old fashioned A worker in a railway gang who lays and maintains railroad tracks. My grandaddy worked as a gandy dancer building the first stretch of railroads across the state.

To lose some of one's skill in a particular area. This phrase can also be applied derisively to men who appear to have lost their virility, especially after marriage. After years away from the sport, she's half the swimmer she used to be—I doubt she'll place in the upcoming meet. A: "Can you believe that Joe is out shopping with his wife right now, instead of watching the game with us?" B: "Ever since he got married, he's half the man he used to be."

Someone, typically a woman, who dances exotically while straddling and rubbing against a customer's lap. John's friends took him to a strip club and paid a lap dancer to give him a private session for his birthday. My parents don't approve of her working as a lap dancer, but she's earning enough to pay her way through college.

A dancer who uses a vertical pole fixed to the ground and ceiling as part of their dance routine, often by twirling and swinging around it. Though traditionally performed as erotic entertainment while nude or partially clothed, such dancing is also done for fitness or fun. I know my parents wouldn't have approved if they knew I was working as a pole dancer to pay for college, so I just told them I was waiting tables. If you're really interested in becoming a pole dancer, I teach classes at the gym.

Someone who dances seductively for an audience while wearing little or no clothing. Please tell me you didn't go see erotic dancers during your bachelor party.

Someone who dances seductively for an audience while wearing little or no clothing. Please tell me you didn't go see exotic dancers during your bachelor party.

One who delights in or benefits from someone else's death or misfortune. I'm sure Laura's thrilled that my venture failed—I know she's secretly a grave-dancer.