Jabber, to talk, or chatter. A cant word in Swift’s time. Probably fromGIBBER.Jack, the knave of trumps, at the game of all-fours.Jack-at-a-pinch, one whose assistance is only sought on an emergency. Jack-in-the-water, an attendant at the watermen’s stairs on the river and sea-port towns, who does not mind wetting his feet for a customer’s convenience, in consideration of a douceur.Jacked-up, ruined, done for. ToJACK-UPis to leave off doing anything suddenly.SeeCHUCK-UP.Jacket, the skin of a potato which has not been pared before cooking. In Ireland potatoes are generally served “with theirJACKETSon.”Jacketing, a thrashing. Similar term to leathering, cowhiding, &c.Jackey, gin.Seven Dialsoriginally. Nearly general now.Jack-in-the-box, a small but powerful kind of screw, used by burglars to break open safes.Jack Ketch, the public hangman.—SeeKETCH.Jack Nasty-face, a sailor.—Sea.Nasty-faceis a term applied often in London streets to an ugly or unpleasant-looking person.Jacks,AND HALF-JACKS, card counters, resembling in size and appearance sovereigns and half-sovereigns, for which they are occasionally passed to simple persons. In large gambling establishments the “heaps of gold” are frequently composed ofJACKS.Jacksare not, as they are sometimes supposed to be, counterfeit coins; they are simply little medals, and so “magsmen” and “street muggers” carry them with less concern than they would feel were their pockets loaded with spurious money.Jack Sprat, a diminutive boy or man.Jack Tar, a sailor.Jacob, a ladder. Grose says, from Jacob’s dream.—Old Cant.Jacob’s ladder, a longitudinal flaw in the leg of a ballet-girl’s tights.Jagger, a gentleman.German,Jager, a sportsman.Jail-bird, a prisoner, one who has been in jail.James, a sovereign, or twenty shillings. FromJacobus, the James II. guinea.Jannock, sociable, fair dealing.—Norfolk.Generally nowJONNICK, whichsee.Japan, to ordain. Having evident reference to the black clothes which follow ordination.—University.Jark, a “safe-conduct” pass.—Oxford.Old cant for a seal.Jarvey, the driver of a hackney-coach; “Jarvey’supper Benjamin,” a coachman’s overcoat, with many capes. An ingenious etymology has been found forJarvey, thus:—Jarvey, vernacular for Geoffrey, which was often written Geo. (gee-ho), henceJarvey. This is open to considerable objection, as George is shortened in similar manner to that shown above. Still it is worthy of record, independently of its ingenuity, being as exact as many accepted derivations.Jaw, speech, or talk; “hold yourJAW,” don’t speak any more; “what are youJAWINGabout?”i.e., what are you making a noise about?Jaw, to talk without cessation, to scold vehemently.Jawbone, credit.“We have a few persons whose pockets are to let—men who have more complaints than dollars—individuals who, in digger’s parlance, live onJAWBONE(credit), and are always to be found at saloons; a class of men who, when they are here, wish themselves yonder, and when yonder, wish themselves back.”—Times Correspondent, San Francisco, Oct. 21, 1862.Jaw-breaker, a hard or excessively long word. Also, in pugilistic sense, a hard blow on the side of the face.Jaw-twister, a hard or many-syllabled word. Elaboration of preceding.Jazey, a wig. A corruption ofJERSEY, the name for flax prepared in a peculiar manner, of which common wigs were formerly made; “the cove with theJAZEY,”i.e., the judge.Jeames(a generic for “flunkeys”), theMorning Postnewspaper—the organ of Belgravia and the “Haristocracy.”Jehu, old slang term for a coachman, or one fond of driving.—Biblical.Jeminy O!a vulgar expression of surprise.Jemmy, a sheep’s-head.—Seesanguinary James.Jemmy, a short crowbar, which generally takes to pieces, for the convenience of housebreakers.Jemmy ducks, the man whose business it is to look after the poultry on board a ship.—Sea.Jemmy Jessamy, a dandy.Jemmy-John, a jar for holding liquor; probably a corruption of demi-gallon, by means ofDEMI-JOHN.Jeremiad, a lament; derived, of course, from the Book of Lamentations, written by the Prophet Jeremiah.Jeremy Diddler, an adept at raising the wind,i.e., at borrowing, especially at borrowing with no intention of repaying.Seethe farce ofRaising the Wind.Jericho, an improper quarter of Oxford. A lady visitor once writing her name down in the visitors’ book at the Bodleian or elsewhere, for a joke put down her residence as “Jericho,” to the no small disgust of her undergraduate friend.—University.Jerry, a chamber utensil; abbreviation ofJEROBOAM.—Swift.Jerry, a watch. “Jerrynicking” or “JERRYsneaking” is watch-stealing, which is a distinct form of street robbery, and requires both courage and dexterity; for it is done, as the thieves say, “right afore a bloke’s face.”Jerry, to jibe or chaff cruelly. Development of jeer.Jerry-go-nimble, the diarrhœa. Derivation apparent.Jerry Lynch, a pig’s head pickled. Term usually applied to the long Irish heads which are sent over here for sale in the poorer districts of London, and which are vastly different from the heads of “dairy-fed” porkers.Jerry shop, a beer-house. Contraction of “Tom and Jerry.”Jerry Sneak, a hen-pecked husband,—a character in theMayor of Garret. Also, a stealer of watches.Jerusalem pony, a donkey.Jessie, “to give a personJESSIE,” to beat him soundly.SeeGAS.Jew fencer, a Jew street salesman.Jew’s eye, a popular simile for anything valuable. Probably a corruption of theItalian,GIOJE;French,JOAILLE, a jewel. In ancient times, when a king was short of cash, he generally issued orders for so manyJews’ eyes, or equivalent sums of money. The Jews preferred paying the ransom, although often very heavy. It is notorious that in this country the order often went forth to draw Jews’ teeth in the event of their refusing to contribute so much to the Exchequer. A probable idea is, that as a Jew’s teeth brought in so much money, the value of aJew’s eyemust be something fabulous. Possibly, also, from thelex talionisso strongly believed in by Jews,—an eye for an eye, and nothing less. The term is used by Shakspeare.Jezebel, a showily-dressed woman of suspected character; derived, of course, from 2 Kings ix. 30, but applied in this sense from the time of the Puritans. Also, a hot-tempered female.Jib, a first-year man.—Dublin University.Jib, orJIBBER, a horse that starts or shrinks. Shakspeare uses it in the sense of a worn-out horse.Jib, the face, or a person’s expression; “the cut of hisJIB,”i.e., his peculiar appearance. That sail of a ship, which in position and shape, corresponds to the nose on a person’s face.—Sea.A vessel is often known by the cut of theJIBsail; hence the popular phrase, “to know a man by the cut of hisJIB.”Jibb, the tongue.—GipsyandHindoo. (Tramps’ term.) Thence extended to mean language.Jiffy, “in aJIFFY,” in a moment.Jigger, a door; “dub theJIGGER,” shut the door.Ancient cant,GYGER. In billiards, the bridge or rest is often termed theJIGGER. Also, the curtain of a theatre.Jiggerhas many meanings, the word being applied to any small mechanical contrivance. Printers use the word for a little machine which guides the eye when copy is minute.Jigger, a secret still for the manufacture of illicit spirits.Jigger, “I’mJIGGEREDif you will,” a common form of mild swearing.SeeSNIGGER.Jigger-dubber, a term applied to a gaoler or turnkey.Jiggot o’ mutton, a leg of mutton. FromFr.GIGOT.Jilt, a crowbar or house-breaking implement.Jingo, “byJINGO,” a common form of oath, said to be a corruption ofSt. Gingoulph.VideHalliwell.Jo, Scotticism for a man or lover. As “John Anderson, myJO, John.”Job, “aJOBlot,” otherwise called a “sporting lot,” any miscellaneous goods purchased at a cheap rate, or to be sold a bargain. Frequentlyused to conceal the fact of their being stolen, or otherwise dishonestly obtained.Job, a short piece of work, a prospect of employment. Johnson describesJOBas a low word, without etymology. It is, and was, however, a cant word; and aJOB, two centuries ago, was an arranged robbery. Even at the present day it is mainly confined to the streets, in the sense of employment for a short time. Amongst undertakers aJOBsignifies a funeral; “to do aJOB,” conduct any one’s funeral; “by theJOB,”i.e., piece-work, as opposed to time-work. AJOBin political phraseology is a Government office or contract, obtained by secret influence or favouritism. Any unfair arrangement is now called aJOB.Job, a sudden blow, as “aJOBin the eye.” Also used as a verb, “I’llJOBthis here knife in your ribs.”Jobation, a chiding, a reprimand, a trial of the hearer’s patience.Jobbery, the arrangement of jobs, or unfair business proceedings.Job’s comfort, reproof instead of consolation.Job’s comforter, one who brings news of additional misfortunes. Both these words are of Biblical origin.Job’s turkey, “as poor asJob’s turkey,” as thin and as badly fed as that ill-conditioned and imaginary bird.Jocteleg, a shut-up knife. Corruption of Jacques de Liège, a famous cutler.Joe, a too marvellous tale, a lie, or a stale joke. Abbreviated fromJoe Miller. The full name is occasionally used, as in the phrase “I don’t see theJoe Millerof it,”i.e., I don’t perceive the wit you intend, or I don’t see the fun of doing it,—whatever may have been the request.Joey, a fourpenny piece. The term is derived (likeBobbyfrom Sir Robert Peel) from Joseph Hume. The explanation is thus given in Hawkins’sHistory of the Silver Coinage of England:—“These pieces are said to have owed their existence to the pressing instance of Mr. Hume, from whence they, for some time, bore the nickname ofJoeys. As they were very convenient to pay short cab fares, the hon. M.P. was extremely unpopular with the drivers, who frequently received only a groat where otherwise they would have received a sixpence without any demand for change.”The term, therefore, was originated by the London cabmen, who have invented many other popular phrases. Fancy offering a modern hansom cabman aJoey!Jog-trot, a slow but regular trot, or pace.Jogul, to play up, at cards or other game.Spanish,JUGAR.John Blunt, a straightforward, honest, outspoken man.Johnny, half-a-glass of whisky.—Irish.Johnny Darbies, a nickname for policemen, an evident corruption of theFrenchGENSDARMES. Also, a term applied to handcuffs.—SeeDARBIES.Johnny Raw, a newly-enlisted soldier.John Orderly, the signal to shorten the performance at a show. Whenever the master, who remains on the platform outside to takethe money and regulate the performance, desires to refill the booth, he pokes his head inside and shouts, “IsJohn Orderlythere?” The actors instantly cut the piece short, the curtain falls, and the spectators are bundled out at the back, to make room for the fresh audience. According to tradition,John Orderlywas a noted showman, who taught this move to the no less noted Richardson. This is like the old story of the publican who used to call out to his waiter, “A pot of ale, Robert,” when he wished his customers to be served with the best; but “A pot of ale, Bob,” when they had been drinking long enough not to distinguish good stuff from the bad the latter order meant. One day after calling for Bob many times, he reluctantly, at the request of a visitor, tasted the ale, and found it was the best. Rushing out immediately afterwards, and calling for Bob with all his voice, he was answered by his wife, who said, “Why, Bob’s been out these three hours.”John Thomas, a generic for “flunkeys,”—more especially footmen with large calves and fine bushy whiskers.Jolly, a Royal Marine.—SeeHORSE MARINE.Jolly, a word of praise, or favourable notice; “chuck Harry aJOLLY, Bill,”i.e., go and praise up his goods, or buy of him, and speak well of the article, that the crowd standing around his stall may think it a good opportunity for laying out their money. This is calledJOLLYING. “Chuck aJOLLY,” lit. translated, is, throw “a shout” or “good word.”Jolly, to abuse or vituperate, sometimes to “bear up” or “bonnet.” ToJOLLYa man often means to give him a piece of one’s mind. ToJOLLY“for” any one is another phase of the business mentioned in the foregoing paragraph.Jomer, a sweetheart, or favourite girl.SeeBLOWER.Jonnick, right, correct, proper. Said of a person or thing.Jordan, a chamberpot. To throw the contents of a chamberpot over any one is to christen him.Jorum, a capacious vessel from which food is eaten, as broth or stew.Joskin, a countryman.Jossop, the syrup or juice in a fruit pie or pudding. Also, sauce or gravy.—School.Jow, be off, be gone immediately. If the word Jehanum be added, it forms a peremptory order to go to a place unmentionable to ears polite.—Anglo-Indian.Our phrase, “Go to Jericho,” is probably a modification of the Jehanum business.Judas, a deceitful person;JUDAS-HAIRED, red-haired, deceitful. It is generally believed thatJudas Iscariotwas red-haired. Painters seem to have accepted this idea, with modifications as to the exact amount of colour.Jug, a prison of any kind. Contraction of “stone jug.”Julep, one of a set of drinks peculiar to America. Generally prepared with mint, and called aMINT-JULEP. OriginallyJULEPwas a pleasantliquid, in which nauseous medicines were taken. Its literal meaning is rosewater, and it is derived from the Arabic.Jump, to seize, or rob; to “JUMPa man,” to pounce upon him, and either rob or maltreat him; “toJUMPa house,” to rob it.Jumped-up, conceited, arrogant, setting full value on oneself.Jump-up-behind, to endorse an accommodation-bill.Juniper, gin. Derivation obvious.Junk, salt beef.—SeeOLD HORSE.Juwaub, literally, in Hindostanee, an answer; but in Anglo-Indian slang signifying a refusal. If an officer asks for leave and is refused, he is said to beJUWAUBED; if a gentleman unsuccessfully proposes for the hand of a lady, he is said to have got theJUWAUB.—Anglo-Indian.
Jabber, to talk, or chatter. A cant word in Swift’s time. Probably fromGIBBER.
Jack, the knave of trumps, at the game of all-fours.
Jack-at-a-pinch, one whose assistance is only sought on an emergency. Jack-in-the-water, an attendant at the watermen’s stairs on the river and sea-port towns, who does not mind wetting his feet for a customer’s convenience, in consideration of a douceur.
Jacked-up, ruined, done for. ToJACK-UPis to leave off doing anything suddenly.SeeCHUCK-UP.
Jacket, the skin of a potato which has not been pared before cooking. In Ireland potatoes are generally served “with theirJACKETSon.”
Jacketing, a thrashing. Similar term to leathering, cowhiding, &c.
Jackey, gin.Seven Dialsoriginally. Nearly general now.
Jack-in-the-box, a small but powerful kind of screw, used by burglars to break open safes.
Jack Ketch, the public hangman.—SeeKETCH.
Jack Nasty-face, a sailor.—Sea.Nasty-faceis a term applied often in London streets to an ugly or unpleasant-looking person.
Jacks,AND HALF-JACKS, card counters, resembling in size and appearance sovereigns and half-sovereigns, for which they are occasionally passed to simple persons. In large gambling establishments the “heaps of gold” are frequently composed ofJACKS.Jacksare not, as they are sometimes supposed to be, counterfeit coins; they are simply little medals, and so “magsmen” and “street muggers” carry them with less concern than they would feel were their pockets loaded with spurious money.
Jack Sprat, a diminutive boy or man.
Jack Tar, a sailor.
Jacob, a ladder. Grose says, from Jacob’s dream.—Old Cant.
Jacob’s ladder, a longitudinal flaw in the leg of a ballet-girl’s tights.
Jagger, a gentleman.German,Jager, a sportsman.
Jail-bird, a prisoner, one who has been in jail.
James, a sovereign, or twenty shillings. FromJacobus, the James II. guinea.
Jannock, sociable, fair dealing.—Norfolk.Generally nowJONNICK, whichsee.
Japan, to ordain. Having evident reference to the black clothes which follow ordination.—University.
Jark, a “safe-conduct” pass.—Oxford.Old cant for a seal.
Jarvey, the driver of a hackney-coach; “Jarvey’supper Benjamin,” a coachman’s overcoat, with many capes. An ingenious etymology has been found forJarvey, thus:—Jarvey, vernacular for Geoffrey, which was often written Geo. (gee-ho), henceJarvey. This is open to considerable objection, as George is shortened in similar manner to that shown above. Still it is worthy of record, independently of its ingenuity, being as exact as many accepted derivations.
Jaw, speech, or talk; “hold yourJAW,” don’t speak any more; “what are youJAWINGabout?”i.e., what are you making a noise about?
Jaw, to talk without cessation, to scold vehemently.
Jawbone, credit.“We have a few persons whose pockets are to let—men who have more complaints than dollars—individuals who, in digger’s parlance, live onJAWBONE(credit), and are always to be found at saloons; a class of men who, when they are here, wish themselves yonder, and when yonder, wish themselves back.”—Times Correspondent, San Francisco, Oct. 21, 1862.
Jawbone, credit.
“We have a few persons whose pockets are to let—men who have more complaints than dollars—individuals who, in digger’s parlance, live onJAWBONE(credit), and are always to be found at saloons; a class of men who, when they are here, wish themselves yonder, and when yonder, wish themselves back.”—Times Correspondent, San Francisco, Oct. 21, 1862.
“We have a few persons whose pockets are to let—men who have more complaints than dollars—individuals who, in digger’s parlance, live onJAWBONE(credit), and are always to be found at saloons; a class of men who, when they are here, wish themselves yonder, and when yonder, wish themselves back.”—Times Correspondent, San Francisco, Oct. 21, 1862.
Jaw-breaker, a hard or excessively long word. Also, in pugilistic sense, a hard blow on the side of the face.
Jaw-twister, a hard or many-syllabled word. Elaboration of preceding.
Jazey, a wig. A corruption ofJERSEY, the name for flax prepared in a peculiar manner, of which common wigs were formerly made; “the cove with theJAZEY,”i.e., the judge.
Jeames(a generic for “flunkeys”), theMorning Postnewspaper—the organ of Belgravia and the “Haristocracy.”
Jehu, old slang term for a coachman, or one fond of driving.—Biblical.
Jeminy O!a vulgar expression of surprise.
Jemmy, a sheep’s-head.—Seesanguinary James.
Jemmy, a short crowbar, which generally takes to pieces, for the convenience of housebreakers.
Jemmy ducks, the man whose business it is to look after the poultry on board a ship.—Sea.
Jemmy Jessamy, a dandy.
Jemmy-John, a jar for holding liquor; probably a corruption of demi-gallon, by means ofDEMI-JOHN.
Jeremiad, a lament; derived, of course, from the Book of Lamentations, written by the Prophet Jeremiah.
Jeremy Diddler, an adept at raising the wind,i.e., at borrowing, especially at borrowing with no intention of repaying.Seethe farce ofRaising the Wind.
Jericho, an improper quarter of Oxford. A lady visitor once writing her name down in the visitors’ book at the Bodleian or elsewhere, for a joke put down her residence as “Jericho,” to the no small disgust of her undergraduate friend.—University.
Jerry, a chamber utensil; abbreviation ofJEROBOAM.—Swift.
Jerry, a watch. “Jerrynicking” or “JERRYsneaking” is watch-stealing, which is a distinct form of street robbery, and requires both courage and dexterity; for it is done, as the thieves say, “right afore a bloke’s face.”
Jerry, to jibe or chaff cruelly. Development of jeer.
Jerry-go-nimble, the diarrhœa. Derivation apparent.
Jerry Lynch, a pig’s head pickled. Term usually applied to the long Irish heads which are sent over here for sale in the poorer districts of London, and which are vastly different from the heads of “dairy-fed” porkers.
Jerry shop, a beer-house. Contraction of “Tom and Jerry.”
Jerry Sneak, a hen-pecked husband,—a character in theMayor of Garret. Also, a stealer of watches.
Jerusalem pony, a donkey.
Jessie, “to give a personJESSIE,” to beat him soundly.SeeGAS.
Jew fencer, a Jew street salesman.
Jew’s eye, a popular simile for anything valuable. Probably a corruption of theItalian,GIOJE;French,JOAILLE, a jewel. In ancient times, when a king was short of cash, he generally issued orders for so manyJews’ eyes, or equivalent sums of money. The Jews preferred paying the ransom, although often very heavy. It is notorious that in this country the order often went forth to draw Jews’ teeth in the event of their refusing to contribute so much to the Exchequer. A probable idea is, that as a Jew’s teeth brought in so much money, the value of aJew’s eyemust be something fabulous. Possibly, also, from thelex talionisso strongly believed in by Jews,—an eye for an eye, and nothing less. The term is used by Shakspeare.
Jezebel, a showily-dressed woman of suspected character; derived, of course, from 2 Kings ix. 30, but applied in this sense from the time of the Puritans. Also, a hot-tempered female.
Jib, a first-year man.—Dublin University.
Jib, orJIBBER, a horse that starts or shrinks. Shakspeare uses it in the sense of a worn-out horse.
Jib, the face, or a person’s expression; “the cut of hisJIB,”i.e., his peculiar appearance. That sail of a ship, which in position and shape, corresponds to the nose on a person’s face.—Sea.A vessel is often known by the cut of theJIBsail; hence the popular phrase, “to know a man by the cut of hisJIB.”
Jibb, the tongue.—GipsyandHindoo. (Tramps’ term.) Thence extended to mean language.
Jiffy, “in aJIFFY,” in a moment.
Jigger, a door; “dub theJIGGER,” shut the door.Ancient cant,GYGER. In billiards, the bridge or rest is often termed theJIGGER. Also, the curtain of a theatre.Jiggerhas many meanings, the word being applied to any small mechanical contrivance. Printers use the word for a little machine which guides the eye when copy is minute.
Jigger, a secret still for the manufacture of illicit spirits.
Jigger, “I’mJIGGEREDif you will,” a common form of mild swearing.SeeSNIGGER.
Jigger-dubber, a term applied to a gaoler or turnkey.
Jiggot o’ mutton, a leg of mutton. FromFr.GIGOT.
Jilt, a crowbar or house-breaking implement.
Jingo, “byJINGO,” a common form of oath, said to be a corruption ofSt. Gingoulph.VideHalliwell.
Jo, Scotticism for a man or lover. As “John Anderson, myJO, John.”
Job, “aJOBlot,” otherwise called a “sporting lot,” any miscellaneous goods purchased at a cheap rate, or to be sold a bargain. Frequentlyused to conceal the fact of their being stolen, or otherwise dishonestly obtained.
Job, a short piece of work, a prospect of employment. Johnson describesJOBas a low word, without etymology. It is, and was, however, a cant word; and aJOB, two centuries ago, was an arranged robbery. Even at the present day it is mainly confined to the streets, in the sense of employment for a short time. Amongst undertakers aJOBsignifies a funeral; “to do aJOB,” conduct any one’s funeral; “by theJOB,”i.e., piece-work, as opposed to time-work. AJOBin political phraseology is a Government office or contract, obtained by secret influence or favouritism. Any unfair arrangement is now called aJOB.
Job, a sudden blow, as “aJOBin the eye.” Also used as a verb, “I’llJOBthis here knife in your ribs.”
Jobation, a chiding, a reprimand, a trial of the hearer’s patience.
Jobbery, the arrangement of jobs, or unfair business proceedings.
Job’s comfort, reproof instead of consolation.
Job’s comforter, one who brings news of additional misfortunes. Both these words are of Biblical origin.
Job’s turkey, “as poor asJob’s turkey,” as thin and as badly fed as that ill-conditioned and imaginary bird.
Jocteleg, a shut-up knife. Corruption of Jacques de Liège, a famous cutler.
Joe, a too marvellous tale, a lie, or a stale joke. Abbreviated fromJoe Miller. The full name is occasionally used, as in the phrase “I don’t see theJoe Millerof it,”i.e., I don’t perceive the wit you intend, or I don’t see the fun of doing it,—whatever may have been the request.
Joey, a fourpenny piece. The term is derived (likeBobbyfrom Sir Robert Peel) from Joseph Hume. The explanation is thus given in Hawkins’sHistory of the Silver Coinage of England:—“These pieces are said to have owed their existence to the pressing instance of Mr. Hume, from whence they, for some time, bore the nickname ofJoeys. As they were very convenient to pay short cab fares, the hon. M.P. was extremely unpopular with the drivers, who frequently received only a groat where otherwise they would have received a sixpence without any demand for change.”The term, therefore, was originated by the London cabmen, who have invented many other popular phrases. Fancy offering a modern hansom cabman aJoey!
Joey, a fourpenny piece. The term is derived (likeBobbyfrom Sir Robert Peel) from Joseph Hume. The explanation is thus given in Hawkins’sHistory of the Silver Coinage of England:—
“These pieces are said to have owed their existence to the pressing instance of Mr. Hume, from whence they, for some time, bore the nickname ofJoeys. As they were very convenient to pay short cab fares, the hon. M.P. was extremely unpopular with the drivers, who frequently received only a groat where otherwise they would have received a sixpence without any demand for change.”
“These pieces are said to have owed their existence to the pressing instance of Mr. Hume, from whence they, for some time, bore the nickname ofJoeys. As they were very convenient to pay short cab fares, the hon. M.P. was extremely unpopular with the drivers, who frequently received only a groat where otherwise they would have received a sixpence without any demand for change.”
The term, therefore, was originated by the London cabmen, who have invented many other popular phrases. Fancy offering a modern hansom cabman aJoey!
Jog-trot, a slow but regular trot, or pace.
Jogul, to play up, at cards or other game.Spanish,JUGAR.
John Blunt, a straightforward, honest, outspoken man.
Johnny, half-a-glass of whisky.—Irish.
Johnny Darbies, a nickname for policemen, an evident corruption of theFrenchGENSDARMES. Also, a term applied to handcuffs.—SeeDARBIES.
Johnny Raw, a newly-enlisted soldier.
John Orderly, the signal to shorten the performance at a show. Whenever the master, who remains on the platform outside to takethe money and regulate the performance, desires to refill the booth, he pokes his head inside and shouts, “IsJohn Orderlythere?” The actors instantly cut the piece short, the curtain falls, and the spectators are bundled out at the back, to make room for the fresh audience. According to tradition,John Orderlywas a noted showman, who taught this move to the no less noted Richardson. This is like the old story of the publican who used to call out to his waiter, “A pot of ale, Robert,” when he wished his customers to be served with the best; but “A pot of ale, Bob,” when they had been drinking long enough not to distinguish good stuff from the bad the latter order meant. One day after calling for Bob many times, he reluctantly, at the request of a visitor, tasted the ale, and found it was the best. Rushing out immediately afterwards, and calling for Bob with all his voice, he was answered by his wife, who said, “Why, Bob’s been out these three hours.”
John Thomas, a generic for “flunkeys,”—more especially footmen with large calves and fine bushy whiskers.
Jolly, a Royal Marine.—SeeHORSE MARINE.
Jolly, a word of praise, or favourable notice; “chuck Harry aJOLLY, Bill,”i.e., go and praise up his goods, or buy of him, and speak well of the article, that the crowd standing around his stall may think it a good opportunity for laying out their money. This is calledJOLLYING. “Chuck aJOLLY,” lit. translated, is, throw “a shout” or “good word.”
Jolly, to abuse or vituperate, sometimes to “bear up” or “bonnet.” ToJOLLYa man often means to give him a piece of one’s mind. ToJOLLY“for” any one is another phase of the business mentioned in the foregoing paragraph.
Jomer, a sweetheart, or favourite girl.SeeBLOWER.
Jonnick, right, correct, proper. Said of a person or thing.
Jordan, a chamberpot. To throw the contents of a chamberpot over any one is to christen him.
Jorum, a capacious vessel from which food is eaten, as broth or stew.
Joskin, a countryman.
Jossop, the syrup or juice in a fruit pie or pudding. Also, sauce or gravy.—School.
Jow, be off, be gone immediately. If the word Jehanum be added, it forms a peremptory order to go to a place unmentionable to ears polite.—Anglo-Indian.Our phrase, “Go to Jericho,” is probably a modification of the Jehanum business.
Judas, a deceitful person;JUDAS-HAIRED, red-haired, deceitful. It is generally believed thatJudas Iscariotwas red-haired. Painters seem to have accepted this idea, with modifications as to the exact amount of colour.
Jug, a prison of any kind. Contraction of “stone jug.”
Julep, one of a set of drinks peculiar to America. Generally prepared with mint, and called aMINT-JULEP. OriginallyJULEPwas a pleasantliquid, in which nauseous medicines were taken. Its literal meaning is rosewater, and it is derived from the Arabic.
Jump, to seize, or rob; to “JUMPa man,” to pounce upon him, and either rob or maltreat him; “toJUMPa house,” to rob it.
Jumped-up, conceited, arrogant, setting full value on oneself.
Jump-up-behind, to endorse an accommodation-bill.
Juniper, gin. Derivation obvious.
Junk, salt beef.—SeeOLD HORSE.
Juwaub, literally, in Hindostanee, an answer; but in Anglo-Indian slang signifying a refusal. If an officer asks for leave and is refused, he is said to beJUWAUBED; if a gentleman unsuccessfully proposes for the hand of a lady, he is said to have got theJUWAUB.—Anglo-Indian.