The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
dummy, dummy up
(verb) make a dummy of; “dummy up the books that are to be published”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
dummied
simple past tense and past participle of dummy
Source: Wiktionary
Dum"my, a. Etym: [See Dumb.]
1. Silent; mute; noiseless; as a dummy engine.
2. Fictitious or sham; feigned; as, a dummy watch. Dummy car. See under Car.
Dum"my, n.; pl. Dummies (.
1. One who is dumb. H. Smith.
2. A sham package in a shop, or one which does not contain what its exterior indicates.
3. An imitation or copy of something, to be used as a substitute; a model; a lay figure; as, a figure on which clothing is exhibited in shop windows; a blank paper copy used to show the size of the future book, etc.
4. (Drama)
Definition: One who plays a merely nominal part in any action; a sham character.
5. A thick-witted person; a dolt. [Colloq.]
6. (Railroad)
Definition: A locomotive with condensing engines, and, hence, without the noise of escaping steam; also, a dummy car.
7. (Card Playing)
Definition: The fourth or exposed hand when three persons play at a four- handed game of cards.
8. A floating barge connected with a pier. Knight. To play dummy, to play the exposed or dummy hand in cards. The partner of the dummy plays it.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
22 April 2025
(adjective) made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow; “bright silver candlesticks”; “a burnished brass knocker”; “she brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves”; “rows of shining glasses”; “shiny black patents”
The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.