The
mantra and/or
motto of the
BOFH tribe, as well as suicidally depressed individuals
everywhere. The phrase refers to how one should apply a
razorblade to one's wrist to
achieve best results. In this case, Down, not across refers to slicing parallel to your wrist as to more fully evacuate blood from the body. Exercising the blade perpendicular to the wrist will take longer to die from, and also tends to sever important
tendons, making it very hard to grasp the razor.
"Down, not across" can also be used to express one's general dislike for life, life right now, and other forms of general
angst. This is comparable to other phrases such as
Just Shoot Me or
Arrgh! Fuck Me Harder!