L.A. SPEAK

A selection of baby-sitter slang:

Bic baby n. A baby who needs a night-light. “Sally is still a Bic baby, so plug in the Snoopy light before you put her down for bed.” (origin unclear; possibly from Bic lighters.)

code cheese n. The baby is spitting up. “Uh-oh, code cheese. Gotta get off the phone.”

meter pleasers n. Families that compensate their sitters well. “Sitting for Billy and Sarah is the best. The kids are angels, and the Browns are real meter pleasers. “

sprout n. toddler. “The Lacys are tough duty--two sprouts, a newborn and a poodle.”

swaddle swapper n. A baby who is attached to a blanket. “I got three swaddle swappers with blue blankets. I predict a crisis.”

Thor n. A disobedient child. “Little Tommy threw his crayons across the room and then took the VCR apart with his Tinker Toys; he was being a real Thor. “

water baby n. Time for a new diaper.