminated card variety, whereas the sticker type usually only allows the bearer access to limited areas at predetermined times.

Many music fans dream of getting a backstage pass so that they can meet their favorite bands at one of their concerts, but they should realize that 1) the bands their fan clubs don't always have the power to give out backstage passes; usually it's the venue or radio stations who get a hold of these, 2) like front-row tickets, backstage passes are mostly snatched up by those who already personally know somebody in the band, crew, or venue staff. And most importantly, 3) even having a backstage pass does not guarentee that you'll get to meet the band.

In the movie "Wayne's World", Wayne and Garth use their backstage passes to meet Alice Cooper after the show.

by Bill M. July 29, 2004

fretboard

The long area of the guitar under the strings where the player applies pressure with his or her non-strumming in order to produce different notes; the long, flat area on the front of a guitar neck

Wow, that guitar player is fast! His fingers were really flying up and down the fretboard.

by Bill M. July 27, 2004

upright bass

Another term for a double bass, acoustic bass, or bass fiddle. It's the largest of the string instruments (resembling a giant violin) and lowest-sounding instrument found in an orchestra. Can be played with a bow or plucked with the fingers. The word "upright" means that it is to be played while standing up while holding the instrument upright, as opposed to how a bass guitar is held (on the lap or at a 45 degree angle). Also not to be confused with the cello, which is smaller and played while sitting down.

Paul Chambers and Ron Carter each played the upright bass at one time or another for Miles Davis.

by Bill M. August 27, 2004

reverb

A special effect applied to an audio signal to make it sound as if you're now hearing that sound in a tunnel or some other different room, with some depth and a bit of echo.

Many guitar amplifiers have a "reverb" knob.

by Bill M. August 27, 2004

tuner

1. A electric device used for tuning a musical instrument to its proper pitch
2. One who professionally tunes a musical instrument

1. My tuner indicates that this guitar string is too sharp (high)
2. The piano sounds really bad. We should call in a piano tuner some day.

by Bill M. July 27, 2004