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

TIGHT, close, stingy; hard up, short of cash; TIGHT, spruce, strong, active; “a TIGHT lad,” a smart, active young fellow; TIGHT, drunk, or nearly so; “TIGHT laced,” puritanical, over-precise. Money is said to be TIGHT, when the public, from want of confidence in the aspect of affairs, are not inclined to speculate.

TIGHTNER, a dinner, or hearty meal.

TIKE, or BUFFER LURKING, dog stealing.

TILE, a hat; a covering for the head.

“I’m a gent, I’m a gent,

In the Regent-street style,—

Examine my vest,

And look at my TILE.”—Popular Song.

Sometimes used in another sense, “having a TILE loose,” i.e., being slightly crazy.—See [PANTILE].

TIMBER MERCHANT, or SPUNK FENCER, a lucifer match seller.