Cold cook, an undertaker. Cold cook’s shop, an undertaker’s.Cold meat, a corpse.Cold-meat box, a coffin.Cold meat train, the last train at night by which officers can reach Aldershot per South Western Railway. So called because by this train corpses are often conveyed on account of the Necropolis Company to Woking.Cold shoulder, “to show or give any one theCOLD SHOULDER” is to “cut” in a modified form, to assume a distant manner towards anybody, to evince a desire to cease acquaintanceship. Sometimes termed “COLD SHOULDERof mutton.”Colfabias, a Latinized Irish phrase signifying the closet of decency, applied as a slang term to a place of resort in Trinity College, Dublin.Collar, “out ofCOLLAR,”i.e., out of place, no work. Probably a variation of the metaphorical expressions, “in, or out of harness,”i.e., in or out of work—the horse being in collar when harnessed for his work.Collarwork is any very hard work, from the expression among drivers. Any uphill journey is said to be all “COLLARwork” for the horses.Collar, to seize, to lay hold of. Thieves’ slang,i.e., to steal.Collar and elbow, a term for a peculiar style of wrestling—the Cornwall and Devon style.Collections, the College examinations at the end of each term, when undergraduates wear white ties and bands, and are trotted through the subjects of the term’s lecture. These are the occasions when the dons administer reproof or advice on the conduct of each individual undergrad.—Oxford University.Collogue, to conspire, talk mysteriously together in low tones, plot mischief. Connected with “colloquy” or “colleague.” Maybe mixture of both.Colly-wobbles, the stomach-ache, a person’s bowels,—supposed by many to be the seat of feeling and nutrition.—Devonshire.Colour, complexion, tint; “I’ve not seen theCOLOURof his money,”i.e., he has never paid me any. In fortune-telling by cards, adiamond colouris the fairest;heart-colour, fair, but not so fair as the last;club colour, rather dark;spade colour, an extremely swarthy complexion.Colour, a handkerchief worn by each of the supporters of a professional athlete on the day of a match, so as to distinguish them from the partizans of the other side. The professional chooses his colours, and his backers, and as many of the general public as can be persuaded to do so, take one each to wear on the eventful day, the understanding being that the man is to be paid, say, a guinea if he wins, and nothing if he loses. Some of these handkerchiefs used to be, in the palmy days of pugilism and professional rowing on the Thames, very fine specimens of work; but as their purveyors expected to be paid whether they won or lost, and as the price was generally about four times the intrinsic value, colours are rather shyly dealt with now. The custom is, however, a very ancient one, and such men as Tom Sayers, Tom King, Harry Kelley, and Bob Chambers have, evenin these degenerate days, received very large sums for their winning colours.Colt, a murderous weapon, formed by slinging a small shot to the end of a rather stiff piece of rope. It is the original of the misnamed “life-preserver.”Colt, a person who sits as juryman for the first time. In Cork an operative baker who does not belong to the union.Colt, a professional cricketer during his first season. From the best colts in the annual match are selected new county players.Colt, to fine a new juryman a sum to be spent in drink, by way of “wetting” his office; to make a person free of a new place, which is done by his standing treat, and submitting to be struck on the sole of the foot with a piece of board.Colt’s tooth, elderly persons of juvenile tastes are said to have aCOLT’S TOOTH,i.e., a desire to shed their teeth once more, to see life over again.Comb-cut, mortified, disgraced, “down on one’s luck.”—SeeCUT.Come, a slang verb used in many phrases; “Aint heCOMING IT?”i.e., is he not proceeding at a great rate? “Don’tCOME TRICKShere,” “don’tCOME THE OLD SOLDIERover me,”i.e., we are aware of your practices, and “twig” your manœuvre.Coming it strong, exaggerating, going ahead, the opposite of “drawing it mild.”Coming italso means informing or disclosing. Also, in pugilistic phraseology, toCOME ITmeans to show fear; and in this respect, as well as in that of giving information, the expression “COME IT” is best known to the lower and most dangerous classes.Come down, to pay down.Commemoration, the end of Lent term at Oxford, when honorary degrees are conferred and certain prizes given, and when men have friends “up.”Commission, a shirt.—Ancient Cant.Italian,CAMICIA.“As from our beds, we doe oft cast our eyes,Cleane linnen yeelds a shirt before we rise,Which is a garmentshiftingin condition;And in thecanting tongueis aCOMMISSION.In weale or woe, in joy or dangerous drifts,Ashirtwill put a man unto hisshifts.”—Taylor’s Works, 1630.For further particulars,seeCAMESA.Commister, a chaplain or clergyman.—OriginallyOld Cant.Common sewer, aDRAIN,—vulgar equivalent for a drink.Commons, the allowance of anything sent out of the buttery or kitchen. “A commonsof bread,” or “of cheese,” for instance.—University.Short commons(derived from the University slang term), a scanty meal, a scarcity.Competition wallah, one who entered the Indian Civil Service by passing a competitive examination.—Anglo-Indian.Compo, a sailor’s term for his monthly advance of wages.Comprador, a purveyor, an agent.—Originally Spanish, now Anglo-Chinese.Concaves and convexesConcaves and convexes, a pack of cards contrived for cheating, by cutting all the cards from the two to the seven concave, and all from the eight to the king convex. Then by cutting the pack breadthwise a convex card is cut, and by cutting it lengthwise a concave is secured.—SeeLONGS AND SHORTS.Conjee, a kind of gruel made of rice.—Anglo-Indian.Conk, a nose. Possibly from theLatin,CONCHA, a shell.Greek, κόγχη—hence anything hollow. Somewhat of a parallel may be found in theLatin,TESTA, an earthenware pot, a shell, and in laterLatin, askull; from whence theFrenchTESTE, orTÊTE, head.Conky, having a projecting or remarkable nose. The first Duke of Wellington was frequently termed “OldConky” in satirical papers and caricatures.Connaught Rangers, the Eighty-eighth Regiment of Foot in the British Army.Conshun’s price, fair terms, without extortion. Probably conscience price.—Anglo-Chinese.Constable, “to overrun theCONSTABLE,” to exceed one’s income, or get deep in debt. The origin of this phrase is unknown, but its use is very general.Constitutional, a walk, or other exercise taken for the benefit of the health.Consumah, a butler.—Anglo-Indian.Contango, among stockbrokers and jobbers, is a certain sum paid for accommodating a buyer or seller, by carrying the engagement to pay money or deliver shares over to the next account day.Continuations, coverings for the legs, whether trousers or breeches. A word belonging to the same squeamish, affected family as unmentionables, inexpressibles, &c.Convey, to steal; “CONVEY, the wise it call.”Conveyancer, a pickpocket. Shakspeare uses the cant expressionCONVEYER, a thief. The same term is also French slang.Cooey, the Australian bush-call, now not unfrequently heard in the streets of London.Cook, a term well known in the Bankruptcy Courts, in reference to accounts that have been meddled with, orCOOKED, by the bankrupt; also to form a balance-sheet from general trade inferences; stated by a correspondent to have been first used in reference to the celebrated alteration of the accounts of the Eastern Counties Railway, by George Hudson, the Railway King. Any unfair statements of accounts or reports are now said to beCOOKED.Cook, in artistic circles, to dodge up a picture. Artists say that a picture will notCOOKwhen it is excellent and unconventional, and beyond specious imitation.Cook one’s goose, to kill or ruin a person.—North.Cooler, a glass of porter as a wind up, after drinking spirits and water. This form of drinking is sometimes called “putting the beggar on the gentleman.”Coolie, a soldier, in allusion to the HindooCOOLIES, or day labourers.Coon, abbreviation of racoon.—American.AGONE COON—ditto, one in an awful fix, past praying for. This expression is said to have originated in the first American war with a spy, who dressed himself in a racoon skin, and ensconced himself in a tree. An English rifleman taking him for a veritable coon, levelled his piece at him, upon which he exclaimed, “Don’t shoot, I’ll come down of myself, I know I’m aGONE COON.” The Yankees say the Britisher was so “flummuxed,” that he flung down his rifle and “made tracks” for home. The phrase is pretty general in England. [There is one difficulty about this story—How big was the man who dressed himself in a racoon skin?]Cooper, “stout half-and-half,”i.e., half stout and half porter. Derived from the coopers at breweries being allowed so much stout and so much porter a day, which they take mixed.Cooper, to destroy, spoil, settle, or finish.Coopered, spoilt, “done up,” synonymous with the Americanism caved in, fallen in, ruined. The vagabonds’ hieroglyphtriangle pointing down, chalked by them on gate posts and houses, signifies that the place has been spoilt by too many tramps calling there.Cooper, to forge, or imitate in writing; “COOPERa monniker,” to forge a signature.Cooter, “a sovereign.”—SeeCouter. Gipsy,CUTA.Cop, to seize or lay hold of anything unpleasant; used in a similar sense tocatchin the phrase “toCOP(or catch) a beating.” “To getCOPT,” is to be taken by the police. Probable contraction of Lat.capere.Cop, beware, take care. A contraction ofCoprador.—Anglo-Indian.Coper, properlyHORSE-COUPER, a Scotch horse-dealer,—used to denote a dishonest one.Coping, like jockeying, is suggestive of all kinds of trickery.Copper, a policeman,i.e., one whoCOPS, whichsee.Copper, a halfpenny.Coppers, mixed pence.Coppernose, a nose which is supposed to show a partiality on its owner’s part for strong drink. Synonymous with “jolly nose.” Grog-blossoms are the jewels often set in a jolly nose.Copus, a Cambridge drink, consisting of ale combined with spices, and varied by spirits, wines, &c. Corruption ofHIPPOCRAS.Corduroy roads, an American term for the rough roads made by simply laying logs along a clearing.Corinthianism, a term derived from the classics, much in vogue some years ago, implying pugilism, high life, “sprees,” roystering, &c.—Shakspeare, 1Hen. IV.ii. 4. The immorality ofCorinthwas proverbial in Greece. Κορινθιάζεσθαι, toCorinthianize, indulge in thecompany of courtezans, was a Greek slang expression. Hence the proverb—Οὐ παντὸς ἀνδρὸς εἰς Κόρινθον ἔσθ᾿ ὁ πλοῦς;andHorace, Epist. lib. 1, xvii. 36—“Non cuivis hommi contingit adire Corinthum,”in allusion to the spoliation practised by the “hetæræ” on those who visited them. Pierce Egan, in hisLife in London, is responsible for a deal of the modern use of this word; and after himBell’s Life, as the oracle of Corinthian sport, was not idle.Cork, a broken man, a bankrupt. Probably intended to refer to his lightness, as being without “ballast.”Cork, “to draw aCORK,” to give a bloody nose.—Pugilistic.Corkage, money charged when persons at an hotel provide their own wine—sixpence being charged for each “cork” drawn.Corked, said of wine which tastes of cork, from being badly decanted, or which has lost flavour from various other obvious causes.Corker, “that’s aCORKER,”i.e., that settles the question, or closes the discussion.Corks, a butler. Derivation very obvious.Corks, money; “how are you off forCORKS?” a sailors’ term of a very expressive kind, denoting the means of “keeping afloat.”Corned, drunk or intoxicated. Possibly from soaking or pickling oneself likeCORNEDbeef.Corner, “theCORNER,” Tattersall’s famous horse repository and betting rooms, so called from the fact of its situation, which was at Hyde Park Corner. Though Tattersall’s has been removed some distance, to Albert Gate, it is still known to the older habitués of the Subscription Room as “theCORNER.”Cornered, hemmed in a corner, placed in a position from which there is no escape.Corner-man, the end singer of a corps of Ethiopian or nigger minstrels. There are two corner men, one generally plays the bones and the other the tambourine. Corner-men are the grotesques of a minstrel company.Corn in Egypt, a popular expression which means a plentiful supply of materials for a dinner, &c., or a good supply of money. Its origin is of course Biblical.Corporation, the protuberant front of an obese person. Probably from the old announcements which used to be made, and are made now in some towns where improvements are made by the municipal authorities, “Widened at the expense of theCORPORATION.”Corpse, to stick fast in the dialogue; to confuse, or put out the actors by making a mistake.—Theatrical.Cosh, a neddy, a life-preserver; any short, loaded bludgeon.Cossack, a policeman.Costard, the head. A very old word, generally used in connexion with “cracked.”Coster, the short and slang rendering of “costermonger,” or “costardmonger,” who was originally an apple-seller.Costering,i.e., costermongering, acting as a costermonger would.Costermonger, a street seller of fish, fruit, vegetables, poultry, &c. The London costermongers number more than 30,000. They form a distinct class, occupying whole neighbourhoods, and were at one time cut off from the rest of metropolitan society by their low habits, general improvidence, pugnacity, love of gambling, total want of education, disregard for lawful marriage ceremonies, and their use of a peculiar slang language. They have changed a good deal of this, though, now.CostermongeraliterCOSTARDMONGER,i.e., an apple-seller. In Nares’sGlossary(Ed. H. & W.) they are said to have been frequently Irish. So, Ben Jonson—“Her father was an IrishCOSTAR-MONGER.”Alchym., iv. x.“In England, sir, troth I ever laugh when I think on ’t,----Why, sir, there all theCOSTER-MONGERSare Irish.”2 P. Hen. IV., O. Pl., iii. 375.Their noisy manners are alluded to in Beaumont and Fletcher’sScornful Lady, iv. I.“And then he’ll rail like a rudeCOSTER-MONGERThat school-boys had couzened of his apples,As loud and senseless.”Cotton, to like, adhere to, or agree with any person; “toCOTTONon to a man,” to attach yourself to him, or fancy him, literally, to stick to him as cotton would.VideBartlett, who claims it as an Americanism, and Halliwell, who terms it an archaism; alsoBacchus and Venus, 1737.“Her heart’s as hard as taxes, and as bad;She does not evenCOTTONto her dad.”Halliday and Lawrance,Kenilworth Burlesque.Cotton Lord, a Manchester manufacturer.Cottonopolis, Manchester. A term much in use among the reporters of the sporting press engaged in that locality.Council-of-ten, the toes of a man who turns his feet inward.Counter, to hit back, to exchange blows. A crossCOUNTERis a blow with the right hand given in exchange for one with the left, the counterer preferring to strike rather than to “stop” the blow.—Pugilistic.Counter-jumper, a shopman, a draper’s assistant.Country-captain, a spatch-cocked fowl, sprinkled with curry-powder. A favourite breakfast dish with the captains of country-ships.—Indian.Country-ship, a ship belonging to the East Indies, and trading from port to port in that country.County-crop(i.e.,COUNTY-PRISON CROP), haircut close and round, as if guided by a basin—an indication of having been in prison. Since short hair has become fashionable the expression has fallen somewhat into disuse. In the times when long hair was worn, a man with his hair cut as described was said to have had it done with a knife and fork.Couple-beggar, a degraded person, who officiated as a clergyman in performing marriages in the Fleet Prison.Couter, a sovereign.Half-a-couter, half-a-sovereign. From the Danubian-gipsy wordCUTA, a gold coin.Cove, orCOVEY, a boy or man of any age or station. A term generally preceded by an expressive adjective, thus a “flashCOVE,” a “rumCOVE,” a “downyCOVE,” &c. The feminine,COVESS, was once popular, but it has fallen into disuse. Originally ancient cant (temp. Henry VII.),COFE, orCUFFIN, altered in Decker’s time toCOVE.SeeWitts’ Recreations, 1654: “there’s a gentry-COVEhere,”i.e., a gentleman. Probably connected withCUIF, which, in the North of England, signifies a lout or awkward fellow. Amongst Negroes,CUFFEE.Coventry, “to send a man toCOVENTRY,” not to speak to or notice him. Coventry was one of those towns in which the privilege of practising most trades was anciently confined to certain privileged persons, as the freemen, &c. Hence a stranger stood little chance of custom, or countenance, and “to send a man toCOVENTRY” came to be equivalent to putting him out of the pale of society.Cover-down, a tossing coin with a false cover, enabling either head or tail to be shown, according as the cover is left on or taken off. The cover is more generally called aCAP. This style of cheating is now obsolete. A man who cannot manage to cheat at tossing without machinery is a sorry rogue.Cowan, a sneak, an inquisitive or prying person.Greek, κύων, a dog. Term given by Freemasons to all uninitiated persons. Used in Anderson’sConstitutions, edit. 1769, p. 97. If derived from κύων, its use was probably suggested by such passages in the N. T. as Matt. vii. 6, and Phil. iii. 2. The Moslems apply dog in a similar manner. It is probably Oriental. Other authorities say it is fromCOWAN, orKIRWAN, a Scottish word signifying a man who builds rough stone walls without mortar—a man who, though he builds, is not a practical mason.Cow-cow, to be very angry, to scold or reprimand violently.—Anglo-Chinese.Cow-hocked, clumsy about the ankles; with large or awkward feet.Cow-lick, the term given to the lock of hair which costermongers and tramps usually twist forward from the ear; a large greasy curl upon the cheek, seemingly licked into shape. These locks are also calledNUMBER SIXES, from their usual shape. The opposite ofNEWGATE-KNOCKER, whichsee.Cow’s grease, butter.Coxy-loxy, good-tempered, drunk.—Norfolk.Crab, a disagreeable old person. Name of a wild and sour fruit.Crab, “to catch aCRAB,” to fall backwards by missing a stroke in rowing. From the crab-like or sprawling appearance of the man when in the bottom of the boat.Crab, to offend, or insult; to expose or defeat a robbery, to inform against.Crab, in the sense of “to offend,” isOld English.“If I think one thing and speak another,I will bothCRABChrist and our Ladie His mother.”Packman’s Paternoster.Crabs, in dicing, a pair of aces.Crabshells, orTROTTER-CASES, shoes.—SeeCARTS.Crack, the favourite horse in a race. Steeplechase and huntingCRACKShave been made the subjects of well-known pictures, and “the gallops of theCRACKS” is a prominent line in the sporting papers.Crack, first-rate, excellent; “aCRACK HAND,” an adept; a “CRACKarticle,” a good one. “ACRACKregiment,” a fashionable one.—Old.Crack, dry firewood.—Modern Gipsy.Crack, “in aCRACK(of the finger and thumb),” in a moment.Crack, to break into a house; “CRACK A CRIB,” to commit burglary.Crack a bottle, to drink. Shakspeare usesCRUSHin the same slang sense.Cracked up, penniless or ruined.Cracking a crust, rubbing along in the world.Cracking a tidy crust, means doing very well. This is a very common expression among the lower orders.Crackle, orCRACKLING, the scored rind on a roast leg or loin of pork; hence applied to the velvet bars on the gowns of the students at St. John’s College, Cambridge, long called “Hogs,” and the covered bridge which connects one of the courts with the grounds, Isthmus of Suez (SUES,Lat.SUS, a swine).Cracksman, a burglar,i.e., the man whoCRACKS.Crack up, to boast or praise.—Ancient English.Cram, to lie or deceive, implying to fill up orCRAMa person with false stories; to impart or acquire learning quickly, to “grind” or prepare for an examination.Crammer, one skilled in rapidly preparing others for an examination. One in the habit of telling lies.Crammer, a lie.Cranky, foolish, idiotic, rickety, capricious (not confined to persons).Ancient cant,CRANKE, simulated sickness.German,KRANK, sickly. ACRANKorCRANKYvessel is one which pitches very much.Crap, to ease oneself by evacuation.Crapping case, orKEN, the water-closet. Generally calledCRAPPING-CASTLE.Crawler, a mean, contemptible, sycophantic fellow. Also a cab which is driven slowly along while its driver looks out for a fare. Crawling is by recent statute a punishable offence.Crawly mawly, in an ailing, weakly, or sickly state.Craw thumper, a Roman Catholic. CompareBRISKET-BEATER.Cream of the valley, gin; as opposed to or distinguished from “mountain dew,” whisky.Crib, house, public or otherwise; lodgings, apartments; a situation. Very general in the latter sense.Crib, to steal or purloin; to appropriate small things.Crib, a literal translation of a classic author.—University.Crib biter, an inveterate grumbler; properly said of a horse which has this habit, a sign of its bad digestion.Cribbage-faced, marked with the small-pox, full of holes like a cribbage-board. Otherwise crumpet-face.Crikey, profane exclamation of astonishment; “Oh,CRIKEY, you don’t say so!” corruption of “O Christ!” Sometimes varied by “O crimes!”Cripple, a bent sixpence.Cripple, an awkward or clumsy person. Also one of dull wits.Croak, to die—from the gurgling sound a person makes when the breath of life is departing.Croaker, one who takes a desponding view of everything, a misanthrope; an alarmist. From the croaking of a raven.—Ben Jonson.Croaker, a beggar.Croaker, a dying person beyond hope; a corpse. The latter is generally called a “stiff’un.”Croaks, last dying speeches, and murderers’ confessions.Crocodiles’ tears, the tears of a hypocrite. An ancient phrase, introduced into this country by Mandeville, or other early English traveller, who believed that the crocodile made a weeping noise to attract travellers, and then devoured them. See Shakspeare’s use of the term inOthello.Crocus, orCROAKUS, a quack or travelling doctor;CROCUS-CHOVEY, a chemist’s shop.Crone, a termagant or malicious old woman.Crony, an intimate friend.Crooked, a term used among dog-stealers and the “fancy” generally, to denote anything stolen. “Got on theCROOK” is exchangeable with “Got on the cross,”CROOKand cross generally being synonymous.Crooky, to hang on to, to lead, to walk arm-in-arm; to court or pay addresses to a girl.Cropped, hanged. Sometimes topped. “May I be topped.”Cropper, a heavy fall, a decided failure. Term originally used in the hunting-field, but now general, and not at all confined to physical matters.Cropper, “to go aCROPPER,” or “to come aCROPPER,”i.e., to fail badly.Croppie, a person who has had his hair cut, orCROPPED, in prison. Formerly those who had beenCROPPED(i.e., had their ears cut off and their noses slit) by the public executioner were calledCROPPIES, then the Puritans received the reversion of the title.Crop up, to turn up in the course of conversation. “ItCROPPED UPwhile we were speaking.”Cross, a deception—two persons pretending hostility or indifference to each other, being all the while in concert for the purpose of deceiving a third. In the sporting world aCROSSis an arrangement made between two men that one shall win without reference to relative merits. This is sometimes done with the backer’s consent for the public benefit, at other times a backer is himself the sufferer, the men having “put some one in to lay,” according to instructions.—SeeDOUBLE CROSS.Cross, a general term amongst thieves expressive of their plundering profession, the opposite of square. “To get anything on theCROSS” is to obtain it surreptitiously. “Cross-fanningin a crowd,” robbing persons of their scarf-pins, so called from the peculiar position of the arms. This style of thieving is not confined to the conveying of scarf-pins.Crossman, a thief, or one who lives by dishonest practices.Cross.—For not paying his term bills to the bursar (treasurer), or for cutting chapels, or lectures, or other offences, the undergrad can be “CROSSED” at the buttery, or kitchen, or both,i.e., aCROSSis put against his name by the Don, who wishes to see him, or to punish him. Of course it is easy to get one’s buttery commons out in some one else’s name, and to order dinner in from the confectioner’s. The porter is supposed to allow no dinners to be sent in, but, between his winking and a little disguise, it is possible. As another instance, a barrel of beer will not be admitted; but if it is in a hamper it will pass!—Oxford University.Cross-buttock, an unexpected fling down or repulse; from a peculiar throw practised by wrestlers.Cross cove and molisher, a man and woman who live by thieving.Cross-crib, a house frequented by thieves.Crossed, prohibited from taking food from the buttery.—University.Crow, orCOCK-CROW, to exult over another’s abasement, as a fighting-cock does over his vanquished adversary.Crow, “a regularCROW,” a success, a stroke of luck,—equivalent to aFLUKE.Crow, one who watches whilst another commits a theft, a confederate in a robbery. TheCROWlooks to see that the way is clear, whilst theSNEAK, his partner, commits the depredation.Crow, “I have aCROWto pick with you,”i.e., an explanation to demand, a disagreeable matter to settle. Sometimes the article picked is supposed to be a bone.Crowsfeet, wrinkles which gather in the corners of the eyes of old or dissipated people.Crug, food. Christ’s Hospital boys apply it only to bread.Crumbs, “to pick up one’sCRUMBS,” to begin to have an appetite after an illness; to improve in health, circumstances, &c., after a loss thereof.Crummy, fat, plump.—North.In London street slang, lousy.Crummy-doss, a lousy or filthy bed.Crumpet-face, a face pitted with small-pox marks.Crunch, to crush. Perhaps from the sound of teeth grinding against each other.Crush, to run or decamp rapidly.Crush down sides, run to a place of safety, or the appointed rendezvous.—North Country Cant.Crusher, a policeman.Crushing, excellent, first-rate.Crusty, ill-tempered, petulant, morose.—Old, said to be a corruption of theAnglo-NormanCORUSEUX.Cub, a mannerless uncouth lout.—SeeUNLICKED.Cubitopolis, an appellation, originally given by Londoners to the Warwick and Eccleston Square districts. From the name of the builders.Cue, properly the last word spoken by one actor, it being theCUEfor the other to reply. “Very often an actor knows nothing of a piece beyond his own lines and theCUES.”Cull, a man or boy.—Old Cant.Rum cull, the manager of a theatre.Cullet, broken glass.French,CUEILLETTE, a gathering or collection.Culling, orCULING, stealing from the carriages at racecourses.Cully gorger, a companion, a brother actor.—Theatrical.SeeGORGER.Culver-headed, weak and stupid.Cummer, a gossip or acquaintance.Cumshaw, a present or bribe.—Anglo-Chinese.Cupboard-headed, an expressive designation of one whose head is both wooden and hollow.—Norfolk.Cupboard-love, affection arising from interested motives.“ACUPBOARD LOVEis seldom true;A love sincere is found in few.”—Poor Robin.Cupboard is the fount-spring of the love supposed to exist among policemen for the cooks upon their beats.Cup-tosser, a person who professes to tell fortunes by examining the grounds in tea or coffee cups. A cup or goblet, however, is the old mystic symbol of a juggler.French,Joueur de gobelet.Cure, an odd person; a contemptuous term, abridged fromCURIOSITY, which was formerly the favourite expression. The word cure, as originally applied, was London street slang, and was, as just stated, an abbreviation of curiosity, or, more correctly, of curious or queer fellow. Of late years it has, however, been used to denote a funny, humorous person, who can give and receive chaff.Curios, a corruption of “curiosities;” any articles of vertu brought from abroad. Used by naval and military travellers and others.Currency, persons born in Australia are there termedCURRENCY, while natives of England are termedSTERLING. The allusion is to thedifference between colonial and imperial moneys, which it may be as well to remark have no difference so far as actual value is concerned.Curse, anything worthless. Corruption of theOld EnglishwordKERSE, a small sour wild cherry;French,CERISE;German,KIRSCH.Vision of Piers Ploughman:—“Wisdom and witt nowe isnot worthaKERSE,But if it be carded with cootis as clothersKembe their woole.”The expression “not worth aCURSE,” used frequently nowadays, is therefore not properly profane, though it is frequently intensified by a profane expletive. Horne Tooke says fromKERSE, orCRESS. The expression “not worth a tinker’sCURSE,” may or may not have arisen from misapplication of the word’s origin, though as now used it certainly means curse in its usual sense. Tinkers do curse, unfortunately, and it will take a good deal of school-board work to educate them out of it, as well as a fair amount of time. The phrase “not worth a tinker’s damn,” is evidently a variation of this, unless indeed it should be spelt “dam,” and used as a reference to the general worthlessness of the wives and mothers of tinkers. This latter is merely offered to those who are speculative in such matters, and is not advanced as an opinion.Curse of Scotland, the Nine of Diamonds. Various hypotheses have been set up as to this appellation—that it was the card on which the “Butcher Duke” wrote a cruel order with respect to the rebels after the battle of Culloden; that the diamonds are the nine lozenges in the arms of Dalrymple, Earl of Stair, detested for his share in the Massacre of Glencoe; that it is a corruption of Cross of Scotland, the nine diamonds being arranged somewhat after the fashion of a St. Andrew’s Cross. The first supposition is evidently erroneous, for in Dr. Houston’s Memoirs of his own Lifetime, 1747, p. 92, the Jacobite ladies are stated to have nicknamed the Nine of Diamonds “the Justice Clerk,” after the rebellion of 1715, in allusion to the Lord Justice-Clerk Ormistone, who, for his severity in suppressing it, was called the Curse of Scotland. Gules a cross of lozenges were also the arms of Colonel Packer, who attended Charles I. on the scaffold, and commanded in Scotland afterwards with great severity.—SeeChatto on theOrigin and History of Playing Cards, p. 267. The most probable explanation is, that in the game of Pope Joan the nine of diamonds is thePOPE, of whom the Scotch have an especial horror.Curtail, to cut off. Originally a Cant word—videHudibras, andBacchus and Venus, 1737. Evidently derived from the Frenchcourt tailler.Cushion, to hide or conceal.Cushion-smiter, polite rendering of tub-thumper, a clergyman, a preacher.
Cold cook, an undertaker. Cold cook’s shop, an undertaker’s.
Cold meat, a corpse.Cold-meat box, a coffin.
Cold meat train, the last train at night by which officers can reach Aldershot per South Western Railway. So called because by this train corpses are often conveyed on account of the Necropolis Company to Woking.
Cold shoulder, “to show or give any one theCOLD SHOULDER” is to “cut” in a modified form, to assume a distant manner towards anybody, to evince a desire to cease acquaintanceship. Sometimes termed “COLD SHOULDERof mutton.”
Colfabias, a Latinized Irish phrase signifying the closet of decency, applied as a slang term to a place of resort in Trinity College, Dublin.
Collar, “out ofCOLLAR,”i.e., out of place, no work. Probably a variation of the metaphorical expressions, “in, or out of harness,”i.e., in or out of work—the horse being in collar when harnessed for his work.Collarwork is any very hard work, from the expression among drivers. Any uphill journey is said to be all “COLLARwork” for the horses.
Collar, to seize, to lay hold of. Thieves’ slang,i.e., to steal.
Collar and elbow, a term for a peculiar style of wrestling—the Cornwall and Devon style.
Collections, the College examinations at the end of each term, when undergraduates wear white ties and bands, and are trotted through the subjects of the term’s lecture. These are the occasions when the dons administer reproof or advice on the conduct of each individual undergrad.—Oxford University.
Collogue, to conspire, talk mysteriously together in low tones, plot mischief. Connected with “colloquy” or “colleague.” Maybe mixture of both.
Colly-wobbles, the stomach-ache, a person’s bowels,—supposed by many to be the seat of feeling and nutrition.—Devonshire.
Colour, complexion, tint; “I’ve not seen theCOLOURof his money,”i.e., he has never paid me any. In fortune-telling by cards, adiamond colouris the fairest;heart-colour, fair, but not so fair as the last;club colour, rather dark;spade colour, an extremely swarthy complexion.
Colour, a handkerchief worn by each of the supporters of a professional athlete on the day of a match, so as to distinguish them from the partizans of the other side. The professional chooses his colours, and his backers, and as many of the general public as can be persuaded to do so, take one each to wear on the eventful day, the understanding being that the man is to be paid, say, a guinea if he wins, and nothing if he loses. Some of these handkerchiefs used to be, in the palmy days of pugilism and professional rowing on the Thames, very fine specimens of work; but as their purveyors expected to be paid whether they won or lost, and as the price was generally about four times the intrinsic value, colours are rather shyly dealt with now. The custom is, however, a very ancient one, and such men as Tom Sayers, Tom King, Harry Kelley, and Bob Chambers have, evenin these degenerate days, received very large sums for their winning colours.
Colt, a murderous weapon, formed by slinging a small shot to the end of a rather stiff piece of rope. It is the original of the misnamed “life-preserver.”
Colt, a person who sits as juryman for the first time. In Cork an operative baker who does not belong to the union.
Colt, a professional cricketer during his first season. From the best colts in the annual match are selected new county players.
Colt, to fine a new juryman a sum to be spent in drink, by way of “wetting” his office; to make a person free of a new place, which is done by his standing treat, and submitting to be struck on the sole of the foot with a piece of board.
Colt’s tooth, elderly persons of juvenile tastes are said to have aCOLT’S TOOTH,i.e., a desire to shed their teeth once more, to see life over again.
Comb-cut, mortified, disgraced, “down on one’s luck.”—SeeCUT.
Come, a slang verb used in many phrases; “Aint heCOMING IT?”i.e., is he not proceeding at a great rate? “Don’tCOME TRICKShere,” “don’tCOME THE OLD SOLDIERover me,”i.e., we are aware of your practices, and “twig” your manœuvre.Coming it strong, exaggerating, going ahead, the opposite of “drawing it mild.”Coming italso means informing or disclosing. Also, in pugilistic phraseology, toCOME ITmeans to show fear; and in this respect, as well as in that of giving information, the expression “COME IT” is best known to the lower and most dangerous classes.
Come down, to pay down.
Commemoration, the end of Lent term at Oxford, when honorary degrees are conferred and certain prizes given, and when men have friends “up.”
Commission, a shirt.—Ancient Cant.Italian,CAMICIA.“As from our beds, we doe oft cast our eyes,Cleane linnen yeelds a shirt before we rise,Which is a garmentshiftingin condition;And in thecanting tongueis aCOMMISSION.In weale or woe, in joy or dangerous drifts,Ashirtwill put a man unto hisshifts.”—Taylor’s Works, 1630.For further particulars,seeCAMESA.
Commission, a shirt.—Ancient Cant.Italian,CAMICIA.
“As from our beds, we doe oft cast our eyes,Cleane linnen yeelds a shirt before we rise,Which is a garmentshiftingin condition;And in thecanting tongueis aCOMMISSION.In weale or woe, in joy or dangerous drifts,Ashirtwill put a man unto hisshifts.”—Taylor’s Works, 1630.
“As from our beds, we doe oft cast our eyes,Cleane linnen yeelds a shirt before we rise,Which is a garmentshiftingin condition;And in thecanting tongueis aCOMMISSION.In weale or woe, in joy or dangerous drifts,Ashirtwill put a man unto hisshifts.”
For further particulars,seeCAMESA.
Commister, a chaplain or clergyman.—OriginallyOld Cant.
Common sewer, aDRAIN,—vulgar equivalent for a drink.
Commons, the allowance of anything sent out of the buttery or kitchen. “A commonsof bread,” or “of cheese,” for instance.—University.Short commons(derived from the University slang term), a scanty meal, a scarcity.
Competition wallah, one who entered the Indian Civil Service by passing a competitive examination.—Anglo-Indian.
Compo, a sailor’s term for his monthly advance of wages.
Comprador, a purveyor, an agent.—Originally Spanish, now Anglo-Chinese.Concaves and convexes
Comprador, a purveyor, an agent.—Originally Spanish, now Anglo-Chinese.
Concaves and convexes
Concaves and convexes, a pack of cards contrived for cheating, by cutting all the cards from the two to the seven concave, and all from the eight to the king convex. Then by cutting the pack breadthwise a convex card is cut, and by cutting it lengthwise a concave is secured.—SeeLONGS AND SHORTS.
Conjee, a kind of gruel made of rice.—Anglo-Indian.
Conk, a nose. Possibly from theLatin,CONCHA, a shell.Greek, κόγχη—hence anything hollow. Somewhat of a parallel may be found in theLatin,TESTA, an earthenware pot, a shell, and in laterLatin, askull; from whence theFrenchTESTE, orTÊTE, head.Conky, having a projecting or remarkable nose. The first Duke of Wellington was frequently termed “OldConky” in satirical papers and caricatures.
Connaught Rangers, the Eighty-eighth Regiment of Foot in the British Army.
Conshun’s price, fair terms, without extortion. Probably conscience price.—Anglo-Chinese.
Constable, “to overrun theCONSTABLE,” to exceed one’s income, or get deep in debt. The origin of this phrase is unknown, but its use is very general.
Constitutional, a walk, or other exercise taken for the benefit of the health.
Consumah, a butler.—Anglo-Indian.
Contango, among stockbrokers and jobbers, is a certain sum paid for accommodating a buyer or seller, by carrying the engagement to pay money or deliver shares over to the next account day.
Continuations, coverings for the legs, whether trousers or breeches. A word belonging to the same squeamish, affected family as unmentionables, inexpressibles, &c.
Convey, to steal; “CONVEY, the wise it call.”
Conveyancer, a pickpocket. Shakspeare uses the cant expressionCONVEYER, a thief. The same term is also French slang.
Cooey, the Australian bush-call, now not unfrequently heard in the streets of London.
Cook, a term well known in the Bankruptcy Courts, in reference to accounts that have been meddled with, orCOOKED, by the bankrupt; also to form a balance-sheet from general trade inferences; stated by a correspondent to have been first used in reference to the celebrated alteration of the accounts of the Eastern Counties Railway, by George Hudson, the Railway King. Any unfair statements of accounts or reports are now said to beCOOKED.
Cook, in artistic circles, to dodge up a picture. Artists say that a picture will notCOOKwhen it is excellent and unconventional, and beyond specious imitation.
Cook one’s goose, to kill or ruin a person.—North.
Cooler, a glass of porter as a wind up, after drinking spirits and water. This form of drinking is sometimes called “putting the beggar on the gentleman.”
Coolie, a soldier, in allusion to the HindooCOOLIES, or day labourers.
Coon, abbreviation of racoon.—American.AGONE COON—ditto, one in an awful fix, past praying for. This expression is said to have originated in the first American war with a spy, who dressed himself in a racoon skin, and ensconced himself in a tree. An English rifleman taking him for a veritable coon, levelled his piece at him, upon which he exclaimed, “Don’t shoot, I’ll come down of myself, I know I’m aGONE COON.” The Yankees say the Britisher was so “flummuxed,” that he flung down his rifle and “made tracks” for home. The phrase is pretty general in England. [There is one difficulty about this story—How big was the man who dressed himself in a racoon skin?]
Cooper, “stout half-and-half,”i.e., half stout and half porter. Derived from the coopers at breweries being allowed so much stout and so much porter a day, which they take mixed.
Cooper, to destroy, spoil, settle, or finish.Coopered, spoilt, “done up,” synonymous with the Americanism caved in, fallen in, ruined. The vagabonds’ hieroglyphtriangle pointing down, chalked by them on gate posts and houses, signifies that the place has been spoilt by too many tramps calling there.
Cooper, to forge, or imitate in writing; “COOPERa monniker,” to forge a signature.
Cooter, “a sovereign.”—SeeCouter. Gipsy,CUTA.
Cop, to seize or lay hold of anything unpleasant; used in a similar sense tocatchin the phrase “toCOP(or catch) a beating.” “To getCOPT,” is to be taken by the police. Probable contraction of Lat.capere.
Cop, beware, take care. A contraction ofCoprador.—Anglo-Indian.
Coper, properlyHORSE-COUPER, a Scotch horse-dealer,—used to denote a dishonest one.Coping, like jockeying, is suggestive of all kinds of trickery.
Copper, a policeman,i.e., one whoCOPS, whichsee.
Copper, a halfpenny.Coppers, mixed pence.
Coppernose, a nose which is supposed to show a partiality on its owner’s part for strong drink. Synonymous with “jolly nose.” Grog-blossoms are the jewels often set in a jolly nose.
Copus, a Cambridge drink, consisting of ale combined with spices, and varied by spirits, wines, &c. Corruption ofHIPPOCRAS.
Corduroy roads, an American term for the rough roads made by simply laying logs along a clearing.
Corinthianism, a term derived from the classics, much in vogue some years ago, implying pugilism, high life, “sprees,” roystering, &c.—Shakspeare, 1Hen. IV.ii. 4. The immorality ofCorinthwas proverbial in Greece. Κορινθιάζεσθαι, toCorinthianize, indulge in thecompany of courtezans, was a Greek slang expression. Hence the proverb—Οὐ παντὸς ἀνδρὸς εἰς Κόρινθον ἔσθ᾿ ὁ πλοῦς;andHorace, Epist. lib. 1, xvii. 36—“Non cuivis hommi contingit adire Corinthum,”in allusion to the spoliation practised by the “hetæræ” on those who visited them. Pierce Egan, in hisLife in London, is responsible for a deal of the modern use of this word; and after himBell’s Life, as the oracle of Corinthian sport, was not idle.
Corinthianism, a term derived from the classics, much in vogue some years ago, implying pugilism, high life, “sprees,” roystering, &c.—Shakspeare, 1Hen. IV.ii. 4. The immorality ofCorinthwas proverbial in Greece. Κορινθιάζεσθαι, toCorinthianize, indulge in thecompany of courtezans, was a Greek slang expression. Hence the proverb—
Οὐ παντὸς ἀνδρὸς εἰς Κόρινθον ἔσθ᾿ ὁ πλοῦς;
Οὐ παντὸς ἀνδρὸς εἰς Κόρινθον ἔσθ᾿ ὁ πλοῦς;
andHorace, Epist. lib. 1, xvii. 36—
“Non cuivis hommi contingit adire Corinthum,”
“Non cuivis hommi contingit adire Corinthum,”
in allusion to the spoliation practised by the “hetæræ” on those who visited them. Pierce Egan, in hisLife in London, is responsible for a deal of the modern use of this word; and after himBell’s Life, as the oracle of Corinthian sport, was not idle.
Cork, a broken man, a bankrupt. Probably intended to refer to his lightness, as being without “ballast.”
Cork, “to draw aCORK,” to give a bloody nose.—Pugilistic.
Corkage, money charged when persons at an hotel provide their own wine—sixpence being charged for each “cork” drawn.
Corked, said of wine which tastes of cork, from being badly decanted, or which has lost flavour from various other obvious causes.
Corker, “that’s aCORKER,”i.e., that settles the question, or closes the discussion.
Corks, a butler. Derivation very obvious.
Corks, money; “how are you off forCORKS?” a sailors’ term of a very expressive kind, denoting the means of “keeping afloat.”
Corned, drunk or intoxicated. Possibly from soaking or pickling oneself likeCORNEDbeef.
Corner, “theCORNER,” Tattersall’s famous horse repository and betting rooms, so called from the fact of its situation, which was at Hyde Park Corner. Though Tattersall’s has been removed some distance, to Albert Gate, it is still known to the older habitués of the Subscription Room as “theCORNER.”
Cornered, hemmed in a corner, placed in a position from which there is no escape.
Corner-man, the end singer of a corps of Ethiopian or nigger minstrels. There are two corner men, one generally plays the bones and the other the tambourine. Corner-men are the grotesques of a minstrel company.
Corn in Egypt, a popular expression which means a plentiful supply of materials for a dinner, &c., or a good supply of money. Its origin is of course Biblical.
Corporation, the protuberant front of an obese person. Probably from the old announcements which used to be made, and are made now in some towns where improvements are made by the municipal authorities, “Widened at the expense of theCORPORATION.”
Corpse, to stick fast in the dialogue; to confuse, or put out the actors by making a mistake.—Theatrical.
Cosh, a neddy, a life-preserver; any short, loaded bludgeon.
Cossack, a policeman.
Costard, the head. A very old word, generally used in connexion with “cracked.”
Coster, the short and slang rendering of “costermonger,” or “costardmonger,” who was originally an apple-seller.Costering,i.e., costermongering, acting as a costermonger would.
Costermonger, a street seller of fish, fruit, vegetables, poultry, &c. The London costermongers number more than 30,000. They form a distinct class, occupying whole neighbourhoods, and were at one time cut off from the rest of metropolitan society by their low habits, general improvidence, pugnacity, love of gambling, total want of education, disregard for lawful marriage ceremonies, and their use of a peculiar slang language. They have changed a good deal of this, though, now.CostermongeraliterCOSTARDMONGER,i.e., an apple-seller. In Nares’sGlossary(Ed. H. & W.) they are said to have been frequently Irish. So, Ben Jonson—“Her father was an IrishCOSTAR-MONGER.”Alchym., iv. x.“In England, sir, troth I ever laugh when I think on ’t,----Why, sir, there all theCOSTER-MONGERSare Irish.”2 P. Hen. IV., O. Pl., iii. 375.Their noisy manners are alluded to in Beaumont and Fletcher’sScornful Lady, iv. I.“And then he’ll rail like a rudeCOSTER-MONGERThat school-boys had couzened of his apples,As loud and senseless.”
Costermonger, a street seller of fish, fruit, vegetables, poultry, &c. The London costermongers number more than 30,000. They form a distinct class, occupying whole neighbourhoods, and were at one time cut off from the rest of metropolitan society by their low habits, general improvidence, pugnacity, love of gambling, total want of education, disregard for lawful marriage ceremonies, and their use of a peculiar slang language. They have changed a good deal of this, though, now.CostermongeraliterCOSTARDMONGER,i.e., an apple-seller. In Nares’sGlossary(Ed. H. & W.) they are said to have been frequently Irish. So, Ben Jonson—
“Her father was an IrishCOSTAR-MONGER.”Alchym., iv. x.
“Her father was an IrishCOSTAR-MONGER.”
Alchym., iv. x.
“In England, sir, troth I ever laugh when I think on ’t,----Why, sir, there all theCOSTER-MONGERSare Irish.”2 P. Hen. IV., O. Pl., iii. 375.
“In England, sir, troth I ever laugh when I think on ’t,----Why, sir, there all theCOSTER-MONGERSare Irish.”
2 P. Hen. IV., O. Pl., iii. 375.
Their noisy manners are alluded to in Beaumont and Fletcher’sScornful Lady, iv. I.
“And then he’ll rail like a rudeCOSTER-MONGERThat school-boys had couzened of his apples,As loud and senseless.”
“And then he’ll rail like a rudeCOSTER-MONGERThat school-boys had couzened of his apples,As loud and senseless.”
Cotton, to like, adhere to, or agree with any person; “toCOTTONon to a man,” to attach yourself to him, or fancy him, literally, to stick to him as cotton would.VideBartlett, who claims it as an Americanism, and Halliwell, who terms it an archaism; alsoBacchus and Venus, 1737.“Her heart’s as hard as taxes, and as bad;She does not evenCOTTONto her dad.”Halliday and Lawrance,Kenilworth Burlesque.
Cotton, to like, adhere to, or agree with any person; “toCOTTONon to a man,” to attach yourself to him, or fancy him, literally, to stick to him as cotton would.VideBartlett, who claims it as an Americanism, and Halliwell, who terms it an archaism; alsoBacchus and Venus, 1737.
“Her heart’s as hard as taxes, and as bad;She does not evenCOTTONto her dad.”Halliday and Lawrance,Kenilworth Burlesque.
“Her heart’s as hard as taxes, and as bad;She does not evenCOTTONto her dad.”
Cotton Lord, a Manchester manufacturer.
Cottonopolis, Manchester. A term much in use among the reporters of the sporting press engaged in that locality.
Council-of-ten, the toes of a man who turns his feet inward.
Counter, to hit back, to exchange blows. A crossCOUNTERis a blow with the right hand given in exchange for one with the left, the counterer preferring to strike rather than to “stop” the blow.—Pugilistic.
Counter-jumper, a shopman, a draper’s assistant.
Country-captain, a spatch-cocked fowl, sprinkled with curry-powder. A favourite breakfast dish with the captains of country-ships.—Indian.
Country-ship, a ship belonging to the East Indies, and trading from port to port in that country.
County-crop(i.e.,COUNTY-PRISON CROP), haircut close and round, as if guided by a basin—an indication of having been in prison. Since short hair has become fashionable the expression has fallen somewhat into disuse. In the times when long hair was worn, a man with his hair cut as described was said to have had it done with a knife and fork.
Couple-beggar, a degraded person, who officiated as a clergyman in performing marriages in the Fleet Prison.
Couter, a sovereign.Half-a-couter, half-a-sovereign. From the Danubian-gipsy wordCUTA, a gold coin.
Cove, orCOVEY, a boy or man of any age or station. A term generally preceded by an expressive adjective, thus a “flashCOVE,” a “rumCOVE,” a “downyCOVE,” &c. The feminine,COVESS, was once popular, but it has fallen into disuse. Originally ancient cant (temp. Henry VII.),COFE, orCUFFIN, altered in Decker’s time toCOVE.SeeWitts’ Recreations, 1654: “there’s a gentry-COVEhere,”i.e., a gentleman. Probably connected withCUIF, which, in the North of England, signifies a lout or awkward fellow. Amongst Negroes,CUFFEE.
Coventry, “to send a man toCOVENTRY,” not to speak to or notice him. Coventry was one of those towns in which the privilege of practising most trades was anciently confined to certain privileged persons, as the freemen, &c. Hence a stranger stood little chance of custom, or countenance, and “to send a man toCOVENTRY” came to be equivalent to putting him out of the pale of society.
Cover-down, a tossing coin with a false cover, enabling either head or tail to be shown, according as the cover is left on or taken off. The cover is more generally called aCAP. This style of cheating is now obsolete. A man who cannot manage to cheat at tossing without machinery is a sorry rogue.
Cowan, a sneak, an inquisitive or prying person.Greek, κύων, a dog. Term given by Freemasons to all uninitiated persons. Used in Anderson’sConstitutions, edit. 1769, p. 97. If derived from κύων, its use was probably suggested by such passages in the N. T. as Matt. vii. 6, and Phil. iii. 2. The Moslems apply dog in a similar manner. It is probably Oriental. Other authorities say it is fromCOWAN, orKIRWAN, a Scottish word signifying a man who builds rough stone walls without mortar—a man who, though he builds, is not a practical mason.
Cow-cow, to be very angry, to scold or reprimand violently.—Anglo-Chinese.
Cow-hocked, clumsy about the ankles; with large or awkward feet.
Cow-lick, the term given to the lock of hair which costermongers and tramps usually twist forward from the ear; a large greasy curl upon the cheek, seemingly licked into shape. These locks are also calledNUMBER SIXES, from their usual shape. The opposite ofNEWGATE-KNOCKER, whichsee.
Cow’s grease, butter.
Coxy-loxy, good-tempered, drunk.—Norfolk.
Crab, a disagreeable old person. Name of a wild and sour fruit.
Crab, “to catch aCRAB,” to fall backwards by missing a stroke in rowing. From the crab-like or sprawling appearance of the man when in the bottom of the boat.
Crab, to offend, or insult; to expose or defeat a robbery, to inform against.Crab, in the sense of “to offend,” isOld English.“If I think one thing and speak another,I will bothCRABChrist and our Ladie His mother.”Packman’s Paternoster.
Crab, to offend, or insult; to expose or defeat a robbery, to inform against.Crab, in the sense of “to offend,” isOld English.
“If I think one thing and speak another,I will bothCRABChrist and our Ladie His mother.”Packman’s Paternoster.
“If I think one thing and speak another,I will bothCRABChrist and our Ladie His mother.”
Crabs, in dicing, a pair of aces.
Crabshells, orTROTTER-CASES, shoes.—SeeCARTS.
Crack, the favourite horse in a race. Steeplechase and huntingCRACKShave been made the subjects of well-known pictures, and “the gallops of theCRACKS” is a prominent line in the sporting papers.
Crack, first-rate, excellent; “aCRACK HAND,” an adept; a “CRACKarticle,” a good one. “ACRACKregiment,” a fashionable one.—Old.
Crack, dry firewood.—Modern Gipsy.
Crack, “in aCRACK(of the finger and thumb),” in a moment.
Crack, to break into a house; “CRACK A CRIB,” to commit burglary.
Crack a bottle, to drink. Shakspeare usesCRUSHin the same slang sense.
Cracked up, penniless or ruined.
Cracking a crust, rubbing along in the world.Cracking a tidy crust, means doing very well. This is a very common expression among the lower orders.
Crackle, orCRACKLING, the scored rind on a roast leg or loin of pork; hence applied to the velvet bars on the gowns of the students at St. John’s College, Cambridge, long called “Hogs,” and the covered bridge which connects one of the courts with the grounds, Isthmus of Suez (SUES,Lat.SUS, a swine).
Cracksman, a burglar,i.e., the man whoCRACKS.
Crack up, to boast or praise.—Ancient English.
Cram, to lie or deceive, implying to fill up orCRAMa person with false stories; to impart or acquire learning quickly, to “grind” or prepare for an examination.
Crammer, one skilled in rapidly preparing others for an examination. One in the habit of telling lies.
Crammer, a lie.
Cranky, foolish, idiotic, rickety, capricious (not confined to persons).Ancient cant,CRANKE, simulated sickness.German,KRANK, sickly. ACRANKorCRANKYvessel is one which pitches very much.
Crap, to ease oneself by evacuation.
Crapping case, orKEN, the water-closet. Generally calledCRAPPING-CASTLE.
Crawler, a mean, contemptible, sycophantic fellow. Also a cab which is driven slowly along while its driver looks out for a fare. Crawling is by recent statute a punishable offence.
Crawly mawly, in an ailing, weakly, or sickly state.
Craw thumper, a Roman Catholic. CompareBRISKET-BEATER.
Cream of the valley, gin; as opposed to or distinguished from “mountain dew,” whisky.
Crib, house, public or otherwise; lodgings, apartments; a situation. Very general in the latter sense.
Crib, to steal or purloin; to appropriate small things.
Crib, a literal translation of a classic author.—University.
Crib biter, an inveterate grumbler; properly said of a horse which has this habit, a sign of its bad digestion.
Cribbage-faced, marked with the small-pox, full of holes like a cribbage-board. Otherwise crumpet-face.
Crikey, profane exclamation of astonishment; “Oh,CRIKEY, you don’t say so!” corruption of “O Christ!” Sometimes varied by “O crimes!”
Cripple, a bent sixpence.
Cripple, an awkward or clumsy person. Also one of dull wits.
Croak, to die—from the gurgling sound a person makes when the breath of life is departing.
Croaker, one who takes a desponding view of everything, a misanthrope; an alarmist. From the croaking of a raven.—Ben Jonson.
Croaker, a beggar.
Croaker, a dying person beyond hope; a corpse. The latter is generally called a “stiff’un.”
Croaks, last dying speeches, and murderers’ confessions.
Crocodiles’ tears, the tears of a hypocrite. An ancient phrase, introduced into this country by Mandeville, or other early English traveller, who believed that the crocodile made a weeping noise to attract travellers, and then devoured them. See Shakspeare’s use of the term inOthello.
Crocus, orCROAKUS, a quack or travelling doctor;CROCUS-CHOVEY, a chemist’s shop.
Crone, a termagant or malicious old woman.Crony, an intimate friend.
Crooked, a term used among dog-stealers and the “fancy” generally, to denote anything stolen. “Got on theCROOK” is exchangeable with “Got on the cross,”CROOKand cross generally being synonymous.
Crooky, to hang on to, to lead, to walk arm-in-arm; to court or pay addresses to a girl.
Cropped, hanged. Sometimes topped. “May I be topped.”
Cropper, a heavy fall, a decided failure. Term originally used in the hunting-field, but now general, and not at all confined to physical matters.
Cropper, “to go aCROPPER,” or “to come aCROPPER,”i.e., to fail badly.
Croppie, a person who has had his hair cut, orCROPPED, in prison. Formerly those who had beenCROPPED(i.e., had their ears cut off and their noses slit) by the public executioner were calledCROPPIES, then the Puritans received the reversion of the title.
Crop up, to turn up in the course of conversation. “ItCROPPED UPwhile we were speaking.”
Cross, a deception—two persons pretending hostility or indifference to each other, being all the while in concert for the purpose of deceiving a third. In the sporting world aCROSSis an arrangement made between two men that one shall win without reference to relative merits. This is sometimes done with the backer’s consent for the public benefit, at other times a backer is himself the sufferer, the men having “put some one in to lay,” according to instructions.—SeeDOUBLE CROSS.
Cross, a general term amongst thieves expressive of their plundering profession, the opposite of square. “To get anything on theCROSS” is to obtain it surreptitiously. “Cross-fanningin a crowd,” robbing persons of their scarf-pins, so called from the peculiar position of the arms. This style of thieving is not confined to the conveying of scarf-pins.Crossman, a thief, or one who lives by dishonest practices.
Cross.—For not paying his term bills to the bursar (treasurer), or for cutting chapels, or lectures, or other offences, the undergrad can be “CROSSED” at the buttery, or kitchen, or both,i.e., aCROSSis put against his name by the Don, who wishes to see him, or to punish him. Of course it is easy to get one’s buttery commons out in some one else’s name, and to order dinner in from the confectioner’s. The porter is supposed to allow no dinners to be sent in, but, between his winking and a little disguise, it is possible. As another instance, a barrel of beer will not be admitted; but if it is in a hamper it will pass!—Oxford University.
Cross-buttock, an unexpected fling down or repulse; from a peculiar throw practised by wrestlers.
Cross cove and molisher, a man and woman who live by thieving.
Cross-crib, a house frequented by thieves.
Crossed, prohibited from taking food from the buttery.—University.
Crow, orCOCK-CROW, to exult over another’s abasement, as a fighting-cock does over his vanquished adversary.
Crow, “a regularCROW,” a success, a stroke of luck,—equivalent to aFLUKE.
Crow, one who watches whilst another commits a theft, a confederate in a robbery. TheCROWlooks to see that the way is clear, whilst theSNEAK, his partner, commits the depredation.
Crow, “I have aCROWto pick with you,”i.e., an explanation to demand, a disagreeable matter to settle. Sometimes the article picked is supposed to be a bone.
Crowsfeet, wrinkles which gather in the corners of the eyes of old or dissipated people.
Crug, food. Christ’s Hospital boys apply it only to bread.
Crumbs, “to pick up one’sCRUMBS,” to begin to have an appetite after an illness; to improve in health, circumstances, &c., after a loss thereof.
Crummy, fat, plump.—North.In London street slang, lousy.
Crummy-doss, a lousy or filthy bed.
Crumpet-face, a face pitted with small-pox marks.
Crunch, to crush. Perhaps from the sound of teeth grinding against each other.
Crush, to run or decamp rapidly.Crush down sides, run to a place of safety, or the appointed rendezvous.—North Country Cant.
Crusher, a policeman.
Crushing, excellent, first-rate.
Crusty, ill-tempered, petulant, morose.—Old, said to be a corruption of theAnglo-NormanCORUSEUX.
Cub, a mannerless uncouth lout.—SeeUNLICKED.
Cubitopolis, an appellation, originally given by Londoners to the Warwick and Eccleston Square districts. From the name of the builders.
Cue, properly the last word spoken by one actor, it being theCUEfor the other to reply. “Very often an actor knows nothing of a piece beyond his own lines and theCUES.”
Cull, a man or boy.—Old Cant.Rum cull, the manager of a theatre.
Cullet, broken glass.French,CUEILLETTE, a gathering or collection.
Culling, orCULING, stealing from the carriages at racecourses.
Cully gorger, a companion, a brother actor.—Theatrical.SeeGORGER.
Culver-headed, weak and stupid.
Cummer, a gossip or acquaintance.
Cumshaw, a present or bribe.—Anglo-Chinese.
Cupboard-headed, an expressive designation of one whose head is both wooden and hollow.—Norfolk.
Cupboard-love, affection arising from interested motives.“ACUPBOARD LOVEis seldom true;A love sincere is found in few.”—Poor Robin.Cupboard is the fount-spring of the love supposed to exist among policemen for the cooks upon their beats.
Cupboard-love, affection arising from interested motives.
“ACUPBOARD LOVEis seldom true;A love sincere is found in few.”—Poor Robin.
“ACUPBOARD LOVEis seldom true;A love sincere is found in few.”—Poor Robin.
Cupboard is the fount-spring of the love supposed to exist among policemen for the cooks upon their beats.
Cup-tosser, a person who professes to tell fortunes by examining the grounds in tea or coffee cups. A cup or goblet, however, is the old mystic symbol of a juggler.French,Joueur de gobelet.
Cure, an odd person; a contemptuous term, abridged fromCURIOSITY, which was formerly the favourite expression. The word cure, as originally applied, was London street slang, and was, as just stated, an abbreviation of curiosity, or, more correctly, of curious or queer fellow. Of late years it has, however, been used to denote a funny, humorous person, who can give and receive chaff.
Curios, a corruption of “curiosities;” any articles of vertu brought from abroad. Used by naval and military travellers and others.
Currency, persons born in Australia are there termedCURRENCY, while natives of England are termedSTERLING. The allusion is to thedifference between colonial and imperial moneys, which it may be as well to remark have no difference so far as actual value is concerned.
Curse, anything worthless. Corruption of theOld EnglishwordKERSE, a small sour wild cherry;French,CERISE;German,KIRSCH.Vision of Piers Ploughman:—“Wisdom and witt nowe isnot worthaKERSE,But if it be carded with cootis as clothersKembe their woole.”The expression “not worth aCURSE,” used frequently nowadays, is therefore not properly profane, though it is frequently intensified by a profane expletive. Horne Tooke says fromKERSE, orCRESS. The expression “not worth a tinker’sCURSE,” may or may not have arisen from misapplication of the word’s origin, though as now used it certainly means curse in its usual sense. Tinkers do curse, unfortunately, and it will take a good deal of school-board work to educate them out of it, as well as a fair amount of time. The phrase “not worth a tinker’s damn,” is evidently a variation of this, unless indeed it should be spelt “dam,” and used as a reference to the general worthlessness of the wives and mothers of tinkers. This latter is merely offered to those who are speculative in such matters, and is not advanced as an opinion.
Curse, anything worthless. Corruption of theOld EnglishwordKERSE, a small sour wild cherry;French,CERISE;German,KIRSCH.Vision of Piers Ploughman:—
“Wisdom and witt nowe isnot worthaKERSE,But if it be carded with cootis as clothersKembe their woole.”
“Wisdom and witt nowe isnot worthaKERSE,But if it be carded with cootis as clothersKembe their woole.”
The expression “not worth aCURSE,” used frequently nowadays, is therefore not properly profane, though it is frequently intensified by a profane expletive. Horne Tooke says fromKERSE, orCRESS. The expression “not worth a tinker’sCURSE,” may or may not have arisen from misapplication of the word’s origin, though as now used it certainly means curse in its usual sense. Tinkers do curse, unfortunately, and it will take a good deal of school-board work to educate them out of it, as well as a fair amount of time. The phrase “not worth a tinker’s damn,” is evidently a variation of this, unless indeed it should be spelt “dam,” and used as a reference to the general worthlessness of the wives and mothers of tinkers. This latter is merely offered to those who are speculative in such matters, and is not advanced as an opinion.
Curse of Scotland, the Nine of Diamonds. Various hypotheses have been set up as to this appellation—that it was the card on which the “Butcher Duke” wrote a cruel order with respect to the rebels after the battle of Culloden; that the diamonds are the nine lozenges in the arms of Dalrymple, Earl of Stair, detested for his share in the Massacre of Glencoe; that it is a corruption of Cross of Scotland, the nine diamonds being arranged somewhat after the fashion of a St. Andrew’s Cross. The first supposition is evidently erroneous, for in Dr. Houston’s Memoirs of his own Lifetime, 1747, p. 92, the Jacobite ladies are stated to have nicknamed the Nine of Diamonds “the Justice Clerk,” after the rebellion of 1715, in allusion to the Lord Justice-Clerk Ormistone, who, for his severity in suppressing it, was called the Curse of Scotland. Gules a cross of lozenges were also the arms of Colonel Packer, who attended Charles I. on the scaffold, and commanded in Scotland afterwards with great severity.—SeeChatto on theOrigin and History of Playing Cards, p. 267. The most probable explanation is, that in the game of Pope Joan the nine of diamonds is thePOPE, of whom the Scotch have an especial horror.
Curtail, to cut off. Originally a Cant word—videHudibras, andBacchus and Venus, 1737. Evidently derived from the Frenchcourt tailler.
Cushion, to hide or conceal.
Cushion-smiter, polite rendering of tub-thumper, a clergyman, a preacher.