1851. Hooper, Widow Rugby’s Husband, etc., p. 64. To be efficient a solicitor must get the hang of his customers.
a. 1871. Prime, Hist. of Long Island, p. 82. If ever you must have an indifferent teacher for your children, let it be after they have got a fair start and have acquired the hang of the tools for themselves.
1884. Milliken, Punch, 11 Oct. They ain’t got the ’ang of it, Charlie, the toffs ain’t.
1890. Daily Chronicle, 4 Apr., p. 7 c. 2. When the Raw Cadet enters Woolwich Academy, it is sometime before he gets what some call the hang of the place. [[261]]
1892. Illustrated Bits, Oct. 22, p. 6. c. 2. When I get the hang of them I shall be a regular dab at theosophy.
2. (colloquial).—A little bit; a bit; a Damn. See Care. Fr., s’en contreficher or s’en tamponner le coquard (or coquillard).
1861. H. Kingsley, Ravenshoe, ch. xliii. She looks as well as you by candle-light, but she can’t ride a hang.
Verb (generally Hang it!).—An exclamation of vexation, disgust, or disappointment; also, more forcibly, a euphemism for Damn it! Fr., Ah! mince alors.
1598. Shakspeare, 2 Henry IV., ii., 4. He a good wit? hang him, baboon!
1609. Jonson, Epicœne, ii., 2. A mere talking mole, hang him.