Dictionary of Unconventional English_15 doc

Rhyming slang forPOX, formed from the Catholic priest and detective storywriter, 1888–1957UK , 1980 reverseadjective< reverse gearsto vomitUS , 1989 reverse cowgirlnouna sexual position

renkadjectiveimpudent; offhand; rude; yobbish Variation of ‘rank’

(offensive)JAMAICA , 1994

Renonounin bar dice games, two dice that add up to sevenUS , 1976

renobnouna person who acts foolishlyUS , 2001

rentnoun1a youthful, attractive homosexual male prostituteUK , 1967.

2road tax Motor trade slangUK , 2004.< up me for the rent!

used to register pleasurable astonishmentAUSTRALIA , 1971

renta-prefix hired, rented In commercial usage often used to create

a company name, for instance: ‘Rentacar’ (examples found in

Australia, Ireland, Spain, UK, US) and ‘Rentavan’ (examples found

in Australia, Ireland, Mexico, UK) Both ‘rentacar’ and ‘rentavan’ are

also used informally of a hired vehicle Other use is often

derogatory: ‘rentacrowd’ (a hired clique), ‘rentamob’ (a crowd

assembled at political demonstration) and ‘rentamouth’ (a speaker

for hire)US , 1921

rent-a-copnouna private security guard A tad disparagingUS , 1968

rent-a-gobnouna citizens’ band radio user who chats on a channel

reserved for making contact; a person who talks too much and to

little effectUK , 1981

rental unitsnounparents FromPARENTAL UNITS, a neat pun

describing parental worth from a youth perspectiveUS , 1996

Rent-a-SvendnicknameCanadian politician Svend Robinson, the first

openly gay, New Democratic member of Parliament The

controversial Svend Robinson has drawn criticism for his espousal

of unpopular causes, such as the Palestinian side in the

Arab–Israeli war and gay rightsCANADA , 2002

rent-a-tilenoundancing very closely, barely moving your feet

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1993

rent boynouna young male prostituteUK , 1969

renternouna homosexual male prostituteUK , 1893

rent partynouna party thrown for the purpose of collecting

donations from friends to pay your rentUS , 1925

rentsnoun parents Teen slang that cuts parents down to size US , 1968

renzosnounLorenzo™ decorative wheel rimsUS , 1993

reonoun1a reinforcementAUSTRALIA , 1931.2a difficult surfing

manoeuvre on the breaking lip of a wave An abbreviation of

‘re-entry’US , 1988

repnoun1reputation US , 1705.2a repetition, or complete cycle of an

exerciseUS , 1984.3a repertory theatre or theatre company; a

repertoireUS , 1925.4in prison, a written representation UK , 2002.5a

representative, often a travelling salesman UK , 1896.6a repellent UK ,

1995

repverb1to represent someone; to give someone a reputation UK ,

2002.2to work as a representative of a company UK , 1938

Repatnoun1the Repatriation Commission which gave assistance to

ex-service personnel returning to civilian lifeAUSTRALIA , 1920.2a

hospital for repatriated service personnel AUSTRALIA , 1968

repeaternounin horse racing, a horse that won the last race it

enteredUS , 1974

reponoun repossession US , 1971

repo depotnounthe Replacement Detachment of any large military

force or installationUS , 1968

repo mannounan agent of a finance company who repossesses, by

an assortment of techniques, cars which have not been paid for

From ‘repossess’ US , 1984

repple-depplenouna replacement depot where soldiers arriving in

Vietnam were assigned to units and soldiers leaving Vietnam were

processed for homecomingUS , 1945

reppoc; reppocknouna police officer Back slang forCOPPER UK , 1996

representverb1to serve as a pimp for a prostituteUS , 1991.2to

project a positive image and attitudeUS , 1997

reptilenouna railway pointsmanUS , 1977

Republic of Malinouncocaine Rhyming slang forCHARLIE(cocaine)

UK , 2003

re-rub

resnoun1a resident physician in a hospitalUS , 1994.2a dormitory orresidence at a university or collegeCANADA , 2001.3the oily residue

in a pipe after crack cocaine has been smokedUS , 1992

resembleverbto resent Usually in the jocular ‘I resemble thatremark’UK , 1984

resinnouncannabis resinUK , 1996

respec; respect; respeck; rispeckused for registering approval ofsomeone’s action or attitude An abbreviation in all variantspellings of ‘respect due’; occasionally ironic Originally WestIndian and UK blackUK , 1994

respect dueused for registering approval of someone’s action orattitude Originally West Indian and UK blackUK , 1998

ressienouna resident DJUK , 2001

restnoun< give it a restto stop talking, especially to stop talkingabout a specific topic Often as an imperativeUK , 1984

restverb< rest your mouthto stop talkingBAHAMAS , 1982.< rest your neckto stop talkingUS , 1989

rest curenounin the car sales business, sending a car into the shopwhile the customer waits and then returning it, claiming that workwhich has not been done has been doneUS , 1953

restingadjectiveof an actor, unemployed Originally positivethinking, now archUK , 1999

rest in peacenouncrack cocaine Imagery of death.UK , 2003

restroomnouna brakevan (caboose)US , 1977

resultnoun1the winning score in a sporting contest; a victory inany sport Conventionally ‘result’ means ‘outcome’, hence a ‘goodresult’; this usage clips and implies the positive adjective,exclusively acquiring the result for victors and so denying losersany achievementUK , 1981.2a satisfying or appropriate outcome; anachievementUK , 1973.3a successful or profitable robberyUK , 1998.

4an arrest or a criminal convictionUK , 2004

retnouna cigaretteUS , 1971

retail actionnounrecreational shoppingUS , 1997

retail therapynounshopping when considered as an empoweringleisure activityUS , 1986

retardnouna slow, dim-witted person From ‘mentally retarded’, butnot necessarily indicative of actual mental retardationUS , 1970

retardedadjective1stupid, foolishUS , 2003.2drunkUS , 2003.3inQuebec, delayed, lateCANADA , 2001

retardonouna mentally challenged personUS , 1981

retreadnoun1in the military: a short-service officer on a secondcommission; a retired officer recalled to service; a retired officerre-employed as a civilian in an administrative post; an officer whohas been promoted from the ranks; an aviator returned to flyingduties after a period of ground service The origin is in the newlife given to a tyre by the application of a new tread; there is also apun on ‘retired/re-tyred’ The earliest use is for a World War 1veteran recalled to serve in World War 2AUSTRALIA , 1943.2a recentlydivorced personUS , 1985

retreadverbin the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, to tapeover a tape that has been recorded onceUS , 1994

retrievernouna prisoner who intimidates other prison inmates forthe purpose of ‘retrieving’ drugs that those inmates are suspected

rettenouna cigaretteUS , 1997

reunion in my bureaunounin Quebec, a meeting in my office.Both ‘reunion’ and ‘bureau’ are used in their French sense inEnglish in Montreal

re-upverbto replenish a stack of something; to re-supply something;

to sign or enlist Originally a military slang term for

re-enlistingUS , 1906

revverbto leave, to goUS , 1952

RevCannounRevenue Canada, the federal tax collection agency

CANADA , 2002

revenge of the cradle; revenge of the nurserynounQuebec’s

high birthrate, perceived as being in retaliation for the loss of the

province to England by FranceCANADA , 1964

revenoo; revenuer; revenooernouna federal law enforcement

official Used by those in the illegal production of alcoholUS , 1974

Reverend Ronald Knox; the Reverend; the Right Reverend

nounsyphilis; hence any sexually transmitted infection Rhyming

slang forPOX, formed from the Catholic priest and detective

storywriter, 1888–1957UK , 1980

reverseadjective< reverse gearsto vomitUS , 1989

reverse cowgirlnouna sexual position in which the woman

straddles the prone man, facing his feetUS , 1991

reverse onouna position for mutual, simultaneous oral sex

between two people, or the act itself, especially when advertised as

a service offered by a prostituteUK , 2003

rev-headnouna motor vehicle enthusiastAUSTRALIA , 1987

revolt of the admiralsnouna highly public clash between the US

Navy and the US Air Force in 1949 over basing of the country’s

strategic airpowerUS , 1949

rev up and fuck offgo away and don’t annoy me; don’t annoy

meIRELAND , 1991

rewindnounin trucking, a return tripUS , 1977

rexnouna (small) quantity of moneyIRELAND , 1989

Rexall rangernounsomeone who wears cowboy clothes but has

never worked on a ranch Rexall is a chain drugstore, giving a

touch of specificity to the more commonDRUGSTORE COWBOY US ,

1970

reznouna Native American Indian reservationUS , 1998

RFverbto play a prank An abbreviation ofRATFUCK US , 1965

RFBnoun room, food and beverage – the basic components of a

complimentary pass at a casino or hotelUS , 1996

RGnounin homosexual usage, a biological female A fellow

homo-sexual is aGIRL, while a woman is a ‘real girl’, or RGUS , 1971

rhinenounheroin Probably by abbrevation of a particular

pronunciationUK , 1998

rhinonoun1moneyUK , 1688.2a large and powerful waveUS , 1991

rhino chasernouna large surfboard made for big-wave conditions

US , 1987

RHIPrank has its privileges US , 1968

Rhodeynouna white Zimbabwean Derogatory A reference to

Rhodesia, the country which became Zimbabwe in 1980SOUTH

AFRICA , 2000

rhody; rhodienouna rhododendronUK , 1851

rhubarbnoun1nonsense From its use by actors as an

‘unintelligible murmur’UK , 1963.2said repeatedly by muttering

actors to give the impression of background conversations; hence,

spoken nonsense Theatre slangUK , 1934.3a fight; an uproar; a riot

US , 1943.4an advance of wages, a loan; as ‘rhubarbs’: a

membership subscription Rhyming slang, pronounced ‘roobub’,

forSUB(a subscription)UK , 1929

rhubarb and custardnouna variety of MDMA, the recreational

drug best known as ecstasy From the red and yellow colour of the

pill; the syllable ‘barb’ is possibly an indication that the tablet

contains barbiturateUK , 1996

rhubarb pill; rhubarbnouna bill (for payment) Rhyming slang,

based on a homeopathic remedy for constipation; noted by Julian

Franklyn, A Dictionary of Rhyming Slang,1960, who suspected (or

rhubarbsnoun1suburbs Rhyming slang, pronounced ‘roobubs’,formed on an elision of ‘suburbs’UK , 1960.2a variety of LSDUK , 1996

rhyme offverb to recite; to talk From Scottish dialect rame (to talk

nonsense; to reiterate)UK: SCOTLAND , 2000

rhythmnounan amphetamine tabletUS , 1993

rhythm and blues; rhythmsnounshoes Rhyming slangUK , 1998

rhythm methodnouna method of cheating while playing a slotmachine by controlling the spins of the inner-wheels Playing onthe name of the least successful method of birth controlUS , 1977

riahnounthe hair Polari back slangUK , 1967

riah zhoosher; riah shushernouna hairdresser A combination of

ZHOOSH(to tidy) withRIAH(the hair)UK , 2002

riah-zshumpahnouna hairdresserUK , 1992

ribnoun1a wife or girlfriend From the Biblical creation tale, withEve springing from Adam’s ribUK , 1589.2Rohypnol™

(flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’US , 1995.

3MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 2003

ribverb1to make fun of someoneUS , 1930.2to insult someone in asemi-formal quasi-friendly competition A variation of ‘rib’ (totease)US , 2000

ribbon and curlnouna girl Rhyming slangUK , 1992

ribbon clerknouna poker player who withdraws from a hand at anysign of serious bettingUS , 1988

ribena on toastadjectiveawful; tasteless; in bad taste Possibly aliteral translation of a bad taste; coinage is credited to balletmaster David KerrUK , 1992

ribtappernouna heavy-duty bootUK: SCOTLAND , 1988

Ricannouna Puerto RicanUS , 1975

ricenouneffort Royal Marine slangUK , 1989

rice-and-peas boongynounlarge buttocks, especially those of awomanBAHAMAS , 1998

rice-and-ringverbto get marriedUS , 1947

rice-a-roninounin necrophile usage, a badly decomposed corpse Acomparison to the branded soft-boiled rice productUS , 1987

rice banditnouna Japanese person OffensiveAUSTRALIA , 1995

rice bellynounthe protruding stomach of a childGUYANA , 1996

rice-burnernouna Japanese car or motorcyleUK , 1979

rice eyenouna Japanese person Hawaiian youth usage, especially

in the taunt ‘No lie, rice eye’US , 1982

rice machinenouna car manufactured in Japan or by a JapanesemanufacturerUS , 1993

ricemannouna Chinese person OffensiveUS , 1945

rice paddy Hattienounany rural Chinese prostituteUS , 1949

rice queennouna gay man attracted to men of South Asian origin

US , 1972

ricernouna person from South Asia OffensiveUS , 1980

rice rocketnouna motorcyle made by a Japanese manufacturer.OffensiveUS , 1993

Richardnoun1any police official, especially a detective AnembellishedDICK US , 1950.2the penis An extension ofDICK(thepenis), which is the short form of the first name RichardUK , 2001.

< had the Richardto be ruined or irreparably broken; to be

finished In the Australian National Dictionary it is claimed that

this is from British rhyming slang ‘Richard the Third’ (the bird),from theatrical slang ‘to get the bird’ (to get a bad reception onstage), but there is little semantic overlap to warrant this expla-nation Rather if something has ‘had the dick’ then it is ‘fucked’,and therein lies the metaphor Richard here is merely euphemisticforDICK(the penis) Supporting this explanation are the othervariantsHAD THE STICK, HAD THE RODand of courseHAD THE DICK

Richard Burtonnouna curtain Theatrical rhyming slang, formed

from the name of the Welsh actor, 1925–84UK , 1992

Richard the Third; Richardnoun1a young woman; a sweetheart

Rhyming slang forBIRD UK , 1950.2a bird Rhyming slang; originally

recorded in Songs and Slang of the British Soldier, John Brophy

and Eric Partridge, 1930 In theatrical use asTHE BIRD(a farting

noise masquerading as criticism)UK , 1979.3a piece of excrement

Rhyming slang forTURD UK , 1961

Richard Toddnouna portion of fried cod Rhyming slang formed

on the name of the British actor (b.1919)UK , 1992

Richibucto goosenouna salted shad Named after a town in Nova

ScotiaCANADA , 1939

rich man’s drugnouncocaine Because of its high cost Although

the phrase sounds a bit literary, it was used by those without any

particular literary backgroundUS , 1972

ricknoun1a mistake Probably a shortening ofRICKET(a mistake)UK ,

1991.2an accomplice who pretends to be a client in order to

encourage trade, originally used of a cheapjack or showman, later

of a less than scrupulous bookmakerUK , 1898

rickadjectivefake; spurious From the nounUK , 1967

rick; ricverbto make a mistake FromRICK(a mistake)UK , 1996

ricketnouna mistakeUK , 1958.< drop a ricketto make a mistake

UK , 1998

rickety-rawadjectiveattractive, fashionableUS , 1987

Rick Steinnouna fine Rhyming slang, formed from the name of

the UK television chef (b.1947)UK , 2004

Rick Witternouna shitter (in all senses) Rhyming slang, formed

from the lead singer of Shed SevenUK , 2003

Ricky Martin; Rickynouna side-parting Popney rhyming slang,

from popular singer Ricky Martin (b.1971) Popney was contrived

for www.music365.co.uk, an Internet music site UK , 2001

Ricky Racernouna fanatic mountain bike enthusiast who rarely if

ever ridesUS , 1997

ricky-ticky; ricky-tickadjectiveused of a jazz rhythm, old-fashioned,

even, boringUS , 1952

ridverb< rid a fitto get rid of an outfit of clothesUS , 1994

riddleverbin Newfoundland, to weave up-and-down rods between

rails to make a fenceCANADA , 1966

riddle-me-reenounurine; an act of urination Rhyming slang for

PEEorWEE; always used in full to avoid confusion with other slang,

such asJIMMY RIDDLEorPIDDLE UK , 1992

riddle me this, Batmananswer this question From the Batman

television series (1966–68) and one of its arch-villains, The Riddler

US , 1993

riddynoun(as a result of embarrassment) a red face Glasgow slang

UK: SCOTLAND , 1985

ridenoun1a carUS , 1930.2a person who you are counting on to

drive you somewhereUS , 2001.3a sexually desirable person From

RIDE(to have sex)UK , 2002.4an act of sexual intercourseUK , 1937.5a

companion, especially a companion who is a fellow gang member

US , 1981.6a criminal enterpriseUS , 1995.7a style of jazz music with

an easy-going rhythmUS , 1930.< get a ridein circus and carnival

usage, to receive unfavourable publicityUS , 1981

rideverb1to have sex Usually from the female perspectiveUS , 1994.

2(used of a lesbian) to straddle your prone partner, rubbing your

genitals togetherUS , 1967.3to engage in sycophantic flatteryUS , 1988.

4to irritate or worry someoneUS , 1918.5to play jazz with an

easy-moving rhythmUS , 1929.< let it ride1in gambling, to continue

a bet from one play to another, increasing the bet with winnings

US , 1980.2to tolerate something; to take no action about

somethingUK , 1921.< ride a beefto accept a charge for a crime

that you did not commitUS , 1967.< ride a string; ride in a

g-stringto drive a BMW car Scamto youth street slang (South

African townships)SOUTH AFRICA , 2005.< ride a ponyto cheat on a

test in college or schoolUS , 1959.< ride bitchto sit in the middle

of the front seat in a pickup truck, between the driver and another

passengerUS , 1992.< ride dirtyto drive under the influence of

alcoholUS .< ride ghostto drive at night without headlights

US , 1995.< ride itto endure or cope with imprisonmentUK , 1996.

< ride it a treatin horse racing, to ride a skilled and intelligentraceAUSTRALIA , 1989.< ride old smokeyto be executed byelectrocutionUS , 1950.< ride rubberto ride in a carUS , 1981.

< ride Santa’s sleighto use cocaine A phrase that combines

SNOWas ‘cocaine’ with ‘flying’ as ‘intoxication’UK , 2001.< ride shotgun1to act as a security or military escort From the timewhen stage coaches carrying valuables were protected by a mancarrying a shotgun who sat on top of the coach alongside thedriverUK , 1979.2to be prepared for any eventuality in businessUS ,

1974.3to travel in the passenger seatUS , 1921.4to oversee andcontrol someone with a firm handUS , 1972.< ride the broomtothreaten someone; to predict harmUS , 1990.< ride the bubbles

in hot rodding and drag racing, to rise slightly off the ground as aresult of aerodynamicsUS , 1965.< ride the busto defecateUS ,

1990.< ride the cardto ride a winner on every race at a racemeetingAUSTRALIA , 1984.< ride the circuitto move someonewho has been arrested from stationhouse to stationhouse, makinghis timely release difficultUS , 1949.< ride the cotton pony; ride the cotton horseto experience the bleed period of themenstrual cycle This ‘cotton pony’ is a ‘sanitary towel’US , 1954.

< ride the grub lineto travel and survive by scrounging foodwherever it can be foundCANADA , 1987.< ride the Hershey Highwayto engage in anal sexUS , 1989.< ride the lightningto

be put to death by electrocutionUS , 1935.< ride the pineto sit

on the sidelines of an athletic contest as a substitute playerUS ,

1938.< ride the pipeto pilot a jet after engine failure Koreanwar usageUS , 1991.< ride the red tideto experience the bleedperiod of the menstrual cycleUS , 1999.< ride the short busto

be mentally deficient From the literally short bus that special cation students use in the USUS , 1995.< ride the showingtotour an area evaluating billboards for potential advertising useUS ,

edu-1980.< ride the sick bookto feign illness; to malingerUS , 1968.

< ride the silver steedto participate in bismuth subcarbonateand neoarsphenamine therapy for syphilisUS , 1981.< ride the splintersto sit on the sidelines of an athletic contest as asubstitute player The ‘splinters’ are an allusion to the benchwhich the substitute ‘warms’ or ‘rides’US , 1949.< ride the turtlesto drive on the raised reflective road markers that delin-eate motorway lanesUS , 1997.< ride the white horseto experi-ence euphoria after using heroinUS , 1955.< ride the wiretotravel by tramUS , 1970

ride alongverbin poker, to remain in a game without bettingbecause you have bet your entire bankroll on the handUS , 1967

ride and a rashernounsexual intercourse followed by breakfast

IRELAND , 1999

ride man; ride jock; ride monkeynounthe operator of a carnivalamusement rideUS , 1985

ride outnouna group motor-scooter excursionUK , 2001

ride outverbto depart Used by London teenagers in the late 1950s

UK , 1958

ridernoun1a visible, aggressive member of a gangUS , 2001.2apolice officerUS , 2003.35 kg of heroin supplied free with a 100 kgshipment of cocaineUK , 2002.4a cheater From the phraseRIDE A PONY(to cheat on a test)US , 1959.5in trucking, a flat tyre on a set

of dual tyresUS , 1971

ridgeadjectiveall right; okay Probably a figurative use of nowobsolete ‘ridge’ (gold) Now superseded byRIDGY DIDGE AUSTRALIA , 1938

ridge cottagenouna bunker in the Korean demilitarised zone.Korean war usageUS , 1982

ridge-runnernounany white male from the Appalachian Mountainregion in the southern USUS , 1980

ridgy didge; ridgy-didgeadjectiveall right; okayAUSTRALIA , 1953

ridiculousadjectiveexcellentUS , 1959

riding Saint George; the dragon on Saint Georgenounsexual sex with the woman straddling the man, her head upright

R-ienouna Returned Servicemen’s League club From the initials

RSL AUSTRALIA , 1992

rifverbto separate someone from military service or employment

From the initialism for ‘reduction in force’ US , 1983

riffnoun1a rhythmic musical phrase played repeatedly, used in jazz

and rock Probably an abbreviation of ‘refrain’US , 1935.2an

oft-repeated argument or point of view A figurative usage of the

pre-vious senseUK , 2000.3the theme or gist of a conversationUK , 2000.

4a verbal embellishment that adds no meaning to what is being

saidUS , 1967.5an activity or experienceUS , 1975.6a refrigerated

railway wagonUS , 1946

riffverb1to repeatedly play a rhythmic musical figure, usually on a

piano or guitarUS , 1955.2to brag; to lieUS , 1990.3to complainUS ,

1989

riffagenounrhythmic style(s) of rock musicUK , 2002

rifflenounin a restaurant or soda fountain, to refill (an order)US , 1967

riffologynounin rock music, simple musical learning or skillUK , 1999

riff onverbto tease someone; to disparage someone or something

US , 1995

riff-raffnoun1the lowest classUK , 1470.2a Welsh person Rhyming

slang forTAFF UK: ENGLAND , 1992.3a café Rhyming slang forCAFF UK ,

1998

riffsnounmusic Teen slangCANADA , 1946

rifle rangenoun1the ward in a hospital reserved for patients

withdrawing from heroin addiction A pun onSHOOTING GALLERY US ,

1973.2change (money) Rhyming slang Shortened form ‘rifle’UK ,

1980

rifle spotnounin the television and film industries, a spotlight that

produces a long, thin beam of lightUS , 1990

riftnouna refrigerated freight railway wagonUS , 1977

rignoun1a car, truck or busUS , 1938.2the collective equipment used

by a musical group in concertUK , 1983.3a hypodermic needle and

syringeUS , 1969.4a still used in the illegal production of alcoholUS ,

1974.5a holsterUS , 2001.6the penisUS , 1971.7surgically augmented

breastsUS , 1997.8a bad situationUS , 1997

riggernoun1in the Royal Air Force, an airframe tradesman An

official Royal Air Force job title that was dropped as the job

description changed in the 1930s yet has continued in colloquial

use; still in Royal Air Force use, 2002UK , 1943.2a half-gallon jar of

beerNEW ZEALAND , 1998

rigger mortisnounan ineffectual member of the Royal Canadian

Air Force A ‘rigger mortis’ is a useless airman, based onRIGGER(an

airframe tradesman)CANADA , 1995

rig gignouna job driving a truckUS , 1976

rightnounin craps, a bet for the shooterUS , 1974

rightadjective1intensifies the good or bad character or condition of

someone or something; complete, utterUK , 1956.2understanding

and accepting the mores of the underworldUS , 1950.< not right

in the headunsound of mindUK , 1934

rightadverbveryCANADA , 1988

right1used as a greeting or farewellTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1966.2I do

not believe you Heavily sarcastic, emphasising the negative

interpretation Variants include ‘yeah right’ and ‘aye right’UK , 1998

right as rainadjectivein good health; satisfactoryUK , 1909

right enoughadverbcertainly, indeedUK , 1885

righteousadjective1very good, excellent, fine; honest; satisfactory

Conventional English with a religious overtone propelled into hip

slang by context and emphasis in pronunciationUS , 1942.2used of

a drug, relatively pure and undilutedUS , 1967

righteous bushnounany potent variety of marijuana A

combi-nation ofRIGHTEOUS(good) andBUSH(marijuana)US , 1946

righteous namenouna person’s true nameUS , 1975

righteous nodnouna refreshing sleepUS , 1947

right guynouna dependable, trustworthy and reliable criminalUS ,

right hereused as a set answer to an inquiry as to how you are

righto; right-ohokay!; all right!AUSTRALIA , 1911

right on!yes; excellent; correct; also used to signal enthusiasticagreement Originally black usage, perhaps from ‘right on thebutton’, ‘right on time’ orRIGHTO Subsequently adopted by the

hippie generationUS , 1930

right onenouna person whose behaviour does not conform toexpectationsUK , 1981

rightsnoun< do the rightsto seek or gain revengeUK , 2002

right-said-Frednounthe head Rhyming slang, formed on thename of a pop group who enjoyed success in the early 1990s; thegroup took its name from the title of a humorous song by BernardCribbins which was a top ten hit in 1962UK , 2000

rightynounsomeone who looks very much like someone else; adouble or near doubleUS , 1962

right you are!certainly!; agreed!UK , 1864

rigidadjectivedrunkUS , 1972

rigidadverbgreatly; used to intensify, especially ‘bore’, ‘scare’ and

‘shake’ Modelled on synonymousSTIFF, always used after the verb

RIHrest in hell A bitter version of RIP (rest in peace) US , 1999

rileverbto annoy or anger someoneUK , 1836

rimnoun< above the rimof the highest qualityUS , 2002

rimverb1to lick, suck and tongue another’s anusUS , 1941.2toswindle someoneUS , 1949

rim-jagverbto make an indentation on a playing card with yourfingernail or thumbnail to identify the card later in anotherplayer’s handUS , 1988

rim jobnounthe licking of a partner’s anus for the purposes of ual pleasureUS , 1969

sex-rimmernouna person who provides mouth in mouth-to-anus sex

rimsnounsunglassesUS , 1997

rinctumnounan especially violent fit of temperCANADA , 1953

Rinehart!; Oh Rinehart!used as a shout to announce the onset

of a student disturbance, started in fun but not always ending assuch Specific to Harvard University, honouring John Rinehart,Harvard Law School class of 1903US , 1933

ringnoun1a telephone callUK , 1900.2the anus From the shapeUK ,

1949.3a circular area where the game of two-up takes place

AUSTRALIA , 1896.4collectively, the bookmakers at a racecourse

AUSTRALIA , 1877.< get a ring in your nosein horse racing, to loseall your money bettingUS , 1951.< put the ring around itto con-firm something as definiteNEW ZEALAND , 1978

ringverb1to provide one thing disguised as anotherUK , 1812.2toopen and pilfer a cash registerUS , 1965.3to shoutBARBADOS , 1965.

< ring it onto outwit someoneUK , 1977.< ring the bell1tomake a successful attempt at something Probably from afairground challengeUK , 1966.2to achieve success beyond expec-tationsUS .< ring the berriesin ice hockey, to hit the

goalie with a hard shot between the legsCANADA , 1985.< ring your

chimesto strike someone on the head with great forceUS , 1981

ring-a-dingnounan excellent example of somethingUS , 1965

ring-a-ling on the ting-a-lingnouna telephone callUS , 1968

ring angelnouna ‘blip’ on a radar screen, often a flock of birdsUS ,

1947

ringasnounconversation; a conversation Scamto youth street slang

(South African townships)SOUTH AFRICA , 2005

ringburnernounan act of defecation that is attended by burning,

stinging or other painful sensations in the anus; often applied to

the spicy food that causes such effects CombinesRING(the anus)

with a conventional sense of ‘burn’; upper-class society origins

The following definition is offered by Ann Barr and Peter York in

their 1982 Official Sloane Ranger Handbook: ‘The results of a

heavy curry the morning after’UK , 1982

ringernoun1a perfect resemblance Often intensified withDEAD US ,

1891.2an athlete or horse fraudulently entered in a game or race

US , 1890.3a false vehicle registration number plateUS , 1956.4a

criminal who builds new cars from the parts of stolen carsUK , 1970.

5a single inhalation of crack cocaine with a strong effectUS , 1994.

6a stockmanAUSTRALIA , 1979.7the fastest shearer in a shearing

shedAUSTRALIA , 1871

ring gamenouna game of poker with all seats at the table occupied

US , 1982

ringienounthe person running a game of two-upAUSTRALIA , 1941

ring-innoun1an illegal competitor substituted for another in a race

AUSTRALIA , 1918.2any surreptitious substituteAUSTRALIA , 1956.3one

who doesn’t belong; an outsiderAUSTRALIA , 1987

ring inverb1to illegally substitute a racehorse or greyhound for

another in a race; to substitute a phoney in a competition

AUSTRALIA , 1895.2to secretly introduce altered dice into a dice game

ring-knockernouna graduate of one of the US military academies

From the school rings worn by graduatesUS , 1991

ringmasternouna railway yardmasterUS , 1946

ringpiecenounthe anus AnARSEHOLEin both the anatomical and

figurative sensesUK , 1949

ring raidernouna male homosexual An allusion to anal

intercourse, based onRING(the anus)UK , 2003

ring-stingnouna burning sensation in and of the anus caused,

gen-erally, by spicy food Formed onRING(the anus) Occasionally, and

originally, known as ‘ring-burn’UK , 1984

ring-stingernouna curry that produces, as an after-effect, a burning,

stinging or other painful sensation in the anusUK , 2002

ringyadjectiveirritableUS , 1932

rink ratnouna young boy who hangs around ice rinks, totally

involved in hockeyUS , 1945

rinky-dinknoun1something that is second rate, cheap or trivialUS ,

1912.2in trucking, the 4000 model White tractorUS , 1971.3in

snooker, the pink ball UK , 1992

rinky-dinkadjectiveinexpensive; poorly made; worthlessUS , 1912

rinsenouna selection of dance tunes mixed into a seamless whole;

an event which features such a musical blendUK , 1997

rinseverbto mix dance tunes into a seamless whole Perhaps

because of the wash of soundUK , 1999.< rinse arse; rinse skin;

rinse tailto administer a severe beatingTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1992

rinsebagnouna plastic bag that once contained amphetamineUS ,

1989

rinsedadjectiveexhausted A play on ‘washed out’UK , 2005

rinsing!; rinsin’!excellent; a general-purpose superlative The cry of

approval offered up to a DJ who is rinsing tunes together (see

Rin-Tin-Tin; rintynounthe leg Rhyming slang forPIN, formed from

the name given to several generations of a German Shepherd dogtelevision and film star of the 1930s–50s and beyondUK , 1998

RionounRio de JaneiroUS , 1935

riotnounsomething or someone that is very amusing or greatlyfunnyUK , 1933

riot bellnounin prison, any bellUK , 1996

riot grrrl; riot girlnouna cultural movement of aggressive youngfeminists; a member of the riot grrrl movement; the sub-genre ofpunk rock music associated with the movement Lazy journalismseems to be responsible for ‘girl/grrl’ variationsUS , 1991

Riot Hyatt; Riot HousenicknameThe Continental Hyatt House,Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, famous for its association with rockmusiciansUS , 1989

riot panicnounin circus and carnival usage, enthusiastic applause

US , 1981

ripnoun1a current travelling seawards from shore, usually movingswiftly An abbreviation of ‘rip tide’ or ‘rip current’US , 1990.2amethod of breaking into a safe that employs mechanical force and

no explosivesUS , 1950.3in a cheating scheme in a dice game, theswitching of tampered dice into a gameUS , 1962.4an injustice; anaction that is fundamentally unfairUS , 1982.5a complaint lodgedagainst a police officerUS , 1970.6a fine or punishment imposed forbreaking a police department conduct ruleUS , 1958.7one poundsterlingUK , 1999.8marijuanaUK , 2003.9a coarse, unattractivewomanIRELAND , 1910

ripverb1to cheat or swindle someoneUS , 1904.2to steal something

US , 1984.3to kill someoneUS , 1974.4to travel quicklyUK , 1971.5tosurf in a bold, skilled mannerUS , 1988.6to excelUS , 1994.< rip a new assholeto berate someone severelyUS , 1995.< rip intotoattack someone or something with vigour or gusto Eitherphysically or verballyAUSTRALIA , 1970.< rip it upto enjoyenergetically, to danceUS , 1956.< rip off a piece (of ass)tohave sexUS , 1971

rip and tear; ripverbto swear Rhyming slang Possibly an ence onLET RIP(to shout)UK , 1937

influ-ripeadjective1bad-smellingUS , 1995.2too strong for generalacceptabilityUK , 1999.3used of a girl, over the legal age of consent

US , 1988.4in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, poisedfor enlightenment in the mysteries of the bandUS , 1994

rip jobnouna safe robbery in which the front of the safe is peeledoffUS , 1973

rip-offnoun1a copy; an imitationUS , 1970.2a robbery; a theft; aswindle; exploitationUS , 1975

rip offverb1to steal something If the speaker is doing the stealing,the term suggests an act of political heroism; if not, it suggestscorporate greed The subject of this verb can be either the goodsstolen, the location or the owner; the subject can split the verbwithout changing the senseUS , 1967.2to overcharge someoneUK ,

1977.3to rape someoneUS , 1984

rip-offadjective1in an imitative style, especially with the intention

to exploit a commercial advantageAUSTRALIA , 1973.2exploitative;cheatingUS , 1975

rip-off artistnouna swindler; a thiefUK , 1975

rippedadjective1drunk or drug-intoxicatedUS , 1969.2muscular;lacking body fat; well-sculptedUS , 1984

ripped out of your titsadjectivevery drunkUK , 2002

ripped to the titsadjectivevery drunkUS , 1983

rippernoun1a very unattractive (young) woman Variant ‘old ripper’

UK , 2003.2an amphetamine or other central nervous system lantUS , 1986.3a skilled skateboarderUS , 1984.4a skilled scooter-rider

stimu-UK , 2000.5in pinball, a ball that is forcefully hit into playUS , 1977

ripperadjectiveintense; extreme; excellentAUSTRALIA , 1974

ripper!used for expressing strong approvalAUSTRALIA , 1987

rippingadjective1excellentUK , 1846.2very angryUS , 1968

ripping iron

rip-rapnounloose, crushed stone used to form embankmentsUS ,

1822

riproodlingadjectiveexcellent A rare variant of ‘rip-roaring’US , 1954

ripsnoun< do ripsto smoke marijuanaUS , 1997

rip, shit or bustverbto throw yourself wholeheartedly into a task

without fear of the consequencesNEW ZEALAND , 1999

rip-snorternouna remarkable person; an exceptional thingUS , 1842

rip tracknounon the railways, a hospitalUS , 1977

Rip Van Winkleverbto urinate Rhyming slang forTINKLEor

SPRINKLE, formed from the eponymous character in an 1820 story

by Washington IrvingUK , 1992

risenounan erectionUS , 1998

riseverb< rise to the occasionto achieve an erection when the

moment requires it A punning application of a conventional

phraseUK , 1984

rise and shinenounwine Rhyming slangUK , 1992

rising dampnouncramp Rhyming slangUK , 1992

rissolenoun1the anus Euphemistic forARSEHOLE AUSTRALIA , 1971.2a

Returned Servicemen’s League club From a jocular pronunciation

of RSL as a vowelless word, punning on ‘rissole’ (a meat patty)

AUSTRALIA , 1983.< like a rissoleused as a jocular catchphrase

tacked onto the farewell expressions ‘catch you round’ and ‘see

you round’ Punning on ‘round’ (circular), the shape of a rissole

AUSTRALIA , 1996

ritual spiritnounMDMA, the recreational drug best known as

ecstasyUK , 2003

ritzyadjectiveclassy, stylish, fashionable After the Ritz luxury hotels

in New York, London and ParisUS , 1920

Riv; Rivie; Rivie hognouna Buick Riviera carUS , 1980

rivernounin a hand of poker, the final card received by a playerUK ,

2003.< across the riverdeadUS , 1949.< up the river; upriver

to a prisonUS , 1947

riverinanouna shilling, hence, 5p Rhyming slang forDEANER

AUSTRALIA , 1943

river jobnounas a result of betting, an enormous loss So great is

the loss that the bettor thinks of jumping in a riverAUSTRALIA , 1989

River Leanountea, especially a poor quality cup of tea Rhyming

slang, formed on one of London’s riversUK , 1859

River Nilenouna smile Rhyming slangUK , 1992

River Ouse; river ooze; the rivernounstrong drink Rhyming

slang forBOOZE UK , 1930

river ratnouna river-rafting enthusiastUS , 1997

River Tynenounwine, especially inferior wine Rhyming slang,

formed on a major river in the northeast of EnglandUK , 1992

Riviera; Riviera of the southnicknameany place in Antarctica

perceived to be slightly warmer than the rest of the continent,

especially the Antarctic Peninsula or Davis stationANTARCTICA , 1963

rivvelnounamong Nova Scotians of German origin, a noodle soup

Like another Lunenburg County word, ‘roovled’ this word is

prob-ably a derivative of the German word runzeln (wrinkled) CANADA ,

1999

Rizlanouna cigarette rolling paper A brand name that acquired a

generic meaningUK , 1996

RJRnouninexpensive cigarette tobacco given free to prisoners An

abbreviation of R.J Reynolds, a major tobacco companyUS , 1990

R ’n’ Rnounrock ’n’ roll An initialismUK , 1999

roachnoun1a cockroachAUSTRALIA , 1985.2the butt of a marijuana

cigarette The variant ‘roche’ also existsUS , 1938.3a still-lit and

smokeable cigarette end From the previous senseUK , 1996.

4Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape

drug’ From the manufacturer, Hoffman-La Roche The variant

‘roachie’ also existsUS , 1995.5a police officer A disliked insect

found nearly everywhereUS , 1963.6an unpopular girlUS , 1959.7in

roachverb1to smoke a marijuana cigaretteUK , 2004.2to have sexwith someone’s spouse or lover; to cuckold someoneBAHAMAS , 1982.

3in computing, to destroy a programUS , 1991

roachanounmarijuanaUK , 2003

roach and dacenounthe face Rhyming slang A less common ation ofKIPPER AND PLAICE UK , 1874

vari-roach bendernounsomeone who smokes marijuana An ation of the noun and verb senses ofROACH US , 1942

elabor-roach clipnouna device, improvised or manufactured, designed tohold the butt of a (marijuana) cigarette and make smoking thefinal portion possibleUS , 1997

roach coachnoun1a dustcartUK , 1981.2a catering truck Thereduplicative suggestion is of a lack of hygiene that attractscockroachesUS , 1985

Roachdale Collegenicknamean ‘alternative’ institution within theUniversity of Toronto, officially named Rochdale College Founded

in the 1960s, this irreverent nickname captured the flavour of thespirit of the place Its history is memorialised in an exhibit whichincludes memoirs of drug use, a Can-Cannabis flag and other

‘Counter-Cultural Ephemera’CANADA , 1969

roachedadjectiveunder the influence of Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam),popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’ From the name of themanufacturer, Hoffman-La RocheUS , 1996

roach havennouna hotel/motel lacking in hygieneUS , 1995

roach killersnounpointed shoesUS , 1974

roach motelnouna used car dealership that targets customers withpoor creditUS , 1997

roach wagonnouna catering truckUS , 1984

roachynounthe penisBAHAMAS , 1982

roadnounthe realities of contemporary urban existence Arefinement ofSTREET UK , 2005.< the roadin Roller Derby,anywhere outside the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties, thehome of the gameUS , 1999.< up the roadcommitted for trialbefore a judge and juryUK , 1977

roadverbto ride a bicycle on the road in a large Canadian city

roadblock dancenounan unofficial street partyUK , 1994

road burnnounin the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, thedeteriorated grooming and personal hygiene that serve as physicalmanifestations of a long tour following the bandUS , 1994

road dognoun1an extremely close friendUS , 1989.2in sportsbetting, a team picked as the underdog playing away from home

US , 1989

road dopenounamphetamines Derives from the drug’s use bylong-distance driversUK , 2003

road engineernouna long-haul truck driverUS , 1963

road facenouna stoic expression giving no sign of emotionTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003

road gamenouna criminal’s field of expertiseUS , 1984

road headnounoral sex received while drivingUS , 2001

road helpernounan amphetamine or other central nervous systemstimulantUS , 1969

roadienoun1a member of a rock band’s entourage who is sible for setting up and dismantling the band’s equipment while

respon-on tourUK , 1968.2among mountain-bikers, a derogatory term for acyclist who only rides on paved surfacesUS , 1996.3a final drink

before starting a road journey From ‘one for the road’ AUSTRALIA ,

1996.4a can or bottle of beer drunk while driving Also used as ameasure of distance, as in ‘It’s a three roadie trip’AUSTRALIA , 1996

roadie’s screwdrivernouna hammer or any blunt instrument

road killnounliterally, an animal or bird carcass on the side of the

road; figuratively, an unattractive messUS , 1979

road lousenouna chorus dancer who can no longer get work in the

major metropolitan dance hallsUS , 1948

road mapnoun1multiple facial lacerationsUS , 1989.2in craps, the

dice placed before the shooter with the point needed to win face

upUS , 1983.3a peace plan Originally, and especially, applied to the

Israel–Palestine conflictUS , 2002

road pizzanounan animal carcass on the roadCANADA , 1987

road ragenouna driver’s violent reaction to the frustrations of

traffic hindrances and the discourtesies of other road usersUS , 1988

road rashnoun1scraped, bruised and/or cut skin earned in falls

while skateboarding or engaging in activity on the roadUS , 1976.

2scraped, bruised and/or cut skin earned by moped riders in road

accidentsUK , 2003

road rocket; rocketnounan extremely fast motorcycleUK , 1978

road sodanounalcohol drunk in a car on the way to a party or

concertUS , 2004

road stakenounenough money to get someone to their next job

US , 1965

roadsternouna trampUS , 1890

road talknoungossip; a rumourBAHAMAS , 1982

road tarnouncoffee, especially strong and bitter coffeeUS , 1976

road troublenounproblems encountered on the street, usually

between a pimp and prostituteUS , 1973

roamnoun< on the roamaway from homeUS , 1976

roarernounin horse racing, a horse that coughes loudly while

gallopingUS , 1947

roaring fortiesnicknamethe latitudes between 40 and 49 degrees

south Strong winds from the west produce choppy ocean

con-ditionsANTARCTICA , 1897

roaring gamenounthe sport of curlingCANADA , 2002

roaring twentynouna type of amphetamine tabletUK , 1998

roar upverb(of a male) to have sexUK , 1995

roastnouna person killed by a fireUS , 1976

roastverb1(from an active perspective) to have sex with someone

UK , 2002.2to criticise someone or something severely; to be

mercilessly disparaging of someone or something; to denounce

someoneUK , 1782.3to earn money after hours, especially when

doing so with some degree of dishonestyJAMAICA , 1990

roast beefnounthe teeth Rhyming slangUK , 1992

roast beefverbin the used car business, to suggest a higher

trade-in value to the dealer management than will be approved, givtrade-ing

the salesman who does so a cushion to fall to the value he

expects will be approvedUS , 1975

roastedadjectivedrunk or drug-intoxicatedUS , 1989

roastienoun1a roast potatoUK , 2001.2a traditional English roast

dinnerUK , 2002

roastingadjective1of an ambient temperature, very hotUK , 1768.

2anxious; unhappyUK , 1996

roast pork; roastnouna fork Rhyming slangUK , 1992

roast pork; roastverbto talk Rhyming slangUK , 1961

roast potato; roastienouna waiter Rhyming slangUK , 1992

robnoun< on the robengaged in thieveryUK , 1999

robverbto steal Unconventional passive usageUK , 1999.< rob the

cradleto be romantically involved with a young personUS , 1978.

< we wuz robbed; we woz robbedused as an excuse for

losing As a jocular exclamation this is a fine example of ‘many a

true word spoken in jest’; widely used (with serious intent) as an

indignant cliché Apparently coined in 1932 by boxing manager

Joe Jacobs when his client, Max Schmeling, lost the world

heavyweight title as the result of a controversial split-decisionUS ,

1988

robber talk

robenounin circus and carnival usage, a judge in criminal courtUS , 1981

Roberta Flacknoundismissal from employment Rhyming slang for

SACK, formed from the name of the US singer (b.1939)UK , 1998

Robert E Leenoun1a quay Dockers’ rhyming slang, formed onthe name of the Confederate army general (1807–70)UK , 1961.

2the knee Sometimes abbreviated to ‘Robert E.’ or the simple

‘Robert’UK , 1992.3urine; an act of urination Rhyming slang forPEE

Robin Hoodadjectivegood Rhyming slang, formed on the name ofthe legendary hero of Sherwood ForestUK , 1932

Robin Hoodsnounmerchandise, goods Rhyming slangUK , 1992

robin runnounin Canadian maple sugaring, the first flow of themaple tree sap, which is especially sweetCANADA , 1995

Robinson Crusoeverbto do so Rhyming slang, formed from theeponymous hero of Daniel Defoe’s 1719 bookUK , 1960

rob my palnouna girl Rhyming slang forGAL UK , 1960

robonoundextromethorphan (DXM), an active ingredient in scription cold and cough medication, often abused for non-medicinal purposesUS , 2003

non-pre-roboverbto drink Robitussin™ (a branded cough medicine withcodeine)US , 1993

robodoseverbto abuse cough syrups for recreational purposes.From the name of the most popular syrup of abuse, Robitussen™

US , 1995

robotardnouna person who abuses for non-medicinal purposesnon-prescription medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM).From the branded cough syrup, Robitussen™US , 2003

robotripverbto abuse for non-medicinal purposes non-prescriptionmedication containing dextromethorphan (DXM) From thebranded cough syrup, Robitussin™US , 2003

ROCnounthe rest of Canada, i.e all of Canada except Quebec

CANADA , 2002

rocanoun1MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK ,

2003.2crack cocaine Corrupted Spanish-English for ‘rock’US , 1994

Roche; La Roche; rochienounRohypnol™ (flunitrazepam),popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’ Because RochePharmaceuticals markets the Rohypnol™ sleeping pillUS , 2004

rocknoun1a rhythmic style of (usually) amplified music thatprovides the umbrella for any number of music genres Originallyabbreviated fromROCK ’N’ ROLL; in the US it has continued in use

for all forms of driving, rhythmic music Meanwhile, in the UKearly variant forms were called ‘beat’ orPOP; not until the mid-

1960s was ‘rock’ used as a title for some contemporary music andthen only applied to the more serious music that derived fromrock ’n’ rollUS , 1957.2a diamondUS , 1908.3cocaineUS , 1973.4crackcocaine Describes the crystalline lumps of purified cocaineUS ,

1983.5a pool ballUS , 1990.6in the usage of youthful model roadracers (slot car racers), a slow carUS , 1997.7a solid, reliable,dependable fellow prisonerUS , 1976.8in prison, a predatory homo-sexualUS , 1967.9a frugal and stingy personUS , 1950.10a dollarUS ,

1950.11a packet of brand name manufactured cigarettes, used as abasic medium of exchange in prisonUS , 1992.12a crystal tuningdevice used in a citizens’ band transceiverUS , 1976

Rocknickname< the Rock1Gibraltar From Gibraltar’s mainfeatureUK , 1829.2the Alcatraz federal penitentiary, located in SanFrancisco bayUS , 1970.3Rocky Marciano (1923–69), the onlyundefeated heavyweight champion in boxing historyUS , 1975.

4Guam A nickname used by US military pilots during theVietnamese warUS , 1990.5Riker’s Island jail, New YorkUS , 1975.6the

both Newfoundland and the rest of Canada, derives from the

stony soil of the islandCANADA , 2001

rockverb1to have sexUS , 1922.2to excelUS , 1996.3to excite

someoneUS , 1955.4to workUK , 2001.5to prepare crack cocaine

from powdered cocaineUS , 1995.6to distress someone; to disturb

someone; to startle someoneUS , 1940.< rock assto produce rock

music that inspires a vigorous audience response On the model

ofKICK ASS(to behave energetically)US , 1979.< rock the boatto

upset the status quo; to make difficulties; to cause troubleUK , 1931.

< rock the clockin the used car business, to spin the odometer

(mileometer) backwardsUS , 1997.< rock the groove(of hip-hop

music or musicians) to give pleasureUK , 1998

rockadjectivehardUK , 2001

rockabillynouna mid-1950s US fashion; a late 1970s British youth

fashion and music genre identified as an exaggeration of hillbilly

country and western style An ellision ofROCK ’N’ ROLLand ‘hillbilly’

US , 1993

rock and bouldernounthe shoulder Rhyming slangUK , 1931

rock and rollnounused of an automatic or semi-automatic

weapon, full automatic fireUS , 1979

rock and roll; rock ’n’ rollverbto begin and perform the task at

handUS , 1990

rock apenoun1a black person OffensiveAUSTRALIA , 1972.2a lout or

hooliganAUSTRALIA , 1994

rock attacknouncrack cocaine An elaboration ofROCK UK , 2003

rock budnouna powerful variety of marijuanaUK , 2003

rock cakenouna small bet Possibly rhyming slang for ‘stake’; or

possibly a dismissive comparison to an article of little valueUK , 1991

rock candynoundiamondsUS , 1970

rockchoppernouna Roman Catholic A derogatory term originating

amongst Protestants In earlier use (1908, Australian National

Dictionary) used of a ‘navvy’ (i.e one who breaks up rock), and

thus in origin probably a slur labelling all Australian Catholics

descendants of Irish Catholic convictsAUSTRALIA , 1981

rock collegenounprisonNEW ZEALAND , 1998

rock crushernounin poker, a hand that is certain to winUS , 1988

rockdancenounwalking barefoot over a rocky surface to retrieve a

surfboardUS , 1963

rocked outadjectiveunder the influence of crack cocaineUS , 1991

rockernoun1any of the several curved stripes below the three

chevrons on the insignia of a sergeant in the US Army or Marine

CorpsUS , 1944.2a curved patch designating a motorcyle gang or

the gang-member’s home city or country, worn as part of the

colours A borrowing from the militaryUS , 1971.3a member of the

1960s youth cult that is characterised by the use of motorcycles

and leathers, and chiefly remembered as the opposite to ModUK ,

1971.4a non-surfer who associates with surfers and poses as a

surferAUSTRALIA , 1964.5a rock musician/singerUK , 2003.6a song, or

instrumental, exhibiting the rhythmic characteristics of rock ’n’

rollUK , 1975.7the convex curvature of the bottom of a surfboard

US , 1965.< off your rockercrazyUK , 1897

rocker; rokkerverbto speak Romany; to talk English gypsy use

from Romany roker (to speak) UK , 2000

rocketnoun1a marijuana cigaretteUS , 1942.2a hypodermic needle

and syringeUS , 1989.3a bulletUS , 1965.4an Oldsmobile V-8 engine

US , 1965.5a tampon From the shapeUS , 2001 8see:ROAD ROCKET

rocket alleynicknamePhuoc Binh, South Vietnam The nickname

came from the frequent Viet Cong rocket attacksUS , 1990

rocket burnsnounfaecal stains in the underwear or on a toilet bowl

rocket fuelnoun1phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as

PCP or angel dustUS , 1976.2a combination of assorted alcoholic

rocket mannouna person who sells syringes to drug addicts Illegal

in the US, but profitableUS , 1989

rocket ripplenouna barrage of 144 rockets fired from a small cart.Korean war usageUS , 1957

rocket sciencenounany difficult, demanding taskUS , 1997

rocket stainsnounfaecal stains in the underwear or on a toiletbowlCANADA , 2002

rock fiendnouna crack cocaine addict FromROCK(crack cocaine)

rock-hognounin mining, a tunneller or drillerCANADA , 1954

rockhoppernounan angler who fishes from coastal rocksAUSTRALIA , 1966

rock houndnounin oil drilling, a geologist, especially one whofocuses on the earth’s surfaceUS , 1954

rock housenouna premises used for the sale and consumption ofcrack cocaineUS , 1985

rocking chairnoun1retirement with a pensionUS , 1946.2in a group

of trucks travelling together, the truck in the middleUS , 1976

rocking chair moneynoununemployment insurance or Old AgeSecurityCANADA , 1959

rocking horsenounsauce, whether the condiment, garnish orimpudence Rhyming slangUK , 1979

Rock JawnicknameRach Gia, South VietnamUS , 1990

rock jockeynounin the language of paragliding, the pilot of a hanggliderUS , 1992

rockmannouna dealer in crack cocaineUS , 1989

rock mednounmedical treatment targeted for rock ’n’ roll concertgoersUS , 1994

rock ’n’ rollnoun1a genre of music with a driving rhythm; anumbrella for most simply rhythmic music produced since the1950s The etymology is laden with sexual overtones, thus ‘MyMan Rocks Me With One Steady Roll’, sung by blues singer TrixieSmith in 1924, and a song entitled ‘Rock and Roll’ is recorded in

1934 It is not until 1954 that the music now recognised as ‘rock

’n’ roll’ is given its identity; coinage is generally credited to US discjockey Alan FreedUS , 1924.2a hole Rhyming slang, used practically

or figurativelyUK , 1992.3unemployment benefit; any governmentoffice from which it is administrated Rhyming slang forTHE DOLE

UK , 1994

rock ’n’ roll!used as an good-humoured exclamation of dismissal

UK , 2000

rock of ages; rocksnounwages Rhyming slangUK , 1937

rock of Gibraltarnounin shuffleboard, a disc that is well hiddenand guardedUS , 1967

rock-onnounan erection A variation ofHARD-ON(an erection)UK , 1999

rock on the chest; rock on the boxnounsilicosisUS , 1951

rockpilenounany prison jobUS , 1984

rocksnoun1saltUS , 1981.2moneyUS , 1950.3dominoesUS , 1959.

4jewels; pearls From the US sense (diamonds)UK , 1937.5thetesticlesUS , 1948.6courageUS , 1977 8see:ALMOND ROCKS, MINTROCKS.< get your rocks off1to ejaculateUS , 1969.2to be satis-fied with or excited about something Figurative application of thesense ‘to ejaculate’US , 1995.< on the rocks1used of a drink,served over iceUS , 1946.2in severe troubleUK , 1889.< shoot your rocksto ejaculateUS , 1975.< the rocksa confidence swindleinvolving fake diamondsUS , 1969

rock slingernouna seller of crack cocaineUS , 1993

rocks of hell

rock solventnounin caving and pot-holing, any explosive This is

slang with a euphemistic purpose: when communicating by

telephone, e-mail, etc., it is thought ill advised to use words like

‘explosive’UK , 2004

rockspidernoun1an Afrikaner Derogatory Sometimes shortened to

‘spider’SOUTH AFRICA , 1970.2a child molester Originally in prison

use, but now part of general slangAUSTRALIA , 1984

rock starnoun1a crack cocaine dealerUS , 1988.2a woman who

engages in sex for payment in crack cocaine or money to buy

crack cocaine; a prostitute addicted to crack cocaineUS , 1993

rock starringnounan act of having sex with a partner in exchange

for a payment of crack cocaineUK , 2002

rock whorenouna woman who will trade sex for crack cocaineUS ,

RockynounCoors™ beer Coors boasts of being brewed with ‘pure

Rocky Mountain spring water’US , 1967

rocky black; rockynouna type of marijuanaUK , 1996

rocky hashnouna type of marijuanaUK , 1997

Rocky IIInouncrack cocaine An elaboration ofROCK, using the title

of a 1982 filmUK , 1998

Rocky Mountain deadshotnounpancakes; hotcakes; griddle cakes;

flapjacksCANADA , 1989

Rocky Mountain Kool AidnounCoors™ beer Once available only

in Colorado, where it is brewedUS , 1977

Rocky Mountain oysternounan animal testicle, usually that of a

steer formerly known as a bull, prepared for eating as a regional

delicacyUS , 1986

rocynoun any variety of hashish from Morocco UK , 2003

rodnoun1the penis; the erect penisUK , 1902.2a gun, usually a

pistol A perfect example for those who like to ascribe phallic

symbolism to the tools of man’s aggressionUS , 1903.3a hired

gunmanUS , 1964.4a car modified for speed or looks; a hot rodUS ,

1945.5the draw-rod underneath a railway goods wagonUS , 1904.

< had the rodwrecked; ruined Variant ofHAVE HAD THE DICK

AUSTRALIA , 1975

rodadionouna radio Trucker embellishmentUS , 1976

roddanouna Cadillac El Dorado carUS , 1972

rodded upadjectivearmed with a handgun or handgunsUS , 1950

roddernouna hot rod enthusiastUS , 1949

rodeo fucknounused for describing sex between a man and

woman; the man enters the woman from behind, insults her

(‘you’re almost as good as your sister’ for example) and then holds

on A term heard mostly in jokesUS , 2002

Rodinonouna Mexican citizen permitted to stay in the US during

an immigration amnesty period in the late 1980s After

Congressman Peter Rodino, sponsor of the legislation that made

the amnesty possibleUS , 1993

Rodney boaternouna boat-dweller who does not care for the

upkeep of the boat-homeUK , 1987

rod outverbto install high performance equipment in a car’s

engineUS , 1994

Rods; Rod’snicknameHarrod’s, a department store in Knightsbridge,

London An abbreviation that seems to be a diminutive

Upper-class society useUK , 1982

Rod the Bod; Rod the Modnicknamerock singer Rod StewartUS ,

1993

rod wallopernouna male masturbator Formed onROD(the penis)

with a variation of ‘beater’AUSTRALIA , 1971

rod-walloping

rogerverb1from a male perspective, to have sex From its, nowobsolete, use as a slang term for ‘the penis’UK , 1711.2toacknowledge receipt of a messageUS , 2001

roger!used for expressing agreement or affirmation ‘R’ or ‘roger’signified that a message or command had been receivedUS , 1941

roger dodger; roger dodge; roger D; roger splodgeyes;affirmative Variations ofROGER!(yes)US , 1976

Roger Huntnouna cunt in all senses Rhyming slang, formed, for

no apparent reason other than the rhyme, from the name of aLiverpool and England footballerUK , 1998

rogeringnounfrom a male perspective, sexual intercourse From theverbROGER(to have sex)UK , 1998

Roger ramjetnounany speeding and reckless driverUS , 1976

roguenoun1a horse that is difficult to handleAUSTRALIA , 1947.2insurfing, a wave that appears without warningUS , 1977

rogueverbto take something without permissionUS , 1984

rogueadjectivestrange; threateningUS , 2003

rogue’s badgenounin horse racing, blinkers Usually worn byhorses that do not behave well, hence the label of ‘rogue’US , 1947

rogue’s gallerynouna collection of photographs of criminalsUS , 1859

roidheadnoun a habitual user of steroids An abbreviation of ‘steroid’

combined with-HEAD(a user)UK , 2001

roid rage; ’roid ragenounviolently ill-tempered behaviour resulting

from excessive steroid use An abbreviation of ‘steroid’, playing on

ROAD RAGE US , 1987

roidsnounanabolic steroidsUS , 1980

rojasnounMalboro™ cigarettes Spanish for ‘red’, which is thecolour of the packagingUS , 1990

rojitonouna red central nervous system depressant, especiallySeconal™ From the Spanish for ‘little red one’US , 1971

rojonoundextromethorphan (DXM), an active ingredient in scription cold and cough medication, often abused for non-medicinal purposes Spanish for ‘red’, which is the colour of thecough syrupUS , 2003

non-pre-rojo flownounthe bleed period of the menstrual cycle A use of the

Spanish word rojo (red) US , 2001

rokonouna riot, protest or demonstrationINDIA , 2003

rolfverbto vomitUS , 1982

rollnoun1an act of sexual intercourse An abbreviation ofROLL IN

THE HAY US , 1962.2a roll of moneyUS , 1965.3a single cigarette ormarijuana cigaretteFIJI , 1993.4MDMA, the recreational drug bestknown as ecstasyUK , 2003.5ten barbiturate capsules sold as a unit

US , 1973.6a double-breasted suitUS , 1970.< on a rollenjoyingcontinuing successUS , 1976

rollverb1to rob someone, especially with force and especiallysomeone bemused with drinkUS , 1873.2to avoid paying a bill forservices provided by an establishment such as a hotel orrestaurantUS , 1977.3to betray friends by changing sides; to inform

on someone A variation ofROLL OVER US , 1997.4to leaveUS , 1982.

5to arrive on the sceneAUSTRALIA , 1861.6to ride in a carUS , 1990.

7(used of a woman) to walk with a rolling motion of the pelvis

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1973.8in prison, to open a cellUS , 1976.9totake MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUS , 2001.

< roll bonesto play diceUS , 1950.< roll in on someonetoattack someoneUS , 2000.< roll it backto decelerate amotorcycle; to close the throttle-twist gripUK , 1979.< roll onlet itproceed or happen swiftly Often used in an imperative orexclamatory mannerUK , 1901.< roll the diceto take a chance onsomethingUS , 1992.< roll the drumsin betting, to double thebet in effectUS , 1986.< roll your ownto reload your ownammunitionUS , 1957

roll deepverbto go somewhere with a large group of friends; tohave a large group of friendsUS , 2001

rollernoun1a police officerUS , 1964.2a robber who relies on bruteforceUS , 1975.3a prostitute who takes a client’s money withoutdelivering a service FromROLL(to rob someone)UK , 1996.4a Rolls

.

driven home the same day it is boughtUS , 1966.6a car that is

being drivenUS , 1970.7a machine used to start the engine of a

drag racer by spinning the rear wheels while the driver turns on

the ignitionUS , 1970.8a waveUS , 1988.9a vein that tends to roll

away from a needleUS , 1970.10a bowlerUS , 1953.11a tablet of

MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUS , 2002.12a

hot dogUS , 1991

roller-ringsnounthe policeUS , 1987

rollersnoundice with rounded edges A roller may be intentionally

crafted or not; a naturally occurring roller makes a controlled shot

by a cheat difficultUS , 1950

rollerskate; skatenouna small carUK , 1951

roll for the bowlnountoilet paperUS , 1991

rollickingnouna telling-off Probably a euphemistic replacement for

synonymousBOLLOCKING UK , 1938

rollienoun1a hand-rolled cigaretteAUSTRALIA , 1981.2a marijuana

ciga-rette A variation of the previous senseUK , 1999.3a tablet of

Rolypnol™, a brand name for flunitrazepan, a sedativeNEW ZEALAND ,

1989

rolliesnounloose tobacco, used for hand-rolling cigarettes Prison

usageUS , 1967

rollingadjective1very rich Variants include ‘rolling in it’ and ‘rolling

in money’UK , 1782.2under the influence of MDMA, the

rec-reational drug best known as ecstasyUS , 1996

rolling bonesnoundiceUS , 1950

rolling hot!used by helicopter gunship pilots in Vietnam to

announce that a strafing attack was about to beginUS , 1990

rolling lighthousenounin trucking, a tractor and trailer

embellished with many extra running lightsUS , 1971

rollingsnounloose cigarette tobaccoUS , 1945

roll in the haynounan act of sexual intercourseUS , 1945

roll me in the gutter; roll menounbutter Rhyming slangUK , 1925

rollocksnounthe testicles Rhyming slang forBOLLOCKS The reduced

form ofJIMMY ROLLOCKS, JOHNNY ROLLOCKSandTOMMY ROLLOCKS UK ,

1984

roll-onnouna secret lover in addition to your regular partner Teen

slangSOUTH AFRICA , 2003

roll onverbto travel; to go Wheeled transport is probably implied

US , 2001

roll-on, roll-offnouna used, sometimes stolen, car imported for

saleTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2002

rolloutnounin handball, a ball hit off the front wall so low that the

ball does not bounce off the floorUS , 1977

roll outverbto leaveUS , 1997

rollovernounan informantUS , 2000

roll oververbto turn against or inform against someoneAUSTRALIA ,

1995

Rollsnouna Rolls-Royce carUS , 1928

Rolls Roycenounthe voice, especially a good singing voice

Rhyming slangUK , 1960

roll-upnoun1a hand-rolled cigarette A prison coinage UK , 1950.2a

type of bet where the amount won on one event becomes the

stake for the next event Better known as an ‘accumulator’UK , 2001

roll upverb1to arriveAUSTRALIA , 1920.2to roll a marijuana cigarette

US , 1971

rollynouna match Rhyming slang, from Rolly Hatch, a prominent

and popular horse racing figure in New Zealand and later Australia

AUSTRALIA , 1989

roll-your-ownnouna hand-rolled cigaretteNEW ZEALAND , 2002

rolynouna hand-rolled cigarette FromROLL-UP UK , 2002

roly-polyadjectiveoverweightUK , 1820

Roman candlenoun1in homosexual usage, the penis of an Italian

or Italian-AmericanUS , 1987.2in target shooting, a poorly loaded

1957.3a burst of tracer bulletsUS , 1962.4a sandal Rhyming slang,formed from a fireworkUK , 1992

Roman culturenoungroup sexUS , 1967

Roman engagementnounin homosexual usage, anal sex with awomanUS , 1987

Roman fingersnounthe hands of a boy wandering over a girl’sbodyNEW ZEALAND , 1984

Roman roulettenounbirth control by the rhythm method A ation ofVATICAN ROULETTE UK , 1969

vari-romantic balladnouna salad Rhyming slangUK , 1998

rom-comnoun romantic comedy Media jargon that has insinuated

itself into mainstream consciousnessUK , 2002

romonouna follower of the New Romantic youth fashion of theearly 1980sUK , 2003

rompnounin horse racing, an easy victoryUS , 1976

rompverb1to excite; to excel; to be livelyUS , 1946.2to win easily.Also as ‘romp home’UK , 1881

romperednounseverely beaten Derives from ‘romper room’; used

by the British military in Northern Ireland to describe a brand ofjustice dispensed by illegal kangaroo courtsUK: NORTHERN IRELAND , 1974

rompumsnounmarijuanaUK , 2003

Romulannounin British Columbia, a local variety of marijuana A

Star Trek inspired term CANADA , 2002

ronnouna homosexual Mafia donUS , 2002

Ronan Keatingnouna beating Rhyming slang, formed from thename of the popular Irish singer (b.1977)UK , 2004

roniesnounpepperoniUS , 1996

Ronnie Biggsnounlodgings Rhyming slang forDIGS, formed from

the name of the ‘Great Train Robber’ (1929–2005)UK , 1992

Ronnie RayGunnicknameRonald Reagan (1911–2004), US President1981–89 A neat pun that refers particularly to Reagan’s ‘StarWars’ initiativeUK , 2000

ronsonnoun1a ponce, a man who lives on the earnings of aprostitute Very imperfect rhyming slang, apparently adoptedunder the influence of high-powered advertising for the brandedcigarette lightersUK , 1984.2a despised or unpleasant person.Rhyming slang, formed on a very weak rhyme forPONCE UK , 1960

roonoun1a kangaroo By front clippingAUSTRALIA , 1898.2anapprentice station hand working on, and learning how to manage,

a cattle or sheep station An abbreviation of ‘jackaroo’AUSTRALIA , 1891

-roosuffixused as an meaningless, affected embellishment of a noun

US , 1984

roo barnouna metal grille attached to the front of a vehicle asprotection from kangaroos when driving in the countryAUSTRALIA , 1973

roodleadjectivein poker, said of a hand in which the stakes havebeen temporarily raisedUS , 1947

roody-poonounsomeone who is ignorant or unsophisticatedUS , 1999

roody-pooadjectivesecond-rate; shallowUS , 1998

roofnounthe flight deck of an aircraft carrierUK , 1998.< on the roofpaid for by the management of the establishment A vari-ation ofON THE HOUSE UK , 2002

roofverbto break into a building through the roofUS , 1972

roofernounRohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the

is then included in that journalist’s reportUK , 2005

roof-sniffingnounin caving and pot-holing, the act of moving onyour back along a small, water-filled passage with only sufficient

rooknouna beginner An abbreviation ofROOKIE US , 1905

rookverbto cheat someone; to swindle someone; to defraud

someoneUK , 1590

rooketyadjectiverocky; bumpyBARBADOS , 1965

rookienoun1a raw recruit, especially a new recruit in the army or

police Probably a perversion of ‘recruit’UK , 1892.2a novice at a

sport; a player in his or her first year with a particular team From

the wider sense as a ‘recruit’US , 1913.3a college freshmanUS , 1979

rooly; roollyadverbreally Representing a pronunciation of young

children, though also used to represent supposed uneducated

roomdognouna roommateUS , 1996

roomienoun1a roommateUS , 1918.2a prison cellmateUS , 1982

room-riflernouna thief who steals from hotel roomsUS , 1954

’roomsnounmushroomsUS , 1969

roomsnouna roommateUS , 1970

room temperature IQnouna very low intelligenceUS , 1981

room timenountime spent surfing in the breaking hollow of a wave

US , 1991

rooneynounthe penisUS , 1968

roostnoun1the highest rows in the highest gallery in a theatreUK ,

1952.2a residence, be it room, apartment or houseUS , 1945

roostverbto sitUS , 1983

roosternoun1the buttocksUS , 1946.2crack cocaineUS , 1994.3a

member of the Piru youth gangUS , 1994

rooster combnouna swath of unmown hay left in the field after

cuttingCANADA , 1992

rooster tailnouna spray of water directly behind an object or

person moving fast through the waterUS , 1965

rootnoun1the penisUS , 1968.2an act of sexual intercourseAUSTRALIA ,

1959.3a sexual partner Especially used in contexts where a

person’s sexual abilities are rated; seeDUD ROOT AUSTRALIA , 1969.

4marijuana; a marijuana cigaretteUS , 1959.5an amphetamine or

other central nervous system stimulantUS , 1971.6a kick The

variant ‘rooter’ also existsIRELAND , 1962

rootverb1to copulate with someoneAUSTRALIA , 1958.2to confound

someone; to defeat someoneAUSTRALIA , 1944.3to give a hefty blow

to someone or somethingAUSTRALIA , 1975.< get rootedgo away;

piss off An analogue to ‘get fucked’AUSTRALIA , 1961.< root like a

rattlesnake(usually of a woman) to have sex with vigour and

uninhibited enthusiasmAUSTRALIA , 1969

rootableadjectivesexually desirableAUSTRALIA , 1973

root aroundverbto be sexually promiscuousAUSTRALIA , 2001

rootedadjectivewrecked; ruinedAUSTRALIA , 1944

rooternouna person who copulates promiscuouslyAUSTRALIA , 1975

root forverbto support someone ardentlyUS , 2000

rootin’ tootin’ oilnounsemenUS , 1962

root upverbto mess something upAUSTRALIA , 1992

root utenouna panel van or the like used for sexual encounters

AUSTRALIA , 2000

rooty-ma-tootnouna suit Glasgow rhyming slangUK: SCOTLAND , 1988

roovlenounamong Nova Scotians of German descent, a wrinkle In

Lunenburg County, the descendants of German soldiers of fortune

who were awarded land by King George in the late C18 use

unconventional, slightly altered German words in their English

conversation This term is close in sound to ‘rivvel’ and thus may

also come from German runzeln (to wrinkle) CANADA , 1999

ropenoun1marijuana; hashish; a marijuana cigarette Conventional

‘rope’ is often made from Indian hemp Cannabis sativa, a plant

INDIAN HEMPwhich may well explain the origins of this usage; it islikely that the sense as ‘a marijuana cigarette’ is influenced byappearanceUS , 1944.2Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known

as the ‘date-rape drug’US , 1995.3a vein used for drug injectionsUK ,

1996.4a thick gold chain necklaceUS , 1989.5an Afrikaner

Contemptuous, insulting; a reference to a rope that is, according

to a 1975 informant, ‘thick, coarse, twisted, hairy’SOUTH AFRICA , 1970.

6tough talkTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1983

ropeverb1to lure someone into a swindleUS , 1848.2in a card game,

to cheat or mislead someoneUS , 1985

ropeableadjectivelivid; splenetic; furiousAUSTRALIA , 1874

rope-a-dopenoun1a defensive tactic employed by Muhammed Ali,resting against the ropes and letting his opponent exhaust himselfwith punches that Ali evaded or absorbedUS , 1975.2a tactic offeigning weakness in order to lure an opponent into an ill-advisedoffensive From the boxing senseUS , 1979

rope dopenounlow grade marijuanaUS , 1995

ropeheadnoun1a Rastafarian with long matted braidsJAMAICA , 1987.

2a dark-skinned person Prison usageNEW ZEALAND , 1997

ropernounin a confidence swindle, a confederate who identifies andlures the victim into the swindle Originally used in the context ofgambling houses, and then in confidence swindlesUS , 1840

rophienounRohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the

ro-roadjectiveroll on, roll off Said of a containerisation system used

to ship military cargo during the Vietnam warUS , 1990

rortnoun1a confidence trick; an illicit scheme or dodge; a swindle.Also used of legitimate practices imputing that they are unfair or arip-offAUSTRALIA , 1926.2a wild party; an unrestrained good time; adrunken orgyAUSTRALIA , 1950.3in horse or greyhound racing, a largeand unexpected betAUSTRALIA , 1989

rortverb1to fraudulently manipulate an organisation, system or thelike; to rip someone off; to rig an electionAUSTRALIA , 1919.2to partyboisterouslyAUSTRALIA , 1960.3to engage in petty crimeAUSTRALIA , 1919

rorternouna swindler; a cheatAUSTRALIA , 1926

rortyadjectivewild, boisterousAUSTRALIA , 1929

Rory O’More; rorynoun1a floor Rhyming slang, on the name of alegendary Irish rebel The earliest of three uses for the rhyme;however, the second sense, ‘a whore’ is obsoleteUK , 1857.2a door.Rhyming slang, on the name of a legendary Irish rebel This is theonly sense of the word also recorded in the US, where it issometimes misspelt Rory O’MooreUK , 1892

rosanounan amphetamine tabletUS , 1994

Rosa Maria; rosa marianounmarijuanaUS , 1938

roscoenouna handgunUS , 1914

roscoeverbto point a handgun at someone and order them not tomoveUS , 1974

rosenouna tablet of Benzedrine™ (amphetamine sulphate), a centralnervous system stimulantUS , 1967

Roseanne Barrnouna bra Rhyming slang, formed from the name

of the US actress, comedienne and producer (b.1952)UK , 1998

rosebudnoun1the anusUS , 1965.2a textbook example of a primarylesionUS , 1981.3following a colostomy, the pink tissue that marksthe opening of the intestine on the abdomenUS , 1980.4a potato.Rhyming slang forSPUD Sometimes shortened to ‘rose’UK , 1943

rosebudverb(of the anus) to become puffy and pronouncedUK , 1996

rose gardennoun1in prison, a solitary confinement cellUK , 1978.2agroup of neurologically depressed hospital patientsUS , 1978

Rose Marie marijuana An anglicisation of

rose tree trimmernouna person hired to clean latrinesBARBADOS ,

1965

rosewoodnouna police nightstickUS , 1970

rosey lee; rosie lee; rosienountea Rhyming slang; originally

military, probably from the 1914–18 warUK , 1925

rosienouna rubbish binUK , 2002

Rosie O’Grady’snoun a ladies’ toilet Rhyming slang, originally

‘Rosie O’Grady’ (a lady) but now used only of a public

conven-ience, formed from the film musical Sweet Rosie O’Grady, 1943 UK ,

1998

Rosie Palm and her five sisters; Rosie Palm; Rosienounthe

male hand as the instrument of masturbationUS , 1977

rosiner; roziner; rozenernouna large serving of an alcoholic drink

AUSTRALIA , 1933

rossernouna police officerAUSTRALIA , 1944

Rossy Docksnounsocks Glasgow rhyming slang, based on local

pronunciation of RothesayUK: SCOTLAND , 1985

rotnoun1nonsense, rubbish In Eats, Shoots & Leaves, 2003, Lynne

Truss records the following marginal note, made by a long-ago

reader, in the 1st edition of Partridge’s You Have a Point There:

‘Rot! You lazy swine Partridge’UK , 1848.2an unidentifed disease or

maladyUS , 1947

rotverbto be terribleUS , 1997

rotaryadjectivein circus and carnival usage, emotionally unbalanced

US , 1981

rot corpsnounthe ROTC, or Reserve Officer Training Corps, found at

many collegesUS , 1972

rote; routnounin Nova Scotia, the sound of the surf on the shore,

a fisherman’s locating device This word, not long in print,

descended orally from an Old Norse word rauta meaning ‘roar’.

The different sounds of the surf tell fishermen whose GPS has

broken down whether they are near sand, cliff, shingle or gravel

beach, and their knowledge of the coastline does the restCANADA ,

1975

ROTFused in computer message shorthand to mean ‘rolling on the

floor (laughing)’ US , 1991

rotgutnounany unwholesome alcoholUK , 1633

rothenountwo hundred pounds Ticket-touting slang, recorded

August 2002; possibly an ironic abbreviation of Rothschild (a rich

man)UK , 2002

rotheonountwenty pounds Ticket-touting slang, recorded August

2002 FromROTHE UK , 2002

Rothman’s-signnounnicotine-stained fingers as a diagnostic

indi-cator An informal medical term, formed on the name of a

ciga-rette manufacturerUK , 2002

roti and rum; rum and rotinouna tactic in a political campaign in

which voters are given food and drink to encourage their vote

‘Roti’ is an Indian breadTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1960

rotorheadnouna helicopter pilot or crew memberUS , 1991

roto-rooternouna person who kisses with an active and probing

tongueUS , 1963

rottedadjectivedrunk or drug-intoxicatedUS , 1993

rottenadjective1unpleasantUK , 1964.2ill; depressed; worthlessUK ,

1881.3drunkAUSTRALIA , 1864.4used to intensify a negative quality

UK , 1964

rotten rownouna blow Rhyming slang, from the name given to

the ride in London’s Hyde ParkUK , 1992

rotten squashnounbrain damageUS , 1985

rotternouna despised personUK , 1894

rottienoun1a Rottweiler dog US , 1987.2a foul moodNEW ZEALAND , 1998

roufnounfour; in betting, odds of 4–1 Back slang; pronounced as

‘loaf’UK , 1851

rouf and a halfnounin betting, odds of 9–2 In bookmaker slang

‘rouf’ is 4–1; here the addition of ‘a half’ increases the odds to 4½

roughnounturbulent seas following a stormCANADA , 1979

roughverb1to rob someone with force or threat of forceUS , 1973.

2to jostle or shove a member of a rival gangUS , 1955.< rough it

to have sex al fresco To voluntarily go without such creature

comforts as a bedUK , 2001.< rough it upin poker, to bet heavily

US , 1979.< rough up the suspect(of a male) to masturbateUS , 2001

roughadjective1unwell DialectUS , 1883.2good On theBAD(good)modelUK , 2003.3excellent; fashionable, trendyUS , 1963.4in lowballpoker, unfavourableUS , 1967

rough as a badger’s arseadjectiveugly; unsophisticated; unwell,especially as a result of too much drinkingUK , 1998

rough as bagsadjectiveextremely rough; unrefined, uncouth; also,

of shabby appearanceAUSTRALIA , 1927

rough as diamondsadjectiveunsophisticated; unpolished A play on

ROUGH DIAMOND AUSTRALIA , 1971

rough as gutsadjectiveextremely rough; unrefined; uncouth

roughienoun1an unrefined person or thing Arthur Chipper notes,

in The Aussie Swearer’s Guide, 1972, that the term is ‘Perhaps

most commonly assigned to young ladies who aren’t good-looking

or too well-mannered’AUSTRALIA , 1907.2a racehorse or greyhoundnot expected to win; an outsiderAUSTRALIA , 1922.3a sheep with twoseasons of wool growthFALKLAND ISLANDS (MALVINAS) , 1993

roughnecknoun1a thug, a lout, a rowdy personUS , 1836.2in oildrilling, a skilled oil field workerUS , 1954.3on the railways, abrakeman on a goods trainUS , 1946

rough offverbto steal something using brute forceUS , 1985

rough ridernoun1a condom of any style or brand thought to bringextra satisfaction to the female partner West Indian and UK blackusageJAMAICA , 2002.2an armed guard on a vehicleUS , 1991

rough ridingnounsexual intercourse without the protection of acondomUK , 1961

rough stuffnoun1violent or sadistic sexual behaviourUS , 1925.

2marijuana that contains unusable detritusUS , 1972

rough tradenouna tough, often sadistic male homosexual,especially as a casual sex-partnerUS , 1927

rough tripnounan unpleasant experience with LSD or anotherhallucinogenUK , 1983

rough trotnouna difficult periodAUSTRALIA , 1944

rough upverbto beat or intimidate someone; to facilitate a streetrobbery with violenceUS , 1996

roughynouna manual labourer in a carnivalUS , 1966

roundnounan ejaculationTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003

roundverbto make the roundsUS , 1961

roundabout; roundernouna conditional bet on three selectionsUK , 2001

round-brownnounthe anusUS , 1972

roundernoun1a migratory, transient worker, especially one living onthe edges of legality Originally applied to railway workersUS , 1908.

2a street criminalCANADA , 1987.3a prisoner associated with ditional Italian-American organised crimeUS , 1992.4a highly skilledprofessional poker player who travels and plays less skilled players

tra-US , 1979

roundersnounconfusing talkTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1977 8see:ROUND

round eyenoun1the anus; by extension, a male homosexual who

plays the passive role in anal sexUS , 1950.2an American or

European From the Southeast Asian perspective, adopted by US

soldiers in Vietnam to describe themselvesUS , 1960

round-eyedadjectiveAmerican or European, CaucasianUS , 1966

round filenouna wastebasketUS , 1975

roundheadnounthe circumcised penis A visual joke, probably of

Royal Navy origin, then polari, or juvenileUK , 2002

roundheelnouna woman who is easily talked into sexual relations

Boxing slang from the 1920s for a poor fighter – a ‘push-over’ –

applied later to women of easy virtueUS , 1943

round-heeledadjectiveeasily seducedUS , 1957

round heelsnouna promiscuous or sexually compliant woman

Derogatory; from the anatomical notion that a woman with round

heels is more easily put on her backUS , 1926

roundhousenouna punch that swings round to hit your opponent

round robinnoun1a story begun by one writer and completed by

another or multiple writersUS , 1982.2a wager of ten conditional

bets on three selectionsUK , 2001

round robin shiftnouna work schedule in which the worker rotates

between several different shiftsUS , 1984

roundsnounan ejaculationBAHAMAS , 1982

round soundnouna fashionable, current song ‘Round’ means

nothing, but contrasts withSQUARE US , 1955

roundtablenounin organised crime, a meeting of leaders convened

to discuss and decide with finality pressing business issuesUS , 1975

round the bend; around the bendadjectivemad, crazy; eccentric

Probably a naval coinage, widespread by the mid-C20UK , 1929

round-the-clocknounan elaborate conditional wager on a

mini-mum of three selectionsUK , 2001

round the houses; round me’s; rounds; roundersnountrousers

Rhyming slang on the Cockney pronunciation of ‘trousers’ The

abbreviation ‘round me’s’ suggests a variation as ‘round me

houses’ – this is not so In the US the abbreviation ‘rounds’ was

not recorded until 1944UK , 1857

round the twistadjectivecrazy A variation ofROUND THE BEND UK ,

rouseverb< rouse onto castigate someone verballyAUSTRALIA , 1896

rouseaboutverba general assistant on a rural property Hence, also,

any general assistantAUSTRALIA , 1881

roustverb1to harass someone, especially when done deliberately by

the police or other authoritiesUK , 1995.2to upbraid someone

AUSTRALIA , 1916

roustaboutnoun1in oil drilling, an unskilled oil field workerUS , 1948.

2a general assistant on a rural property Variant ofROUSEABOUT

AUSTRALIA , 1940

rousternouna rough and ready western Canadian man This

expression is likely derived fromROUSTABOUT(an oil field worker),

but adapted to describe any rough-hewn maleCANADA , 1987

roustingnoun1a vigorous act of sexual intercourseUK , 1999.2an act

of deliberate (police) harassmentUK , 1980

routnouna wild, rowdy partyUS , 1968 8see:ROTE

routernounin horse racing, a horse that performs well in longer

racesUS , 1965

rovernounin a casino, a gambler who moves from game to game,

rownoun< go for a rowto get into troubleAUSTRALIA , 1965

rowverbto fight; to battle An exaggeration of the sense as ‘to argue’

UK , 1999.< row down the red riverto experience the bleedperiod of the menstrual cycleUS , 2001

rowbottomnouna student disturbance, started in fun but notalways ending as such Specific to the University of Pennsylvania

in Philadelphia, claimed to have been named for J.T Rowbottom, arowdy member of Penn’s Class of 1913US , 1940

row dognounin prison, another prisoner whose cell is on the sametierUS , 1995

rowdynouna person who inhales glue for the psychoactive effectUS , 1971

rowdy dowdynounin pickpocketing, the seemingly accidentaljostling of victims or potential victims by members of the gangUS , 1962

rowed outadjectiveexcludedUK , 2000

rowernounan argumentUK , 1996

rowers’ revengenounthe ritual of throwing the coxswain into thewater after a rowing team wins an eventUS , 2001

row inverbto implicate someone in a crimeUK , 1970

row outverb1to contrive the innocence of someone in relation to

a particular crimeUK , 1970.2to distance yourself from something

or someoneUK , 1974

roxnouncrack cocaine A phonetic play onROCK(S)US , 1994

Roxannenouncocaine; crack cocaine AROCKpersonificationUS , 1994

Roynouna refined and cultured Australian male Counterpart to the

ALF AUSTRALIA , 1960

royaladjectiveeffeminately homosexual ‘Queenly’UK , 2002

royal bluenouna blue tablet variety of LSDUS , 1971

royal crownnouna British Leyland ‘Princess’ carUK , 1981

Royal Docksnounsyphilis; hence any sexually transmitted infection;hence an irritated condition Rhyming slang forPOX UK , 1992

royallyadverbgreatly, extremelyUS , 2002

royal mail; royalnounbail Rhyming slangUK , 1961

Royal Navynoungravy Rhyming slang Presumably served in a

‘Royal Navy boat’UK , 1992

Royal Navy situationnouna need for money A pun onSUB(aloan)UK , 1994

royal shaftnounmonumental mistreatmentUS , 1983

royal temple ballnounhashish and LSD formed into a ballUS , 1978

royal weddingnounin hold ’em poker, a king and queen, especially

of diamondsUS , 1996

Roy Castlenounthe anus Rhyming slang forARSEHOLE, used here in

its anatomical, non-figurative sense; formed from the name of themulti-talented entertainer, 1932–94UK , 1998

Roy Rogersnounbuilding tradesmen who are not as skilled as mayreasonably be expected Rhyming slang on the plural form of

BODGER Formed on the name of a famous film cowboy, 1911–98,

and thus a play onCOWBOY(any tradesman who is unreliable,irresponsible and, perhaps, unqualified)UK , 1992

roznouncrack cocaine Possibly a misspelling ofROX UK , 1998

rozzer; roznoun a police officer Possibly from Yiddish khazer (a pig).

‘Roz’ is first recorded in 1971UK , 1893

RPGnoun a role-playing game US , 1986

RSNused as Internet shorthand to mean ‘real soon now’ US , 1995

RTAverbto return to Australia; to be returned to AustraliaAUSTRALIA , 1963

RTAernouna person returning to Australia after expeditioning inAntarctica FromRTA AUSTRALIA , 1996

RTFMread the fucking manual US , 1997

runouna member of the Piru youth gangUS , 1994

rubverb< rub in; rub it into emphasise something annoyingly;

to continue to insist, especially in an unkindly or vexing manner

UK , 1870.< rub off on someone(of abstract qualitities, such as

luck or enthusiasm) to transfer from one person to anotherUS ,

1959.< rub someone up the wrong wayto annoy someoneUK ,

1862.< rub someone’s nose in itto humiliate someone by

reminding them of a mistakeUK , 1963.< rub the magic lamp(of

a male) to masturbateUS , 2001

rub-a-dub; rub-a-dub-dub; rubberdy; rubbidy; rubbanouna

public house Rhyming slang forPUB; from the nursery rhyme

‘Rub-a-dub-dub, / Three men in a tub’UK , 1932

rub-a-dub-dubsnicknameHMP Wormwood Scrubs (a prison in north

London) Rhyming slang, in current prison use February 2002UK ,

2002

rubbernoun1a condom The most common, and almost only,

slang term for a condom in the USUS , 1947.2balloonsUS , 1966.

3collectively, a car’s tyres A car might be said to have ‘good

rubber’US , 1882.4a carUS , 1964.5a rubber bulletUS , 1982.< burn

rubberto spin a car’s wheels in a fast start, leaving rubber tracks

on the roadUS , 1957.< chirp rubberto shift gears in a car in a

manner that produces a chirping sound of tyre meeting roadUS ,

1965.< on rubberdriving a carUS , 1945.< peel rubberto spin a

car’s wheels in a fast start, leaving rubber tracks on the roadUS , 1971

rubberadjectiveused of a cheque, unfunded A back-formation from

the metaphor of an unfunded cheque bouncingUS , 1991

rubber and rocksnounbacon and eggs Collected during an

extensive survey of New Zealand prison slang, 1996–2000NEW

ZEALAND , 2000

rubber armsnounthe sensation experienced by a surfer paddling

into a large wave that might be a little larger than the surfer cares

to tackleUS , 1964

rubberbandnouna vehicle manufactured by DAF Citizens’ band

radio slang; a slur on DAF technologyUK , 1981

rubber bitchnounthe inflatable rubber air mattress given to US

troops in the field in VietnamUS , 1991

rubber bumnouna derelict hitchhikerCANADA , 1961

rubber cheque; rubber kitenouna worthless cheque An

unfunded cheque bounces back from the bankUS , 1931

rubber chicken circuitnounthe tour made by an after-dinner

speaker, with reference to tough chicken as the usual main course

CANADA , 1959

rubber cownounin circus usage, an elephant, male or femaleUS ,

1981

rubber ducknoun1a trifle; something of no value Rhyming slang

forFUCK UK , 1992.2an inflatable rubber dinghySOUTH AFRICA , 1986

rubber duckernouna rubber duck (an inflatable rubber dinghy)

enthusiastSOUTH AFRICA , 1994

rubber duckienouna short, flexible, rubber-coated vehicle-mounted

radio aerial A jokey reference to ‘Rubber Duck’ as referring to the

HANDLE(a citizens’ band radio identity) of the hero of the film

Convoy, 1975 UK , 1981

rubberedadjectivedrunkUK , 2002

rubber heels; rubber heelersnounthe Metropolitan Police

internal affairs division at New Scotland Yard From the silence and

secrecy of its methodsUK , 1964

rubber johnny; rubber johnnie; rubber johneynouna condom

rubberneckverbto stare with undue interestUS , 1896

rubberneck busnouna tour busUS , 1958

rubberneck carnounon the railways, an observation carriageUS , 1946

rubbernecker; rubbernecknouna person who stares with

curiousity, especially a motorist who slows to view an accidentUS ,

1934

rubber numbers

rubbersnoun1a wet suit; a garment made of rubber or syntheticneoprene worn next to the skin while in cold waterCANADA , 1977.

2sneakers, trainersVIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH , 1996

rubber vagnounin circus and carnival usage, someone who lives in

rubbishverbto criticise someone or something unfavourably; todisparage someone or something; to discard someone orsomethingAUSTRALIA , 1953

rubbishadjectivebad; inferiorUK , 2001

rubbishernouna person given to detractionAUSTRALIA , 1972

rubbishingnounan act of denigration FromRUBBISH(little or noworth)AUSTRALIA , 1971

rubbishyadjectiveof inferior qualityUK , 1824

rubbity-dub; rubbity; rubbitty; rubbidynouna public hotel.Rhyming slang forPUB AUSTRALIA , 1898

rubbynouna derelict who drinks rubbing alcohol The word is not to

be confused with ‘rummy’US , 1962

rubby-dubnounan ignorant soldier from a rural mountain area, apoor candidate to be a good soldierUS , 1946

rub downnouna cursory search of a prisoner by running handsover clothes and bodyUK , 1887

rub downverbto search a prisonerUK , 1887

rube; reubnounan unsophisticated, naive, inexperienced person.From the older, UK ‘reuben’ (a country bumpkin)US , 1896

rubia de la costa; rubianouna light-coloured marijuana

originat-ing in Columbia Directly from Spanish, rubia (fair-haired) is used

by the Spanish to describe Virginian tobacco, plus de la costa (of

the coast)US , 1976

rubiesnounthe lipsUS , 1947

Rubik’s cubes; rubik’snounpubic hair Rhyming slang forPUBES,

formed from a puzzling toyUK , 2003

rub jointnouna dance hall where men can, for a small price, danceintimately with womenUS , 1981

rub ’n’ tugnouna massage that includes masturbationUS , 2000

rub of the brushnouna beverage made from the remnants ofdrinks in a barUS , 1950

rub-outnouna killingUS , 1927

rub outverb1to kill someoneUS , 1848.2to disqualify a competitor

AUSTRALIA , 1902

rub upverbto assault someoneUS , 1952

rubyfruitnounthe vaginaUS , 1982

Ruby Murray; rubynouna curry Rhyming slang, based on popularsinger Ruby Murray, 1935–96 In Cardiff, a local variant is DonMurray, named after the Cardiff City footballerUK , 1992

ruby rose; rubynounthe nose Rhyming slangUK , 1992

rucknoun1a heated argument; a fight Possibly derives fromobsolete ‘rux’ (bad temper, anger, passion, noise) or conventional

‘ruckus’UK , 1958.2a rucksack or backpackUS , 1982

ruckverb1to fight, especially as part of a gangUK , 1999.2tomasturbate Prison slangUK , 1974

ruck and row; rucknouna cow, especially in the sense acontemptible woman Rhyming slang, formed from a combination

ofRUCK(a fight) and ‘row’ (a disturbance, a violent quarrel)UK , 1992

ruckernoun1a fighterUK , 1968.2a customer given to complainingand making a fuss A barely euphemistic variation ofFUCKER, poss-

ibly influenced by ‘ruckus’ Used by second-hand car dealersUK ,

ruckingnouna severe reprimand Mostly in prison useUK , 1958

ruck upverbto pick up your rucksack and other combat gear and

proceed with a march Used as a modernisedSADDLE UP, which has

definite overtones of cavalry daysUS , 1990

ruckus juicenounstrong, homemade whiskyUS , 1999

ruconouna boyfriend or husband Border Spanish used in English

conversation by Mexican-Americans; also used in the feminine

‘ruca‘ (a girlfriend or wife)US , 1950

ructionnouna disturbance; agitation; disorderly behaviourUK , 1890

ruddyadjectiveused as an intensifier A rhyming euphemism for

BLOODYthat also puns on the colour redUK , 1914

ruddy welladverbcertainly, definitelyUK , 1933

rudenouna youth who steals by mugging Adapted fromRUDE BOY(a

Jamaican youth/gangster)UK , 2002.< in the rudenaked

Light-hearted rhyming euphemism for ‘in the nude’UK , 1974

rudeadjective1sexual; sexy Upper-class society use Not to be

confused withIN THE RUDE(naked); one condition does not

necess-arily lead to the nextUK , 1982.2attractiveUK , 2003.3intense;

superior Collected from fans of heavy metal musicUS , 1995.4used

of a computer program, poorly designedUS , 1983

rude!; rudeness!; how rude!; how rudeness!used for suggesting

that the speaker has crossed an etiquette line that is better not

breachedUS , 1989

rude bitsnoungenitalsAUSTRALIA , 1994

rude boy; rude bwoy; rudebwai; rudienouna Jamaican youth

associated with gang activities West Indian and UK black patois

JAMAICA , 1967

rudenessnounsexTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1973

rude partsnounthe most obvious erogenous zones: male and

female genitals and posteriors, and female breasts Upper-class

society use; combinesRUDE(sexual) with ‘private parts’ UK , 1982

ruderalis skunknounan extremely potent hydroponic marijuana

which is a hybrid of ruderalis (a variety of marijuana from Russia)

and skunkUK , 1999

ruderynounrudeness, impolite or risqué speech or conversation;

sexually implicit or explicit gestures or behaviourUK , 1932

Rudolph Hess; rudolphnoun a mess (a failure) Rhyming slang,

formed from the name of the high-ranking Nazi officer,

1894–1987UK , 1998

ruffnouna twenty-five cent pieceUS , 1945

ruffadjectiveacceptable, good, coolUS , 1985

ruffienounRohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the

‘date-rape drug’US , 1995

rufflenounthe passive participant in lesbian sex or a lesbian

relationshipUS , 1970

ruffnecknouna male or female gangster; a non-conformist or

rebellious youth; A misspelling of ‘roughneck’ (a thug) West

Indian and UK black use into the US via hip-hop cultureUK , 1994

ruff-puffnouna South Vietnamese local defence force RFs were

regional forces, PFs were platoon-size village forces Quick

American minds took RF with PF to form ‘ruff-puff’US , 1977

rugnoun1a hairpiece, especially a poorly executed oneUS , 1940.

2pubic hair, especially on a femaleUS , 1964.3in horse racing, a

heavy horse blanketUS , 1976

rugby ballnouna capsule of Temazepam™, a branded tranquillizer

From the shapeUK , 1990s

rug-cutternouna great timeUS , 1951

rug-eaternouna lesbianUS , 1997

rugger buggernounan enthusiastic sportsman whose character is

formed by the aggressive pursuit of masculinity and frequently

demonstrated by his boorish behaviour and drunken socialising

From ‘rugger’ (rugby football) but encompassing a wider field of

endeavoursSOUTH AFRICA , 1970

rug jointnouna well-appointed, even luxurious gambling operation

rug munchnounan instance of oral sex on a womanUS , 1995

rug-munchernouna lesbian From the image of oral sex as

‘munching a hairpiece’US , 1997

rug outverbto endure a difficult situation An awkward attempt torender ‘rugged’ as a verbUS , 2002

rug ratnouna young child A bit derisiveUS , 1970

rug upverbin horse racing, to cover the horse with a blanket after aworkout or raceUK , 1948

ruinedadjectivedrunkUK , 2002

rulenoun< on the ruleof a prisoner, segregated from the generalprison population for that prisoner’s protection A reference to rule

43 which is, according to HM Prison Service in 2003: ‘A nowdefunct rule that allowed the segregation of prisoners’UK , 2000

ruleverbused as an expression of supremacy for the precedingcollective or plural noun(s)US , 1968

rule forty-three; rule 43; the rulenounin prison, a sex offender,

or other prisoner, kept apart from the main prison community for

‘safety of self or others’UK , 1996

rule of fivenouna piece of (unofficial) medical lore: if more thanfive orifices are obscured by plastic tubing then a patient’s con-dition is criticalUK , 2002

rumnoun1an unsophisticated, unaware personUS , 1972.2a prisonerdeemed inferior or too odd by other prisonersUS , 1972.3adrunkardUS , 1960

rumadjectivestrange; eccentric; disreputable; questionableUK , 1774

rumblenoun1a fight, especially between teenage gangsUS , 1948.2awild partyUS , 1968.3a difficult encounter with law enforcementUS ,

1972.4a concerted police search for narcoticsUS , 1958

rumbleverb1to fightUS , 1946.2in circus and carnival usage, to spoilsomethingUS , 1981.3to come to an understanding or realisation ofsomething that has been concealedUK , 1886

Rumble in the Junglenicknamethe October 1974 heavyweightchampionship fight between Muhammed Ali and George Foreman

in Kinshasa, Zaire, in which Ali knocked Foreman out in the 8throundUS , 1974

rumbleseatnouna truck that is not equipped with a citizens’ bandradio following a truck that isUS , 1976

rumble-tumblenounscrambled eggs Originally militaryUK , 2003

rum blossomnouna red welt produced from excessive consumption

of alcoholUS , 1976

rum boynouna drunkBAHAMAS , 1982

rum, bum and bacca; rum, bum and baccynounthe mythicthree graces of a sailor’s life A (presumed) later variation of ‘beer,

bum and bacca’ Rum, Bum and Concertina, a pun on ‘wine,

women and song’, is the title of the second part of George Melly’sautobiography published in 1977 In 1992, the Pogues, reflecting

an earlier view of naval life, released an album entitled Rum, Sodomy and the Lash UK , 1973

rumdum; rum-dumbnouna drunkUS , 1891

rumdummedadjectiveextremely drunkUS , 1891

rum goblet; rum gogglesnouna large Adam’s appleTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003

rummynounan alcoholicUS , 1851

rummyadjective1prone to drink too much, if not alcoholicUS , 1834.

2poor; inferior; badUS , 1947

rumouredadjective married English gypsy use, from Romany romer

(to marry)UK , 2000

rumpverbto cheat someoneUK , 1998

rump bumpnounin a sexual dance, a pelvic thrust that emphasisesthe buttocks moving backwardsUS , 1956

rumpernounin hot rodding, a powerful engineUS , 1965

rumponounsexual intercourse Possibly influenced by (or vice versa)Rambling Syd Rumpo, an innuendo-laden character played by

rump-ordainedadjectiveused for describing a preacher who has no

formal theological training or denominational affiliationUS , 1974

rumptyadjectivein poor repair; below standardNEW ZEALAND , 1995

rumpty pumpty; rumptynounintimate sexual activity A variation

ofRUMPY-PUMPYwith a nursery rhyme feel thanks to Humpty

DumptyUK , 1998

rumpusnouna brawl; a riotUK , 1764

rumpy-pumpynounsexual intercourseUK , 1983

rum-runnernounan importer, transporter and/or purveyor of illegal

alcohol, especially rumUS , 1920

rum-suckernouna heavy drinkerTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1845

rumtynounan admirable or excellent person or thingNEW ZEALAND ,

1998

rum’un; rumun; ruminnounespecially in Tasmania, an eccentric

person; a character; a scallywagAUSTRALIA , 1967

runnoun1a group motorcyle excursionUS , 1966.2a period of

extended amphetamine useUS , 1967.< on the runescaping from

justice; being a fugitiveUK , 1887

runverb1to associate; to socialiseUS , 1946.2to smuggle something

UK , 1706.< run a potin poker, to make a sustained, pre-planned

bluff on a handUS , 1967.< run bluesto use blue lights in a car’s

tail lightsUS , 1985.< run hotto drive with sirens and flashing

lights activatedUS , 2002.< run like a hairy goat(of a racehorse)

to run poorly in a raceAUSTRALIA , 1941.< run rings round

someoneto defeat someone with absolute easeUK , 1891.< run

speed limitto do something with great speed Hawaiian youth

usageUS , 1982.< run to seedwith age or lack of care, to become

ill-kempt, shabby or undesirable The imagery of the gardenUK ,

1837.< run your mouthto talk too muchUS , 1977.< run your

neckto make threats or boasts which you are not prepared to

back up with actionsUS , 2001

runaboutnouna small carUK , 1900

run alongverbto depart; often used as a gentle imperativeUK , 1902

run-aroundnoun< give someone the run-around; get the

run-aroundto treat someone, or be treated, with contempt, or so

as to serve a mere whim; to cause someone trouble, or be caused

troubleUS , 1924

run, chicken, runnounthe Royal Canadian Regiment Formed from

the initials RCR Note that ‘chicken’ does not insinuate cowardice

Rather this insult alludes to a story which alleges that a member

of the regiment was found, in flagrante delicto, with a chicken

Members of the RCR counter that he was a cookCANADA , 1995

rundownnouna complete explanationUS , 1969

runesnounin computing, any esoteric display character or computer

languageUS , 1991

run-fastnounon the railways, oilUS , 1946

rung-inadjectivesubstituted; phoneyAUSTRALIA , 1969

run-innoun1an argumentative or violent encounterUK , 1999.2a

concealed location used by criminals for the division or transfer of

recently stolen goodsUK , 1959

run inverbto arrest someoneUS , 1973

run, Johnny, runnouninexpensive loose cigarette tobacco Formed

from the initials of the R.J Reynolds tobacco companyUS , 1962

run letternouna final deportation letter from the US Immigration

and Naturalisation ServiceUS , 2002

runnernoun1in an illegal betting operation, a person who

physically collects and pays off bets placed with sheet writersUS ,

1947.2a prison inmate who collects dues for a baron (a powerful

criminal whose influence is built on illegal trading)UK , 1978.

3someone who carries illegal drugs between dealer and purchaser

US , 1972.4a clerk or collector for a street bookmakerUK , 1934.

5somebody sent to buy alcohol for othersUS , 1963.6in the

television and film industries, an errand-running production

assist-antUS , 1990.7a deserter from the armed services; an escapee from

prison or borstalUK , 1959.8in the language surrounding the

claims space for friends who will followUS , 1994.< do a runnertoescape by running away; to abscond; to leave hastilyUK , 1981

runner and ridernouncider Rhyming slang, from the vocabulary ofhorse racingUK , 1992

runnersnoun1sneakers, trainersAUSTRALIA , 1988.2any shoesUS , 1995.

< the runnersdiarrhoeaUS , 1948

runningnoun1diarrhoeaBAHAMAS , 1982.2MDMA, the recreationaldrug best known as ecstasyUK , 1998

running buddynouna close friend and confederate in crimeUS , 1970

running dognouna servant of the ruling class, subservient tocounter-revolutionary powers From Chinese communistterminology originally applied to the KuomintangUS , 1937

running partnernouna close friend joined for criminal and socialactivitiesUS , 1965

runningsnoun1diarrhoeaANTIGUA AND BARBUDA , 1996.2a sexuallytransmitted infection with dischargeTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003.

3whatever is happening or is planned to happenUK , 1994

run-offnouna prostitute who has attempted to break off from herpimpUS , 1993

run of outsnouna succession of losses or failuresAUSTRALIA , 1953

run-outnouna well-worn tyreUS , 1961

run outverb< run out of roadto fail to keep control of a motorvehicle, especially on a bend, and consequently be involved in anaccidentUK , 1981.< run out of steamto lose vigourUK , 1961

run-out powdernounthe departure of a gambler who has not paidoff his gambling debtsUS , 1979

run-over daysnounthe first three days of the bleed period of themenstrual cycleBAHAMAS , 1982

runsnouna sexually transmitted infection with dischargeTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1951.< the runsa case of diarrhoeaUS , 1962

Runs Empty Onlynouna truck manufactured by REO A ationUS , 1971

back-form-runtnoun1in circus and carnival usage, a dwarf or midgetUS , 1980.

2in poker, a pairless handUS , 1963

runts and cuntsnounused for expressing disapproval of the position of the US armed forces in the decades after VietnamUS , 1993

com-runtyadjectivedelicate; sicklyIRELAND , 1989

runwaynouna generous dose of powdered cocaine arranged in aline for snorting A clever play on a conventional ‘runway’, (a longstraight path used to achieve lift-off )UK , 1999

run-what-you-brungnouna drag race between amateur driversdriving their own carsUS , 1970

ruof; rofe; roaf; roufnounfour Back slangUK , 1863

rupertnoun1an army officer; any young upper-class type A genericbased on the perception that Rupert is a popular name in ‘quality’families, but note another military use of ‘rupert’ as ‘the penis’.Current usage seems to date from the 1970sUK , 1996.2the penis.Military; possibly related to the sense as officerUK , 1961

ruptured ducknounthe US armed forces insignia designatinghonourable dischargeUS , 1946

rushnoun1a sudden and powerful sense of euphoria or energy.Figurative use of the drug termUS , 1971.2the sudden onset of drugintoxicationUS , 1966.3amyl, butyl or isobutyl nitrite From thesudden effects of the drugUK , 1996.4cocaineUK , 2003.5in poker, anunusual streak of good cardsUS , 1982

rushverb1to charge an amount of moneyUK , 1887.2to charge forgoods or services, especially to overcharge or cheatUK , 1887.3to beinfatuated with someoneBARBADOS , 1965.4to make sexual advances

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1934.< rush the knocksin drug sales, toignore the order of customers and make a saleUS , 2002

rush-and-snatch jobnouna search and rescue mission without thecomplications of enemy fireUS , 1991

Rushinanounin homosexual usage, a personification of amyl nitrite

rushyadjectivedescriptive of an energetic and euphoric reaction to

MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 1997

Russell Crowenounan attack Rhyming slang forGO, formed from

the name of the notoriously pugnacious New Zealand-born film

actor (b.1964)UK , 2003

Russell Hartynouna party Rhyming slang, formed from the name

of the television presenter (1934–88)UK , 1992

Russian bootsnounleg ironsUS , 1949

Russian ducknounan act of sexual intercourse Rhyming slang for

FUCK UK , 1992

Russian jacknouna homemade alcoholic beverage made from

sugar, yeast, water and flavouringFIJI , 1984

Russian roastnouna sexual act in which a woman performs oral

sex on a man who is, at the same time, being sodomised by

another manUK , 2004

Russian roulettenounLSDUK , 1996

RusskiadjectiveRussianUK , 1859

Russki; Russky; Ruskynouna RussianUK , 1858

rustnounfaecal stains in the underwear or on a toilet bowlCANADA ,

2002

rust beltnounthe northern central US, highly industrialised prior to

the economic decline in the US in the 1980sUS , 1987

rust bucketnounan old, dilapidated vehicleAUSTRALIA , 1965

rustle upverbto obtain something; to organise the supply ofsomethingUS , 1891

rustyadjectiveof a skill, having deteriorated as a result of lack ofpracticeUK , 1796

rusty bullet wound; rusty bullet hole; rusty sheriff’s badge; rusty washernounthe anus ‘Rusty’ (brown, the colour associatedwith the anus) plus a visual metaphorUK , 1997

rusty dustynounthe buttocksUS , 1942

rusty fucknouna notional object of no value whatsoeverUS , 1969

rusty trombonenouna sexual technique in which a man receivesoral stimulation of his anus and manual stimulation of his penis

at the same time and from the same person Imagery whichbecomes apparent if you picture the penis as a trombone’s slideand the anus as its mouthpieceUS , 2002

Ruud Gullitnoundismissal from employment Rhyming slang for

BULLET, formed from the name of the Dutch footballer (b.1962)

when he was given ‘the bullet’ as player-manager of Chelseafootball club in 1998UK , 1998

RV; r.v.nouna recreational vehicle or large motor homeUS , 1967

Ryan Giggsnounlodgings Rhyming slang forDIGS, formed from the

name of the Welsh footballer (b.1973)UK , 1998

s-prefixit’s, especially preceding a word spelt with an ’n’, such as not

snot and nice snice A slovening that allows the childish to say

SNOT UK , 1917

Sanouna SamoanNEW ZEALAND , 1992

sabverbto act as a hunt saboteurUK , 1996

saccharine lipsnouna glib talker Not quite as glib as ‘sugar’

AUSTRALIA , 1989

sachienounVersace™ clothingUS , 1998

sacknoun1a bed Probably related to the C19 sailor’s use of ‘sack’

as a ‘hammock’US , 1942.2a bag of heroin; hence, heroinUK , 1998.

3the scrotum Originally dialectUK , 1928.4courage A testicular

referenceUS , 1984.5a coat or jacketUS , 1972.< in the sackused

for suggesting sexual activity Literally ‘in bed’US , 1995.< the sack

dismissal from employmentUK , 1841

sackverb1to dismiss someone from employment; to jilt someone

UK , 1841.2to abruptly stop any activityUK , 2001.3to dispose of

somethingUK , 2001.4to sleep; to spend the nightUS , 1966.< sack

itto receive an accidental blow to the scrotumUK , 2000

sack, back and cracknouna treatment for removing a man’s body

hair by waxing it and stripping it offUK , 2003

sack drillnounsleepUS , 1963

sack dutynounsleepUS , 1963

sack houndnouna lazy person, overly fond of sleepUS , 1959

sack offverbto reject somethingUK , 2002

sack of garbagenounin bar dice games, a roll that produces no

points for the playerUS , 1971

sack of saucenouna used condomUS , 1997

sack of shitnounused abusively of an unpleasant person A

con-ventional ‘sack’ full ofSHIT(excrement); probably a revision ofSAD

SACK OF SHIT US , 2001

sack outverbto go to bedUS , 1946

sack ratnouna lazy person, overly fond of sleepUS , 1947

sack shipnouna big ship used to carry supplies from Europe to the

East Coast fisheriesCANADA , 1965

sack weathernouninclement weather during which air missions

cannot be flownUS , 1949

sacky dackynouna depressed misfitUS , 1946

sacramentnounLSD An arguably pretentious euphemismUS , 1990

sacré bleu!used for registering shock, frustration, anger, anguish,

etc; especially in a context of Frenchness Directly from the

French euphemism sacré Dieu! (sacred God!) UK , 1869

sacredadjectiveexcellentUS , 1991

sacred cow; sacred oxnounon the railways, an extra engine used

on a mountainUS , 1977

sacred sitenouna place one holds in reverence From the meaning

as ‘a place sacred to Australian Aboriginals’AUSTRALIA , 1987

sadadjectiveterribleUS , 1945

sad and sorrynouna lorry Rhyming slangUK , 1992

sad-ass; sad-assedadjectivecontemptibleUS , 1971

sad bastardnouna contemptible person; an ineffectual personUK ,

2003

Saddam Husseinnouna pain; an irritation; an annoying person

Rhyming slang for conventional ‘pain’, also on a shortenedPAIN IN

THE ASS/ARSE; formed, with all due respect, from the name of the

former Iraqi leaderUK , 1998

sad day!used for expressing commiseration with another person’s

saddlenoun1in trucking, the driver’s seatUS , 1971.2in a group oftrucks travelling down the motorway together, the truck in themiddleUS , 1976.3a two-part bet in an illegal numbers gamblinglotteryUS , 1949.< in the saddle1engaged in sexual intercourse.The term enjoyed widespread popularity in the US duringdiscussions of the 1979 death of former Vice President and NewYork Governor Nelson RockefellerUS , 1979.2in controlUS , 1950

saddle-fuckverbto have sex, the woman astride the prone manUS , 1972

saddlernouna ride on a bicycle’s saddle while another personpedalsUK , 1979

saddlesnounthe testicles hanging in the scrotum Probably from

JOHN WAYNE’S HAIRY SADDLE BAGS UK , 2004

saddle trampnoun1a person who rides horseback through thecountrysideUS , 1942.2a motorcyle gang memberUS , 1989

saddle upverb1to pick up your gear and resume a combat patrol

US , 1976.2to engage in mutual oral sex simultaneouslyUS , 1985

saddonouna pathetic or contemptible individual Jocular if notderogatoryUK , 2000

sadfucknouna contemptible personUK , 1997

Sadie Masienounsado-masochism A jocular personificationUS , 1965

Sadie the Office Secretarynounused as a personification of thestereotypical female office workerUS , 1953

Sadie Thompsonverbto rape (a man)US , 1985

sad kecksnouna killjoy Pejorative; conventional ‘sad’ combinedwithKECKS(trousers)UK , 1999

sadlandsnounthe suburbs of a cityUK , 2002

sad-onnouna bad mood Royal Navy slangUK , 1989

sad sacknouna miserable and depressing individual; an ineptmisfit Originally US militaryUS , 1942

sad sack of shitnouna miserable and depressing individual.Abbreviates asSAD SACK US , 1978

safenoun1the rectum Referring to the rectum as a depository fordrugs to be smuggled into prisonUS , 1992.2a condomUK , 1965.3in

a pickpocketing team, the thief who takes the wallet or objectstolen by the wire and leaves the scene with itUS , 1954.< in the safeconcealed in the anusUK , 1996

safeadjective1worthy of approvalSOUTH AFRICA , 1970.2hopelessly out

of style Hawaiian youth usageUS , 1982.3all right; used as anexpression of approval or agreementSOUTH AFRICA , 1981

safe and sound; safenounthe groundUK , 1992

safe housenouna room, apartment or house where it is safe tostay, work and hide from the authorities, rival criminals or rivalspiesUS , 1963

safe screwnouna corrupt prison officerUK , 1996

safetynoun1a condomUS , 1973.2a safety pin used for animprovised injection of an illegal drugUS , 1952

safe wordnouna code word, agreed between a sexual dominantand submissive masochistic partner, for use by the masochist as asignal that the current activity should stopUS , 1987

safeynounin horse racing, a riding assignment for a jockey on ahorse that stands little chance of winningAUSTRALIA , 1989

sagverbto wear trousers that are too big and which consequentlyride very low on or below the hipsUS , 1991

saga loutnounan elderly person who behaves badly Saga is a UKcompany that supplies a wide range of services to the over-50s; a