F
Face the Music.To bear the jeers and taunts of those who laugh at us.
Factory King.Richard Oastler of Bradford, the promoter of the “Ten Hours’ Bill.”
Fag.Slang for a cigarette, derived from the fag end--i.e.fatigued or spent end--of a cigar. Also a small boy who acts as a drudge in the service of another at a public school, so called from the Anglo-Saxonfæge, weak, timid.
Fair Cop.Thieves’ slang for a smart capture by the police. Whereas another would say “The game’s up!” a thief admits that he has been fairly caught by the expression “It’s a fair cop.” See “Cop.”
Fair Maid of Kent.Joan, the beautiful and only daughter of the Earl of Kent, who became the wife of Edward the Black Prince.
Fair Street.A name left us as a reminder of a once celebrated fair on the Southwark bank of the Thames.
Faith Healers.A sect which upholds the doctrine of healing the sick by prayer and anointing with oil in the name of the Lord, as set forth in James v. 13-15.
Faix.An Irishman’s exclamation for “Faith” or “In Faith.”
Fake.To make-believe or cheat. An actor is said to “fake up” an article of costume out of very sorry materials, which at a distance looks like the real thing. A photographer can “fake” a spirit photo by means of two distinct plates. Food also is largely “faked.” The word is derived from “Fakir.”
Fakir.From the Arabicfakhar, poor.
Falcon Square.From an ancient hostelry, “The Castle and Falcon,” hard by in Aldersgate Street.
Falernian.A celebrated wine, extolled by Horace, Virgil,and other Latin authors, prepared from grapes grown in the district of Falernicum.
Fall.An Americanism for autumn, in allusion to the fall of the leaves.
Fallopian Tubes.Said to have been discovered by Gabriel Fallopius, the eminent Italian anatomist of the sixteenth century. They were, however, known to the ancients.
Falls City.Louisville, in the state of Kentucky, because it overlooks the falls of the Ohio River.
Falmouth.A seaport at the mouth of the Fale.
Family Circle.This expression had a literal meaning in the time of the Normans, when the fire occupied the centre of the floor, and the smoke found its vent through a hole in the roof. In Germany and Russia the domestic apartments are economically warmed by an enclosed stove in the centre. Amongst ourselves the phrase “sitroundthe fire” only conveys a half-truth.
Fancy Drink.An Americanism for a concoction of various spirits, as distinguished from a Straight Drink of one kind.
Fandago.Spanish for a “lively dance.”
Farmer George.George III., on account of his dress, manners, and bucolic sporting inclinations.
Farm Street.From an old farm, on the land of Lord Berkeley of Stratton in the time of Charles I.
Faro.So called from a representation of Pharaoh on one of the cards originally.
Farringdon Road.After WilliamFarringdonFarringdon, citizen and goldsmith, who, for the sum of twenty marks, in 1279 purchased the Aldermanry of the ward named after him.
Farthing.From the Anglo-Saxonfeorthling, a little fourth. In olden times penny pieces were nicked across like aGood Friday bun; so they could be broken into halves and fourths as occasion required.
Farthingale.A corruption of Verdingale, from the Frenchvertugarde, a guard for modesty. Queen Elizabeth is said to have introduced this hooped petticoat in order to disguise her figure.
Farthing Poet.The sobriquet of Richard Horne, who published his chief poem, “Orion,” at one farthing, so that it should not want for buyers.
Fastern’s E’en.The Scottish description of Shrove Tuesday, being the eve of the Lenten Fast.
Father of Believers.Mohammed, because he established and promulgated the faith of the Moslem, or “true believers.”
Father of the Music Halls.The late William Morton, manager of the Palace Theatre of Varieties, and founder of the earliest London Music Hall, “The Canterbury,” in the Westminster Bridge Road, which dates from the year 1848.
Fathers of the Church.The great doctors or theological writers of the period from the first to the seventh centuries of Christianity. See “Apostolic Fathers.”
Faugh-a-Ballagh Boys.The 87th Foot, from their battle cry.
Feast of Lanterns.A Chinese festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of the first moon of the year. Walking by the side of a beautiful lake one night the daughter of a mandarin fell in, and was drowned. When her father heard of the accident he, attended by all his household, carrying lanterns, rushed to the spot. On the anniversary he caused fires to be lighted beside the lake, and invited all the people of the country round about to offer up prayers for the safety of her soul. In course of time the solemn character of the gathering was forgotten, and the day has ever since been observed as a national holiday.
Feast of Tabernacles.Commemorative of the forty years’wandering of the Israelites in search of the Promised Land, during which long period they dwelt in temporary huts or tabernacles, formed of tree branches covered with leaves. Even at the present day the Jews at least take their meals in temporary structures covered with leaves throughout the nine days of the festival.
Feather in my Cap.An expression derived from a custom of the North American Indians, who stuck a fresh feather in their head-dress for every one of their enemies slain in battle.
Feathers.An inn sign originally, when the painted device appeared in place of the mere name, signifying the “Plume of Feathers,” or “Prince of Wales’s Feathers,” the crest of Edward the Black Prince.
February.From the Latinfebruare, to purify, this being the month appointed by the Romans for the festival of theFebrualiaof purification and expiation.
Federal States.During the American Civil War the Treaty States of the North, which resisted the Separatist or Confederate States in the South.
Feel Peckish.See “Keep your Pecker up.”
Fellah.Arabic for agriculturist or peasant. In the plural, “El Fellahin,” the term is specifically applied to the labouring population of Egypt.
Fenchurch Street.From an ancient church in the fens or marshy ground through which ran the Lang Bourne from Beach Lane to the Wall brook behind the Stocks Market, where the Mansion House now stands.
Fenians.Said to express the Gaelic for “hunters,” but the greater likelihood is that this secret society took the name of theFinna Eirinii, ancient organisation of Irish militia, so called after Fion MacCumhal, the hero of legendary history.
Fetter Lane.A corruption of “Fewters Lane,” from the Norman-Frenchfaitour, an evil-doer, on account of the idle vagabonds who infested it in days when this lane led to some pleasure gardens.
Feuilleton.Expresses the French for a small leaf. Like the serial stories nowadays in many English newspapers, articles of a non-political character were introduced in the FrenchJournal des Debatésas long ago as the commencement of the nineteenth century, these being separated from the news by a line towards the bottom of each page.
Fez.From Fez in Morocco, whence this red cap of the Turks was introduced into the Ottoman Empire.
F. F. V.Initials well understood in America, implying the “First Families of Virginia.”
Fiddler’s Money.A threepenny piece. Originally it was a small coin paid by each of the dancers to the fiddler at a merry-making.
Fifth Monarchy Men.Religious fanatics of the time of Charles I. who proclaimed the second coming of Christ to establish the fifth monarchy, or millennium. The four previous great monarchies of the world were the Assyrian, Persian, Macedonian, and Roman.
Fifty Club.A social club founded in 1899 by G. C. Paterson, incidentally for the entertainment of its members on the attainment of their fiftieth birthday.
Fighting Fifth.The 5th Foot, on account of their prowess during the Peninsular War.
Fighting Fitzgerald.George Robert Fitzgerald, a noted gamester and duellist of the eighteenth century, with whom no one ever picked a quarrel without falling by his hand. A sure shot and an expert swordsman, he was a man to be feared by all.
Fight Shy.Originally a prize-fighting expression, when one of the combatants betrayed a lack of courage.
Filberts.After St Philibert, on whose feast day, 22nd August, the nutting season commenced.
Filibuster.A Spanish and French corruption of the Germanfreibeter, derived from the Dutchvlie-boot, or fly-boat, a small clipper vessel. This was introducedinto England during the wars with the Low Countries. The word Freebooter claims the same origin.
Finality John.The sobriquet of John Russell, afterwards Earl Russell, from his conviction that the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 would be afinalityto the universal Suffrage Question.
Finch Lane.Properly Finke Lane, after Sir Richard Finke, who resided in it, and rebuilt the church of St Bennet on the site of the present Royal Exchange. A tradesman in Cheapside rejoices in the possession of the full name of this vanished church, St Bennet-Finke.
Fingal’s Cave.That of Fion MacCumhal, abbreviated into Fingal, a celebrated legendary hero.
Finland.ProperlyFenland, the land of lakes and marshes. The native name of the country isSuomesimaa, the watered land of theSuomes.
Finsbury.From the Anglo-SaxonFensbury, the town among the fens or marshes.
Finsbury Pavement.The first London thoroughfare where the paving of the side walk with flagstones was introduced.
Fire dogs.These adjuncts to an old-fashioned fireplace received their name from the small dog that was anciently imprisoned in a wheel at one end of the spit. Three hours of this canine exercise were required to prepare the roast beef of Old England for the table. If the dog refused to exert himself a live coal was put inside the wheel to accelerate his movements.
Fire Water.The North American Indian designation of rum, and ardent spirits generally.
Fire Worshippers.The Parsees, who worship the sun as the symbol of the Deity.
First Gentleman of Europe.The complimentary sobriquet of George IV., owing to his rank, personal attractions, and the ability, as became a gentleman of the period, of telling good stories well.
Firth of Forth.Firthexpresses the Gaelic for an estuary or arm of the sea. Forth is the name of the river.
Fish Street Hill.From the fishmongers who first congregated here in the reign of Edward I. The Hall of the Fishmongers’ Company stands at the foot of London Bridge.
Fit-up.In theatrical parlance the entire appurtenances of a stage, excepting the floor only, carried from town to town, and fitted up in Town Halls, Assembly-rooms, and Corn Exchanges.
Fitzroy Square.From one of the family names of the ground landlord.
Fives.An old game at ball, usually played by five on each side. The “court” consists of a roomy space with a high wall at one end.
Fixings.An Americanism for dress ornaments or accessories; house, hotel, or theatre embellishments and decorations generally.
Flamingo.From the bright red colour of this tropical bird.
Flanders.From the native nameVländergau, the country of the Vländer, who from the earliest period of their history were ruled by counts.
Flannelled Fools.An opprobrious epithet bestowed upon the English people on account of their all-pervading sport of cricket by Rudyard Kipling. It gave rise to much acrimony at the time, and tended to lessen his popularity as a writer.
Flash Jewellery.Spurious, not what it pretends to be. Like a flash of fire, its brilliance is only fleeting.
Flask Walk.In this pleasant lane stands the old hostelry “The Flash.”
Fleet Road.All that is left us to remind one of the clear stream which coursed through the meadows down to Holborn (the Old Bourne) and Clerkenwell, emptying itself into the Thames in what is now Bridge Street, Blackfriars.
Fleet Street.The River Fleet, which in old days was navigable from the Thames as far as what is now Ludgate Circus. The old English wordFleotexpressed a tidal stream deep enough for vessels to float in.
Fleetwood Road.Here stood Fleetwood House, the residence of Charles Fleetwood, the Parliamentary General.
Fleshly School of Poetry.That of the sensuous order, popularised by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Swinburne, and Morris.
Flint.From the flint or quartz which abounds in this country.
Floralia.A Roman festival in honour of Flora, commencing 28th April and terminating 2nd May. It was said to have been instituted at the command of an oracle with a view of obtaining from the goddess the protection of blossoms.
Florence.Expresses “The City of Flowers.”
Florida.Named by Ponce de Leon from the twofold circumstance of his landing upon it onPascua Florida, or Easter Sunday, and the luxuriance of its vegetation.
Florin.A silver coin of the value of two shillings, originally struck at Florence. It still bears on its reverse side a representation of a lily, symbolical of “The City of Flowers.”
Flower Sermon.An annual observance at the Church of St Katherine Cree, Leadenhall Street, inaugurated by the rector, the Rev. Dr Whittemore, in 1853. The flowers of the earth form the text; the pulpit is richly adorned with flowers; and every member of the congregation brings a bouquet. The idea of the flower service, if not the sermon, has been largely copied in various parts of the country.
Flunkey.From the Frenchflanquer, the henchman or groom who ran at the flank or side of his mounted master.
Fly.Provincial for a hansom cab. When one looks at such a hackney carriage it suggests a sedan-chair on wheels. Such a vehicle, introduced at Brighton for invalids, was a great favourite with George IV.thenthenPrince of Wales, who often requisitioned it for a night frolic. Called by him on account of its lightness a “fly-by-night,” its name became abbreviated into a “fly.”
Fly Posting.A showman’s phrase for small bills posted hurriedly in all possible conspicuous places under cover of night.
Fly-up-the-Creeks.The people of Florida, who were wont to disappear on the approach of strangers.
F. M. Allen.The pseudonym of Mr Edward Downey at the time when he was also a publisher. F. M. Allen was his wife’s maiden name.
Foley Street.After the town house of Lord Foley.
Fontagne.A wire structure for raising the hair of ladies, introduced by the Duchesse de Fontagne, one of the mistresses of Louis XIV. of France.
Fontinalia.Roman festivals in honour of the nymphs of wells and fountains. It was from these that the English and French custom of “Well Dressing” in the month of May found its origin.
Foolscap.A size of paper which from time immemorial has had for its watermark a fool’s cap and bells.
Footpad.Originally a thief or highway robber who wore padded shoes.
Fop.From the German and Dutchfoppen, to jeer at, make a fool of. This word must be very old, since Vanbrugh gave the name of Lord Foppington to a conceited coxcomb in this comedy “The Relapse,” 1697.
Forecastle.The quarters apportioned to the seamen in the fore end of a vessel. Anciently the whole forward portion bore the name ofAforecastleon account of “The Castle” or State Cabin erected in a castle-like form in the centre.
Forefathers’ Day.December 21st, commemorated in the New England States on account of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in 1620.
Forest City.Cleveland (Ohio) and Portland (Maine), on account of the trees which characterise their beautiful avenues.
Forest Gate.The district which in modern times has sprung up south of the old gate leading into Epping Forest. A representation of the gate appears on the curtain of the local public hall, or, as it is now styled, “The Grand Theatre.”
Forest Hill.A name reminiscent of days when this portion of South London as far as Croydon was forest land.
Fore Street.The street in front of the London Wall, the Barbican or watch-tower, and Cripple Gate.
Forget-me-not.A flower emblematical of friendship or a keepsake. The story goes that a German knight, walking on the banks of the Danube with his lady, undertook, at her request, to gather a tuft ofMysotis palustris, growing in the water. Encumbered by his armour, he was carried away by the stream, and sank, after having thrown the flowers to his mistress, exclaiming: “Vergess mein nicht!”
Forlorn Hope.From the Germanverloren, lost. A company of soldiers ordered upon such a perilous enterprise, that there is small hope of their return.
Formosa.A Portuguese word signifying “beautiful.”
Fortino.A clipped phrase in several of the states of North America, from “For aught I know.”
Foster Lane.From the Church of St Vedast, the name of a Bishop of Arras. How Vedast came to be Anglicised into Foster is not explained.
Foul-weather Jack.Commodore John Byron, the circumnavigator of the eighteenth century. Whenever he put out to sea he was sure to experience foul weather.
Four Hundred.The Select or “Smart” Society of New York city.
Fourteen Hundred.The cry raised when a stranger is discovered in the Stock Exchange, whereupon he is immediately hustled out. This had its origin in the circumstance that for a great many years the recognised full membership on ’Change was 1399.
Fourth Estate.The Press. Edward Burke referred to the Reporters’ Gallery as more powerful than the three great estates of the realm--viz. the Lords Spiritual, the Lords Temporal, and the Commons.
Fox in the Hole.An inn or tavern sign contiguous to the hunting field.
Frame House.The American term for a house built of timber. Chinatown, or the Chinese quarter of the city of San Francisco, was entirely constructed of “frame houses.”
Franc.A silver coin of Franconia or France.
France.AncientlyFranconia, the country of the Franks, so called from thefranca, a kind of javelin with which they armed themselves when this people effected the conquest of Gaul.
Franciscans.Friars of the Order of St Francis of Assisi. Originally the Grey Friars, their habits are now brown. One of the rules laid down by their pious founder was that the brethren should always be clad like the poorest of the poor. He selected the loose sack of grey, undyed wool, bound round the waist by a cord of the Umbrian Shepherds. Towards the close of the fifteenth century the better classes affected gaudy colours, and the poorer orders, imitating them so far as the use of dyed materials was concerned, took to wearing garments of sober brown. Hence the change in the colour of the Franciscan habit.
Frankincense.Incense brought to the East from “Franconia.”
Freak Dinner.A latter-day term, arising out of the examples set by American millionaires to outdo all previous attempts in the way of sumptuous banquets.There have been dinners costing £100 per head. To please the eye, champagne has been made to flow wastefully from a fountain. The name is, however, more correctly applied to the scenic embellishments, as when the banqueting-chamber of the Gaiety Restaurant was converted into a South African mining tent, and real Kaffirs were the waiters, to remind the diners of the mode by which they had acquired their wealth.
Freebooter.See “Filibuster.”
Free Church of Scotland.The adherents of Dr Chalmers, who separated from the Scottish Presbyterian Church to establish an independent community, 18th May 1843.
Free House.A public-house, of which the landlord, being his own master, is at full liberty to change his brewer if the quality of the liquor supplied to him does not give complete satisfaction. See “Tied House.”
Free-lance.An unattached journalist who sends out his literary wares on approval. The term has been derived from those roving companies of knights who, at the close of the Wars of the Crusades, were ready to enlist under any banner for a monetary consideration. Like the mercenaries of the Carthaginians and Romans, these were the first paid soldiers.
Free List.A list kept by theatrical managers of Men about Town, barristers, medical men, and others, who can be relied upon to “dress the house” at short notice when business is bad, and so give it an air of prosperity. These are not “Deadheads” in the ordinary sense, because they render the management a service; but being well able to pay for seats at all times they are apt to be obnoxious in their demands when the entertainment really draws good houses. Hence the notice “Free list entirely suspended” at such times.
Freemasons.A brotherhood of masons who in the Mediæval Ages built the cathedrals which are evennow lasting mementoes of their skill. They travelled from one city to another, always employed in the same devoted work, and, to prove that they were master craftsmen, invented various symbols, by which they could be recognised. Everywhere these masons enjoyed immunity from taxation and military service. Hence they received the name of “free-masons.”
Freeze on to him.To cling to a man as hoarfrost clings to wood in winter.
Freight Train.An Americanism for goods train.
Freshman.An undergraduate in his first year at a university.
Friar.Agreeably to the Latinfratre, brother. This term signifies a member of a religious community as distinguished from a monk (Greek,monas, alone), who was originally a hermit, and, except when at meals or at prayers in the monastery, spends his time in a cell.
Friar Street.Marks the eastern boundary of the monastery of the Dominicans or Black Friars anciently located south of Ludgate Hill.
Friar Tuck.So called because, like that of all friars, his habit wastuckedor drawn up round the cord that encircled his waist.
Friday.In the Scandinavian mythology this day of the week was set apart for the worship of Frigga, the wife of Odin.
Friday Street.The fish market of Old London, so called from the weekly fast day, when it must have been particularly thronged.
Friendly Islands.So called by Captain Cook on account of the peaceable disposition of the natives.
Friesland.AncientlyFriesia, the country of theFrisii.
Frisco.An American abbreviation of San Francisco.
Frith Street.Originally Fryth Street, after the name of the builder upon the land in 1680.
Frobisher Strait.Discovered by Sir Martin Frobisher, 1576.
Frognal.That portion of Hampstead once graced by Frognal Priory, built by “Memory-Corner Thompson.”
From Pillar to Post.This had reference in olden times to the hooting crowds who followed a public offender from the pillory to the whipping-post. The “post,” however, was more usually a “cart’s tail.”
Fuchsia.After Leonard Fuchs, the distinguished German botanist.
Fudge.A word derived from the sound produced by the nasal expression of contempt,futsch!among the Germans and Dutch.
Fulham.TheFullenhameof Anglo-Saxon days, expressing the home or habitation of water-fowl.
Funeral.Specifically a torchlight procession, from the Latinfunis, a torch. In ancient times burials always took place by night.
Furnival Street.A name left to remind us of Furnival’s Inn, on the opposite side of Holborn, and where Charles Dickens wrote his “Pickwick Papers.” Anciently this was the “Inn” or town mansion of the Lords Furnival, a title which became extinct in the reign of Richard II.
Fusiliers.Because originally armed with a light musket styled afusil.
Fye Foot Lane.A corruption ofFive Foot Lane, the width of this narrow thoroughfare when it led down to the Thames side.
Gad-about.The word “Gad” is Gaelic, signifying “to rove.”
Gaelic.See “Caledonia.”
Gaff.See “Penny Gaff.”
Gaffer.Provincial for an old man; a corruption of “grandfather.”
Gag.An actor’s interpolation of catch phrases at his own sweet will. Originally, however,gaggingwas a device to disconcert or stop the mouth of another actor by the unexpected employment of words not in the text of the play.
Gallivanting.An old English word for “doing the agreeable.” Its derivation is clearly traceable to “gallant” and “gallantry.”
Galoshes.From the Spanishgalocha, a patten or wooden shoe.
Galvanism.After Luigi Galvani, the eminent physician of Bologna in the eighteenth century, the discoverer of electrical currents produced by chemical agency.
Gamboge.Brought from Cambogia in Siam.
Gamp.After Mrs Gamp in “Martin Chuzzlewit,” who never went abroad without her fat, pawky umbrella, and when at home gave it an honoured position by the side of the fireplace. Charles Dickens must have had the town ofGuingampin his mind when he invented Mrs Gamp. See “Gingham.”
Gander Party.An Americanism for a social party composed of men only.
Ganges.The sacred river of the Hindoos, thought by them to flow through Gang, the earth, to heaven. The name they gave to it, therefore, wasGanga.
Garden of England.The Isle of Wight. The mildness of the climate and the luxuriance of the vegetation bespeak a perpetual summer.
Garden Spot.The fertile centre of Kentucky, whence the Indians, after many a sanguinary encounter, were banished by the white settlers.
Garden State.New Jersey, from the fertility of its soil.
Garden Town.The name bestowed upon both Cheltenham and Leamington in virtue of their spas, public gardens, and promenades tastefully laid out.
Gargantuan.Anything out of all reasonable limits. We speak of a “Gargantuan Feast,” a “Gargantuan Thirst,” to express a capacity for enormous consumption. The word is derived from Gargantua, the hero of Rabelais’s famous satire of this title.
Garlick Hill.Where garlic was anciently brought to land at Queenhithe.
Garrick Street.From the Garrick Club, the premier rendezvous of the leading members of the dramatic profession.
Garrotters.Street marauders of the latter part of the last century who gripped their victim tightly round the neck while accomplices rifled his pockets. Their designation was derived from theGarrotte, with which malefactors are strangled in Spain.
Gas Bag.An Americanism for one who is always boasting of his own importance.
Gasconade.To boast. The people of Gascony had an unenviable reputation for boasting.
Gate.This old English word does not in all cases express a city gate, as in London, but a road, street, or passage--e.g.Canongate, the way past the House of the Canons of Holyrood Abbey at Edinburgh; Lowgate, Whitefriargate, etc., at Hull; Harrowgate, the passage through the hills; and Boulogne Gate, or entrance to Boulogne Harbour.
Gatling Gun.Named after R. J. Gatling, its inventor.
Gaul.TheGalliaof the Romans, from the Celtic name of the country,Gal, “western.”
Gave him a Baker’s Dozen.As much as he merited, and one blow over as a finishing stroke. A drubbing that he little expected.
Gave him a Roland for an Oliver.Exactly what he gave me himself; a tit for tat. Roland and Oliver were two knights in the train of Charlemagne. Both were equally accomplished; what the one did the other essayed also with success. In the matter of fightingtoo they were exactly on a par, since, after having been put to the test in single combat, for a long time neither of them gained the least advantage.
Gave him the Cold Shoulder.Received him with scant ceremony. The allusion is to the fare generally set before an unexpected visitor who has not dined.
Gave him the Grand Shake.An Americanism for finally breaking off an acquaintance.
Gavelkind.A custom among the Anglo-Saxons whereby all the sons of a family inherited alike. Lord Coke traces it from the Teutonicgif eal cyn, and translates it literally “give all kinde.” Inheritance by Gavelkind obtained in Kent long after the Norman Conquest; indeed, it is said that some Kentish lands are still held by this ancient tenure.
Gavotte.A dance familiar to the Gavots in the French province of Dauphiny.
Gay Lothario.A seducer. From the leading character in Nicholas Rowe’s “The Fair Penitent,” produced in 1703.
Gazette.From the ItalianGazzetta, the name of a Venetian coin valued at about ¾d. of English money, which was charged for the individual reading, from hand-to-hand, of a written sheet at Venice containing news of the war with Soliman II.,temp.sixteenth century.
Geneva Gown.The habit of Low Churchmen, so called from its resemblance to the gown worn by the Calvinists of Geneva.
Genre Painting.One on a pastoral subject, with figures, that does not properly come under the definition of a landscape. The word is French for a kind, a sort.
Gentleman in Black.A chimney-sweep, who, like a clergyman, was formerly saluted out of respect for “the cloth.”
Gentleman Jack.John Bannister, a favourite actor ofDrury Lane Theatre, respected by all for his integrity even more than for his histrionic accomplishments.
Gentleman Smith.William Smith of Drury Lane, thebeau idealof a gentleman on the stage.
Gentleman Turkey.The Far Western description of a turkey cock.
George.An inn sign in honour of the patron saint of England. After the Hanoverian Succession, by which time pictorial signs had for the most part disappeared, and the name alone stood for a sign, the omission of the “St” made the sign complimentary to the reigning monarch. Reading of the execution of Charles I., we are told that the ill-fated King handed his “George” to Juxon, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who attended him on the scaffold. This was the badge of the Order of the Garter, representing St George on horseback piercing the fallen dragon with his lance.
George and Dragon.See “George.”
George Ranger.H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, who was appointed Ranger of the Royal Parks.
Georges Sand.This literary pseudonym of Mademoiselle Dupin, afterwards Madame Dudevant, arose out of her attachment to a young student named Jules Sandeau, with whom she collaborated in the production of her first novel, “Rose et Blanche.”
Georgia.In compliment to George II., the reigning monarch when this state was colonised.
German Silver.See “Sterling Silver.”
Germany.Called by the RomansGermania, from a Gaulish or Celtic word meaning “neighbours.”
Gerrard Street.After the family name of the Earl of Macclesfield, the ground landlord, when it was first built upon at the close of the seventeenth century.
Gerrymandering.An American political term for subdividing a constituency in such a way as to give one party an unfair advantage over all others. Its adoptionwas due to Elbridge Gerry, Governor of Massachusetts. When a map of this new electoral distribution was shown to an artist he remarked that it looked very much like a salamander. “A salamander, you say? Why not a Gerrymander!” was the reply. And a Gerrymander the name of the scheme remained.
Get there all the same.An Americanism meaning to succeed in any enterprise, despite all obstacles or opposition.
Ghost.One employed by an author or an artist to do his work for him, so called because, his name and personality being withheld from the public, he is kept in the shade. In other words, he is a mere shadow of his master. Originally, however, the term had reference to the friend who had inspired or suggested the work.
Ghost walking.A theatrical phrase. Actors assembling at the theatre for their weekly salaries generally put the question among themselves: “Is the ghost walking?” While those about to accept an engagement with a manager of whom they know nothing ask: “Does the ghost walk?” Its origin is as follows:--Many years ago a manager of the Bogus type had in his company a self-willed actor whose strong part was the Ghost in “Hamlet.” If his salary was not forthcoming on a Saturday morning he exclaimed: “Then the ghost won’t walk to-night.” Indispensable actor as he was, the manager invariably acceded to his demands. Sometimes it happened that he received only a portion of his salary, with a promise of the remainder in the course of the performance, in which case he refused to go on until the money was actually paid. It is said that the other members of the company would wait on a Saturday morning about the time for “Treasury” until they received word by a messenger that the ghostwouldwalk.
Giaour.From the Arabickiafir, “unbeliever.” The Turks bestow this name on all European Christians, enemies of the Mohammedan faith. Readers of Lord Byron’spoem “The Giaour” may require to be informed of its meaning.
Gibberish.After Geber, an Arabian alchemist of the eleventh century, who employed an unintelligible jargon to mystify the ecclesiastics, lest by plain speaking he might be put to death as a sorcerer.
Gibraltar.From the Arabic designation,Jebel-al-Tarik, the Mountain of Tarik, in honour of Ben Zeyad Tarik, a Moorish General, to whose prowess the conquest of Spain in the eighth century was due.
Gibraltar of America.The city of Quebec, from its commanding and impregnable position on the heights.
Gibson Girl.A new type of womanhood popularised in America by the drawings of Charles Dana Gibson, and introduced to London by Miss Camille Clifford.
Gibus.An opera or crush hat, so called after its inventor.
Gift of the Gab.“Gab” is a very old word; it was used by the Anglo-Saxons for speech. The Scots employed it to describe the mouth; hence to “gabble.” The French had it too in the forms of “gaber,” to boast or talk wildly.
Gig.A term claiming the same origin as “Jig”--i.e.the Frenchgigue, a lively dance--because this vehicle moves lightly.
Gilbertines.An English religious Order of the twelfth century, founded by St Gilbert of Sempringham, Lincolnshire.
Gilly flower.A corruption ofJuly flower, from the month when it blossoms.
Giltspur Street.Said to have received its name from the gilt spurs of the knights riding to the tournaments in Smithfield. The greater probability is that the makers of gilt spurs congregated in this street.
Gimnal Ring.A love token of bygone days, so called from the Latingemellus, joined. This ring was composed of two separate bands fitted into eachother with little teeth. When lovers were betrothed it was divided, only to be put together again at the nuptial ceremony.
Gin.Short for Geneva. Not after Geneva in Switzerland, because this is the national spirituous drink of the Dutch, called at first by themginiva, from the Frenchgenievre, juniper. Juniper berries were originally employed to flavour the spirit distilled from unmalted rye. The native name for Dutch gin is now Schiedam, after the town where it is made. Dutch gin brought to England is called Hollands.
Ginger.Red-haired people are said to begingerbecause Guinevre, the Queen at the Court of King Arthur, had red hair.
Gingham.A corruption of Guingamp in Brittany, where the cotton stuff brought from Java, there calledgingang, was dyed and made into umbrella covers before silk and alpaca came into use for this purpose. Hence the slang term for an umbrella. See “Gamp.”
Gin Sling.An American drink composed of equal parts of gin and water. See “Sling.”
Gipsies.A corruption ofEgyptians, because, when first heard of in Europe, they spread themselves over Bohemia, and were thought to have arrived there by way of Egypt.
Giraldus Cambrensis.The Latinised pen name of Gerald de Barri, Archbishop of St David’s, and historian of Cambria or Wales.
Girasole.The Italian name of the sunflower, from the Latingyara, to turn, andsol, the sun.
Girondists.Deputies from the Department of the Gironde who formed the Moderate Republican Party in the French Revolution.
Girton Girl.A student of Girton College, Cambridge.
Give him Beans.An expression derived from a French proverb: “If he gives me peas I will give him beans”--i.e.I will be quits with him.
Give him plenty of Rope.Let him do just what he thinks is best, and everything will come out right in the end. Following in your train, and, metaphorically, attached to your rope, the longer the rope the wider will be the sweep he can command; he can always be pulled in when it becomes necessary to check his movements.
Given Name.An Americanism for a Christian or forename.
Gives himself Airs.One who assumes a manner out of keeping with his social position. “Air” was formerly synonymous with deportment.
Give up the Ghost.Literally to yield up the Spirit.
Gladiator.From the Latingladius, a sword. A slave trained to defend himself with a short sword in the mortal combats of the Roman arena for the amusement of the Emperors and the populace.
Glad Rags.An Americanism for holiday clothes or festive garments.
Gladstone Bag.So called in compliment to Mr W. E. Gladstone when, as leader of the Liberal Government, his name was “familiar in men’s mouths as household words.”
Glamorgan.FromGwlad-Margam, “the territory of Margam,” a Welsh chieftain of the tenth century. His name is correctly preserved in Margam Abbey.
Glenlivet.Whisky distilled in the Vale of Glenlivet in Banffshire.
Globe.An inn sign, the name of which was derived from the arms of the King of Portugal.
Globe Trotter.A tourist, a traveller in foreign lands.
Glorious Fourth of July.Another name for “Independence Day.”
Gloucester.TheGloicastraof the Romans, in honour of Gloi, son of the Emperor Claudius, who was born here.
Gloucester Road.From Oxford Lodge, the one-time residence of the Duchess of Gloucester.
Go ahead.From the nautical phrase “The wind’s ahead”--i.e.blowing from the stern towards the vessel’s head.
Goat and Compasses.A corruption of the Puritan motto “God encompass us.”
Goatee.An Americanism for the typical Yankee chin tuft, in allusion to the beard of a goat.
Gobelin Tapestry.Made under royal patronage in the house originally occupied by Jean Gobelin, a wool dyer in Paris,temp.seventeenth century.
God help you.Anciently an invocation on behalf of a person subjected to the Ordeal of Fire.
Godstone.A corruption of “Good Stone,” relative to the excellence of the stone quarried here.
Goggles.Shaded spectacles, so called in allusion to gig lamps.
Go in for Banting.See “Banting.”
Gold Coast.The coast of Guinea, West Africa, where gold was found.
Golden Cross.The device of the Crusaders, extensively adopted as an inn sign.
Golden Gate.The entrance to San Francisco Harbour. This name had been bestowed upon it by the Spaniards centuries before the outbreak of the gold fever in 1847, from their own knowledge that this was the gate to the Land of Gold.
Golden Lane.A corruption of “Golding Lane,” after the builder.
Golden Square.Properly “Gelding Square,” from an old inn of this name.
Go Marooning.A southern state American expression for a picnicking party on the shore or up country which is to last for several days. See “Maroons.”
Gone over to the Majority.A Parliamentary phrase equally, if more generally, applied to one who has passed from the scene of his life’s labours to the spirit world. Ancient and modern authors contain passages in the latter connection. The Rev. Robert Blair in “The Grave” says: “’Tis long since Death had the majority.”
Gone to Pot.Vanished possessions. The reference is to the metalliferous melting pot.
Gone to Rack and Ruin.A corruption of “wreck and ruin.”
Gone to Texas.An American expression for one who has decamped leaving debts behind him. It was (and is) no unusual thing for a man to display this notice, perhaps only the initials “G.T.T.” on his door for the information of callers after he has absconded.
Gone to the Devil.From the twofold circumstance that money lost through lawyers would surely be spent by them at their regular resort, the celebrated “Devil Tavern,” hard by Temple Bar, and the not unusual answer tendered by a subordinate to a caller at a place of business in Fleet Street that his master had “gone to the ‘Devil.’”
Gone to the Dogs.Money that has been squandered uselessly, as the remains of a feast in Eastern countries are thrown to the dogs instead of being given to the poor. A vicious man is said to have gone to the dogs because in the East social outcasts are often worried by ravenous dogs that prowl about the streets by night.
Gone under.One who has sunk in the social scale; never recovered from financial embarrassments; who found it impossible to “keep his head above water.” The allusion is, of course, to drowning.
Gone up the Country.An expression implying that a person is insolvent; originally introduced into England from the Colonies. When a man could notmake ends meet in the coast cities he went prospecting up the country.
Gong Punch.The American term for the bell ticket punch used by conductors on tramcars.
Gonville College.The original name of Caius College, Cambridge, founded by Edmund Gonville in 1348.
Good enough Morgan.An American phrase for an imposition, or any person or thing likely to pass muster for the reality. This originated during the Anti-Masonic riots in the state of New York, when it was alleged that the Freemasons had drowned a man called Morgan for having betrayed their secrets. A body was actually found in the rivernearnearFort Niagara, and identified by Morgan’s wife chiefly on account of a missing tooth. It was, however, proved that the whole story had been trumped up for political ends. A prominent politician who had a hand in the affair indeed confessed that, when reminded that the body would never pass for Morgan’s, he declared: “It’s a good enough Morgan.” Hence the phrase.
Goodge Street.After the name of the builder.
Goodman’s Fields.After the owner of the lands upon a portion of whose farm the Prioresses or Nuns of St Clare built their priory. This name recurs in the “Life of David Garrick,” who established his fame at the old Goodman’s Fields Theatre before he migrated to Drury Lane.
Good Old Town of Hull.A name originally bestowed upon the “Third Port” by tramps and beggars, who, in common with the deserving poor, fared exceeding well out of the bounty of the Dominican and Carmelite Friars. The streets Blackfriargate and Whitefriargate fix the locality of these conventual establishments.
Good Time.An Americanism for a very pleasurable or festive time. See “High Time.”
Good Wine needs no Bush.An ivy bush was in former times displayed at the end of a stake wherever winewas sold, the ivy being sacred to Bacchus. Travellers who had once tasted good wine took careful stock of the place before leaving it; consequently they needed no bush to direct them when next they visited the neighbourhood.
Goodwin Sands.At the time of the Norman Conquest this comprised the estate of Earl Godwin, from whom it was filched and bestowed upon the Abbey of St Augustine at Canterbury. Neglect of the repair of the sea-wall caused the waves to rush in and overwhelm the land.
Go off the Handle.To lose one’s head or go insane. The allusion is to the head of an axe flying off the handle.
Go one better.Originally a sporting expression, meaning that by jumping farther a contestant would make a scratch on the ground beyond the one just scored.
Goose.The tailor’s smoothing iron, from the resemblance of its handle to the neck of a goose.
Gooseberry.A corruption ofGorseberry, rough or coarse, on account of the hairs or diminutive prickles which distinguish this berry.
Gordon Hotels.Established by the late Frederick Gordon, a solicitor of Bloomsbury. These middle-class hotels have supplied a long-felt want in London and elsewhere.
Gordon Square.In compliment to Lady Georgina Gordon, wife of the sixth Duke of Bedford, the ground landlord.
Gospel.From the Anglo-SaxonGod-spell, “good news.”
Gospel Oak.From the oak-tree marking the juncture of St Pancras and Hampstead parishes, beneath which the Gospel was annually read.
Goswell Road.From an ancient spring, styled “God’s Well,” discovered in this neighbourhood.
Gotham.The city of New York. Washington Irving first gave it this name in his “Salmagundi.” Its people in his time were anything but fools, yet he may not haveappreciated the singular wisdom attributed to them. By referring to the city as Gotham he made a playful allusion to Gotham in Nottinghamshire, England, which for centuries had merited a reputation for being a town whose inhabitants did and said the most foolish things.
Go the whole Hog.An expression derived from Cowper’s poem entitled “Of the Love of the World reproved,” in which he discusses the eating of pork by the Turks: