Unicorn, a style of driving with two wheelers abreast and one leader—termed in the United States a “spike team.” “Tandem” is one wheeler and one leader. “Random,” three horses in line. “Manchester” means three horses abreast. See [HARUM-SCARUM].
Unlicked, ill-trained, uncouth, rude, and rough; an “UNLICKED cub” is a loutish youth who has never been taught manners; from the tradition that a bear’s cub, when brought into the world, has no shape or symmetry until its dam licks it into form with her tongue. Possibly said of a boy who has been petted, i.e., who has been insufficiently thrashed or licked. Case of spared rod and spoilt child.
Unparliamentary, or UNSCRIPTURAL, language, words unfit for use in ordinary conversation.
Unutterables, or UNWHISPERABLES, trousers. See [INEXPRESSIBLES].
Up, “to be UP to a thing or two,” to be knowing, or understanding; “to put a man UP to a move,” to teach him a trick; “it’s all UP with him,” i.e., it is all over with him; when pronounced U.P., naming the two letters separately, means settled, or done UP. “Up a tree,” see [TREE]. “Up to snuff,” wide awake, acquainted with the last new move; “UP to one’s gossip,” to be a match for one who is trying to take you in; “UP to slum,” proficient in roguery, capable of committing a theft successfully; “what’s UP?” what is the matter? what is the news?
U.P., United Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
Upper Benjamin, or Benjy, a great coat; originally “Joseph,” but, because of the preponderance of tailors named Benjamin, altered in deference to them.
Upper storey, or UPPER LOFT, a person’s head; “his UPPER STOREY is unfurnished,” i.e., he does not know very much. “Wrong in his UPPER STOREY,” crazy. See [CHUMP].
Uppish, proud, arrogant.