Cadillac converter

plural Cadillac converters

1. Southern UShumorousnonstandardoftenmalapropismSynonym of catalytic converter (“chamber containing a finely divided platinum catalyst in which carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from vehicle exhaust are oxidized to carbon dioxide”).

   We were a strong competitor throughout the competition, but then the Cadillac converter fell off, which hurt our emissions and place in the overall standings.

   2011 November, Robert Hartwell Fiske, “cadillac”, in Robert Hartwell Fiske’s Dictionary of Unendurable English: A Compendium of Mistakes in Grammar, Usage, and Spelling with Commentary on Lexicographers and Linguists, revised edition, New York, N.Y.: Scribner, →ISBN, page 86

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   Anyway, wherever he was, all he ever talked about was Cadillac converters and pipe. His work with pipe paid off when he was awarded the honor of "Repairman of the Week."

   1992, Ricardo Cortez Cruz, “The Bloods and the Crips, Starring Billy Bugle Boy”, in Straight Outta Compton, Normal, Ill.; Boulder, Colo.: University of Colorado; Fiction Collective Two, →ISBN, page 65

   He then asked, “What is a Cadillac converter?” At this point, I'm thinking he doesn't know much about cars; therefore, I went on to explain. From the look on his face, I knew he was setting me up for an attack. He replied, "The proper words are catalytic converter."

   2008, Gilbert A. Knowles, “Why Listen to Me?”, in Help Them Pull Their Pants Up: How Mentors and Communities Can Empower Young African American Men, Bloomington, Ind.: iUniverse, →ISBN, part I (The Preamble), page 28

   Synonyms: catalytic converter