Bog-Oranges, potatoes. A phrase perhaps derived from the term “Irish fruit,” which, by some strange peculiarity has been applied to potatoes; for even the most ignorant Cockney could hardly believe that potatoes grow in a bog. As, however, the majority of the lower classes of London do believe that potatoes were indigenous to, and were first brought from the soil of Ireland, which is also in some parts supposed to be capable of growing nothing else, they may even believe that potatoes are actually BOG-ORANGES.
Bog-Trotter, satirical name for an Irishman.—Miege. Camden, however, speaking of the “debateable land” on the borders of England and Scotland, says, “both these dales breed notable BOG-TROTTERS.”
Bogus, an American term for anything pretending to be that which it is not—such as BOGUS degrees, BOGUS titles, &c.
Boilers, or BROMPTON BOILERS, a name originally given to the New Kensington Museum and School of Art, in allusion to the peculiar form of the buildings, and the fact of their being mainly composed of, and covered with, sheet iron. This has been changed since the extensive alterations in the building, or rather pile of buildings, and the words are now the property of the Bethnal Green Museum.—See [PEPPER-BOXES].
Boko, the nose. Originally pugilistic slang, but now general.
Bolt, to run away, decamp, or abscond. Also to swallow without chewing. To eat greedily.
Bolus, an apothecary. Origin evident.
Bombay Ducks; in the East India Company’s army the Bombay regiments were so designated. The name is now given to a dried fish (bummelow), much eaten by natives and Europeans in Western India.—Anglo-Indian.
Bone, to steal or appropriate what does not belong to you. Boned, seized, apprehended.—Old.