This is a list of the Word of the Day posts. Please note that this page is being worked on (hence it’s wonkiness at the moment). A list of just the titles with links to the definitions will be coming soon…how soon depends on the time I can carve free. 
A bawd, the mistress of a brothel.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
May also be referred to as lady abbess — if you’re feeling gentlemanly.
A bawd, the mistress of a brothel.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
May also be referred to as lady abbess — if you’re feeling gentlemanly.
A bawd, the mistress of a brothel.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
May also be referred to as lady abbess — if you’re feeling gentlemanly.
A lady’s waiting-maid.
A lady’s personal maid.
A widow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A widow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A military term for small beer, five pints of which, by an act of parliament, a landlord was formerly obliged to give to each soldier gratis.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A military term for small beer, five pints of which, by an act of parliament, a landlord was formerly obliged to give to each soldier gratis.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An inconsiderate foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A good one for road rage.
An inconsiderate foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A good one for road rage.
An inconsiderate foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A good one for road rage.
A spoil-sport, a mar-all.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Yup, to be confused with addle pate. Not sure which one is worse though!
A spoil-sport, a mar-all.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Yup, to be confused with addle pate. Not sure which one is worse though!
A spoil-sport, a mar-all.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Yup, to be confused with addle pate. Not sure which one is worse though!
Anxious, eager, impatient: from the Italian AGOGARE, to desire eagerly.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Anxious, eager, impatient: from the Italian AGOGARE, to desire eagerly.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stuck fast, stopped, at a loss, ruined; like a boat or vessel aground.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stuck fast, stopped, at a loss, ruined; like a boat or vessel aground.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An alehouse keeper.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drape that ale!
An alehouse keeper.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drape that ale!
A maypole.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A maypole.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Place of the day today…
Guarded by the Patronesses, Almack’s was the place for the best of the best in the ton to gather each Wednesday night during the three month London season for a night of dancing, dining, drinking punch and playing cards. The subscription fee to gain entrance was 10 guineas a year. That was the easy part. Gaining a voucher wasn’t — one had to pass the Patronesses’ muster. Hopes and dreams could be made by receiving a voucher to Almack’s — or be dashed by being blackballed. As the heart of the marriage mart, a voucher to Almack’s was more precious than gold.
Strict rules were enforced, including dress and arrival time by 11pm (dinner). If you didn’t follow the rules, you didn’t gain entry to the rooms. Even Wellington was said to have been turned away one night for not adhering to the code. Alcohol was not allowed, and Almack’s was renowned for serving tea and lemonade along with sliced bread and cakes. Almack’s is referred to in literature and personal accounts as everything from a beautifully decorated, genteel club with fabulous food and drink, to a sparse, unfriendly place with tepid lemonade and dull conversation.
In either case, Almack’s was definitely a colorful part of the Regency period.
Patronesses from around 1814 onward (the ones you will read about most often):
Lady Jersey
Lady Cowper
Lady Castlereagh
Mrs. Drummond-Burrell
Countess Lieven
Princess Esterhazy
Lady Sefton
Almack’s Assembly Rooms were the only thing in 18th and early 19th century London like a club that was not for men only.
They opened in King Street, St. James, in London, on the 20th of February, 1765. Established by William Macall, to avoid the onus of a Scottish name, then considered foreign and uncouth, he reversed the syllables.
The man is in his altitudes, i.e. he is drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The man is in his altitudes, i.e. he is drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lawyer who takes fees from both plaintiff and defendant, or that goes snacks with both parties in gaming.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lawyer who takes fees from both plaintiff and defendant, or that goes snacks with both parties in gaming.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A girl who is got with child, is said to have sprained her ankle.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I just couldn’t help picking this one…
A girl who is got with child, is said to have sprained her ankle.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I just couldn’t help picking this one…
An old maid; their punishment after death, for neglecting increase and multiply, will be, it is said, leading apes in hell.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This one occasionally pops up in Regency novels. Awful, isn’t it?
An old maid; their punishment after death, for neglecting increase and multiply, will be, it is said, leading apes in hell.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This one occasionally pops up in Regency novels. Awful, isn’t it?
An old maid; their punishment after death, for neglecting increase and multiply, will be, it is said, leading apes in hell.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This one occasionally pops up in Regency novels. Awful, isn’t it?
Down with his apple-cart; knock or throw him down.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Down with his apple-cart; knock or throw him down.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Signifies the same in rank (chief) among the female canters or gypsies (as arch rogue).
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Signifies the same in rank (chief) among the female canters or gypsies (as arch rogue).
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A comical or eccentric fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Word of the Day is back! 
A comical or eccentric fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Word of the Day is back!
The chief of a gang of thieves or gypsies.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
also: dimber damber upright man
The chief of a gang of thieves or gypsies.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
also: dimber damber upright man
A wench. A prime article. A handsome girl. She’s a prime article (whip slang), she’s a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
A thing of a particular and distinctive kind
That construction worker who whistles at you thinks you are a prime article.
A wench. A prime article. A handsome girl. She’s a prime article (whip slang), she’s a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
A thing of a particular and distinctive kind
That construction worker who whistles at you thinks you are a prime article.
Acquainted with, knowing the business. Stow the books, the culls are awake; hide the cards, the fellows know what we intended to do.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Acquainted with, knowing the business. Stow the books, the culls are awake; hide the cards, the fellows know what we intended to do.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Full-faced.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Full-faced.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
He beats Banaghan; an Irish saying of one who tells wonderful stories. Perhaps Banaghan was a minstrel famous for dealing in the marvellous.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hope you get a few great Irish tales today! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
He beats Banaghan; an Irish saying of one who tells wonderful stories. Perhaps Banaghan was a minstrel famous for dealing in the marvellous.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hope you get a few great Irish tales today! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
An answer to the offer of any thing inadequate to the purpose for which it is proffered, like offering a bandbox for a seat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An answer to the offer of any thing inadequate to the purpose for which it is proffered, like offering a bandbox for a seat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Great; a fine banging boy.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Great; a fine banging boy.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young child.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young child.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A four-wheeled carriage with a driver’s seat high in front, two double seats inside facing each other, and a folding top over the back seat.
A barouche, also known as a calash or calèshe, was a fashionable type of horse-drawn carriage in the 19th century. It was a four-wheeled vehicle with two double seats, a collapsible hood over the back seat and an outside box seat at the front for the driver. It was drawn by pairs of high-quality horses and was used principally for leisure driving in the summer.
The word barouche is an anglicisation of the German word barutsche, via the Italian biroccio and ultimately from the Latin birotus, “two-wheeled”. (The name was thus something of a misnomer, as the carriage had four wheels; but it had evolved considerably since the name was first coined.)
A four-wheeled carriage with a driver’s seat high in front, two double seats inside facing each other, and a folding top over the back seat.
A barouche, also known as a calash or calèshe, was a fashionable type of horse-drawn carriage in the 19th century. It was a four-wheeled vehicle with two double seats, a collapsible hood over the back seat and an outside box seat at the front for the driver. It was drawn by pairs of high-quality horses and was used principally for leisure driving in the summer.
The word barouche is an anglicisation of the German word barutsche, via the Italian biroccio and ultimately from the Latin birotus, “two-wheeled”. (The name was thus something of a misnomer, as the carriage had four wheels; but it had evolved considerably since the name was first coined.)
A female procuress.
Same as an abbess, a bawd was the head of the local house of ill repute.
The last of the naughty Regency women WotD…at least for now! 
A female procuress.
Same as an abbess, a bawd was the head of the local house of ill repute.
The last of the naughty Regency women WotD…at least for now!
A slovenly fop; one finely dressed, but dirty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Seriously…it’s in the dictionary as a phrase used then…I’m not making this stuff up…
A slovenly fop; one finely dressed, but dirty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Seriously…it’s in the dictionary as a phrase used then…I’m not making this stuff up…
A slovenly fop; one finely dressed, but dirty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Seriously…it’s in the dictionary as a phrase used then…I’m not making this stuff up…
A slovenly fop; one finely dressed, but dirty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Seriously…it’s in the dictionary as a phrase used then…I’m not making this stuff up…
I am for Bedfordshire, i.e. for going to bed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The place one wants to go after eating too much turkey…
I am for Bedfordshire, i.e. for going to bed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The place one wants to go after eating too much turkey…
One having thick projecting eyebrows.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. (Vulgar Tongue week is here again! This time with the B’s.)
As seen on any mentat from Dune or on Peter Pettigrew.
One having thick projecting eyebrows.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. (Vulgar Tongue week is here again! This time with the B’s.)
As seen on any mentat from Dune or on Peter Pettigrew.
A noisy bullying fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A noisy bullying fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The lungs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The lungs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An apron.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An apron.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Food of all sorts.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL. Happy Thanksgiving!
Food of all sorts.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL. Happy Thanksgiving!
Surprised, confounded, out of one’s senses; also bewrayed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Had to look up bewray. Merriam-Webster claims it is archaic (shocking!) meaning to divulge; betray.
Surprised, confounded, out of one’s senses; also bewrayed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Had to look up bewray. Merriam-Webster claims it is archaic (shocking!) meaning to divulge; betray.
To cheat. Let us bilk the rattling cove; let us cheat the hackney coachman of his fare. Cant. Bilking a coachman, a box-keeper, and a poor whore, were formerly, among men of the town, thought gallant actions.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gallant actions? Say what?
To cheat. Let us bilk the rattling cove; let us cheat the hackney coachman of his fare. Cant. Bilking a coachman, a box-keeper, and a poor whore, were formerly, among men of the town, thought gallant actions.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gallant actions? Say what?
Brandy or other spirituous liquor. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Brandy or other spirituous liquor. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Inconsiderate, thoughtless, easily imposed on.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Inconsiderate, thoughtless, easily imposed on.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Inconsiderate, thoughtless, easily imposed on.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rogues of the same gang.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Those birds have been around for a while.
Rogues of the same gang.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Those birds have been around for a while.
Rogues of the same gang.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Those birds have been around for a while.
He was in his birth-day suit, that is, stark naked.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Couldn’t get away from those birthday suits in Regency times either!
He was in his birth-day suit, that is, stark naked.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Couldn’t get away from those birthday suits in Regency times either!
He was in his birth-day suit, that is, stark naked.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Couldn’t get away from those birthday suits in Regency times either!
A tell-tale, or one incapable of keeping a secret
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tell-tale, or one incapable of keeping a secret
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tell-tale, or one incapable of keeping a secret
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The heroine may call the hero a blackguard at first, but in the end only the villain fits the description.
A rude or unscrupulous person : a person who uses foul or abusive language
A vulgar and uncouth person. One who has a less than trustworthy level of inhibition.
Black guard — A shabby, mean fellow; a term said to be derived from a number of dirty, tattered roguish boys, who attended at the Horse Guards, and Parade in St. James’s Park, to black the boots and shoes of the soldiers, or to do any other dirty offices. These, from their constant attendance about the time of guard mounting, were nick-named the black-guards.
The heroine may call the hero a blackguard at first, but in the end only the villain fits the description.
A rude or unscrupulous person : a person who uses foul or abusive language
A vulgar and uncouth person. One who has a less than trustworthy level of inhibition.
Black guard — A shabby, mean fellow; a term said to be derived from a number of dirty, tattered roguish boys, who attended at the Horse Guards, and Parade in St. James’s Park, to black the boots and shoes of the soldiers, or to do any other dirty offices. These, from their constant attendance about the time of guard mounting, were nick-named the black-guards.
Usually used in positive terms in novels — often as a younger man with good fashion sense and charm. That really hot guy in high school that cut a dashing figure and all the ladies swooned over? Definitely a blade.
A dashing lively man.
Usually used in positive terms in novels — often as a younger man with good fashion sense and charm. That really hot guy in high school that cut a dashing figure and all the ladies swooned over? Definitely a blade.
A dashing lively man.
Appearing or causing to appear dazed, confounded, or nonplussed
To look blank; to appear disappointed or confounded.
Not really a Regency word, but I decided to include it since I found it in the Vulgar Tongue Dictionary and usually find it very humorous to use.
One who parts easily with his money, or bleeds freely.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who parts easily with his money, or bleeds freely.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A small quantity over and above the measure, usually given by hucksters dealing in peas, beans, and other vegetables.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A small quantity over and above the measure, usually given by hucksters dealing in peas, beans, and other vegetables.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A feint, pretence, or shift.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A feint, pretence, or shift.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A riotous disorderly fellow.
A showy foppish man : rake
*Interesting definition combo — fop and rake together? Not in my romance.
A riotous disorderly fellow.
A showy foppish man : rake
*Interesting definition combo — fop and rake together? Not in my romance.
A woman having intellectual or literary interests. Etymology: Bluestocking society, 18th century literary clubs.
The Bluestocking society was an informal women’s social and educational movement that came into being in England in the mid-eighteenth century in imitation of a similar – though more formal – movement in France.
Many romance novel heroines are bluestockings. Other members of society may look down on them for this decidedly unfashionable trait, but not the hero.
A woman having intellectual or literary interests. Etymology: Bluestocking society, 18th century literary clubs.
The Bluestocking society was an informal women’s social and educational movement that came into being in England in the mid-eighteenth century in imitation of a similar – though more formal – movement in France.
Many romance novel heroines are bluestockings. Other members of society may look down on them for this decidedly unfashionable trait, but not the hero.
An inn-keeper. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Mr. Wicket from The Earl of Her Dreams was a bluffer.
An inn-keeper. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Mr. Wicket from The Earl of Her Dreams was a bluffer.
A short gun, with a wide bore, for carrying slugs; also a stupid, blundering fellow.
A muzzle-loading firearm with a short barrel and flaring muzzle to facilitate loading : a blundering person.
A blunderbuss is a muzzle-loading firearm with a flared, trumpet-like barrel and is the predecessor to the shotgun. The blunderbuss was in use in the 17th century, and is the weapon most commonly pictured in the arms of the Pilgrims.
Money. (cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Money. (cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially in respect to food and drink.
A person with refined taste, especially one who enjoys superb food and drink.
The youngest officer in a regimental mess, whose duty it is to skink, that is, to stir the fire, snuff the candles, and ring the bell.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The youngest officer in a regimental mess, whose duty it is to skink, that is, to stir the fire, snuff the candles, and ring the bell.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tedious, troublesome man or woman, one who bores the ears of his hearers with an uninteresting tale; a term much in fashion about the years 1780 and 1781.
One that causes boredom: as a tiresome person or something that is devoid of interest.
Not to be confused with boor – a rude or insensitive person.
A tedious, troublesome man or woman, one who bores the ears of his hearers with an uninteresting tale; a term much in fashion about the years 1780 and 1781.
One that causes boredom: as a tiresome person or something that is devoid of interest.
Not to be confused with boor – a rude or insensitive person.
Void of wit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Void of wit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Void of wit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ever heard of Boxing Day and wondered what the heck it is and where the name originated?
The first weekday after Christmas observed as a legal holiday in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and marked by the giving of Christmas boxes to service workers (as postal workers).
Also referred to as St. Stephen’s Day, Boxing Day was created in Britain during the middle ages, but the origins and intentions of Boxing Day are disputed. Some say that the distribution of the alms boxes to the poor the day after Christmas gave it its name, others claim it the day when employers would give gifts (or alternately coins in boxes) to their employees (or lords to their servants). Regardless, many of the claims center around Boxing Day originally as the day when gifts were given to employees, the lower classes or those less fortunate (whereas Christmas was a gift exchange between people of equal class). I read more than one claim in my research that Boxing Day used to be about preserving class lines.
Do you have any facts or info about Boxing Day you’d like to share? Please feel free to post and correct me if I’ve omitted something or made an error.
Mead and ale sweetened with honey.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Mead and ale sweetened with honey.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bold-faced, shameless, impudent.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To go with those beetle-brows.
Bold-faced, shameless, impudent.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To go with those beetle-brows.
A light closed horse-drawn carriage with the driver outside in front.
Invented by Henry Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, a brougham was a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage of the 1800s. It had a low body with a box seat in front for the driver. In the rear was seating for two or four with two doors.
A light closed horse-drawn carriage with the driver outside in front.
Invented by Henry Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, a brougham was a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage of the 1800s. It had a low body with a box seat in front for the driver. In the rear was seating for two or four with two doors.
Bucks are men about town. Perhaps in lieu of a better example, you could consider bucks the classic frat boys of the Regency era.
Buck — A blind horse; also a gay debauchee.
A Buck of the First Head — One who in debauchery surpasses the rest of his companions, a blood or choice spirit. There are in London divers lodges or societies of Bucks, formed in imitation of the Free Masons: one was held at the Rose, in Monkwell-street, about the year 1705. The president is styled the Grand Buck. A buck sometimes signifies a cuckold.
A male human being : man : a dashing fellow : dandy
(It is interesting to see dandy used in the definition. In many Regency set novels you will not see the terms used together! More on dandies next week…)
Bucks are men about town. Perhaps in lieu of a better example, you could consider bucks the classic frat boys of the Regency era.
Buck — A blind horse; also a gay debauchee.
A Buck of the First Head — One who in debauchery surpasses the rest of his companions, a blood or choice spirit. There are in London divers lodges or societies of Bucks, formed in imitation of the Free Masons: one was held at the Rose, in Monkwell-street, about the year 1705. The president is styled the Grand Buck. A buck sometimes signifies a cuckold.
A male human being : man : a dashing fellow : dandy
(It is interesting to see dandy used in the definition. In many Regency set novels you will not see the terms used together! More on dandies next week…)
Confused, stupid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The feeling one gets after eating too much turkey…for the second day in a row.
Confused, stupid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The feeling one gets after eating too much turkey…for the second day in a row.
Confused, stupid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The feeling one gets after eating too much turkey…for the second day in a row.
An upholsterer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I’m not sure whether to laugh or shudder.
An upholsterer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I’m not sure whether to laugh or shudder.
Comely, handsome. IRISH.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Comely, handsome. IRISH.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A blackguard, a rascal, a term of reproach. Mill the bloody bugger; beat the damned rascal.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A blackguard, a rascal, a term of reproach. Mill the bloody bugger; beat the damned rascal.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A light one-horse carriage made with two wheels in England and with four wheels in the United States : a small cart or truck for short transportations of heavy materials
A one-horse chaise.
A constable. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A constable. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A watchman. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A watchman. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dependent, poor relation, or simpleton, on whom all kinds of practical jokes are played off; and who serves as a butt for all the shafts of wit and ridicule.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dependent, poor relation, or simpleton, on whom all kinds of practical jokes are played off; and who serves as a butt for all the shafts of wit and ridicule.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dependent, poor relation, or simpleton, on whom all kinds of practical jokes are played off; and who serves as a butt for all the shafts of wit and ridicule.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A cabriolet was a light, two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a folding ‘calash’ top, seating two persons behind the driver’s box. Developed in France in the early 19th century, the vehicle quickly replaced the heavier hackney carriage as the vehicle for hire of choice in Paris and London. The modern term (taxi)cab comes from “cabriolet” via “Hansom cab”.
A light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage with a folding leather hood, a large apron, and upward-curving shafts.
A cabriolet was a light, two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a folding ‘calash’ top, seating two persons behind the driver’s box. Developed in France in the early 19th century, the vehicle quickly replaced the heavier hackney carriage as the vehicle for hire of choice in Paris and London. The modern term (taxi)cab comes from “cabriolet” via “Hansom cab”.
A light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage with a folding leather hood, a large apron, and upward-curving shafts.
To be cagged. To be sulky or out of humour. The cove carries the cag; the man is vexed or sullen.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To be cagged. To be sulky or out of humour. The cove carries the cag; the man is vexed or sullen.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bits and scraps of provisions. Bad meat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bits and scraps of provisions. Bad meat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish fellow.
To make a cake of oneself. You may read about the heroine of a romance novel making a cake of herself or warning someone not to do so.
A foolish fellow.
To make a cake of oneself. You may read about the heroine of a romance novel making a cake of herself or warning someone not to do so.
A jail bird, a person used to being kept in a cage; also, in the canting sense, guineas.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A jail bird, a person used to being kept in a cage; also, in the canting sense, guineas.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk. (Irish term)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Tell someone they are getting candied up.
Drunk. (Irish term)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Tell someone they are getting candied up.
The head. To mill his cannister; to break his head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head. To mill his cannister; to break his head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The leader of a mob; also the mob itself.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The leader of a mob; also the mob itself.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Counterfeit sleep: cats often counterfeiting sleep, to decoy their prey near them, and then suddenly spring on them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Counterfeit sleep: cats often counterfeiting sleep, to decoy their prey near them, and then suddenly spring on them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Going out in the night in search of intrigues, like a cat in the gutters.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Going out in the night in search of intrigues, like a cat in the gutters.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Left-handed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Left-handed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Awkward, not dextrous, ready, or nimble.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The feeling one gets when wrapping presents for the first time in months…
Awkward, not dextrous, ready, or nimble.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The feeling one gets when wrapping presents for the first time in months…
One whose tongue runs twelve score to the dozen, a chattering man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One whose tongue runs twelve score to the dozen, a chattering man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One whose tongue runs twelve score to the dozen, a chattering man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A chicken, so called to and by little children.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A chicken, so called to and by little children.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One returned from the East Indies with but a moderate fortune of fifty or sixty thousand pounds, a diminutive nabob: a term borrowed from the chicken turtle.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I keep wanting to say kebab when I see this…
One returned from the East Indies with but a moderate fortune of fifty or sixty thousand pounds, a diminutive nabob: a term borrowed from the chicken turtle.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I keep wanting to say kebab when I see this…
One returned from the East Indies with but a moderate fortune of fifty or sixty thousand pounds, a diminutive nabob: a term borrowed from the chicken turtle.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I keep wanting to say kebab when I see this…
A pert young woman.
An infant or baby.
A child or babe; as, a forward chit; also, a young, small, or insignificant person or animal.
“Did you meet the Martindale chit?”
“Who?”
“The girl barely out of the schoolroom who is drowning in white ruffles over there.”
A pert young woman.
An infant or baby.
A child or babe; as, a forward chit; also, a young, small, or insignificant person or animal.
“Did you meet the Martindale chit?”
“Who?”
“The girl barely out of the schoolroom who is drowning in white ruffles over there.”
I gave him a good chivey; I gave him, a hearty scolding.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I gave him a good chivey; I gave him, a hearty scolding.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thoughtless, laughing, singing, drunken fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The third Vulgar Tongue week — this time with the C’s.
A thoughtless, laughing, singing, drunken fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The third Vulgar Tongue week — this time with the C’s.
Round-faced, chubby.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Round-faced, chubby.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rude ill-bred person : a stingy morose person
A boorish person; a peasant
Originally, a labourer or husbandman: figuratively a rude, surly, boorish fellow. To put a churl upon a gentleman; to drink malt liquor immediately after having drunk wine.
A rude ill-bred person : a stingy morose person
A boorish person; a peasant
Originally, a labourer or husbandman: figuratively a rude, surly, boorish fellow. To put a churl upon a gentleman; to drink malt liquor immediately after having drunk wine.
A roundabout way, or story. Hetook such a circumbendibus; he took such a circuit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A roundabout way, or story. Hetook such a circumbendibus; he took such a circuit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A citizen of London.
A citizen of London.
The tongue of a bell, and figuratively of a manor woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The tongue of a bell, and figuratively of a manor woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A country farmer, or ploughman.
A country farmer, or ploughman.
A blockhead; a dolt.
A dull, heavy booby.
*Similar to addle pate.
A blockhead; a dolt.
A dull, heavy booby.
*Similar to addle pate.
A blockhead; a dolt.
A dull, heavy booby.
*Similar to addle pate.
A stir, noise, or racket: what a confounded clutter here is!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I think I just like any sentence with confounded or deuce.
A stir, noise, or racket: what a confounded clutter here is!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I think I just like any sentence with confounded or deuce.
A kind of boat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Or something that a cobbler might do.
A kind of boat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Or something that a cobbler might do.
A mender of shoes, an improver of the understandings of his customers; a translator.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Most are familiar with the first definition, but I find the slang fascinating!
A mender of shoes, an improver of the understandings of his customers; a translator.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Most are familiar with the first definition, but I find the slang fascinating!
A cod of money: a good sum of money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A cod of money: a good sum of money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stupid fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stupid fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stupid fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
COLLEGE. Newgate or any other prison. New College: the Royal Exchange. King’s College: the King’s Bench prison. He has been educated at the steel, and took his last degree at college; he has received his education at the house of correction, and was hanged at Newgate.
CITY COLLEGE. Newgate.
COLLEGE COVE. The College cove has numbered him, and if he is knocked down he’ll be twisted; the turnkey of Newgate has told the judge how many times the prisoner has been tried before and therefore if he is found guilty, he certainly will be hanged. It is said to be the custom of the Old Bailey for one of the turnkeys of Newgate to give information to the judge how many times an old offender has been tried, by holding up as many fingers as the number of times the prisoner has been before arraigned at that bar.
COLLEGIATES. Prisoners of the one, and shopkeepers of the other of those places.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “I just got out of college…”
Stephen and Audrey visit “city college” in Daring the Duke.
COLLEGE. Newgate or any other prison. New College: the Royal Exchange. King’s College: the King’s Bench prison. He has been educated at the steel, and took his last degree at college; he has received his education at the house of correction, and was hanged at Newgate.
CITY COLLEGE. Newgate.
COLLEGE COVE. The College cove has numbered him, and if he is knocked down he’ll be twisted; the turnkey of Newgate has told the judge how many times the prisoner has been tried before and therefore if he is found guilty, he certainly will be hanged. It is said to be the custom of the Old Bailey for one of the turnkeys of Newgate to give information to the judge how many times an old offender has been tried, by holding up as many fingers as the number of times the prisoner has been before arraigned at that bar.
COLLEGIATES. Prisoners of the one, and shopkeepers of the other of those places.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “I just got out of college…”
Stephen and Audrey visit “city college” in Daring the Duke.
Said of a person who has long been called, and at length answers, Coming!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL. But Christmas is here! Hope you have a merry one!
Said of a person who has long been called, and at length answers, Coming!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL. But Christmas is here! Hope you have a merry one!
Counterfeited.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Counterfeited.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A necessary. A leathern conveniency, a coach.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Leathern (from the free dictionary) = Made of leather; consisting of leather; as, a leathern purse.
A necessary. A leathern conveniency, a coach.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Leathern (from the free dictionary) = Made of leather; consisting of leather; as, a leathern purse.
Slang for a mistress. “She is his convenient.”
Corinthians are usually shown as the fashionable sportsmen of the Regency period. In novels, they are often depicted in exclusive groups, sometimes as debauched and uppity fellows. However, other times they are referred to in a more positive manner — handsome, sporting and dashing. Today the term is used for the spirit of amateur sports.
Frequenters of brothels. Also an impudent, brazen-faced fellow, perhaps from the Corinthian brass.
A merry profligate man
Corinthians are usually shown as the fashionable sportsmen of the Regency period. In novels, they are often depicted in exclusive groups, sometimes as debauched and uppity fellows. However, other times they are referred to in a more positive manner — handsome, sporting and dashing. Today the term is used for the spirit of amateur sports.
Frequenters of brothels. Also an impudent, brazen-faced fellow, perhaps from the Corinthian brass.
A merry profligate man
A foundling. Cosset colt or lamb; a colt or lamb brought up by hand.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foundling. Cosset colt or lamb; a colt or lamb brought up by hand.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head. I’ll smite your costard; I’ll give you a knock on the head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head. I’ll smite your costard; I’ll give you a knock on the head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dance with four couples and 10 or 12 figures (parts). Precurser to the quadrille. Imported from France — had complicated steps that the regular English country dances did not.
“Oh, Mummy, do I really need to learn the cotillion? It is so much more complicated than the other dances.”
“Of course you do! Do you expect to stand against the wall when the other debutantes are meeting prospective beau? The cotillion allows you to meet and dance with more than one gentleman. It is a veritable buffet of suitors.”
“But what if I make a mistake?”
“You won’t make a mistake. When we are through you will have danced this so many times you will see it in your dreams.”
Etymology: French cotillon, literally, petticoat, from Old French, from cote coat
A ballroom dance for couples that resembles the quadrille : an elaborate dance with frequent changing of partners carried out under the leadership of one couple at formal balls
The Cotillion was a popular 18th and 19th century dance in the French Courts that preceded the Quadrille style of dancing.
A cotillion or debutante ball is a formal presentation of young ladies, debutantes, to polite society.
A prostitute with a courtly, wealthy, or upper-class clientele
Courtesans had their own society on the fringes of London society where they mixed with the best of the best. The best of the best MEN, of course — or women with very fast reputations.
The heroine of Masquerading the Marquess masqueraded as a courtesan.
A prostitute with a courtly, wealthy, or upper-class clientele
Courtesans had their own society on the fringes of London society where they mixed with the best of the best. The best of the best MEN, of course — or women with very fast reputations.
The heroine of Masquerading the Marquess masqueraded as a courtesan.
A man, a fellow, a rogue. The cove was bit; the rogue was outwitted. The cove has bit the cole; the rogue has got the money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man, a fellow, a rogue. The cove was bit; the rogue was outwitted. The cove has bit the cole; the rogue has got the money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man, a fellow, a rogue. The cove was bit; the rogue was outwitted. The cove has bit the cole; the rogue has got the money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A prostitute.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A prostitute.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Awkward.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Awkward.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Awkward.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Fearful.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Fearful.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Fearful.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
As if the word fop isn’t fun enough…
Anciently, a fool. Fools, in great families, wore a cap with bells, on the top of which was a piece of red cloth, in the shape of a cock’s comb. At present, coxcomb signifies a fop, or vain self-conceited fellow.
A conceited foolish person : fop
As if the word fop isn’t fun enough…
Anciently, a fool. Fools, in great families, wore a cap with bells, on the top of which was a piece of red cloth, in the shape of a cock’s comb. At present, coxcomb signifies a fop, or vain self-conceited fellow.
A conceited foolish person : fop
As if the word fop isn’t fun enough…
Anciently, a fool. Fools, in great families, wore a cap with bells, on the top of which was a piece of red cloth, in the shape of a cock’s comb. At present, coxcomb signifies a fop, or vain self-conceited fellow.
A conceited foolish person : fop
An intimate companion, a comrade; also a confederate in a robbery.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An intimate companion, a comrade; also a confederate in a robbery.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A nickname for a man with bandy legs. He buys his boots in Crooked Lane, and his stockings in Bandy-legged Walk; his legs grew in the night, therefore could not see to grow straight; jeering sayings of men with crooked legs.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Also, the name of a cat.
A nickname for a man with bandy legs. He buys his boots in Crooked Lane, and his stockings in Bandy-legged Walk; his legs grew in the night, therefore could not see to grow straight; jeering sayings of men with crooked legs.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Also, the name of a cat.
A nickname for a man with bandy legs. He buys his boots in Crooked Lane, and his stockings in Bandy-legged Walk; his legs grew in the night, therefore could not see to grow straight; jeering sayings of men with crooked legs.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Also, the name of a cat.
A nickname for a man with bandy legs. He buys his boots in Crooked Lane, and his stockings in Bandy-legged Walk; his legs grew in the night, therefore could not see to grow straight; jeering sayings of men with crooked legs.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Also, the name of a cat.
To be knocked down for a crop; to be condemned to be hanged. Cropped, hanged.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To be knocked down for a crop; to be condemned to be hanged. Cropped, hanged.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fiddler.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fiddler.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Oatmeal and water, or milk; a mess much eaten in the north.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Oatmeal and water, or milk; a mess much eaten in the north.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beggars, or highway spies, who traverse the road, to give intelligence of a booty; also rogues ready to snap up any booty that may offer, like privateers or pirates on a cruise.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beggars, or highway spies, who traverse the road, to give intelligence of a booty; also rogues ready to snap up any booty that may offer, like privateers or pirates on a cruise.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One that uses paint and cosmetics, to obtain a fine complexion.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those definitions I just couldn’t resist…crusty beau???
One that uses paint and cosmetics, to obtain a fine complexion.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those definitions I just couldn’t resist…crusty beau???
Drunk.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Pretended love to the cook, or any otherperson, for the sake of a meal. My guts cry cupboard; i.e. I am hungry.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
Pretended love to the cook, or any otherperson, for the sake of a meal. My guts cry cupboard; i.e. I am hungry.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
A 2-wheeled chaise usually drawn by two horses.
A curricle was a smart light two wheeled “chariot” large enough for the driver and a passenger and— most unusual for a vehicle with a single axle—drawn by a carefully-matched pair.
Curricles were light and open and could be drawn by one horse.
A 2-wheeled chaise usually drawn by two horses.
A curricle was a smart light two wheeled “chariot” large enough for the driver and a passenger and— most unusual for a vehicle with a single axle—drawn by a carefully-matched pair.
Curricles were light and open and could be drawn by one horse.
A public repudiation of a person by ignoring their very presence.
“Sir Reginald cut me!”
“With what? Was it a duel? Should I fetch my épée?”
“Fetch your what?”
“Er, my dueling sword.”
“No, Sir Reginald mortally wounded me with his rapier chin. He cut me from the very fabric of society.”
“…”
“Put his nose in the air and sauntered right by as if I didn’t exist.”
“Oh. He gave you the cut direct. And I was so looking forward to using my épée…”
To refuse to recognize (an acquaintance) : ostracize
In etiquette, a cut or cut direct is a deliberate snub, typically a refusal to return a bow or other acknowledgement of acquaintance.
If cut by a popular member of society, complete ostracization from society could occur (the person might stop receiving invitations to functions, might be cut by others, etc.). Beau Brummell was said to have had this power during the peak of his popularity.
Prostitute
Some romance novels reference a Cyprian’s Ball where the ladies of the night gather with the eligible men of society, who vie to offer them sponsorship (carte blanche to be discussed in a future WotD post). An innocent heroine may end up at the Cyprian’s Ball on accident (or to catch a villain, research, etc.) and be born away at the end of the night in the arms of the hero. A naughtier heroine might bear the hero away instead.
Prostitute
Some romance novels reference a Cyprian’s Ball where the ladies of the night gather with the eligible men of society, who vie to offer them sponsorship (carte blanche to be discussed in a future WotD post). An innocent heroine may end up at the Cyprian’s Ball on accident (or to catch a villain, research, etc.) and be born away at the end of the night in the arms of the hero. A naughtier heroine might bear the hero away instead.
An adept; a dab at any feat or exercise.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
You may come across this word in the phrase, “He was a dab hand at ____.” Insert pistols, cards, etc.
An adept; a dab at any feat or exercise.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
You may come across this word in the phrase, “He was a dab hand at ____.” Insert pistols, cards, etc.
They are at daggers drawing; i.e. at enmity, ready to fight.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
“Mrs. White and Mrs. Green are at daggers drawn. Poised for a right good brawl, they are.”
They are at daggers drawing; i.e. at enmity, ready to fight.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
“Mrs. White and Mrs. Green are at daggers drawn. Poised for a right good brawl, they are.”
A luncheon, or snap before dinner: so called from its damping, or allaying, the appetite; eating and drinking, being, as the proverb wisely observes, apt to take away the appetite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A luncheon, or snap before dinner: so called from its damping, or allaying, the appetite; eating and drinking, being, as the proverb wisely observes, apt to take away the appetite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stairs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stairs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The metrosexual of the Regency era.
A man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance.
A dandy is a man who rejects bourgeois values, devotes particular attention to his physical appearance, refines his language, and cultivates his hobbies. A dandy’s mere existence is a reproach to the responsible citizen of the middle class: épater le bourgeois in the words of Charles Baudelaire. A dandy emulates aristocratic values, often without being an aristocrat himself, thus such a dandy is a form of snob. A dandy was differentiated from a fop in that the dandy’s dress was more refined and sober.
dandy –That’s the dandy; i.e. the ton, the clever thing; an expression of similar import to “That’s the barber.”
dandy prat — An insignificant or trifling fellow.
The metrosexual of the Regency era.
A man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance.
A dandy is a man who rejects bourgeois values, devotes particular attention to his physical appearance, refines his language, and cultivates his hobbies. A dandy’s mere existence is a reproach to the responsible citizen of the middle class: épater le bourgeois in the words of Charles Baudelaire. A dandy emulates aristocratic values, often without being an aristocrat himself, thus such a dandy is a form of snob. A dandy was differentiated from a fop in that the dandy’s dress was more refined and sober.
dandy –That’s the dandy; i.e. the ton, the clever thing; an expression of similar import to “That’s the barber.”
dandy prat — An insignificant or trifling fellow.
One who follows women in general, without any particular attachment.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who follows women in general, without any particular attachment.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A smart, well-made, little man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A follow-up to dapper fellow –> deft fellow = A neat little man.
A smart, well-made, little man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A follow-up to dapper fellow –> deft fellow = A neat little man.
A married man that keeps a mistress, whom he visits only at night, for fear of discovery.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
None of our heroes, of course…
A married man that keeps a mistress, whom he visits only at night, for fear of discovery.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
None of our heroes, of course…
A tavern drawer. To cut a dash: to make a figure.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tavern drawer. To cut a dash: to make a figure.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The low-cut neckline of a dress : a décolleté dress : bust
Etymology: French, action of cutting or wearing a low neckline, from décolleter
A low neckline on a woman’s garment, especially a dress : A dress with a low neckline in front.
A term used by thieves, when they are disappointed in the value of their booty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A term used by thieves, when they are disappointed in the value of their booty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To work for the dead horse; to work for wages already paid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To work for the dead horse; to work for wages already paid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An undertaker, one who furnishes the necessary articles for funerals. See Carrion Hunter.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An undertaker, one who furnishes the necessary articles for funerals. See Carrion Hunter.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young woman making her formal entrance into society.
The debutante in romance novels will be around 18 years of age. This age can vary, for many reasons — death in the family, readiness, female politics, etc. A debutante has her “come out” where she is introduced to society.
A young woman making her formal entrance into society.
The debutante in romance novels will be around 18 years of age. This age can vary, for many reasons — death in the family, readiness, female politics, etc. A debutante has her “come out” where she is introduced to society.
A neat little man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A neat little man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A neat little man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A class of women on the fringes of respectable society supported by wealthy lovers.
demimondaine (demi-mondaine): a woman of the demimonde
Courtesans were part of the demimonde.
A class of women on the fringes of respectable society supported by wealthy lovers.
demimondaine (demi-mondaine): a woman of the demimonde
Courtesans were part of the demimonde.
Demy-rep – An abbreviation of demy-reputation; a woman of doubtful character.
See: demimondaine – a woman supported by a wealthy lover
Very: an epithet which in the English vulgar language is made to agree with every quality or thing; as, devilish bad, devilish good; devilish sick, devilish well; devilish sweet, devilish sour; devilish hot, devilish cold, &c. &c.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
“He is devilish handsome.” Makes you just want to shove that -ly on the end, doesn’t it?
Very: an epithet which in the English vulgar language is made to agree with every quality or thing; as, devilish bad, devilish good; devilish sick, devilish well; devilish sweet, devilish sour; devilish hot, devilish cold, &c. &c.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
“He is devilish handsome.” Makes you just want to shove that -ly on the end, doesn’t it?
Feet. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Feet. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This is a term used for a debutante that is the cream of the crop — beautiful, poised and perfect.
This is a term used for a debutante that is the cream of the crop — beautiful, poised and perfect.
Silly. Crazed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Silly. Crazed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sham shirt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Dickeys have a long honored tradition!
A sham shirt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Dickeys have a long honored tradition!
A sham shirt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Dickeys have a long honored tradition!
A woman’s under-petticoat. It’s all Dicky with him; i.e. it’s all over with him.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another dickey/dicky.
A woman’s under-petticoat. It’s all Dicky with him; i.e. it’s all over with him.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another dickey/dicky.
Spurs. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Spurs. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
(An abbreviation of the word DILIGENCE.) A public voiture or stage, commonly a post chaise, carrying three persons; the name is taken from the public stage vehicles in France and Flanders. The dillies first began to run in England about the year 1779.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
(An abbreviation of the word DILIGENCE.) A public voiture or stage, commonly a post chaise, carrying three persons; the name is taken from the public stage vehicles in France and Flanders. The dillies first began to run in England about the year 1779.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
(An abbreviation of the word DILIGENCE.) A public voiture or stage, commonly a post chaise, carrying three persons; the name is taken from the public stage vehicles in France and Flanders. The dillies first began to run in England about the year 1779.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The chief of a gang of thieves or gypsies.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
also: arch rogue
The chief of a gang of thieves or gypsies.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
also: arch rogue
A rogue, a hector, a bully, or sharper. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rogue, a hector, a bully, or sharper. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A Yorkshire dolly; a contrivance for washing, by means of a kind of wheel fixed in a tub, which being turned about, agitates and cleanses the linen put into it, with soap and water.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A Yorkshire dolly; a contrivance for washing, by means of a kind of wheel fixed in a tub, which being turned about, agitates and cleanses the linen put into it, with soap and water.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An impotent old fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An impotent old fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An impotent old fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An impotent old fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Robbed: also, convicted or hanged. Cant.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Robbed: also, convicted or hanged. Cant.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ruined by gaming and extravagances.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ruined by gaming and extravagances.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To tip any one the double; to run away in his or her debt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To tip any one the double; to run away in his or her debt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A widow holding property or a title from her deceased husband : a dignified elderly woman.
Any lady of dignified bearing.
(Also had the same definition as M-W above)
Dowagers in romance novels are often depicted as formidable women, either as the widowed mother or aunt of the hero or a particularly powerful woman in society. A reader may also run into the term “dower house.” Wikipedia defines this as, “A dower house is usually a moderately large house on an estate which is occupied by the widow of the late owner. The widow, often known as the “dowager” usually moves into the dower house, from the larger family house, on the death of her husband, the new heir occupies the now vacated principal house.”
A widow holding property or a title from her deceased husband : a dignified elderly woman.
Any lady of dignified bearing.
(Also had the same definition as M-W above)
Dowagers in romance novels are often depicted as formidable women, either as the widowed mother or aunt of the hero or a particularly powerful woman in society. A reader may also run into the term “dower house.” Wikipedia defines this as, “A dower house is usually a moderately large house on an estate which is occupied by the widow of the late owner. The widow, often known as the “dowager” usually moves into the dower house, from the larger family house, on the death of her husband, the new heir occupies the now vacated principal house.”
A dower house is usually a moderately large house on an estate which is occupied by the widow of the late owner. The widow, often known as the “dowager” usually moves into the dower house, from the larger family house, on the death of her husband, the new heir occupies the now vacated principal house.
The dwelling that is intended for or occupied by the widowed mother of the owner of an ancestral estate.
Dice that run low.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Dice that run low.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The money, goods, or estate that a woman brings to her husband in marriage
A dowry (also known as trousseau) is a gift of money or valuables given by the bride’s family to that of the groom to permit their marriage.
Floozy : Prostitute : Mistress
Not directly listed, but referenced in other words to mean exactly the same as the M-W definition above.
rum doxy — A fine wench.
Mostly used for the more common variety floozy. Often used in reference to tavern wenches, women in dockside bars, etc.
Floozy : Prostitute : Mistress
Not directly listed, but referenced in other words to mean exactly the same as the M-W definition above.
rum doxy — A fine wench.
Mostly used for the more common variety floozy. Often used in reference to tavern wenches, women in dockside bars, etc.
A glass or small measure of any spirituous liquors, which, being originally sold by apothecaries, were estimated by drams, ounces, &c.
To correspond with the dram definition from the Vulgar Tongue, Wikipedia has it listed as: “Dram is also used informally to mean a small amount of liquid, especially Scotch whisky.”
A small portion of something to drink : a small amount
A dram served upon credit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dram served upon credit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stockings (cant/slang)
An article of clothing (as underwear) for the lower body.
A heavy, bungling thief or rogue. A purple dromedary; a bungler in the art and mystery of thieving. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A heavy, bungling thief or rogue. A purple dromedary; a bungler in the art and mystery of thieving. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To let fall, with design, a piece of gold or silver, in order to draw in and cheat the person who sees it picked up; the piece so dropped is called a dropt cog.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To let fall, with design, a piece of gold or silver, in order to draw in and cheat the person who sees it picked up; the piece so dropped is called a dropt cog.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Almost drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Almost drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fit or state of indignation — often used in the phrase in high dudgeon.
Anger
“She was in high dudgeon when Mr. Merriweather declined the invitation.”
Clothes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Clothes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Clothes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A privy. A water closet.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A privy. A water closet.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A gamester, one who rattles Saint Hugh’s bones, i.e. the dice.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A gamester, one who rattles Saint Hugh’s bones, i.e. the dice.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk as an emperor, i.e. ten times as drunk as a lord.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk as an emperor, i.e. ten times as drunk as a lord.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bumper, a glass filled so full as to leave no room for the lip. Also a violent blow on the face.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bumper, a glass filled so full as to leave no room for the lip. Also a violent blow on the face.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It won’t fadge; it won’t do. A farthing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It won’t fadge; it won’t do. A farthing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ornaments, chiefly women’s, such as ribands, necklaces, &c.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ornaments, chiefly women’s, such as ribands, necklaces, &c.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man kept by a lady for secret services.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Not sure the term “secret services” is so secret…
A man kept by a lady for secret services.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Not sure the term “secret services” is so secret…
A man kept by a lady for secret services.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Not sure the term “secret services” is so secret…
A rich fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rich fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The magazine, or warehouse, where stolen goods are secreted.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The magazine, or warehouse, where stolen goods are secreted.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tradesman who sells goods to young unthrift heirs, at excessive rates, and then continually duns them for the debt. To ferret; to search out or expel any one from his hiding-place, as a ferret drives out rabbits; also to cheat. Ferret-eyed; red-eyed: ferrets have red eyes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tradesman who sells goods to young unthrift heirs, at excessive rates, and then continually duns them for the debt. To ferret; to search out or expel any one from his hiding-place, as a ferret drives out rabbits; also to cheat. Ferret-eyed; red-eyed: ferrets have red eyes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Trifling discourse, nonsense. A mere fiddle faddle fellow; a trifier.
Nonesense — often used as an interjection.
He has got the fidgets; said of one that cannot sit long in a place.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
He has got the fidgets; said of one that cannot sit long in a place.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The art of picking pockets. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The art of picking pockets. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who alters figures on bank notes, converting tens to hundreds.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who alters figures on bank notes, converting tens to hundreds.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A beggar’s staff, with an iron hook at the end, to pluck clothes from an hedge, or any thing out of a casement. Filcher; the same as angler. Filching cove; a man thief. Filching mort; a woman thief.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A beggar’s staff, with an iron hook at the end, to pluck clothes from an hedge, or any thing out of a casement. Filcher; the same as angler. Filching cove; a man thief. Filching mort; a woman thief.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The canting or slang language.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The canting or slang language.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bubble, gull, or silly fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bubble, gull, or silly fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bubble, gull, or silly fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Turnpike gates.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Turnpike gates.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lock in wrestling, by which he who uses it throws his adversary over his head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lock in wrestling, by which he who uses it throws his adversary over his head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A cheat, trick, or contrivance, I will not be fobbed off so; I will not be thus deceived with false pretences. The fob is also a small breeches pocket for holding a watch.
A watch pocket : a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached especially to a pocket watch : an ornament attached to a fob chain
An old fogram; a fusty old fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An old fogram; a fusty old fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An old fogram; a fusty old fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An old fogram; a fusty old fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The man that wants to be a dandy, but goes a little too far. If the hero is a fop in the first pages, he is most likely in disguise.
A foolish or silly person : a man who is devoted to or vain about his appearance or dress : coxcomb, dandy
The fop is a stock character who appears from time to time in fiction. He is a person who makes a habit of fastidiously overdressing and putting on airs, aspiring to be viewed as an aristocrat. In English, the word fop is older, but the meaning of an overdressed, frivolously fastidious man may not be; Shakespeare’s King Lear contains the word, in the general sense of a fool. Osric in Hamlet has a great deal of the manner.
Note: Fop is not defined in the 1811 Vulgar Tongue, even though it is referenced throughout under Coxcomb, Maccaroni(sic), Fribble and more.
The man that wants to be a dandy, but goes a little too far. If the hero is a fop in the first pages, he is most likely in disguise.
A foolish or silly person : a man who is devoted to or vain about his appearance or dress : coxcomb, dandy
The fop is a stock character who appears from time to time in fiction. He is a person who makes a habit of fastidiously overdressing and putting on airs, aspiring to be viewed as an aristocrat. In English, the word fop is older, but the meaning of an overdressed, frivolously fastidious man may not be; Shakespeare’s King Lear contains the word, in the general sense of a fool. Osric in Hamlet has a great deal of the manner.
Note: Fop is not defined in the 1811 Vulgar Tongue, even though it is referenced throughout under Coxcomb, Maccaroni(sic), Fribble and more.
A gamester’s last stake.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A gamester’s last stake.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To pick a pocket.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To pick a pocket.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Lawless robbers and plunderers: originally soldiers who served without pay, for the privilege of plundering the enemy.
Pirates, plunderers
A trifling, fiddle-faddle fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A trifling, fiddle-faddle fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A trifling, fiddle-faddle fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Plump. A fubsey wench; a plump, healthy wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Plump. A fubsey wench; a plump, healthy wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Nonsense.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Nonsense.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A confusion, a hurry, an unnecessary to do about trifles.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A confusion, a hurry, an unnecessary to do about trifles.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bombast language. Red fustian; port wine.
High-flown or affected writing or speech; broadly : anything high-flown or affected in style
GAB, or GOB. The mouth. Gift of the gab; a facility of speech, nimble tongued eloquence. To blow the gab; to confess, or peach.
GIFT OF THE GAB. A facility of speech.
GOB. The mouth; also a bit or morsel: whence gobbets. Gift of the gob; wide-mouthed, or one who speaks fluently, or sings well.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
GAB, or GOB. The mouth. Gift of the gab; a facility of speech, nimble tongued eloquence. To blow the gab; to confess, or peach.
GIFT OF THE GAB. A facility of speech.
GOB. The mouth; also a bit or morsel: whence gobbets. Gift of the gob; wide-mouthed, or one who speaks fluently, or sings well.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An exclamation said to be derived from the Italian word cazzo.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An exclamation said to be derived from the Italian word cazzo.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A hodgepodge made up of the remnants and scraps of the larder.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A hodgepodge made up of the remnants and scraps of the larder.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A grief, or pickpocket; also one that associates with them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A grief, or pickpocket; also one that associates with them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To humbug. To deceive, To tell lies. What rum gamon the old file pitched to the flat; how finely the knowing old fellow humbugged the fool.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To humbug. To deceive, To tell lies. What rum gamon the old file pitched to the flat; how finely the knowing old fellow humbugged the fool.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An entrance fee demanded by the old prisoners of one just committed to gaol.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An entrance fee demanded by the old prisoners of one just committed to gaol.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It won’t gee; it won’t hit or do, it does not suit or fit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It won’t gee; it won’t hit or do, it does not suit or fit.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The art of shoemaking. One of the gentle craft: a shoemaker: so called because once practiced by St. Crispin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Also practiced by Joshua McShaver in The Earl of Her Dreams.
The art of shoemaking. One of the gentle craft: a shoemaker: so called because once practiced by St. Crispin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Also practiced by Joshua McShaver in The Earl of Her Dreams.
A gentleman. (cant/slang)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A gentleman. (cant/slang)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of his get; one of his offspring, or begetting.
Something begotten : offspring : the entire progeny of a male animal : lineage
A light two-wheeled one-horse carriage.
A Gig is a 2-wheeled cart to be pulled by a horse. Gig carts are constructed with the driver’s seat sitting higher than the level of the shafts. Traditionally, a Gig is more formal than a Village cart and Meadowbrook cart.
A light two-wheeled one-horse carriage.
A Gig is a 2-wheeled cart to be pulled by a horse. Gig carts are constructed with the driver’s seat sitting higher than the level of the shafts. Traditionally, a Gig is more formal than a Village cart and Meadowbrook cart.
A proud minx, a vain capricious woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A proud minx, a vain capricious woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Angry, or in a passion. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Angry, or in a passion. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To give any one a pair of gloves; to make them a present or bribe. To win a pair of gloves; to kiss a man whilst he sleeps: for this a pair of gloves is due to any lady who will thus earn them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To give any one a pair of gloves; to make them a present or bribe. To win a pair of gloves; to kiss a man whilst he sleeps: for this a pair of gloves is due to any lady who will thus earn them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A term used by bruisers to signify a man who will bear a great deal of beating.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ah, the old “glutton for punishment.”
A term used by bruisers to signify a man who will bear a great deal of beating.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ah, the old “glutton for punishment.”
While choosing the Word of the Day for today (ambidexter) I came across the delightful phrase “goes snacks,” which means to share, split, go fifty-fifty. For some reason I find this phrase hilarious. Perhaps it is the dual part of me that vies between sarcasm and a love of cutesy things. My mission this week: to work “go snacks” into a conversation. A nice usage would be, “Hey, you want to go snacks on that winning lotto ticket?”
All-a-gog; impatient, anxious, or desirous of a thing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
All-a-gog; impatient, anxious, or desirous of a thing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who has commonly a purse full of gold. Goldfinches; guineas.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who has commonly a purse full of gold. Goldfinches; guineas.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A large, clumsy fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A large, clumsy fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A large, clumsy fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A silly fellow or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A silly fellow or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A silly fellow or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Handcuffs.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Handcuffs.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Blear-eyed, one whose eyes have a running humor.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Blear-eyed, one whose eyes have a running humor.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Old Mr. Grim; death.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Old Mr. Grim; death.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A domestic cat; especially : an old female cat.
A cat: mawkin signifies a hare in Scotland.
A foolish grinning fellow, one who grins without reason.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish grinning fellow, one who grins without reason.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rum and water. Grog was first introduced into the navy about the year 1740, by Admiral Vernon, to prevent the sailors intoxicating themselves with their allowance of rum, or spirits. Groggy, or groggified; drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rum and water. Grog was first introduced into the navy about the year 1740, by Admiral Vernon, to prevent the sailors intoxicating themselves with their allowance of rum, or spirits. Groggy, or groggified; drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Tea.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Tea.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One easily imposed on. To gudgeon; to swallow the bait, or fall into a trap: from the fish of that name, which is easily taken.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One easily imposed on. To gudgeon; to swallow the bait, or fall into a trap: from the fish of that name, which is easily taken.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A simple credulous fellow, easily cheated.
Gulled = Deceived, cheated, imposed on.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A simple credulous fellow, easily cheated.
Gulled = Deceived, cheated, imposed on.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Abusive language. Come, let us have no more of your gum.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Abusive language. Come, let us have no more of your gum.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Exceeding hungry.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Like when you have waited two hours for a table and are ready to eat your fork…
Exceeding hungry.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Like when you have waited two hours for a table and are ready to eat your fork…
GUZZLE. Liquor. To guzzle; to drink greedily.
GUZZLE GUTS. One greedy of liquor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I just found the term guzzle guts too funny.
GUZZLE. Liquor. To guzzle; to drink greedily.
GUZZLE GUTS. One greedy of liquor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I just found the term guzzle guts too funny.
A haberdasher is a person who sells small items via retail, commonly items used in clothing, such as ribbons and buttons, or completed accessories, such as hats or gloves. A haberdasher’s shop or the items sold therein are called haberdashery.
In Europe, it is more common to hear this word in reference to someone who sells buttons, thread, ribbons, drapery, etc.
A dealer in men’s clothing and accessories.
Beginning in the 17th century, they were originally horse-drawn carriages, later modernized as hansom cabs (1834), that operated as vehicles for hire.
A coach kept for hire; especially : a four-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses and having seats for six persons.
A hack can also be used to describe a horse:
A horse let out for common hire (2) : a horse used in all kinds of work b : a horse worn out in service : JADE c : a light easy saddle horse; especially : a three-gaited saddle horse d : a ride on a horse
Beginning in the 17th century, they were originally horse-drawn carriages, later modernized as hansom cabs (1834), that operated as vehicles for hire.
A coach kept for hire; especially : a four-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses and having seats for six persons.
A hack can also be used to describe a horse:
A horse let out for common hire (2) : a horse used in all kinds of work b : a horse worn out in service : JADE c : a light easy saddle horse; especially : a three-gaited saddle horse d : a ride on a horse
Sixpence.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Sixpence.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Almost drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Almost drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To hanker after any thing; to have a longing after or for it.
To have a strong or persistent desire : YEARN — often used with for or after
A Hansom cab is a kind of horse-drawn carriage first designed and patented in 1834 by Joseph Hansom, an architect from Hinckley, Leicestershire, England. Originally known as the Hansom Safety Cab, its purpose was to combine speed with safety, with a low center of gravity that was essential for safe cornering.
A light 2-wheeled covered carriage with the driver’s seat elevated behind — called also hansom cab.
A Hansom cab is a kind of horse-drawn carriage first designed and patented in 1834 by Joseph Hansom, an architect from Hinckley, Leicestershire, England. Originally known as the Hansom Safety Cab, its purpose was to combine speed with safety, with a low center of gravity that was essential for safe cornering.
A light 2-wheeled covered carriage with the driver’s seat elevated behind — called also hansom cab.
To harp upon; to dwell upon a subject.
To dwell on or recur to a subject tiresomely or monotonously — usually used with on.
Shrew
A hagged old woman; a miserable, scraggy, worn-out harlot, fit to take her bawd’s degree: derived from the French word HARIDELLE, a worn-out jade of a horse or mare.
Shrew
A hagged old woman; a miserable, scraggy, worn-out harlot, fit to take her bawd’s degree: derived from the French word HARIDELLE, a worn-out jade of a horse or mare.
Under the hatches; in trouble, distress, or debt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Under the hatches; in trouble, distress, or debt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thin sharp face.
A long thin face.
A thin sharp face.
A long thin face.
Wavering, doubtful, shilly shally.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Wavering, doubtful, shilly shally.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Licensed itinerant retailers of different commodities, called also peddlars; likewise the sellers of news-papers.
Hawk – to offer for sale by calling out in the street
Licensed itinerant retailers of different commodities, called also peddlers; likewise the sellers of news-papers. Hawking; an effort to spit up the thick phlegm, called OYSTERS: whence it is wit upon record, to ask the person so doing whether he has a license; a punning allusion to the Act of hawkers and peddlers.
Teeth. (Sea phrase)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Teeth. (Sea phrase)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A robber of hedges.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
“Bring me a shrubbery!”
A robber of hedges.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
“Bring me a shrubbery!”
A peg in the heel of a shoe, taken out when it is finished. A person leaving any liquor in his glass, is frequently called upon by the toast-master to take off his heel-tap.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A peg in the heel of a shoe, taken out when it is finished. A person leaving any liquor in his glass, is frequently called upon by the toast-master to take off his heel-tap.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To he laid by the heels; to be confined, or put in prison. Out at heels; worn, or diminished: his estate or affairs are out at heels. To turn up his heels; to turn up the knave of trumps at the game of all-fours.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To he laid by the heels; to be confined, or put in prison. Out at heels; worn, or diminished: his estate or affairs are out at heels. To turn up his heels; to turn up the knave of trumps at the game of all-fours.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A termagant, a vixen, a furious scolding woman. See TERMAGANT and VIXEN.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A termagant, a vixen, a furious scolding woman. See TERMAGANT and VIXEN.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A house where the woman rules; called also a SHE HOUSE, and HEN FRIGATE: the latter a sea phrase, originally applied to a ship, the captain of which had his wife on board, supposed to command him.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A house where the woman rules; called also a SHE HOUSE, and HEN FRIGATE: the latter a sea phrase, originally applied to a ship, the captain of which had his wife on board, supposed to command him.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A husband governed by his wife, is said to be henpecked.
To subject (one’s husband) to persistent nagging and domination
The devil a barrel the better herring; all equally bad.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The devil a barrel the better herring; all equally bad.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drinking twice to the same person.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Here, here! *clink*
Drinking twice to the same person.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Here, here! *clink*
Tipsey; quasi, hiccuping.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Tipsey; quasi, hiccuping.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Confusedly mixed.
In a confused, disordered, or random manner
It is high water, with him; he is full of money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It is high water, with him; he is full of money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To kick out a hind leg; to make a rustic bow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To kick out a hind leg; to make a rustic bow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Will you hob or nob with me? A question formerly in fashion at polite tables, signifying a request or challenge to drink a glass of wine with the proposer: if the party challenged answered Nob, they were to chuse whether white or red. This foolish custom is said to have originated in the days of good queen Bess, thus: when great chimnies were in fashion, there was at each corner of the hearth, or grate, a small elevated projection, called the hob; and behind it a seat. In winter time the beer was placed on the hob to warm: and the cold beer was set on a small table, said to have been called the nob; so that the question, Will you have hob or nob? seems only to have meant, Will you have warm or cold beer? i.e. beer from the hob, or beer from the nob.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink sociably : to associate familiarly
Will you hob or nob with me? A question formerly in fashion at polite tables, signifying a request or challenge to drink a glass of wine with the proposer: if the party challenged answered Nob, they were to chuse whether white or red. This foolish custom is said to have originated in the days of good queen Bess, thus: when great chimnies were in fashion, there was at each corner of the hearth, or grate, a small elevated projection, called the hob; and behind it a seat. In winter time the beer was placed on the hob to warm: and the cold beer was set on a small table, said to have been called the nob; so that the question, Will you have hob or nob? seems only to have meant, Will you have warm or cold beer? i.e. beer from the hob, or beer from the nob.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink sociably : to associate familiarly
Half a man and half a boy, a lad between both.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Half man, half goat. Wait, wrong word…
In Merriam-Webster this is listed as hobbledehoy (the awkward youth, not the goat).
Half a man and half a boy, a lad between both.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Half man, half goat. Wait, wrong word…
In Merriam-Webster this is listed as hobbledehoy (the awkward youth, not the goat).
Impeded, interrupted, puzzled. To hobble;to walk lamely.
To cause to limp : make lame : cripple
To fasten together the legs of (as a horse) to prevent straying : fetter : to place under handicap : hamper : impede
A man who is a great keeper or rider of hobby horses; one that is apt to be strongly attached to his systems of amusement.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man who is a great keeper or rider of hobby horses; one that is apt to be strongly attached to his systems of amusement.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Early bicycle without pedals, you sat on it and pushed along the ground in strides with your legs.
A lightweight wheeled vehicle propelled by the rider.
Early bicycle without pedals, you sat on it and pushed along the ground in strides with your legs.
A lightweight wheeled vehicle propelled by the rider.
Drunk with strong stale beer, called old hock. See HICKEY.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk with strong stale beer, called old hock. See HICKEY.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Vulgar appellation for the feet. You have leftthe marks of your dirty hocks on my clean stairs; a frequentcomplaint from a mop squeezer to a footman.
1 : the tarsal joint or region in the hind limb of a digitigrade quadruped (as the horse) corresponding to the human ankle but elevated and bending backward : a joint of a fowl’s leg that corresponds to the hock of a quadruped
2 : a small cut of meat from a front or hind leg just above the foot
A short clumsy person, either male or female.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Anyone else start singing, “Lodi Dodi, we likes to party” after reading this?
A short clumsy person, either male or female.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Anyone else start singing, “Lodi Dodi, we likes to party” after reading this?
A short clumsy person, either male or female.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Anyone else start singing, “Lodi Dodi, we likes to party” after reading this?
An irregular mixture of numerous things.
A heterogeneous mixture : jumble
Not to be confused with modge podge, a good decoupage glue.
A mean stingy fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A mean stingy fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A mean stingy fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rude, unmannerly, filthy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rude, unmannerly, filthy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rude, unmannerly, filthy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A hoity-toity wench; a giddy, thoughtless, romping girl.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A hoity-toity wench; a giddy, thoughtless, romping girl.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It was quiet a hollow thing; i.e. a certainty, or decided business.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It was quiet a hollow thing; i.e. a certainty, or decided business.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To marry a woman with whom one has cohabitated as a mistress, is termed, making an honest woman of her.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To marry a woman with whom one has cohabitated as a mistress, is termed, making an honest woman of her.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To marry a woman with whom one has cohabitated as a mistress, is termed, making an honest woman of her.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To beat the hoof; to travel on foot. He hoofed itor beat the hoof, every step of the way from Chester to London.
Walk
A dancing master.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I find this hilariously cute.
A dancing master.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I find this hilariously cute.
A kiss with a loud smack; also a bite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A kiss with a loud smack; also a bite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ale and brandy made hot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ale and brandy made hot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A romping girl. (Written as hoydon not hoyden)
A high-spirited, boisterous, or saucy girl.
Confusion. A hubble-bubble fellow; a man of confused ideas, or one thick of speech, whose words sound like water bubbling out of a bottle. Also an instrument used for smoking through water in the East Indies, called likewise a caloon, and hooker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Confusion. A hubble-bubble fellow; a man of confused ideas, or one thick of speech, whose words sound like water bubbling out of a bottle. Also an instrument used for smoking through water in the East Indies, called likewise a caloon, and hooker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A noise, riot, or disturbance.
Loud noise; din. : Confusion; tumult.
Beer, egg, and brandy, made hot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beer, egg, and brandy, made hot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
By stealth, privately, without making an appearance. They spent their money in a hugger mugger way.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
By stealth, privately, without making an appearance. They spent their money in a hugger mugger way.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To deceive, or impose on one by some story or device. A humbug; a jocular imposition, or deception. To hum and haw; to hesitate in speech, also to delay, or be with difficulty brought to consent to any matter or business,
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To deceive, or impose on one by some story or device. A humbug; a jocular imposition, or deception. To hum and haw; to hesitate in speech, also to delay, or be with difficulty brought to consent to any matter or business,
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A little humpty dumpty man or woman; a short clumsy person of either sex: also ale boiled with brandy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A little humpty dumpty man or woman; a short clumsy person of either sex: also ale boiled with brandy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A covetous miserable fellow, a miser; also the name of a famous bear mentioned by Ben Jonson.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Slightly different from the way we use it today.
A covetous miserable fellow, a miser; also the name of a famous bear mentioned by Ben Jonson.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Slightly different from the way we use it today.
A covetous miserable fellow, a miser; also the name of a famous bear mentioned by Ben Jonson.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Slightly different from the way we use it today.
An amusement practised by postboys and stage-coachmen, which consists in following a one-horse chaise, and driving it before them, passing close to it, so as to brush the wheel, and by other means terrifying any woman or person that may be in it. A man whose turn comes for him to drink, before he has emptied his former glass, is said to be hunted.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An amusement practised by postboys and stage-coachmen, which consists in following a one-horse chaise, and driving it before them, passing close to it, so as to brush the wheel, and by other means terrifying any woman or person that may be in it. A man whose turn comes for him to drink, before he has emptied his former glass, is said to be hunted.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A kind of fiddle, originally made perhaps out of a gourd. See HUMSTRUM.
HUM TRUM. (sic) A musical instrument made of a mopstick, a bladder, and some packthread, thence also called a bladder and string, and hurdy gurdy; it is played on like a violin, which is sometimes ludicrously called a humstrum; sometimes, instead of a bladder, a tin canister is used.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A kind of fiddle, originally made perhaps out of a gourd. See HUMSTRUM.
HUM TRUM. (sic) A musical instrument made of a mopstick, a bladder, and some packthread, thence also called a bladder and string, and hurdy gurdy; it is played on like a violin, which is sometimes ludicrously called a humstrum; sometimes, instead of a bladder, a tin canister is used.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rout, riot, bustle or confusion.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rout, riot, bustle or confusion.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hush the cull; murder the fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hush the cull; murder the fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Money given to hush up or conceal a robbery, theft, or any other offense, or to take off the evidence from appearing against a criminal.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Somehow I don’t think it would fly in a Regency book, historically accurate or not.
Money given to hush up or conceal a robbery, theft, or any other offense, or to take off the evidence from appearing against a criminal.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Somehow I don’t think it would fly in a Regency book, historically accurate or not.
Money given to hush up or conceal a robbery, theft, or any other offense, or to take off the evidence from appearing against a criminal.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Somehow I don’t think it would fly in a Regency book, historically accurate or not.
An abbreviation of housewife, but now always used as a term of reproach; as, How now, hussy? or She is a light hussy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An abbreviation of housewife, but now always used as a term of reproach; as, How now, hussy? or She is a light hussy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The knowledge box, the head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The knowledge box, the head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Cutting out the backs of coaches, and robbing the seats.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Too funny.
Cutting out the backs of coaches, and robbing the seats.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Too funny.
Encroaching.
To move by small degrees : progress slowly (the long line of people inching up the stairs).
Encroaching.
To move by small degrees : progress slowly (the long line of people inching up the stairs).
Breeches.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Breeches.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Well inlaid; in easy circumstances, rich or well to pass.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Well inlaid; in easy circumstances, rich or well to pass.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Money in general. To polish the king’s iron with one’s eyebrows; to look out of grated or prison windows, or, as the Irishman expresses them, the iron glass windows. Iron doublet; a prison.
Money in general.
Also: To polish the king’s iron with one’s eyebrows; to look out of grated or prison windows, or, as the Irishman expresses them, the iron glass windows. Iron doublet; a prison.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Money in general. To polish the king’s iron with one’s eyebrows; to look out of grated or prison windows, or, as the Irishman expresses them, the iron glass windows. Iron doublet; a prison.
Money in general.
Also: To polish the king’s iron with one’s eyebrows; to look out of grated or prison windows, or, as the Irishman expresses them, the iron glass windows. Iron doublet; a prison.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Teeth. How the swell flashed his ivories; how the gentleman shewed(sic) his teeth.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Teeth. How the swell flashed his ivories; how the gentleman shewed(sic) his teeth.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A farthing, a small bowl serving as the mark for bowlers. An instrument for pulling off boots.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A farthing, a small bowl serving as the mark for bowlers. An instrument for pulling off boots.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A poor hackney parson.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A poor hackney parson.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sharper, or cheat. A child in the mother’s womb.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sharper, or cheat. A child in the mother’s womb.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An insolent fellow in authority.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An insolent fellow in authority.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
JACK KETCH. The hangman; DERRICK and KETCH.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
JACK KETCH. The hangman; DERRICK and KETCH.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An impudent or conceited fellow : a saucy or mischievous child.
An ape; a pert, ugly, little fellow.
You are more likely to find the M-W definition in Regency novels — a man who is cheeky or impertinent.
An impudent or conceited fellow : a saucy or mischievous child.
An ape; a pert, ugly, little fellow.
You are more likely to find the M-W definition in Regency novels — a man who is cheeky or impertinent.
A term of reproach to women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A term of reproach to women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A term of reproach to women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A term of reproach to women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Prisoners.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those phrases that sounds too modern.
Prisoners.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those phrases that sounds too modern.
Prisoners.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those phrases that sounds too modern.
Hanged. (cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hanged. (cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A seal.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A seal.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Those, who fabricate counterfeit passes, licenses, and certificates for beggars.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Those, who fabricate counterfeit passes, licenses, and certificates for beggars.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A hackney coachman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Listed in the Vulgar Tongue as jarvis, but also seen in books as jarvey.
A hackney coachman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Listed in the Vulgar Tongue as jarvis, but also seen in books as jarvey.
A hackney coachman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Listed in the Vulgar Tongue as jarvis, but also seen in books as jarvey.
A citizen cheated of his gold.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A citizen cheated of his gold.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Speech, discourse. Give us none of your jaw; let us have none of your discourse. A jaw-me-dead; a talkative fellow. Jaw work; a cry used in fairs by the sellers of nuts.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Speech, discourse. Give us none of your jaw; let us have none of your discourse. A jaw-me-dead; a talkative fellow. Jaw work; a cry used in fairs by the sellers of nuts.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A smart jemmy fellow, a fopling.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
How cute is fopling?!
A smart jemmy fellow, a fopling.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
How cute is fopling?!
A trick. A pleasant jig; a witty arch trick. Also a lock or door. The feather-bed jig; copulation.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A trick. A pleasant jig; a witty arch trick. Also a lock or door. The feather-bed jig; copulation.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tricking woman, who encourages the addresses of a man whom she means to deceive and abandon.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tricking woman, who encourages the addresses of a man whom she means to deceive and abandon.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rejected by a woman who has encouraged one’s advances.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rejected by a woman who has encouraged one’s advances.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A wild, thoughtless, rattling fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A wild, thoughtless, rattling fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Horse cosers, frequenting country fairs.
Horse coser = A dealer in horses: vulgarly and corruptly pronounced HORSE COURSER. The verb TO COSE was used by the Scots, in the sense of bartering or exchanging
Horse cosers, frequenting country fairs.
Horse coser = A dealer in horses: vulgarly and corruptly pronounced HORSE COURSER. The verb TO COSE was used by the Scots, in the sense of bartering or exchanging
The head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The old jobbernole.
The head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The old jobbernole.
A merry facetious fellow; a BON VIVANT, who never flinches from his glass, nor cries to go home to bed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
For the definition of bon vivant, see below, or go here.
A merry facetious fellow; a BON VIVANT, who never flinches from his glass, nor cries to go home to bed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
For the definition of bon vivant, see below, or go here.
The head. I’ll lump your jolly nob for you; I’ll give you a knock on the head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To continue from yesterday…
The head. I’ll lump your jolly nob for you; I’ll give you a knock on the head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To continue from yesterday…
A large head; metaphorically a stupid fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Sounds like something a young kid might call another — “You…you, jolter head!”
A large head; metaphorically a stupid fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Sounds like something a young kid might call another — “You…you, jolter head!”
A large head; metaphorically a stupid fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Sounds like something a young kid might call another — “You…you, jolter head!”
A countryman. The dropcove maced the Joskin of twenty quid; The ring dropper cheated the countryman of twenty guineas.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of the best things about this dictionary is the examples.
A countryman. The dropcove maced the Joskin of twenty quid; The ring dropper cheated the countryman of twenty guineas.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of the best things about this dictionary is the examples.
Usually slack flesh (as a dewlap, wattle, or the pendulous part of a double chin) associated with the cheeks, lower jaw, or throat : jaw; especially : mandible : one of the lateral halves of the mandible : cheek : the cheek meat of a hog (a dinner of boiled jowl)
The cheek. Cheek by jowl; close together, or cheek to cheek. My eyes how the cull sucked the blowen’s jowl; he kissed the wench handsomely.
A punishment in use among the Dutch seamen, in which, for certain offences, the delinquent is drawn once, or oftener, under the ship’s keel: ludicrously defined, undergoing a great hard-ship.
To haul under the keel of a ship as punishment or torture : to rebuke severely
A horse. Welsh.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A horse. Welsh.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A house. A bob ken, or a bowman ken; a well-furnished house, also a house that harbors thieves. Biting the ken; robbing the house. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A house. A bob ken, or a bowman ken; a well-furnished house, also a house that harbors thieves. Biting the ken; robbing the house. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A housebreaker. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A housebreaker. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bond, pledge, oath, and keep the money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bond, pledge, oath, and keep the money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
When a person has perplexed his affairs in general, or any particular business, he is said to have made a fine kettle of fish of it.
A bad state of affairs : mess : something to be considered or reckoned with : matter (books and discs… were two very different kettles of fish — Roland Gelatt)
Breeches. A high kick; the top of the fashion. It is all the kick; it is the present mode. Tip us your kicks, we’ll have them as well as your lour; pull off your breeches, for we must have them as well as your money. A kick; sixpence. Two and a kick; half-a-crown. A kick in the guts; a dram of gin, or any other spirituous liquor. A kick up; a disturbance, also a hop or dance. An odd kick in one’s gallop; a strange whim or peculiarity.
Breeches. A high kick; the top of the fashion. It is all the kick; it is the present mode. Tip us your kicks, we’ll have them as well as your lour; pull off your breeches, for we must have them as well as your money. A kick; sixpence. Two and a kick; half-a-crown. A kick in the guts; a dram of gin, or any other spirituous liquor. A kick up; a disturbance, also a hop or dance. An odd kick in one’s gallop; a strange whim or peculiarity.
A little dapper fellow. A child. The blowen has napped the kid. The girl is with child.
The word kid is not anachronistic to the time period.
A little dapper fellow. A child. The blowen has napped the kid. The girl is with child.
The word kid is not anachronistic to the time period.
A little dapper fellow. A child. The blowen has napped the kid. The girl is with child.
The word kid is not anachronistic to the time period.
Young thieves.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Young thieves.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Disposition, principles, humour. Of a strange kidney; of an odd or unaccountable humour. A man of a different kidney; a man of different principles.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Disposition, principles, humour. Of a strange kidney; of an odd or unaccountable humour. A man of a different kidney; a man of different principles.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Coin, money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Coin, money.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
That part where the loaves have touched the oven.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
That part where the loaves have touched the oven.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dancing-master, so called from his kit or cittern, a small fiddle, which dancing-masters always carry about with them, to play to their scholars. The kit is likewise the whole of a soldier’s necessaries, the contents of his knapsack: and is used also to express the whole of different commodities: as, Here, take the whole kit; i.e. take all.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dancing-master, so called from his kit or cittern, a small fiddle, which dancing-masters always carry about with them, to play to their scholars. The kit is likewise the whole of a soldier’s necessaries, the contents of his knapsack: and is used also to express the whole of different commodities: as, Here, take the whole kit; i.e. take all.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A jocular method of hobbling or bothering a troublesome teller of long stories: this is done by contradicting some very immaterial circumstance at the beginning of the narration, the objections to which being settled, others are immediately started to some new particular of like consequence; thus impeding, or rather not suffering him to enter into, the main story. Kittle pitchering is often practised in confederacy, one relieving the other, by which the design is rendered less obvious.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Love this.
A jocular method of hobbling or bothering a troublesome teller of long stories: this is done by contradicting some very immaterial circumstance at the beginning of the narration, the objections to which being settled, others are immediately started to some new particular of like consequence; thus impeding, or rather not suffering him to enter into, the main story. Kittle pitchering is often practised in confederacy, one relieving the other, by which the design is rendered less obvious.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Love this.
Effects, furniture; stock in trade. To seize one’s kittys; to take his sticks.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Effects, furniture; stock in trade. To seize one’s kittys; to take his sticks.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A toy-shop, a nick-nack-atory.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
For some reason nick-nack-atory makes me want to sing Mary Poppins tunes…
A toy-shop, a nick-nack-atory.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
For some reason nick-nack-atory makes me want to sing Mary Poppins tunes…
More hog than gentleman. A saying of any low pretender to precedency.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
More hog than gentleman. A saying of any low pretender to precedency.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bully.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It’s the Knight fortnight!
A bully.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It’s the Knight fortnight!
A false evidence, one that is ready to swear any thing for hire.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A false evidence, one that is ready to swear any thing for hire.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A footman: from the variety of colours in the liveries and trimming of gentlemen of that cloth.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A footman: from the variety of colours in the liveries and trimming of gentlemen of that cloth.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A highwayman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A highwayman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A taylor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A taylor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A taylor or stay-maker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A taylor or stay-maker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A great eater.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A great eater.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coachman.
A coachman.
The head. (See nob)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head. (See nob)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beating. I’ll lace your jacket handsomely.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beating. I’ll lace your jacket handsomely.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Light or lewd women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Light or lewd women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Light or lewd women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Apples roasted and put into strong ale.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Apples roasted and put into strong ale.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An eye. The cove has a queer lamp. The man has a blind or squinting eye.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An eye. The cove has a queer lamp. The man has a blind or squinting eye.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Highwaymen.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Arg, matey!
Highwaymen.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Arg, matey!
A four-wheel carriage with a top divided into two sections that can be let down, thrown back, or removed and with a raised seat outside for the driver. Illustration: http://www.m-w.com/mw/art/landau.htm
A landau is a lightweight open carriage on elliptical springs, invented in the 18th century (first noted in English in 1743 [1]), and named after the city of Landau in the Rhenish Palatinate, French at the time, where they were first produced.
Lord, Hopkinson, coachmakers of Holborn London, produced the first English landaus in the 1830s (Museum Victoria). A landau, drawn by a pair or four-in-hand, is similar to a vis-à-vis, a social carriage with facing seats over a dropped footwell (illustration), which was perfected by mid-19th century in the form of a swept base that flowed in a single curve. Double soft folding tops at front and rear ordinarily lie perfectly flat but in a pinch can completely cover the passengers, latched at the center, with some loss of a graceful line.
Landaus were expensive and luxurious.
A four-wheel carriage with a top divided into two sections that can be let down, thrown back, or removed and with a raised seat outside for the driver. Illustration: http://www.m-w.com/mw/art/landau.htm
A landau is a lightweight open carriage on elliptical springs, invented in the 18th century (first noted in English in 1743 [1]), and named after the city of Landau in the Rhenish Palatinate, French at the time, where they were first produced.
Lord, Hopkinson, coachmakers of Holborn London, produced the first English landaus in the 1830s (Museum Victoria). A landau, drawn by a pair or four-in-hand, is similar to a vis-à-vis, a social carriage with facing seats over a dropped footwell (illustration), which was perfected by mid-19th century in the form of a swept base that flowed in a single curve. Double soft folding tops at front and rear ordinarily lie perfectly flat but in a pinch can completely cover the passengers, latched at the center, with some loss of a graceful line.
Landaus were expensive and luxurious.
A source of or quest for amusement or adventure (thought life was a lark) (entered the race on a lark).
A piece of merriment. People playing together jocosely.
Let in.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Let in.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Thin, slender. A lathy wench; a girl almost as slender as a lath.
Like a lath; long and slender. A lathy horse, all legs and length.
A nick-name for an attorney; from the name of a writ.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A nick-name for an attorney; from the name of a writ.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A wife.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
A wife.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
Lazy people frequently take up more than they can safely carry, to save the trouble of coming a second time.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This is SO me when carrying groceries…
Lazy people frequently take up more than they can safely carry, to save the trouble of coming a second time.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This is SO me when carrying groceries…
Apt to blab; one who cannot keep a secret is said to be leaky.
Apt to disclose secrets; tattling; not close. [Colloq.]
Apt to blab; one who cannot keep a secret is said to be leaky.
Apt to disclose secrets; tattling; not close. [Colloq.]
An ancient ceremonial said to constitute a military marriage. A sword being laid down on the ground, the parties to be married joined hands, when the corporal or serjeant of the, company repeated these words:
Leap rogue, and jump whore,
And then you are married for evermore.
Whereupon the happy couple jumped hand in hand over the sword, the drum beating a ruffle; and the parties were ever after considered as man and wife.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An ancient ceremonial said to constitute a military marriage. A sword being laid down on the ground, the parties to be married joined hands, when the corporal or serjeant of the, company repeated these words:
Leap rogue, and jump whore,
And then you are married for evermore.
Whereupon the happy couple jumped hand in hand over the sword, the drum beating a ruffle; and the parties were ever after considered as man and wife.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To play least in sight; to hide, keep out of the way, or make one’s self scarce.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To play least in sight; to hide, keep out of the way, or make one’s self scarce.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To make a leg; to bow. To give leg-bail and land security; to run away. To fight at the leg; to take unfair advantages: it being held unfair by back-sword players to strike at the leg. To break a leg; a woman who has had a bastard, is said to have broken a leg.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gives a whole new meaning to telling someone to “break a leg!”…
To make a leg; to bow. To give leg-bail and land security; to run away. To fight at the leg; to take unfair advantages: it being held unfair by back-sword players to strike at the leg. To break a leg; a woman who has had a bastard, is said to have broken a leg.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gives a whole new meaning to telling someone to “break a leg!”…
Spare diet.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Spare diet.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A whim of the amorous kind, out of the common way.
craving; specifically : sexual desire
A parasite, or talebearer.
A fawning subordinate : toady
A parasite, or talebearer.
A fawning subordinate : toady
A man with a red fiery nose.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
A man with a red fiery nose.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
Thievish, apt to pilfer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Thievish, apt to pilfer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Swift in running. A light-heeled wench; one who is apt, by the flying up of her heels, to fall flat on her back, a willing wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Swift in running. A light-heeled wench; one who is apt, by the flying up of her heels, to fall flat on her back, a willing wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gin. A flash of lightning; a glass of gin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gin. A flash of lightning; a glass of gin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A phrase used by thieves when the officers or turnkeys are examining their countenance. As the traps are taking our likeness; the officers are attentively observing us.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A phrase used by thieves when the officers or turnkeys are examining their countenance. As the traps are taking our likeness; the officers are attentively observing us.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A diminutive man or woman: from Gulliver’s Travels, written by Dean Swift, where an imaginary kingdom of dwarfs of that name is described.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput : often not capitalized a : small, miniature : petty
I love Swift…
A diminutive man or woman: from Gulliver’s Travels, written by Dean Swift, where an imaginary kingdom of dwarfs of that name is described.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the Lilliputians or the island of Lilliput : often not capitalized a : small, miniature : petty
I love Swift…
A prison, confinement.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A prison, confinement.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Duke of limbs; a tall awkward fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Duke of limbs; a tall awkward fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To get a man into a line, i.e. to divert his attention by a ridiculous or absurd story. To humbug.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To get a man into a line, i.e. to divert his attention by a ridiculous or absurd story. To humbug.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dram of brandy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I’m sure you can see why I picked this one. Have a great weekend!
A dram of brandy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I’m sure you can see why I picked this one. Have a great weekend!
Tailors.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
Tailors.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
It depended who was saying this, as to what it would mean.
As in “a lion of the ton” – something someone in society might say:
A person of outstanding interest or importance
–Definition from Merriam-Webster
Used in cant – something a person on the street might say:
To tip the lion; to squeeze the nose of the party tipped, flat to his face with the thumb. To shew the lions and tombs; to point out the particular curiosities of any place, to act the ciceroni: an allusion to Westminster Abbey, and the Tower, where the tombs and lions are shown. A lion is also a name given by the gownsmen of Oxford to an inhabitant or visitor. It is a standing joke among the city wits to send boys and country folks, on the first of April, to the Tower-ditch, to see the lions washed.
–Definition from the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink before a journey.
–Cut from the definition of liquor from the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink before a journey.
–Cut from the definition of liquor from the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A familiar appellation used to a little boy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A familiar appellation used to a little boy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young chimney-sweeper.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young chimney-sweeper.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A small dark cell in Guildhall, London, where disorderly apprentices are confined by the city chamberlain: it is called Little Ease from its being so low that a lad cannot stand upright in it.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A small dark cell in Guildhall, London, where disorderly apprentices are confined by the city chamberlain: it is called Little Ease from its being so low that a lad cannot stand upright in it.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A little boy who gets into a house through the sink-hole, and then opens the door for his accomplices: he is so called, from writhing and twisting like a snake, in order to work himself through the narrow passage.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A little boy who gets into a house through the sink-hole, and then opens the door for his accomplices: he is so called, from writhing and twisting like a snake, in order to work himself through the narrow passage.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A term used by sailors, to signify all landsmen on board their ships.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL.
A term used by sailors, to signify all landsmen on board their ships.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL.
The distinctive clothing or badge formerly worn by the retainers of a person of rank : a servant’s uniform : distinctive dress : garb : an identifying design (as on a vehicle) that designates ownership
The feeding, stabling, and care of horses for pay : livery stable : a concern offering vehicles (as boats) for rent
To be in bad loaf, to be in a disagreeable situation, or in trouble.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To be in bad loaf, to be in a disagreeable situation, or in trouble.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A house to lie in: also a lodging.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A house to lie in: also a lodging.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dish much eaten at sea, composed of salt beef, biscuit and onions, well peppered, and stewed together.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dish much eaten at sea, composed of salt beef, biscuit and onions, well peppered, and stewed together.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A scheme, a mode. I must fight that lock; I must try that scheme.
Character. He stood a queer lock; he bore but an indifferent character. A lock is also a buyer of stolen goods, as well as the receptacle for them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A scheme, a mode. I must fight that lock; I must try that scheme.
Character. He stood a queer lock; he bore but an indifferent character. A lock is also a buyer of stolen goods, as well as the receptacle for them.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A spunging house; a public house kept by sheriff’s officers, to which they convey the persons they have arrested, where they practise every species of imposition and extortion with impunity. Also houses kept by agents or crimps, who enlist, or rather trepan, men to serve the East India or African company as soldiers.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A spunging house; a public house kept by sheriff’s officers, to which they convey the persons they have arrested, where they practise every species of imposition and extortion with impunity. Also houses kept by agents or crimps, who enlist, or rather trepan, men to serve the East India or African company as soldiers.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A blockhead, or stupid fellow. We three loggerheads be: a sentence frequently written under two heads, and the reader by repeating it makes himself the third. A loggerhead is also a double-headed, or bar shot of iron. To go to loggerheads; to fall to fighting.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A blockhead, or stupid fellow. We three loggerheads be: a sentence frequently written under two heads, and the reader by repeating it makes himself the third. A loggerhead is also a double-headed, or bar shot of iron. To go to loggerheads; to fall to fighting.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A blockhead, or stupid fellow. We three loggerheads be: a sentence frequently written under two heads, and the reader by repeating it makes himself the third. A loggerhead is also a double-headed, or bar shot of iron. To go to loggerheads; to fall to fighting.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Mother’s loll; a favourite child, the mother’s darling,
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Mother’s loll; a favourite child, the mother’s darling,
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lazy, idle drone.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
A lazy, idle drone.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
A lazy, idle drone.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
Great. A long price; a great price.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Great. A long price; a great price.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A long-legged person.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A long-legged person.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A voracious appetite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A good one to use on Thanksgiving!
A voracious appetite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A good one to use on Thanksgiving!
Loquacious, not able to keep a secret.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Loquacious, not able to keep a secret.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An awkward, ignorant fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An awkward, ignorant fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An awkward, ignorant fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Lout, idler : a crazy person : simpleton
A country bumkin, or clown.
An opening, or means of escape. To find a loophole in an act of parliament; i.e. a method of evading it.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This word goes in the “this word was used back then?” category.
An opening, or means of escape. To find a loophole in an act of parliament; i.e. a method of evading it.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This word goes in the “this word was used back then?” category.
An opening, or means of escape. To find a loophole in an act of parliament; i.e. a method of evading it.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This word goes in the “this word was used back then?” category.
To leap, to run away. He loped down the dancers; he ran down stairs
An easy usually bounding gait capable of being sustained for a long time
—Not necessarily Regency related. But it’s a good word.
A loitering place, or gossiping shop.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A loitering place, or gossiping shop.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An awkward brutish person
A clumsy stupid fellow
A dull, sluggish person; a lubber; a lob.
A dull inanimate fellow
A dull, sluggish person; a lubber; a lob.
A dull inanimate fellow
Ears or wattles. See wattles.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ears or wattles. See wattles.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Wet linen. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Wet linen. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Thieves who steal wet linen. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To go will lullies on Friday!
Thieves who steal wet linen. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To go will lullies on Friday!
Too much.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A word to use when you are stuffed with turkey.
Too much.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A word to use when you are stuffed with turkey.
Live lumber; soldiers or passengers on board a ship are so called by the sailors.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Live lumber; soldiers or passengers on board a ship are so called by the sailors.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Those who lose a game of whist, without scoring five, are said to be lurched.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Those who lose a game of whist, without scoring five, are said to be lurched.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another fun, foppy term, but with more history.
Maccaroni (sic). An Italian paste made of flour and eggs. Also a fop: which name arose from a club, called the Maccaroni Club, instituted by some of the most dressy travelled gentlemen about town, who led the fashions; whence a man foppishly dressed, was supposed a member of that club, and by contraction styled a Maccaroni.
A member of a class of traveled young Englishmen of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who affected foreign ways b : an affected young man : FOP
In 18th century England, a macaroni was a fashionable man who dressed and even spoke in an outlandishly affected manner. The term pejoratively referred to a person who exceeded the ordinary bounds of fashion in terms of clothes, eating and gambling. Young men who had been to Italy on the Grand Tour adopted the Italian word and said that anything that was fashionable or à la mode was ‘very macaroni’. The expression was particularly used to characterize those people who dressed in high fashion with stripes and tall, powdered wigs with a little hat on top which was so high that it could only be removed on the point of a sword. Macaronies combined the enjoyment of wine, sex and song with effeminacy of dress. They are a precursor to the dandy.
The song Yankee Doodle from the time of the American Revolutionary War talks of a man who stuck a feather in his hat and called it Macaroni. This shows that “Macaroni” at the time was a slang term for the most up-to-date of fashions.
Another fun, foppy term, but with more history.
Maccaroni (sic). An Italian paste made of flour and eggs. Also a fop: which name arose from a club, called the Maccaroni Club, instituted by some of the most dressy travelled gentlemen about town, who led the fashions; whence a man foppishly dressed, was supposed a member of that club, and by contraction styled a Maccaroni.
A member of a class of traveled young Englishmen of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who affected foreign ways b : an affected young man : FOP
In 18th century England, a macaroni was a fashionable man who dressed and even spoke in an outlandishly affected manner. The term pejoratively referred to a person who exceeded the ordinary bounds of fashion in terms of clothes, eating and gambling. Young men who had been to Italy on the Grand Tour adopted the Italian word and said that anything that was fashionable or à la mode was ‘very macaroni’. The expression was particularly used to characterize those people who dressed in high fashion with stripes and tall, powdered wigs with a little hat on top which was so high that it could only be removed on the point of a sword. Macaronies combined the enjoyment of wine, sex and song with effeminacy of dress. They are a precursor to the dandy.
The song Yankee Doodle from the time of the American Revolutionary War talks of a man who stuck a feather in his hat and called it Macaroni. This shows that “Macaroni” at the time was a slang term for the most up-to-date of fashions.
A bawd: from the French maquerel. Mackerel-backed; long-backed.
A pimp; also, a bawd.
A bawd: from the French maquerel. Mackerel-backed; long-backed.
A pimp; also, a bawd.
Stolen. (cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stolen. (cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A halfpenny.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A halfpenny.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Whimsical, capricious
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Whimsical, capricious
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
In the army, a soldier who feigns himself sick, or who induces or protracts an illness, in order to avoid doing his duty; hence, in general, one who shirks his duty by pretending illness or inability : someone shirking their duty by feigning illness or incapacity
A military term for one who, under pretence of sickness, evades his duty.
A rake, a debauchee.
A rake, a debauchee.
A horse racer, or jockey.
A horse racer, or jockey.
A knowing man.
A knowing man.
A woman’s commodity.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A woman’s commodity.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
In the eighteenth century a maker of mantuas, or in general a dressmaker.
Mantua: A usually loose-fitting gown worn especially in the 17th and 18th centuries.
A spoil sport.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A spoil sport.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A spoil sport.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The squalling and crying of children.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The squalling and crying of children.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The knees. To bring any one down on his marrow bones; to make him beg pardon on his knees: some derive this from Mary’s bones, i.e. the bones bent in honour of the Virgin Mary; but this seems rather far-fetched. Marrow bones and cleavers; principal instruments in the band of rough music: these are generally performed on by butchers, on marriages, elections, riding skimmington, and other public or joyous occasions.
A bone (as a shinbone) rich in marrow: plural – KNEES
A strict disciplinarian : a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods
A military term for a strict disciplinarian: from the name of a French general, famous for restoring military discipline to the French army. He first disciplined the French infantry, and regulated their method of encampment: he was killed at the siege of Doesbourg in the year 1672.
A gardener.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A gardener.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A baker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A baker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who pawns his clothes to purchase liquor.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hope no one was Master of the Wardrobe last night!
One who pawns his clothes to purchase liquor.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hope no one was Master of the Wardrobe last night!
Asking or begging. CANT
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Asking or begging. CANT
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Over-modest or backward in speech.
Not plain and straightforward : devious (a mealymouthed politician)
Almost drunk.
Warmed and relaxed by or as if by liquor.
(Other definitions obviously apply!)
A chamber pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Found this funny. There’s a reason the dictionary has vulgar in its title.
A chamber pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Found this funny. There’s a reason the dictionary has vulgar in its title.
One who eats at the same mess, companion or comrade.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who eats at the same mess, companion or comrade.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Not really a Regency thing, but this holiday used to always make me scratch my head in Medievals.
mɪkəlməs
September 29 celebrated as the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel.
Michaelmas (pronounced /’mɪkəlməs/) or the Feast of Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is a day in the Christian calendar, taking place on 29 September. It is one of the English and Welsh and Irish quarter days.
…
During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was a great religious feast and many popular traditions grew up around the day, which coincided with the harvest in much of western Europe. In England it was the custom to eat a goose on Michaelmas, which was supposed to protect against financial need for the next year. In Ireland, finding a ring hidden in a Michaelmas pie meant that one would soon be married.
One who is easily tricked out of his property; a term used by gaolers, for prisoners who have money and bleed freely.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who is easily tricked out of his property; a term used by gaolers, for prisoners who have money and bleed freely.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gold. A mint of money; common phrase for a large sum.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gold. A mint of money; common phrase for a large sum.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gold. A mint of money; common phrase for a large sum.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A shirt, smock, or sheet. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A shirt, smock, or sheet. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coat, or petticoat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coat, or petticoat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A written communication : letter
Etymology: Middle French lettre missive, literally, letter intended to be sent.
Letter missive = a letter from a superior authority conveying a command, recommendation, permission, or invitation.
One who makes and sells fashionable dresses and hats for women.
A maker of fashionable clothing and accessories, with the implication that the articles made reflect the current Paris modes.
Terms used by printers: monks are sheets where the letters are blotted, or printed too black; friars, those letters where the ink has failed touching the type, which are therefore white or faint.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Terms used by printers: monks are sheets where the letters are blotted, or printed too black; friars, those letters where the ink has failed touching the type, which are therefore white or faint.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A squinting wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL!
A squinting wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL!
A squinting wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
LOL!
A kind of annual fair in the west of England, where farmers usually hire their servants.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A kind of annual fair in the west of England, where farmers usually hire their servants.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A maid servant, particularly a housemaid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A maid servant, particularly a housemaid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The gallows. He napped the king’s pardon and escaped the morning drop; he was pardoned, and was not hanged.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The gallows. He napped the king’s pardon and escaped the morning drop; he was pardoned, and was not hanged.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A woman or wench; also a yeoman’s daughter. To be taken all-a mort; to be confounded, surprised, or motionless through fear.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A woman or wench; also a yeoman’s daughter. To be taken all-a mort; to be confounded, surprised, or motionless through fear.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A girl, or wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A girl, or wench.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Small patches worn by ladies: from the French word mouches.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Small patches worn by ladies: from the French word mouches.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The parson’s mousetrap; the state of matrimony.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The parson’s mousetrap; the state of matrimony.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A silly fellow. A dupe. To stand mouth; i.e. to be duped.
A noisy fellow. Mouth half cocked; one gaping and staring at every thing he sees. To make any one laugh on the wrong, or t’other side of his mouth; to make him cry or grieve.
A silly fellow. A dupe. To stand mouth; i.e. to be duped.
A noisy fellow. Mouth half cocked; one gaping and staring at every thing he sees. To make any one laugh on the wrong, or t’other side of his mouth; to make him cry or grieve.
A silly fellow. A dupe. To stand mouth; i.e. to be duped.
A noisy fellow. Mouth half cocked; one gaping and staring at every thing he sees. To make any one laugh on the wrong, or t’other side of his mouth; to make him cry or grieve.
Rings, watches, or any toys of value.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rings, watches, or any toys of value.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who scrapes together money by mean labor and devices; a miser. “Misers are muckworms.” –Pope.
A miser.
A fool, or thick-skulled fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fool, or thick-skulled fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fool, or thick-skulled fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fellow who goes about by the water side picking up coals, nails, or other articles in the mud. Also a duck.
A Mudlark is someone who scavenges in river mud for items of value, especially in London during the Industrial Revolution. Poor peasants would scavenge in the River Thames during low tide, searching for anything of value.
The sect or disciples of Lodowick Muggleton.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
In honor of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The sect or disciples of Lodowick Muggleton.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
In honor of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Low-spirited, having an imaginary sickness. Sick of the mulligrubs with eating chopped hay.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Low-spirited, having an imaginary sickness. Sick of the mulligrubs with eating chopped hay.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The monument erected on Fish-street Hill, London, in memory of the great fire in 1666.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The monument erected on Fish-street Hill, London, in memory of the great fire in 1666.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An ancient game like hazard, played with dice: probably so named from the silence observed in playing at it.
A game of hazard played with cards in silence.
or
A silent, stupid person.
The mouth.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The mouth.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An alehouse where beggars are harboured.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An alehouse where beggars are harboured.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Originally beggars of the genteel kind, but since used for beggars in general.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Originally beggars of the genteel kind, but since used for beggars in general.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stupid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Nothing like a good insult on a Monday morning…
Stupid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Nothing like a good insult on a Monday morning…
Stupid.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Nothing like a good insult on a Monday morning…
The constable’s assistants, watchmen, etc.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The constable’s assistants, watchmen, etc.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A person of great wealth or prominence
…can also be used metaphorically for people who have a grandiose style or manner…
One who returns to Europe from the East with immense riches: hence, any man of great wealth. “A bilious old nabob.” –Macaulay.
A person of great wealth or prominence
…can also be used metaphorically for people who have a grandiose style or manner…
One who returns to Europe from the East with immense riches: hence, any man of great wealth. “A bilious old nabob.” –Macaulay.
Ingenious.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I like this. “He is nacky.”
Ingenious.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I like this. “He is nacky.”
Secured, fixed. He offered me a decus, and I nailed him; he offered me a crown, and I struck or fixed him.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Secured, fixed. He offered me a decus, and I nailed him; he offered me a crown, and I struck or fixed him.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head; also a cheat or thief.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head; also a cheat or thief.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong ale.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong ale.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
He is gone to the land of nod; he is asleep.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
He is gone to the land of nod; he is asleep.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A person or thing of a sort that there is no other such; something extraordinary; a thing that has not its equal. It is given as a name to various objects, as to a choice variety of apple, a species of medic (Medicago lupulina), a variety of pottery clay, etc. : model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal.
A person or thing without an equal
having no equal : an individual of unequaled excellence : paragon
Something of unequaled excellence; a peerless thing or person; a nonesuch; — often used as a name.
A man who informs or turns king’s evidence.
OR
As plain as the nose on your face; evidently to be seen. He is led by the nose; he is governed. To follow one’s nose; to go strait forward. To put one’s nose out of joint; to rival one in the favour of any person. To make a bridge of any one’s nose; to pass by him in drinking. To nose a stink; to smell it. He cut off his nose to be revenged of his face; said of one who, to be revenged on his neighbour, has materially injured himself.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man who informs or turns king’s evidence.
OR
As plain as the nose on your face; evidently to be seen. He is led by the nose; he is governed. To follow one’s nose; to go strait forward. To put one’s nose out of joint; to rival one in the favour of any person. To make a bridge of any one’s nose; to pass by him in drinking. To nose a stink; to smell it. He cut off his nose to be revenged of his face; said of one who, to be revenged on his neighbour, has materially injured himself.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The nose of a man or woman.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The nose of a man or woman.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An endearing word: as, My dear nug; my dear love.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
An endearing word: as, My dear nug; my dear love.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
A sham collar, to be worn over a dirty shirt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Random trivia, since this made me think of it – the etymology of the word dickey is given as 1807.
A sham collar, to be worn over a dirty shirt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Random trivia, since this made me think of it – the etymology of the word dickey is given as 1807.
Simple.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Simple.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Simple.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To put in one’s oar; to intermeddle, or give an opinion unasked: as, To be sure, you must put in your oar!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Still in use!
To put in one’s oar; to intermeddle, or give an opinion unasked: as, To be sure, you must put in your oar!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Still in use!
A seal. Onion hunters, a class of young thieves who are on the look out for gentlemen who wear their seals suspended on a ribbon, which they cut, and thus secure the seals or other trinkets suspended to the watch.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A seal. Onion hunters, a class of young thieves who are on the look out for gentlemen who wear their seals suspended on a ribbon, which they cut, and thus secure the seals or other trinkets suspended to the watch.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The vulgar word for a skeleton.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The vulgar word for a skeleton.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To catch the; a trick practiced upon ignorant country boobies, who are decoyed into a barn under pretense of catching an owl, where, after divers preliminaries, the joke ends in their having a pail of water poured upon their heads.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To catch the; a trick practiced upon ignorant country boobies, who are decoyed into a barn under pretense of catching an owl, where, after divers preliminaries, the joke ends in their having a pail of water poured upon their heads.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Horse stealers.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I like the usage of “stealers.”
Horse stealers.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I like the usage of “stealers.”
A house. To do a panny: to rob a house. Probably, panny originally meant the butler’s pantry, where the knives and forks, spoons, etc. are usually kept. The pigs frisked my panny, and nailed my screws; the officers searched my house, and seized my picklock keys. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A house. To do a panny: to rob a house. Probably, panny originally meant the butler’s pantry, where the knives and forks, spoons, etc. are usually kept. The pigs frisked my panny, and nailed my screws; the officers searched my house, and seized my picklock keys. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thin-scull’d foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thin-scull’d foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thin-scull’d foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The maundering or pert replies of servants; also talk or palaver in order to amuse one intended to be cheated. Pattering of prayers; the confused sound of a number of persons praying together.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The maundering or pert replies of servants; also talk or palaver in order to amuse one intended to be cheated. Pattering of prayers; the confused sound of a number of persons praying together.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Naughty tricks: an expression used by nurses, etc. to children.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Naughty tricks: an expression used by nurses, etc. to children.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Any kind of lace.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Any kind of lace.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A spying glass; also a looking-glass. Track up the dancers, and pike with the peeper; whip up stairs, and run off with the looking-glass. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A spying glass; also a looking-glass. Track up the dancers, and pike with the peeper; whip up stairs, and run off with the looking-glass. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Eyes. Single peeper, a one-eyed man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Eyes. Single peeper, a one-eyed man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drowsy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drowsy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Used as in “peer of the realm.” A member of the peerage (nobility) — holds one of the following titles: duke, marquess, earl, viscount, baron (in that order for rank).
“He is a peer.”
“I know. He tried to peer down my dress.”
“No, no, no. He’s a peer of the realm. A viscount. A good catch for you.”
“Are you trying to say he didn’t peer down my dress?”
“No, I’m trying to that he is a member of the nobility. Parliament seat in the House of Lords. Ring any bells?”
“Do they ring bells in the House of Lords? I never knew. Still that doesn’t solve my dress problem.”
The Peerage is a system of titles of nobility which exists in the United Kingdom and is one part of the British honours system. The term can be used to refer to the entire body of titles in a collective sense, or to a specific title.
Sons who use courtesy titles (their living father’s next highest title) are not considered peers. They are legal commoners like everyone else. That does not mean they are not members of the ton, however. There is a lot of interesting information about peers, the peerage and how they get created and work, especially in legal ways. Too much for Word of the Day, but if curious, Wikipedia has a lot of good information, as do Laura Chinet’s peerage pages, a veritable feast of peerage information.
Phaeton (alternately high-perch or high-flyer phaeton): any of various light four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicles.
Phaeton is the fanciful early 19th-century term for a sporty rig drawn by a single horse or a pair, with extravagantly large wheels, very lightly sprung, with a minimal body, fast and dangerous.
Phaeton (alternately high-perch or high-flyer phaeton): any of various light four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicles.
Phaeton is the fanciful early 19th-century term for a sporty rig drawn by a single horse or a pair, with extravagantly large wheels, very lightly sprung, with a minimal body, fast and dangerous.
Pilfering, petty larceny.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Pilfering, petty larceny.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The sheriff’s picture frame; the gallows or pillory.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Cant sometimes has a great way with images…
The sheriff’s picture frame; the gallows or pillory.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Cant sometimes has a great way with images…
A weak silly fellow easily imposed on. To pigeon; to cheat. To milk the pigeon; to attempt impossibilities, to be put to shifts for want of money. To fly a blue pigeon; to steal lead off a church.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A weak silly fellow easily imposed on. To pigeon; to cheat. To milk the pigeon; to attempt impossibilities, to be put to shifts for want of money. To fly a blue pigeon; to steal lead off a church.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A weak silly fellow easily imposed on. To pigeon; to cheat. To milk the pigeon; to attempt impossibilities, to be put to shifts for want of money. To fly a blue pigeon; to steal lead off a church.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An allowance settled on a married woman for her pocket expenses.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An allowance settled on a married woman for her pocket expenses.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
At a pinch; on an exigency.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
At a pinch; on an exigency.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Legs. Queer pins; ill shapen legs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Legs. Queer pins; ill shapen legs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A hundred thousand pounds.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A hundred thousand pounds.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
He is like a rope-dancer’s polo, lead at both ends; a saying of a stupid sluggish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
He is like a rope-dancer’s polo, lead at both ends; a saying of a stupid sluggish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
He is like a rope-dancer’s polo, lead at both ends; a saying of a stupid sluggish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The head, jolly nob, napper, or knowledge box; also a wig.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This definition also provides us with so many other words for head!
The head, jolly nob, napper, or knowledge box; also a wig.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
This definition also provides us with so many other words for head!
A large suitcase.
A portmanteau (from 16th century French, plural portmanteaux) is a large travelling case made of leather. Originally designed to carry (porte) your coats (manteaux), the portmanteau stands on end, so that the coats are hung vertically, and opens up like a book to make a pair of mini-closets joined by hinges.
Portmanteau has a different definition in today’s world — as a combination word that has two meanings or sounds packed into one word. Blame Lewis Carroll.
A scrawl, bad writing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A scrawl, bad writing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A prison. See LOB’S POUND. Pounded; imprisoned. Shut up in the parson’s pound; married.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A prison. See LOB’S POUND. Pounded; imprisoned. Shut up in the parson’s pound; married.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A horse. The swell flashes a rum prad: the gentleman sports a fine horse.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A horse. The swell flashes a rum prad: the gentleman sports a fine horse.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A talkative boy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A talkative boy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Married.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Married.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thief, a cheat: also a conceited coxcomical fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thief, a cheat: also a conceited coxcomical fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thief, a cheat: also a conceited coxcomical fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thief, a cheat: also a conceited coxcomical fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thief taker.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thief taker.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thief taker.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rival in love.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rival in love.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Person of the day today instead…Prinny was a nickname for the Prince Regent, George IV.
“Prinny is holding a ball at Carlton House on the 20th.”
“Ninny is holding a what?”
“Prinny! The Prince Regent. George. You know, the large man with the mistresses.”
“Oh. Well, I wasn’t really wrong than, was I?”
“He gave us the largest donation the museum has ever seen.”
“Dear, Prinny! Yes, a fabulous man, simply the best Prince Regent around.”
Familiarly nicknamed “Prinny”, George was unpopular in many quarters, and was the subject of scurrilous cartoons in the press of the day relating to his various extravagances.
George was well known for sponsoring the arts, despite his many detractors. Commissioned Brighton Pavilion and Regent’s Park, among others.
Insignificant talk: generally applied to women and children.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Insignificant talk: generally applied to women and children.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Insignificant talk: generally applied to women and children.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Provision. Rum prog; choice provision. To prog; to be on the hunt for provision: called in the military term to forage.
Food, victuals
Crutches.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Crutches.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bankrupt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bankrupt.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
All in a pucker; in a dishabille. Also in a fright; as, she was in a terrible pucker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
All in a pucker; in a dishabille. Also in a fright; as, she was in a terrible pucker.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stupid fellow, one whose brains are all in confusion.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stupid fellow, one whose brains are all in confusion.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stupid fellow, one whose brains are all in confusion.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The guts: I’ll let out your puddings.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The guts: I’ll let out your puddings.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An affected or conceited coxcomb.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An affected or conceited coxcomb.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An affected or conceited coxcomb.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ale in which wormwood has been infused, or ale and bitters drunk warm.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ale in which wormwood has been infused, or ale and bitters drunk warm.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A four couple dance composed of five parts.
“Save your first dance for Lord Rakespur.”
“But the first dance is always a quadrille.”
“Well, you can’t waltz with the man. A quadrille is racy enough. And long besides.”
“But what if Lord Rakespur tries anything…racy?”
“In front of the other three couples you will be dancing the quadrille with? I think not. And if he is willing to risk a rakish move, perhaps he’d be willing to dance down the aisle as well. The perfect plan.”
A square dance for four couples made up of five or six figures chiefly in 6/8 and 2/4 time; also : music for this dance
An historic dance performed by four couples in a square formation, a precursor to traditional square dancing. It is also a style of music.
Quadrille was also a card game played with four people (partnered) with the 8’s, 9’s and 10’s removed.
The quantity of tobacco put into the mouth at one time. To quid tobacco; to chew tobacco.
A guinea. Half a quid; half a guinea. The swell tipped me fifty quid for the prad; the gentleman gave fifty pounds for the horse.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The quantity of tobacco put into the mouth at one time. To quid tobacco; to chew tobacco.
A guinea. Half a quid; half a guinea. The swell tipped me fifty quid for the prad; the gentleman gave fifty pounds for the horse.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Cash, money. Can you tip me any quids? Can you lend me some money?
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Cash, money. Can you tip me any quids? Can you lend me some money?
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A clerk, scribe, or hackney writer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A clerk, scribe, or hackney writer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Tricks and devices. Quirks in law; subtle distinctions and evasions.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Tricks and devices. Quirks in law; subtle distinctions and evasions.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A strange-looking fellow, an odd dog. OXFORD.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A strange-looking fellow, an odd dog. OXFORD.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Newgate, or any other prison. The dab’s in quod; the poor rogue is in prison.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Newgate, or any other prison. The dab’s in quod; the poor rogue is in prison.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Young spendthrifts taking up goods on trust at great prices.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Young spendthrifts taking up goods on trust at great prices.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rent strained to the utmost value. To lie at rack and manger; to be in great disorder.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rent strained to the utmost value. To lie at rack and manger; to be in great disorder.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bank notes. Money in general. The cove has no rag; the fellow has no money.
Also: A farthing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bank notes. Money in general. The cove has no rag; the fellow has no money.
Also: A farthing.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Alternatively rakehell or rakeshame. A negative description for a man of questionable morals.
The favored term for a hero knowledgable in the bedroom, with a string of ladies in his past. Many Regency novel heroes are “fake rakes” or deemed by the general populace to be sleeping with women left and right, but not philanderers in reality. Or they have all the good qualities of a rake (ie. they know what they are doing behind closed doors) but few or none of the bad ones (e.g. uncaring, debauched, dissolute, etc.). A rakish hero could refer to a man who cares little about what others think and freely takes as he pleases, or one who simply looks rakish — he has a wicked gleam in his eyes and a cat-like, prowling grace. Romance writers take literary license with this term, and really who can resist the rakish hero as defined by Regency romance?
A lewd, debauched fellow.
A dissolute person : libertine
A man habituated to immoral conduct : roué
Alternatively rakehell or rakeshame. A negative description for a man of questionable morals.
The favored term for a hero knowledgable in the bedroom, with a string of ladies in his past. Many Regency novel heroes are “fake rakes” or deemed by the general populace to be sleeping with women left and right, but not philanderers in reality. Or they have all the good qualities of a rake (ie. they know what they are doing behind closed doors) but few or none of the bad ones (e.g. uncaring, debauched, dissolute, etc.). A rakish hero could refer to a man who cares little about what others think and freely takes as he pleases, or one who simply looks rakish — he has a wicked gleam in his eyes and a cat-like, prowling grace. Romance writers take literary license with this term, and really who can resist the rakish hero as defined by Regency romance?
A lewd, debauched fellow.
A dissolute person : libertine
A man habituated to immoral conduct : roué
A fool.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fool.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fool.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Intriguing with a variety of women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Intriguing with a variety of women.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A volatile, unsteady, or whimsical man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A volatile, unsteady, or whimsical man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A volatile, unsteady, or whimsical man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach. Rattle and prad; a coach and horses.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach. Rattle and prad; a coach and horses.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach. Rattle and prad; a coach and horses.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coachman. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coachman. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beggars who ply coaches. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beggars who ply coaches. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Port wine.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Port wine.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A saint’s day or holiday, marked in the calendars with red letters. Red letter men; Roman Catholics: from their observation of the saint days marked in red letters.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A saint’s day or holiday, marked in the calendars with red letters. Red letter men; Roman Catholics: from their observation of the saint days marked in red letters.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Brandy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another name.
Brandy.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another name.
Each day a new word will be posted along with definitions from a variety of sources (such as a slang dictionary from 1811, a current Merriam-Webster, and the romance genre definition, if applicable).
Regency Word of the Day (WotD) will start out with broad, common terms — terms that you can find on many Regency sites. Gradually it will shift into less common words, words begging to be brought back into the lexicon — or at least words that are fun to slip into a conversation here and there. When you start seeing the “1811 VT” label (see below), you’ll know the fun has begun. Every so often there may be a week of “Can you believe they had this saying back in the Regency?” or some type of off-shoot that will be 1811 VT specific. The entire Regency WotD concept is meant to be fun. I will try and reference at least two sources for each word, and all sources will be noted.
Frequently Used Sources and abbreviations:
1811 VT = 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence.
M-W = Merriam-Webster
Wiki = Wikipedia/Wiktionary
Anne = Anne’s take on the definition, sometimes broadened to how the romance genre defines the word.
And we can’t start Regency WotD with anything other than…
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the styles of George IV’s regency as Prince of Wales during the period 1811-20.
Strict definition is the time period from 1811-1820 in England when George IV assumed the Regent position while his father George III was unable to govern. In romance fiction this time period often is stretched to encompass 1800-1830, give or take a few years.
Share of the booty. The coves cracked the swell’s crib, fenced the swag, and each cracksman napped his regular; some fellows broke open a gentleman’s house, and after selling the property which they had stolen, they divided the money between them.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Share of the booty. The coves cracked the swell’s crib, fenced the swag, and each cracksman napped his regular; some fellows broke open a gentleman’s house, and after selling the property which they had stolen, they divided the money between them.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Low vulgar persons, mob, tag-rag and bob-tail.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Low vulgar persons, mob, tag-rag and bob-tail.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Low vulgar persons, mob, tag-rag and bob-tail.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Oftentimes used for the “mischievous charisma” definition.
A dishonest or worthless person : scoundrel
A mischievous person : scamp
A scoundrel, rascal or unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person
A mischievous scamp
Roguish — 1. A mischievous charisma. 2. Unreliable or self-serving. 3. Wandering or appearing randomly.
Oftentimes used for the “mischievous charisma” definition.
A dishonest or worthless person : scoundrel
A mischievous person : scamp
A scoundrel, rascal or unprincipled, deceitful, and unreliable person
A mischievous scamp
Roguish — 1. A mischievous charisma. 2. Unreliable or self-serving. 3. Wandering or appearing randomly.
London. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
London. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach, cart, or other wheeled carriage.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach, cart, or other wheeled carriage.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach, cart, or other wheeled carriage.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To lie rough; to lie all night in one’s clothes: called also roughing it. Likewise to sleep on the bare deck of a ship, when the person is commonly advised to choose the softest plank.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To lie rough; to lie all night in one’s clothes: called also roughing it. Likewise to sleep on the bare deck of a ship, when the person is commonly advised to choose the softest plank.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Pirates, vagabonds.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Pirates, vagabonds.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A jolly host. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A jolly host. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young apprentice; also a sharp trick.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young apprentice; also a sharp trick.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Wine, or any other good liquor. Rum boozing welts; bunches of grapes. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Wine, or any other good liquor. Rum boozing welts; bunches of grapes. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dexterous fellow at stealing silver tankards from inns and taverns.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dexterous fellow at stealing silver tankards from inns and taverns.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dexterous or clever rogue.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dexterous or clever rogue.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Out of use, To nab the rust; to be refractory; properly applied to a restive horse, and figuratively to the human species. To ride rusty; to be sullen; called also to ride grub.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those words that sounds more modern than it is.
Out of use, To nab the rust; to be refractory; properly applied to a restive horse, and figuratively to the human species. To ride rusty; to be sullen; called also to ride grub.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those words that sounds more modern than it is.
Out of use, To nab the rust; to be refractory; properly applied to a restive horse, and figuratively to the human species. To ride rusty; to be sullen; called also to ride grub.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One of those words that sounds more modern than it is.
A blunt surly fellow: a jocular misnomer of resticus.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A blunt surly fellow: a jocular misnomer of resticus.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A holiday most religiously observed by journeymen shoemakers, and other mechanics – a profanation of that day, by working, is punishable by a line, particularly among the gentle craft.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Happy Labor Day!
A holiday most religiously observed by journeymen shoemakers, and other mechanics – a profanation of that day, by working, is punishable by a line, particularly among the gentle craft.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Happy Labor Day!
An old saw; an ancient proverbial saying.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An old saw; an ancient proverbial saying.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An honest, rough, blunt sailor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another one that doesn’t seem as if it fits at face value…
An honest, rough, blunt sailor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another one that doesn’t seem as if it fits at face value…
One who deserves and has narrowly escaped the gallows, a slip-gibbet, one for whom the gallows is said to groan.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who deserves and has narrowly escaped the gallows, a slip-gibbet, one for whom the gallows is said to groan.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A wild dissolute fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A wild dissolute fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A public execution.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A public execution.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hanged.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hanged.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A villainous scheme or plan. He whiddles the whole scrap; he discovers the whole plan or scheme.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A villainous scheme or plan. He whiddles the whole scrap; he discovers the whole plan or scheme.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dance or a group of dancers.
“Oh, dear, they need two more to complete the set.”
“My chess set is in the carriage. What do they need, rooks or pawns?”
“No, the set forming on the dance floor. There are three couples, they need a fourth. Hurry, go ask the Gillingham girl to dance.”
“But mother, I don’t want to dance. I want to go to the gaming room.”
“Absolutely not, Frankie. And don’t think I haven’t heard about your thirty pound loss at baccarat the other day.”
“Mother! We don’t talk about these things.”
“And if you go ask Cynthia Gillingham to dance, we won’t have to.”
The basic formation in a country-dance or square dance
Set dancing is based on quadrilles…Four couples are arranged in a square to dance, with each couple being in the middle of the sides of the square. Both the eight dancers in the group and the dance itself are called a ’set’. The dance is a sequence of several dance figures, which usually have a common theme or structure.
A dram.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A dram.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A tailor
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Don’t take your clothes there!
A tailor
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Don’t take your clothes there!
Crooked.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Crooked.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A signet is a seal used to authenticate a document, typically by leaving an impression in sealing wax.
A signet ring is a ring with a seal set into it.
A seal used officially to give personal authority to a document in lieu of signature.
The impression made by or as if by a signet.
A small intaglio seal (as in a finger ring).
A foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foolish fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong beer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong beer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Whisky and small beer. IRISH
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Whisky and small beer. IRISH
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A joke. A satirical hint.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A joke. A satirical hint.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The garret, or upper story.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The garret, or upper story.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Half a crown. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Half a crown. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Take a hearty drink.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Take a hearty drink.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To slur, is a method of cheating at dice: also to cast a reflection on any one’s character, to scandalize.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To slur, is a method of cheating at dice: also to cast a reflection on any one’s character, to scandalize.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Greasy dish-water, or the skimmings of a pot where fat meat has been boiled.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Greasy dish-water, or the skimmings of a pot where fat meat has been boiled.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foul feeder, one that eats much greasy food.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A foul feeder, one that eats much greasy food.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A cunning fellow, under the mask of simplicity.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A cunning fellow, under the mask of simplicity.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A nose. Smellers: a cat’s whiskers.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A nose. Smellers: a cat’s whiskers.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Fair faced
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I was sure when I first saw this that it would be an insult!
Fair faced
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
I was sure when I first saw this that it would be an insult!
A Christmas gambol: raisins and almonds being put into a bowl of brandy, and the candles extinguished, the spirit is set on fire, and the company scramble for the raisins.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A Christmas gambol: raisins and almonds being put into a bowl of brandy, and the candles extinguished, the spirit is set on fire, and the company scramble for the raisins.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sword. (Spanish)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sword. (Spanish)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A seven shilling piece.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A seven shilling piece.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Any thing stolen. He has made a good speak; he has stolen something considerable.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Any thing stolen. He has made a good speak; he has stolen something considerable.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To rob. Spice the swell; rob the gentleman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To rob. Spice the swell; rob the gentleman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Thin-legged.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Thin-legged.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Shoes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Shoes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Legs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Legs.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stiff, prim, formal, affected.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stiff, prim, formal, affected.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To stop. To finish. To end. The cove tipped the prosecutor fifty quid to stash the business; he gave the prosecutor fifty guineas to stop the prosecution.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To stop. To finish. To end. The cove tipped the prosecutor fifty quid to stash the business; he gave the prosecutor fifty guineas to stop the prosecution.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Household furniture.
Also: Pops or pistols. Stow your sticks; hide your pistols. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Household furniture.
Also: Pops or pistols. Stow your sticks; hide your pistols. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Proud, stately.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Proud, stately.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong beer, or other liquor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong beer, or other liquor.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A parting cup or glass, drank on horseback by the person taking leave.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A parting cup or glass, drank on horseback by the person taking leave.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong ale.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Strong ale.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stockings.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stockings.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Twenty shillings. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Twenty shillings. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hold your tongue. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hold your tongue. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Hold your tongue. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
In the suds; in trouble, in a disagreeable situation, or involved in some difficulty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
In the suds; in trouble, in a disagreeable situation, or involved in some difficulty.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A good fire in winter.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A good fire in winter.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Prosperity.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
May you all have much sunshine this weekend.
Prosperity.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
May you all have much sunshine this weekend.
A shop. Any quantity of goods. As, plant the swag; conceal the goods. Rum swag; a shop full of rich goods. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A shop. Any quantity of goods. As, plant the swag; conceal the goods. Rum swag; a shop full of rich goods. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A shop. Any quantity of goods. As, plant the swag; conceal the goods. Rum swag; a shop full of rich goods. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An impressive, pompous, or fashionable air or display : a person dressed in the height of fashion : a person of high social position or outstanding competence
A gentleman. A well-dressed map. The flashman bounced the swell of all his blunt; the girl’s bully frightened the gentleman out of all his money.
An impressive, pompous, or fashionable air or display : a person dressed in the height of fashion : a person of high social position or outstanding competence
A gentleman. A well-dressed map. The flashman bounced the swell of all his blunt; the girl’s bully frightened the gentleman out of all his money.
A counterfeit old coin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A counterfeit old coin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bottle, or two-quart pot.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bottle, or two-quart pot.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A two-wheeled chaise, buggy, or noddy, drawn by two horses, one before the other: that is, AT LENGTH.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A two-wheeled chaise, buggy, or noddy, drawn by two horses, one before the other: that is, AT LENGTH.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sixpence. The kiddey tipped the rattling cove a tanner for luck; the lad gave the coachman sixpence for drink.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sixpence. The kiddey tipped the rattling cove a tanner for luck; the lad gave the coachman sixpence for drink.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
fib : pretentious nonsense
A fib, or falsity.
Tit for tat; an equivalent.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Tit for tat; an equivalent.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
False dice.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
False dice.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A chamber pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A chamber pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The drippings of liquor on a man’s waistcoat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ha!
The drippings of liquor on a man’s waistcoat.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ha!
One whose wife usually fetches him from the alehouse.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One whose wife usually fetches him from the alehouse.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A married man; i.e. possessed of a woman for life.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A married man; i.e. possessed of a woman for life.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rogue, or man of bad character.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rogue, or man of bad character.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rogue, or man of bad character.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rogue, or man of bad character.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Intimate. They are as thick as two inkle-weavers.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Intimate. They are as thick as two inkle-weavers.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Part of the wick or snuff, which falling on the tallow, burns and melts it, and causing it to gutter, thus steals it away.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Part of the wick or snuff, which falling on the tallow, burns and melts it, and causing it to gutter, thus steals it away.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young lass.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A young lass.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A cat.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A cat.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thirsty fellow, a sot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A thirsty fellow, a sot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A groom in livery.
In novels, you may read a tiger as the servant who rides in the back of a curricle and takes the reins after his master exits.
A groom in livery.
In novels, you may read a tiger as the servant who rides in the back of a curricle and takes the reins after his master exits.
A light one-horse chaise without a head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A light one-horse chaise without a head.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Liquor.
To drink liquor especially by habit or to excess.
Sots who are continually sipping.
Alehouse keeper.
Unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor : fuddled
Almost drunk. Tipsey (sic)
Because it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day.
Unsteady, staggering, or foolish from the effects of liquor : fuddled
Almost drunk. Tipsey (sic)
Because it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day.
Idle discourse, scandal, women’s talk, or small talk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Idle discourse, scandal, women’s talk, or small talk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To brag or hector; also to tell an improbable story. To bully a man out of any thing. The kiddey bounced the swell of the blowen; the lad bullied the gentleman out of the girl.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Nearly another language, isn’t it?
To brag or hector; also to tell an improbable story. To bully a man out of any thing. The kiddey bounced the swell of the blowen; the lad bullied the gentleman out of the girl.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Nearly another language, isn’t it?
To take one’s oath. I will cap downright; I will swear home. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To take one’s oath. I will cap downright; I will swear home. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink freely or deep: from the German word expressing ALL OUT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Still a fun word used today.
To drink freely or deep: from the German word expressing ALL OUT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Still a fun word used today.
To mend, or patch; likewise to do a thing in a bungling manner.
To make or put together roughly or hastily — often used with together or up (cobble together an agreement) (cobble up a temporary solution)
To beat. I’ll dress his hide neatly; I’ll beat him soundly.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To beat. I’ll dress his hide neatly; I’ll beat him soundly.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To pawn or sell to a receiver of stolen goods. The kiddey fenced his thimble for three quids; the young fellow pawned his watch for three guineas. To fence invariably means to pawn or sell goods to a receiver.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Fencing seems like such a modern day Law & Order term, doesn’t it?
To pawn or sell to a receiver of stolen goods. The kiddey fenced his thimble for three quids; the young fellow pawned his watch for three guineas. To fence invariably means to pawn or sell goods to a receiver.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Fencing seems like such a modern day Law & Order term, doesn’t it?
To drink a dram.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink a dram.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink a dram.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink a dram.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Figuratively used for trifling.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Figuratively used for trifling.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Used by thieves to signify searching a person whom they have robbed. Blast his eyes! frisk him.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Used by thieves to signify searching a person whom they have robbed. Blast his eyes! frisk him.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Used by thieves to signify searching a person whom they have robbed. Blast his eyes! frisk him.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To shuffle cards minutely: also, to change the pack.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To shuffle cards minutely: also, to change the pack.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To shuffle cards minutely: also, to change the pack.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To rob. To heave a case; to rob a house. To heave a bough; to rob a booth. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To rob. To heave a case; to rob a house. To heave a bough; to rob a booth. CANT.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To coax or wheedle. To inveigle. To amuse a man or divert his attention while another robs him. The sneaksman kidded the cove of the ken, while his pall frisked the panney; the thief amused the master of the house, while his companion robbed the house.
To coax or wheedle. To inveigle. To amuse a man or divert his attention while another robs him. The sneaksman kidded the cove of the ken, while his pall frisked the panney; the thief amused the master of the house, while his companion robbed the house.
To make water.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To make water.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To beat; also to wash, or to paint slightly over. I’ll give you a good lick o’ the chops; I’ll give you a good stroke or blow on the face. Jack tumbled into a cow terd, and nastied his best clothes, for which his father stept up, and licked him neatly.–I’ll lick you! the dovetail to which is, If you lick me all over, you won’t miss–.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
To beat; also to wash, or to paint slightly over. I’ll give you a good lick o’ the chops; I’ll give you a good stroke or blow on the face. Jack tumbled into a cow terd, and nastied his best clothes, for which his father stept up, and licked him neatly.–I’ll lick you! the dovetail to which is, If you lick me all over, you won’t miss–.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
To endeavor at impossibilities.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To endeavor at impossibilities.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink up. To empty a glass or pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To drink up. To empty a glass or pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To bully.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To give evidence. To inform. His pall nosed and he was twisted for a crack; his confederate turned king’s evidence, and he was hanged for burglary.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To bully.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To give evidence. To inform. His pall nosed and he was twisted for a crack; his confederate turned king’s evidence, and he was hanged for burglary.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To beat: as, He nulled him heartily.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To beat: as, He nulled him heartily.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To talk. To patter flash; to speak flash, or the language used by thieves. How the blowen lushes jackey, and patters flash; how the wench drinks gin, and talks flash.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To talk. To patter flash; to speak flash, or the language used by thieves. How the blowen lushes jackey, and patters flash; how the wench drinks gin, and talks flash.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To conceal in the hand. To paum a die: to hide a die in the palm of the hand. He paums; he cheats. Don’t pretend to paum that upon me.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To conceal in the hand. To paum a die: to hide a die in the palm of the hand. He paums; he cheats. Don’t pretend to paum that upon me.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To abuse, and tear to rags the characters of the persons abused. She gave him a good ragging, or ragged him off heartily.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To abuse, and tear to rags the characters of the persons abused. She gave him a good ragging, or ragged him off heartily.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To abuse, and tear to rags the characters of the persons abused. She gave him a good ragging, or ragged him off heartily.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To scold; chiefly applied to women. His wife rung him a fine peal!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To scold; chiefly applied to women. His wife rung him a fine peal!
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To copulate. He is but bad shag; he is no able woman’s man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It seems like such a recent term because of Austin Powers. Would you believe it if you saw it used in a Regency?
To copulate. He is but bad shag; he is no able woman’s man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It seems like such a recent term because of Austin Powers. Would you believe it if you saw it used in a Regency?
To copulate. He is but bad shag; he is no able woman’s man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
It seems like such a recent term because of Austin Powers. Would you believe it if you saw it used in a Regency?
To call out; the coves sing out beef; they call out stop thief.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To call out; the coves sing out beef; they call out stop thief.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To rifle or plunder; also to kill.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To rifle or plunder; also to kill.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To speak through the nose, to snuffle.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To speak through the nose, to snuffle.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To overlook, to rise aloft as in a high tower.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To overlook, to rise aloft as in a high tower.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To play truant. To lay a man trigging; to knock him down.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To play truant. To lay a man trigging; to knock him down.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To loiter or saunter about.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Used in many fun and odd ways today. Too many to list.
To loiter or saunter about.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Used in many fun and odd ways today. Too many to list.
To tell or discover. He whiddles; he peaches. He whiddles the whole scrap; he discovers all he knows. The cull whiddled because they would not tip him a snack: the fellow peached because they would not give him a share, They whiddle beef, and we must brush; they cry out thieves, and we must make off. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To tell or discover. He whiddles; he peaches. He whiddles the whole scrap; he discovers all he knows. The cull whiddled because they would not tip him a snack: the fellow peached because they would not give him a share, They whiddle beef, and we must brush; they cry out thieves, and we must make off. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To boil. Pot wobbler; one who boils a pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To boil. Pot wobbler; one who boils a pot.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beat all to a todge: said of anything beat to mash.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Beat all to a todge: said of anything beat to mash.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
London society, fashionable society, the in-crowd, the social elite. Originally from bon-ton (French), see below. Can be used as the society itself — the ton. Or as a descriptor of one’s status in society — good ton or bad ton.
“The ton just loves him.”
“But I thought he was considered bad ton?”
“No, he’s good ton now.”
“So the rumors that he gambled away his fortune, debauched all the nubile young virgins and was implicated in a conspiracy against the Crown were false?”
“Oh, dear, you didn’t read the morning post. It was all cleared up yesterday. They had it all wrong. He won a fortune, sleeps with only experienced women who teach him every trick and saved the Crown from a conspiracy. All the matchmaking mamas will be after him, so let’s take extra care to dampen your skirts and lower the bodice of your gown for the ball tonight.”
The prevailing fashion : vogue : the quality or state of being smart or fashionable.
bon-ton – fashionable manner or style : the fashionable or proper thing : high society
Drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Drunk.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Very superior in air or attitude
Haughty; pretentious
One at the top or head of his profession.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One at the top or head of his profession.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One at the top or head of his profession.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rich man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A rich man.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A fiddler.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
As a tormenter of the catgut myself, I find this doubly amusing.
A fiddler.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
As a tormenter of the catgut myself, I find this doubly amusing.
A drummer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
A drummer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Heh.
A drunkard.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A drunkard.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Giddy, hare-brained.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Giddy, hare-brained.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Clipped money: they have been round the tower with it. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Clipped money: they have been round the tower with it. CANT.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A slap on the face, and a kick on the breech.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A slap on the face, and a kick on the breech.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Thieves. Clever tradesmen; good thieves.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Thieves. Clever tradesmen; good thieves.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stout trencher man; one who has a good appetite, or, as the term is, plays a good knife and fork.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A stout trencher man; one who has a good appetite, or, as the term is, plays a good knife and fork.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A prison: perhaps from tribulation.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A prison: perhaps from tribulation.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The point at which schoolboys stand to shoot their marbles at taw; also the spot whence bowlers deliver the bowl.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Note: taw is the game of marbles
The point at which schoolboys stand to shoot their marbles at taw; also the spot whence bowlers deliver the bowl.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Note: taw is the game of marbles
State, dress. In a sad trim; dirty.–Also spruce or fine: a trim fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
State, dress. In a sad trim; dirty.–Also spruce or fine: a trim fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Feet. To shake one’s trotters at Bilby’s ball, where the sheriff pays the fiddlers; perhaps the Bilboes ball, i.e. the ball of fetters: fetters and stocks were anciently called the bilboes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another cute one.
Feet. To shake one’s trotters at Bilby’s ball, where the sheriff pays the fiddlers; perhaps the Bilboes ball, i.e. the ball of fetters: fetters and stocks were anciently called the bilboes.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Another cute one.
White or fair-haired.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
White or fair-haired.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The monosyllable.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
The monosyllable.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Perplexity, confusion, or any thing else: a fashionable term that for a while succeeded that of bore.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Perplexity, confusion, or any thing else: a fashionable term that for a while succeeded that of bore.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A shilling.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A shilling.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An effeminate looking fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An effeminate looking fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An effeminate looking fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
All in a twitter; in a fright. Twittering is also the note of some small birds, such as the robin, &c.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
All in a twitter; in a fright. Twittering is also the note of some small birds, such as the robin, &c.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Great. A two-handed fellow or wench; a great strapping man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Great. A two-handed fellow or wench; a great strapping man or woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach drawn by three horses.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A coach drawn by three horses.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Of sufficient quality : meeting an applicable standard
Also can mean a shrewd or sharp person.
Persons lately raised to honours and riches from mean stations.
One that has risen suddenly (as from a low position to wealth or power) : especially : one that claims more personal importance than is warranted
The first woman seen by a man, or man seen by a woman, on St. Valentine’s day, the 14th of February, when it is said every bird chooses his mate for the ensuing year.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!
The first woman seen by a man, or man seen by a woman, on St. Valentine’s day, the 14th of February, when it is said every bird chooses his mate for the ensuing year.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!
Stockings.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Stockings.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Now rogues and rascals, formerly yeoman’s servants.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Now rogues and rascals, formerly yeoman’s servants.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lewd woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lewd woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A lewd woman.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Musicians of the lower order, who in most towns play under the windows of the chief inhabitants at midnight, a short time before Christmas, for which they collect a christmas-box from house to house. They are said to derive their name of waits from being always in waiting to celebrate weddings and other joyous events happening within their district.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Musicians of the lower order, who in most towns play under the windows of the chief inhabitants at midnight, a short time before Christmas, for which they collect a christmas-box from house to house. They are said to derive their name of waits from being always in waiting to celebrate weddings and other joyous events happening within their district.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
One who steals fowls, and hawks them from door to door.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
There’s just something about the phrase…one who steals fowls…
One who steals fowls, and hawks them from door to door.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
There’s just something about the phrase…one who steals fowls…
“I hope Lord Stepping asks me to waltz tonight.”
“He is a marvelous dancer. And he keeps his hands in the proper position, with his left hand at the upper back. He maintains an appropriate distance, with none of that pulling his partner too close that the rakes seem to attempt at every opportunity.”
“Though, truth is I wouldn’t mind if his hand traveled to my waist. Twirling about the floor with Lord Stepping is any lady’s dream. He never steps on his partner’s foot and he leads with grace and agility. I don’t believe we’ve ever bumped into another couple while whirling around on the floor.”
“Yes, waltzing can be quite the hazard. Especially with Mr. Footrot.”
“Oh, yes. I couldn’t dance for a week after dancing with him. And he counted the steps under his breath. A man of good ton should know how to dance.”
A ballroom dance in 3/4 time with strong accent on the first beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close.
The waltz is a dance in 3/4 time, done primarily in closed position, the commonest basic figure of which is a full turn in two measures using three steps per measure. It first became fashionable in Vienna in about the 1780s, then spread to many other countries within the next few years.
Rich, in good circumstances. To warm, or give a man a warming; to beat him. See chafed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
So you want to be warm, but not be warmed…
Rich, in good circumstances. To warm, or give a man a warming; to beat him. See chafed.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
So you want to be warm, but not be warmed…
Very weak punch or beer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Very weak punch or beer.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Apt to shed tears.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Apt to shed tears.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Apt to shed tears.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ears. (Cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Ears. (Cant)
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An impudent whelp; a saucy boy.
A young boy or girl
An informer, or one that betrays the secrets of the gang.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
An informer, or one that betrays the secrets of the gang.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Words. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Words. Cant.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sharp or subtle fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sharp or subtle fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A sharp or subtle fellow.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A great lie.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A great lie.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man of intrigue.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man of intrigue.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Gin.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Cowardly, malicious.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Cowardly, malicious.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bad drink.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Bad drink.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man wearing a large wig.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A man wearing a large wig.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Wigsby; a man wearing a wig.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
But of course!
Wigsby; a man wearing a wig.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
But of course!
Rogues trained up to stealing from their cradles.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Rogues trained up to stealing from their cradles.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A legacy, or any accidental accession of property.
A sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money).
A legacy, or any accidental accession of property.
A sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money).
A collector of the window tax.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A collector of the window tax.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Foolish. A windy fellow; a simple fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Foolish. A windy fellow; a simple fellow.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To tip one the wink; to give a signal by winking the eye.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
To tip one the wink; to give a signal by winking the eye.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A monstrous or canine appetite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A monstrous or canine appetite.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bystander, who bets whilst another plays.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A bystander, who bets whilst another plays.
-From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
Your wits are gone a woolgathering; saying to an absent man, one in a reverie, or absorbed in thought.
Indulgence in idle daydreaming.
A favorite word for Regency-set romances.
A contraction of yesterday.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
A contraction of yesterday.
–From the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.
