L.A. SPEAK

A list of slang used in the creation of soap operas, from the writers of “All My Children.”

backstory-- n. Past events that shape a character. (Erica’s backstory is that her father deserted her when she was 9; hence her insatiable need to attract men.) hit and run-- n. When a character does or says something provocative, then quickly disappears.

limbo-- n. A close-up without a set to create an illusion. (Take Tom in limbo, supposedly talking on the phone in his office.)

Mazda-- n. A sudden idea, named for an old make of light bulb. (Hayley is wondering how she will get the money she needs, then has a Mazda and runs to the phone.)

NWT-- adj. Nice, warm, tender. (Play an NWT beat between mother and daughter.)

play or pay-- adj. Every contract actor is guaranteed a certain number of performances in a time period. If his character does not appear in an episode, he is paid anyway.

snarky-- adj. Sarcastic, snide. (In this scene, Erica makes a snarky remark to Brooke.)

talk-to-- n. A confidante through which a character reveals inner thoughts and motivations. (Opal is Erica’s talk-to about getting married again.)