Sweetbriar. Expresses a “fragrant thorn.”
Sweetheart. A corruption of “Sweetard,” the suffix ard expressing the intensitive in many class names, such as “Dotard,” “Bastard,” etc.
Swell. Slang for one of the upper classes, no doubt suggested by the phrase: “The bloated aristocracy.” Also applied to an overdressed person puffed out with the idea of his own importance.
Switches. An Americanism for ladies’ hair curlers, fringes, and other hirsute appendages.
Switzerland. The English form of the Austrian Schwyz and German Schweitz, originally the name of the three forest cantons whose people threw off the Austrian yoke and asserted the independence of the whole country.
Switzerland of America. West Virginia, so called on account of its mountains.
Sworn Brothers. An ancient legal phrase signifying that two friends had entered into a solemn compact to lend mutual aid and protection and share each other’s fortunes. This custom was of Scandinavian origin.
Sydenham. Expresses the home or family settlement in the south.
Symmetrion Girl. See “[Sandow Girl].”
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