Where I come from, the word ‘reptile’ is a term of endearment, used in much the same way as ‘toe rag’ or ‘moosh’.

Bluer buttons illustrate the principle of 'keeping under'. The Knoll rule book states: 'It is a one year priv. [privilege] to have the bottom button on one's bluer undone [and] a three summer priv. to have all the buttons of one's bluer undone.'

to entrain a regiment

In the cottage next to the post office Alma Crumble broke her wrist stirring batter, at which the Bug declared in a minatory tone that 'That was enough of that.'