Dictionary of Unconventional English_5 pptx

Comparing theperson to a baby born addicted to crack cocaineUS , 1993 crack backnounmarijuana mixed with crack cocaineUK , 1998 CrackBerrynouna person who enjoys an obsessive relationshi

overwrought; to lose controlUS , 1966.< run cow; work cowto

work for personal gain while in the employ of anotherGUYANA , 1952

Cow & Gateadjectivelate, in the sense that the bleed period of the

menstrual cycle is overdue Rhyming slang, formed, with heavy

irony, on the name of a well-known baby food manufacturerUK ,

1998

cowabunga; cuyabunga!used as an expression of triumph

Originally a signature line uttered by Chief Thunderthud on The

Howdy Doody Show (NBC, 1947–60) Embraced by surfers,

American soldiers in Vietnam, and the writers of Teenage Mutant

Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons US , 1955

cow and calfnoun1half; thus, 50 pence (half £1) Rhyming slang

Variants are ‘cow calf’ and ‘cows’UK , 1950.2a laugh Rhyming

slang Also used as a verbUK , 1992

cow and horse; cownounsexual intercouse Rhyming slangUK , 2003

cowardy custard; cowardy, cowardy custardnouna coward

Custard isYELLOW(the colour applied as an adjective for cowardice)

and so reinforces the accusation This taunting form of address is

usually hurled or chanted by childrenUK , 1836

cow beltnounthe rural areas of the Indo-Gangetic plain Journalistic,

from the perception that more traditional Hindu values hold sway

in such communities, and, therefore, a cow is revered more there

than elsewhere in modern IndiaINDIA , 2001

cowboynoun1a reckless, impulsive, undisciplined personUS , 1926.

2a flash fellow; a know-allUK , 1978.3a young and inexperienced, or

irresponsible, driverUK , 1984.4a motorist prone to breaking the

rules of the roadUS , 1928.5any tradesman (such as a builder,

electrician, mechanic or plumber) who is unreliable, irresponsible

and, perhaps, unqualified; the sort to make quick money by

undercutting regular, trained craftsmen As in the sign for Patel

Brothers Builders: ‘You’ve tried the Cowboys, now try the Indians!’

UK , 1984.6a minor criminal given to violence From such a

person’s tendency to ‘come out shooting’UK , 1977.7during the

Vietnam war, an unprincipled, untrustworty, hustling Vietnamese

personUS , 1991.8a beginner Mining usageCANADA , 1959.9used as a

humorous term of addressUS , 1999.10in horse racing, any jockey

with an unconventional style of ridingAUSTRALIA , 1989.11a

bow-legged man From the gait of such a horse-riderUK , 1984.12in

computing, a person with intelligence, knowledge and dedication

to programmingUS , 1991.13in a deck of playing cards, a kingUS ,

1967.14a perfunctory cleaning of the body with a wash cloth but

not a full bath or showerBAHAMAS , 1982

CowboynicknameNguyen Cao Ky, Prime Minister of South Vietnam

after the murder of Diem So named by President Diem ‘Cowboy’

is a term the Vietnamese then reserved for only the most

flamboyant of gangsters US Secretary of Defense McNamara

condemned Ky as ‘the absolute bottom of the barrel’US , 1991

cowboyverb1to murder someone in a reckless mannerUS , 1946.2to

gang-rape someoneUS , 1957

cowboy Biblenouna packet of cigarette rolling papersUS , 1970

cowboy Cadillacnounany pickup truckUS , 1976

cowboy coffeenouncoffee boiled in an open pot, served without

milk or sugarUS , 1943

cowboy cooladjective(used of beer) at room temperatureUS , 1984

cowboy coupenouna pickup truck decked out with accessoriesUS ,

1962

cowboy hatnouna disposable paper toilet seat coverUS , 1992

cowboysnounthe police; police officersUK , 1960

Cowboysnickname< the Cowboysthird battalion, Royal Green

JacketsUK , 1995

cowboys and Indiansnouna prison sentence of 99 yearsUS , 1990

cow cagenouna livestock carriage on a freight trainUS , 1946

cow cockynouna dairy farmerAUSTRALIA , 1902

cow collegenouna small rural college, especially one offering

degrees in agricultureUS , 1906

cow confetti; cowyard confettinounnonsense, rubbish A

cow cuntnouna despicable personUS , 1988

cow-cuntedadjectivepossessing a slack and distended vaginaUS , 1980

Cowdenbeathnounthe teeth Glasgow rhyming slang, formed from

a Scottish town (and football team)UK: SCOTLAND , 1988

cow dust timenoun evening A direct translation from Bengali dhuli, describing the dust that hangs in the air at that time of day

go-when the cattle are returned from the fieldsINDIA , 2004

cowgirlnouna sexual position in which the woman is on top, astrideand facing her partnerUS , 1995

cow greasenounbutter Originally ‘cow’s grease’, 1857UK , 1857

cowingadjectiveused to intensify Probably military origins; aeuphemism forFUCKING UK , 1962

cowing lushadjectivemarvellous, wonderful; used as an all-purposeexpression of admirationUK: WALES , 2001

cow juicenounmilkUK , 1796

cow-kickverb(of a horse) to kick outward and upward like a cow

CANADA , 1954

cow licknounin publishing, inexpensive varnish used on a bookcoverUS , 1986

cowpatnouna single dropping of cow dungUK , 1954

cowpathnouna narrow back roadUS , 1971

cowpat lottonouna lottery in which the winner is decided bywhich part of a paddock a cow first drops dungAUSTRALIA , 1995

cow pokenouna wooden device to keep a cow from going through

a fenceUS , 1968

cow’s breakfastnouna straw hatCANADA , 1959

cow’s calf; cow and calf; cow’s; calfnoununtil 1971, tenshillings; thereafter, fifty pence Rhyming slang for ‘half’ (of £1).Pre-decimalisation, mainly reduced to ‘calf’; in later C20 ‘cows’predominatesUK , 1941

cowshnouncattle excrement; nonsense An abbreviation of ‘cowshit’AUSTRALIA , 1937

cow’s licknounprison; a prison Rhyming slang forNICK(a prison)

UK , 1962

cowsonnouna contemptible man Literally, ‘the son of a cow’UK , 1936

cowstrokenounin cricket, a hefty stroke to the leg sideUK , 1978

cow-tonguenouna gossipTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003

Cow Townnickname1Forth Worth, TexasUS , 1976.2Calgary, Alberta

CANADA , 1962

cow trailverbto take a motorcyle cruise in the country forrecreationUS , 1973

cowyardnounan inexpensive brothelUS , 1964

cowyard cakenouna cake or bun containing a few sultanas

AUSTRALIA , 1953

cox boxnounan electronic device that includes anamplifier/microphone system as well as various measurementfunctions, used by a coxswain in competitive rowingUS , 1999

coxedadjective (of a boat) under the control of a coxswain UK , 2001

coxey; cocksynounan inexperienced swindler working on a scam

by telephone who makes the initial call to potential victimsUS , 1988

coxynoun a coxswain US , 1966

coyote Frenchnounthe mixture of Canadian French, Cree andEnglish spoken by the older MetisCANADA , 1963

coyote uglyadjectivevery ugly The conceit of the term is that aman who wakes up with a ‘coyote ugly’ woman sleeping on hisarm will, like a coyote caught in a trap, gnaw off his arm to escape

US , 1985

cozmonounphencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP orangel dustUS , 1994

cozyadjectivedull, boringUS , 1993

cozzernouna police officer; the police A confusion of Hebrew

CPnoun corporal punishment US , 1987

c phonenouna mobile telephone ‘C’ is for ‘cellular’US , 1997

CP pillnouna large, orange anti-malaria pill taken once a week

Chloroquine-PrimaquineUS , 1991

CPR strawberrynouna pruneCANADA , 1987

CPT; CP timenouna notional system of time in which punctuality

is not important An abbreviation ofCOLORED PEOPLE’S TIME US , 1925

crabnoun1a contemptible personUK , 1580.2in the language of

members of the Bloods youth gang, a member of the Crips youth

gangUS , 1987.3a member of the Royal Air ForceUK , 1983.4a

first-year college studentUS , 1947.5the vulva Sometimes expanded to

‘crabby’.BAHAMAS , 1982.6in the television and film industries, a

device used to support a tripod on a slippery or uneven surfaceUK ,

1960

crabverb1(of an aircraft) to fly close to the ground or water; to drift

or manoeuvre sideways From the sideways movement of a crab

An aircraft flying close to the ground may appear to fly diagonally

UK , 1943.2in the language of parachuting, to direct the parachute

across the wind directionUS , 1978.3in the television and film

industries, to move the camera sidewaysUS , 1987.4to spoil

somethingUK , 1812.5in horse racing, to belittle a horse’s

perform-anceUK , 1948

crabadjectiveperverse; ill-humoured, perpetually mean, cross A

shortening ofCRABBY UK , 1961

crab airnicknamethe Royal Air Force (RAF) Military use; extends

fromCRAB(a member of the Royal Air Force)UK , 1987

crab baitnouna newly arrived prisonerUS , 1976

crabbienounthe vaginaBAHAMAS , 1995

crabbyadjectiveill humoured, perpetually mean, cross The villain of

the extremely popular 1957 Tom Terrific cartoon series from

Terry-Toon Cartoon Studios was the aptly named Crabby Appleton, who

was, we remember, ‘rotten to the core’US , 1908

crab-fatnounan airman in the Royal Air Force In army and navy

use From the colour and consistency of a blue ointment used to

treatCRABS(pubic lice); the blue is of a similar shade to the Royal

Air Force uniform However, this derivation may not be direct, nor

strictly accurate From the early C20, Admiralty grey paint was

called ‘crab-fat’ and the anti-lice ointment was claimed as the

inspiration for that shade It seems equally likely, therefore, that

this later use should derive from the grey paintUK , 1961

crabfatsnounthe Royal Air Force In army and navy use; from the

singular senseCRAB-FAT(an airman)UK , 1961

crab-footnounchildlike, scratchy handwritingBELIZE , 1996

crab holenouna depression in swampy groundNEW ZEALAND , 1964

crab in a barrelnounused as a representation of the inability of

people to work togetherTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003

crab-mashverbto do a poor job ironing clothesBARBADOS , 1965

crabsnoun1pubic liceUK , 1707.2in craps, a threeUS , 1938.3by

extension, in a deck of playing cards, any threeUS , 1981

crabs on the rocksnounan itching of the scrotum A play onCRABS

(pubic lice)UK , 1961

cracknoun1crystalline lumps of concentrated cocaineUS , 1985.

2entertaining conversation in good company Irish neologism

craic (an informal entertainment) combines with earlier Eirrean

use of ‘the crack’ (brisk talk, news); ultimately from Old English

cracian (crack, a loud noise) IRELAND , 1966.3a witticism; a quick and

funny remarkUS , 1884.4a witty personUS , 1976.5a smart personFIJI ,

1993.6a top class racehorseAUSTRALIA , 1960.7the vagina The

imagery from which this derives should be apparent; it remains in

widespread useUK , 1775.8the cleft between the buttock muscles;

loosely, the bottom; or, more narrowly, the anusUK , 1999.9a

passing of windUS , 1946.10an instance; one itemUS , 1937.11an

opportunity or chanceUS , 1893.12an attempt In phrases ‘have a

crack’, ‘take a crack’, ‘give a crack’, etcUS , 1836.13of dawn or day,

the break, the instant it commencesUS , 1887.14the latest news

Anglo-Irish Heard on a building site in LancashireUK , 1979.

15wood; firewood English gypsy useUK , 1851.< on crackout of

involved, usually humorously in a statement such as ‘What areyou, on crack?’US , 1995

crackverb1to speakUS , 1897.2to ask for somethingUS , 1928.3toreveal a secret; to inform on someoneUS , 1922.4to tease someone;

to taunt someone; to insult someoneUS , 1930.5to arrest someone

US , 1952.6to break and enter using force with the intent ofcommitting a crime withinUK , 1725.7to change paper money intocoin Originally used by seamen in Liverpool; phrased in use as,for example: ‘Can you crack a fiver?’, meaning ‘Can you change afive pound note?’UK , 1961.8to have sex with a girl who is a virgin

FIJI , 1992.9in surfing, to catch a waveAUSTRALIA , 1957.10to strikesomething or someone in such a way that a sharp noise isproduced; to slap, to smack, etcUK , 1836.11in cricket, to hit a ballhardUK , 1882.12to drum with expertise A shortening of ‘crack ahand’TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003.< crack a bennieto break aBenzedrine™ (amphetamine sulphate) inhaler openUS , 1970.

< crack a fatto achieve an erectionAUSTRALIA , 1968.< crack a

grainto suffer aching testiclesTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003.< crack

a Judy; crack a Judy’s tea-cupto take a woman’s virginity.Formed from conventional ‘crack’ (to break, to open) andJUDY(agirl or woman)UK , 1937.< crack a laughto burst into laughter

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003.< crack a layto divulge somethingsecretAUSTRALIA , 1941.< crack a ratto fartUS , 1998.< crack a

shortto break into a carUS , 1970.< crack a smileto smilebroadly, especially of someone who is usually seriousUK , 1990.

< crack an egg1in bowls, to play with just sufficient weight tomove a bowl or a jack an inch or twoSOUTH AFRICA , 1968.2incurling, to touch a stone lightly with the bowled stoneCANADA , 1960.

< crack the nutto meet an operation’s daily operating expenses

US , 1980.< crack wiseto insult someone with a degree ofsarcasm and humour Imparts a slight air of the old gangster life

US , 1921.< crack your cherryto lose your innocence or virginity

US , 1970.< crack your faceto smile broadly, especially of ausually serious personUK , 1966.< get crackingto start, to beginworkUK , 1937

crackadjectiveexcellentUK , 1793

crack aboutverbto act vigorously and aggressively Field MarshalMontgomery spoke of his army, after it had crossed the Rhine in

1945, as having the chance to ‘crack about on the plains of NorthGermany’UK , 1945

crackalacking; crackalackin’verbhappening; doing; occurring;working Also, in the greeting ‘what’s crackalackin?’US , 2003

crack along; crack onverbto move swiftly From the use of a whip

to encourage speedUK , 1837

crack attacknounthe intense craving for crack cocaine felt by anaddictUS , 1992

crack babynoun1a child born with an addiction to crack cocaine

US , 1990.2someone who is behaving very foolishly Comparing theperson to a baby born addicted to crack cocaineUS , 1993

crack backnounmarijuana mixed with crack cocaineUK , 1998

CrackBerrynouna person who enjoys an obsessive relationship with

a BlackBerry mobile telecommunications deviceUK , 2005

CrackBerrynicknamethe BlackBerry™, a wireless instant-messagingdeviceCANADA , 2002

crack coolernounpieces of crack cocaine soaked in a wine coolerdrinkUS , 1994

crack-cracknounhands that are badly chappedNORFOLK ISLAND , 1992

crack downverb1to repress; to suppress by draconian means,especially used of campaigns against lawless persons or acts.Usually before ‘on’ or ‘upon’UK , 1940.2in horse racing, to bedetermined to win a raceUS , 1994

crack down onverbto seize or make off with somethingAUSTRALIA , 1961

crackedadjectivementally impairedUK , 1692

cracked icenoundiamonds that have been removed from theirsettingsUS , 1962

cracked outadjectivesuffering symptoms of heavy crack cocaineusageUS , 1988

cracked squash

crack ’em upnouna vehicular accidentUS , 1977

crackernoun1a poor, uneducated, racist white from the southern

USUS , 1966.2a person of Anglo-cultureCANADA , 2001.3anything

excellent FromCRACK(excellent) Contemporary usage is due in

part to comedian Frank Carson who has ‘It’s a cracker!’ as a

catchphraseUK , 1914.4an excellent performance in a game

AUSTRALIA , 1986.5an attractive womanUK , 1914.6the buttocksUS , 1948.

7a person who breaches a computer system’s security scheme

Coined by hackers in defence against journalistic misuse of their

wordUS , 1991.8a criminal who specialises in breaking into safes

An abbreviation of ‘safe cracker’US , 1982.9a safeCANADA , 1976.10a

pound (£1); a pound-note Often used in phrases such as ‘not

have a cracker’AUSTRALIA , 1934.11the least amount of money

AUSTRALIA , 1934.12a fireworkAUSTRALIA , 1907.13a gramophone record

US , 1947.14a brothelAUSTRALIA , 1955.15a tooth Usually in the plural

UK , 1978.< go off like a crackerto explode into a rageAUSTRALIA ,

1995.< not worth a crackerentirely worthlessAUSTRALIA , 1941

crackeradjectiveexcellentNEW ZEALAND , 1964

cracker!used for expressing approvalUK , 2003

cracker-assnouna thin personUS , 1966

crackerboxnoun1a plain, box-like houseUS , 1945.2a jail from which

escape is simple; a safe which is simple to break intoUS , 1950.3a

brakevan (caboose)US , 1977.4a military truck used as an

ambulanceUS , 1950

cracker-boxadjectiveplain, simple, unsophisticatedUS , 1911

Crackerdomnounan area inhabited predominantly by racist white

peopleUS , 1987

cracker factorynouna mental hospitalUS , 1970

crackerjacknounan excellent example of somethingUS , 1895

crackerjackadjectivehighly skilled, excellentUS , 1899

cracker nightnouna night which is celebrated with fireworks

Currently this is used to commemorate the birthday of Queen

Elizabeth II, though it was previously used to celebrate other

occasionsAUSTRALIA , 1951

crackersnounLSD From the practice, at least in Boston, of

saturating animal cracker biscuits with LSD and selling it in that

formUS , 1967

crackersadjectivecrazy, madUK , 1925

crack gallerynouna building or room where crack cocaine is sold

and smokedUS , 1989

crack girlnouna girl or woman addicted to crack cocaineUS , 1980s

crack hardyverbto endure something bravely; to put on a brave

faceAUSTRALIA , 1904

crackheadnoun1a person addicted to crack cocaineUS , 1986.2a

crazy person FromCRACKED(mentally impaired)UK , 2002

crack housenouna building or room where crack cocaine may be

bought and consumedUS , 1985

crackienoun1a crack cocaine userUS , 1997.2in the Maritime

Provinces, a small yapping dogCANADA , 1959

crack-innouna burglaryUS , 1949

crackingadjective1very fast, vigorous Also used as an adverbUK ,

1825.2excellent Also used as an adverbUK , 1833

crack in the shacknouna homosexual in a jail cellUS , 1984

crack itverb1to succeed in some endeavour; to attain a desire

AUSTRALIA , 1936.2to succeed in gaining sexual intercourse; to have

sexAUSTRALIA , 1941.3to work as a prostituteAUSTRALIA , 1945

cracklenounbanknotes From the sound of new moneyUK , 1950

cracklingnouna woman or women regarded as sexual pleasure

This probably blends the pleasures to be had from tender, juicy

meat andCRACK(the vagina) Conventionally ‘crackling’ is the

crisped skin of roast porkUK , 1947

crack mamanouna homeless woman addicted to crack cocaineUS ,

1997

crack offverb(of a male) to masturbateUK , 2003

crack onverb1to tell someone something; to reveal a secret

. to go ahead A variation of the sense ‘to hurry’,

hence ‘to move forward’UK , 2001.3to flirt; to try to seducesomeoneUS , 1982.4to succeed in gaining sexual favours fromanotherAUSTRALIA , 1955 8see:CRACK ALONG

crack outverb1to escape from prisonUS , 1950.2in a swindle, torelieve the victim of his money quicklyUS , 1977

crackpotnouna person who is somewhere in the continuumbetween odd and crazyUK , 1883

crackpotadjective(of ideas and schemes) crazy, fantastic, unrealistic

US , 1934

crack regimentnounthe Women’s Royal Army Corps, and itspredecessor (from 1938–46), the Auxiliary Territorial Service A pun

onCRACK(excellent) andCRACK(the vagina)UK , 1995

crack salesmannoun1a youthful, attractive homosexual maleprostituteUS , 1979.2a pimpUS , 1949

cracksmannouna burglar; a safe-breaker Originally ‘a breaker’ As in the title of the 1963 film starring Charlie DrakeUS , 1797

house-crack smilenouna slash from ear to mouth, especially one inflictedfor failure to pay for drugsUS , 1993

cracksmokernouna person whose sanity is open to question,whether or not they actually smoke crackUS , 1997

crack troopsnounfemale soldiers A pun on ‘crack’ – here used inthe vaginal sense, not the expected expert senseUS , 1947

crack-upnoun1a nervous breakdownUS , 1936.2a cause for laughter

US , 1961

crack upverb1to undergo a nervous breakdownUS , 1917.2to praisesomeone highlyUS , 1829.3to amuse someone greatly; to causelaughter; to start laughing, especially uproariouslyUS , 1942

crack weednounmarijuana laced with crack cocaineUK , 2003

crack whorenouna prostitute motivated by a desire to buy crackcocaineUS , 1990

cracoidnouna crack cocaine addictUS , 1990

cradlenoun1your domicile, be it a room, apartment or house

CANADA , 1993.2any open-top railway goods wagon, such as agondolaUS , 1977

cradle babynouna novice citizens’ band radio user Based on theinitials CBUS , 1976

cradle rapenounsex with a girl under the age of consentUS , 1969

cradle-rockernounin placer mining, a trough on a rocker shaken toseparate gold flecks from sand and earthCANADA , 1995

cradle-snatchverbto have a sexual relationship with someonemuch younger than yourself The image of the partner as a baby

UK , 1938

cradle-snatchernouna person who has a noticeably younger lover.Also known as a ‘cradle-robber’US , 1907

Craft’s diseasenounsenile dementia From the spurious acronym

‘can’t remember a fucking thing’ AUSTRALIA , 1996

craftsmannouna socially inept doltUS , 1992

crafty Alicenounused as the epitome of a woman’s wilesUK , 1969

crafty butchernouna male homosexual Punningly derived, withChrismas-cracker-motto corniness, because ‘a crafty butcher takeshis meat through the back door’UK , 2003

cramverbto study hastily for an examinationUK , 1810

cram-booknouna book used for hasty studyUK , 1883

cram it!used for registering an imperative rejectionUS , 1957

crammernoun1a period of intense studying for an examinationUK ,

2005.2a teacher who prepares students for examination; a student

in a period of intense study for an examination; hence, an tution where students are given such intense preparationUK , 1813

insti-crammingnounintensive study especially in preparation for anexaminationUK , 1821

crampnounan unpleasant personUS , 1992

crampverb< cramp someone’s styleto hamper or preventsomeone from doing, or being at, their best From sporting useUS ,

crampernouna small cage in which a prisoner of war is confined

US , 1986

crannouna hiding-place for stolen goodsUK , 2003

cranenoun1in skateboarding, a manoeuvre in which the rider

crouches on one foot, extending the other leg outwardsUS , 1976.2a

superior with a great deal of influence New York police slangUS ,

1997

cranknoun1methamphetamine hydrochloride in powdered form;

any amphetamine; methcathinoneUS , 1969.2a mentally unstable

person; an unreliable, unpredictable person; a person who is

obsessed by a single topic or hobbyUS , 1833.3a prison guard who

takes pleasure in making life difficult for prisonersUS , 1981.4a

prison bullyUS , 1958.5a crankshaft Hot rodder usageUS , 1948.6the

penisUS , 1968.7an act of masturbationAUSTRALIA , 1985

crankverb1to use amphetamines or methamphetamine, central

nervous system stimulantsUS , 1970.2to inject a drug Also known

as ‘crank up’UK , 1978.3to turn up the volume of music to very

loudUS , 1994.4to excelUS , 1988.5in computing, to perform wellUS ,

1991.6in a card game, to deal the cardsUS , 1988.< crank tailto

physically assault someoneTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1971

crankadjectiveinsaneFIJI , 1995

crank bugnounan insect that is seen by someone under the

influ-ence of methamphetamine but not by othersUS , 1977

crankcaseverbthe headUS , 1960

crank commandonounan amphetamine or methamphetamine

addictUK , 1970

cranked; cranked out; cranked upadjective1stimulated by

meth-amphetamine or meth-amphetaminesUS , 1971.2excited; intensified

Mechanical imageryUS , 1957

crankernouna bowler who in delivering the ball lifts it high over his

head in the backswingUS , 1987

cranking; cranking upnounthe act of injecting a drugUK , 2000

crankingadjectiveamusing; pleasing; exciting; goodUS , 1982

crank offverbto consume somethingUS , 2001

crank outverbto create something, to make something The

impli-cation is of mechanical manufacture, but that is not necessarily

the intentionUS , 2001

crank timenounthe time set or needed to start up a helicopterUS ,

1991

crannynoun1the vagina An adoption, probably in C19, of the

con-ventional sense; it remains in circulation mainly as an occasional

variation of a pornographer’s theme; the male-inspired

‘cranny-hunter’, however, is no longer evidentUK , 1937.2a toiletUS , 1968

crapnoun1nonsenseUK , 1898.2excrementUK , 1846.3an act of

defecationUS , 1926.4marijuanaUS , 1961.5weak or highly diluted

heroinUS , 1942.< take a crapto defecateUS , 1952

crapverbto defecateUK , 1673

crapadjectiveinferior, shoddy, valueless, unpleasant, disliked for

whatever reason From the earlier sense (excrement)US , 1916

crap antennanounthe ability to detect when someone is speaking

nonsenseAUSTRALIA , 1987

crap aroundverbto idle; to pass time doing nothing; to waste time

US , 1935

crap artistnouna convincing liarUS , 1934

crap-assnouna despicable personUS , 1975

crap-assadjectiveshoddy, inferiorUS , 2000

crapaud-foot writing; crapaud handnounillegible penmanship

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003

crapaud-going-to-weddingnounchildlike, scratchy handwriting

GRENADA , 1996

crap coursenounan easy college courseUS , 1956

crape-hangernouna doomsayerUS , 1949

crap hatnounin a paratroop regiment, a non-jumper From the

different colour of the uniform beret (a non-jumper is not allowed

crap heapnouna dilapidated vehicleAUSTRALIA , 1974

crapholenouna bad place, a disgusting placeUS , 1939

craphousenoun1a toiletUS , 1934.2a dirty, unpleasant placeUS , 1934

crapnessnouna lack of style or worthUK , 2000

crap offverbto annoy someoneAUSTRALIA , 1974

crapolanounused as an embellished ‘crap’ in any and all of itssensesUK , 1959

crap outverb1to be completely exhausted; to go to sleepUS , 1956.

2to dieUS , 1929.3to come to an end of a horizontal passage whilecaving or pot-holing The horizontal equivalent of the conventionalmining-term ‘bottom out’UK , 2004

crappernoun1a toiletUS , 1927.2the anus, the rectum; the buttocks

UK , 1998.< in the crapperin horse racing, finishing in fourthplace or worseUS , 1976

crapper dicknouna police officer who patrols public toilets insearch of illegal homosexual activityUS , 1950

crappereenanouna toiletUK , 1979

crappersnoun< in crappers ditchin severe trouble A strikinglyunpleasant image akin toUP SHIT CREEK NEW ZEALAND , 1998

crappersadjectivevery drunkUK , 1987

crapponouna resident of Jersey (in the Channel Islands) according

to those on GuernseyUK , 1991

crappyadjective1of poor quality FromCRAP(excrement),synonymous withSHITTY US , 1942.2befouled with excrementUK , 1846

crapsnoundice, especially used in crapsUS , 1965

craps!used for expressing disgustTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003

crapshootnounan unpredictable, risky situationUS , 1971

craptabulousadjectiveof extremely inferior quality a combination

ofCRAPandFANTABULOUSsometimes used to celebrate that which

is so bad it is goodUK , 2005

craptacularadjectiveof extremely inferior quality A combination of

CRAPand spectacular sometimes used to celebrate that which is sobad it is good Coinage is credited to the writers of cartooncharacter Bart Simpson in The SimpsonsUS , 2004

craptasticadjectiveof extremely inferior quality A combination of

CRAPand fantastic sometimes used to celebrate that which is sobad it is goodUS , 2003

craptitudenouna state of existence comprising generally negativequalities such as poor taste and feebleness A variation ofCRAPNESS

that seems to carry a suggestion of decrepitudeUK , 2000

crap upverb1to fill something with clutterUS , 1946.2to spoilsomething; to ruin somethingUS , 1953.3to address someone with

a complete lack of sincerityUS , 1950

crapweaselnouna deceitful and/or annoying personUK , 2005

crashverb1to enter a party or social event without an invitationUS ,

1921.2to enter a place with force with the intention of commiting acrimeUS , 1924.3to stay somewhere temporarily; to sleep somewhere

US , 1945.4to go to sleepUK , 1943.5to return to normal perceptionsafter a drug intoxication; to experience an associated feeling of post-intoxication depression or dismayUS , 1967.6(used of a computerprogram) to fail completely without warningUS , 1983.7(used of apolice case) to fail or be droppedUK , 1996.8to hit something, tostrike somethingUS , 1989.9to escape from jail or prisonUS , 1970.10incircus and carnival usage, to change moneyUS , 1981.11to passsomething; to give something out Teen slang, recorded inLeicestershireUK: ENGLAND , 1977.12to intubate a hospital patientquickly and urgentlyUS , 1994.13to perform a high-priority job assoon as possibleUS , 1986.< crash and burn1to failUS , 2003.2incomputing, to fail in a dramatic and spectacular fashionUS , 1991.

< crash the ashto offer someone a cigaretteUK , 1950s

crash boxnounin cars, a manual transmission not equipped withsynchromesh, requiring forceful gear shiftsUS , 1965

crash carnounan old, inexpensive car used in the distribution ofillegal alcoholUS , 1974

crash cartnouna mobile cart used to carry equipment Originally

crash-coursenouna short, intensive course on a particular subject

UK , 1973

crashernoun1a person temporarily sleeping in someone else’s

house or apartmentUS , 1975.2a very tedious or tiresome person or

thing A variation ofCRASHING BORE UK , 1960.3a powerful,

hard-breaking waveUS , 1964

crash hatnouna safety helmetUS , 2003

crash helmetnouna condom Figurative use of motorcyclists’ safety

wear: in both uses worn in case of accident Possibly also a

punning reference to ‘helmet’ (the head of the penis)UK , 1998

crash hotadjectiveexcellentAUSTRALIA , 1962

crash hot!used for expressing enthusiastic approvalNEW ZEALAND ,

1998

crashing borenouna very tedious or tiresome person or thingUK ,

1934

crash-outnounan escape from prison or jailUS , 1940

crash outverbto escape from prisonUS , 1954

crash padnoun1a room, apartment, or house where people stay

for the night or temporarily, with or without knowing the owner,

with or without formal invitationUS , 1967.2a pit of soft dirt or

sand used for low-level stunt fallsUS , 2003

-crat; -ocratsuffixwhen linked with a subject, used to designate a

person that may be dominant, or aspiring to dominance, or

pretending superiority within that subject area A sarcastic or

humorous application of the conventional sense found in such

words as ‘aristocrat’, ‘democrat’, ‘plutocrat’, etc The root in most

conventional senses ends with an ‘o’; in colloquial or journalistic

usage the ‘o’ is generally incorporatedUK , 1937

cratenoun1an old and dilapidated carUS , 1927.2a railway boxcarUS ,

1977

crate of sandnouna truck hauling sugarUS , 1971

craternoun1a deep sore caused by repeated injectionsUS , 1967.2a

facial blemishUS , 1968

cratesnounthe female breastsNEW ZEALAND , 1984

c-rat grenadenouna crude hand grenade fashioned by the Viet

Cong using a US combat rations can as the grenade shellUS , 1990

c-ratsnounUS Army combat rations Vietnam war coinage, in

continuing useUS , 1965

cravenadjectivegluttonous, greedyGRENADA , 1996

cravenousadjectivegluttonous, greedyVIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH , 1996

cravetiousadjectivegreedyTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1956

craviciousadjectivegluttonous, greedyBARBADOS , 1996

crawfishverbto evade someone or something In nature, the only

defence available to the crawfish is to bury itself in mud or silt,

moving backwardsUS , 1842

crawlnoun1in television and film-making, titles that roll from the

bottom of the screen to the topUS , 1990.2in pool, backspin

applied to the cue ballUS , 1954

crawlverb1to behave sycophanticallyAUSTRALIA , 1880.2to search

somewhereUS , 1986

crawlernoun1a sycophantAUSTRALIA , 1827.2a despicable or

contemptible person; a low personAUSTRALIA , 1917

crawlingadjectiveverminous Shortened from ‘crawling with lice’UK ,

craynoun1a one-hundred dollar note From the note’s red colour,

shared with the crayfishNEW ZEALAND , 1998.2a crayfishAUSTRALIA , 1909

crayonnouna programmer who works on a supercomputer

designed by Cray ResearchUS , 1991

craythurnounstrong alcohol, usually whiskey The spelling reflects

craziesnounphencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP orangel dustUS , 1993

crazynouna person who engages in erratic or unpredictablebehaviourUS , 1867

crazyadjective1excellent, exciting, superlativeUS , 1948.2enthusiastic

for, about or to do something UK , 1779.3(used of a particular card

in poker and other card games) capable of being played as a card

of any value The same as the more common ‘wild’US , 1967.

4manyUS , 1989.< like crazyof behaviour, to the utmostUS , 1924

crazy alleynounthe area in a prison in which mentally ill patientsare confinedUS , 1992

crazy as a bedbugadjectiveextremely eccentric, madUS , 1918

crazy-assadjectivevery crazyUS , 1994

crazy doctornouna psychiatrist or other psychotherapistUS , 1989

crazy Eddynounhigh quality phencyclidine, the recreational drugknown as PCP or angel dustUS , 1993

crazy eight; crazy 8nouna discharge from the US Army for mentalunfitness From US Army Regulation 600–208US , 1968

crazy freaknouna pretty girlUS , 1955

crazy housenouna mental hospitalUS , 1887

Crazy JoeynicknameJoey Gallo, reputed member of the Gambinocrime family in New York, shot to death at Umberto’s Clam House

in 1972US , 1990

crazy largeadjectivedoing very wellUS , 1993

crazy like a fox; crazy as a foxadjectiveeccentric; cunningUS , 1935

crazy oatsnounwild riceCANADA , 1963

crazyweednounmarijuanaUK , 1998

creakernounan old personUS , 1958

creamnoun1a bribeUS , 1982.2a variety of hashish from the ParvattiValley in Northern IndiaUK , 2003.3money Cash rules everything around me US , 1994

creamverb1to ejaculate; to secrete vaginal lubricants during sexualarousalUS , 1915.2by extension, to gush with excitementUS , 1948.

3to defeat someone convincinglyUS , 1940.4to kill someoneUS , 1940.

5to hit someone or somethingUS , 1942.6to rob someoneUK , 1998.

< cream the ragto boast in an offensive manner Themastubatory image is powerfulUS , 1971.< cream your jeans

while dressed, to respond to a sexual stimulus by secreting fluids

US , 1942.< get creamedto be knocked from your surfboard andpounded into the ocean, ocean bottom or pilings of a pierUS , 1978

cream bunnouna Protestant Glasgow rhyming slang forHUN UK:

cream crackeredadjectivetired out, exhausted Rhyming slang for

KNACKERED(exhausted); a conventional ‘cream cracker’ is a savourybiscuitUK , 1992

creamedadjectivesoiled by vaginal secretions as a result of sexualarousalUK , 1997

creamernoun1an employee who steals from the tillUK , 1996.

2someone who is over-excited or scared; by implication, someonewho is not in control of his emotions or his affairsAUSTRALIA , 1973.

3in the car sales business, an excellent carUS , 1953

creamienoun1a sexually attractive young womanUK , 1982.2anoutstanding student selected after advanced flying training tobecome a flying instructor Also variant ‘creamy’UK , 1981

creamiesnounthe viscous discharge of a sexually transmittedinfectionUS , 1969

cream offverbto orgasm Based onCREAM(to ejaculate)UK , 2000

creampienounsemen seeping from a vagina, anus or mouth Afetish that oozed from US Internet pornography in the early 2000s;the semen is as often as not an artificially concocted look-alikeUS ,

cream puffnoun1a huff Glasgow rhyming slangUK , 1985.2an

effeminate maleUS , 1945.3an easy target, easy preyUS , 1915.4in the

used car business, a well-preserved carUS , 1949

creamynouna person of mixed European and Australian Aboriginal

heritageAUSTRALIA , 1912

creamyadjective1quarter-caste Australian AboriginalAUSTRALIA , 1912.

2sexually attractive Influenced by ‘creamy’ (delightful), this use is

fromCREAM(to secrete fluids when sexually aroused)US , 1947.

3pleasing, excellent Teen slangUK , 1889

creasenounin sports betting, a distortion created when strong fan

support for one team or contestant creates an imbalance in the

odds which can be exploited by a clever bettorUS , 1991

crease; crease upverbto laugh immoderately, to collapse with

laughter; to cause such a condition An image of being bent

double with laughterUK , 1984

crednouncredibilityUK , 1998

credadjectiveacceptable to your peers; hence, fashionable

Abbreviated fromSTREET-CRED(the quality of being understood by

urban youth), in turn shortened from ‘street-credible’UK , 1999

credentialsnounthe genitalsUS , 1968

creditnoun1an achievement or accomplishment From the

acknowledgement of service rendered in the entertainment

industryUS , 1992.2a reduction of a jail sentence due to good

behaviourUS , 1949

credit cardnoun1a boyfriendUK , 1981.2a favour owedUS , 1985

creeknoun< down the creekin oil drilling, wasted or lostUS , 1954.

< up the creekin trouble Variant phrases include ‘up the creek

without a paddle’ and ‘up the creek with a paddle in a barbed-wire

canoe’US , 1918

creepnoun1an objectionable or unpleasant person; a dull or

insignificant personUS , 1926.2a prisoner who is neither respected

nor likedUS , 1951.3a thief who operates in hotels, entering

unlocked rooms as the guests sleepUK , 1877.4a drug addict who

relies on the kindness of other addicts for small amounts of drugs

US , 1971.5a furtive arrival or departureUS , 1946.< on the creep

used of a thief who is workingUK , 1996

creepverb1to work as a sneak-thiefUS , 1928.2to ambush someone

with the intent of seriously injuring or killing them Prison usage

US , 1974.3to attempt to have a secret sexual relationship with

someone’s boyfriend or girlfriendUS , 2001.4to be sexually

unfaithfulUS , 1972.5to dance A late 1950s usage, not necessarily in

reference to ‘the Creep’, a short-lived 1950s dance sensationUK ,

creepernoun1a burglarUS , 1906.2a prostitute or prostitute’s

accomplice who steals from the clothes of the prostitute’s

customerUK , 1984.3a marijuana cigaretteUS , 1997.4in trucking, a

very low gearUS , 1937.5in car repair, a platform on casters that

allows a mechanic to lie on their back and roll under a car to work

on itUS , 1992

creeperbud; creepernouna subtly potent variety of marijuana

Because it ‘creeps up on you’US , 1981

creepersnounsoft-soled, quiet shoes favoured by burglarsUS , 1949

creepers!used for expressing surprise An abbreviated version of

JEEPERS, CREEPERS! US , 1944

creep gamenouna scheme in which a prostitute and her

confederate rob the prostitute’s customerUS , late 1960s

creep housenouna brothel where customers are routinely robbed

US , 1913

creepie-peepienouna small, hand-held television camera An

unsuccessful attempt to recreate the popularity ofWALKIE-TALKIE US ,

1952

creeping crudnounany skin rash suffered in tropical and jungle

creeping Jesusnouna hypocritically pious sneak and cowardUK , 1818

creeping Jesus!used as an expression of surprise, frustration, anger,etcAUSTRALIA , 1961

creeping mocusnouna non-existent diseaseUS , 1947

creep jointnouna brothel where customers’ clothes are searchedand robbedUS , 1921

creeponouna contemptible personUS , 1960

creep outverbto create a very uncomfortable feeling in someone

US , 1983

creep padnouna creep jointUS , 1946

creepsnoun< the creepsa sensation of dreadUK , 1849

creeps!used as an all-purpose, non-profane expression of surprise

US , 1971

creepsternouna revolting person An embellishedCREEP US , 1993

creepyadjectiveannoying; producing anxiety or nervousness inothersUS , 1919

creepy-crawlynounan insect; a spiderUK , 1960

creepy-peepynoun1battlefield radar Vietnam war usageUS , 1965.

2a television mini-cameraUS , 1986

cremnoun a crematorium Cremation has been legal in the UK since

1884; it is a matter of conjecture how soon this familiarshortening took a holdUK , 1971

Creme de Menthe Frenchnounoral sex performed with a mouthfull of creme de menthe alcoholUS , 1993

cremmie; cremmynoun a crematorium An elaboration ofCREM

AUSTRALIA , 1982

crepesnountrainers (sneakers)JAMAICA , 1996

crepesolesnountrainers (sneakers)GUYANA , 1996

crestverbto smile From the branded toothpasteUS , 1997

cretinnounan incompetent and despicable personUS , 1981

cretinousadjectivein computing, incompetent, dysfunctionalUS , 1981

crevicenounthe vagina Widespread in pornographic literatureUK , 1937

crewnoun1a criminal gangUS , 1946.2a tightly-knit group of closefriendsUS , 1957.3a group of graffiti artists who work togetherUS , 1997

crew chiefnounthe leader of a unit of a criminal gangUS , 1992

crew dognouna crew chief in the US Air ForceUS , 1998

crew hognouna miscellaneous member of a film crewUS , 2000

crew pienouna pizza made by a pizza parlour’s employeesUS , 1996

crew runnernounthe leader of a criminal gangUS , 2000

crew upverbto form a group to commit a crimeUS , 2000

cri!used as an expression or shock, surprise, etc A shortening of

1962.10a receptacle for carrying a meal to workAUSTRALIA , 1941.11ameal taken during the major break at workAUSTRALIA , 1890.12anyform of written aid to cheating in examinations The original(1841) meaning was specifically ‘a literal translation illicitly used bystudents’; the current vaguer sense gained purchase during C20

UK , 1900.13cribbage (a card game) UK , 1885.14crack cocaineUK , 1998

cribverb1to reside somewhereUS , 1969.2to cheat in an ationUK , 1891.3to plagiarise something; to copy somethingUK , 1941

examin-cribbage pegnounthe leg Rhyming slangUK , 1923

cribbernouna horse that chews the wood of its stallUS , 1947

crib coursenouna basic, easy course of studyUS , 1970

crib girlnouna woman working in a supply shack or supply room

cribhousenouna brothelUS , 1916

cribmannouna professional safecrackerUS , 1976

crib sheetnouna piece of paper with information used for studying

or cheating in an examination or testUS , 1960

crib timenouna meal time during work hoursAUSTRALIA , 1890

cricketadjectivefair, following customs and rulesUK , 1900

cricket score oddsnounin horse racing, odds of 100–1 or higher

AUSTRALIA , 1989

cricket teamnouna very sparse moustache There are eleven men

– or hairs – on each sideAUSTRALIA , 1984

cricks; crixnountheatre criticsUS , 1952

crigsnoun the testicles From the Irish creig (rock) or cnag (knob) UK:

NORTHERN IRELAND , 1992

crikey!used as an expression of surprise, frustration, etc A

euphemism forCHRIST! UK , 1838

crikey Moses!used for registering surprise or anguishUK , 1993

crillnouna marijuana cigarette laced with cocaine A lazy

pronounciation ofCRIPPLE UK , 2001

crilladjectiveinferiorUS , 1993

crillsnouncrack cocaineUS , 1995

crillznounan abodeUS , 1997

crimnoun a criminal US , 1909

crimadjectiveinvolved in crime; criminalAUSTRALIA , 1987

crimenounsomeone who doesn’t pay debts From the adage ‘crime

doesn’t pay’AUSTRALIA , 1989

crimeverbin the military, to discipline someoneAUSTRALIA , 1932

Crime DognicknameFred McGriff (b.1943), a first baseman

(1986–2001) with a large impact on the defence of the team he

was playing for An allusion to the comic strip character McGruff, a

crime-fighting dogUS , 1992

crimeynouna criminalUS , 1969

crimpnoun1an obstacle or impedimentUS , 1896.2a discreet bend

or crease in a playing card that assists a cheat or a conjuror to

prosperUS , 2003

crimpverbto intrude; to impede somethingUS , 1979

crimp cutnounin a card game, a cheating move in which the

cheater cuts the deck of cards to an intended spotUS , 1996

crimpernoun1a hairdresserUK , 1968.2in gambling, a person who

crimps cards so as to be able to identify them in future handsUS ,

1992

crimpsnountight curls of hairBAHAMAS , 1982

crimson butterflynounthe penisUK , 2003

crimson ramblernouna bedbugUS , 1906

crimson tide; crimson wavenounthe bleed period of the

menstrual cycleUS , 2001

cringenounmethamphetamine Probably fromCRANK, but the

image of cringing is powerful when discussing a

methamphet-amine userUS , 1993

cringe!; oh cringe!used as an expression of abject embarrassment,

apology or regret; also, in sympathy with another’s

embarrassment A vocalisation of a probable physical reaction to

such embarrassmentUK , 1984

crinknoun1a sharp, searing painUS , 1970.2methamphetamine

sulphate in powdered formUS , 1977

crinklenounpaper moneyUK , 1954

crinkle-topnouna black person with natural or afro hairUS , 1980

cripnoun1an easy course in school or collegeUS , 1923.2a cripple US ,

1893

cripes!used as a euphemistic exclamation in place of ‘christ!’

AUSTRALIA , 1903

crippen!used for registering surprise or annoyance Using the

name of notorious murderer Dr H H Crippen, 1860–1910;

ulti-crippienounhigh quality marijuanaUS , 2002

cripplenoun1a marijuana cigarette Evolves fromCRUTCH(a device

to support the butt)US , 1955.2a knee-boarder; a surfer who rideskneeling rather than standing Derogatory, spoken with disdain byexperienced surfersUS , 1988.3in pool, a shot that cannot bemissed or a game that cannot be lostUS , 1964.4a disabled railwaycarriageUS , 1946

cripple-cocknoun1cider Dorset slang, subsequently adopted as abrand name Possibly playing onBREWER’S DROOP(an inability toacheive an erect penis symptomatic of drunkenness)UK: ENGLAND ,

1979.2used as a general pejorative A slur on virilityUK , 1980

cripplewarenouncomputer software that operates up to a pointbut then is disabled until payment for a full working version ismadeUS , 1991

crip upverb(of an able-bodied actor) to play the rôle of a disabledcharacter FromCRIP(a cripple)UK , 2004

crisnounamphetamines A misspelling and/or a play onCRYSTAL

(methamphetamine), or an abbreviation of Spanish cristal US , 1971

Crisco FrisconicknameSan Francisco, California An allusion to thevegetable shortening often used as a sexual lubricant and SanFrancisco’s reputation as a city with a large homosexual popu-lationUS , 1979

crispnoun1crack cocaine mixed with marijuanaUS , 1995.2anyalcoholUS , 2001

crispadjective1excellent, perfect, appealingUS , 1995.2said of a table

in pool where there is no need to adjust a shot to compensate forthe table surfaceUS , 1993

crispernouna commissioned act of arsonUK , 2003

crispienouna currency note; hence the plural is also generalised asmoney Extended from ‘crisp’, the quality of new notesUK , 1982

crispoadjectivementally deficient due to drug abuseUS , 1993

crisp packetnouna prison bedUK , 1996

crispynouna badly burnt person or corpse An abbreviation of

CRISPY CRITTER US , 1981

crispyadjective1good, stylish, fashionable, pleasingUS , 1997.2slightlydiminished in mental facilities due to prolonged alcohol and/ordrug useUS , 1979

crispy critternoun1a burnt corpse, especially one burnt bynapalm The term was borrowed from the branded name of asugar-frosted oat cereal cut out in animal shapes, popular in the

US in the 1960sUS , 1967.2a badly burnt hospital patientUS , 1989.

3a burnt pizzaUS , 1996

criss; krisadjectivestylish, attractive, fashionable; used of the new ordesirable Adapted from an abbreviation of ‘crisp’ (fresh) UK blackusageJAMAICA , 1991

crissake; crisake; krissakeused for expressing frustration orannoyanceUK , 1964

criss-crossnounan amphetamine tablet, especially Benzedrine™(amphetamine sulphate) From the cross scoring on the tablet;possibly a play onCRIS, a central nervous system stimulant(amphetamine)US , 1993

criss-crossverbto simultaneously ingest lines of heroin and cocaine

critnoun1a criticUK , 1743.2a criticism; a critiqueUK , 1908.3a state

of critical mass; critical size A colloquialism from nuclear physics

behaviour and that of other members of the group Popular in

leftist groups in the US in the late 1960s and early 70sUS , 2002

critternouna creature, especially a horse or a cow; a person (usually

disparaging)US , 1815

crivens!used for registering shock, horror or astonishment

Probably a compound of ‘Christ!’ and ‘heavens!’UK , 1999

cronouna prostitute A variation ofCROW AUSTRALIA , 1953

croacknouna mixture of crack and an amphetamineUS , 1993

croagiesnounthe testiclesUS , 1985

croaknouna combination of crack cocaine and methamphetamine

A variation ofCRACKwith fatal forebodings:CROAK(to die)UK , 1998

croakverb1to die From the death-rattleUK , 1812.2to kill someone

UK , 1823.3to inform on someone, to betray someoneUS , 1964.4in

pool, to miscueCANADA , 1988

croakernoun1a doctor, especially a company doctor Sometimes

abbreviated to ‘croak’UK , 1879.2a doctor who provides narcotics for

an addict A specialisation of the previous senseUS , 1978.3a

habit-ual complainer In C19 US use, but now obsolete thereAUSTRALIA ,

1882.4a dying person, or one who has just died FromCROAK(to

die)UK , 1873

crocnouna crocodileAUSTRALIA , 1884

crocknoun1an unpleasant or worthless person, object or

experi-ence; a waste of time Contemptuously abbreviated from the

fam-iliarCROCK OF SHIT US , 1944.2an old and worn-out person or thing

UK , 1889.3a person with medical problems which are the result of

abusive livingUS , 1978.4a computer program that normally

functions but fails if modified at allUS , 1983.5nonsense An

abbreviation ofCROCK OF SHIT US , 1962

C rocknouncrack cocaine.C(cocaine) plusROCK(crack cocaine)UK ,

2001

crockadjectivebroken; no goodAUSTRALIA , 1957

crock cutnouna haircut which gives the appearance of having been

achieved by placing a bowl over the subject’s headUS , 1947

crockedadjective1wrong, awryUK , 2000.2drunkUS , 1917

crock of shitnoun1an unpleasant or worthless person, object or

experience; a waste of time A conventional ‘crock’ (a pot) ofSHIT

(excreta)US , 1951.2nonsense, liesUS , 1945

crockynoun a crocodile Mostly juvenile AUSTRALIA , 1943

crocodilenoun1a long line of school children walking two abreast

UK , 1870.2a smile Rhyming slangUK , 1992.3a horse Possibly a

jocular elaboration ofCROCK(a worthless or worn-out thing, hence

a broken-down horse)AUSTRALIA , 1897

crocusnoun1a doctor Originally ‘croakus’UK , 1785.2a fair-weather

trader who appears for a while when winter is overUK , 1979

CrokernicknameCroke Park, the official head quarters of the Gaelic

Athletic Association (GAA)IRELAND , 2000

Cromwellnouna Vauxhall Cavalier car Citizens’ band radio slang;

Cromwell and the Cavaliers were on opposing sides in the English

Civil WarUK , 1981

cronkyadjective1fraudulent, dishonest From ‘cronk’ (corrupt)

AUSTRALIA , 1971.2applied generally as a disdainful descriptor

Schoolchildren’s slangUK , 1983.3inferior; ‘wonky’UK , 1961

crookadjective1dishonest; illegal; (of an item) illegally gained, stolen,

illicitAUSTRALIA , 1898.2(of a racehorse) not being run to win; (of a

jockey) not riding to winAUSTRALIA , 1895.3bad; no goodAUSTRALIA ,

1900.4ill; unwell; injuredAUSTRALIA , 1908.< go crookto express

anger verballyAUSTRALIA , 1910

crookadverbbadlyAUSTRALIA , 1959

crook as a dogadjectivevery unwellAUSTRALIA , 1955

crook as Rookwoodadjective(especially in Sydney) very unwell

Rhyming phrase referring to Rookwood Cemetery, the main

cemetery serving Sydney for many yearsAUSTRALIA , 1971

crook booknouna piece of crime fictionUK , 1959

crookedadjective1dishonest; of dishonest manufactureUK , 1864.

crookedadverbillicitly, in a criminal manner, furtivelyUK , 1936

crooked as a dog’s hind legextremely crooked Both literally andfiguratively ‘crooked’AUSTRALIA , 1965

crookienouna wrong or weak person or thingNEW ZEALAND , 1962

crook onadjectiveannoyed withAUSTRALIA , 1967

croopnouna croupierUK , 2000

cropnoun1a fifth of a gallon of wineUS , 1975.2inferior qualityheroin A variation ofCRAP US , 2002

crop dustingnounfarting while walking down the aisle of an airliner

US , 2002

crop-headnouna male with closely cut hairUK , 1983

croppernoun1a man who seeks to have sex with a transsexual

Named after Coronation Street character Roy Cropper whose 1999

soap opera story-line had him involved with a transsexualUK , 2003.

2a fail; a setbackAUSTRALIA , 1921.< come a cropperto take aheavy fall; to go wrong This is the most familiar phrase based-on

‘cropper’ (a fall, 1858); others are ‘get a cropper’ and ‘fall acropper’UK , 1874

croppienouna crop circle researcherUK , 2003

crop-toppedadjectivewith short hair, cropped on top, 2001

crossnoun an act of betrayal, a doublecross UK , 2001.< in a crossintroubleUS , 1976.< on the crossdishonestlyUK , 1819

Crossnoun< the Crossthe King’s Cross district of Sydney AUSTRALIA , 1946

crossverb1to betray someoneUK , 1821.2to cheat a cheatUS , 1950

cross bar hotelnouna jail or prisonUS , 1865

cross-comicaladjectivefoolishBARBADOS , 1965

crosscutnouna Chinese woman; a Jewish woman A Liverpudlianterm, derived from the notion that Asian women’s genitals have adifferent orientation to those of Western women; hence, its yetmore ill-informed application to Jewish womenUK , 1966

crossed wiresnouna misunderstanding From the hazards oftelephonyUK , 1932

cross-eye; cross-eyesnouna person with a squint From the ventional sense describing the conditionUK , 1937

con-cross-eyedadjectiveannoyed, angryUK , 1998

crossfirenounin confidence games, conversation betweenconfederates in the swindle that draws the victim into the swindle.Originally used to describe the quick banter of vaudeville, thenadapted to criminal purposesUS , 1940

crossfireverb(used of a racehorse) to clip the rear hooves togetherwhile runningUS , 1951

crosshairsnoun< put in the crosshairsto target something.From military sniper/target competition shootingUS , 2002

crosshaulnouna notional tool that a novice logger is often sent tofetchUS , 1913

crossliftnounin poker, a cheating technique in which twoconfederates on either side of the victim continue raising the betuntil the victim withdraws from the handUS , 1968

cross my heart and hope to dieused as an oath, often withhumourUS , 1926

cross my heart and hope to spitused as an oath and pledge.Popularised by Theodore ‘Beaver’ Cleaver on the US television

comedy Leave it to Beaver (CBS and ABC, 1957–63), in place of

the more common ‘cross my heart and hope to die’ Used withreferential humour by those who had watched the show aschildrenUS , 1963

Crossmyloofnouna male homosexual Glasgow rhyming slang for

POOF, formed from the name of an area of the south side ofGlasgowUK: SCOTLAND , 1988

cross of the northnouna stance assumed by a canoer on aportage when meeting someone on a trailCANADA , 1947

crossoververbto leave one youth gang and join a rival gangUS , 1995

cross-patchnouna peevish, ill-tempered person A combination of

applied to a girl or a woman; the general sense is first recorded in

1818UK , 1700

crossroadnounan amphetamine tablet identified by its

cross-scoring Less commonly heard thanCROSS TOP US , 1980

crossroadernounan itinerant card cheatUS , 1889

cross-talknounin a radio or television broadcast, speaking

simul-taneously and thus possibly obscuring what is saidUS , 1984

cross-threadadjectivecontraryTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1960

cross topnouna tablet of Benzedrine™ (amphetamine sulphate), a

central nervous system stimulant From the appearance: white

tablets with a cross cut into the surfaceUS , 1971

crossword spannernouna pencil A term used by Royal Navy

engineersUK , 1962

crotnounexcrement, especially as ‘soft crot’, a loose stool A

schoolboys’ termUK , 1957

crotchnouna womanUS , 1973

Crotchnicknamethe US Marines CorpsUS , 1953

crotch ballnounin handball, a ball that strikes the intersection of

two playing surfacesUS , 1970

crotch cricketsnounpubic liceUS , 1971

crotchetyadjectiveill-tempered, crossUK , 1825

crotch lightnounin the pornography industry, a light used to

illuminate the genitals of the performersUS , 1977

crotch magazinenouna pornographic magazineUS , 1986

crotch rocketnouna motorcyle, usually a fast racing motorcyleUS ,

1974

crotch rotnounany fungal infection in the crotchUS , 1967

crotch rownounin a striptease performance, seats very near the

performersUS , 1973

crotch shotnouna photograph focused on a person’s genitalsUS ,

1973

crotch strapnounin motor racing, a safety device that attaches to

the buckle of the lap belt and is attached to the chassis under the

seatUS , 1963

crotch walkernouna shoplifter who conceals booty between the

thighsUK , 1996

crovey!used for expressing approvalUK , 2003

crownoun1a black person OffensiveUS , 1823.2a female prostitute

Occasionally also spelt ‘cro’ Perhaps influenced byCHROMO

AUSTRALIA , 1944.3a mawkish, old-fashioned personUS , 1945.4a

drinking friendBERMUDA , 1985.5an undertaker; an undertaker’s

employee From their black clothingUK , 1947.6used as an abusive

term of addressUK , 1993.7cocaineUK , 2003.8an electronic warfare

specialist Vietnam war usageUS , 1980.9an eagle insignia in the US

NavyUS , 1905.< as the crow fliesdirectly; in a straight line

AUSTRALIA , 1902

Crownicknamethe Crow’s Nest Pass railway freight ratesCANADA , 1987

crowbaitnouna horse, especially an older horseUS , 1851

crowbar palacenouna jailUS , 1941

crowdnoun1a company of people defined by a common

denomi-nator, a setUS , 1840.2a fat personUS , 1970

crowdverb1to put pressure on someone, to coerce someoneUS ,

1828.2to verge on a specified ageUS , 1943

crowded cabinnounin poker, a hand consisting of three cards of

one rank and a pair Conventionally known as a ‘full house’US , 1988

crowded spacenouna suitcase Rhyming slang; especially, by

thieves stealing luggage in crowded spacesUK , 1961

crowd engineernouna police dogUS , 1992

crowd-surfverbto pass over the heads of a crowd, propelled and

supported by the hands of that crowdUS , 1993

crow-eaternouna person from the state of South AustraliaAUSTRALIA ,

1881

crow footnoun1in car repair, an open-ended wrench with an

extension . in the television and film industries, a device

used to support the legs of a tripod on a slippery or unevensurfaceUK , 1960

crowhopnounin rodeos, a mild buckingCANADA , 1987

crowienounan old woman From a resemblance to the crow incolour (of plumage/clothing) and tone of voiceUK , 1979

Crow Jimnounanti-white racial discrimination by black people Areversal of the common termJIM CROWfor anti-black discrimi-nationUS , 1956

crownnoun1a type of MDMA, the recreational drug best known asecstasy From the imprint on the pink pillUK , 1996.2a hatUS , 1976.

3a condomUK , 1998

Crownnouna Crown ProsecutorCANADA , 2002

crownverb1to hit someone on the headUK , 1746.2to couple abrakevan (caboose) to a freight trainUS , 1946

crown and anchornouna despicable person Rhyming slang for

WANKER, formed on the name of a dice gameUK , 1992

crown crapnounheroinUS , 1975

crownienouna tram or bus inspector After the emblem of thatrankAUSTRALIA , 1953

crown jewelsnoun1the male genitals, especially the testicles

AUSTRALIA , 1970.2tools Rhyming slang, perhaps taking its inspirationfrom the value a tradesman places on his toolsUK , 1992.3jewels,usually ostentatious if not tacky, worn by a drag queen The royaltypunning thanks to ‘queen’US , 1965

Crown Vicnouna Ford Crown Victoria carUS , 1999

crowsnoun< where the crows fly backwardsan arid, desolateregionAUSTRALIA , 1932

crow’s feetnoun1wrinkles at the corner of the eyesUK , 1374.

2MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy Specificallyused of any tablet of MDMA stamped with an image similar to thesingle print of a bird’s trackUK , 2004

crow’s footnounin electric line work, a device formally known as

an Epoxirod tri-unitUS , 1980

crow’s nestnoun1the uppermost balcony in a cinema A pun onthe nautical term, acknowledging that the upper balconies werereserved for black people (CROWs)US , 1970.2the observation tower

to stretch the skin on the face Coinage is credited to suburban

London local newspaper the Croydon Guardian, reflecting theCHAV

sub-cultural phenomenon Also known as a ‘Croydon smile’UK , 2005

Croydon pineapplenouna female hairstyle, popular among anunderclass of urban youth, in which all hair is tightly scraped into

a spikey top knot Croydon is an urban area to the south east ofLondon strongly identified with theCHAVsub-cultureUK , 2005

CRS diseasenouna sudden loss of memory The person in

question ‘can’t remember shit’ US , 1997

crucialadjectivevery good Recorded in Bermudan and Americanyouth cultureBERMUDA , 1985

crudnoun1a contemptible person Originally Scottish dialect for

‘excrement’US , 1930.2rubbish, filth, shit Originally Scottish dialect

crud (curdled matter) US , 1943.3dried or sticky semenUS , 1967.4anysexually transmitted infectionUS , 1951.5a common cold or the flu

ANTARCTICA , 2003.6a notional disease, covering many ailments, realand imaginaryUS , 1932.7snow that does not produce goodsnowboardingUS , 1990

crudded upadjectiveinfected with a sexually transmitted diseaseUS , 1997

cruddyadjective1useless, worthless, unpleasant, disgusting CreatedfromCRUD(filth)US , 1947.2encrusted with dirt or filthUS , 1949

crudienounan unsophisticated rusticUS , 1968

crud up to foul something; to spoil something

crudzinenouna poorly written and/or poorly produced fan

magazineUS , 1976

cruelverbto spoil something, especially to spoil a person’s chances

Also spelt ‘crool’ in an effort to represent an uneducated

pronunciationAUSTRALIA , 1899.< cruel the pitchto spoil

someone’s chances; to ruin an opportunityAUSTRALIA , 1915

crueladjectiveveryUS , 1985

cruel; cruellyadverbseverely; extremely hard In conventional use

until later C19UK , 1937

cruetnounthe headAUSTRALIA , 1941.< do your cruetto lose your

temperAUSTRALIA , 1976

cruftnounany unpleasant, unidentified substanceUS , 1983

cruftyadjectivein computing, poorly designed or poorly builtUS , 1981

cruisenouna male homosexual who picks up multiple short-term

sexual partnersUS , 1950

cruiseverb1to search for a casual sex-partner, usually homosexual;

to pursue a person as a casual sex-partner, especially by eye

contactUS , 1925.2to join others in driving slowly down chosen

downtown streets, usually on a weekend night, seeing others and

being seenUS , 1957.3to drive With a suggestion of carefree elanUS ,

1957.4to take someone, to lead someoneUS , 1946.< cruisin’ for

a bruisin’heading for trouble, especially a physical beatingUS , 1947

cruise and killverb(of light scout teams during the Vietnam war)

to go around looking for solders to killUS , 1991

cruise jointnouna bar or other establishment where people gather

in search of sexual partnersUS , 1966

cruisemobilenounany desirable carUS , 1978

cruisernoun1a person who habitually searches regular haunts for

casual sex-partners, usually homosexualUK , 1996.2a prostituteUS ,

1868.3a surfer who approaches surfing with a casualness that

borders on lazinessUS , 1988

cruisingnounthe recreational activity of searching for a casual

sex-partner, usually homosexualUK , 1927

cruisyadjective1relaxing, enjoyableNEW ZEALAND , 1998.2(of a place)

characterised by a high degree of activity by homosexual men

looking for sexual partners Also spelt ‘cruisey’US , 1949

cruit; crootnouna new military recruitUS , 1897

crullernounthe headUS , 1942

crumbnoun1a despicable personUS , 1919.2a body louseUS , 1863.3a

small piece of crack cocaineUS , 1994.< put on the crumb actto

impose something on another personAUSTRALIA , 1959

crumb boxnoun1in circus and carnival usage, a small suitcase or

box containing personal belongingsUS , 1981.2a brakevan (caboose)

US , 1945

crumb bumnoun1a lowly, inept personUS , 1934.2a gambler who

places very small and very conservative betsUS , 1950

crumb castlenounin circus and carnival usage, a dining tentUS , 1981

crumb-catchernouna young childUS , 1962

crumb crunchersnounthe teethUS , 1945

crumb-crusher; crumb-crunchernouna child, especially a very

young oneUS , 1959

crumb-huntingnounhousework Obsolete teen slang, originally

from military use in the early 1940s of ‘crumb hunt’ as meaning

‘a kitchen inspection’CANADA , 1946

crumblenounin hospital, an elderly patient Medical slangUK , 2002

crumbly; crumblienounan older person, certainly one who is over

50 years old An upper-class society image of crumbling with

decayUK , 1982

crumbonoun< el crumboa socially inept person Pseudo Spanish

US , 1956

crumbsnouna small amount of money An offshoot ofBREAD US , 1970

crumbs!used as a mild exclamation A euphemism forCHRIST! UK ,

1922

crumb-snatcher a child; a baby

crummynoun1a brakevan (caboose)US , 1916.2a truck, a boxcar or

an old brakevan (caboose), converted to passenger carrying byadding wooden benchesCANADA , 1964

crummyadjective1inferiorUS , 1915.2lice-infestedUK , 1859

crumpverb1to dieUS , 1958.2(used of a hospital patient) to becomesuddenly sicker, especially without hope of recoveringUS , 1980

crumpetnoun1sexually desirable women considered collectively;hence, desirable men Originally of women only; men weren’t socategorised until the 1980sUK , 1936.2the headUK , 1891.< a bit of

crumpetsexual intercourseNEW ZEALAND , 1984.< bow the

crumpetto plead guilty Formed onCRUMPET(the head); frombending the head in unspoken affirmativeAUSTRALIA , 1975.< not

worth a crumpetworthlessAUSTRALIA , 1944

crumpet mannouna womaniserUK , 1977

crump outverbto succumb to exhaustion; to dieUS , 1953

crunchnoun1a most severe test of strength, courage, nerve, skill,etcUK , 1939.2a number sign (#) on a computer keyboardUS , 1991.

3a hospital patient with multiple fracturesUS , 1989.4an Afrikaner.Also ‘crunchie’ Derogatory and offensiveSOUTH AFRICA , 1970.< do

your crunchto become enraged Army useUK , 1984

crunchverbto analyse something, especially a large amount of data

crunch casenouna hospital patient with a severe head injuryUS , 1994

crunchernoun1a dent in a surfboard that can be repaired without

a resin fillerUS , 1986.2a footUS , 1946

crunch hatnounin motor racing, a safety helmetUS , 1993

crunch timenounthe critical momentUS , 1961

crunchynoun1the pavement or sidewalkUS , 1945.2a foot soldier, ormember of the infantry Korean and then Vietnam war usageUS , 1951

crunchyadjectiveembodying the values or at least the trappings ofthe 1960s counterculture; a person who embodies these values

An adjective often associated withGRANOLA, used to describe thethrowback personUS , 1990

crunknoun1an excited stateUS , 2001.2a popular genre of hip-hopmusicUK , 2005

crunkadjectiveexcellent; intense Rap coinage; a variation ofCRANKED

(intensified)US , 1995

crunkedadjective1excited Rap usage; a variation ofCRUNK

(excellent)US , 2001.2very drunkUS , 2003

Crusadersnicknamethe 523rd Fighter Squadron, which served inKorea and briefly in VietnamUS , 1991

crushnoun1a romanticised affection for someone; an infatuation

US , 1884.2the object of an infatuation In C19 US use, but nowobsolete thereAUSTRALIA , 1996.3the vaginaUS , 1982.4a hatUS , 1916.

5in pool, the opening or break shotUS , 1993

crushverbto do very wellUS , 1986

crushedadjectiveuglyUS , 1993

crushernoun1in horse racing, a person who works the odds as theyshortenAUSTRALIA , 1965.2a powerful, hard-breaking waveUS , 1964.

3something overpowering or overwhelmingUK , 1840.4a policeofficer Now rareUK , 1835

crushersnounfashionable, stylish sunglasses Biker (motorcyle) usage

US , 2003

crushmannouna good-looking boyUS , 1982

crustnoun1a livelihoodAUSTRALIA , 1888.2in the UK, members of analternative culture underclass Back-formation fromCRUSTY(amember of an alternative culture underclass)UK , 2004.3nerve,

crustverbto insult someoneUS , 1945

crustienounan old personNEW ZEALAND , 1997

crust of bread; crustnounthe head, epecially as a source of

intelligence Rhyming slangUK , 1961

crustynouna young person who many years later embraces the

counterculture values of the late 1960sUK , 1990

crustyadjective1dirty, shabbyUS , 1972.2crude, vulgarUS , 1964

crusty treatsnouncocaineUK , 2003

crutnoun1filth, nastiness, dirtUS , 1940.2a diseaseUS , 1947

crutchnoun1an improvised holder for the short butt of a

marijuana cigarette The term of choice beforeROACH CLIPcame

on the sceneUS , 1938.2in pool, a device used to support the cue

stick for a hard-to-reach shot As the terminology suggests, the

device is scorned by skilled playersUS , 1990.3in skating, an

experi-enced skater supporting a noviceUK , 1961

crutchverbto conceal goods (stolen property or contraband) in the

vagina – usually contained in a condom and often further

protected from discovery by the insertion of a tamponUK , 1996

crutchernouna female thief or smuggler who hides goods in her

crutch FromCRUTCH Recorded by a Jamaican inmate of a UK

prisonUK , 2002

CrutchesnicknameLas Cruces, New MexicoUS , 1970

crynoun< the crythe bestUS , 1955

cryverb< cry a riverto regret something deeplyUS , 1994.< cry all

the way to the bankused ironically by, or of, someone whose

artistic work is a commercial success yet attracts adverse criticism

Credited to musician and entertainer (Wladziu Valentino) Liberace

who, from the mid-1950s, enjoyed great popular success and, in

the face of critical disdain, quipped and then included the

following quotation in his stage act: ‘When the reviews are bad I

tell my staff that they can join me as I cry all the way to the

bank’ The phrase survives but has also become the more

straightforward ‘laugh all the way to the bank’US , 1984.< cry Bert

to vomitAUSTRALIA , 1971.< cry blue ruinto proclaim a family

financial disasterCANADA , 1959.< cry Ruthto vomit

Self-descriptive of its echoic originsAUSTRALIA , 1971.< cry your eyes

out; cry your heart outto weep long and bitterlyUK , 1704

cry babynouna child swindler who appeals for money from

strangers with pitiful tales of woe, accompanied if need be by tears

US , 1982

cry baby grenadenouna hand grenade loaded with tear gas for use

in riots and to clear bunkers and tunnelsUS , 1990

cry downverbto disparage someone or somethingTRINIDAD AND

TOBAGO , 1988

cryingadjectiveused as a negative intensifierUS , 1942

crying towelnouna notional linen given to someone who is a

chronic complainerUS , 1928

crying weednounmarijuana TheWEEDthat invites emotional

involvementUS , 1953

cry me a river!used for expressing a lack of sympathy in the face

of an implicit solicitation of sameUS , 1995

cryppie; crippienounin computing, a cryptographerUS , 1991

cryptonouna person who is a secret-sympathiser or -adherent of a

political group, especially of a communist Adapted from the

con-ventional prefix crypto- (concealed, hidden, secret) in such uses as

‘crypto-facist’; ultimately from Greek kruptos (hidden) UK , 1946

cryptonie; cryppienounmarijuanaUK , 2003

crystalnoun1a powdered narcotic, especially methamphetamineUS ,

1964.2phencyclidine Recorded as a current PCP aliasUS , 1977.3a

crystal cylinder the hollow of a breaking wave

crystal meth; crystal methsnounpowdered methamphetamine

crywaternountearsANTIGUA AND BARBUDA , 1998

c’snoun1combat rations, the standard meals eaten by US troops inthe field, consisting of an individual ration of packaged precookedfoods which can be eaten hot or coldUS , 1976.2food An abbrevi-ation of ‘calories’; ‘to get your c’s’ is ‘to eat’US , 1968

CSnoun1used as a euphemism for ‘chickenshit’ Far less commonthanBS(BULLSHIT)US , 1944.2marijuanaUK , 2003

C spongenouna contraceptive spongeUS , 1997

CTnouna woman who signals an interest in sex with anotherwoman but does not have sex with her An abbreviation ofCUNT

TEASE US , 1923

CTD(in doctors’ shorthand) for expected to die soon An initialism

for ‘circling the drain’ UK , 2003

CTNused as shorthand in Internet discussion groups and text

mess-age to mean ‘can’t talk now’ US , 2002

Ctrl-Alt-Delete; Control-Alt-Deletenouna notional device or nique which causes something to be reconsidered or restarted.From the combination of character-keys used as a ‘short-cut’ torestart a computer; the former is written, the latter spokenUS , 1995

tech-Cuban pumpsnounin homosexual usage, heavy work bootsUS , 1987

cubbitchadjectivegreedyTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1960

cubbynouna room, apartment or houseUS , 1948

cubenoun1a complete conformist An intensification ofSQUARE(aconventional person)US , 1955.2LSD From the fact that LSD wasoften administered in sugar cubesUS , 1966.3a tablet of marijuana,approximately one gram in weight From the shapeUS , 1984.4atablet of morphineUS , 1950.5a cubic inchUS , 1970.6a work space

in an open-area office An abbreviation of ‘cubicle’UK , 1936

cubebnouna herbal cigarette, pungent and spicy, made from thecubeb berryUS , 1959

cube headnouna regular LSD userUS , 1966

cubesnoun1the testiclesUS , 1968.2diceUS , 1918.3morphineUS , 1980.

4crack cocaineUK , 2003

cubiclenouna Mini Metro carUK , 1981

cub reporternouna young, naive and untrained reporter The term

is a popular culture allusion to the Superman legend When Clark

Kent went to work at the Daily Star, Jimmy Olsen was an office

boy with aspirations to be a great reporter With help fromSuperman, Olsen, who was forever tagged with the label ‘cubreporter’, became a member of the reporting staff From themuch earlier (1845) sense of a ‘cub’ as an ‘apprentice’US , 1908

cuckverbto defecateCANADA , 1993

cuckadjectivevery bad, awfulIRELAND , 1997

cuckle bucksnouncurly or kinky hair that has not been chemicallystraightenedUS , 1973

cuckoonouna fool; a crazy personUK , 1889

cuckooadjectivecrazy, mad, distraughtUS , 1906

cuckoo farmnouna mental hospital A variation ofFUNNY FARM UK , 1980

cuckoo housenouna mental hospitalUS , 1930

cuckoo’s nestnoun1the vagina Survives in folk songs of the USand UKUK , 1840.2a mental hospitalUS , 1962

cucumbernoun1a number, usually a telephone number Rhymingslang . in gambling, an ignorant victim of a cheat A play

on ‘green’, the colour of the cucumber and a slang term for

‘inex-perienced’ Often shortened to ‘cuke’US , 1962

cucumbersnoun< the cucumbersin prison, Rule 43, which

allows a prisoner to be kept apart from the main prison

community for ‘safety of self or others’ Rhyming slang

(‘numbers’)UK , 2003

cudanoun1a barracudaUS , 1949.2a Plymouth Barracuda carUS , 1965

cuddle and kissnoun1an act of urination Rhyming slang forPISS

Sometimes shortened to ‘cuddie’UK , 1992.2a girl; a girlfriend

Rhyming slang for ‘miss’; formed in a time when a cuddle and

kiss were the only realistic objectives for a young man with love

on his mindUK , 1938.3piss, in the phrase ‘take the piss’ (to make a

fool of ) Rhyming slangUK , 1992

cuddle bunnynounan attractive girlUS , 1946

cuddled and kissed; cuddledadjectivedrunk Rhyming slang for

PISSED UK , 1998

cuddle puddlenouna group of people lying together, especially

after taking the type of recreational drugs that enhance feelings of

togetherness; a communal jacuzziUK , 2003

cuddle seatnounin a cinema, a double seat provided for a couple’s

convenience Probably adopted from the brand name Cuddleseat™

(a baby carrier) introduced in 1947AUSTRALIA , 1984

cuddynoun a horse From British dialect cuddy (a donkey) AUSTRALIA ,

1897

cudja?could you? Apparently coined by television production

company Brighter Pictures but rapidly gained wider useUK , 2002

cudsnounthe countrysideUK , 1995

cuenoun1barbecued meatUS , 1992.2barbecueUS , 1908.3a tip or

gratuityUS , 1970.< put your cue in the rackto die; to retire

AUSTRALIA , 1989

cueballnoun1a bald personUS , 1941.2a crew-cut haircutUS , 1955.

3one-eighth of an ounce of cocaineUS , 1993

cue biternounan actor who proceeds with his lines without letting

the audience react appropriately to the cue lineUS , 1973

cue-bownouna charge of ‘conduct unbecoming an officer’ filed

against a police officerUS , 1975

cuesnounheadphones worn by musicians overdubbing a tapeUS ,

1979

cuffnoun< off the cuffunrehearsed, improvised From the

discreet aide-memoire some performers or speakers jot on their

cuffsUS , 1938.< on the cuff1on creditUS , 1927.2admitted to a

theatre without paying for a ticketUS , 1973

cuffverb1to handcuff someoneUK , 1851.2to shine something, to

polish somethingUS , 1973.3to drink to excessTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ,

1956.4to admit someone to an entertainment without chargeUS ,

1951.5in an illegal betting operation, to accept bets at odds and in

a proportion guaranteed to produce a loss for the bookmakerUS ,

1951

cuff down; cuff upverbto assault someone; to beat someone

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1966

cuff link faggot; cuff link queennouna wealthy, ostentatious

homosexual maleUS , 1965

cuff linksnounhandcuffsUS , 1982

cuffsnounhandcuffs Originally used of C17 iron fetters, now used

as a shortening of ‘handcuffs’UK , 1861

cukenouna cucumber A domestic colloquialismUS , 1903

CULused in computer message shorthand to mean ‘see you later’

US , 1991

culchienouna person from rural Ireland A derogatory term coined

during the 1940s at University College Galway for students of

agriculture; probably from Irish Coillte Mach (County Mayo),

regarded (wrongly) as a remote place Other possible etymologies:

coillte (woods) and cúl and tÍ (a rear entrance to an important

house, used by social inferiors)IRELAND , 1958

cullnoun1a prisoner re-assigned to an undemanding job after

.

that is cast off by a stable because it has failed to perform wellUS ,

1947.< on the cull listunmarriedUS , 1933

cully; cull; culnouna man, a fellow, a companionUK , 1661

cultural jammer; jammernouna cultural activist who creativelysubverts advertising materialUS , 1990

culture fruitnounwatermelonUS , 1973

culture jam; jamnouna message subverted by anticorporateactivistsUS , 2001

culture jamming; jammingnounthe act of inverting andsubverting advertising matter by anticorporate activists Derivesfrom the conventional sense of ‘jam’ (to disrupt a signal)US , 1995

culture vulturenounan enthusiast for intellectual and artisticculture and cultural eventsUS , 1947

cultusadjectiveworthless, bad, useless, insignificant From theChinook trading jargonUS , 1851

cultus couleenouna stroll or ride for pleasureCANADA , 1963

cultus potlatchnouna present for which nothing is expected inreturn, especially one of little valueCANADA , 1940

cumnounamyl nitrite A drug associated with sexUS , 1992 8see: COME and variants

cumbucketnouna despised personUS , 1975

cum catchernouna condom UsesCOME; CUM(semen) to describe acondom’s purposeUK , 1998

cum drumnouna condom; especially a condom with a bulbousextension to collect semen Phonetically similar to ‘condom’US , 1987

cummy facenounin a pornographic film or photograph, a close-upshot of a man’s face as he ejaculatesUS , 1995

cum shawnounanything procurred through other than legitimatechannels From the Chinese for a ‘present’ or ‘bonus’, originallyapplied to a payment made by ships entering the port of Canton

UK , 1925

cungnounmarijuanaUS , 1995

cunkerernouna blundering, poorly trained technician From ‘cunk’,imitative of the metallic sound of a clumsily handled toolGUYANA , 1998

cunning as a Maori dogadjectivevery cunning; sly ‘Maori dog’ isnow usually replaced by less objectionable epithets like ‘shithouserat’NEW ZEALAND , 1947

cunning as an outhouse ratadjectivevery cunning indeedNEW ZEALAND , 1996

cunning as a shithouse ratadjectiveextremely craftyNEW ZEALAND , 1917

cunning kicknouna place for secreting moneyAUSTRALIA , 1979

cunnynounthe vagina A play onCUNT(the vagina) and ‘con(e)y’ (arabbit)UK , 1615

cunny fingers; cunny thumbsnounan awkward, clumsy person Aterm originally applied to a weak shooterUS , 1892

cuntnoun1the vagina The most carefully avoided, heavily tabooedword in the English languageUK , 1230.2a woman, especially as anobject of sexual desireUK , 1674.3sex with a womanUK , 1670.4adespicable person, female or male When used as a reductive term

of abuse, ‘cunt’ is usually more offensive than the maleequivalentsUK , 1860.5among homosexuals, a boy or young man as

a sexual objectUS , 2004.6among homosexuals, the buttocks, anusand rectumUS , 1972.7among homosexuals, the mouthUS , 1972.8aperson you admire or pretend to grudgingly admire; a form ofaddress between friends Mainly jocular usageUK , 2001.9an idiot, afoolUK , 1922.10to a drug addict, a vein used for injecting a drug,especially the vein found on the inside of the elbowUS , 1960.11anunfortunate or difficult situation; an unpleasant task; a problem Alogical extension of earlier, still current senses (an irritating person

cunt booknouna pornographic book, especially one with

photo-graphs or illustrationsUS , 1969

cunt breathnouna despicable personUS , 1992

cunt capnouna narrow green garrison cap worn by enlisted men

Probably of World War 1 vintage The Chinese Army refer to the

same article as a ‘cow’s-cunt-cap’ Soldiers learn the term in the

first few days of training They now learn not to use the term in

the presence of womenUK , 1923

cunt collarnouna desire for sexUS , 1965

cunt eaternounany person who performs oral sex on a womanUS ,

1998

cuntedadjectivedrunkUK , 2003

cunt-eyedadjectivesquintingUK , 1916

cunt facenouna despicable personUS , 1948

cunt-facedadjectivedespicableUS , 1974

cunt fartnouna despicable personUS , 1996

cuntfucknounan extremely unpleasant individual BothCUNTand

FUCKare synonymous here, each serving to intensify the otherUK ,

2002

cunt hairnouna very small distanceUS , 1957

cunt hair grassnounan oatgrass or spike rushUS , 1945

cunt hatnouna felt hat Probably from the shape of the crease in

the crownUK , 1923

cuntheadnouna despised foolUS , 1971

cunt-holes!used for registering frustration, annoyance or angerUK ,

2000

cunt hooknounthe hand Usually in the pluralUS , 1994

cunt-hooksnoun1a gesture that is used to insult or otherwise

cause offense, in which the forefinger and middle-finger are

extended to form a V-shape, the palm turned in towards the

gesturer An alternative name for aV-SIGN UK , 1984.2an unpleasant

personUK , 2001

cunt houndnouna man obsessed with the seduction of womenUS ,

1960

cuntienouna contemptible person A patronising elaboration of

CUNT UK: NORTHERN IRELAND , 2001

cuntinessnoununpleasant or stupid characteristics of a personUK ,

2001

cuntingadjectiveused as an intensifier, generally denoting

disapprovalUK , 2000

-cunting-infixused as an intensifier, generally negativeUK , 2000

cuntishadjective1unpleasant; stupidUK , 2000.2weak, cowardlyUS , 1975

cunt juicenounvaginal secretionsUS , 1990

cunt-lappernouna person who performs oral sex on a womanUS ,

1916

cunt-lappingnounoral sex on a womanUS , 1970

cunt-lappingadjectivedespisedUS , 1923

cunt-lickingnounoral sex on a womanUS , 1996

cunt-lickingadjectivedespisedUS , 1985

cunt lightnounin the pornography industry, a light used to

illuminate the genitals of the performersUS , 1995

cunt like a Grimsby wellynounan unusually large and pungent

vagina Grimsby is a fishing port on the north east coast of

England; the comparison to a ‘welly’ (Wellington boot) is obvious

UK , 2002

cunt mannouna heterosexual man; a womaniser UsesCUNTin the

generalised sense as ‘women’UK , 1999

cunt offverbto make someone angry; to annoy someoneUK , 2001

cunt pienounthe vagina, especially as an object of oral sexUS , 1980

cunt pricknouna despicable person A compound of two terms of

abuse that may need strengthening after overuseUK , 1997

cunt racket

cunt ragnoun1a sanitary towelUS , 1968.2a despicable person orthingUS , 1971

cunt’s actnouna major deceptionAUSTRALIA , 1985

cunt screennouna strip of canvas stretched between the openrungs of the accommodation ladder up which lady guests wouldascend above the heads of the boat’s crew Similar in purpose andeffect to aVIRGINITY CURTAIN UK , 1984

cunt-simpleadjectiveobsessed with sex; easily distracted by women

US , 1982

cunt sniffnouna contemptible or loathesome individual As usage

ofCUNT(a contemptible person) becomes evermore mainstream,elaborations are necessary to maintain the derogatory effect ‘Cuntsniff’ contrivesCUNT(vagina) and conventional ‘sniff’ (to inhale, tosmell) to suggest something of no more worth than the odour of

a woman’s genitalsUK , 2001

cunt splicenounany improvised spliceUS , 1956

cunt starvernouna prisoner serving time for not making ance paymentsAUSTRALIA , 1950

mainten-cunt stretchernounthe penisUS , 2001

cunt-struckadjectiveobsessed with sex with a woman or womenUK , 1866

cunt-suckernoun1a person who performs oral sex on womenUK ,

1868.2a despised personUS , 1964

cunt-suckingnounoral sex on a womanUS , 1998

cunt-suckingadjectivedespisedUS , 1964

cunt teasenouna woman who signals an interest in sex withanother woman but does not have sex with herUS , 1971

cunt-ticklernouna moustacheUS , 1967

Cunt TownnicknameNorfolk, Virginia A major naval base, andhence a hotbed of prostitutionUS , 1982

cunt wagonnouna car perceived to attract womenUS , 1974

cuntyadjectiveunpleasantUS , 1972

cupnoun1the vaginaUS , 1973.2a cup of tea Both figurative andpracticalUK , 1952

cup and saucernounthe fifth wheel on a tractor trailerUS , 1961

cupcakenoun1a cute girlUS , 1939.2a male homosexual, especially ifyoungUS , 1996.3a haircut shaped like a boxUS , 1989

cupcakesnoun1the female breasts Possibly informed, if notinspired, by a brassiere’s ‘cups’UK , 2002.2well-defined, well-roundedbuttocksUS , 1972.3LSDUK , 2003

Cup Daynounthe day on which the Melbourne Cup horse race isrunAUSTRALIA , 1876

cupful of cold sicknounthe epitome of worthlessnessNEW ZEALAND , 1998

cupid’s itchnounany sexually transmitted infectionUS , 1930

cupid’s measlesnounsyphilis; any sexually transmitted infectionUS , 1970

cupla focalnouna paltry knowledge of Irish, literally a few words,enough for a display of national pride but not nearly enough for aconversationIRELAND , 1996

cup of chino; cup of cheenonouna cappuccinoAUSTRALIA , 1987

cup of teanoun1something that is to your taste Variants are ‘cup

of char’ and ‘cuppa’UK , 1932.2an act of urination Rhyming slangforPEEorWEE UK , 1992

cup of teaverbto see Rhyming slangUK , 1992

cuppa; cuppernouna cup of tea or coffeeUK , 1934

cuppienouna female hanger-on at a World Cup sailing competition

US , 1996

cupsnounsleepUS , 1948.< in your cupsdrinking; drunkUK , 1406

Cup weeknounthe week during which the Melbourne Cup horserace is runAUSTRALIA , 1882

curanounheroin; specifically an injection of heroin at a moment ofgreat need From Spanish for ‘cure’

curate’s eggnounsomething that is good in parts From the phrase

‘good in parts – like a curate’s egg’UK , 1961

curbnoun< against the curbwithout moneyUS , 1995.< to the

curb1destitute; suffering from hard timesUS , 1989.2rejected in

romanceUS , 1993.3vomitingUS , 1989

curbverbto stop or slow downUS , 1953

curb hopnouna person who takes orders and serves food to

customers seated in their carsUS , 1937

curb serveverbto sell crack cocaine on a street cornerUS , 1995

curbstonernounin the used car business, a dealer who operates

with low overheads and a small inventoryUS , 1968

curenoun1treatment for drug addiction Generally after ‘the’US ,

1953.2suicideUS , 1949

curedadjective< get curedto get richUS , 1957

Cureheadnounsomeone who dresses in black similar to members

of the band the Cure or other goth-rock bands, wears makeup and

has the specific hairstyle of the lead singerIRELAND , 1991

curernounan alcoholic drink taken to alleviate the symptoms of a

hangoverUK: SCOTLAND , 1996

cure-the-plaguenounthe bleed period of the menstrual cycle

From the C14 belief that drinking menstrual blood was a remedy

for bubonic plagueUS , 2000

curfuffle; gefuffle; kerfufflenouna disturbance or disorder of

any kindUK: SCOTLAND , 1813

curlnounthe concave face of a wave as it breaksUS , 1963

Curlnoun used of a bald man, or one with curly hair, as a form of

address A barely abbreviated form ofCURLY AUSTRALIA , 1984

curliesnounpubic hair Used both literally and figuratively to suggest

complete control over someoneUS , 1973

curl the mo; curl a moadjectivegreat; terrific; excellentAUSTRALIA ,

1941

curl the mo!; curl a mo!terrific!AUSTRALIA , 1954

curlynouna challenging situationNEW ZEALAND , 1998

Curlynounused of a bald-headed man Ironic or, perhaps, the man

so-dubbed began with curly hair and, like the word itself, evolved

into this senseUK , 1961

curlyadjective1(mainly of decisions, questions, etc) difficult

AUSTRALIA , 1963.2excellent, attractive Possibly a shortened variation

ofCURL THE MO UK , 1981.< to give someone the curly lipto say

curpnounthe penis Back slang, ‘kcirp’ forPRICK(the penis) Only

ever in limited use, by 2003 completely redundantUK , 1981

currant breadadjectivedead Rhyming slangUK , 1992

currant bunnoun1a nun Glasgow rhyming slangUK , 1996.2the

sun Rhyming slang Sometimes shortened to ‘currant’UK , 1938.

< on the currant bunon the run Rhyming slang, in

underworld and police useUK , 1959

Currant Bunnickname The Sun, a daily newspaper Rhyming slang,

acquired from the solar originalUK , 1979

currant cakeadjectiveawake Prison rhyming slangNEW ZEALAND , 1999

currant-cakesnoun delirium tremens Rhyming slang forSHAKES; a

back-formation fromCURRANT-CAKEY(shakey)UK , 1992

currant-cakey; currant-cakieadjectiveshakey Rhyming slangUK ,

1932

currants and plumsnounthe gums Rhyming slangUK , 1992

currynounverbal support on the emphatic end of the scaleNEW

ZEALAND , 1998.< give someone curry1to attack someone That

is, make it ‘hot’ for themAUSTRALIA , 1936.2to make someone’s life

difficult, to reprove someone Possibly from the hot nature of

curry .< the CurryCloncurry, generally called ‘The

Curry’, is the western Queensland base of the Flying DoctorServiceUK , 1962

curry citynicknameBradford, West Yorkshire Citizens’ band radioslang, reflecting the large immigrant populationUK , 1981

curry-mouthadjectivefond of Indian foodTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1987

curry munchernouna person from the Indian subcontinent.DerogatoryNEW ZEALAND , 1991

cursenoun1the bleed period of the menstrual cycle Used with

‘the’US , 1930.2a swagman’s bundle of personal effects, a swag.Variants are ‘curse of Cain’ and ‘curse of God’AUSTRALIA , 1921.

< carry the curse; hump the curseto go on the tramp After

CURSE(a swag)AUSTRALIA , 1959

curseverb< curse stink; cuss stinkto use a great deal ofprofanityTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1960

curse of Evenounthe bleed period of the menstrual cycle Adoptedfrom poetic and literary useUK , 1929

curse of Mexiconounin a deck of playing cards, the two of spades

US , 1949

curse of Scotlandnounin a deck of playing cards, the nine of mondsUK , 1715

dia-curse ragnouna sanitary towel Formed onCURSE(the bleed period

of the menstrual cycle)UK , 1961

curtainnounused in conjunction with a precedent noun, indicatingisolation, hostility, aggression and/or dangerUS , 1955

curtain-climbernouna small childUS , 1973

curtain-raisernounthe first game of a seasonUS , 1950

curtainsnoun1the end, implying death or dismissal Theatricalorigin (the final curtain of a play)US , 1901.2the labia majora US ,

1982.< curtains and carpet that match; matching curtains

and carpetsaid when a person’s hair colour matches the colour

of their pubic hairUS , 2003

curtain-twitchernouna person who spies on the comings andgoings of the world from behind a curtained windowUK , 2002

curvenoun< ahead of the curveanticipating events or trends;

on the cutting edgeUS , 1980.< behind the curvelagging behindtrends or developmentsUS , 1989

curve-breakernouna diligent, smart student A student whose formance upsets the grading curveUS , 1955

per-curvedadjectivecorrupt, crooked, criminal A variation ofBENT UK , 1999

curve-killernouna student who excels A reference to the gradingcurveUS , 1959

curvy crawlernouna prostitute, a streetwalker A play onKERB CRAWLING(soliciting prostitutes from a vehicle)UK , 1984

cushnoun1the vagina; sex; a woman as a sexual objectUS , 1960.

2loose tobaccoUS , 1950.3moneyUS , 1900

cushadjectivecomfortable, unstrained A shortened form ofCUSHY US , 1931

cushionnouna passenger railway carriageUS , 1913

cushtyadjectiveexcellent, great A roughly contemporaneous ation ofCUSHY(easy, comfortable); attributed to market traderssince the late 1910s; much more widespread since 1981 through

vari-usage in BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses UK , 1985

cushyadjective easy, comfortable, unstrained From Hindu khush (pleasant) or Romany kushto (good) UK , 1915

cuspyadjective(used of a computer program) well-designed, highlyfunctionalUS , 1981

cussnoun1a person; a creature Usually, slightly contemptuous,reproachful or humorous; probably derived as a shortening of

CUSTOMER , pehaps influenced in later usage by CUSS(a curse)US ,

1775.2a curse A dated euphemism that survives in the term

TINKER’S CUSS(a thing of little value)US , 1848

cussbudnouna person who uses a great deal of profanityTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1977

cuss-cuss insults, profanity

cussednessnouncantankerousness, contrarinessUS , 1866

cuss fightnouna loud, angry argumentUS , 1923

cussienounan HM Customs & Excise officialUK , 2002

cuss outverbto reprimand someone with a heavy reliance on

profanityUS , 1863

cuss wordnouna profanity AfterCUSS(a curse)US , 1872

custard and jelly; custardnountelevision; a television Rhyming

slang forTELLY UK , 1974

custard cream; custardverbto dream Rhyming slang, formed on

a biscuit.UK , 1992

custardsnounacne, pimples, spots From the colour of the swelling

or the pusAUSTRALIA , 1942

custard tartnouna traffic wardenUK , 1981

custernouna person who poses as a member of a youth gang but

is not accepted as a gang memberUS , 1995

custienouna buyer of illegal drugs Simply put, an abbreviation of

‘customer’US , 1997

customernoun1a person, or any creature, generally qualified as a

type, as in ‘an ugly customer’ or ‘an awkward customer’UK , 1589.

2any person who is subject to a social worker’s professional or

charitable attention A patronising categorisation, now replaced

with the equally dishonest ‘client’UK , 1966.3a motorist being

stopped by a police officer for a traffic violationUS , 1962.4a

poten-tial shop-lifter In UK Disney Stores in the mid-1990s staff were

instructed to refer to customers as ‘guests’ – anyone referred to as

a ‘customer’ was instantly the subject of an unwelcome attention

UK , 1995.5a prisonerUS , 1949

cutnoun1an adulterant used to dilute a drug; a dilution of a drug

US , 1966.2a share, usually of profits, often of ill-gotten gains

AUSTRALIA , 1911.3a reduction of a prison sentenceUS , 2002.4any

district where goods are bought and sold with a minimum of

questions askedUK , 1950.5any place where young people

congregate to socialiseUS , 1953.6someone’s appearance Usually

derogatoryIRELAND , 1997.7a stage or a degreeUK , 1818.8of music, a

recording or a special part of one From the verb senseUS , 1975.

9in hip-hop music, a sample or part of a tune that is played

repeatedlyUS , 2000.10the vaginaUS , 1967.11a press cuttingUK , 2003.

12a hitting of the open hand with a cane for corporal

punishment Formally common in the Australian school system,

now the practice is obsolete The term is commonly found in the

plural as the punishment was generally so givenAUSTRALIA , 1915

cutverb1in the drug trade, to dilute drugsUS , 1937.2to dilute

anything by the addition of a secondary ingredient Extended from

the previous sense (to dilute drugs)US , 1985.3(of a drug) to take

effectUK , 1998.4to fartUS , 1967.5to engage in an informal musical

competition in which musicians attempt to better each other in

extended jazz solosUS , 1937.6to record a songUS , 1937.7to skip

something, to fail to attend somethingUK , 1794.8to leave quickly

UK , 1790.9to ignore a person, either as a single act or as continuing

behaviourUK , 1634.10to tease or disparage someoneUS , 1975.11to

divide or share out legal profits or criminal gainsUK , 1928.12to

perform surgeryUS , 1970.< be cut out for somethingto have

the appropriate qualities for somethingUK , 1645.< be cut out to

be a gentlemanto be circumcisedUK , 1961.< cut a chogieto

leave quickly Korea and Vietnam war usageUS , 1981.< cut a fat

onein drag racing and hot rodding, to drive at top speedUS , 1968.

< cut a husto do someone a favour Marine slang in Vietnam

US , 1991.< cut a melonto fartUK , 1998.< cut a ratto fartUS ,

1995.< cut a rugto dance expertlyUS , 1942.< cut a rustyto

show offUS , 1838.< cut ass; cut arse1to leave, especially in a

hurryUS , 1972.2to assault someoneTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1980.

< cut brushto drive off the road into brushUS , 1962.< cut

cake; cut the strawberry caketo short-change someoneUS ,

1949.< cut card straightto deal in a direct and honest manner

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003.< cut fine; cut it fineto narrow

something down to a minimumUK , 1891.< cut itto perform

sat-isfactorily and so meet a requirement FromCUT THE MUSTARD US ,

1987.< cut loose1to leave someone aloneUS , 1974.2to enjoy

yourself unrestrained by any sense of moderationUS , 1808.< cut

no iceto make no differenceUS , 1896.< cut one offin the

someone one off’ UK , 1948.< cut skin; cut tailto physicallyassault someone; to beat someoneTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1959.

< cut some slackto relax the pressureUS , 1968.< cut someone

deadto ignore someone completely An emphasised use ofCUT

(to ignore)UK , 1826.< cut someone down to sizeto reducesomeone to a true understanding of his or her status or worthUS ,

1927.< cut someone’s lunchto cuckold someone; to stealsomeone’s partner; to move in on another’s potential pick-up

AUSTRALIA , 1996.< cut tento sit with your legs crossed as othersworkJAMAICA , 1977.< cut the cheeseto fartUS , 1959.< cut the

coaxto turn off a citizens’ band radioUS , 1976.< cut the gastostop talking Teen slangUS , 1951.< cut the mustard1to performsatisfactorily and so meet a requirementUS , 1902.2to fart withespecially noxious effectUK , 1998.3to have sexUK , 1977.< cut

throatto have sex with a female virginTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003.

< cut to the chaseto get on with it Cinematic imagery; ‘tojump to the next exciting sequence’US , 1983.< cut up jackiesinthe circus or carnival, to tell stories about the pastUS , 1980.< cut

up jackpots(used of carnival workers) to engage in carnivalinsider conversationUS , 1985.< cut up pipesin circus andcarnival usage, to gossip, brag or disparage someoneUS , 1981.

< cut up rough1to be, or become, quarrelsome or difficultUK ,

1837.2to resist or show resentment with violenceAUSTRALIA , 1944.

< cut your eyesto look at someone or something with disdain

BARBADOS , 1965.< cut your own hairto be extremely frugal

AUSTRALIA , 1989.< cut your water offin shuffleboard, to hold anoponent to a scoreless half roundUS , 1967.< cut Z’sto sleepUS , 1991

cutadjective1circumcisedUS , 1998.2physically fit, conditioned, tonedUS , 1998

well-cut!; cut it!; cut it out!adjectivestop!, cease!UK , 1859

cut alongverbto depart Often as an imperativeUK , 1902

cut and carriedadjectivemarried Rhyming slangUK , 1960

cut and pastenouncosmetic surgeryUS , 1997

cut and pasteverbto open a patient’s body in surgery only todiscover an inoperable condition, and then to close the patientback upUS , 1994

cut and runverbto depart promptly; to decamp hurriedly Ofnautical originUK , 1811

cut and scratchnouna match, safety or non-safety Rhyming slang

UK , 1960

cut and shutadjectiveused to describe a secondhand car that hasbeen illegally contrived from the best parts of two damaged cars.Often hyphenated as a nounUK , 1968

cut and tucknouna male transsexual who has had his penisremoved and an artificial vagina surgically constructedAUSTRALIA , 1985

cut-assnouna beatingTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1959

cutbacknounin surfing, a turn back into the waveUS , 1979

cut buddynouna close friendUS , 1954

cutchienoun 8see:KOUTCHIE

cut-downnouna half bottle of rumBARBADOS , 1965

cuteadjective acute, sharp-witted, clever, shrewd UK , 1731

cute hoornounany person, female or male, who is corrupt May beused affectionately as well as pejoratively The present Hiberno-English pronunciation was common in England in C16 and C17,and lasted in common use into C19IRELAND , 2001

cutemupnouna prison doctorUS , 1962

cuterverba twenty-five cent piece A corruption of ‘quarter’US , 1927

cuterationnounthe zenith of cutenessUS , 1963

cutesyadjectivecloying, annoyingly cuteUS , 1914

cut-eyenouna disapproving lookTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1960

cut from timber to brambleadjective(used of a man) sexuallyactive and indiscriminateTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1987

cut-glass sledgehammernouna notional tool that a young, perienced novice is sent to fetchUS , 1960

inex-cut-hip

cutienounan attractive or clever young woman Originally (UK, C18)

a ‘clever but shallow person’; this sense is an early example of US

term moved into wider usage by Hollywood filmsUS , 1911

cutie-pienounan attractive womanUS , 1970

cut-innounthe initial contact with the intended victim in a

confi-dence swindleUS , 1977

cut inverb1to attempt a romantic relationship with someone

already romantically involvedUS , 1950.2to seize a share of a

business or enterpriseUS , 1980

cut intoverbto approach someone and draw them into a swindle;

to introduce someone to somethingUS , 1940

cutlass carpenternounan unskilled carpenterTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ,

2003

cut lunchnouna circumcised penis as an object of oral sex

AUSTRALIA , 1985

cut-lunch commandonouna soldier who does not see active

service, especially a reservist A contemptuous term implying that

they get a prepared lunch rather than real army rationsAUSTRALIA ,

1952

cut mannounthe member of a boxer’s entourage responsible for

treating cuts between roundsUS , 1975

cut offverbto lay someone off due to lack of workUS , 1990

cut off the jointnounfrom the male perspective, an act of sexual

intercourseUK , 1961

cut of your jibnounyour general appearance, hence, nature,

character and temperamentUK , 1825

cutornouna prosecuting attorneyUS , 1962

cut outverb1to leaveUS , 1827.2to dieUS , 1955.3to take goods in

payment instead of moneyAUSTRALIA , 1984.4to pay for something

by having sexual intercourse rather than using moneyAUSTRALIA ,

1971.5(of a power-source controlled by automatic technology) to

switch off; to break (electrical) contactUK , 1984.6to serve time in

prison rather than paying a fineAUSTRALIA , 1939

cutsnoun1the definition of body muscle from spaces between the

muscle that have no fatUS , 1984.2any remote locationUS , 1985.

3permission from a friend to step into a queue at their placeUS ,

1989.4clothingUS , 1978

cutternoun1a surgeonUS , 1970.2an illegal abortionistFIJI , 1994.3a

person who is proficient with the use of a knife or of a weaponUS ,

1947.4a pistolUS , 1908.5a musician who betters another in a

com-petition of solosUS , 1956.6any substance used to dilute a drug,

thereby expanding volume while reducing potencyUS , 1995.7in

American casinos, twenty-five cents Playing on the sound of

‘quarter’US , 1985.8moneyUK , 2000

cut the cackle!stop talking! FromCACKLE(to chatter

inconsequentially) When extended to: ‘cut the cackle and come to

the ‘osses [Horses]’, the meaning is ‘stop the preliminaries and get

down to business’UK , 1889

cut the crap!stop talking nonsense!US , 1956

cuttingnounthe preparation of cocaine for inhalation by chopping

lines of powder with a razor blade or credit card, 2002

cuttingadjectivegood, excellentUK , 2003

cutting gearnounoxyacetylene apparatus used to break into safes

UK , 1977

cutting housenouna place where drugs are diluted for resaleUS , 1974

cutting mannouna best friendUS , 1970

cutting plantnouna shop where stolen cars are dismantled or

alteredUS , 1978

cuttings merchantnounin prison, a prisoner who wields power bycollecting newspaper cuttings of reported crimesUK , 2000

cuttynoun1a cousinUS , 2002.2a playful girlIRELAND , 1999

cut-upnouna dishonestly fixed outcome of any event, e.g a tition, an election, a lottery, a job application, etcUK , 1985

compe-cut upverb1to behave without restraintUS , 1846.2(when driving) toovertake in such a manner that other vehicles are adverselyaffectedUK , 1964

cut-upadjectiveupset, emotionally distressedUK , 1844

cut warnounin lobstering, a rivalry that has escalated to the pointwhere lobstermen are cutting each other’s buoysUS , 1978

cuyabunga! 8see:COWABUNGAI

cuznouna friendUS , 1979. 8see:’CAUSE

cuzznouna term of address used by one member of the Cripsyouth gang to anotherUS , 1990

cuzziesnounHM Customs & ExciseUK , 2002

cuzzy-bronouna close and loyal friendNEW ZEALAND , 1991

cwazyadjectiveused as a jocular substitute for ‘crazy’US , 1952

c-wordnounthe word cunt Usually after ‘the’UK , 1986

CYAverbto protect yourself from future criticism for actions being

taken now An abbreviation of ‘cover your ass’ US , 1959

c-yaused in computer messages as shorthand to mean ‘see you’US , 1995

cyberadjectivedenoting an on-line, Internet or digital state or ence A back-formation from ‘cybernetics’ (scientific and mechan-ical systems of control and communication), coined in 1948 by

exist-Norbert Wiener (1894–1964) from the Greek kybernan (to steer, to

govern) Mainly used in unhyphenated combinations as a prefix,but can stand aloneUS , 1966

cyberspacenounthe notional locus where on-line communicationtakes place and from where a digital existence is supposed Coined

by science fiction author William Gibson (b.1948) to describe ‘thehallucinatory world existing between computers’ in

Neuromancer,1984 US , 1984

cyclenounanabolic steroids Steroids are taken for a fixed timeperiod – a ‘cycle’ – and then not taken for the same time period.Professional wrestling usageUS , 2003.< having your cycle

experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycleUS , 2001

cycle-lifternouna bicycle thiefINDIA , 1979

cyclonouna rickshaw pulled by a bicycleUS , 1972

cyclonenounphencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP orangel dustUS , 1994

Cyclops sausage dognounthe penis Probably jocular imagery of amythical one-eyed giant crossed with a dachshundUK , 2003

cylindernounthe vagina A mechanics’ simileAUSTRALIA , 1984

Cypnoun a Cypriot Pronounced ‘sip’ UK , 1984

Cyril Lordadjectivebald Rhyming slang; an imperfect rhyme formed

on the name of a British carpet manufacturer (now CarpetsInternational) probably best remembered for an incrediblyannoying advertising jingle that haunted the 1960s and 70s CyrilLord made rugs and, appropriately, aRUGis a ‘hair piece’UK , 1992

Cyril Sneer; cyrilnouna male homosexual Rhyming slang for

QUEERformed from a character in the Canadian cartoon series The Raccoons from the 1980s UK , 2003

cyring callnounin poker, a bet equal to the last bet made in ahesitating fashionUS , 1982

Dnoun1LSDUS , 1971.2Dilaudid™, a synthetic opiateUS , 1954.

3narcoticsUS , 1976.4used as a term of address, young man to

young man An abbreviation ofDUDE US , 1997.5a police detective

AUSTRALIA , 1882.6a (pre-decimalisation, 1971) penny From Latin

denarius, a rough equivalent of an old penny and used in the

standard abbreviation for pre-decimal Sterling: £sd or lsdUK , 1387.

7in poker, the fourth player to the left of the dealerUS , 1988.8a

demilitarised zone A shortening of DMZ, the official abbreviation

US , 1991

D&Dnoun dungeons and dragons (a genre of fantasy roleplay games)

UK , 2001

D-5nouna Sony TCD-5M analogue recording tape deck Favoured by

tapers of Grateful Dead concerts until the advent of digital audio

tape in the early 1990sUS , 1994

danounfather, a father An abbreviation of affectionate, informal or

childish ‘dad’ or ‘dada’,especially in ScotlandUK , 1851

DAnoun1a hair-style popular in the early 1950s; the hair was

tapered and curled on the nape of the neck like the feathers of a

duck’s tail Abbreviated fromDUCK’S ARSE/ASS US , 1951.2a drug

addict US , 1946.3a dumb ass US , 2003

da1the Fashionable respelling of phonetic slovening; an essential

element in Hawaiian youth usageUS , 1981.2so; very Hawaiian

youth usageUS , 1981

dabnoun1a fingerprint Police jargon, in everyday use, usually in

the pluralUK , 1926.2a moistened finger-tip covered in powdered

amphetamine Possibly as, and then only partly-inspired by, a

nostalgic reference to a children’s sweet, the Sherbert Dib Dab™, a

lolly dipped into a powdered sugar confectionUK , 2000.3in rugby, a

short, darting run with the ballNEW ZEALAND , 1970.4in cricket, a

batsman’s stroke that deflects the ball gently behind the wicketUK ,

1969.5a criminal charge; a prison disciplinary chargeUK , 1996

dabverb1to ingest a powdered drug by sucking or licking the

powder collected on a moistened fingerUK , 2001.2in mountain

biking, to touch the ground unintentionally with any part of the

bodyUS , 1992.3of a batsman in cricket, to play a tentative stroke

that gently deflects the ball behind the wicketUK , 1985

dabblenounstolen propertyUK , 1981

dabbleverb1to use addictive drugs without succumbing to the

addictionUS , 1949.2to experiment with homsexualityUK , 1996.3to

operate an (occasional) trade in stolen or illegal goods, especially

antiques or drugsUK , 1996

dab-dabnounto participate in homosexual sex Prison usageUS , 1990

dacha; daiture; degeradjective ten From Italian dieci, via lingua

franca into polariUK , 1996

Dachaunounany military stockade Vietnam war usageUS , 1968

dachsnoun a dachshund UK , 1886

dachsie; dachsynoun a dachshund An affectionate elaboration of

DACHS UK , 1961

dack upverbto light or smoke (a marijuana cigarette)NEW ZEALAND ,

1991

dadnoun1used as a term of address for a man, especially an older

man Often patronizingUS , 1928.2a homosexual prisoner’s ‘owner’

(protector and lover)US , 1992.< be like Dadto keep quiet; to say

nothing From the World War 2 slogan ‘be like Dad: keep Mum’,

playing onMUM(quiet)UK , 1996

-dadsuffixused as a nonce suffix attached to a friend’s nameUS , 1995

da-dah!used as a mock fanfareUK , 2000

Dad and Davenoun1a shave Rhyming slang, after the characters

Dad and Dave, the subject of well-known and well-loved humorous

sketches concerning pioneering life by ‘Steele Rudd’ (Arthur Hoey

Davis, 1868–1935)AUSTRALIA , 1944.2a grave Rhyming slang

UK , 1978.3a leader Originally prison slang, especially of a forcefulpersonality among borstal inmates; now in wider useUK , 2001.4thedominant partner in a male homosexual relationshipUS , 1932.5anaggressive, predatory male homosexualUS , 1996.6the woman whoplays the active, masculine role in a lesbian relationshipUS , 1940s.

7in the US Army, your supervising officerUS , 1968.8used as a term

of address to a manUK , 1681.9a marijuana cigaretteUK , 2001

daddy-come-to-churchnounan unusual eventUS , 1953

daddy macnounan attractive young manUS , 1997

daddy-onoun1a term of address for a man Also variant ‘daddio’

US , 1947.2the US Federal Communications CommissionUS , 1977

daddypoonounused as an embellishment of ‘daddy’, usually from

a woman to a manUS , 1966

daddy’s yachtnounused rhetorically as a representation of theprivileges of civilian life Military sarcasm, in several variations,most commonly ‘Where do you think you are? On your daddy’syacht’; directed mainly at National Service recruits (1945–62)UK , 1962

daddy tanknouna jail cell reserved for lesbian prisonersUS , 1971

dadgernounthe penis Variation ofTADGER(the penis)UK , 1997

dadrocknoun1990s rock music that sounds like music from a eration earlier, e.g Oasis play dadrock that bears obvious simi-larities to the BeatlesUK , 1999

gen-dadsnouna father, or in general address, a man A variation of ‘dad’

UK , 1984

Dad’s Armynicknamethe Home Guard (1940–45); hence, anygrouping of older men with a united purpose Gently derogatory.The term survives essentially as a piece of familiar nostalgiamainly because of the popularity of BBC television comedy series

Dad’s Army (1968–77, and which is still being repeated today).

The modern sense is therefore informed by the nature of thecharacters in the programme; variously bumptious and bumbling,etcUK , 1968

dad’s armyadjectivebarmy, foolish Rhyming slang, after the 1970stelevision comedy of the UK’s World War 2 Home GuardUK , 1992

daffnounexcrementIRELAND , 1989

daffiesnounstrong liquorUK , 1979

daffodilnouna homosexual manUS , 1935

daffynouna skiing stunt in which one ski is swung up in front ofthe skier while the other is brought up behind and parallel to thefirst, the whole being a form of mid-air splits ‘Daffy’ is listedunder the heading Freestyle skiing in the official lexicon for the

2002 Winter Olympic GamesUK , 1984

daffyadjectiveodd, eccentric, silly The original meaning of ‘slightlymad’ has softened over the yearsUK , 1884

daffydowndilly; daffadowndillyadjectivesilly Rhyming slang,formed on an informal name for the ‘daffodil’, or perhaps it issimply an elaboration ofDAFFY(silly, daft)UK , 1960

daffy-headedadjectivefeather-brained, daftUK , 1981

daftnicknameNova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans

daft and barmynounan army Rhyming slang, Note also the

reversed rhyme:DAD’S ARMYfor ‘barmy’UK , 1979

daft as a brush; mad as a brushadjectivecrazy; stupidUK , 1945

daft Dorisnouna foolish womanUK , 2000

daftienouna daft personUK , 1872

dagnoun1a matted lock of wool and excrement on a sheep’s

behind From British dialectAUSTRALIA , 1891.2a person who is

eccentric and humorous; a real character; a wag Formerly

common, now obsolete (but see sense 3) Some have suggested

that the origin of this term lies in the British dialect term ‘a feat

set as a dare’, but the examples given are less than convincing

AUSTRALIA , 1875.3a person who is dull and conservative; a person

who has no sense of fashion; an uncool or unhip person Now the

commonest meaning It is widely believed that it derives from

sense 1, but this is not the case Probably partially from sense 2

and partially a backformation fromDAGGYsense 2 Formerly and

still to some extent quite an insult, equivalent toGEEKandNERD,

but recently also used in an affectionate manner, and jocularly

‘reclaimed’ as a term of approval This reclamation has led to a

semantic shift where the meaning can be ‘uncool in an amusing

or eccentric way’, and thus this sense now overlaps with that of

sense 2AUSTRALIA , 1966.4a daring actNEW ZEALAND , 1984

dagverb1to engage in anal sexUS , 2001.2to participate in serial,

reciprocal, homosexual oral sexUS , 1990

dag!used for expressing surpriseUS , 1987

dagdomnounthe notional realm of dagsAUSTRALIA , 1990

dagenouna foreigner, an immigrant FromDAGO(a foreigner, an

immigrant, etc.)AUSTRALIA , 1955

Dagenham dustbinnouna Ford car Citizens’ band radio slang

Dagenham in Essex is the best-known as the major manufacturing

base for Ford carsUK , 1981

dagganoun1marijuana Dagga is the common name in South

Africa for a relatively non-toxic herb (genus: Leonotis varieties:

Cape, red and wilde) which is smoked like tobacco; however, for a

slang user one herb predominatesSOUTH AFRICA , 1955.2a marijuana

cigaretteUS , 1955

dagga rookernouna marijuana smoker CombinesDAGGAwith

Afrikaans rooker (a smoker) In respectable circles a ‘dagga rooker’

is recorded as ‘a scoundrel; a wastrel’SOUTH AFRICA , 1998

daggernouna lesbian An abbreviation of the fullBULLDAGGER US , 1980

dagger of desirenounthe erect penis JocularUK , 2003

daggersnoun< throw daggers; give the daggersto look angrily

at someone Variations of the conventional form ‘look daggers’UK ,

2002

daggilyadverbin a daggy mannerAUSTRALIA , 1972

dagginessnounthe state of being daggyAUSTRALIA , 1990

daggyadjective1unfashionable; uncoolAUSTRALIA , 1981.2(of clothes,

personal appearance, etc.) dirty, filthyAUSTRALIA , 1967.3cheap or

trashy looking in a sexually promiscuous wayUS , 1997.4(of sheep)

having dags; (of wool) soiled with excrementAUSTRALIA , 1895

dagonoun1an Italian or Italian-American A slur, originally applied

to Spaniards, then to Spaniards, Portuguese and Italians, and now

only to ItaliansUS , 1857.2any foreigner Liverpool useUK , 1968.3in

hot rodding, a dropped front axle, especially on older FordsUS , 1965

DagonicknameSan Diego, CaliforniaUS , 1931.< the DagoFrank

Sinatra, American singer (1915–1998)US , 1963

dagoadjectiveforeignAUSTRALIA , 1900

dago bombnouna type of fireworkUS , 1960

dago rednouninexpensive, inferior red wineUS , 1906

dagotownnouna neighbourhood dominated by Italian-Americans

US , 1960

Dagwoodnouna large and elaborate sandwich Named after the

sandwiches made by the Dagwood Bumstead character in the

Blondie comic strip US , 1948

Dagwood dognouna deep-fried battered frankfurter on a stick

daikon legsnounshort, pale and fat legs Hawaiian youth usage.The ‘daikon’ is also known as an Asian, Oriental or Chinese radish;

it is stubby and whiteUS , 1981

dailiesnounfilm scenes filmed one day, rush processed anddelivered for viewing by the director and others the same or nextdayUS , 1970s

dailynouna regular (daily) bet with a bookmakerUK , 1984

daily-dailynounduring the Vietnam war, anti-malaria pills takendaily, in addition to a second medication taken once a weekUS , 1982

daily doublenounin poker, two consecutive winning hands Aborrowing from horse racingUS , 1996

daily dozennounphysical exercises, performed on rising; hence, alimited group (or the measure thereof ) of anything (voluntarily)experienced on a daily basis It is unlikely that the ‘dozen’ wasever a precise sumUK , 1919

Daily Expressnouna dress Rhyming slang, formed on the title of aleading national newspaperUK , 1992

Daily Expressverbto dress Rhyming slang, formed on the title of aleading national newspaperUK , 1992

Daily Getsmuchworsenickname the Daily Express Coined in the 1970s by satirical magazine Private Eye UK , 1975

Daily Liarnickname the Daily Mail Jocular UK , 1984

Daily Mail; dailynoun1a tail; hence, rectum, arse Rhyming slang,based on the title of a major newspaperUK , 1956.2a tale, especially

‘glib patter’ or the story told by an informer; a trickster’s patter Rhyming slang, formed on the title of a leadingnational newspaperUK , 1960.3a prostitute; a sexually availablewoman Rhyming slang forTAIL(a woman objectified sexually) or

confidence-BRASS NAIL(a prostitute), formed on the title of a leading nationalnewspaperUK , 1977.4bail Rhyming slang, formed on the title of aleading national newspaperUK , 1977.5a nail Rhyming slang,formed on the title of a leading national newspaper; used bycarpentersUK , 1961.6ale Rhyming slangUK , 1960

Daily-Tell-the-Talenickname the Daily Mail UK , 1960

Daily Torygraphnickname the Daily Telegraph From the paper’s

dairy boxnouna sexually transmitted infection Rhyming slang,formed on a branded chocolate assortment manufactured byNestléUK , 1992

daisynoun1an excellent thing or personUS , 1757.2an attractiveyoung womanUS , 1876.3a male homosexual Often used in Peter

O’Donnell’s Modesty Blaise stories, 1962–2001 US , 1944

daisy bell!hell! Rhyming slang, formed on the name of a musichall song (‘Daisy Bell’ also known as ‘A Bicycle Made for Two’, byHarry Dacre, 1892)UK , 1992

daisy chainnoun1a group of people, arranged roughly in a circle,

in which each person is both actively and passively engaged inoral, anal, or vaginal sex with the person in front of and behindthem in the circle A term that is much more common than thepracticeUS , 1927.2an abstract grouping of people who have had sexwith the same person at different timesUS , 1990.3figuratively and

by extension, a series of events that return to the beginningUS ,

1954.4in computing, a network architecture in which a singlecable connects all nodesUS , 1995.5a confidence swindle wherefunds from successive victims are used to keep the swindle alivewith the earlier victimsUS , 1985.6a series of (Claymore) minesattached to each other and rigged for sequential detonation From