Here are a few fun submissions from Kim in Shoreline. (I edited Kim’s definitions some, but I think that mine are true to her original intentions. Hopefully, Kim will correct them if they aren’t.)
Bus buddy: A person you often run into on (and probably know from) the bus. When you run into this person, you sit with him or her and usually enjoy a pleasant conversation, but the friendship rarely extends beyond transit. (See also: bus family)
Imaginary friend: The apparently invisible person sitting next to that bus rider who insists on sitting in the outside seat even though the inside seat in empty and the bus is full. (Usage: From one bus rider to another, “Is that your imaginary friend?”)
Phobe: The term for the rider (defined above) who refuses to move to the inside seat, apparently due to a phobia.
B.O. bounce: The act of abruptly getting up and moving after sitting down next to a rider who is emitting a less-than-ideal odor. (See also: funky bus)
On the first one: Kim used the term “bus friend” for this, but I wanted to have some way of distinguishing between a friend you make on the bus who remains relegated to your bus rides, and a friend you make on the bus (a la Bus Nerd and Coby) who becomes part of your world. I’m not sure if “bus friend” is the right term for the latter, but it’s a good candidate.
On the last one: I have to say, I try not to do this. Sometimes folks are in an unpleasant state due to circumstances outside of their control, and the last thing they need is a reminder that other people notice. The teenage girls aboard have no doubt already let this person know that he/she is offensive, so I try to hold my breath until I can discreetly make a move. I will admit, though, that I have (more than once) been tested beyond my ability to endure.
