Jargon Watch
Terms of the Times
JOOTT (Just One Of Those Things, pronounced "jute") Inexplicable computer problems that appear and then fix themselves (or are fixed by turning off the machine or reinstalling the software). You have no idea what caused the problem or why it went away. It was a JOOTT.
Hollywired The community of companies using Silicon Valley technology to create media products with Hollywood production values.
Chain Saw Consultants Outside experts brought in to reduce the employee head-count (leaving the top brass with clean hands).
Domainism Internet prejudice. Judging someone on the basis of how cool/uncool his or her e-mail address is. "Why should anyone listen to you, you're posting from AOL!"
Starter Marriages Short-lived first marriages that end in divorce with no kids, no property, and no regrets.
Render Farm A networked collection of computers (usually more than six) set aside exclusively for the purpose of rendering animations.
Wankware Another term for X-rated software.
Uninstalled Euphemism for being fired. Heard on the voicemail of a vice president at a downsizing computer firm: "You have reached the number of an uninstalled vice president. Please dial our main number and ask the operator for assistance."
Nutraceutical Food with pharmaceutical properties (such as beta carotene). Lobbyists are now petitioning the FDA to recognize this as a new category - a cross between a food and a drug.
Thanks, and a tip o' the prop-beanie to thanne, Kevin Kelly, Jamie and Jeanne, Karl Schmidtmann, and Etienne Tasse. - Gareth Branwyn
