Friday Fun: 'Walkblock' and a New Urban Lexicon

Writing for Greater Greater Washington, Matt Johnson has compiled a list of neologisms to describe the unique encounters of contemporary city living.

1 minute read

September 19, 2014, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"The other morning, a taxi making an illegal right turn on red prevented me from entering a crosswalk," writes Johnson. "There's no term for that phenomenon, so I decided to coin one: I was 'walkblocked.'"

Johnson notes that many of the common experiences of city living lack nomenclature, so he details a new lexicon—some of his own invention and some (e.g., sneckdown and salmon) that will already be familiar to the more expressive urban observers. Another one that I particularly liked: "Zonely: adj. The state of an area of on-street parking reserved only for residents of the ward, thus excluding anyone else from parking there ever." (Also known as all of Santa Monica, for those of us here in Southern California.)

Commenters have been chiming in with more neologisms. Maybe you'll do the same here if you also share Lewis Carroll's tendency for linguistic invention?

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Sign for Eaton Canyon Natural Area in Los Angeles County.

After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails

The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.

January 17 - Los Angeles Public Press

Person on bike on path next to Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. with fall foliage in background across river.

DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates

District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.

January 17 - WUSA9

Black bollards lining a curved sidewalk next to a cobblestone street.

Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?

Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?

January 17 - MinnPost