A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words / Used at the Present Day in the Streets of London; the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge; the Houses of Parliament; the Dens of St. Giles; and the Palaces of St. James.

by John Camden Hotten

NAM, a policeman. Evidently back slang.

NAMBY PAMBY, particular, over nice, effeminate. This, I think, was of Pope’s invention, and first applied by him to the affected short-lined verses addressed by Ambrose Phillips to Lord Carteret’s infant children.—See Johnson’s Life of Pope.

NAMUS, or NAMOUS, some one, i.e., “be off, somebody is coming.”—Back slang, but general.—See [VAMOS].

NANNY-SHOP, a disreputable house.

NANTEE, not any, or “I have none.” Italian, NIENTE, nothing.—See [DINARLY].

NANTEE PALAVER, no conversation, i.e., hold your tongue.—Lingua Franca.—See [PALAVER].

NAP, or NAB, to take, steal, or receive; “you’ll NAP it,” i.e., you will catch a beating!—North; also old cant.—Bulwer’s Paul Clifford.

NAP, or NAPPER, a hat. From NAB, a hat, cap, or head.—Old cant.

NAP ONE’S BIB, to cry, shed tears, or carry one’s point.

NAP THE REGULARS, to divide the booty.