“It is a custom used of courseWhere the grey mare is the better horse.”STARK-NAKED (originallySTRIP-ME-NAKED,vide Randall’s Diary, 1820), raw gin.—Bulwer’s Paul Clifford.STARCHY, stuck-up, high-notioned, showily dressed, disdainful, cross.STAR IT, to perform as the centre of attraction, with inferior subordinates to set off one’s abilities.—Theatrical.STAR THE GLAZE, to break the window or show glass of a jeweller or other tradesman, and take any valuable articles, and run away. Sometimes the glass is cut with a diamond, and a strip of leather fastened to the piece of glass cut out to keep it from falling in and making a noise. Another plan is to cut the sash.START, “THE START,” London,—the great starting point for beggars and tramps.START, a proceeding of any kind;“a rumSTART,” an odd circumstance; “to get theSTARTof a person,” to anticipatehim, overreach him.STASH, to cease doing anything, to refrain, be quiet, leave off; “STASH IT, there, you sir!”i.e., be quiet, sir; to give over a lewd or intemperate course of life is termedSTASHING IT.STEEL, the house of correction in London, formerly named theBastile, but since shortened toSTEEL.STEEL BAR DRIVERS, orFLINGERS, journeymen tailors.STEMS, the legs.STEP IT, to run away, or make off.STICK, a derogatory expression for a person; “a rum” or “oddSTICK,” a curious man. More generally a “poorSTICK.”—Provincial.STICK, “cut yourSTICK,” be off, or go away; either simply equivalent to a recommendation to prepare a walking staff in readiness for a journey—in allusion to the Eastern custom of cutting a stick before setting out—or from the ancient mode of reckoning by notches or tallies on a stick. In Cornwall the peasantry tally sheaves of corn by cuts in a stick, reckoning by the score.Cut your stickin this sense may mean to make your mark and pass on—and so realise the meaning of the phrase “IN THE NICK(or notch)OF TIME.” Sir J. Emerson Tennent, inNotes and Queries(December, 1859), considers the phrase equivalent to “cutting the connection,” and suggests a possible origin in the prophets breaking the staves of “Beauty” and “Bands,”—videZech., xi., 10, 14.STICK, to cheat; “he gotSTUCK,” he was taken in;STICK, toforget one’s part in a performance—Theatrical;STICK ON, to overcharge or defraud;STICK UP FOR, to defend a person, especially when slandered in his absence;STICK UP TO, to persevere in courting or attacking, whether in fisty-cuffs or argument; “toSTICKin one’s gizzard,” to rankle in one’s heart; “toSTICK TOa person,” to adhere to one, be his friend through adverse circumstances.STICKS, furniture, or household chattels; “pick up yourSTICKSand cut!” summary advice to a person to take himself and furniture away.—Cumberland.STICKS, pistols.—Nearly obsolete.STICK-UPS, orGILLS, shirt collars.STICKINGS, bruised or damaged meat sold to sausage makers and penny pie shops.—North.STICKY, wax.STIFF, paper, a bill of acceptance, &c.; “how did you get it,STIFForhard?”i.e., did he pay you cash or give a bill?STIFF FENCER, a street seller of writing paper.STIFF ’UN, a corpse.—Term used by undertakers.STILTON, “that’s theSTILTON,” or “it is not theSTILTON,”i.e., that is quite the thing, or that is not quite the thing;—polite rendering of “that is not theCHEESE,” which see.STINGO, strong liquor.—Yorkshire.STINK, a disagreeable exposure.STINKOMALEE, a name given to the then New London University by Theodore Hook. Some question aboutTrincomaleewas agitated at the same time. It is still applied by the students of the old Universities, who regard it with disfavour from its admitting all denominations.STIPE, a stipendiary magistrate.—Provincial.STIR, a prison, a lock-up; “IN STIR,” in jail.Anglo Saxon,STYR, correction, punishment.STIR UP SUNDAY, the Sunday next before Advent, the collect for that day commencing with the words “Stir up.” Schoolboys, growing excited at the prospect of the vacation, irreverently commemorate it by stirring up—pushing and poking each other.Crib crust mondayandTUG BUTTON TUESDAYare distinguished by similar tricks; while onPAY-OFF WEDNESDAYthey retaliate small grudges in a playful facetious way. Forby says, good housewives in Norfolk consider themselves reminded by the name to mix the ingredients for their Christmas mince pies.STOCKDOLAGER, a heavy blow, a “finisher.”Italian,STOCCADO, a fencing term.STODGE, to surfeit, gorge, or clog with food.STONE JUG, a prison.STOOK, a pocket-handkerchief.STOOK HAULER, orBUZZER, a thief who takes pocket-handkerchiefs.STOP, a detective policeman.STORY, a falsehood,—the soft synonyme for alie, allowed in family circles and boarding-schools. A Puritanism that came in fashion with the tirade against romances, all novels and stories being considered as dangerous and false.STOTOR, a heavy blow, aSETTLER.—Old cant.STOW, to leave off, or have done; “STOW IT, the gorger’s leary,” leave off, the person is looking.SeeSTASH, with which it is synonymous.—Ancient cant.STOW FAKING! leave off there, be quiet!FAKINGimplying anything that may be going on.STRAW. Married ladies are said to be “inTHE STRAW” at theiraccouchements. The phrase is a coarse allusion to farm-yard animals in a similar condition.STRAWING,sellingstraws in the streets (generally for a penny) andgivingthe purchaser a paper (indecent or political), or a gold (!) ring,—neither of which the patterer states he is allowed to sell.STREAK, to decamp, run away.—Saxon.InAmericathe phrase is “to makeSTREAKS,” or “makeTRACKS.”STREAKY, irritated, ill-tempered.STREET PITCHERS, negro minstrels, ballad singers, long song men, men “working a board” on which have been painted various exciting scenes in some terrible drama, the details of which theSTREET PITCHERis bawling out, and selling in a little book or broadsheet (price one penny); or any persons who make a stand in the streets, and sell articles for their living.STRETCH, abbreviation of “STRETCHone’s neck,” to hang, be executed as a malefactor.—Bulwer’s Paul Clifford.STRETCH, twelve months,—generally used to intimate the time any one has been sentenced by the judge or magistrate.One stretchis to be imprisoned twelve months,TWO STRETCHis two years,THREE STRETCHis three years, and so on.STRETCHER, a falsehood.STRETCHER, a contrivance with handles, used by the police to carry off persons who are violent or drunk.STRETCHER FENCER, one who sells braces.STRETCHING MATCH, an execution.—SeeSTRETCH.STRIKE ME LUCKY! an expression used by the lower orders when making a bargain, derived from the old custom of striking hands together, leaving in that of the seller aLUCK PENNYas an earnest that the bargain is concluded. In Ireland, at cattle markets, &c., a penny, or other small coin, is always given by the buyer to the seller to ratify the bargain.—Hudibras.Anciently this was called aGOD’S PENNY.“With that he cast him a God’s peny.”—Heir of Linne.The origin of the phrase being lost sight of, like that of many others, it is often corrupted now-a-days intoSTRIKE ME SILLY.STRIKE THE JIGGER, to pick the lock, or break open the door.STROMMEL, straw.—Ancient cant.Halliwell says that in NorfolkSTRUMMELis a name for hair.STRONG, “to come itSTRONG.”—SeeCOME.STUCK-UP, “purse-proud”—a form of snobbishness very common in those who have risen in the world. Mr. Albert Smith has written some amusing papers on theNatural History ofSTUCK-UPPeople.STUFF, money.STUFF, to make false but plausible statements, to praise ironically, to make game of a person,—literally, toSTUFForCRAMhim with gammon or falsehood.STUMP, to go on foot.STUMPED, bowled out, done for, bankrupt, poverty stricken.—Cricketing term.STUMPS, legs, or feet.STUMPY, money.STUMP UP, to pay one’s share, to pay the reckoning, to bring forth the money reluctantly.STUN, to astonish.STUNNER, a first-rate person or article.STUNNERS, feelings of great astonishment; “it put theSTUNNERSon me,” it confounded me.STUNNING, first-rate, very good. “Stunningpears,” shouts the coster, “only eight a penny.”—Vide Athenæum, 26thMarch, 1859. Sometimes amplified toSTUNNING JOE BANKS!when the expression is supposed to be in its most intense form.Joe Bankswas a noted character in the last generation. He was the proprietor of a public-house in Dyott-street, Seven Dials, and afterwards, on the demolition of the Rookery, of another in Cranbourne-alley. His houses became well-known from their being the resort of the worst characters, at the same time that the strictest decorum was always maintained in them.Joe Banksalso acquired a remarkable notoriety by acting as a medium betwixt thieves and their victims. Upon the proper payment to Joe, a watch or a snuff box would at any time be restored to its lawful owner—“no questions in any case being asked.” The most daring depredators in London placed the fullest confidence in Joe, and it is believed (although theBiographie Universelleis quiet upon this point) that he never, in any instance, “sold” them. He was of the middle height, stout, and strongly made, and was always noted for a showy pin, and a remarkablySTUNNINGneck-tie. It was this peculiarity in the costume of Mr. Banks, coupled with those true and tried qualities as a friend, for which, as I have just remarked, he was famous, that led his customers to proclaim him asSTUNNING JOE BANKS!The Marquis of Douro, Colonel Chatterley, and men of their stamp, were accustomed to resort to a private room at his house, when too late or too early to gain admittance to the clubs or more aristocratic establishments.STUNNED ON SKILLY, to be sent to prison and compelled to eatSKILLY, orSKILLIGOLEE.STURABAN, a prison.Gipsey,DISTARABIN.SUCK, a parasite, flatterer of the “nobs.”—University.SUCK, to pump, or draw information from a person.SUCK-CASSA, a public-house.SUCK THE MONKEY, to rob a cask of liquor by inserting a straw through a gimlet hole, and sucking a portion of the contents.SUCK UP, “toSUCK UPto a person,” to insinuate oneself into his good graces.SUFFERER, a tailor.SUIT, a watch and seals.SULKY, a one-horse chaise, having only room for one person.SUN IN THE EYES, to have too much drink.—Dickens.SUP, abbreviation ofsupernumerary.—Theatrical.SUPER, a watch;SUPER-SCREWING, stealing watches.SURF, an actor who frequently pursues another calling.—Theat.SWADDLER, a Wesleyan Methodist; a name originally given to members of that body by the Irish mob; said to have originated with an ignorant Romanist, to whom the words of the English Bible were a novelty, and who, hearing one of John Wesley’s preachers mention theswaddling clothesof the Holy Infant, in a sermon on Christmas-day at Dublin, shouted out in derision, “A swaddler! a swaddler!” as if the whole story were the preacher’s invention.—Southey’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 109.SWADDY, orCOOLIE, a soldier. The former was originally applied to a discharged soldier, and perhaps came from shoddy, of which soldiers’ coats are made.SWAG, a lot or plenty of anything, a portion or division of property. In Australia the term is used for the luggage carried by diggers: in India the wordLOOTis used.Scotch,SWEG, orSWACK;German,SWEIG, a flock.Old cantfor a shop.SWAG, booty, or plundered property; “collar theSWAG,” seize the booty.SWAG-SHOP, a warehouse where “Brummagem” and general wares are sold,—fancy trinkets, plated goods, &c. Jews are the general proprietors, and the goods are excessively low priced, trashy, and showy.Swag-shopswere formerly plunder depôts.—Old cant.SWAGSMAN, one who carries the booty after a burglary.SWANKEY, cheap beer.—West.SWAP, to exchange.Grosesays it isIrishcant, but the term is now included in most dictionaries as an allowed vulgarism.SWEAT, to extract money from a person, to “bleed,” to squander riches.—Bulwer.SWEATER, common term for a “cutting” or “grinding” employer.SWEEP, a low or shabby man.SWEET, loving or fond; “howSWEEThe was upon the moll,”i.e., what marked attention he paid the girl.SWELL, a man of importance; a person with a showy, jaunty exterior; “a rankSWELL,” a very “flashly” dressed person, a man who by excessive dress apes a higher position than he actually occupies. Anything is said to beSWELLorSWELLISHthat looks showy, or is many coloured, or is of a desirable quality. Dickens and Thackeray are termed greatSWELLSin literature; so indeed are the first persons in the learned professions.SWELL FENCER, a street salesman of needles.SWELL HUNG IN CHAINS, said of a showy man in the habit of wearing much jewellery.SWIG, to drink.Saxon,SWIGAN.SWIG, a hearty drink.SWIM, “a goodSWIM,” a good run of luck, a long time out of the policeman’s clutches.—Thieves’ term.SWINDLER, although a recognised word in respectable dictionaries, commenced service as a slang term. It was used as such by the poor Londoners against the German Jews who set up in London about the year 1762, also by our soldiers in the German War about that time.Schwindel, inGerman, signifies to cheat.SWING, to be hanged.SWINGING, large, huge.SWIPES, sour or small beer.Swipe, to drink.—Sea.SWIPEY (fromSWIPES), intoxicated.SWISHED, married.SWIZZLE, small beer, drink.SWOT, mathematics; also a mathematician; as a verb, to work hard for an examination, to be diligent in one’s studies.—Army.This word originated at the great slang manufactory for the army, the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in the broad Scotch pronunciation of Dr. Wallace, one of the Professors, of the wordsweat.—See Notes and Queries, vol. i., p. 369.T, “to suit to a T,” to fit to a nicety.—Old.Perhaps from theT-square of carpenters, by which the accuracy of work is tested.TACKLE, clothes.—Sea.TAFFY (corruption ofDavid), a Welshman. CompareSAWNEY(fromAlexander), a Scotchman.TAG-RAG-AND-BOBTAIL, a mixed crowd of low people, mobility.TAIL BUZZER, a thief who picks coat pockets.TAKE, to succeed, or be patronised; “do you think the newopera willTAKE?” “No, because the same companyTOOKso badly under the old management;” “toTAKE ON,” to grieve;Shakespereuses the wordTAKINGin this sense. To “TAKE UPfor any one,” to protect or defend a person; “toTAKE OFF,” to mimic; “toTAKEheart,” to have courage; “toTAKEdown a peg or two,” to humiliate, or tame; “toTAKE UP,” to reprove; “toTAKE AFTER,” to resemble; “toTAKE IN,”to cheat or defraud, from the lodging-house keepers’ advertisements, “single menTAKEN IN AND DONE FOR,”—an engagement which is as frequently performed in a bad as a good sense; “toTAKE THE FIELD,”when said of aGeneral, to commence operations against the enemy; when aracing manTAKES THE FIELDhe stakes his money against the favourite.TAKE BEEF, to run away.TAKE IN, a cheating or swindling transaction,—sometimes termed “aDEAD TAKE IN.”ShakesperehasTAKE INin the sense of conquering.To be had, orTO BE SPOKE TO, were formerly synonymous phrases withTO BE TAKEN IN.TALLY, five dozen bunches of turnips.TAN, to beat or thrash; I’llTANyour hide,i.e., give you a good beating.TANNER, a sixpence.Gipsey,TAWNO, little, orLatin,TENER, slender?TANNY, orTEENY, little.Gipsey,TAWNO, little.TANTREMS, pranks, capers, or frolicking; from theTarantuladance? See account of the involuntary phrensy and motions caused by the bite of the tarantula in Italy.—Penny Cyclopædia.TAPE, gin,—term with female servants.TAPER, to gradually give over, to run short.TAP TUB, theMorning Advertiser.TAT BOX, a dice box.TATER, “s’elp myTATER,” another street evasion of a profane oath, sometimes varied by “s’elp myGREENS.”TATLER, a watch; “nimming aTATLER,” stealing a watch.TATS, dice.TATS, old rags;MILKY TATS, white rags.TATTING, gathering old rags.TAW, a large or principal marble; “I’ll be one on yourTAW,” I will pay you out, or be even with you,—a simile takenfrom boys aiming always at winning theTAWwhen playing at marbles.TEAGUELAND, Ireland.TEETH, “he has cut hiseyeTEETH,”i.e., is old and cute enough.TEETH-DRAWING, wrenching off knockers.TEETOTALLER, a total abstainer from alcoholic drinks.TEETOTALLY, amplification ofTOTALLY.TELL-ON, to tell about.TENPENCE TO THE SHILLING, a vulgar phrase denoting a deficiency in intellect.TESTER, sixpence. FromTESTONE, a shilling in the reign of Henry VIII., but a sixpence in the time of Q. Elizabeth.—Shakespere.French,TESTE, orTETE, the head of the monarch on the coin.TEVISS, a shilling.THEATRE, a police court.THICK, intimate, familiar.Scotch,CHIEF; “the two are veryCHIEFnow,”i.e., friendly.THICK-UN, a sovereign; a crown piece, or five shillings.THIMBLE, orYACK, a watch.THIMBLE-RIG, a noted cheating game played at fairs and places of great public thronging, consisting of two or three thimbles rapidly and dexterously placed over a pea, when theTHIMBLE-RIGGER, suddenly ceasing, asks you under which thimble the pea is to be found. If you are not a practised hand you will lose nine times out of ten any bet you may happen to make with him. The pea is sometimes concealed under his nail.THIMBLE TWISTERS, thieves who rob persons of their watches.THINSKINNED, over nice, petulant, apt to get a “raw.”THREE SHEETS IN THE WIND, unsteady from drink.—Sea.THREE-UP, a gambling game played by costers. Three halfpennies are thrown up, and when they fall all “heads,” or all “tails,” it is a mark; and the man who gets the greatest number of marks out of a given amount—three, five, or more—wins. The costers are very quick and skilful at this game, and play fairly at it amongst themselves; but should a stranger join in they invariably unite to cheat him.THRUMS, threepence.THRUMMER, a threepenny bit.THRUPS, threepence.THUMPING, large, fine, or strong.THUNDERER, theTimesnewspaper.THUNDERING, large, extra-sized.TIBBING OUT, going out of bounds.—Charterhouse.TICK, credit, trust.Johnsonsays it is a corruption ofticket,—tradesmen’s bills being formerly written on tickets or cards.On tick, therefore, is equivalent toon ticket, or on trust. In use 1668. Cuthbert Bede, inNotes and Queries, supplies me with an earlier date, from theGradus ad Cantabrigiam.“No matter upon landing whether you have money or no—you may swim in twentie of their boats over the riverUPON TICKET.”—Decker’s Gul’s Hornbook, 1609.TICKER, a watch.TICKET, “that’s theTICKET,”i.e., what was wanted, or what is best. Corruption of “that is notetiquette,” by adding, in vulgar pronunciation,thto the firsteof etiquette; or, perhaps, fromTICKET, a bill or invoice. This phrase is sometimes extended into “that’s theTICKET FOR SOUP,” in allusion to the card given to beggars for immediate relief at soup kitchens.—SeeTICK.TIDY, tolerably, or pretty well; “how did you get on to-day”—“Oh,TIDY.”—Saxon.TIED UP, given over, finished; also married, in allusion to the Hymenial knot, unless a jocose allusion be intended to thehalter(altar).TIFFIN, a breakfast,dejeuner a la fourchette.—Anglo Indian slang.TIGER, a boy employed to wait ongentlemen; one who waits on ladies is a page.TIGHT, close, stingy; hard up, short of cash;TIGHT, spruce, strong, active; “aTIGHTlad,” a smart, active young fellow;TIGHT, drunk, or nearly so; “TIGHTlaced,” puritanical, over-precise. Money is said to beTIGHT, when the public, from want of confidence in the aspect of affairs, are not inclined to speculate.TIGHTNER, a dinner, or hearty meal.TIKE, orBUFFER LURKING, dog stealing.TILE, a hat; a covering for the head.“I’m a gent, I’m a gent,In the Regent-street style,—Examine my vest,And look at myTILE.”—Popular Song.Sometimes used in another sense, “having aTILEloose,”i.e., being slightly crazy.—SeePANTILE.TIMBER MERCHANT, orSPUNK FENCER, a lucifer match seller.TIME O’ DAY, a dodge, the latest aspect of affairs; “that’s yourTIME O’ DAY,”i.e.,Euge, well done; toPUT A PERSON UP TO THE TIME O’ DAY, let him know what is o’clock,—to instruct him in the knowledge needful for him.TIN, money,—generally applied to silver.TINGE, the percentage allowed by drapers and clothiers to their assistants, upon the sale of old-fashioned articles.—SeeSPIFFS.TIN-POT, “he plays aTIN-POTgame,”i.e., a low or shabby one.—Billiards.TIP, a douceur; also to give, lend, or hand over anything to another person; “come,TIPup the tin,”i.e., hand up the money; “TIPthe wink,” to inform by winking; “TIPus your fin,”i.e., give me your hand; “TIPone’s boom off,” to make off, depart.—Sea.“To miss one’sTIP,” to fail in a scheme.—Old cant.TIP THE DOUBLE, to “bolt,” or run away from a creditor or officer. SometimesTIP THE DOUBLE TO SHERRY,i.e., to the sheriff.TIP-TOP, first-rate, of the best kind.TIPTOPPER, a “swell,” or dressy man, a “Gorger.”TIT, favourite name for a horse.TIT FOR TAT, an equivalent.TITIVATE, to put in order, or dress up.TITLEY, drink.TITTER, a girl.’TIZER, theMorning Advertiser.TIZZY, a sixpence. Corruption ofTESTER.TOASTING FORK, derisive term for a sword.TOBY CONSARN, a highway expedition.TOBY, a road; “highTOBY,” the turnpike road. “HighTOBYspice,” robbery on horse-back.—Don Juan, canto xi., 19.TODDLE, to walk as a child.TO-DO (pronounced quickly, and as one word), a disturbance, trouble; “here’s a prettyTO-DO,” here is an unpleasant difficulty. This exactly tallies with theFrenchwordAFFAIRE(a faire).—See Forby’s Vocabulary of East Anglia.TOFFER, a well dressed, “gay” woman.TOFFICKY, dressy, showy.TOFT, a showy individual, aSWELL, a person who, according to a Yorkshireman’s vocabulary, isUP-ISH.TOG, a coat.Latin,TOGA.—Ancient cant.TOG, to dress, or equip with an outfit; “TOGGEDout to the nines,” dressed in the first style.TOGS, clothes; “SundayTOGS,” best clothes. One of the oldest cant words, in use in the time of Henry VIII.TOGERY, clothes, harness, domestic paraphernalia of any kind.TOKE, dry bread.TOL-LOL, orTOL-LOLISH, tolerable, or tolerably.TOMMY.—SeeDICKEY.TOMMY, bread,—generally a penny roll.TOMMY, a truck, barter, the exchange of labour for goods, not money. Both term and practice general among English operatives for half-a century.TOMMY-MASTER, one who pays his workmen in goods, or gives them tickets upon tradesmen, with whom he shares the profit.TOMMY SHOP, where wages are generally paid to mechanics or others, who are expected to “take out” a portion of the money in goods.TOM-TOM, a street instrument, a small kind of drum beaten with the fingers, somewhat like the ancient tabor; a performer on this instrument. It was imported, doubtless, with theNiggermelodies,—TOM-TOMSbeing a favourite instrument with the darkies.TONGUED, talkative; “toTONGUEa person,”i.e., talk him down.TOOL, “a poorTOOL,” a bad hand at anything.TOOL, to drive a mail coach.TOOL, to pick pockets.TOOLER, a pickpocket.Moll-tooler, a female pickpocket.TOOTH, “he has cut his eyeTOOTH,”i.e., he is sharp enough, or old enough, to be so; “up in theTOOTH,” far advanced in age,—said often of old maids.Stable termfor aged horses which have lost the distinguishing mark in their teeth.TOPHEAVY, drunk.TOPPED, hung or executed.TOP-SAWYER, the principal of a party, or profession. “ATOP-SAWYER, signifies a man that is a master genius in any profession. It is a piece ofNorfolkslang, and took its rise from Norfolk being a great timber county, where thetopsawyers get double the wages of those beneath them.”—Randall’s Diary, 1820.TOPS, dying speeches and gallows broadsides.TOPSY-TURVY, the bottom upwards.Grosegives an ingenious etymology of this once cant term, viz., “top-side turf-ways,”—turf being always laid the wrong side upwards.TO-RIGHTS, excellent, very well, or good.TORPIDS, the second-class race-boats at Oxford, answering to the CambridgeSLOGGERS.TOSHERS, men who steal copper from ships’ bottoms in the Thames.TOSS, a measure of sprats.TOUCHED, slightly intoxicated.TOUCHER, “as near as aTOUCHER,” as near as possible without actually touching.—Coaching term.The old jarveys, to show their skill, used to drive against things so close as absolutely totouch, yet without injury. This they called aTOUCHER, or,TOUCH AND GO, which was hence applied to anything which was within an ace of ruin.TOUCHY, peevish, irritable.Johnsonterms it a low word.TOUT, to look out, or watch.—Old cant.TOUTER, a looker out, one who watches for customers, a hotel runner.TOWEL, to beat or whip. InWarwickshirean oaken stick is termed aTOWEL—whence, perhaps, the vulgar verb.TOWELLING, a rubbing down with anoakenTOWEL, a beating.TRACKS, “to makeTRACKS,” to run away.—SeeSTREAK.TRANSLATOR, a man who deals in old shoes or clothes, and refits them for cheap wear.TRANSLATORS, second-hand boots mended and polished, and sold at a low price. Monmouth-street, Seven Dials, is a great market forTRANSLATORS.TRANSMOGRIPHY, to alter or change.TRAP, a “fast” term for a carriage of any kind.Traps, goods and chattels of any kind, but especially luggage and personal effects; in Australia,SWAG.TRAP, “up toTRAP,” knowing, wide awake,—synonymous with “up toSNUFF.”TRAP, a sheriff’s officer.TRAPESING, gadding or gossiping about in a slatternly way.—North.TRAVELLER, name given by one tramp to another. “ATRAVELLERat her Majesty’s expense,”i.e., a transported felon, a convict.TREE, “up aTREE,” in temporary difficulties,—out of the way.American expression, derived fromRACCOONorBEAR-HUNTING. When Bruin isTREED, or is forced UP ATREEby the dogs, it means that then the tug of war begins.—See’COON. Hence when an opponent is fairly run to bay, and can by no evasion get off, he is said to beTREED. These expressions originated with Colonel Crockett. InScotlandthe phrase is “up aCLOSE,”i.e., a passage, out of the usual track, or removed from observation.TRINE, to hang.—Ancient cant.TROLLING, sauntering or idling.TROLLY, orTROLLY-CARTS, term given by costermongers to a species of narrow cart, which can either be drawn by a donkey, or driven by hand.TROTTER, a tailor’s man who goes round for orders.—University.TROTTER CASES, shoes.TROTTERS, feet. Sheep’sTROTTERS, boiled sheep’s feet, a favourite street delicacy.TRUCK, to exchange or barter.TRUCK-GUTTED, pot-bellied, corpulent.—Sea.TRUCKS, trowsers.TRUMP, a good fellow; “a regularTRUMP,” a jolly or good natured person,—in allusion to aTRUMPcard; “TRUMPSmay turn up,”i.e., fortune may yet favour me.TUB THUMPING, preaching or speech making.TUCK, a schoolboy’s term for fruit, pastry, &c.Tuck in, orTUCK OUT, a good meal.TUFTS, fellow commoners,i.e., wealthy students at the University, who pay higher fees, dine with the Dons, and are distinguished by goldenTUFTS, or tassels, in their caps.TUFT-HUNTER, a hanger on to persons of quality or wealth. OriginallyUniversity slang, but now general.TUMBLE, to comprehend or understand. A coster was asked what he thought ofMacbeth,—“the witches and the fighting was all very well, but the other moves I couldn’tTUMBLEtoexactly; few on us canTUMBLEto the jaw-breakers; they licks us, they do.”TURF, horse racing, and betting thereon; “on theTURF,” one who occupies himself with race course business; said also of a street-walker, nymph of the pavé.TURKEY-MERCHANTS, dealers in plundered or contraband silk. Poulterers are sometimes termedTURKEY MERCHANTS, in remembrance of Horne Tooke’s answer to the boys at Eton, who wished in an aristocratic way to know whohisfather was,—aTURKEY MERCHANT, replied Tooke;—his father was a poulterer.Turkey merchant, also, was formerly slang for a driver of turkeys or geese to market.TURNED OVER, to be stopped and searched by the police.TURNED UP, acquitted by the magistrate or judge for want of evidence.TURNER OUT, a coiner of bad money.TURN OUT, personal show or appearance; a man with a showy carriage and horses is said to have a goodTURN OUT.TURNOVER, an apprentice who finishes with a second master the indentures he commenced with the first.TURNPIKE-SAILORS, beggars who go about dressed as sailors.TURN UP, a street fight; a sudden leaving, or making off.TURN UP, to quit, change, abscond, or abandon; “Ned hasTURNED UP,”i.e.run away; “I intendTURNING IT UP,”i.e.leaving my present abode or altering my course of life. Also to happen; let’s wait, and see what willTURN UP.TUSHEROON, a crown piece, five shillings.TUSSLE, a pull, struggle, fight, or argument.JohnsonandWebstercall it a vulgar word.TUSSLE, to struggle, or argue.TWELVER, a shilling.TWIG, style,à-la-mode; “get your strummel faked inTWIG,”i.e., have your hair dressed in style;PRIME TWIG, in good order, and high spirits.—Pugilistic.TWIG, “to hop theTWIG,” to decamp, “cut one’s stick,” to die.TWIG, to understand, detect, or observe.TWIST, brandy and gin mixed.TWIST, appetite; “Will’s got a capitalTWIST.”TWITCHETTY, nervous, fidgetty.TWITTER, “all in aTWITTER,” in a fright, or fidgetty state.TWO-HANDED, awkward.TWOPENNY, the head; “tuck in yourTWOPENNY,” bend down your head.TWOPENNY-HOPS, low dancing rooms, the price of admission to which was formerly—and not infrequently now—two pence. The clog hornpipe, the pipe dance, flash jigs, and hornpipes in fetters,à laJack Sheppard,are the favourite movements, all entered into with great spirit and “joyous, laborious capering.”—Mayhew.TYBURN COLLAR, the fringe of beard worn under the chin.—SeeNEWGATE COLLAR.TYE, orTIE, a neckerchief. Proper hosier’s term now, but slang thirty years ago, and as early as 1718. Called also,SQUEEZE.UNBETTY, to unlock.—SeeBETTY.UNCLE, the pawnbroker.—SeeMY UNCLE.UNDER THE ROSE.—SeeROSE.UNICORN, a style of driving with two wheelers abreast, and one leader,—termed in theUnited States, aSPIKE TEAM.Tandemis one wheeler and one leader.Random, three horses in line.UNUTTERABLES, trousers—SeeINEXPRESSIBLES.UNWHISPERABLES, trousers.UP, “to beUPto a thing or two,” to be knowing, or understanding; “to put a manUPto a move,” to teach him a trick; “it’s allUPwith him,”i.e., it is all over with him, often pronounced U.P., naming the two letters separately; “UPa tree,” seeTREE; “UPtoTRAP,” “UPtoSNUFF,” wide awake, acquainted with the last new move; “UPto one’sGOSSIP,” to be a match for one who is trying to take you in;—“UPtoSLUM,” proficient in roguery, capable of committing a theft successfully.UPPER BENJAMIN, a great coat.UPPER STOREY, orUPPER LOFT, a person’s head; “hisUPPER STOREYis unfurnished,”i.e., he does not know very much.UPPISH, proud, arrogant.USED UP, broken-hearted, bankrupt, fatigued.VAMOS, orVAMOUS, to go, or be off.Spanish,VAMOS, “let us go!” ProbablyNAMUSorNAMOUSthe costermonger’s word, was from this, although it is generally considered back slang.VAMPS, old stockings. FromVAMP, to piece.VARDO, to look; “VARDOthe cassey,” look at the house.Vardoformerly wasold cantfor a wagon.VARMENT, “you youngVARMENT, you!” you bad, or naughty boy. Corruption ofvermin.VELVET, the tongue.VERTICAL-CARE-GRINDER, the treadmill.VIC., the Victoria Theatre, London,—patronised principally by costermongers and low people; also the street abbreviation of the Christian name of her Majesty the Queen.VILLAGE, orTHE VILLAGE,i.e., London.—Sporting.VILLE, orVILE, a town or village.—pronouncedphial, orvial.—French.VINNIED, mildewed, or sour.—Devonshire.VOKER, to talk; “can youVOKERRomany?” can you speak the canting language.—Latin,VOCARE;Spanish,VOCEAR.WABBLE, to move from side to side, to roll about.Johnsonterms it a “low, barbarous word.”WALKER! orHOOKEY WALKER!an ejaculation of incredulity, said when a person is telling a story which you know to be all gammon, or false. TheSaturday Reviewer’sexplanation of the phrase is this:—“Years ago, there was a person namedWalker, an aquiline-nosed Jew, who exhibited an orrery, which he called by the erudite name ofEidouranion. He was also a popular lecturer on astronomy, and often invited his pupils, telescope in hand, totake a sightat the moon and stars. The lecturer’s phrase struck his school-boy auditory, who frequently “took a sight” with that gesture of outstretched arm, and adjustment to nose and eye, which was the first garnish of the popular saying. The next step was to assume phrase and gesture as the outward and visible mode of knowingness in general.” A correspondent, however, denies this, and states thatHOOKEY WALKERwas a magistrate of dreaded acuteness and incredulity, whose hooked nose gave the title ofBEAKto all his successors; and, moreover, that the gesture of applying the thumb to the nose and agitating the little finger, as an expression of “Don’t you wish you may get it?” is considerably older than the story in theSaturday Reviewwould seem to indicate. There is a third explanation ofHOOKEY WALKERinNotes and Queries, iv., 425.WALK INTO, to overcome, to demolish; “I’llWALK INTOhis affections”i.e., I will scold or thrash him. The wordDRIVE(which see) is used in an equally curious sense in slang speech.WALK OVER, a re-election without opposition.—Parliamentary, but derived from theTurf, where a horse—which has no rivals entered—WALKS OVERthe course, and wins without exertion.WALK-THE-BARBER,to lead a girl astray.WALK YOUR CHALKS, be off, or run away,—spoken sharply by any one who wishes to get rid of you.—SeeCHALKS.WALL-FLOWER,a person who goes to a ball, and looks on without dancing, either from choice or not being able to obtain a partner.WALL-FLOWERS, left-off and “regenerated” clothes, exposed for sale in Monmouth-street.WALLOP, to beat, or thrash. Mr. John Gough Nichols derives this word from an ancestor of the Earl of Portsmouth,one Sir John Wallop, Knight of the Garter, who, in King Henry VIII.’s time, distinguished himself byWALLOPINGthe French; but it is more probably connected withWEAL, a livid swelling in the skin, after a blow.—SeePOT WALLOPER.WALLOPING, a beating or thrashing; sometimes in an adjective sense, as big, or very large.WAPPING, orWHOPPING, of a large size, great.WARM, rich, or well off.WARM, to thrash, or beat; “I’llWARMyour jacket.”WASH, “it won’tWASH,”i.e., will not stand investigation, is not genuine, can’t be believed.WATCHMAKER, a pickpocket, or stealer of watches.WATCH AND SEALS, a sheep’s head and pluck.WATER-BEWITCHED, very weak tea, the third brew (or the first at some houses), grog much diluted.WATER OF LIFE, gin.WATERMAN, a light blue silk handkerchief. The Oxford and Cambridge boats’ crews always wear these—light blue for Cambridge, and a darker shade for Oxford.WATTLES, ears.WAXY, cross, ill-tempered.WEDGE, silver.—Old cant.WEDGE-FEEDER, silver spoon.WEED, a cigar;theWEED, tobacco generally.WELL, to pocket, or place as in a well.WENCH, provincial and old-fashioned term for a girl, derived fromWINK. InAmerica, negro girls only are termedWENCHES.WEST CENTRAL, a water-closet, the initials being the same as those of the London Postal District. It is said that for this reason very delicate people refuse to obey Rowland Hill’s instructions in this particular.WET, a drink, a “drain.”WET, to drink. Low people generally ask an acquaintance toWETany recently purchased article,i.e., to stand treat on the occasion; “WETyour whistle,”i.e., take a drink; “WETthe other eye,”i.e., take another glass.WET QUAKER, a drunkard of that sect; a man who pretends to be religious, and is a dram drinker on the sly.WHACK, a share or lot; “give me myWHACK,” give me my share.Scotch,SWEG, orSWACK.WHACK, to beat;WHACK, orWHACKING, a blow or thrashing.WHACKING, large, fine, or strong.WHALE, “very like aWHALEin a teacup,” said of anything that is very improbable; taken from a speech of Polonius inHamlet.WHEEDLE, to entice by soft words. “This word cannot be found to derive itself from any other, and therefore is looked upon as wholly invented by theCANTERS.”—Triumph of Wit, 1705.WHERRET, orWORRIT, to scold, trouble, or annoy.—Old English.WHIDDLE, to enter into a parley, or hesitate with many words, &c.; to inform, or discover.WHIDS, words.—Old Gipsey cant.WHIM-WAM, an alliterative term, synonymous withfiddle-faddle,riff-raff, &c., denoting nonsense, rubbish, &c.WHIP, to “WHIPanythingup,” to take it up quickly; from the method of hoisting heavy goods or horses on board ship by aWHIP, or running tackle, from the yard-arm. Generally used to express anything dishonestly taken.—L’EstrangeandJohnson.WHIP JACK, a sham shipwrecked sailor, called also aTURNPIKEsailor.WHIPPER-SNAPPER, a waspish, diminutive person.WHIPPING THE CAT, when an operative works at a private house by the day. Term used amongst tailors and carpenters.WHISKER. There is a curious slang phrase connected with this word. When an improbable story is told, the remark is, “the mother of that was aWHISKER,” meaning it is a lie.WHISTLE, “as clean as aWHISTLE,” neatly, or “SLICKLYdone,” as an American would say; “toWET ONE’S WHISTLE,” to take a drink. This is a very old term.Chaucersays of the Miller of Trumpington’s wife (Canterbury Tales, 4153)—“So was hir jolyWHISTALwellY-WET;”“toWHISTLE FOR ANYTHING,” to stand small chance of getting it, from the nautical custom ofwhistlingfor a wind in a calm, which of course comes none the sooner for it.WHITE FEATHER, “to show theWHITE FEATHER,” to evince cowardice. In the times when great attention was paid to the breeding of game-cocks, a white feather in the tail was considered a proof of cross-breeding.WHITE LIE, a harmless lie, one told to reconcile people at variance; “mistress is not at home, sir,” is aWHITE LIEoften told by servants.WHITE LIVER’D, orLIVER FACED, cowardly, much afraid, very mean.WHITE PROP, a diamond pin.WHITE SATIN, gin,—term amongst women.WHITE TAPE, gin,—term used principally by female servants.WHITE WINE, the fashionable term for gin.
“It is a custom used of courseWhere the grey mare is the better horse.”
“It is a custom used of courseWhere the grey mare is the better horse.”
“It is a custom used of course
Where the grey mare is the better horse.”
STARK-NAKED (originallySTRIP-ME-NAKED,vide Randall’s Diary, 1820), raw gin.—Bulwer’s Paul Clifford.
STARCHY, stuck-up, high-notioned, showily dressed, disdainful, cross.
STAR IT, to perform as the centre of attraction, with inferior subordinates to set off one’s abilities.—Theatrical.
STAR THE GLAZE, to break the window or show glass of a jeweller or other tradesman, and take any valuable articles, and run away. Sometimes the glass is cut with a diamond, and a strip of leather fastened to the piece of glass cut out to keep it from falling in and making a noise. Another plan is to cut the sash.
START, “THE START,” London,—the great starting point for beggars and tramps.
START, a proceeding of any kind;“a rumSTART,” an odd circumstance; “to get theSTARTof a person,” to anticipatehim, overreach him.
STASH, to cease doing anything, to refrain, be quiet, leave off; “STASH IT, there, you sir!”i.e., be quiet, sir; to give over a lewd or intemperate course of life is termedSTASHING IT.
STEEL, the house of correction in London, formerly named theBastile, but since shortened toSTEEL.
STEEL BAR DRIVERS, orFLINGERS, journeymen tailors.
STEMS, the legs.
STEP IT, to run away, or make off.
STICK, a derogatory expression for a person; “a rum” or “oddSTICK,” a curious man. More generally a “poorSTICK.”—Provincial.
STICK, “cut yourSTICK,” be off, or go away; either simply equivalent to a recommendation to prepare a walking staff in readiness for a journey—in allusion to the Eastern custom of cutting a stick before setting out—or from the ancient mode of reckoning by notches or tallies on a stick. In Cornwall the peasantry tally sheaves of corn by cuts in a stick, reckoning by the score.Cut your stickin this sense may mean to make your mark and pass on—and so realise the meaning of the phrase “IN THE NICK(or notch)OF TIME.” Sir J. Emerson Tennent, inNotes and Queries(December, 1859), considers the phrase equivalent to “cutting the connection,” and suggests a possible origin in the prophets breaking the staves of “Beauty” and “Bands,”—videZech., xi., 10, 14.
STICK, to cheat; “he gotSTUCK,” he was taken in;STICK, toforget one’s part in a performance—Theatrical;STICK ON, to overcharge or defraud;STICK UP FOR, to defend a person, especially when slandered in his absence;STICK UP TO, to persevere in courting or attacking, whether in fisty-cuffs or argument; “toSTICKin one’s gizzard,” to rankle in one’s heart; “toSTICK TOa person,” to adhere to one, be his friend through adverse circumstances.
STICKS, furniture, or household chattels; “pick up yourSTICKSand cut!” summary advice to a person to take himself and furniture away.—Cumberland.
STICKS, pistols.—Nearly obsolete.
STICK-UPS, orGILLS, shirt collars.
STICKINGS, bruised or damaged meat sold to sausage makers and penny pie shops.—North.
STICKY, wax.
STIFF, paper, a bill of acceptance, &c.; “how did you get it,STIFForhard?”i.e., did he pay you cash or give a bill?
STIFF FENCER, a street seller of writing paper.
STIFF ’UN, a corpse.—Term used by undertakers.
STILTON, “that’s theSTILTON,” or “it is not theSTILTON,”i.e., that is quite the thing, or that is not quite the thing;—polite rendering of “that is not theCHEESE,” which see.
STINGO, strong liquor.—Yorkshire.
STINK, a disagreeable exposure.
STINKOMALEE, a name given to the then New London University by Theodore Hook. Some question aboutTrincomaleewas agitated at the same time. It is still applied by the students of the old Universities, who regard it with disfavour from its admitting all denominations.
STIPE, a stipendiary magistrate.—Provincial.
STIR, a prison, a lock-up; “IN STIR,” in jail.Anglo Saxon,STYR, correction, punishment.
STIR UP SUNDAY, the Sunday next before Advent, the collect for that day commencing with the words “Stir up.” Schoolboys, growing excited at the prospect of the vacation, irreverently commemorate it by stirring up—pushing and poking each other.Crib crust mondayandTUG BUTTON TUESDAYare distinguished by similar tricks; while onPAY-OFF WEDNESDAYthey retaliate small grudges in a playful facetious way. Forby says, good housewives in Norfolk consider themselves reminded by the name to mix the ingredients for their Christmas mince pies.
STOCKDOLAGER, a heavy blow, a “finisher.”Italian,STOCCADO, a fencing term.
STODGE, to surfeit, gorge, or clog with food.
STONE JUG, a prison.
STOOK, a pocket-handkerchief.
STOOK HAULER, orBUZZER, a thief who takes pocket-handkerchiefs.
STOP, a detective policeman.
STORY, a falsehood,—the soft synonyme for alie, allowed in family circles and boarding-schools. A Puritanism that came in fashion with the tirade against romances, all novels and stories being considered as dangerous and false.
STOTOR, a heavy blow, aSETTLER.—Old cant.
STOW, to leave off, or have done; “STOW IT, the gorger’s leary,” leave off, the person is looking.SeeSTASH, with which it is synonymous.—Ancient cant.
STOW FAKING! leave off there, be quiet!FAKINGimplying anything that may be going on.
STRAW. Married ladies are said to be “inTHE STRAW” at theiraccouchements. The phrase is a coarse allusion to farm-yard animals in a similar condition.
STRAWING,sellingstraws in the streets (generally for a penny) andgivingthe purchaser a paper (indecent or political), or a gold (!) ring,—neither of which the patterer states he is allowed to sell.
STREAK, to decamp, run away.—Saxon.InAmericathe phrase is “to makeSTREAKS,” or “makeTRACKS.”
STREAKY, irritated, ill-tempered.
STREET PITCHERS, negro minstrels, ballad singers, long song men, men “working a board” on which have been painted various exciting scenes in some terrible drama, the details of which theSTREET PITCHERis bawling out, and selling in a little book or broadsheet (price one penny); or any persons who make a stand in the streets, and sell articles for their living.
STRETCH, abbreviation of “STRETCHone’s neck,” to hang, be executed as a malefactor.—Bulwer’s Paul Clifford.
STRETCH, twelve months,—generally used to intimate the time any one has been sentenced by the judge or magistrate.One stretchis to be imprisoned twelve months,TWO STRETCHis two years,THREE STRETCHis three years, and so on.
STRETCHER, a falsehood.
STRETCHER, a contrivance with handles, used by the police to carry off persons who are violent or drunk.
STRETCHER FENCER, one who sells braces.
STRETCHING MATCH, an execution.—SeeSTRETCH.
STRIKE ME LUCKY! an expression used by the lower orders when making a bargain, derived from the old custom of striking hands together, leaving in that of the seller aLUCK PENNYas an earnest that the bargain is concluded. In Ireland, at cattle markets, &c., a penny, or other small coin, is always given by the buyer to the seller to ratify the bargain.—Hudibras.Anciently this was called aGOD’S PENNY.
“With that he cast him a God’s peny.”—Heir of Linne.
“With that he cast him a God’s peny.”—Heir of Linne.
The origin of the phrase being lost sight of, like that of many others, it is often corrupted now-a-days intoSTRIKE ME SILLY.
STRIKE THE JIGGER, to pick the lock, or break open the door.
STROMMEL, straw.—Ancient cant.Halliwell says that in NorfolkSTRUMMELis a name for hair.
STRONG, “to come itSTRONG.”—SeeCOME.
STUCK-UP, “purse-proud”—a form of snobbishness very common in those who have risen in the world. Mr. Albert Smith has written some amusing papers on theNatural History ofSTUCK-UPPeople.
STUFF, money.
STUFF, to make false but plausible statements, to praise ironically, to make game of a person,—literally, toSTUFForCRAMhim with gammon or falsehood.
STUMP, to go on foot.
STUMPED, bowled out, done for, bankrupt, poverty stricken.—Cricketing term.
STUMPS, legs, or feet.
STUMPY, money.
STUMP UP, to pay one’s share, to pay the reckoning, to bring forth the money reluctantly.
STUN, to astonish.
STUNNER, a first-rate person or article.
STUNNERS, feelings of great astonishment; “it put theSTUNNERSon me,” it confounded me.
STUNNING, first-rate, very good. “Stunningpears,” shouts the coster, “only eight a penny.”—Vide Athenæum, 26thMarch, 1859. Sometimes amplified toSTUNNING JOE BANKS!when the expression is supposed to be in its most intense form.Joe Bankswas a noted character in the last generation. He was the proprietor of a public-house in Dyott-street, Seven Dials, and afterwards, on the demolition of the Rookery, of another in Cranbourne-alley. His houses became well-known from their being the resort of the worst characters, at the same time that the strictest decorum was always maintained in them.Joe Banksalso acquired a remarkable notoriety by acting as a medium betwixt thieves and their victims. Upon the proper payment to Joe, a watch or a snuff box would at any time be restored to its lawful owner—“no questions in any case being asked.” The most daring depredators in London placed the fullest confidence in Joe, and it is believed (although theBiographie Universelleis quiet upon this point) that he never, in any instance, “sold” them. He was of the middle height, stout, and strongly made, and was always noted for a showy pin, and a remarkablySTUNNINGneck-tie. It was this peculiarity in the costume of Mr. Banks, coupled with those true and tried qualities as a friend, for which, as I have just remarked, he was famous, that led his customers to proclaim him asSTUNNING JOE BANKS!The Marquis of Douro, Colonel Chatterley, and men of their stamp, were accustomed to resort to a private room at his house, when too late or too early to gain admittance to the clubs or more aristocratic establishments.
STUNNED ON SKILLY, to be sent to prison and compelled to eatSKILLY, orSKILLIGOLEE.
STURABAN, a prison.Gipsey,DISTARABIN.
SUCK, a parasite, flatterer of the “nobs.”—University.
SUCK, to pump, or draw information from a person.
SUCK-CASSA, a public-house.
SUCK THE MONKEY, to rob a cask of liquor by inserting a straw through a gimlet hole, and sucking a portion of the contents.
SUCK UP, “toSUCK UPto a person,” to insinuate oneself into his good graces.
SUFFERER, a tailor.
SUIT, a watch and seals.
SULKY, a one-horse chaise, having only room for one person.
SUN IN THE EYES, to have too much drink.—Dickens.
SUP, abbreviation ofsupernumerary.—Theatrical.
SUPER, a watch;SUPER-SCREWING, stealing watches.
SURF, an actor who frequently pursues another calling.—Theat.
SWADDLER, a Wesleyan Methodist; a name originally given to members of that body by the Irish mob; said to have originated with an ignorant Romanist, to whom the words of the English Bible were a novelty, and who, hearing one of John Wesley’s preachers mention theswaddling clothesof the Holy Infant, in a sermon on Christmas-day at Dublin, shouted out in derision, “A swaddler! a swaddler!” as if the whole story were the preacher’s invention.—Southey’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii., p. 109.
SWADDY, orCOOLIE, a soldier. The former was originally applied to a discharged soldier, and perhaps came from shoddy, of which soldiers’ coats are made.
SWAG, a lot or plenty of anything, a portion or division of property. In Australia the term is used for the luggage carried by diggers: in India the wordLOOTis used.Scotch,SWEG, orSWACK;German,SWEIG, a flock.Old cantfor a shop.
SWAG, booty, or plundered property; “collar theSWAG,” seize the booty.
SWAG-SHOP, a warehouse where “Brummagem” and general wares are sold,—fancy trinkets, plated goods, &c. Jews are the general proprietors, and the goods are excessively low priced, trashy, and showy.Swag-shopswere formerly plunder depôts.—Old cant.
SWAGSMAN, one who carries the booty after a burglary.
SWANKEY, cheap beer.—West.
SWAP, to exchange.Grosesays it isIrishcant, but the term is now included in most dictionaries as an allowed vulgarism.
SWEAT, to extract money from a person, to “bleed,” to squander riches.—Bulwer.
SWEATER, common term for a “cutting” or “grinding” employer.
SWEEP, a low or shabby man.
SWEET, loving or fond; “howSWEEThe was upon the moll,”i.e., what marked attention he paid the girl.
SWELL, a man of importance; a person with a showy, jaunty exterior; “a rankSWELL,” a very “flashly” dressed person, a man who by excessive dress apes a higher position than he actually occupies. Anything is said to beSWELLorSWELLISHthat looks showy, or is many coloured, or is of a desirable quality. Dickens and Thackeray are termed greatSWELLSin literature; so indeed are the first persons in the learned professions.
SWELL FENCER, a street salesman of needles.
SWELL HUNG IN CHAINS, said of a showy man in the habit of wearing much jewellery.
SWIG, to drink.Saxon,SWIGAN.
SWIG, a hearty drink.
SWIM, “a goodSWIM,” a good run of luck, a long time out of the policeman’s clutches.—Thieves’ term.
SWINDLER, although a recognised word in respectable dictionaries, commenced service as a slang term. It was used as such by the poor Londoners against the German Jews who set up in London about the year 1762, also by our soldiers in the German War about that time.Schwindel, inGerman, signifies to cheat.
SWING, to be hanged.
SWINGING, large, huge.
SWIPES, sour or small beer.Swipe, to drink.—Sea.
SWIPEY (fromSWIPES), intoxicated.
SWISHED, married.
SWIZZLE, small beer, drink.
SWOT, mathematics; also a mathematician; as a verb, to work hard for an examination, to be diligent in one’s studies.—Army.
This word originated at the great slang manufactory for the army, the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in the broad Scotch pronunciation of Dr. Wallace, one of the Professors, of the wordsweat.—See Notes and Queries, vol. i., p. 369.
T, “to suit to a T,” to fit to a nicety.—Old.Perhaps from theT-square of carpenters, by which the accuracy of work is tested.
TACKLE, clothes.—Sea.
TAFFY (corruption ofDavid), a Welshman. CompareSAWNEY(fromAlexander), a Scotchman.
TAG-RAG-AND-BOBTAIL, a mixed crowd of low people, mobility.
TAIL BUZZER, a thief who picks coat pockets.
TAKE, to succeed, or be patronised; “do you think the newopera willTAKE?” “No, because the same companyTOOKso badly under the old management;” “toTAKE ON,” to grieve;Shakespereuses the wordTAKINGin this sense. To “TAKE UPfor any one,” to protect or defend a person; “toTAKE OFF,” to mimic; “toTAKEheart,” to have courage; “toTAKEdown a peg or two,” to humiliate, or tame; “toTAKE UP,” to reprove; “toTAKE AFTER,” to resemble; “toTAKE IN,”to cheat or defraud, from the lodging-house keepers’ advertisements, “single menTAKEN IN AND DONE FOR,”—an engagement which is as frequently performed in a bad as a good sense; “toTAKE THE FIELD,”when said of aGeneral, to commence operations against the enemy; when aracing manTAKES THE FIELDhe stakes his money against the favourite.
TAKE BEEF, to run away.
TAKE IN, a cheating or swindling transaction,—sometimes termed “aDEAD TAKE IN.”ShakesperehasTAKE INin the sense of conquering.To be had, orTO BE SPOKE TO, were formerly synonymous phrases withTO BE TAKEN IN.
TALLY, five dozen bunches of turnips.
TAN, to beat or thrash; I’llTANyour hide,i.e., give you a good beating.
TANNER, a sixpence.Gipsey,TAWNO, little, orLatin,TENER, slender?
TANNY, orTEENY, little.Gipsey,TAWNO, little.
TANTREMS, pranks, capers, or frolicking; from theTarantuladance? See account of the involuntary phrensy and motions caused by the bite of the tarantula in Italy.—Penny Cyclopædia.
TAPE, gin,—term with female servants.
TAPER, to gradually give over, to run short.
TAP TUB, theMorning Advertiser.
TAT BOX, a dice box.
TATER, “s’elp myTATER,” another street evasion of a profane oath, sometimes varied by “s’elp myGREENS.”
TATLER, a watch; “nimming aTATLER,” stealing a watch.
TATS, dice.
TATS, old rags;MILKY TATS, white rags.
TATTING, gathering old rags.
TAW, a large or principal marble; “I’ll be one on yourTAW,” I will pay you out, or be even with you,—a simile takenfrom boys aiming always at winning theTAWwhen playing at marbles.
TEAGUELAND, Ireland.
TEETH, “he has cut hiseyeTEETH,”i.e., is old and cute enough.
TEETH-DRAWING, wrenching off knockers.
TEETOTALLER, a total abstainer from alcoholic drinks.
TEETOTALLY, amplification ofTOTALLY.
TELL-ON, to tell about.
TENPENCE TO THE SHILLING, a vulgar phrase denoting a deficiency in intellect.
TESTER, sixpence. FromTESTONE, a shilling in the reign of Henry VIII., but a sixpence in the time of Q. Elizabeth.—Shakespere.French,TESTE, orTETE, the head of the monarch on the coin.
TEVISS, a shilling.
THEATRE, a police court.
THICK, intimate, familiar.Scotch,CHIEF; “the two are veryCHIEFnow,”i.e., friendly.
THICK-UN, a sovereign; a crown piece, or five shillings.
THIMBLE, orYACK, a watch.
THIMBLE-RIG, a noted cheating game played at fairs and places of great public thronging, consisting of two or three thimbles rapidly and dexterously placed over a pea, when theTHIMBLE-RIGGER, suddenly ceasing, asks you under which thimble the pea is to be found. If you are not a practised hand you will lose nine times out of ten any bet you may happen to make with him. The pea is sometimes concealed under his nail.
THIMBLE TWISTERS, thieves who rob persons of their watches.
THINSKINNED, over nice, petulant, apt to get a “raw.”
THREE SHEETS IN THE WIND, unsteady from drink.—Sea.
THREE-UP, a gambling game played by costers. Three halfpennies are thrown up, and when they fall all “heads,” or all “tails,” it is a mark; and the man who gets the greatest number of marks out of a given amount—three, five, or more—wins. The costers are very quick and skilful at this game, and play fairly at it amongst themselves; but should a stranger join in they invariably unite to cheat him.
THRUMS, threepence.
THRUMMER, a threepenny bit.
THRUPS, threepence.
THUMPING, large, fine, or strong.
THUNDERER, theTimesnewspaper.
THUNDERING, large, extra-sized.
TIBBING OUT, going out of bounds.—Charterhouse.
TICK, credit, trust.Johnsonsays it is a corruption ofticket,—tradesmen’s bills being formerly written on tickets or cards.On tick, therefore, is equivalent toon ticket, or on trust. In use 1668. Cuthbert Bede, inNotes and Queries, supplies me with an earlier date, from theGradus ad Cantabrigiam.
“No matter upon landing whether you have money or no—you may swim in twentie of their boats over the riverUPON TICKET.”—Decker’s Gul’s Hornbook, 1609.
“No matter upon landing whether you have money or no—you may swim in twentie of their boats over the riverUPON TICKET.”—Decker’s Gul’s Hornbook, 1609.
TICKER, a watch.
TICKET, “that’s theTICKET,”i.e., what was wanted, or what is best. Corruption of “that is notetiquette,” by adding, in vulgar pronunciation,thto the firsteof etiquette; or, perhaps, fromTICKET, a bill or invoice. This phrase is sometimes extended into “that’s theTICKET FOR SOUP,” in allusion to the card given to beggars for immediate relief at soup kitchens.—SeeTICK.
TIDY, tolerably, or pretty well; “how did you get on to-day”—“Oh,TIDY.”—Saxon.
TIED UP, given over, finished; also married, in allusion to the Hymenial knot, unless a jocose allusion be intended to thehalter(altar).
TIFFIN, a breakfast,dejeuner a la fourchette.—Anglo Indian slang.
TIGER, a boy employed to wait ongentlemen; one who waits on ladies is a page.
TIGHT, close, stingy; hard up, short of cash;TIGHT, spruce, strong, active; “aTIGHTlad,” a smart, active young fellow;TIGHT, drunk, or nearly so; “TIGHTlaced,” puritanical, over-precise. Money is said to beTIGHT, when the public, from want of confidence in the aspect of affairs, are not inclined to speculate.
TIGHTNER, a dinner, or hearty meal.
TIKE, orBUFFER LURKING, dog stealing.
TILE, a hat; a covering for the head.
“I’m a gent, I’m a gent,In the Regent-street style,—Examine my vest,And look at myTILE.”—Popular Song.
“I’m a gent, I’m a gent,In the Regent-street style,—Examine my vest,And look at myTILE.”—Popular Song.
“I’m a gent, I’m a gent,
In the Regent-street style,—
Examine my vest,
And look at myTILE.”—Popular Song.
Sometimes used in another sense, “having aTILEloose,”i.e., being slightly crazy.—SeePANTILE.
TIMBER MERCHANT, orSPUNK FENCER, a lucifer match seller.
TIME O’ DAY, a dodge, the latest aspect of affairs; “that’s yourTIME O’ DAY,”i.e.,Euge, well done; toPUT A PERSON UP TO THE TIME O’ DAY, let him know what is o’clock,—to instruct him in the knowledge needful for him.
TIN, money,—generally applied to silver.
TINGE, the percentage allowed by drapers and clothiers to their assistants, upon the sale of old-fashioned articles.—SeeSPIFFS.
TIN-POT, “he plays aTIN-POTgame,”i.e., a low or shabby one.—Billiards.
TIP, a douceur; also to give, lend, or hand over anything to another person; “come,TIPup the tin,”i.e., hand up the money; “TIPthe wink,” to inform by winking; “TIPus your fin,”i.e., give me your hand; “TIPone’s boom off,” to make off, depart.—Sea.“To miss one’sTIP,” to fail in a scheme.—Old cant.
TIP THE DOUBLE, to “bolt,” or run away from a creditor or officer. SometimesTIP THE DOUBLE TO SHERRY,i.e., to the sheriff.
TIP-TOP, first-rate, of the best kind.
TIPTOPPER, a “swell,” or dressy man, a “Gorger.”
TIT, favourite name for a horse.
TIT FOR TAT, an equivalent.
TITIVATE, to put in order, or dress up.
TITLEY, drink.
TITTER, a girl.
’TIZER, theMorning Advertiser.
TIZZY, a sixpence. Corruption ofTESTER.
TOASTING FORK, derisive term for a sword.
TOBY CONSARN, a highway expedition.
TOBY, a road; “highTOBY,” the turnpike road. “HighTOBYspice,” robbery on horse-back.—Don Juan, canto xi., 19.
TODDLE, to walk as a child.
TO-DO (pronounced quickly, and as one word), a disturbance, trouble; “here’s a prettyTO-DO,” here is an unpleasant difficulty. This exactly tallies with theFrenchwordAFFAIRE(a faire).—See Forby’s Vocabulary of East Anglia.
TOFFER, a well dressed, “gay” woman.
TOFFICKY, dressy, showy.
TOFT, a showy individual, aSWELL, a person who, according to a Yorkshireman’s vocabulary, isUP-ISH.
TOG, a coat.Latin,TOGA.—Ancient cant.
TOG, to dress, or equip with an outfit; “TOGGEDout to the nines,” dressed in the first style.
TOGS, clothes; “SundayTOGS,” best clothes. One of the oldest cant words, in use in the time of Henry VIII.
TOGERY, clothes, harness, domestic paraphernalia of any kind.
TOKE, dry bread.
TOL-LOL, orTOL-LOLISH, tolerable, or tolerably.
TOMMY.—SeeDICKEY.
TOMMY, bread,—generally a penny roll.
TOMMY, a truck, barter, the exchange of labour for goods, not money. Both term and practice general among English operatives for half-a century.
TOMMY-MASTER, one who pays his workmen in goods, or gives them tickets upon tradesmen, with whom he shares the profit.
TOMMY SHOP, where wages are generally paid to mechanics or others, who are expected to “take out” a portion of the money in goods.
TOM-TOM, a street instrument, a small kind of drum beaten with the fingers, somewhat like the ancient tabor; a performer on this instrument. It was imported, doubtless, with theNiggermelodies,—TOM-TOMSbeing a favourite instrument with the darkies.
TONGUED, talkative; “toTONGUEa person,”i.e., talk him down.
TOOL, “a poorTOOL,” a bad hand at anything.
TOOL, to drive a mail coach.
TOOL, to pick pockets.
TOOLER, a pickpocket.Moll-tooler, a female pickpocket.
TOOTH, “he has cut his eyeTOOTH,”i.e., he is sharp enough, or old enough, to be so; “up in theTOOTH,” far advanced in age,—said often of old maids.Stable termfor aged horses which have lost the distinguishing mark in their teeth.
TOPHEAVY, drunk.
TOPPED, hung or executed.
TOP-SAWYER, the principal of a party, or profession. “ATOP-SAWYER, signifies a man that is a master genius in any profession. It is a piece ofNorfolkslang, and took its rise from Norfolk being a great timber county, where thetopsawyers get double the wages of those beneath them.”—Randall’s Diary, 1820.
TOPS, dying speeches and gallows broadsides.
TOPSY-TURVY, the bottom upwards.Grosegives an ingenious etymology of this once cant term, viz., “top-side turf-ways,”—turf being always laid the wrong side upwards.
TO-RIGHTS, excellent, very well, or good.
TORPIDS, the second-class race-boats at Oxford, answering to the CambridgeSLOGGERS.
TOSHERS, men who steal copper from ships’ bottoms in the Thames.
TOSS, a measure of sprats.
TOUCHED, slightly intoxicated.
TOUCHER, “as near as aTOUCHER,” as near as possible without actually touching.—Coaching term.The old jarveys, to show their skill, used to drive against things so close as absolutely totouch, yet without injury. This they called aTOUCHER, or,TOUCH AND GO, which was hence applied to anything which was within an ace of ruin.
TOUCHY, peevish, irritable.Johnsonterms it a low word.
TOUT, to look out, or watch.—Old cant.
TOUTER, a looker out, one who watches for customers, a hotel runner.
TOWEL, to beat or whip. InWarwickshirean oaken stick is termed aTOWEL—whence, perhaps, the vulgar verb.
TOWELLING, a rubbing down with anoakenTOWEL, a beating.
TRACKS, “to makeTRACKS,” to run away.—SeeSTREAK.
TRANSLATOR, a man who deals in old shoes or clothes, and refits them for cheap wear.
TRANSLATORS, second-hand boots mended and polished, and sold at a low price. Monmouth-street, Seven Dials, is a great market forTRANSLATORS.
TRANSMOGRIPHY, to alter or change.
TRAP, a “fast” term for a carriage of any kind.Traps, goods and chattels of any kind, but especially luggage and personal effects; in Australia,SWAG.
TRAP, “up toTRAP,” knowing, wide awake,—synonymous with “up toSNUFF.”
TRAP, a sheriff’s officer.
TRAPESING, gadding or gossiping about in a slatternly way.—North.
TRAVELLER, name given by one tramp to another. “ATRAVELLERat her Majesty’s expense,”i.e., a transported felon, a convict.
TREE, “up aTREE,” in temporary difficulties,—out of the way.American expression, derived fromRACCOONorBEAR-HUNTING. When Bruin isTREED, or is forced UP ATREEby the dogs, it means that then the tug of war begins.—See’COON. Hence when an opponent is fairly run to bay, and can by no evasion get off, he is said to beTREED. These expressions originated with Colonel Crockett. InScotlandthe phrase is “up aCLOSE,”i.e., a passage, out of the usual track, or removed from observation.
TRINE, to hang.—Ancient cant.
TROLLING, sauntering or idling.
TROLLY, orTROLLY-CARTS, term given by costermongers to a species of narrow cart, which can either be drawn by a donkey, or driven by hand.
TROTTER, a tailor’s man who goes round for orders.—University.
TROTTER CASES, shoes.
TROTTERS, feet. Sheep’sTROTTERS, boiled sheep’s feet, a favourite street delicacy.
TRUCK, to exchange or barter.
TRUCK-GUTTED, pot-bellied, corpulent.—Sea.
TRUCKS, trowsers.
TRUMP, a good fellow; “a regularTRUMP,” a jolly or good natured person,—in allusion to aTRUMPcard; “TRUMPSmay turn up,”i.e., fortune may yet favour me.
TUB THUMPING, preaching or speech making.
TUCK, a schoolboy’s term for fruit, pastry, &c.Tuck in, orTUCK OUT, a good meal.
TUFTS, fellow commoners,i.e., wealthy students at the University, who pay higher fees, dine with the Dons, and are distinguished by goldenTUFTS, or tassels, in their caps.
TUFT-HUNTER, a hanger on to persons of quality or wealth. OriginallyUniversity slang, but now general.
TUMBLE, to comprehend or understand. A coster was asked what he thought ofMacbeth,—“the witches and the fighting was all very well, but the other moves I couldn’tTUMBLEtoexactly; few on us canTUMBLEto the jaw-breakers; they licks us, they do.”
TURF, horse racing, and betting thereon; “on theTURF,” one who occupies himself with race course business; said also of a street-walker, nymph of the pavé.
TURKEY-MERCHANTS, dealers in plundered or contraband silk. Poulterers are sometimes termedTURKEY MERCHANTS, in remembrance of Horne Tooke’s answer to the boys at Eton, who wished in an aristocratic way to know whohisfather was,—aTURKEY MERCHANT, replied Tooke;—his father was a poulterer.Turkey merchant, also, was formerly slang for a driver of turkeys or geese to market.
TURNED OVER, to be stopped and searched by the police.
TURNED UP, acquitted by the magistrate or judge for want of evidence.
TURNER OUT, a coiner of bad money.
TURN OUT, personal show or appearance; a man with a showy carriage and horses is said to have a goodTURN OUT.
TURNOVER, an apprentice who finishes with a second master the indentures he commenced with the first.
TURNPIKE-SAILORS, beggars who go about dressed as sailors.
TURN UP, a street fight; a sudden leaving, or making off.
TURN UP, to quit, change, abscond, or abandon; “Ned hasTURNED UP,”i.e.run away; “I intendTURNING IT UP,”i.e.leaving my present abode or altering my course of life. Also to happen; let’s wait, and see what willTURN UP.
TUSHEROON, a crown piece, five shillings.
TUSSLE, a pull, struggle, fight, or argument.JohnsonandWebstercall it a vulgar word.
TUSSLE, to struggle, or argue.
TWELVER, a shilling.
TWIG, style,à-la-mode; “get your strummel faked inTWIG,”i.e., have your hair dressed in style;PRIME TWIG, in good order, and high spirits.—Pugilistic.
TWIG, “to hop theTWIG,” to decamp, “cut one’s stick,” to die.
TWIG, to understand, detect, or observe.
TWIST, brandy and gin mixed.
TWIST, appetite; “Will’s got a capitalTWIST.”
TWITCHETTY, nervous, fidgetty.
TWITTER, “all in aTWITTER,” in a fright, or fidgetty state.
TWO-HANDED, awkward.
TWOPENNY, the head; “tuck in yourTWOPENNY,” bend down your head.
TWOPENNY-HOPS, low dancing rooms, the price of admission to which was formerly—and not infrequently now—two pence. The clog hornpipe, the pipe dance, flash jigs, and hornpipes in fetters,à laJack Sheppard,are the favourite movements, all entered into with great spirit and “joyous, laborious capering.”—Mayhew.
TYBURN COLLAR, the fringe of beard worn under the chin.—SeeNEWGATE COLLAR.
TYE, orTIE, a neckerchief. Proper hosier’s term now, but slang thirty years ago, and as early as 1718. Called also,SQUEEZE.
UNBETTY, to unlock.—SeeBETTY.
UNCLE, the pawnbroker.—SeeMY UNCLE.
UNDER THE ROSE.—SeeROSE.
UNICORN, a style of driving with two wheelers abreast, and one leader,—termed in theUnited States, aSPIKE TEAM.Tandemis one wheeler and one leader.Random, three horses in line.
UNUTTERABLES, trousers—SeeINEXPRESSIBLES.
UNWHISPERABLES, trousers.
UP, “to beUPto a thing or two,” to be knowing, or understanding; “to put a manUPto a move,” to teach him a trick; “it’s allUPwith him,”i.e., it is all over with him, often pronounced U.P., naming the two letters separately; “UPa tree,” seeTREE; “UPtoTRAP,” “UPtoSNUFF,” wide awake, acquainted with the last new move; “UPto one’sGOSSIP,” to be a match for one who is trying to take you in;—“UPtoSLUM,” proficient in roguery, capable of committing a theft successfully.
UPPER BENJAMIN, a great coat.
UPPER STOREY, orUPPER LOFT, a person’s head; “hisUPPER STOREYis unfurnished,”i.e., he does not know very much.
UPPISH, proud, arrogant.
USED UP, broken-hearted, bankrupt, fatigued.
VAMOS, orVAMOUS, to go, or be off.Spanish,VAMOS, “let us go!” ProbablyNAMUSorNAMOUSthe costermonger’s word, was from this, although it is generally considered back slang.
VAMPS, old stockings. FromVAMP, to piece.
VARDO, to look; “VARDOthe cassey,” look at the house.Vardoformerly wasold cantfor a wagon.
VARMENT, “you youngVARMENT, you!” you bad, or naughty boy. Corruption ofvermin.
VELVET, the tongue.
VERTICAL-CARE-GRINDER, the treadmill.
VIC., the Victoria Theatre, London,—patronised principally by costermongers and low people; also the street abbreviation of the Christian name of her Majesty the Queen.
VILLAGE, orTHE VILLAGE,i.e., London.—Sporting.
VILLE, orVILE, a town or village.—pronouncedphial, orvial.—French.
VINNIED, mildewed, or sour.—Devonshire.
VOKER, to talk; “can youVOKERRomany?” can you speak the canting language.—Latin,VOCARE;Spanish,VOCEAR.
WABBLE, to move from side to side, to roll about.Johnsonterms it a “low, barbarous word.”
WALKER! orHOOKEY WALKER!an ejaculation of incredulity, said when a person is telling a story which you know to be all gammon, or false. TheSaturday Reviewer’sexplanation of the phrase is this:—“Years ago, there was a person namedWalker, an aquiline-nosed Jew, who exhibited an orrery, which he called by the erudite name ofEidouranion. He was also a popular lecturer on astronomy, and often invited his pupils, telescope in hand, totake a sightat the moon and stars. The lecturer’s phrase struck his school-boy auditory, who frequently “took a sight” with that gesture of outstretched arm, and adjustment to nose and eye, which was the first garnish of the popular saying. The next step was to assume phrase and gesture as the outward and visible mode of knowingness in general.” A correspondent, however, denies this, and states thatHOOKEY WALKERwas a magistrate of dreaded acuteness and incredulity, whose hooked nose gave the title ofBEAKto all his successors; and, moreover, that the gesture of applying the thumb to the nose and agitating the little finger, as an expression of “Don’t you wish you may get it?” is considerably older than the story in theSaturday Reviewwould seem to indicate. There is a third explanation ofHOOKEY WALKERinNotes and Queries, iv., 425.
WALK INTO, to overcome, to demolish; “I’llWALK INTOhis affections”i.e., I will scold or thrash him. The wordDRIVE(which see) is used in an equally curious sense in slang speech.
WALK OVER, a re-election without opposition.—Parliamentary, but derived from theTurf, where a horse—which has no rivals entered—WALKS OVERthe course, and wins without exertion.
WALK-THE-BARBER,to lead a girl astray.
WALK YOUR CHALKS, be off, or run away,—spoken sharply by any one who wishes to get rid of you.—SeeCHALKS.
WALL-FLOWER,a person who goes to a ball, and looks on without dancing, either from choice or not being able to obtain a partner.
WALL-FLOWERS, left-off and “regenerated” clothes, exposed for sale in Monmouth-street.
WALLOP, to beat, or thrash. Mr. John Gough Nichols derives this word from an ancestor of the Earl of Portsmouth,one Sir John Wallop, Knight of the Garter, who, in King Henry VIII.’s time, distinguished himself byWALLOPINGthe French; but it is more probably connected withWEAL, a livid swelling in the skin, after a blow.—SeePOT WALLOPER.
WALLOPING, a beating or thrashing; sometimes in an adjective sense, as big, or very large.
WAPPING, orWHOPPING, of a large size, great.
WARM, rich, or well off.
WARM, to thrash, or beat; “I’llWARMyour jacket.”
WASH, “it won’tWASH,”i.e., will not stand investigation, is not genuine, can’t be believed.
WATCHMAKER, a pickpocket, or stealer of watches.
WATCH AND SEALS, a sheep’s head and pluck.
WATER-BEWITCHED, very weak tea, the third brew (or the first at some houses), grog much diluted.
WATER OF LIFE, gin.
WATERMAN, a light blue silk handkerchief. The Oxford and Cambridge boats’ crews always wear these—light blue for Cambridge, and a darker shade for Oxford.
WATTLES, ears.
WAXY, cross, ill-tempered.
WEDGE, silver.—Old cant.
WEDGE-FEEDER, silver spoon.
WEED, a cigar;theWEED, tobacco generally.
WELL, to pocket, or place as in a well.
WENCH, provincial and old-fashioned term for a girl, derived fromWINK. InAmerica, negro girls only are termedWENCHES.
WEST CENTRAL, a water-closet, the initials being the same as those of the London Postal District. It is said that for this reason very delicate people refuse to obey Rowland Hill’s instructions in this particular.
WET, a drink, a “drain.”
WET, to drink. Low people generally ask an acquaintance toWETany recently purchased article,i.e., to stand treat on the occasion; “WETyour whistle,”i.e., take a drink; “WETthe other eye,”i.e., take another glass.
WET QUAKER, a drunkard of that sect; a man who pretends to be religious, and is a dram drinker on the sly.
WHACK, a share or lot; “give me myWHACK,” give me my share.Scotch,SWEG, orSWACK.
WHACK, to beat;WHACK, orWHACKING, a blow or thrashing.
WHACKING, large, fine, or strong.
WHALE, “very like aWHALEin a teacup,” said of anything that is very improbable; taken from a speech of Polonius inHamlet.
WHEEDLE, to entice by soft words. “This word cannot be found to derive itself from any other, and therefore is looked upon as wholly invented by theCANTERS.”—Triumph of Wit, 1705.
WHERRET, orWORRIT, to scold, trouble, or annoy.—Old English.
WHIDDLE, to enter into a parley, or hesitate with many words, &c.; to inform, or discover.
WHIDS, words.—Old Gipsey cant.
WHIM-WAM, an alliterative term, synonymous withfiddle-faddle,riff-raff, &c., denoting nonsense, rubbish, &c.
WHIP, to “WHIPanythingup,” to take it up quickly; from the method of hoisting heavy goods or horses on board ship by aWHIP, or running tackle, from the yard-arm. Generally used to express anything dishonestly taken.—L’EstrangeandJohnson.
WHIP JACK, a sham shipwrecked sailor, called also aTURNPIKEsailor.
WHIPPER-SNAPPER, a waspish, diminutive person.
WHIPPING THE CAT, when an operative works at a private house by the day. Term used amongst tailors and carpenters.
WHISKER. There is a curious slang phrase connected with this word. When an improbable story is told, the remark is, “the mother of that was aWHISKER,” meaning it is a lie.
WHISTLE, “as clean as aWHISTLE,” neatly, or “SLICKLYdone,” as an American would say; “toWET ONE’S WHISTLE,” to take a drink. This is a very old term.Chaucersays of the Miller of Trumpington’s wife (Canterbury Tales, 4153)—
“So was hir jolyWHISTALwellY-WET;”
“So was hir jolyWHISTALwellY-WET;”
“toWHISTLE FOR ANYTHING,” to stand small chance of getting it, from the nautical custom ofwhistlingfor a wind in a calm, which of course comes none the sooner for it.
WHITE FEATHER, “to show theWHITE FEATHER,” to evince cowardice. In the times when great attention was paid to the breeding of game-cocks, a white feather in the tail was considered a proof of cross-breeding.
WHITE LIE, a harmless lie, one told to reconcile people at variance; “mistress is not at home, sir,” is aWHITE LIEoften told by servants.
WHITE LIVER’D, orLIVER FACED, cowardly, much afraid, very mean.
WHITE PROP, a diamond pin.
WHITE SATIN, gin,—term amongst women.
WHITE TAPE, gin,—term used principally by female servants.
WHITE WINE, the fashionable term for gin.