Silent Sam

plural Silent Sams · alternative silent Sam

1. attributiveinformalsometimesA person who seldom or never speaks; a taciturn or unresponsive individual.

   Now he threw the Silent Sam treatment on me.

   2002, Jack Womack, Going, Going, Gone, →ISBN, page 47

   3 more examples

   But because Pierce has usually avoided the news media and gone about his work in the quiet behind-the-scenes way that brought him eminence as a top New York City litigator, the press has derisively tagged him "Silent Sam."

   1983 Mar, “Sam Pierce Hangs Tough”, in Black Enterprise, volume 13, number 8, page 43

   It's hard to get input from the Silent Sam even with a direct question—this person just doesn't have anything to say.

   2008, Sara Pope, Team Leader Workbook, →ISBN, pages 4–31

   With Silent Sam clients it is important for group leaders to make active and continuous efforts to get them involved in the group.

   2011, Linda Carter Sobell, Mark B. Sobell, Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorders, →ISBN, page 205

2. broadlyinformalA machine, device, etc. which operates without making noticeable sound.

   Or if you're a coward, there's Silent Sam ($1950), an automated early-warning safety robot flagman.

   1977 July, Richard West, “Reporter: Law and Order”, in Texas Monthly, volume 5, number 7, page 64

   1 more example

   "I've named my new noiseless aeroplane—Army Air Scout—I've named that Silent Sam. Wait until you hear it, or rather, don't hear it, and I think you'll agree with me. Silent Sam for Uncle Sam!"

   1919, Victor Appleton, chapter 17, in Tom Swift and His Air Scout

3. informalA mixed alcoholic beverage, usually containing vodka, a cola soft drink, and other ingredients.

   Ingredients: 13 oz vodka, 1 liter cola, (pepsi, coca cola...), 6-10 scoops iced tea. . . . Add all ingredients to a punch bowl.

   2010, “Silent Sam Mix Cocktail Recipe”, in www.1001cocktails.com, retrieved 20 Apr 2011

plural silent Sams

1. alternativeAlternative form of Silent Sam.