(bat·ick·shuh·na·ry) A place to define words and phrases that, while never spoken by people in real life, are casually uttered by characters in Funky Winkerbean.
Readers may offer suggestions for new entries in the comments below.
*#@s
An instance of symbol swearing, used by Summer and Darin in a discussion of Summer’s life situation at the time. In context, the deleted expletive is “sucks”; what is unclear is why only four characters are used in place of five.
Bingo, Sherlock
A conflation of the exclamation “bingo” (“you are correct”) and “no shit, Sherlock” (“You have just stated an obvious fact”), used by Summer in reply to Darin when he correctly states the obvious fact that “everything [meaning her situation] *#@s.”
Bio-Dad:
Darin’s disparaging reference, used repeatedly, to “Frankie” Pierce, his biological father.
Book launch party:
A conflation of “book launch” and “launch party”; Funky coerced Les into having his BLP for Lisa’s Story at Montoni’s Pizza. Tom Batiuk had his book launch for Lisa’s Story at Luigi’s Restaurant in Akron (the real-life model for Montoni’s).
climate damage:
A phrase used by the staff of Atomik Komix, and practically nowhere in the real world, where most people would say “climate change.”
Coming Reunion, The:
In the days leading up to Westview High School Class of ’78’s 30th Reunion, the alumni almost always referred to it not as “the class reunion” or “our reunion” but as “the coming reunion”; perhaps to imbue the event with some sense of inevitable dread:
Especially me either
Phil Holt’s ghost’s affirmation of Jess’ “I can’t believe what that cover went for!”, as they watch Phil’s life’s work auctioned off for cancer money.
Grandpa Google
What people in the Funkiverse call the popular search engine; it’s where Pete first learns of negative fan reaction to his Amazing Mister Sponge story; Pete also credits “Grandpa” with leading him, Mason and Cindy to the New York City apartment of forgotten Starbuck Jones actor Cliff Anger. When Mindy meets Pete before the Starbuck Jones premiere at the Valentine, she has already queried “Grandpa” for Pete’s background info, and it’s how Darin learns that the name “Atomic Comics” has been used before Chester chose it for their comics startup.
I stand in line
Appears to be an expression of respect. The origin is uncertain, but this line is spoken by Crazy Harry to Funky at the end of the weird “Happiness Police” arc, and is used by Funky, accompanied by a humble bow, to give Darin props for his “breakfast pizza” idea.
In Situ Resource Utilization
Used euphemistically by Jim during the 2012 Westview Senior Trip to Washinton D.C. While ISRU does have a real-world application, Jim uses it to mean “hitting the mini bar in the hotel room”.
In the main
While not invented by Batiuk, this phrase meaning “for the most part” would probably never find its way into a romantic conversation; but leave it to Les to use it in the lead-up to his marriage proposal to Cayla.
It’s called writing:
This is not a line from the comic; it’s a quote from the Author Himself. “It’s called writing” is at once a mantra and manifesto for Batiuk, used to cover a multitude of crimes against continuity and plausibility. Shortly after the second time jump, on his blog Batiuk addressed questions by his fans regarding Wally’s status with the following: “…kick back, relax, and let the saga unfold tomorrow, and tomorrow and the tomorrow after that. It’s called writing (emphasis added).”
killer shark:
The “killer shark” surfaces twice in the Batiuktionary: after his car crash sends Funky back to the Westview of his teen years, he ruminates on the “killer-shark issues” that await him when he reaches adulthood. Frankie’s partner Lenny Gant tells him “you must have killer sharks swimming in your gene pool” as they discuss their evil scheme against Darin.
Lean-back listening list:
A “My-Tunes” playlist which might feature artists such as Emmylou Harris, but which should exclude presumably harder-rocking artists such as Robert Plant.
Le Chat Bleu:
(n, Fr.) aka, “Death Cat,” a vivid hallucination suffered by Les. This vision speaks to Les in times of crisis, demanding booze and taunting the hapless boob.
“Light this cracker”:
Spoken by a writer’s-blocked Les, April 19, 2013, in an attempt to psych himself up to start writing the Lisa’s Story screenplay. Would typically be spoken as “Let’s light this firecracker” in real life. Snarker Rick Brooks suggests that Les may be misquoting astronaut Alan Shepard’s “…light this candle.”
low-balling
Spoken by Harry Dinkle to wife Harriet at their 50th anniversary pizza party; used by Harry to mean “to keep something secret or hidden”. Used everywhere else in the known universe to mean “to deliberately underestimate or understate a cost.” (Suggested by Gyre)
Mega
Used by Linda to emphatically agree with Les’ observation that “things have changed,” and by actress Marianne Winters in a chat with Mason Jarr. Most humans would go with “Absolutely” or “You can say that again,” but I guess “mega” sounds “cooler.”
Miss All-Smart:
A female who presumes to possess knowledge that is unattainable to most, equivalent to the real-world expression “know-it-all”.
More issues than my car:
A non-sequitir used by Rachel to imply to Wally that he has more problems than he admits; it is unclear how “issues” relate to “car” unless it’s been established that said car has numerous problems. A more logical, real-world equivalent would be “more issues than National Geographic” or perhaps “more problems than a geometry textbook.”
Nearly…
One-word substitute for “almost but not quite.” Used by Summer when Les’ book is referred to as “Lucy’s Story” during his Today Show appearance; also spoken by Linda when Bull botches the delivery of Coach Stropp’s cremains into the end zone at the WHS football field.
Nordic
Possessed of the inability to experience happiness without a sense of mortal dread; always seeing the dark side of any positive condition. This, of course, is a major theme of Acts II and III, but is identified as “Nordic” by Jessica, referring to prospective new father Darin, and by Les in re: his jogging partner Funky. Possibly a Midwestern or Ohio term, as Google searches for this usage yield no corroborating result.
Pedantic schoolmarm from a bitter hollow
Cory can’t bring himself to talk to Funky, because every time he does, Funky turns into one of these.
Rent a room:
An expression of disgust directed at two people sharing a public display of affection; equivalent to the real-world expression “get a room”. Update: in the May 4, 2011 strip, Keisha uses the correct phrase.
seasonal marker:
Though it sounds more like something Mr. Moore, Language Arts might say, this is actually a term coined by Funky to describe the ritual of setting up the outside dining tables in front of Montoni’s.
shanked:
1.) failed to or forgot to do: “I totally shanked that paper that was due in Mr. Moore’s class tomorrow,” Maddie
2.) messed up, mishandled: “I totally shanked the excuse,” Owen; “Just make sure you don’t shank it,” Darin to Pete, about his interview with the Starbuck Jones producers.
Soap drawer:
Where CTE-enfeebled Bull once put the Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Apparently the Bushkas have require an entire drawer in the bathroom to contain their soaps.
Solo Car Date:
Occurs when a teenage boy and girl travel in a motor vehicle; “solo” in the sense that each teen is without parental supervision; equivalent to the real-world expression “date”.
SPLANNG!
Sound made by a plastic reindeer when dropped from Montoni’s roof.
sportos
Athletes, “jocks”: At his first football practice, brooding-loner-turned-quarterback Jarod tells Bull “Listen, I’m not big with the sportos.”
Straight-to-cell-phone:
Used by Ann Apple when discussing the possibility of Lisa’s Story being turned into “a real movie”. While movies can be viewed on “cell-phones”, the context implies a rank even lower than “straight to DVD”.
Sue [someone] back to a ball of dirt
To bring a massive lawsuit against someone, presumably for everything they’ve got. This is what Mason “Jarre” reckons the movie studio will do to whomever leaked the plot of Starbuck Jones online.
unification display:
A supposed marriage custom in which the bride and groom combine some personal items and put them on display at their wedding ceremony. Cory and Rocky’s “unification display” consisted of their merged comic book collections in a longbox.
vendo:
A vending machine, like they used to have installed at Westview High until the school board decided to offer the students “healthy choices” like tap water from the drinking fountain and mashed potatoes with gravy. First uttered by Cody and later on by Bernie and his nameless African-American friend.
Vodka and orange:
A cocktail consisting of liquor distilled from potatoes or grain, mixed with the juice of oranges and usually served over ice. Most bartenders and bar patrons in the real world refer to this cocktail as a screwdriver.
Wear/Wearing
To accept an undeserved compliment or misplaced credit. When Cliff mentions Cindy’s documentary Emmy win, she reminds him that her employer and videographer deserve some of the credit, “as much as I’d like to wear that around.” Les is flattered that Mason wants to portray him in Lisa’s Story, but Mason won’t “wear” that, as the suggestion was Cindy’s.
What brings?
Odd-sounding, casual verbal shorthand for “So, what brings you here?” It’s how Funky welcomes Cindy and Masone to Montoni’s; also used by Summer to greet Crazy Harry.
What on this globally warming green Earth…?:
An exclamation uttered by Principal Nate in the course of disciplining Susan and Les after a picture of them kissing appears on the internet. Used as a secular equivalent of “What on God’s green Earth…” while also allowing TB to express his belief in climate change.
world’s perfect genome, The:
Owen’s description of Cody’s ex-classmate and ex-pretend wife, blond Mallory Brooks. A typical male teen would be more likely to point out her attractiveness rather than her potential as breeding stock.
Son of Stuck Funky 
Great idea!
“Vodka and Orange” – or do we really have to know what it means?
Le Chat Bleu: (n, Fr.) aka, “Death Cat,” a vivid hallucination suffered by Les. This vision speaks to Les in times of crisis, demanding booze and taunting the hapless boob. Rarely seen, certainly less than “Zombie Lisa” (see entry)
When it comes to faking knowledge of modern slang, Lynn Johnston and “roadside” have nothing on TB.
The coming reunion.
This comment was posted in another thread, but this thread seems more appropriate and I’d like to “officially” submit it:
I’d like to say “More issues than my car” might be good for the batiuktionary. A real-world equivalent would be “more issues than National Geographic” or (as was suggested by another) “more problems than a geometry textbook.”
From the strip linked in this past Sunday’s post; I’d submit both “*@#s” (stands for “sucks”?) and “bingo, Sherlock!” for consideration.
“Blurb paramour” might be worth looking at as well.
“Book launch party”
How about an entry that shares The Bat’s summer porch epiphany that a comic strip could “carry the weight of substantial ideas” – years after Doonesbury, FBOFW, and others.
Thanks for the suggestion! I will take it under consideration. I try to limit entries to instances of TB’s odd, tin-eared dialogue, but I did make an exception for “It’s called writing” since that comes up so often. Maybe we can use the acronym “W.O.S.I.” –TFH
“I stand in line” from the 8/27/11 strip. Apparently used to show respect and admiration, yet paired up with a screwed up facial expression and a bow so exaggerated that it looks mocking and phony.
Playdowns.
“A couple of tick-tocks.” –> “A few minutes, a bit of time.”
“Kick your butt off.” “Kick your ass,” “Kick your butt.”
To be added (from 16 Apr 2012 strip): a “restricted text message” (non-existant in the real world).
P.S. The word “shanked” could be removed from the list, it is a legitimate word in golf parlance, meaning to (badly) hit a ball with the “shank” of the club (the joint directly above the head of the club).
Okay, I love pretty much everything this list chooses to be, but how is “book launch party” a conflation of anything? When any author I know has a party to celebrate/publicize a book launch, they call it a “book launch party”.
Google searching for “book launch party” not only yields a ton of results, but a bunch of related searches that use the whole phrase. This one’s not a Batiukism. It really is how people talk. Maybe it’s something that nobody deeply enmeshed in the industry would say, but it’s not something unusual to find in the mouths of mid-list authors or mere mortals.
If anything, the phrase “launch party” could be understood to be short for “book launch party”. I mean, it’s not a generic launch, it’s a book launch.
Kilby, Alexandra Erin: Your points are well-taken. I will offer that while both terms (shanked and book launch party) are both often uttered IRL (unlike, say, vendo), they are in the Batiuktionary based on context. Shanked is indeed a golf term (and also is used to describe a bad placekick or punt in football), but I don’t imagine teens would pepper their speech with golf jargon. Book launch party makes the list because the term was used practically un-interchangably; it was never just the “book launch” or the “book party” or the “launch party” (see Coming Reunion, The).
I’d like to suggest “Have you given it a name yet?” as an entry, from the June 2012 “Funky Gets A New Car” nail-biter.
“Bully Jock” for anyone who dares speak ill of FW or Tom Batiuk.
“There were some children left behind” and “waddles off” seem to be popular around here, so I presume it came from this.
May I suggest “hidebound literalists” for the Batiuktionary?
On that note, perhaps “beady-eyed nitpickers” or “pedantic schoolmarm”. On the latter, I liked BeckoningChasm’s parody in which instead of Funky coming back with “I knew it! You could’ve gone to college!” he said “See? You WERE paying in Les’ class! You sound JUST LIKE HIM!” with the Cory thought-bubble saying “Oh my God! He’s right!”
OK, seriously, where did the “children left behind” part come from?
Señor:
Oh, I remember that! Thanks! It’s so fun to see Les get pissed.
“Couple of Tick Tocks” should definitely be an entry.
New one from July 15, 2013
http://www.nj.com/comics-kingdom/?feature_id=Funky_Winkerbean&feature_date=2013-07-15 (for as long as the link is good)
Batiuktionary Low-balling: to mean “to keep something secret or hidden”.
Actual meaning of Low-balling: to deliberately underestimate or understate a cost.
I believe the actual expression Hairy Dick is trying to employ there is “keeping it on the down low.”
“Sporto” is what Bender (Judd Nelson) calls Andrew (Emilio Estevez) in “The Breakfast Club.” Makes sense that Batiuk’s most current cultural reference dates from 1985.
Well, given that Batiuk sees Les and Funky as being young (and Cody and Owen as being grandchildren), we should have been pleasantly surprised that his cut-off date is that late.
Great articles you post here, i have shared this post on my facebook
“Sortware”.
“Keep a weather eye on.” To watch attentively. From the first week of the current Bull CTE arc.
Word Zeppelins. This is not a Batiukism, but a phrase coined by blog reader William Thompson to describe the oversized word balloons necessary to convey Batiuk’s wordiness.
Link to the creation: https://sonofstuckfunky.com/2019/09/10/cut-the-bull/#comments
Has anyone shopped at Vape HQ? 😉
I have realized that of all kinds of insurance, health insurance is the most controversial because of the issue between the insurance policies company’s obligation to remain adrift and the buyer’s need to have insurance. Insurance companies’ revenue on wellness plans are extremely low, as a result some providers struggle to gain profits. Thanks for the suggestions you share through this site.
wonderful points altogether, you just gained a new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?
Can someone recommend Cocktail Dresses? Cheers xxx
can hemp oil help stomach cancer
Has anybody ever shopped at Great Vapes Ecig Shop located in 194 Brighton Road?
Awesome web!
top 20 handbag brands
fashion collection trends
I’m actually hearing “bio-dad” or related synonyms a lot in seeing discourse from people with distant parents (be it from being adopted by others or having estranged relationships with birth parents), so I guess that’s one thing Bautik was ahead of his time on with using.