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Posted by TheFallen on February 07, 2003

In Reply to: Help posted by tree on February 07, 2003

: It isn't just physical exercise that gets those brain cells jumping. Just like those head-pumped cabbies and piano jockeys, you can build up various areas of your brain by putting them to work.

: Unfortunately, as soon as you get beyond that "moderate" amount, your memory, reaction time and ability to kick butt at PlayStation are all likely to decline

: what are "head-pumped" and "kick butt"? thanx!

In his usage of "head-pumped", the writer is clearly making reference to the way that well-trained and exercised muscle groups grow and swell when used or flexed, becoming both larger in terms of tissue mass and also engorged with blood. "Pumped" is a well-known term in the world of keep-fit and body-building to describe such a state. Therefore, since the writer's claim is that, much like a muscle, the brain can also be made to perform better through mental exercise, he uses the term "head-pumped".

To "kick butt" (or kick ass) means to win with extreme ease, so much so that one's opponent is almost humiliated in the process.

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