“Doltergeist: A spirit that decides to haunt someplace stupid, such as your septic tank. (David Genser, Arlington)

“Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high, such as the famous “Surrender Dorothy” on the Beltway overpass. (Robin D. Grove, Pasadena, Md.)

“Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the recipient who doesn’t get it. (Tom Witte, Gaithersburg)

“Coiterie: A very very close-knit group. (Jonathan Paul, Garrett Park)

“Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly. (Barry Blyveis, Columbia)