special



be nothing special

To be not particularly wonderful, remarkable, beautiful, great, etc. A: "How's your sandwich?" B: "Eh, it's nothing special." I don't know why everyone is so enamored of this actress; she's nothing special, in my opinion.
See also: nothing, special

nothing special

Nothing exceptional or particularly wonderful, remarkable, beautiful, great, etc. I don't know why everyone is so enamored of this actress—she's nothing special, in my opinion. A: "What are you doing for your birthday?" B: "Nothing special. We'll probably just stay in."
See also: nothing, special

special delivery

1. A postal service by which letters or packages are delivered outside of the scheduled mail delivery times for an extra fee. I sent that parcel by special delivery so that you would get it in time for your birthday.
2. A phrase said humorously when giving something to someone, especially if the item is unappealing. A: "Special delivery: here's the report you need to work on!" B: "Gee, thanks."
See also: special

special measures

1. A designation given to a public establishment, such as a school or hospital, that is in need of improvement. Often used in the phrase "in special measures." Primarily heard in UK. My son's school is currently in special measures, so he's transferring to a different one next year.
2. Steps that must be taken, however unusual or extreme, to bring about some outcome. Oh, I will take special measures to ensure that the neighbors' dog stops barking, even if I have to buy him a muzzle myself! Don't worry, we took special measures to make sure that nobody finds us in here—we have furniture blocking all the doors.
See also: measure, special

special needs

Pertaining to one who has a mental or physical disability. I teach special needs kids, and I love it.
See also: needs, special

(special) snowflake

A derisive term for a person (often a young person) who acts or is judged to act entitled to special treatment or opportunities. Generations of students before you have read this book with no gripes about its content, and you will too—you're not special snowflakes.
See also: snowflake

Saturday night special

a small, easily obtainable pistol. There was another killing last night with a Saturday night special. That's the tenth shooting done with a Saturday night special this week.
See also: night, Saturday, special

King Kong pills

and King Kong specials
n. barbiturates. (see also gorilla biscuits.) Watch out for those King Kong pills. She’s a bit numb from “King Kong specials.”
See also: king, Kong, pill

King Kong specials

verb
See also: king, Kong, special

Saturday night special

n. a small, easily obtainable pistol. There was another killing last night with a Saturday night special.
See also: night, Saturday, special

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
JosÈP-Occitan
Hirah-Biblical
JenniferJEN-i-fər (English)English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish
MinnieMIN-eeEnglish
RubeROOBEnglish
Venkat-Indian, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam