cursor dipped in x

cursor dipped in X
 n.

   There are a couple of metaphors in English of the form `pen dipped in
   X' (perhaps the most common values of X are `acid', `bile', and
   `vitriol'). These map over neatly to this hackish usage (the cursor
   being what moves, leaving letters behind, when one is composing
   on-line). "Talk about a {nastygram}! He must've had his cursor dipped
   in acid when he wrote that one!"
    

cursor dipped in X

   <jargon> The metaphorical source of the electronic equivalent
   of a poisoned-pen letter.  Derived from English metaphors of
   the form "pen dipped in X" (where X = e.g. "acid", "bile",
   "vitriol").  These map over neatly to this hackish usage (the
   cursor being what moves, leaving letters behind, when one is
   composing on-line).

   "Talk about a {nastygram}!  He must've had his cursor dipped
   in acid when he wrote that one!"

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1996-12-27)