The long pepper, once a common spice, is barely known outside of India.
Overheard at Capitol Cleaners: You can’t dry clean a leather jacket anywhere in Austin. Try Dallas or Houston.
Australians used to add the suffix “oh” to end of some occupation names. Examples that date back to the late 19th century: “milk-o”, “rabbit-o”, “bottle-o” for milkman, rabbit-seller, bottle-collector.
Ghillie suit may refer to the Ghillie Dhu, an earth spirit in Scottish mythology clothed in leaves and moss.
The following baby names are prohibited by British law: are impossible to pronounce; include numbers, symbols, or punctuation marks except hyphens or apostrophes; are considered offensive, vulgar, or blasphemous by the deed poll service; and fraudulent (inferring the child has a rank, title, or inherited honor).
The above is information that Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, magazine, or newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants. Why not visit mrsmartypants.com?
This article appears in January 9 • 2026.