jizz
n.— «In both the examples cited above, the digital camera would never even have been used if the observers had not realized they were seeing something different, an odd Olivaceous or suspect sunbird. That knowledge only comes from experience in the field with the bird, mammal, dragonfly—or whatever—right in front of you. This experience is the only way to become aware of what is called in naturalist parlance “jizz.” Jizz is the collection of definable and indefinable characteristics—visual, behavioral or vocal—that go together to give a species its particular character. With experience and familiarity it is possible to identify by jizz alone and, perhaps more important, to know when something is different and possibly new and exciting.» —“Back to Basics” by Richard Hoath Egypt Today (Cairo) Sept., 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Unwrap the name of a candy bar, and you just might find a story inside. For instance, one chewy treat found in many a checkout lane is named after a family’s beloved horse. And: 50 years ago in the United States, some Latino elementary...
In Scotland and Northern England, something that’s kenspeckle is “conspicuous.” This word likely comes from Scandinavian languages and is related to English ken, meaning “range of knowledge.” And it’s not just ken...