Clemson
name, verb, slang
name, verb, slang ·2 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To perform uncharacteristically poorly, well below expectations. US, slang
"Anyone who was watching Saturday's loss to the Steve Spurrier-led Gamecocks surely could tell within the first quarter — if not that first failed drive — that Clemson was Clemsoning once again."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname originating as a patronymic. countable, uncountable
- 2 A city in Pickens County and Anderson County, South Carolina, United States, that is home to Clemson University. countable, uncountable
- 3 Clemson University. countable, informal, uncountable
Example
More examples"Anyone who was watching Saturday's loss to the Steve Spurrier-led Gamecocks surely could tell within the first quarter — if not that first failed drive — that Clemson was Clemsoning once again."
Etymology
Etymology 1
From a short form of the personal name Clement + -son.
Etymology 2
From the performance of the Clemson Tigers (NCAA college football), who had a history of facing weak opposition in their conference and so their record of wins led to high expectations that were not met.