Small-beer; “he doesn’t think SMALL-BEER of himself,” i.e., he has a great opinion of his own importance. Small coals is also used in the same sense.
Small hours, the early hours after midnight.
Small potatoes, a term of contempt. “He’s very SMALL POTATOES,” he’s a nobody. Yet no one thinks of calling an important personage “large POTATOES.”
Smalls, a University term for the first general examination of the student. It is used at Cambridge, but properly belongs to Oxford. The Cambridge term is “[little go].”
Smash, to become bankrupt, or worthless; “to go all to SMASH,” to break, “go to the dogs,” or fall in pieces.
Smash, to pass counterfeit money.
Smasher, one who passes bad coin, or forged notes.
Smashfeeder, a Britannia-metal spoon,—the best imitation shillings are made from this metal.
Smash-man-Geordie, a pitman’s oath.—Durham and Northumberland. See [Geordie].