GREP

To search for something in background physical noise (ie, files, pile of unwashed clothes, desk detritus) compulsively for something that you know is there but can't remember where you put it. For example, car keys, passport, prophylactic, security swipe card, underpants, cigarettes. First seen in a breathless letter to Computer Business Review from a former Microsoft contractor spilling the beans on an adviser to M$ Chief Screaming Officer Steve Ballmer. Example: So there I was in London Grepping for a cab, 'cos I was late for a meeting...