Word: toaster Part of Speech: noun Etymology: From toast + -er (agent noun suffix) or -er (patient suffix). Pronunciation: /ˈtəʊ̯s.təː/, [ˈtʰəʊ̯s.tʰəː], /ˈtoʊ̯s.tɚ/, [ˈtʰoʊ̯s.tʰɚ] ~ [ˈtʰoʊ̯s.tʰɹ̩], /ˈtɔʊ̯s.tɚ/ 1. An electrical device for toasting food, typically sliced bread. Example: “Imagine this,” says an advertising consultant named Barry Lowenthal. “I’m a smart toaster, and I’m collecting data on how many times the toaster is used.” […] There are, of course, smart speakers (which roughly a quarter of American homes have) and smart thermostats, as well as smart thermometers, smart mattress covers, smart coffee makers, smart doorbells, and even, yes, smart toasters. 2. A toasting fork. 3. A fish ready for toasting. Labels: archaic Example: [T]he tumult of the thousand different cries of the eager dealers, all shouting at the top of their voices, at one and the same time, is almost bewildering. […] "Come and look at 'em! here's toasters!" bellows one with a Yarmouth bloater stuck on a toasting-fork. 4. One who toasts (cooks lightly by browning). 5. One who toasts (engages in salute while drinking alcohol). 6. A firearm, especially a pistol. Labels: US, slang Example: The renegade, you been afraid I penetrate pop culture / Bring 'em a lot closer to the block where they pop toasters 7. A rapier or similar weapon. Labels: archaic, humorous Example: This attitude, and the sight of the blade which glistened by moonlight in his face, checked in some sort, the ardour of his assailant, who desired he would lay aside his toaster, and take a bout with him at equal arms. 8. Any of several small, box-like automobiles exemplified by the Scion xB and Honda Element. Labels: derogatory, informal 9. An electronic organ, especially a crude one that uses analog technology. Labels: derogatory, informal 10. A low-end or outdated personal computer. Labels: humorous Example: For most older computers (pre-486 and even some 486s), it's simply easier to throw them away and start over (and cheaper, too). I know; this probably goes against the grain; after all, you hung onto that old toaster for three years, and now it makes a darn good doorstop. Example: On the technical side, we had only the old “toaster” Macintosh computers as our environment (only black and white and 512 by 480 screen resolution) and a variety of IBM PCs or equivalents. 11. A protogen. Labels: endearing, slang 12. A self-contained software package distributable over the Internet or by burning onto CDs. Labels: slang, uncommon Example: The Freedom Toaster was developed with backing from Mark Shuttleworth as a vending-machine-style dispenser of free digital products, including Ubuntu Linux. 13. A disc jockey who accompanies reggae music with improvised rhythmic speech. 14. Diesel locomotives built by GE Transportation known for a propensity to catch fire, especially those showing previous fire damage. Labels: US, derogatory, informal Example: No. 4020 shows off the aftereffects of the GE “toaster” phenomenon as it runs on the Joint Line north of the Air Force Academy (7/02/2023). Example: Railfans often call GE Dash-9s as "toasters" which certainly applies to this locomotive. 15. An EMD AEM-7 electric locomotive Labels: US, informal Example: The origin of the design led railroaders to dub the units “meatballs,” and its boxy appearance inspired railfans to call them “toasters.”