Linux Definitions

On ability:
        A dwarf is small, even if he stands on a mountain top;
        a colossus keeps his height, even if he stands in a well.
                -- Lucius Annaeus Seneca, 4BC - 65AD

On the subject of C program indentation:
        "In My Egotistical Opinion, most people's C programs should be
        indented six feet downward and covered with dirt."
                -- Blair P. Houghton

On-line, adj.:
        The idea that a human being should always be accessible to a computer.

Once, adv.:
        Enough.
                -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"

One Page Principle:
        A specification that will not fit on one page of 8.5x11 inch
        paper cannot be understood.
                -- Mark Ardis

"One size fits all":
        Doesn't fit anyone.

One-Shot Case Study, n.:
        The scientific equivalent of the four-leaf clover, from which it is
        concluded all clovers possess four leaves and are sometimes green.

Optimism, n.:
        The belief that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, good,
        bad, and everything right that is wrong.  It is held with greatest
        tenacity by those accustomed to falling into adversity, and most
        acceptably expounded with the grin that apes a smile.  Being a blind
        faith, it is inaccessible to the light of disproof -- an intellectual
        disorder, yielding to no treatment but death.  It is hereditary, but
        not contagious.

optimist, n.:
        A proponent of the belief that black is white.

        A pessimist asked God for relief.
        "Ah, you wish me to restore your hope and cheerfulness," said God.
        "No," replied the petitioner, "I wish you to create something that
would justify them."
        "The world is all created," said God, "but you have overlooked
something -- the mortality of the optimist."
                -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"

optimist, n:
        A bagpiper with a beeper.