Stone-jug, a prison.“In a box of the stone-jug I was born.”Stook, a pocket-handkerchief. ASTOOK-HAULER, or “buzzer,” is a thief who takes pocket-handkerchiefs.Story, a falsehood,—the soft synonym for a lie, allowed in family circles and boarding-schools. A Puritanism that came into fashion with the tirade against romances, all novels and stories being considered as dangerous and false.Stot, a young bullock. In Northumberland the termSTOTmeans to rebound.Stotor, a heavy blow, a settler.—Old Cant.Stow, to leave off, or have done; “STOWit, the gorger’s leary.” Leave off, the person is looking.SeeSTASH, with which it is synonymous.—Ancient Cant.Stow, to put away, to hide. A hungry man is said toSTOWhis food rapidly. He is also said to hide it.Stow faking!leave off there, be quiet!FAKINGmeans anything that may be going on.Straight, an American phrase peculiar to dram-drinkers; similar to our wordNEAT, whichsee.Strap, a barber. FromRoderick Random.Straw.Married ladies are said to be “in theSTRAW” at their accouchements. The phrase is a coarse metaphor, and has reference to farmyard animals in a similar condition. It may have originally been suggested to the inquiring mind by the Nativity.Strawing, “selling” straws in the streets (generally for a penny), and “giving” the purchaser a paper (indecent or political) or a gold (!) ring,—neither of which, the patterer states, he is allowed by Act of Parliament to sell.Streak, to decamp, run away.—Saxon.In America the phrase is “to makeSTREAKS,” or “makeTRACKS.”Streaky, irritated, ill-tempered. Said of a short-tempered man who has his good and bad times inSTREAK.Street-pitchers, negro minstrels, ballad-singers, long-song men, men “working a board” on which have been painted various exciting scenes in some terrible drama, the details of which theSTREET PITCHERis bawling out, and selling in a little book or broadsheet (price one penny); or any persons who make a stand—i.e., a pitch—in the streets, and sell articles or contribute entertainments for a living.Stretch,a walk.—University.Stretch, abbreviation of “STRETCHone’s neck,” to hang, to be executed as a malefactor. As, “The night before Larry wasSTRETCHED.”Stretch, twelve months,—generally used to intimate the time any one has been sentenced by the judge or magistrate. OneSTRETCHis twelve months’ imprisonment, twoSTRETCHis two years, threeSTRETCHis three years, and so on.Stretcher, a falsehood; one that requires aSTRETCHof imagination or comprehension.Stretcher, a contrivance with handles, used by the police to carry off persons who are violent or drunk.Stretcher-fencer, one who sells braces.Stretching match, an execution. Often called a “hanging match.”Strike a jigger, to pick a lock, or break open a door.Strike me lucky!an expression used by the lower orders whenmaking a bargain, derived from the old custom of striking hands together, leaving in that of the seller aLUCK PENNYas an earnest that the bargain is concluded. In Ireland, at cattle markets, &c., a penny, or other small coin, is always given by the buyer to the seller to ratify the bargain.—Hudibras.Anciently this was called a “God’s penny.”“With that he cast him a God’s penny.”—Heir of Linne.The origin of the phrase being lost sight of, like that of many others, it is often used as a modification of “Strike me blind!” and is now and again corrupted into “Strike me silly!” A foolish variation of this is “Strike me up a gum-tree!”Strills, cheating lies.—North Country Cant.String, to hoax, to “get in a line.”Stroke, the captain of a crew, the man who sets the pace, and is generally the leading spirit in the boat. The coxswain usually looks after University men when they are in training, so that they may not fall into excesses, theSTROKEhaving quite enough to do to attend to his own training. Of late years University crews have placed themselves under the guidance and tuition of “coaches,” generally ex-University men of great ability and experience.Strommel, straw.—Ancient Cant.Halliwell says that in NorfolkSTRUMMELis a name for hair.Strong, “to come itSTRONG.”SeeCOME.Stuck, moneyless.SeeSTICK.Stuck-up, purse-proud—a form of snobbishness very common in those who have risen in the world, especially among those who have risen rather suddenly. Albert Smith wrote some amusing papers on theNatural History ofSTUCK-UPPeople.Stuff, money.Stuff, to make false but plausible statements, to praise ironically, to make game of a person,—literally, toSTUFFor cram him with gammon or falsehood.Stump, to go on foot.Stump, to go about speechmaking on politics or other subjects. Originally an Americanism applied to the lowest class of candidates for legislatorial honours, probably because they stood on aSTUMPto address their audiences. Maybe, also, because their utterances were short and pithy. This latter reason would, however, hardly apply to our representatives of theSTUMPclass, “the Leaguers,” who are, as a rule, as long-winded as they are illogical.Stump up, to give one’s share, to pay the reckoning, to bring forth the money reluctantly.Stumped, bowled out, done for, bankrupt, poverty-stricken. From the cricketing term.Stumps, legs, or feet.Stumpy, money.Stun, to astonish.Stunner, a first-rate person or article.Stunners, feelings of great astonishment; “it put theSTUNNERSon me,”i.e., it confounded me.Stunning, first-rate, very good, really, astonishing. Costermongers call anything extra good,STUNNING. Sometimes amplified tostunning Joe Banks! when the expression is supposed to be in its most intense form. Joe Banks was a noted character in the last generation. He was the proprietor of a public-house in Dyott Street, Seven Dials, and afterwards, on the demolition of the Rookery, of another in Cranbourn Alley. His houses became well-known from their being the resort of the worst characters, while at the same time the strictest decorum was always maintained in them. Joe Banks also acquired a remarkable notoriety by acting as a medium betwixt thieves and their victims. Upon the proper payment to Joe, a watch or a snuff-box would at any time be restored to its lawful owner—“no questions in any case being asked.” The most daring depredators in London placed the fullest confidence in Joe, and it is believed (although theBiographie Universelleis quiet upon this point) that he never, in any instance, “sold” them. He was of the middle height, stout, and strongly made, and was always noted for a showy pin and a remarkablySTUNNINGneck-tie. It was this peculiarity in the costume of Mr. Banks, coupled with those true and tried qualities as a friend for which he was famous, that led his customers to proclaim him asstunningJoe Banks! The Marquis of Douro, Colonel Chatterley, and men of their stamp, were accustomed to resort to a private-room at his house, when too late (or too early) to gain admittance to the clubs or more aristocratic establishments.Sub, a subaltern officer in the army.Sub, all.—Anglo-Indian.Sub, to draw money in advance; a term in use among workmen generally, and those with casual employment in particular. Most likely from subsidize.Sublime rascal, a lawyer.Suck, a parasite, a flatterer of the “nobs.”—University.Suck, to pump, or draw information from a person.Suck-casa, a public-house.—Lingua Franca.Suck the mop, to be the victim of an omnibus nursing exploit. When an omnibus is being nursed, the driver of the hindmost vehicle keeps so close to his opponent that the horses get their heads almost into the doorway. The nursed omnibus is then said toSUCK THE MOP. Nursing is, thanks to tramways and the Metropolis Streets Act, almost a thing of the past. At the East-end, however, it still goes merrily on.Suck the monkey, to rob a cask of liquor by inserting a straw through a gimlet-hole, and sucking a portion of the contents. Originally, as Captain Marryatt states, toSUCK THE MONKEY, was to suck rum from cocoa-nuts, which spirit had been inserted in place of the milk, for the private use of the sailors.SeeTAP THE ADMIRAL.Suck up, “toSUCK UPto a person,” to insinuate oneself into his good graces.Sudden death.In tossing, to be decided by the first call is to “GO SUDDEN DEATH,” as distinguished from the longer forms of “best two out of three,” and “first three.” At the Universities a crumpet, or Sally Lunn, is so called.Sufferer, a tailor; the loser at any game.Sugar, money.Suicide, four horses driven in a line.SeeHARUM-SCARUM.Sulky, a one-horse chaise, having only room for one person. Used nowadays only in trotting matches.Sumsy, an action ofassumpsit.—Legal Slang.Sun in the eyes, too much drink. A person who is tipsy is said to have theSUN IN HIS EYES. He is also said to have been “standing too long in theSUN.”Supe, or super, abbreviation ofSUPERNUMERARY.—Theatrical.Super, a watch;SUPER-SCREWING, stealing watches.Surat, an adulterated article of inferior quality. This word affords a remarkable instance of the manner in which slang phrases are coined. In the report of an action for libel in theTimes, some few years back, it was stated “that, since the American civil war, it has been not unusual for manufacturers to mix American cotton with surat, and, the latter being an inferior article, the people in Lancashire have begun to apply the termSURATto any article of inferior or adulterated quality. The plaintiffs were brewers, and the action was brought to recover special damages resulting from the publication of an advertisement in these words:—‘All in want of beerhouses must beware of Beaumont and White, theSURATbrewers.’”Surf, an actor who frequently pursues another calling.—Theatrical.Surf, orSERF, is also a term much in use among the lower orders to denote a crawling or sycophantic wretch.Suspicion, a scarcely perceptible flavour; as, “There was just aSUSPICIONof oil in the mixture.”French,SOUPÇON.Swab, an epaulet.—Sea.Swack-up, a falsehood.Swaddler, a Wesleyan Methodist; a name originally given to members of that body by the Irish mob; said to have originated with an ignorant Romanist, to whom the words of the English Bible were a novelty, and who, hearing one of John Wesley’s preachers mention the swaddling clothes of the Holy Infant, in a sermon on Christmas-day at Dublin, shouted out in derision, “ASWADDLER! aSWADDLER!” as if the whole story were the preacher’s invention.—Southey’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii. p. 109.Seeintroductory article.Swaddler,seeSOUPER.Swaddy, orCOOLIE, a soldier. The former was originally applied to a discharged soldier, and perhaps came fromSHODDY, which is madefrom soldiers’ and policemen’s worn-out coats. The term was one of opprobrium, and was probably the result of a long peace, for it became obsolete as soon as the Crimean War commenced.Swag, a lot or plenty of anything, a portion or division of property. In Australia the term is used for the luggage carried by diggers.Scotch,SWEG, orSWACK;German,SWEIG, a flock. Old cant for a shop.Swag-shop, a warehouse where “Brummagem” and general wares, fancy trinkets, plated goods, &c., are sold. Jews are the general proprietors; and the goods are very low-priced, trashy, and showy.Swag-shopswere formerly plunder depôts.—Old Cant.Swagsman, one who carries the booty after a burglary.Swank, to boast or “gas” unduly.Swankey, cheap or small beer. Any weak fermented beverage.Swap, to exchange. Grose says it is Irish cant, but the term is now included in most dictionaries as an allowed vulgarism.Swarry, a boiled leg of mutton and trimmings. Sam Weller’s adventure with the Bath footmen originated the term.SeeTRIMMINGS.Swatchel-cove, the master of a Punch-and-Judy exhibition who “fakes the slum,” and does the necessary squeak for the amusement of the bystanders.SeeSchwassle box. The orthography of many of these colloquial expressions differs. It was thought best to give the various renderings as collected.Sweat, to extract money from a person, to “bleed.” Also, to squander riches.—Bulwer.Sweat, to violently shake up a lot of guineas or sovereigns in a leathern bag for the purpose of benefiting by the perspiration.Sweater, common term for a “cutting” or “grinding” employer,—one whoSWEATShis workpeople. A cheap tailor, who pays starvation wages.Sweep, a contemptuous term for a low or shabby man.Sweet, loving or fond; “howSWEEThe was upon the moll,”i.e., what marked attention he paid the girl.Sweetener, a person who runs up the prices of articles at an auction.SeeJOLLYING,BONNET, &c.Swell, a man of importance; a person with a showy, jaunty exterior, “a rankSWELL,” a very flashily dressed person, a man who by excessive dress apes a higher position than he actually occupies. Any one occupying a superior position in society is by the mob called aSWELL. Anything is said to beSWELLorSWELLISHthat looks showy, or is many coloured, or is of a desirable quality. Dickens and Thackeray were termed greatSWELLSin literature, and so are the first persons in the learned professionsSWELLSin their way.Swell hung in chains, said of a showy man in the habit of wearing much jewellery.Swell street, the West-end of London.Swig, a hearty drink.Swig, to drink.Saxon,SWIGAN.Swill, to drink inordinately.Swill, hog-wash. From which the verb has possibly been derived.—Norfolk.Swim, “a goodSWIM,” a good run of luck, a long time out of the policeman’s clutches.—Thieves’ term.Among anglers “a goodSWIM” is a good pitch for a part where fish are plentiful—that is, because a lot of fish keeping together are called aSWIM. Thus one who is in luck, is well connected, or is doing a good business, is said to be in a goodSWIM.Swindler, although a recognised word in standard dictionaries, commenced service as a slang term. It was used as such by the poor Londoners against the German Jews who set up in London about the year 1762, also by our soldiers in the German war about that time.Schwindeln, inGerman, signifies to cheat.Swing.To have one’sSWINGis to have a full turn at anything.Swing, to be hanged; “if you don’t do what’s right, I’llSWINGfor you,”i.e., take your life,—a common threat in low neighbourhoods.Swingeing, large, huge, powerful. As aSWINGEINGblow,SWINGEINGdamages, &c.Swipe, at cricket, to hit hard with a full swing of the bat. Most probably a condensation of “wipe swingeing” or “swinging wipe.”Swipes, sour or small beer.Swipe, to drink.—Sea.Swipey(fromSWIPES), intoxicated.Swish, to flog, derived perhaps from the sound. Maybe, a corruption ofSWITCH.Swished, orSWITCHED, married.Swivel-eye, a squinting eye.Swizzle, small beer, drink.Swot, mathematics; also, a mathematician; as a verb, to work hard for an examination, to be diligent in one’s studies.—Army.This word originated at the great slang manufactory for the army, the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in the broad Scotch pronunciation by Dr. Wallace, one of the Professors, of the word sweat. It has since become fashionable at the Universities.Syce, a groom.—Anglo-Indian.
Stone-jug, a prison.“In a box of the stone-jug I was born.”
Stone-jug, a prison.
“In a box of the stone-jug I was born.”
“In a box of the stone-jug I was born.”
Stook, a pocket-handkerchief. ASTOOK-HAULER, or “buzzer,” is a thief who takes pocket-handkerchiefs.
Story, a falsehood,—the soft synonym for a lie, allowed in family circles and boarding-schools. A Puritanism that came into fashion with the tirade against romances, all novels and stories being considered as dangerous and false.
Stot, a young bullock. In Northumberland the termSTOTmeans to rebound.
Stotor, a heavy blow, a settler.—Old Cant.
Stow, to leave off, or have done; “STOWit, the gorger’s leary.” Leave off, the person is looking.SeeSTASH, with which it is synonymous.—Ancient Cant.
Stow, to put away, to hide. A hungry man is said toSTOWhis food rapidly. He is also said to hide it.
Stow faking!leave off there, be quiet!FAKINGmeans anything that may be going on.
Straight, an American phrase peculiar to dram-drinkers; similar to our wordNEAT, whichsee.
Strap, a barber. FromRoderick Random.
Straw.Married ladies are said to be “in theSTRAW” at their accouchements. The phrase is a coarse metaphor, and has reference to farmyard animals in a similar condition. It may have originally been suggested to the inquiring mind by the Nativity.
Strawing, “selling” straws in the streets (generally for a penny), and “giving” the purchaser a paper (indecent or political) or a gold (!) ring,—neither of which, the patterer states, he is allowed by Act of Parliament to sell.
Streak, to decamp, run away.—Saxon.In America the phrase is “to makeSTREAKS,” or “makeTRACKS.”
Streaky, irritated, ill-tempered. Said of a short-tempered man who has his good and bad times inSTREAK.
Street-pitchers, negro minstrels, ballad-singers, long-song men, men “working a board” on which have been painted various exciting scenes in some terrible drama, the details of which theSTREET PITCHERis bawling out, and selling in a little book or broadsheet (price one penny); or any persons who make a stand—i.e., a pitch—in the streets, and sell articles or contribute entertainments for a living.
Stretch,a walk.—University.
Stretch, abbreviation of “STRETCHone’s neck,” to hang, to be executed as a malefactor. As, “The night before Larry wasSTRETCHED.”
Stretch, twelve months,—generally used to intimate the time any one has been sentenced by the judge or magistrate. OneSTRETCHis twelve months’ imprisonment, twoSTRETCHis two years, threeSTRETCHis three years, and so on.
Stretcher, a falsehood; one that requires aSTRETCHof imagination or comprehension.
Stretcher, a contrivance with handles, used by the police to carry off persons who are violent or drunk.
Stretcher-fencer, one who sells braces.
Stretching match, an execution. Often called a “hanging match.”
Strike a jigger, to pick a lock, or break open a door.
Strike me lucky!an expression used by the lower orders whenmaking a bargain, derived from the old custom of striking hands together, leaving in that of the seller aLUCK PENNYas an earnest that the bargain is concluded. In Ireland, at cattle markets, &c., a penny, or other small coin, is always given by the buyer to the seller to ratify the bargain.—Hudibras.Anciently this was called a “God’s penny.”“With that he cast him a God’s penny.”—Heir of Linne.The origin of the phrase being lost sight of, like that of many others, it is often used as a modification of “Strike me blind!” and is now and again corrupted into “Strike me silly!” A foolish variation of this is “Strike me up a gum-tree!”
Strike me lucky!an expression used by the lower orders whenmaking a bargain, derived from the old custom of striking hands together, leaving in that of the seller aLUCK PENNYas an earnest that the bargain is concluded. In Ireland, at cattle markets, &c., a penny, or other small coin, is always given by the buyer to the seller to ratify the bargain.—Hudibras.Anciently this was called a “God’s penny.”
“With that he cast him a God’s penny.”—Heir of Linne.
“With that he cast him a God’s penny.”—Heir of Linne.
The origin of the phrase being lost sight of, like that of many others, it is often used as a modification of “Strike me blind!” and is now and again corrupted into “Strike me silly!” A foolish variation of this is “Strike me up a gum-tree!”
Strills, cheating lies.—North Country Cant.
String, to hoax, to “get in a line.”
Stroke, the captain of a crew, the man who sets the pace, and is generally the leading spirit in the boat. The coxswain usually looks after University men when they are in training, so that they may not fall into excesses, theSTROKEhaving quite enough to do to attend to his own training. Of late years University crews have placed themselves under the guidance and tuition of “coaches,” generally ex-University men of great ability and experience.
Strommel, straw.—Ancient Cant.Halliwell says that in NorfolkSTRUMMELis a name for hair.
Strong, “to come itSTRONG.”SeeCOME.
Stuck, moneyless.SeeSTICK.
Stuck-up, purse-proud—a form of snobbishness very common in those who have risen in the world, especially among those who have risen rather suddenly. Albert Smith wrote some amusing papers on theNatural History ofSTUCK-UPPeople.
Stuff, money.
Stuff, to make false but plausible statements, to praise ironically, to make game of a person,—literally, toSTUFFor cram him with gammon or falsehood.
Stump, to go on foot.
Stump, to go about speechmaking on politics or other subjects. Originally an Americanism applied to the lowest class of candidates for legislatorial honours, probably because they stood on aSTUMPto address their audiences. Maybe, also, because their utterances were short and pithy. This latter reason would, however, hardly apply to our representatives of theSTUMPclass, “the Leaguers,” who are, as a rule, as long-winded as they are illogical.
Stump up, to give one’s share, to pay the reckoning, to bring forth the money reluctantly.
Stumped, bowled out, done for, bankrupt, poverty-stricken. From the cricketing term.
Stumps, legs, or feet.
Stumpy, money.
Stun, to astonish.
Stunner, a first-rate person or article.
Stunners, feelings of great astonishment; “it put theSTUNNERSon me,”i.e., it confounded me.
Stunning, first-rate, very good, really, astonishing. Costermongers call anything extra good,STUNNING. Sometimes amplified tostunning Joe Banks! when the expression is supposed to be in its most intense form. Joe Banks was a noted character in the last generation. He was the proprietor of a public-house in Dyott Street, Seven Dials, and afterwards, on the demolition of the Rookery, of another in Cranbourn Alley. His houses became well-known from their being the resort of the worst characters, while at the same time the strictest decorum was always maintained in them. Joe Banks also acquired a remarkable notoriety by acting as a medium betwixt thieves and their victims. Upon the proper payment to Joe, a watch or a snuff-box would at any time be restored to its lawful owner—“no questions in any case being asked.” The most daring depredators in London placed the fullest confidence in Joe, and it is believed (although theBiographie Universelleis quiet upon this point) that he never, in any instance, “sold” them. He was of the middle height, stout, and strongly made, and was always noted for a showy pin and a remarkablySTUNNINGneck-tie. It was this peculiarity in the costume of Mr. Banks, coupled with those true and tried qualities as a friend for which he was famous, that led his customers to proclaim him asstunningJoe Banks! The Marquis of Douro, Colonel Chatterley, and men of their stamp, were accustomed to resort to a private-room at his house, when too late (or too early) to gain admittance to the clubs or more aristocratic establishments.
Sub, a subaltern officer in the army.
Sub, all.—Anglo-Indian.
Sub, to draw money in advance; a term in use among workmen generally, and those with casual employment in particular. Most likely from subsidize.
Sublime rascal, a lawyer.
Suck, a parasite, a flatterer of the “nobs.”—University.
Suck, to pump, or draw information from a person.
Suck-casa, a public-house.—Lingua Franca.
Suck the mop, to be the victim of an omnibus nursing exploit. When an omnibus is being nursed, the driver of the hindmost vehicle keeps so close to his opponent that the horses get their heads almost into the doorway. The nursed omnibus is then said toSUCK THE MOP. Nursing is, thanks to tramways and the Metropolis Streets Act, almost a thing of the past. At the East-end, however, it still goes merrily on.
Suck the monkey, to rob a cask of liquor by inserting a straw through a gimlet-hole, and sucking a portion of the contents. Originally, as Captain Marryatt states, toSUCK THE MONKEY, was to suck rum from cocoa-nuts, which spirit had been inserted in place of the milk, for the private use of the sailors.SeeTAP THE ADMIRAL.
Suck up, “toSUCK UPto a person,” to insinuate oneself into his good graces.
Sudden death.In tossing, to be decided by the first call is to “GO SUDDEN DEATH,” as distinguished from the longer forms of “best two out of three,” and “first three.” At the Universities a crumpet, or Sally Lunn, is so called.
Sufferer, a tailor; the loser at any game.
Sugar, money.
Suicide, four horses driven in a line.SeeHARUM-SCARUM.
Sulky, a one-horse chaise, having only room for one person. Used nowadays only in trotting matches.
Sumsy, an action ofassumpsit.—Legal Slang.
Sun in the eyes, too much drink. A person who is tipsy is said to have theSUN IN HIS EYES. He is also said to have been “standing too long in theSUN.”
Supe, or super, abbreviation ofSUPERNUMERARY.—Theatrical.
Super, a watch;SUPER-SCREWING, stealing watches.
Surat, an adulterated article of inferior quality. This word affords a remarkable instance of the manner in which slang phrases are coined. In the report of an action for libel in theTimes, some few years back, it was stated “that, since the American civil war, it has been not unusual for manufacturers to mix American cotton with surat, and, the latter being an inferior article, the people in Lancashire have begun to apply the termSURATto any article of inferior or adulterated quality. The plaintiffs were brewers, and the action was brought to recover special damages resulting from the publication of an advertisement in these words:—‘All in want of beerhouses must beware of Beaumont and White, theSURATbrewers.’”
Surf, an actor who frequently pursues another calling.—Theatrical.Surf, orSERF, is also a term much in use among the lower orders to denote a crawling or sycophantic wretch.
Suspicion, a scarcely perceptible flavour; as, “There was just aSUSPICIONof oil in the mixture.”French,SOUPÇON.
Swab, an epaulet.—Sea.
Swack-up, a falsehood.
Swaddler, a Wesleyan Methodist; a name originally given to members of that body by the Irish mob; said to have originated with an ignorant Romanist, to whom the words of the English Bible were a novelty, and who, hearing one of John Wesley’s preachers mention the swaddling clothes of the Holy Infant, in a sermon on Christmas-day at Dublin, shouted out in derision, “ASWADDLER! aSWADDLER!” as if the whole story were the preacher’s invention.—Southey’s Life of Wesley, vol. ii. p. 109.Seeintroductory article.
Swaddler,seeSOUPER.
Swaddy, orCOOLIE, a soldier. The former was originally applied to a discharged soldier, and perhaps came fromSHODDY, which is madefrom soldiers’ and policemen’s worn-out coats. The term was one of opprobrium, and was probably the result of a long peace, for it became obsolete as soon as the Crimean War commenced.
Swag, a lot or plenty of anything, a portion or division of property. In Australia the term is used for the luggage carried by diggers.Scotch,SWEG, orSWACK;German,SWEIG, a flock. Old cant for a shop.
Swag-shop, a warehouse where “Brummagem” and general wares, fancy trinkets, plated goods, &c., are sold. Jews are the general proprietors; and the goods are very low-priced, trashy, and showy.Swag-shopswere formerly plunder depôts.—Old Cant.
Swagsman, one who carries the booty after a burglary.
Swank, to boast or “gas” unduly.
Swankey, cheap or small beer. Any weak fermented beverage.
Swap, to exchange. Grose says it is Irish cant, but the term is now included in most dictionaries as an allowed vulgarism.
Swarry, a boiled leg of mutton and trimmings. Sam Weller’s adventure with the Bath footmen originated the term.SeeTRIMMINGS.
Swatchel-cove, the master of a Punch-and-Judy exhibition who “fakes the slum,” and does the necessary squeak for the amusement of the bystanders.SeeSchwassle box. The orthography of many of these colloquial expressions differs. It was thought best to give the various renderings as collected.
Sweat, to extract money from a person, to “bleed.” Also, to squander riches.—Bulwer.
Sweat, to violently shake up a lot of guineas or sovereigns in a leathern bag for the purpose of benefiting by the perspiration.
Sweater, common term for a “cutting” or “grinding” employer,—one whoSWEATShis workpeople. A cheap tailor, who pays starvation wages.
Sweep, a contemptuous term for a low or shabby man.
Sweet, loving or fond; “howSWEEThe was upon the moll,”i.e., what marked attention he paid the girl.
Sweetener, a person who runs up the prices of articles at an auction.SeeJOLLYING,BONNET, &c.
Swell, a man of importance; a person with a showy, jaunty exterior, “a rankSWELL,” a very flashily dressed person, a man who by excessive dress apes a higher position than he actually occupies. Any one occupying a superior position in society is by the mob called aSWELL. Anything is said to beSWELLorSWELLISHthat looks showy, or is many coloured, or is of a desirable quality. Dickens and Thackeray were termed greatSWELLSin literature, and so are the first persons in the learned professionsSWELLSin their way.
Swell hung in chains, said of a showy man in the habit of wearing much jewellery.
Swell street, the West-end of London.
Swig, a hearty drink.
Swig, to drink.Saxon,SWIGAN.
Swill, to drink inordinately.Swill, hog-wash. From which the verb has possibly been derived.—Norfolk.
Swim, “a goodSWIM,” a good run of luck, a long time out of the policeman’s clutches.—Thieves’ term.Among anglers “a goodSWIM” is a good pitch for a part where fish are plentiful—that is, because a lot of fish keeping together are called aSWIM. Thus one who is in luck, is well connected, or is doing a good business, is said to be in a goodSWIM.
Swindler, although a recognised word in standard dictionaries, commenced service as a slang term. It was used as such by the poor Londoners against the German Jews who set up in London about the year 1762, also by our soldiers in the German war about that time.Schwindeln, inGerman, signifies to cheat.
Swing.To have one’sSWINGis to have a full turn at anything.
Swing, to be hanged; “if you don’t do what’s right, I’llSWINGfor you,”i.e., take your life,—a common threat in low neighbourhoods.
Swingeing, large, huge, powerful. As aSWINGEINGblow,SWINGEINGdamages, &c.
Swipe, at cricket, to hit hard with a full swing of the bat. Most probably a condensation of “wipe swingeing” or “swinging wipe.”
Swipes, sour or small beer.Swipe, to drink.—Sea.
Swipey(fromSWIPES), intoxicated.
Swish, to flog, derived perhaps from the sound. Maybe, a corruption ofSWITCH.
Swished, orSWITCHED, married.
Swivel-eye, a squinting eye.
Swizzle, small beer, drink.
Swot, mathematics; also, a mathematician; as a verb, to work hard for an examination, to be diligent in one’s studies.—Army.
This word originated at the great slang manufactory for the army, the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in the broad Scotch pronunciation by Dr. Wallace, one of the Professors, of the word sweat. It has since become fashionable at the Universities.
Syce, a groom.—Anglo-Indian.