A completely made-up word. , punct. When followed by a name, a form of direct address. The syntax comes from an archaic chat system running on APL machines; the syntax was short for TELL. The use is perpetuated to this day as an inside joke.

Equivalent in value, signification, or effect.

To be tantamount or equivalent; to amount.

being essentially equal to something; "it was as good as gold"; "a wish that was equivalent to a command"; "his statement was tantamount to an admission of guilt"