Duane Douglass, of North Berwick, Maine, writes: "It is the accumulation of 'stuff' that collects under your car, behind the wheels, when driving in slush or snow. These lumps are truly hideous-looking, being composed of frozen snow, sand, salt, and road grime. Once the weather clears, they fall off in the driveway or parking lot, and sit there looking like some repulsive growth until they melt in the spring.

"It's awkward to say to someone 'My driveway is a mess! It's covered with those black frozen masses of stuff that collect behind my wheels.' Shouldn't there be a term?"