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!