Sparking. An Americanism for “courting.” There may be warranty for this in relation to “the spark of affection.”
Spa Road. From a long-forgotten spa or mineral well in this portion of Bermondsey.
Spa Water. Natural mineral waters drawn from a “Spa” or well.
Speaker. The official designation of the President of the House of Commons, to whom technically, the Members address themselves, though as a matter of fact, they address the country at large through the medium of the Press. Since he never speaks himself, except to rule a point of order, his title is a misnomer.
Spencer. A short overjacket introduced by the Earl of Spencer. This nobleman made a wager that he would set a new fashion by appearing abroad in any style of garment, however hideous it might be. He won his bet, for “Spencers” became popular.
Specs. Short for “spectacles.”
Spelling Bee. The name given to a competitive examination, in spelling in American schools, and later introduced in the cities as a fashionable pastime. From the States it reached England about a quarter of a century ago. The term “Bee” is essentially Transatlantic, being employed in the sense of a “hive” for any assemblage of workers--e.g. “a Sewing Bee.”
Spindle City. Lowell in Massachusetts, so called on account of its numerous cotton factories.
Spinet. An early form of pianoforte, so called because it was played upon exclusively by unmarried females, as a relaxation from the labours of the spindle.
Spinster. A maiden lady, so called from the distaff or spindle, the regular occupation of an unmarried female.