Note.—The reader will bear in mind that this is a Dictionary of modern Slang,—a list of colloquial words and phrases in present use,—whether of ancient or modern formation. Whenever Ancient is appended to a word, it means that the expression was in respectable use in or previous to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Old or Old English, affixed to a word, signifies that it was in general use as a proper expression in or previous to the reign of Charles II. Old Cant indicates that the term was in use as a Cant word during or before the same reign.
The Publishers will be much obliged by the receipt of any cant, slang, or vulgar words not mentioned in the Dictionary. The probable origin, or etymology, of any fashionable or unfashionable vulgarism, will also be received with thanks.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| THE HISTORY OF CANT, OR THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF VAGABONDS | [1] |
| ACCOUNT OF THE HIEROGLYPHICS USED BY VAGABONDS | [27] |
| A SHORT HISTORY OF SLANG, OR THE VULGAR LANGUAGE OF FAST LIFE | [34] |
| DICTIONARY OF MODERN SLANG, CANT, AND VULGAR WORDS | [71] |
| SOME ACCOUNT OF THE BACK SLANG | [347] |
| GLOSSARY OF THE BACK SLANG | [353] |
| SOME ACCOUNT OF THE RHYMING SLANG | [358] |
| GLOSSARY OF THE RHYMING SLANG | [365] |
| CENTRE SLANG | [369] |
| THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SLANG | [371] |
“All ridiculous words make their first entry into a language by familiar phrases; I dare not answer for these that they will not in time be looked upon as a part of our tongue.”—Spectator.
“Rabble-charming words, which carry so much wild fire wrapt up in them.”—South.
“Slang derivations are generally indirect, turning upon metaphor and fanciful allusions, and other than direct etymological connexion. Such allusions and fancies are essentially temporary or local; they rapidly pass out of the public mind: the word remains, while the key to its origin is lost.”
“Many of these [slang] words and phrases are but serving their apprenticeship, and will eventually become the active strength of our language.”—H. T. Buckle.