Chapter X: Part 10

“§194.—Of this there cannot be a better proof than the experiment
of Monsieur Homberg, who made gold of mercury by introducing light
into its pores, but at such trouble and expense that, I suppose,
nobody will try the experiment for profit. By this injunction of
light and mercury, both bodies became fixed, and produced a
third different to either, to wit, real gold. For the truth
of which fact I refer to the memoirs of the French Academy of
Sciences.”—_Berkeley’s Works_, vol ii. p. 366 (Wright’s edition).

Another derivation suggested is that of AMBAGE, a Latin word adopted into the English language _temp._ Charles I. (_see_ May’s translation of Lucan’s _Pharsalia_), and meaning conduct the reverse of straightforward. Again, in the (burlesque) _Loves of Hero and Leander_ (date 1642), we find “MUM-BUG, quoth he, ’twas known of yore,” a cant expression, no doubt, commanding a person to “shut up,” or hold his tongue, and evidently derived from the game of _mum-budget_ or _silence_, upon which Halliwell (_Dict. Arch_.) has descanted.

AMBAGE is also used in the sense of “circumlocution.” “Without any
long studie or tedious AMBAGE.”—_Puttenham_, _Art of Poesie_.

“Umh! y’ are full of AMBAGE.”—_Decker’s Whore of Babylon_, 1607.

“Thus from her cell Cumæan Sibyl sings
Ambiguous AMBAGES, the cloyster rings
With the shrill sound thereof, in most dark strains.”

_Vicar’s Virgil_, 1632.

De Quincey thus discourses upon the word:—

“The word HUMBUG, for instance, rests upon a rich and comprehensive
basis; it cannot be rendered adequately either by German or by
Greek, the two richest of human languages; and without this
expressive word we should all be disarmed for one great case,
continually recurrent, of social enormity. A vast mass of villany,
that cannot otherwise be reached by legal penalties, or brought
within the rhetoric of scorn, would go at large with absolute
impunity were it not through the stern Rhadamanthean aid of this
virtuous and inexorable word.”—_Article on “Language.”_

The original collater of these notes purchased the collection of essays known as the _Connoisseur_ at the sale of Thackeray’s library. At the end of vol. i. he found a memorandum in the great humourist’s handwriting—“p. 108, ‘HUMBUG,’ a new-coined expression.” On referring to that page (in the 3rd edition, 1757) this paragraph was noted:—

“The same conduct of keeping close to their ranks was observed at
table, where the ladies seated themselves together. Their
conversation was here also confined wholly to themselves, and seemed
like the mysteries of the _Bona Dea_, in which men were forbidden to
have any share. It was a continued laugh and whisper from the
beginning to the end of dinner. A whole sentence was scarce ever
spoken aloud. Single words, indeed, now and then broke forth; such
as, odious, horrible, detestable, shocking, HUMBUG. This last
new-coined expression, which is only to be found in the nonsensical
vocabulary, sounds absurd and disagreeable whenever it is
pronounced; but from the mouth of a lady it is ‘shocking,’
‘detestable,’ ‘horrible,’ and ‘odious.’”

The use of this term is almost universal; in California there is a town called Humbug Flat—a name which gives a significant hint of the acuteness of the first settler.

~Humdrum~, monotonous, tedious, tiresome, boring; “a society of gentlemen who used to meet near the Charter House, and at the King’s Head, St. John’s Street, Clerkenwell. They were characterized by less mystery and more pleasantry than the Freemasons.”—_Bacchus and Venus_, 1737. In the West the term applies to a low cart.

~Humming~, strong as applied to drink. Extra strong ale is often characterized as “HUMMING October.” Maybe from its effect on heads not quite so strong.

~Hump~, low spirits. A costermonger who was annoyed or distressed about anything would describe himself as having “the HUMP.”

~Hump~, to botch, or spoil.

~Hump up~, “to have one’s HUMP UP,” to be cross or ill-tempered—like a cat with its back set up. _See_ BACK and MONKEY.

~Humpty-dumpty~, short and thick; all of a heap; all together, like an egg.

“HUMPTY-DUMPTY sat on a wall.”

Also a hunchback. HUMPTY is an abbreviated form of the expression.

~Hunch~, to shove, or jostle.

~Hunks~, a miserly fellow, a curmudgeon.

~Hunky~, an American term which means good, jolly, &c. As, “a HUNKY boy,” a good jovial fellow; and “everything went off HUNKY.”

~Hunter pitching~, the game of cockshies—three throws a penny.—_See_ COCKSHY.

~Hurdy-gurdy~, a droning musical instrument shaped like a large fiddle, and turned by a crank, used by Savoyards and other itinerant foreign musicians in England, now nearly superseded by the hand-organ. From the peculiar noise made by the instrument, which in Italy is called “viola.”

~Hurkaru~, a messenger.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Husbands’ boat~, the Saturday afternoon packet to Margate during the summer season. So called for obvious reasons. The passengers by this boat come in for an unusual share of attention from the cads peculiar to this watering-place.

~Husbands’ tea~, very weak tea. _See_ WATER BEWITCHED.

~Hush-money~, a sum given to quash a prosecution or stay evidence. Money given to any one for the purpose of quieting him.

~Hush-shop~, or CRIB, a shop where beer and spirits are sold “on the quiet”—no licence being paid.

~Huxter~, money. Term much in use among costermongers and low sharpers. Probably from OXTER or HOXTER.

~Hyps~, or HYPO, the blue devils. From HYPOCHONDRIASIS.—_Swift._

~Hy-yaw!~ an interjectional exclamation of astonishment.—_Anglo-Chinese._

~Ikey~, a Jew “fence.” Corruption of Isaac, a common Hebrew name.

~Imperence~, servant-girl currency for impudence or impertinence. “Now, then, Mr. IMPERENCE, leave off now, do,” seems, however, to have faded away with Greenwich, Bartlemy, and kindred fairs.

~Improve the occasion~, a slang term much in use among Chadbands and Stigginses, who never lose an opportunity of IMPROVING the condition of either pockets or stomachs at the expense of the credulous.

~In~, “to be IN with a person,” to be even with, or up to him; also, to be on intimate terms, or in partnership, with him.

~Inexpressibles~, UNUTTERABLES, UNMENTIONABLES, UNWHISPERABLES, or SIT UPONS, trousers, the nether garments. All affected terms, having their origin in a most unpleasant squeamishness.

~Infantry~, nursery term for children; LIGHT INFANTRY, fleas.

~In for it~, in trouble or difficulty of any kind. As, “You’re IN FOR IT, I wouldn’t stand in your shoes for a trifle.”

~In for patter~, waiting for trial, referring to the speeches of counsel, the statements of witnesses, the summing up of the judge, &c.,—the fuss of which the prisoner sets down as “all so much PATTER.”

~Innings~, earnings, good fortune; “he’s had a long INNINGS,” _i.e._, a good run of luck, with plenty of cash flowing in. From the distinction between INNINGS and outings at cricket and kindred games.

~Inside lining~, dinner, &c.

~Interesting~, “to be in an INTERESTING situation,” applied to females when _enceinte_.

~Interview~, to inspect privately with a view to obtaining information which shall be afterwards published. Both the verb and its use have their origin with our Transatlantic cousins, and “interviewing” by means of special reporters, who question most minutely, is of frequent occurrence,—of occurrence whenever opportunity offers. Should a man be found guilty of murder, or start as a candidate for the Presidency, he will be INTERVIEWED by “our special correspondent,” and there are already signs of this objectionable form of newspaper work finding its way here. Should a visitor of importance arrive in New York, the conversation which passes, or is supposed to pass, between him and the reporter will be found minutely described, with an elaborate introduction. It is but fair to Americans, however, to say that the gentleman to whom the credit, or discredit, of the invention of this system belongs was a native of Great Britain, who invented many other startling Americanisms during his residence in New York.

~Into~, “hold my hat, Jim, I’ll be INTO him,” _i.e._, I will fight him. In this sense equivalent to pitch INTO, or slip INTO.

~Invite~, an invitation—a corruption used by stuck-up people of mushroom origin. Often used, also, by people who know better, from their desire for slang of any kind.

~Ipsal dixal~, Cockney corruption of _ipse dixit_—said of one’s simple uncorroborated assertion.

~Irish American~, an Irishman who has been for some time resident in the States; sometimes a man born in America of Irish parents. The Irish American body is a power in the United States, and is the fount-spring as well as the maintaining power of all Fenianism.

~Irish apricots~, potatoes.

~Irish Cockney~, a child born of Irish parents in any part of the southern counties of England. It is a singular fact that Irishmen born profess great abhorrence of IRISH COCKNEYS, while the latter despise all Irish, and use the word as one of reproach. IRISH COCKNEYS were originally only Cockneys born of an Irish strain, but the term has proved very elastic, and threatens soon to mean any English-born person whose descent is Hibernian. Liverpool will, however, always prove an exception to the rule, as the name “Liverpool Irishmen” is given to those who would in any southern part be called Cockneys.

~Irish theatre~, the temporary prison, guard-room, or lock-up in a barracks. The fond fancy of the soldier supplies it with other figurative appellations, as “the mill,” “the jigger,” “the house that Jack built.” In Edinburgh Castle it is termed “the dryroom.”

~Irons in the fire~, a man is said to have too many IRONS IN THE FIRE when he turns his attention to too many occupations or enterprises at once.

~Isthmus of Suez~, the covered bridge at St. John’s College, Cambridge, which connects the college with its grounds on the other side of the river.—_See_ CRACKLE.

~Ivories~, teeth; “a box of IVORIES,” a set of teeth, the mouth; “wash your IVORIES,” _i.e._, “drink.” The word is also used to denote dice.

~Jabber~, to talk, or chatter. A cant word in Swift’s time. Probably from GIBBER.

~Jack~, the knave of trumps, at the game of all-fours.

~Jack-at-a-pinch~, one whose assistance is only sought on an emergency. Jack-in-the-water, an attendant at the watermen’s stairs on the river and sea-port towns, who does not mind wetting his feet for a customer’s convenience, in consideration of a douceur.

~Jacked-up~, ruined, done for. To JACK-UP is to leave off doing anything suddenly. _See_ CHUCK-UP.

~Jacket~, the skin of a potato which has not been pared before cooking. In Ireland potatoes are generally served “with their JACKETS on.”

~Jacketing~, a thrashing. Similar term to leathering, cowhiding, &c.

~Jackey~, gin. _Seven Dials_ originally. Nearly general now.

~Jack-in-the-box~, a small but powerful kind of screw, used by burglars to break open safes.

~Jack Ketch~, the public hangman.—_See_ KETCH.

~Jack Nasty-face~, a sailor.—_Sea._ NASTY-FACE is a term applied often in London streets to an ugly or unpleasant-looking person.

~Jacks~, AND HALF-JACKS, card counters, resembling in size and appearance sovereigns and half-sovereigns, for which they are occasionally passed to simple persons. In large gambling establishments the “heaps of gold” are frequently composed of JACKS. JACKS are not, as they are sometimes supposed to be, counterfeit coins; they are simply little medals, and so “magsmen” and “street muggers” carry them with less concern than they would feel were their pockets loaded with spurious money.

~Jack Sprat~, a diminutive boy or man.

~Jack Tar~, a sailor.

~Jacob~, a ladder. Grose says, from Jacob’s dream.—_Old Cant._

~Jacob’s ladder~, a longitudinal flaw in the leg of a ballet-girl’s tights.

~Jagger~, a gentleman. _German_, JAGER, a sportsman.

~Jail-bird~, a prisoner, one who has been in jail.

~James~, a sovereign, or twenty shillings. From JACOBUS, the James II. guinea.

~Jannock~, sociable, fair dealing.—_Norfolk._ Generally now JONNICK, which _see_.

~Japan~, to ordain. Having evident reference to the black clothes which follow ordination.—_University._

~Jark~, a “safe-conduct” pass.—_Oxford._ Old cant for a seal.

~Jarvey~, the driver of a hackney-coach; “JARVEY’S upper Benjamin,” a coachman’s overcoat, with many capes. An ingenious etymology has been found for JARVEY, thus:—JARVEY, vernacular for Geoffrey, which was often written Geo. (gee-ho), hence JARVEY. This is open to considerable objection, as George is shortened in similar manner to that shown above. Still it is worthy of record, independently of its ingenuity, being as exact as many accepted derivations.

~Jaw~, speech, or talk; “hold your JAW,” don’t speak any more; “what are you JAWING about?” _i.e._, what are you making a noise about?

~Jaw~, to talk without cessation, to scold vehemently.

~Jawbone~, credit.

“We have a few persons whose pockets are to let—men who have more
complaints than dollars—individuals who, in digger’s parlance, live
on JAWBONE (credit), and are always to be found at saloons; a class
of men who, when they are here, wish themselves yonder, and when
yonder, wish themselves back.”—_Times Correspondent, San Francisco,
Oct. 21, 1862._

~Jaw-breaker~, a hard or excessively long word. Also, in pugilistic sense, a hard blow on the side of the face.

~Jaw-twister~, a hard or many-syllabled word. Elaboration of preceding.

~Jazey~, a wig. A corruption of JERSEY, the name for flax prepared in a peculiar manner, of which common wigs were formerly made; “the cove with the JAZEY,” _i.e._, the judge.

~Jeames~ (a generic for “flunkeys”), the _Morning Post_ newspaper—the organ of Belgravia and the “Haristocracy.”

~Jehu~, old slang term for a coachman, or one fond of driving.—_Biblical._

~Jeminy O!~ a vulgar expression of surprise.

~Jemmy~, a sheep’s-head.—_See_ SANGUINARY JAMES.

~Jemmy~, a short crowbar, which generally takes to pieces, for the convenience of housebreakers.

~Jemmy ducks~, the man whose business it is to look after the poultry on board a ship.—_Sea._

~Jemmy Jessamy~, a dandy.

~Jemmy-John~, a jar for holding liquor; probably a corruption of demi-gallon, by means of DEMI-JOHN.

~Jeremiad~, a lament; derived, of course, from the Book of Lamentations, written by the Prophet Jeremiah.

~Jeremy Diddler~, an adept at raising the wind, _i.e._, at borrowing, especially at borrowing with no intention of repaying. _See_ the farce of _Raising the Wind_.

~Jericho~, an improper quarter of Oxford. A lady visitor once writing her name down in the visitors’ book at the Bodleian or elsewhere, for a joke put down her residence as “Jericho,” to the no small disgust of her undergraduate friend.—_University._

~Jerry~, a chamber utensil; abbreviation of JEROBOAM.—_Swift._

~Jerry~, a watch. “JERRY nicking” or “JERRY sneaking” is watch-stealing, which is a distinct form of street robbery, and requires both courage and dexterity; for it is done, as the thieves say, “right afore a bloke’s face.”

~Jerry~, to jibe or chaff cruelly. Development of jeer.

~Jerry-go-nimble~, the diarrhœa. Derivation apparent.

~Jerry Lynch~, a pig’s head pickled. Term usually applied to the long Irish heads which are sent over here for sale in the poorer districts of London, and which are vastly different from the heads of “dairy-fed” porkers.

~Jerry shop~, a beer-house. Contraction of “Tom and Jerry.”

~Jerry Sneak~, a hen-pecked husband,—a character in the _Mayor of Garret_. Also, a stealer of watches.

~Jerusalem pony~, a donkey.

~Jessie~, “to give a person JESSIE,” to beat him soundly. _See_ GAS.

~Jew fencer~, a Jew street salesman.

~Jew’s eye~, a popular simile for anything valuable. Probably a corruption of the _Italian_, GIOJE; _French_, JOAILLE, a jewel. In ancient times, when a king was short of cash, he generally issued orders for so many JEWS’ EYES, or equivalent sums of money. The Jews preferred paying the ransom, although often very heavy. It is notorious that in this country the order often went forth to draw Jews’ teeth in the event of their refusing to contribute so much to the Exchequer. A probable idea is, that as a Jew’s teeth brought in so much money, the value of a JEW’S EYE must be something fabulous. Possibly, also, from the _lex talionis_ so strongly believed in by Jews,—an eye for an eye, and nothing less. The term is used by Shakspeare.

~Jezebel~, a showily-dressed woman of suspected character; derived, of course, from 2 Kings ix. 30, but applied in this sense from the time of the Puritans. Also, a hot-tempered female.

~Jib~, a first-year man.—_Dublin University._

~Jib~, or JIBBER, a horse that starts or shrinks. Shakspeare uses it in the sense of a worn-out horse.

~Jib~, the face, or a person’s expression; “the cut of his JIB,” _i.e._, his peculiar appearance. That sail of a ship, which in position and shape, corresponds to the nose on a person’s face.—_Sea._ A vessel is often known by the cut of the JIB sail; hence the popular phrase, “to know a man by the cut of his JIB.”

~Jibb~, the tongue.—_Gipsy_ and _Hindoo_. (Tramps’ term.) Thence extended to mean language.

~Jiffy~, “in a JIFFY,” in a moment.

~Jigger~, a door; “dub the JIGGER,” shut the door. _Ancient cant_, GYGER. In billiards, the bridge or rest is often termed the JIGGER. Also, the curtain of a theatre. JIGGER has many meanings, the word being applied to any small mechanical contrivance. Printers use the word for a little machine which guides the eye when copy is minute.

~Jigger~, a secret still for the manufacture of illicit spirits.

~Jigger~, “I’m JIGGERED if you will,” a common form of mild swearing. _See_ SNIGGER.

~Jigger-dubber~, a term applied to a gaoler or turnkey.

~Jiggot o’ mutton~, a leg of mutton. From _Fr._ GIGOT.

~Jilt~, a crowbar or house-breaking implement.

~Jingo~, “by JINGO,” a common form of oath, said to be a corruption of ST. GINGOULPH. _Vide_ Halliwell.

~Jo~, Scotticism for a man or lover. As “John Anderson, my JO, John.”

~Job~, “a JOB lot,” otherwise called a “sporting lot,” any miscellaneous goods purchased at a cheap rate, or to be sold a bargain. Frequently used to conceal the fact of their being stolen, or otherwise dishonestly obtained.

~Job~, a short piece of work, a prospect of employment. Johnson describes JOB as a low word, without etymology. It is, and was, however, a cant word; and a JOB, two centuries ago, was an arranged robbery. Even at the present day it is mainly confined to the streets, in the sense of employment for a short time. Amongst undertakers a JOB signifies a funeral; “to do a JOB,” conduct any one’s funeral; “by the JOB,” _i.e._, piece-work, as opposed to time-work. A JOB in political phraseology is a Government office or contract, obtained by secret influence or favouritism. Any unfair arrangement is now called a JOB.

~Job~, a sudden blow, as “a JOB in the eye.” Also used as a verb, “I’ll JOB this here knife in your ribs.”

~Jobation~, a chiding, a reprimand, a trial of the hearer’s patience.

~Jobbery~, the arrangement of jobs, or unfair business proceedings.

~Job’s comfort~, reproof instead of consolation.

~Job’s comforter~, one who brings news of additional misfortunes. Both these words are of Biblical origin.

~Job’s turkey~, “as poor as JOB’S TURKEY,” as thin and as badly fed as that ill-conditioned and imaginary bird.

~Jocteleg~, a shut-up knife. Corruption of Jacques de Liège, a famous cutler.

~Joe~, a too marvellous tale, a lie, or a stale joke. Abbreviated from JOE MILLER. The full name is occasionally used, as in the phrase “I don’t see the JOE MILLER of it,” _i.e._, I don’t perceive the wit you intend, or I don’t see the fun of doing it,—whatever may have been the request.

~Joey~, a fourpenny piece. The term is derived (like BOBBY from Sir Robert Peel) from Joseph Hume. The explanation is thus given in Hawkins’s _History of the Silver Coinage of England_:—

“These pieces are said to have owed their existence to the pressing
instance of Mr. Hume, from whence they, for some time, bore the
nickname of JOEYS. As they were very convenient to pay short cab
fares, the hon. M.P. was extremely unpopular with the drivers, who
frequently received only a groat where otherwise they would have
received a sixpence without any demand for change.”

The term, therefore, was originated by the London cabmen, who have invented many other popular phrases. Fancy offering a modern hansom cabman a JOEY!

~Jog-trot~, a slow but regular trot, or pace.

~Jogul~, to play up, at cards or other game. _Spanish_, JUGAR.

~John Blunt~, a straightforward, honest, outspoken man.

~Johnny~, half-a-glass of whisky.—_Irish._

~Johnny Darbies~, a nickname for policemen, an evident corruption of the _French_ GENSDARMES. Also, a term applied to handcuffs.—_See_ DARBIES.

~Johnny Raw~, a newly-enlisted soldier.

~John Orderly~, the signal to shorten the performance at a show. Whenever the master, who remains on the platform outside to take the money and regulate the performance, desires to refill the booth, he pokes his head inside and shouts, “Is JOHN ORDERLY there?” The actors instantly cut the piece short, the curtain falls, and the spectators are bundled out at the back, to make room for the fresh audience. According to tradition, JOHN ORDERLY was a noted showman, who taught this move to the no less noted Richardson. This is like the old story of the publican who used to call out to his waiter, “A pot of ale, Robert,” when he wished his customers to be served with the best; but “A pot of ale, Bob,” when they had been drinking long enough not to distinguish good stuff from the bad the latter order meant. One day after calling for Bob many times, he reluctantly, at the request of a visitor, tasted the ale, and found it was the best. Rushing out immediately afterwards, and calling for Bob with all his voice, he was answered by his wife, who said, “Why, Bob’s been out these three hours.”

~John Thomas~, a generic for “flunkeys,”—more especially footmen with large calves and fine bushy whiskers.

~Jolly~, a Royal Marine.—_See_ HORSE MARINE.

~Jolly~, a word of praise, or favourable notice; “chuck Harry a JOLLY, Bill,” _i.e._, go and praise up his goods, or buy of him, and speak well of the article, that the crowd standing around his stall may think it a good opportunity for laying out their money. This is called JOLLYING. “Chuck a JOLLY,” lit. translated, is, throw “a shout” or “good word.”

~Jolly~, to abuse or vituperate, sometimes to “bear up” or “bonnet.” To JOLLY a man often means to give him a piece of one’s mind. To JOLLY “for” any one is another phase of the business mentioned in the foregoing paragraph.

~Jomer~, a sweetheart, or favourite girl. _See_ BLOWER.

~Jonnick~, right, correct, proper. Said of a person or thing.

~Jordan~, a chamberpot. To throw the contents of a chamberpot over any one is to christen him.

~Jorum~, a capacious vessel from which food is eaten, as broth or stew.

~Joskin~, a countryman.

~Jossop~, the syrup or juice in a fruit pie or pudding. Also, sauce or gravy.—_School._

~Jow~, be off, be gone immediately. If the word Jehanum be added, it forms a peremptory order to go to a place unmentionable to ears polite.—_Anglo-Indian._ Our phrase, “Go to Jericho,” is probably a modification of the Jehanum business.

~Judas~, a deceitful person; JUDAS-HAIRED, red-haired, deceitful. It is generally believed that JUDAS ISCARIOT was red-haired. Painters seem to have accepted this idea, with modifications as to the exact amount of colour.

~Jug~, a prison of any kind. Contraction of “stone jug.”

~Julep~, one of a set of drinks peculiar to America. Generally prepared with mint, and called a MINT-JULEP. Originally JULEP was a pleasant liquid, in which nauseous medicines were taken. Its literal meaning is rosewater, and it is derived from the Arabic.

~Jump~, to seize, or rob; to “JUMP a man,” to pounce upon him, and either rob or maltreat him; “to JUMP a house,” to rob it.

~Jumped-up~, conceited, arrogant, setting full value on oneself.

~Jump-up-behind~, to endorse an accommodation-bill.

~Juniper~, gin. Derivation obvious.

~Junk~, salt beef.—_See_ OLD HORSE.

~Juwaub~, literally, in Hindostanee, an answer; but in Anglo-Indian slang signifying a refusal. If an officer asks for leave and is refused, he is said to be JUWAUBED; if a gentleman unsuccessfully proposes for the hand of a lady, he is said to have got the JUWAUB.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Karibat~, food, literally rice and curry; the staple dish of both natives and Europeans in India.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Keel-hauling~, a good thrashing or mauling, rough treatment,—from the old nautical custom of punishing offenders by throwing them overboard with a rope attached, and hauling them up from under the ship’s keel. See full description of this barbarous practice in Marryat’s _Snarleyyow_.

~Keep a pig~, an Oxford University phrase, which means to have a lodger. A man whose rooms contain two bedchambers has sometimes, when his college is full, to allow the use of one of them to a Freshman, who is called under these circumstances a PIG. The original occupier is then said to KEEP A PIG.

~Keep it up~, to prolong a debauch, or the occasion of a rejoicing,—a metaphor drawn from the game of shuttlecock. People suffering from the effects of drink are said to have been KEEPING IT UP.—_Grose._

~Kelter~, coin, money. Probably from GELT.

~Ken~, a house.—_Ancient cant._ KHAN, _Gipsy_ and _Oriental_.

⁂ All slang and cant words which end in KEN, such as SPIELKEN, SPINIKEN, or BOOZINGKEN, refer to houses, and are mainly of Gipsy origin.

~Kennedy~, a poker; to “give KENNEDY” is to strike or kill with a poker. A St. Giles’s term, so given from a man of that name being killed by a poker.

~Kent rag~, or CLOUT, a cotton handkerchief.

~Kervorten~, a Cockneyism for QUARTERN or quarter-pint measure. “KERVORTEN and three houts,” a quartern of liquor and glasses, each holding a third of the quantity.

~Ketch~, or JACK KETCH, the popular name for a public hangman; derived from a person of that name who officiated in the reign of Charles II.—_See Macaulay’s History of England._

~Kettle of fish~, a mess or muddle of any kind. As, “Here’s a pretty KETTLE OF FISH!”

~Key of the street~, an imaginary instrument said to be possessed by any one locked out of doors.

~Kibosh~, nonsense, stuff, humbug; “it’s all KIBOSH,” _i.e._, palaver or nonsense; to “put on the KIBOSH,” to run down, slander, degrade, &c. To put the KIBOSH on anything is, latterly, to put an effectual end or stop to it.

~Kick~, a moment; “I’ll be there in a KICK,” _i.e._, in a moment.

~Kick~, a pocket; _Gaelic_, CUACH, a bowl, a nest; _Scotch_, QUAIGH.

~Kick~, a sixpence; “two and a KICK,” two shillings and sixpence.

~Kick the bucket~, to die.—_Norfolk._ According to Forby, a metaphor taken from the descent of a well or mine, which is of course absurd. The Rev. E. S. Taylor supplies the following note from his MS. additions to the work of the East-Anglian lexicographer:—

“The allusion is to the way in which a slaughtered pig is hung
up—viz., by passing the ends of a bent piece of wood behind the
tendons of the hind legs, and so suspending it to a hook in a beam
above. This piece of wood is locally termed a BUCKET, and so by a
coarse metaphor the phrase came to signify to die.”

Another correspondent says the real signification of this phrase is to commit suicide by hanging, from a method planned and carried out by an ostler at an inn on the Great North Road. Standing on a bucket, he tied himself up to a beam in the stable; he then KICKED THE BUCKET away from under his feet, and in a few seconds was dead. The natives of the West Indies have converted the expression into “kickeraboo.”

~Kick over the traces~, to be over-extravagant. Any one who has come to grief by fast living is said to have KICKED OVER THE TRACES.

~Kick up~, a noise or disturbance.

~Kick up~, “to KICK UP a row,” to create a tumult.

~Kickeraboo~, dead. A West Indian negro’s phrase. _See_ KICK THE BUCKET, of which phrase it is a corruption.

~Kickseys~, or KICKSIES, trousers.

~Kickshaws~, trifles; made, or French dishes—not English or substantial. Anything of a fancy description now. Corruption of the _French_ QUELQUES CHOSES.

~Kicksy~, troublesome, disagreeable. _German_, KECK, bold.

~Kid~, an infant, or child. From the German _kind_; or possibly from the name for the young of a goat. Also, a shallow dish in which sailors receive their portions of food.

~Kid~, to joke, to quiz, to hoax anybody. “No KID, now?” is a question often asked by a man who thinks he is being hoaxed.

~Kidden~, or KIDKEN, a low lodging-house for boys.

~Kiddier~, a pork-butcher.

~Kiddily~, fashionably or showily; “KIDDILY togg’d,” showily dressed.

~Kiddleywink~, a small shop where are retailed the commodities of a village store. Originally KIDDLE-A-WINK, from the offer made, with a wink, to give you something out of the kettle or kiddle. In the west country an alehouse. Also, a woman of unsteady habits.

~Kiddy~, a man, or boy. Formerly a low thief.

~Kiddyish~, frolicsome, jovial.

“Think, on the KIDDYISH spree we had on such a day.”

_Randall’s Diary, 1820._

~Kidment~, humbug, coarse chaff or jocularity.

~Kidnapper~, originally one who stole children. Now applied without reference to the age or sex of those stolen. From “kid,” a child, and “nab” (corrupted to “nap”), to steal, or seize.

~Kidney~, “of that KIDNEY,” of such a stamp; “strange KIDNEY,” odd humour; “two of a KIDNEY,” two persons of a sort, or as like as two peas, _i.e._, resembling each other like two kidneys in a bunch.—_Old._ “Attempt to put their hair out of KIDNEY.”—_Terræ Filius_, 1763.

~Kid-on~, to entice or incite a person to the perpetration of an act.

~Kidsman~, one who trains boys to thieve and pick pockets successfully.

~Kilkenny cat~, a popular simile for a voracious or desperate animal or person, from the story of the two cats in that county, who are said to have fought and bitten each other until a small portion of the tail of one of them alone remained.

~Killing~, bewitching, fascinating. The term is akin to the phrase “dressing to death.”

~Kilt~, an Irishism for badly beaten, but by no means equivalent with killed.

~Kimbo~, or A-KIMBO, holding the arms in a bent position from the body, and resting the hands upon the hips, in a bullying attitude. Said to be from A SCHIMBO, bandy-legged, crooked, _Italian_; but more probably from KIMBAW, the old cant for beating or bullying. _See Grose._ _Celtic_, CAM, crooked.

~Kimmer~, a gossip, an acquaintance, same as CUMMER.—_Scotch._

“What’s a’ the steer, KIMMER?”

~Kinchin~, a child.—_Old Cant._ From the _German_ diminutive, KINDCHEN, a baby.

~Kinchin cove~, a man who robs children; a little man.—Ancient Cant.

~Kincob~, uniform, fine clothes, richly embroidered dresses. Really, cloth of gold or silver.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Kingsman~, a handkerchief with yellow patterns upon a green ground, the favourite coloured neckerchief of the costermongers. The women sometimes wear KINGSMAN kerchiefs thrown over their shoulders. A coster will often imagine his caste, or position, is at stake, if his KINGSMAN is not of the most approved pattern. When he fights, his KINGSMAN is tied around his waist as a belt. This partiality for a peculiar-coloured neckcloth is part of the fondness for gaudy colours which at all times and in all countries has been shown by the uncultivated. A strange similarity of taste for certain colours exists amongst the Hindoos, Gipsies, and London lower classes. Red and yellow (or orange) are the great favourites, and in these hues the Hindoo selects his turban and his robe; the gipsy his breeches, and his wife her shawl or gown; and the costermonger, his plush waistcoat and favourite KINGSMAN. Among either class, when a fight takes place, the greatest regard is paid to the favourite coloured article of dress. The Hindoo lays aside his turban, the gipsy folds up his fancy breeches or coat, whilst the pugilistic costermonger of Covent Garden or Billingsgate removes his favourite neckerchief to a part of his body, by the rules of the “ring,” comparatively out of danger.

~King’s pictures~ (now, of course, QUEEN’S PICTURES), money.

~Kisky~, drunk, fuddled.

~Kiss-curl~, a small curl twisted on the temple. _See_ BOWCATCHER.

~Kisser~, the mouth.—_Pugilistic term._

~Kissing-crust~, the soft crust which marks where one loaf has been broken from another.

~Kiss-me-quick~, the name given to the very small bonnets which have of late years become fashionable.

~Kit~, a person’s baggage. Also, a collection of anything, “the whole KIT of ’em,” the entire lot. _Anglo-Saxon_, KYTH.—_North._

~Kite~,—_see_ FLY THE KITE.

~Kitmegur~, an under-butler, a footman.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Kitna~, how much?—_Anglo-Indian._

~Knacker~, an old horse; a horse-slaughterer. Originally _Gloucestershire_, but now general.

~Knap~, _i.q._, NAP, to break.—_Old English_, but nearly obsolete. _See Ps_. xlvi. 9 (Prayer-book version), “He breaketh the bow, and KNAPPETH the spear in sunder;” probably sibilated into “snap.”

~Knap~, to receive, to take. Generally applied to the receipt of punishments; “oh, my! wont he just KNAP it when he gets home!”

~Knap~, to steal.—_Prison Cant._

~Knapping-jigger~, a turnpike gate; “to dub at the KNAPPING-JIGGER,” to pay money at the turnpike.

~Knark~, a hard-hearted or savage person. The word is now usually spelt NARK, and is applied to the lowest class of informers.

~Knife~, “to KNIFE a person,” to stab; an un-English custom, but a very common expression.

~Knife-board~, the seat running along the roof of an omnibus.

“On ’busses’ KNIFEBOARDS stretch’d,
The City clerks all tongue-protruded lay.”

_A Summer Idyll, by Arthur Smith._

~Knife it~, “cut it,” cease, stop, don’t proceed.

~Knight~, a common and ironical prefix to a man’s calling—thus, “KNIGHT of the whip,” a coachman; “KNIGHT of the thimble,” a tailor.

~Knobstick~, a non-society workman. One who takes work under price.

~Knock about the bub~, to hand or pass about the drink. BUB is a very old cant term for drink.

~Knock-down~, or KNOCK-ME-DOWN, strong ale.

~Knocked-up~, tired, jaded, used up, done for. In the United States, amongst females, the phrase is equivalent to being _enceinte_, so that Englishmen often unconsciously commit themselves when amongst our Yankee cousins.

~Knock-’em-downs~, the game of skittles.

~Knocker~, “up to the KNOCKER,” means finely or showily dressed, in the height of fashion; proficient, equal to the task.

~Knocker-face~, an ugly face, _i.e._, like an old-fashioned door-knocker.

~Knock-in~, the game of loo.

~Knocking-in~, coming into college after time. A habit of KNOCKING-IN late generally leads to some unpleasantness.—_Oxford University._

~Knocking-out.~ All visitors, on leaving a college after time, have to state in whose rooms they have been, that his gate-bill may be scored up for them. When a rackety party takes place, the visitors, or “out college men,” are generally supplied with a list of the names of the quietest men in college, so that the whereabouts of the party may not be betrayed.—_Oxford University._

~Knock-it-down~, to show, in the “free and easy” style, approval of a song or toast, by hammering with pot or glass on the table.

~Knock off~, to give over, or abandon. A saying used by workmen in reference to dinner or other meal times, for upwards of two centuries.

~Knock out~, in racing parlance, to drive out of the quotations; as a KNOCKED-OUT favourite. Also to make bankrupt; as a KNOCKED-OUT backer or bookmaker. When a man cannot meet his engagements on the turf, he is said to be KNOCKED OUT.

~Knock-outs~, or KNOCK-INS, disreputable persons who visit auction rooms and unite to purchase the articles at their own prices. One of their number is instructed to buy for the rest, and after a few small bids as blinds to the auctioneer and bystanders, the lot is knocked down to the KNOCK-OUT bidders, at a nominal price—the competition to result from an auction being thus frustrated and set aside. At the conclusion of the sale the goods are paid for, and carried to a neighbouring public-house, where they are re-sold or KNOCKED-OUT among the confederates, and the difference between the first purchase and the second—or tap-room KNOCK-OUT—is divided amongst the gang. As generally happens with ill-gotten gains, the money soon finds its way to the landlord’s pocket, and the KNOCK-OUT is rewarded with a red nose and a bloated face. Cunning tradesmen join the KNOCK-OUTS when an opportunity for money-making presents itself. The lowest description of KNOCK-OUTS, fellows with more tongue than capital, are termed BABES. Within the past few years a few respectable auctioneers, assisted much by one or two just and admirable magisterial decisions, have succeeded in considerably limiting the efforts of the KNOCK-OUT fraternity.

~Knock-under~, to submit.

~Knowing~, sharp, shrewd, artful; “a KNOWING codger,” or “a KNOWING blade,” one who can take you in, or cheat you, in any transaction you may have with him. It implies also deep cunning and foresight, and generally signifies dishonesty.

“Who, on a spree with black-eyed Sal, his blowen,
So swell, so prime, so nutty, and so KNOWING?”—_Don Juan._

KNOW, in this sense, enters into several slang phrases. “I KNOW something,” expresses that I am not to be taken in by any shallow device. “He KNOWS a thing or two,” _i.e._, he is a cunning fellow.

~Knowledge-box~, the head.—_Pugilistic._

~Knuckle~, to fight with fists, to pommel.

~Knuckle-duster~, a large, heavy, or over-gaudy ring; a ring which attracts attention from its size.

~Knuckle-duster~, an iron or brass instrument which covers the knuckles so as to protect them from injury when striking a blow, adding force to it at the same time. Sometimes a KNUCKLE-DUSTER has knobs or points projecting, so as to mutilate and disfigure the person struck. This brutal invention is American, but has been made familiar here.

~Knuckle to~, or KNUCKLE UNDER, to yield or submit.

~Knuller~, old term for a chimney-sweep, who solicited jobs by ringing a bell. From the _Saxon_, CNYLLAN, to knell, or sound a bell. _See_ QUERIER.

~Kootee~, a house.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Kotoo~, to bow down before, to cringe, to flatter. From a Chinese ceremony.

~Kubber~, news.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Kudos~, praise; KUDIZED, praised. _Greek_, κύδος.—_University._

~Kye~, eighteenpence.

~Kypsey~, a basket. A term generally used by gipsies.

~La!~ a euphuistic rendering of LORD! common amongst females and very precise persons; imagined by many to be a corruption of LOOK! but this is a mistake. Sometimes pronounced LAW, or LAWKS.

~Lac~, one hundred thousand.—_Anglo-Indian._

~Laced~, strengthened with ardent spirits. Tea or coffee in which brandy is poured is said to be LACED.

~Lacing~, a beating. From the phrase, “I’ll lace your jacket.”—_L’Estrange._ Perhaps to give a beating with a lace or lash. Perhaps, also, a figurative phrase for ornamenting the article in question with stripes.

~Ladder~, “can’t see a hole in a LADDER,” said of any one who is intoxicated. It was once said that a man was never properly drunk until he could not lie down without holding, could not see a hole through a LADDER, or went to the pump to light his pipe.

~Ladies’ mile~, that part of Hyde Park where the feminine beauty, rank, and fashion most do congregate during the airing hours of the London season.

~Lag~, a returned transport, or ticket-of-leave convict.

~Lag~, to void urine.—_Ancient Cant._ In modern slang to transport, as regards bearing witness, and not in reference to the action of judge or jury.

~Lagged~, imprisoned, apprehended, or transported for a crime. From the Old Norse, LAGDA, “laid,”—laid by the leg.

~Lagger~, a sailor. Also, one who gives evidence; an informer.

~Lagging gage~, a chamber-pot.—_Ancient Cant._

~Lambasting~, a beating. Perhaps LUMB-BASTING, from the lumbar-regions.

~Lamb’s wool~, spiced ale, of which the butler at Brasenose every Shrove Tuesday supplies as much as is required at Hall, with a copy of verses on the subject, generally written by a Brasenose man. One of these poems began:—

Antiquum et vetus est {Ale Æn Nas} dicere laudes.
{alienas }

_Oxford University._

LAMB’S WOOL is also a hot drink, well known to the community for centuries. Supposed by some to be derived from Lammas, at which time it was drunk, and by others to be derived from the similarity between the foam of the drink and the white wool obtained from lambs.

~Lame duck~, a stockjobber who speculates beyond his capital, and cannot pay his losses. Upon retiring from the Exchange he is said to “waddle out of the Alley.”

~Lamming~, a beating.—_Old English_, LAM; used by Beaumont and Fletcher. Not as Sir Walter Scott supposed, from one Dr. Lamb, but from the _Old Norse_, LAM, the hand; also, _Gaelic_.

~Lammy~, a blanket.

~Land-lubber~, sea term for “a landsman.” _See_ LOAFER.

~Land-shark~, a sailor’s definition of a lawyer.

~Lane~, a familiar term for Drury Lane Theatre, just as Covent Garden Theatre is constantly spoken of as “the Garden.”

~Lap~, liquor, drink. LAP is the term invariably used in the ballet girls’ dressing-room for gin.

~Lap~, one circuit of a pedestrian enclosure. In running a race of any distance one man is said to LAP another when he is one entire circuit in front.

~Lap.~ LAP THE GUTTER, to get beastly and helplessly drunk. LAP means to drink. LAP THE GATTER, to drink up the beer; a “rare LAPPER,” a hard drinker.

~Lark~, a frolic, a joke; “let’s have a jolly good LARK,” let us have a piece of fun.—_Anglo-Saxon_, LAC, sport; but more probably from the nautical term SKYLARKING, _i.e._, mounting to the highest yards and sliding down the ropes for amusement, which is allowed on certain occasions.

~Lark~, to sport boisterously, to show a disposition for “going on the spree.”

~Larrence~, an imaginary being, supposed by the Scottish peasantry to have power over indolent persons. Hence laziness is often called LARRENCE.

~Larrup~, to beat or thrash.

~Larruping~, a good beating or hiding.—_Irish._

~Lashins~, large quantities; as, “LASHINS of whisky.” An Irishism in common use.

~Latchpan~, the lower lip—properly a dripping-pan; “to hang one’s LATCHPAN,” to pout, be sulky.—_Norfolk._

~Lavender~, “to be laid up in LAVENDER;” to be in pawn; to be out of the way for an especial purpose. From the practice among housewives of placing LAVENDER in drawers in which linen and clothes are to be kept for any period.

~Law~, “to give LAW to an animal” is a sporting term signifying to give the hare or stag a chance of escaping, by not setting on the hounds till the quarry has run some distance. Also, used for giving any one a chance of succeeding in a difficult undertaking by allowing him so much grace or preliminary notice.

~Lay~, a pursuit or practice, a dodge. Term in this sense much used by thieves.

~Lay~, in wagering, to bet against a man or animal. Betters are divided in racing slang into layers and takers; they are otherwise known as bookmakers and backers.

~Lay~, some, a piece. “Tip me a LAY of pannum,” _i.e._, give me a slice of bread.—_North._

~Lay~, to watch; “on the LAY,” on the look-out.—_Shakspeare._

~Lay down the knife and fork~, to die. Compare PEGGING-OUT, HOPPING THE TWIG, and similar flippancies.

~Lead~, or FRIENDLY LEAD, a gathering at a low public-house, for the purpose of assisting some one who is “in trouble” (in these cases trouble always means imprisonment), who has just “come out of trouble,” or who is in want of a “mouthpiece.” A LEAD is different from a raffle, inasmuch as no article is put up or thrown for, but in the course of the evening some friend of the troubled one LEADS OFF by putting a certain sum in a plate, and the remainder of the party follow the LEAD with whatever they can spare. Sometimes people pay as they enter the room, but this does not alter the title or character of the meeting. In every other respect a LEAD is similar to a raffle; songs, dances, drinking, and a general desire to increase the bastardy averages being the most conspicuous features of the entertainment. Irish LEADS and raffles are characterized by less vice and more quarrelling than those of the lower orders of English people.

~Leary~, flash, knowing, artful, sly.

~Leary bloke~, a clever or artful person.

~Leather~, to beat or thrash. Probably from allusion to the skin, which is often called LEATHER. Some think the term is from the LEATHER belts worn by soldiers, which are often used as weapons in street rows. Most likely from there being “nothing like LEATHER” with which to administer a thrashing.

~Leathern conveniency~, a carriage. A Quaker being reprimanded by the Society of Friends for keeping a carriage, “contrary to the ancient testimonies,” said, “it is not a carriage I keep, but merely a LEATHERN-CONVENIENCY.” _See_ under SIMON PURE, in the Introduction.

~Leaving shop~, or DOLLY SHOP, an unlicensed house where goods are taken into pawn at exorbitant rates of interest.

~Led captain~, a fashionable spunger, a “swell” who by artifice ingratiates himself into the favours of the master of the house, and lives at his table. Probably from the fact that a real captain leads, but that a sham one is led—to the dinner-table.

~Leer~, empty.—_Oxfordshire._ Pure _German_, as is nearly so the next word.

~Leer~, print, newspaper. _German_, LEHREN, to instruct; hence _Old English_, LERE, “spelt in the LEER.” _See_ SPELL.—_Old Cant._

~Leg~, a part of a game. In some old games there are so many LEGS to the chalk, and so many chalks to the game. Sometimes the LEGS are called chalks, and the chalks LEGS—one word is as good as another, provided an agreement is made beforehand.

~Leg~, or BLACKLEG, a disreputable sporting character and racecourse _habitué_; that is, one who is disreputable among sporting men.

~Leg-and-leg~, the state of a game when each player has won a LEG. In Ireland a LEG is termed a horse, LEG-AND-LEG being there termed “horse-and-horse.”

~Leg bail~, the bail or security given by absence. To give LEG BAIL is to run away.

~Leg it~, to run; “to give a LEG,” to assist, as when one mounts a horse; “making a LEG,” a countryman’s bow,—projecting the LEG from behind as a balance to the head bent forward.—_Shakspeare._

~Leg-of-mutton~, humorous street term for a sheep’s trotter, or foot.

~Leg of mutton fist~, a large, muscular or bony hand.

~Length~, forty-two lines of a dramatic composition.—_Theatrical._

~Length~, six months’ imprisonment. _See_ STRETCH.

~Let alone~, an expression which signifies “much less” as used in comparative statement or argument. “I cannot afford five shillings, LET ALONE five pounds.” Barham, in one of the Ingoldsby Legends, says:—

“I have not had, this livelong day, one drop to cheer my heart,
Nor brown to buy a bit of bread with—LET ALONE a tart.”

~Let drive~, to strike at, or attack with vigour.

~Let in~, to cheat or victimize. “He let me in heavily.”

~Let on~, to give an intimation of having some knowledge of a subject. Ramsay employs the phrase in the _Gentle Shepherd_. Common in Scotland.

~Let the cat out~, or LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG, a common phrase, which implies that a secret is to be or has been let out.

~Letty~, a bed. _Italian_, LETTO.—_Lingua Franca._

~Levanter~, a card-sharper, or defaulting gambler. It was formerly the custom to give out to the creditors, when a person was in pecuniary difficulties, and it was convenient for him to keep away, that he was gone to the East, or the LEVANT; hence, when one loses a bet, and decamps without settling, he is said to LEVANT. The LEVANT was also a notorious place for queer customers, who would do anything rather than pay. Its reputation is not particularly odorous even now.

~Levy~, a shilling.—_Liverpool._ Among labourers a LEVY is a sum obtained before it is due, something to keep a man going till Saturday-night comes, or his task is finished.

~Liberty~, ground let in parts of Yorkshire for shooting purposes.

~Lick~, a blow; LICKING, a beating; “to put in big LICKS,” a curious and common phrase, meaning that great exertions are being made.—_Dryden_; _North_.

~Lick~, to excel, or overcome; “if you ain’t sharp, he’ll LICK you,” _i.e._, be finished first. Signifies, also, to whip, chastise, or conquer. _Ancient cant_, LYCKE. _Welsh_, LLACHIO, to strike.

~Lickspittle~, a coarse but singularly expressive term for a parasite, who puts up with indignities for the sake of advantages.

~Lifer~, a convict who is sentenced to imprisonment for life.

~Lift~, to steal, pick pockets; “there’s a clock been LIFTED,” said when a watch has been stolen. The word is as old as the Border forays, and is used by Shakspeare. SHOPLIFTER is a recognised term. _Old Gothic_, LLIFAN, to steal; _Lower Rhenish_, LÖFTEN.

~Lig~, a lie, a falsehood.—_Lancashire._ In old ballads the word “lie” is often spelt “LIG.” In old Saxon, LIG is to lie, but to lie as in a bed.

~Light~, credit, trust; “to get a LIGHT at a house” is to get credit. When a man’s credit is stopped, his LIGHT is said to be put out. LIGHT also means life. “I’ll put your LIGHT out” is a murderous threat.

~Light Bob~, a light infantry soldier.—_Military._

~Light Feeder~, a silver spoon.

~Lightning~, gin; “flash o’ LIGHTNING,” a glass of gin.

~Lights~, a worthless piece of meat; applied metaphorically to a fool, a soft or stupid person.

~Lights~, the eyes. Also, the lungs; animals’ lungs are always so called.

~Lil~, a book, generally a pocket-book.—_Gipsy._

~Lily Benjamin~, a great white coat. _See_ BENJAMIN.

~Limb~, a troublesome or precocious child.

~Limb of the law~, a lawyer, or clerk articled to that profession.

~Limbo~, a prison, from LIMBUS or LIMBUS PATRUM, a mediæval theological term for purgatory. The Catholic Church teaches that LIMBO was that part of hell where holy people who died before the Redemption were kept.

~Line~, a hoax, a fool-trap; as, “to get him in a LINE,” _i.e._, to get some sport out of him.

~Line~, calling, trade, profession; “what LINE are you in?” “the building LINE.”

~Liner~, a casual reporter, paid by the line. Diminutive of “penny-a-liner.”

~Lingo~, talk, or language. Slang is termed LINGO amongst the lower orders. _Italian_, LINGUA.—_Lingua Franca._

~Lint-scraper~, a young surgeon. Thackeray, in _Lovel the Widower_, uses the phrase, and gives, also, the words “Æsculapius,” “Pestle-grinder,” and “Vaccinator,” for the same character.

~Lionesses~, ladies visiting an Oxford man, especially at “Commemoration,” which is the chief time for receiving feminine visitors at the University.

~Lion-hunter~, one who hunts up, and has a devout veneration for, small celebrities. Mrs. Leo Hunter, in _Pickwick_, is a splendid specimen of this unpleasant creature.

~Lionize~, to make much of any visitor with small or moderate claims to distinction; to conduct a stranger round the principal objects of attraction in a place; to act as cicerone.

~Lions~, notabilities, either persons or sights worthy of inspection; an expression dating from the times when the royal lions at the Tower, before the existence of Zoological Gardens and travelling menageries, were a London wonder, to visit which country cousins and strangers of eminence were constantly taken. Visitors taken round at Cambridge to see the sights are, or were, called LIONS. The origin of the Tower collection was the three leopards sent by the Emperor Frederic to Henry III., as a living illustration of the royal arms of England. In the roll of John de Cravebeadell, constable of the Tower (_B. M. Top. Collections_, iii. p. 153), is a charge of 3_d._ per day “in support of the leopard of our lord the king.” Edward III., when Prince of Wales, appears to have taken great interest in the animals; and after he became king, there was not only the old leopard, but “one lion, one lioness, and two cat-lions,” says Stowe, “in the said Tower, committed to the custody of Robert, son of John Bowre.” The menagerie was only abolished in 1834; and the practice was to allow any person to enter gratis who brought with him a little dog to be thrown to the lions!—_Dr. Doran’s Princes of Wales._

~Lip~, talk, bounce, impudence; “come, none o’ yer LIP!”

~Lip~, to sing; “LIP us a chant,” sing a song.

~Liquor~, or LIQUOR UP, to drink drams.—_Americanism._ In LIQUOR, tipsy, or drunk.

~Little go~, the old term for the examination now called SMALLS.

~Little snakes-man~, a little thief, who is generally passed through a small aperture to open a door and let in the rest of the gang.

~Liverpool Irishman~, any man born in Liverpool of Irish parents. See IRISH COCKNEY.

~Liverpudlian~, a native of Liverpool.

~Live-stock~, vermin of the insect kind, especially of that more than usually unpleasant kind found on tramps, &c.

~Loafer~, a lazy vagabond. Generally considered an Americanism. LOPER, or LOAFER, however, was in general use as a cant term in the early part of the last century. LANDLOPER was a vagabond who begged in the attire of a sailor; and the sea-phrase, LAND-LUBBER, was doubtless synonymous.

~Loaver~, money. _See_ LOUR.—_Lingua Franca._

~Lob~, a till, or money-drawer.

~Lob-sneaking~, stealing money from tills; occasionally stealing tills and all.

~Lobb~, the head.—_Pugilistic._

~Loblolly~, gruel.—_Old_: used by Markham as a sea-term for grit gruel, or hasty pudding.

~Loblolly boy~, a derisive term for a surgeon’s mate in the navy.

“LOB-LOLLY-BOY is a person who on board of a man-of-war attends the
surgeon and his mates, and one who knows just as much of the
business of a seaman as the author of this poem.”—_The Patent, a
Poem_, 4to, 1776.

~Lobs!~ schoolboys’ signal on the master’s approach. Also, an assistant watcher, an under gamekeeper.

~Lobs~, words, talk.—_Gipsy._

~Lobscouse~, a dish made of potatoes, meat, and biscuits, boiled together.

~Lobster~, a soldier. A policeman, from the colour of his coat, is styled an unboiled, or raw LOBSTER.

~Lobster-box~, a barrack, or military station.

~Loggerheads~, “to come to LOGGERHEADS,” to come to blows.

~Logie~, theatrical jewellery, made mostly of tin.

~Loll~, to lie about lazily. “He would LOLL upon the handle of the door,” said of an incorrigibly lazy fellow.

~Lolly~, the head. _See_ LOBB.—_Pugilistic._

~London ordinary~, the beach at Brighton, where the “eight-hours-at-the-sea-side” excursionists dine in the open-air.

~Long-bow.~ _See_ DRAW THE LONG BOW.

~Long firm~, a gang of swindlers who obtain goods by false pretences. They generally advertise or answer advertisements. The word LONG is supposed to be from a playful allusion made by one of the firm to the length of their credit.

~Long-ghost~, a tall, thin, awkward person. Sometimes called “lamp-post.”

~Long-headed~, far-seeing, clever, calculating.

~Long-hundred~, a Billingsgate expression for 120 fresh herrings, or other small fish, the long-hundred being six score.

~Long-odds~, the odds which denote that the man or animal laid against has, or is supposed to have, little or no chance.