Yarder,subs.(Harrow).—Cricket played in the school yard: in the summer term.
To get yards,verb. phr.(Harrow).—To get a catch at football and be allowed a free kick, not running more than can be covered in three running strides. HenceTO GIVE YARDS= to give such a catch;TO STEP YARDS= to cover the distance in “kicking off yards” in three strides;TO KNOCK DOWN YARDS= to prevent another from “taking yards.” [Originally three yards.]
Yards(The),subs.1. (Durham).—The list of members, originally of the First Game, but now of the Second Game—at football or cricket. [Formerly in the cricket season only a patch of ground thirty yards square was mowed. Those who had the privilege of playing on this were said to be “on theYARDS.”]
2. (Royal High School, Edin.).—The gravel-covered playground.
Yark,verb(Durham).—To cane.SeeTwankandLam. [Yark(North) = to strike, to beat.]
Yellow-hammer,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—ABlue(q.v.) in disgrace for gross misconduct and under discipline.Seequot.
1844.Reminis. of Christ’s Hospital[The Blue, August 1874]. In the case of a hardened offender, or of gross misdemeanour, a system of degradation was adopted, by causing the culprit to wear his coat turned inside out, and as the body of the coat had a yellow lining, the metamorphosis was remarkably striking, and (unkindest cut of all!) the subjects of this hideous transformation—these involuntary turn-coats—were by their schoolfellows nicknamedYELLOW-HAMMERS.
Yolly,subs.(Winchester: obsolete).—A post-chaise. [That is, “Yellow,” that having been generally a favourite colour for these vehicles.]
-y,inseparable suffix(Manchester Grammar).—SeeMathy,Chemmy,Gymmy, &c.
APPENDIX
A,subs.(Felsted).—SeeD,infra.
Abbey, The(Durham).—The Cathedral. The boys of Durham School (and they alone) speak, and always have spoken, of the Cathedral as “the Abbey.” This is supposed to show that the school dates from pre-Reformation days, though its foundation is put down to the time of Henry VIII. The Charity Commissioners admit the claim, and pay to the Head-master a pension founded by Cardinal Langley in 1415 for the master of his school in Durham.
Academia,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A select literary club: in vogue where the JesuitRatio Studiorumflourishes. Not now existent at Stonyhurst, but it is in great vigour in America and on the Continent.
Ambulacrum,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The covered playground used in wet weather.
Arcady,subs.(Stonyhurst).—An arched portion of the new front.
Atramentarius,subs.(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—The ink-pot boy: an office once in vogue, the holder of it being responsible for the cleanliness, &c., of the ink-pots in the class-rooms. For this he was given aGood-day(q.v.) at the end of the year.
B,subs.(Felsted).—SeeD,infra.
Back-stop,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The wicket-keeper in ordinary cricket.
Bag,verb(Stonyhurst).—To Cob(q.v.).
Ball of Honour,subs.(Stonyhurst).—SeeBeggar’s-ace.
Bannet(andBannet-fire),subs.(Royal High School, Edin.).—SeeBonnetandBonnet-fire,ante: in each case an error has crept in; the correct spelling is, of course,bannet.
Bate,adj.(Harrow).—Angry.
Beast,subs.(Cambridge).—SeeBrute.
Beggar’s-ace(andBall of Honour),subs.(Stonyhurst).—Two extra balls given by the winning side in a game to enable their opponents to catch up if possible.
Bill,subs.(Eton).—An old Etonian states that “in theBill” used to mean only that a boy was “complained of” to the Head-master.Seeante.
Black Monday(Stonyhurst).—The day of re-opening of schools.
Blandyke(Stonyhurst).—Seeante. It may be interesting to call attention to the connection between Stonyhurst and St. Omers and many of the words and phrases occurring in this vocabulary. They not only date from the Continental period, but find their explanation in it alone. The College was founded in 1592 at St. Omers, and continued without a break (at Bruges and Liège) previous to the settlement in England in 1794.
Bloody Wars,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A common name for any stiffness: such as that usually experienced at the beginning of the football or cricket season:e.g.“I’ve got theBLOODY WARS.”
Blue,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante; concerning the dress, I learn that the cap was given up many years ago. There used to be a yellow petticoat under the blue skirt. The boys also wear white “bands.”
Bluebottle,subs.(Christ’s Hospital: Hertford).—ABLUE(q.v.): used by girls at Hertford.SeeGrasshopper(Appendix) andHedgehog(ante).
Bottle,verb(Durham).—Seeante. AlsoTO BE BOTTLED= to be in a fix.
Bouncer,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A ball kicked from the hand before it reaches the ground: Stonyhurst-football (q.v.).
Boy,subs.(Harrow).—Specifically, a fag a grade above the lowest form.Seeante. As averb,TO BOY= to call for a fag: all fags are summoned by a long drawn-out shout.
Brick(andClat),subs.(Stonyhurst).—The names given to the two rival camps in a certain notorious quasi-insurrection in the College some fifty years ago. A full account appears in Fitzgerald’sStonyhurst Memories.
Bug and Snail,subs.phr. (Winchester).—The Natural History Society.
Bug-shooter,subs.(Harrow).—A member of the School Corps.
Bumf.To buy a bumf,verb. phr.(general).—To purchase a newspaper.Math-bumf= mathematical paper.Seeante.
Bunker,subs.(Stonyhurst).—(1) A native; (2) a low fellow.
Bus,subs.(Stonyhurst).—An extra nondescript class formed chiefly of boys not born to study.
Butt,subs.(Dulwich).—The school tuck-shop.SeeButtery.
Butter,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A boy known often to miss a catch. Hence, asverb= to miss a catch.
Buzz,verb(Christ’s Hospital).—To cry; to weep.
C,subs.(Felsted).—SeeD,infra.
Cæsar’s-bridge(Stonyhurst).—An old bridge over the Hodder. AlsoCromwell’s-bridge, though it is probable that Cromwell crossed the Hodder higher up.SeeHigger Brig.
Cage, The(Royal High School, Edin.).—A covered area, between two gates, in which prisoners at games are confined. Also, asverb= to put in this enclosure.
Candle-keepers,subs.(Winchester).—Mansfieldin hisSchool-Life at Winchester College, p. 30 (seequot. 1840,ante), says, “Why so called I have no idea,” butseeAdam’sWykehamica(1878), 418.
Cards.On cards,phr.(Harrow).—A report on conduct taken to the Head-master.
Carthaginians(Stonyhurst).—SeeVictory-walk.
Champion,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A boy in aLower Line(q.v.) class who, on account of age or size, joins in the games of theHigher Line(q.v.).Cf.Charity-tails.
Chisel,verb(Winchester).—To cheat.
Clap,verb(Christ’s Hospital: Hertford).—To push in front of. WhenceClapper= one who so pushes.
Clat(Stonyhurst).—SeeBrick.
Clogs,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The boots made by the College shoemaker.
Common-key,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A key by which most of the doors on the boys’ side of the house are opened.
Concertatio,subs.(Stonyhurst).—An exhibition of class-work given from time to time in the Community refectory by theLower Line(q.v.) classes.
Copy,subs.(Harrow).—FormerlyCopy= a prize-book, chosen by the recipient.Seeante.
Cork,verb(Eton).—To throw. [An Old Etonian informs me that “Cork” and notCalk(q.v.) is the correct orthography.]
Cowshed, The(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante. It should be stated thatThe Cowshedis a sort of pent-house near the Warden’s residence which workmen use for divers purposes.
Cricket-machine, subs. (Stonyhurst).—A boy who studies cricket scores with excessive care.
Crock,subs.(general).—An indifferent performer at a game.
Crocked.To be crocked,verb. phr.(general).—To be injured at a game.
Crow’s-wing(and-refectory),subs.(Stonyhurst).—The part of the house in which the masters live and fare.SeeCrow.
Cut.To cut in,verb. phr.(Harrow).—If a boy misses his place in the line atBill(q.v.), and tries to run in irregularly, he is saidTO CUT IN.
D,subs.(Felsted).—A division of “punishment bounds.” Nominally the bounds were:—A = practically no bounds; B = the ordinary bounds, the roads about a mile from the school; C = punishment bounds, confinement to the cricket-fields and playground; and D = confinement to the old school-house playground, one of the commonest forms of punishment till 1876, when the present school-house was opened. C and D were also known respectively asMongrelandQuod.
Dame,subs.(Eton and Harrow).—Originally many ladies kept boarding-houses: hence the word.Seeante.
Damnation-hill(Harrow).—SeeDamnation-cornerandHowsonandWarner,Harrow School(1898), 80.
Degerd,adj.(Harrow).—Degraded. [PronouncedDaygerd.]
Dicks’(Stonyhurst).—The chief tuck-shop at the present time.
Ditch, The(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante.The ditchis one of the three playgrounds, or rather open spaces, within the walls of Christ’s Hospital: it takes its name from the old City ditch which ran beneath it. The two others are the “Hall Play,” and the “Garden.”
Double-remove.To get aDOUBLE-REMOVE,verb. phr.(Harrow).—To skip a form.
Dox,subs.(Tonbridge).—The head-master. [An abbreviation of “doctor.”]
Dub.To dub in,verb. phr.(Christ’s Hospital).—To subscribe.
Duke’s-room(Stonyhurst).—ThePhilosophers’(q.v.) drawing-room.
Early bed,subs.(Stonyhurst).—In winter time the smaller boys go to bed an hour before the rest. Elder boys may avail themselves of this if sick:e.g.“There is noEARLY BEDto-night.”
Extraordinary,subs.(Stonyhurst).—Classes in which extra classics are read in the lower forms.
Fag-poker,intj.(Harrow: obsolete).—A cry to a fag to fetch a stake for the fire.
1827.Collins,The Public Schools[Harrow], p. 318. Poker and tongs were unknown luxuries in the “play-room” at Butler’s; and the junior fag, at the call of “FAGpoker,” had to rush out in the cold to pull a hedge-stake of substantial dimensions from the fence or faggot-stack.
Feeder-cric(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante. This game got its name from the “feeder,”i.e.the thrower of the ball, and the humble imitation that it was of cricket. The bat was a stick like a “glorified” ruler, but cut away at one end to resemble in some sort a cricket-bat. It was played against a buttress, on which was marked a circle in chalk, which served as a wicket. The ball was soft, with a hole in it; as in rounders the batsman might insist on certain conditions as to the method of “feeding,” and might refuse to recognise a “feed” unreasonable in height.
First-praise,subs.(Stonyhurst).—SeeReport.
First-touch.To be first-touch,verb. phr.(Stonyhurst).—To be first in reaching the scene of a game, a place in which was secured by touching some object, as a handball, a wicket, &c.
Flab,subs.1. (Christ’s Hospital).—Butter.
2. (Stonyhurst).—A boy who does not play in any of the regular (cricket) matches. For such a practice net is provided, known as theFLAB’S-NET.
Fob,verb(Christ’s Hospital).—To put on carelessly: as bands or buttons, without trouble, to look right for a minute or so.
Forcing,subs.(Stonyhurst).—Dribbling.SeeStonyhurst-football.
Form-beak,subs.(Harrow).—A form-master.SeeBeak.
Form-game,subs.(Harrow: obsolete).—At football, the games arranged in grades of ability, and not by Houses. They were named on the same principle as the school is arranged—Sixth Form game, Fifth Form game, and so on.
Forty,subs.(Felsted).—A division of the school for football or cricket. EachFORTYhas its own ground.
Fotch,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A blow on the face. Also asverb= to strike.
Fox,verb(Stonyhurst).—To pretend to be ill.
Frart,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A potato.
Fug,subs.(Harrow).—Seeante. The name is now given to a diminutive Association ball: formerly one of hair and chamois-leather.
Fungi,subs.(Christ’s Hospital)—India-rubber.
Gomer,subs.(Winchester).—Seeante, sense 2. I am informed that there is yet another usage.Gomers= a suit of clothes in which to go home. [Because College men wear gowns.]
Goose-match,subs.(Harrow).—Seeante, and quot.
1898.S. W. Gore,Harrow School, 225. Harrow is, I believe, one of the few schools where cricket is played in the Michaelmas term, when the traditional“GOOSE” MATCHis played. This was started on the 22nd of September 1849 by Mr. C. O. Eaton.
Grammar-match,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A football match in which the members of the highest class of theLower Line(q.v.)—Grammar(q.v.)—play the lower classes combined.
Grasshopper,subs.(Christ’s Hospital: Hertford).—ABLUE-girl: used by boys at Hertford.SeeBluebottle(Appendix) andHedgehog(ante).
Great Figures(Stonyhurst).—SeeFigures,ante.
Grecian,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—Add following to 1871 quot.:—
Then on leaving the school for college they obtain a gift of £60 for clothing and outfit, and an allowance of £70 a year while at college. Nor do they seem to owe any further allegiance in after life to Christ’s Hospital. For instance, many lads are educated specially for the navy, and are distinguished from the others by wearing a metal badge on the shoulder, but on leaving Christ’s they do not necessarily enter maritime life.
Head.Head of the Line,subs. phr.(Stonyhurst).—The Captain of the School.
Hedgehog(Christ’s Hospital).—SeeBluebottleandGrasshopper(Appendix).
Hell,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A well-known hazard on the golf links: another is calledPurgatory.
Henner,subs.(Royal High School, Edin.).—A challenge to do something difficult, which the challenger must first do himself:e.g.“Here’s aHENNERfor you!” [Probably from Old Scotshain.]
Higger Brig,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A bridge over the Hodder. It was by the old bridge at this point that Cromwell crossed on his way to Stonyhurst Hall, though some say it was atCæsar’s Bridge(q.v.). [Derived from an attempt to pronounce “Higher Bridge” in the local fashion.]
Hopgarth,subs.(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A part of the Gardens.
House-beak,subs.(Harrow).—A master.SeeBeakandForm-beak.
Immunity-card,subs.(Stonyhurst).—SeeTolly-ticket.
In.All in,phr.(Stonyhurst).—A direction given (1) at end of recreation; and (2) to stay indoors at recreation time when wet.
Ink-pot Boy(Stonyhurst).—SeeAtramentarius.
Jicker,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—(1) The juice of aHigh(q.v.). [It is suggested that this is a “portmanteau word”—fromjuiceandliquor.] Also (2) = blacking.
Jickery,adj.(Christ’s Hospital).—Big:e.g.“You’re in for aJICKERYrow.” [Query = overflowing, like theJICKER(juice) of a “high” (fruit tart).]
Jiffs, The(Christ’s Hospital).—The Jiffsare about the oldest part of the Hospital building. The name is given to cloisters lying on the left hand as one enters from Christ Church passage. They are at a lower level, and are reached by four steps. It was the only part not burned in the Great Fire. The rooms above were destroyed. [Suggested derivations are:—(1) from “Grey Friars” = G.F.’s; and (2) from a beadle, Geoffrey—Geoff’s—Jiffs.]
Joseph,subs.(Harrow: obsolete).—Generic for boy:e.g.BEETLE-JOSEPH= an entomological collector;MUSIC-JOSEPH= a boy who studied music, and so forth.
Keen,adj.(Christ’s Hospital).—Good:e.g.“jollyKEEN” = very good.
Kenna’s-day(Stonyhurst).—SeeDay,ante.
King,subs.(Royal High School, Edin.).—A game peculiar to the school. The players range themselves on one side of the playground, one going into the centre and calling “King!” The centre player endeavours to catch some one, who then joins him, and this goes on till all are caught. A rush is then made for the side, the last to reach it taking the centre place in a new game. It forms an excellent training for football and a source of revenue to tailors.
Lady Gallery(Stonyhurst).—A gallery in which is a statue of the Blessed Virgin.
Lamm.To lamm in,verb. phr.(Stonyhurst).—SeePeg in.
Last-quarter,subs.(Stonyhurst).—An interval at the end of long recreations for toilet purposes, &c., before studies or other duties:e.g.“Is thereLAST-QUARTERafter this recreation?”
Leeming’s Knot(Stonyhurst).—A ditch or hole in a neighbouring wood. [From some local farmer who is said to have jumped into it.]
Little Man,subs.(Eton).—Seeante: this term, I am informed, is only applied to one particular man in a certain shop.
Lo(Felsted).—SeeFain lo.
Long Litany Lane(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A lane near the College.
Long Sleep,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A longer time than usual in bed:e.g.“There will beLONG SLEEPto-morrow,” “May I haveLONG SLEEP?”
Long-soft,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A long, low bounce:Stonyhurst-football(q.v.).
Lord’s.To be in Lord’s,verb. phr.(Winchester).—To be a member of the first Eleven at cricket, dating from the old Public School matches at Lord’s between Winchester, Harrow, and Eton. WhenceLord’s-Ex= the Exeat for the Eton and Harrow match.
Lounge,subs.(Eton).—Both present and past Eton schoolmen inform me that, as far as they know, this word was, and is, never used.
Love-lane(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A road near the College.
Low,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—There are two sorts of fruit pies sold at the school shop, called respectively, according to their shape, “HIGH” and “LOW,” the word “pie” being generally omitted.
Magazine,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The dormitory of the smaller boys in the College. Once a trunk room.
Mathemat,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante, and add following to quot. 1895:—
The most distinctive feature in theMATHEMATlife was the yearly “going to Court.” Our hair was trimmed and brushed for the occasion by the Hospital barber, buttonholes and gloves lavished on us. When we went to Buckingham Palace we drove five in a carriage, the redundant gentleman being literally and metaphorically sat upon by his justly indignant comrades. But more interesting were our visits to Windsor, with the march from the station to the Castle, the long weary waiting in endless corridors and gorgeous ante-chambers, the well-earned lunch, with John Brown peeping in at the door; then Her Majesty’s inspection of our drawings; and finally, our free range over the Castle and toilsome ascent of the Round Tower. I remember the following circumstance: OneMATHEMATexhibited a painting of a ship still building. Prince George of Wales remarked to his brother, “What a ‘rummy’ ship,” at which the exhibitor laughed, causing the elder Prince to exclaim, “Look, George, he’s laughing at you.”
Mayfair(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A walk in the playground.Cf.Bond-street.
Meeter,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A successful kick at a ball coming towards the one who kicks.SeeSTONYHURST-FOOTBALL.
Mob,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A move from one Form to another.
Mongrel(Felsted).—SeeD (Appendix).
Monkey.Monkey-room(Stonyhurst).—A lumber-room: chiefly used as a stable for bicycles.
Mull,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A fight.
Nicks,intj.(Stonyhurst).—Seeante. Also used at Stonyhurst by scouts at sight of a Prefect.
Nip’s-night,subs.(Felsted).—The annual entertainment for the village people. [Nip= a rustic.]
Nurse,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante. Obsolete in London, but retained at Hertford.
Officiate,verb(Christ’s Hospital).—To interfere:i.e.to be “officious.”E.g.“Don’t officiate.”
On.All on,phr.(Stonyhurst).—The direction given at the end of recreation. AlsoAll in.
Passy,adj.(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante. Now obsolete: the modern equivalent isVish, whichsee(Appendix).
Past,adv.(Stonyhurst).—Beyond the goal line.
Peg.To peg in,verb. phr.(Stonyhurst).—(1) To throw in hard: of cricket. (2) To cane severely: of corporal punishment:e.g.“Does So-and-soPEG IN?” Also ToLAMM IN.
People,subs.(Harrow).—Relations; visitors:e.g.“I’ve gotPEOPLEcoming down.”
Pepper-box,subs.(Eton).—A buttress in the original Fives Court on the Chapel steps—reproduced in all Eton Fives Courts.
Pester,subs.(Harrow).—The special cab used to convey boys with infectious diseases toSanny(q.v.).
Pet, The(Felsted).—The petrifying stream: a small brook near Felsted.
Philathlet(orPhil),subs.(Harrow).—SeePhil,ante. Also the large school cricket ground used for lower games.
Philosopher’s-quarters,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The part of the house in which thePhilosophers(q.v.) live.
Pi,adj.(originally Winchester).—Seeante. This expression is now pretty general. AlsoPi-jaw(orPi-gas) = a serious admonition.
Pog,subs.(Felsted).—Seeante: the suggested derivation is “Pig—pig-faced—pog.” “Put yourPOG” was the usual direction toDrawing-round(q.v.).
Post-office,verb(Harrow).—To promenade the High Street. [Where is situated the post-office.]
Prefect’s-room,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The room in which corporal punishment is inflicted. “To visit thePREFECT’S-ROOM” has a recognised significance. Also known as theTolly-shop.
Prisoner’s-bars,subs.(Stonyhurst).—Otherwise known as “Prisoner’s-base.”
Privates,subs.(Harrow).—Private lessons.
Purgatory,subs.(Stonyhurst).—SeeHell.
Purl(orPearl),subs.(Winchester).—A header. Also asverb.
Rabble,subs.(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—The Vesper Choir:i.e.the choir formed of boys not in the College choir proper, who sing alternately with the latter at Vespers.
Reading-room,subs.(Stonyhurst).—An hour of extra study after supper. So called from the room in which this study may be done. “I am going to Reading Room.”
Rector’s Tower(Stonyhurst).—A tower at the end of the west wing. Also known as Parbrick Tower, after the Rector who built it.
Report,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The account of the school work given by the Prefect of Studies in the Boys’ Refectory, before the whole house assembled, at the end of each term. The class which wins most honour is said to getFirst Praise. After the Report theDistinction Listsare read.Cf.Distinguished.
Retreat,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A period of three days annually devoted by the boys to practices of piety.
Romans(Stonyhurst).—SeeVictory-walk.
Rostrum,subs.(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A pulpit formerly in the boys’ refectory: used for reading during certain meals.
Rotten.Bells go rotten,phr.(Winchester).—SeeMansfield,School-Life at Winchester(1866), 432.
Roust,verb(Durham).—To kick.
Sabbatine,subs.(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A kind of academical exhibition given by one of theHigher Line(q.v.) classes to the rest of the Higher Line and visitors on a Saturday afternoon. [FromSabbatum.]
Sack.To have(orGET)THE SACK,verb. phr.(Harrow).—To be dismissed from school for an offence. A common enough word, but its specific use at Harrow deserves mention.
Sage,subs.(Royal High School, Edin.: obsolete).—A class.
Sanny,subs.(Harrow).—The School Sanatorium.
Scaley,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A term of contempt: applied to all foreigners.
Sciff,verb(Christ’s Hospital).—To knock over.
Sconse,subs.andadj.(Christ’s Hospital).—A selfish fellow; selfish.SeeScaff.
Scratch(Christ’s Hospital).—The matron’s servant.
Scrub, subs. (Stonyhurst).—A ball hit close to the wall or ground: handball.
Scug,subs.(Eton).—A term of contempt for any boy wanting in self-respect.
Second-dinner,subs.(Stonyhurst).—When a boy for any reason has been unable to dine with the rest, he is said to go toSECOND-DINNER.
Second-tip,subs.(Stonyhurst: obsolete).—A form ofStonyhurst-cricket(q.v.), in which the batsman had to run once at least in two hits.
Second-washing,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The interval allowed every day before dinner for toilet purposes.
Semmies(orSeminarians),subs.(Stonyhurst).—Students at the Seminary or St. Mary’s Hall.
Semper(Winchester).—Seeante.Semper Testisalso = “a boy always ready to support any assertion of his friend.”
Senior Philosopher, subs. (Stonyhurst).—The head and spokesman of thePhilosophers(q.v.).
Shag,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A share. Also asverb.
Shark,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A “cadger.” Whence, asverb= to make up to; to cadge.
Shinner,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A kick on the shins.SeeStonyhurst-football.
Shop-boys,subs.(Stonyhurst).—The boys responsible for the shop in the “house.” It is entirely in the boys’ own hands; the profits go to the games club.
Shuts,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A “sell.” Also asintj.= “Sold again!”
Side.Behind one’s side,phr.(Winchester).—Said of a man when nearer the opponents’ goal than the player on his own side who last touched the ball.
AlsoseeSwagger(Appendix).
Sig,subs.(Harrow).—A signature for work:e.g.“To get aSIG.”SeeSigned.
Signed.To be signed,verb. phr.(Harrow).—To be excused work.
Six-and-Six,subs.(Winchester).—Seeante. Originally one match yearly between College and Commoners; now three matches between College, Commoners, and Houses. AlsoSixes.SeeApple-pie day.
Sixes,subs.(Harrow).—Alternate six balls in the Yard with another batsman. HenceTO GO SIXES= to go shares in anything.
Skew(Harrow).—Seeante. Also, asverb= to turn (or fail) inRep(q.v.).
Skit,subs.(Harrow).—A quantity.
Slime,verb.1. (Felsted).—Seeante. To sneak in, out, or past. Also assubs.,TO DO A SLIME(even in games) = to take a crafty advantage.
2. (Harrow).—To go round quietly.
1898.Warner,Harrow School, 282. His house beakSLIMEDand twug him.
3. (Harrow).—To make drops at rackets.
Slop,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—A term of contempt.
Slopper,subs.(The Leys).—A slop-basin.
Snoring-dormitory,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A special dormitory reserved for troublesome sleepers.
Souppy,subs.(Royal High School, Edin.).—The same asGrubby(q.v.).
Spec,verb(Harrow and Durham).—To expect to get; to count on winning beforehand: as a race, &c.
Spital Sermon(Christ’s Hospital).—Seeante. InThe Blueof April 1900 appears an account of a Spital Sermon preached in Christ Church, Newgate Street, April 23rd, 1644: it is quaint. In recent years the Lord Mayor’s chaplain preached on Easter Monday, a bishop on Tuesday, but within the last twenty years the Monday sermon has been given up. Also, the boys no longer wear the bit of paper bearing the words, “He is risen,” and the “Mathemats” have ceased to carry their nautical instruments.
Spot.On the spot,phr.(Stonyhurst).—(1) In good humour; (2) in good condition.
Stonyhurst-cricket,subs.(Stonyhurst: recently obsolete).—A form of cricket played till very recent times at Stonyhurst, the ordinary game being known asLondon-cricket. The points of difference are chiefly these: (1) the balls must be swift, and bowled along the ground; (2) the batsman must hit—“slog” is the term; and (3) the game is played at a single wicket. Bat, ball, and wickets differ in shape and size from those used in cricket proper. In Father Gerard’sStonyhurstwill be found a detailed account of the game, and a connection is traced between it and a crude form once played at Eton. It is in all probability a survival of very primitive cricket which became stereotyped because of the life of the College abroad.
Stonyhurst-football,subs.(Stonyhurst).—A kind of football played at Stonyhurst and some other schools. It differs materially from the Association and Rugby game, chiefly in these respects: (1) any number may play at once; (2) the ball may be touched by the hand during the game, but not handled or carried as in Rugby football; (3) charging, or otherwise roughly treating another player, is prohibited. The goal-posts are longer and the space between them narrower than in other forms of the game; the ball is small and round. It is akin to a species of football played at Eton, and is clearly a relic of the past. In matches the sides usually have names:e.g.“French and English,” in the Grand Matches—a significant survival from old continental days; “Federals and Allies” (now obsolete); “Pipes and Windows”—a favourite impromptu match, the “Pipes” being those who sit on one side of the old “Study Place,” the “Windows” those who sit on the other. Now that the “Pipes” (hot-water pipes) are on the same side as the windows, the match is more commonly called “Walls and Windows,” but sometimes “Chapel Pipes and Windows.” “Shavers and Non-shavers” is another favourite match.
Strue,subs.(general).—A construe.SeeCon.
Superd.To be superd,verb. phr.(Harrow).—To be superannuated.
Swack,subs.(Christ’s Hospital).—Deception. WhenceTo swack up= to deceive; to take in.
Swagger(orSide),subs.(Harrow).—(1) Appropriating privileges to which one has no right; and (2) using peculiar privileges which others may not use. Etiquette in this respect is very complex.
1898.Warner,Harrow School, 280. The rules of “SWAGGER” are most complex, like other traditional and unwritten codes, and in them a new boy is apt to find himself entangled. He goes out with his umbrella rolled up, and he finds he is swaggering; or he carries it by its middle, or under his arm, or he walks on the middle terrace after chapel, or he innocently wears his “blues” open when it is hot, or turns his trousers up when it is wet, and again he is swaggering. Lady visitors sometimes think small boys at Harrow rude. It is not rudeness which leads boys to stick close to the wall, even when coming up covered with mud from football, and shoulder the world into the gutter, it is modesty; to walk in the road isSWAGGER. To loiter at the house door, or to sing or whistle in the passages, and to wear a hat in the house are also forms ofSWAGGER.