Dictionary of Unconventional English_17 pot

A possible pun on ‘ejaculate’ based on German sprechen to speak UK , 2002 spree boynouna person who loves fun but not workBARBADOS , 1965 sprigsnounsparse facial hairBAHAMAS , 1982 sprin

splibnouna black person Offensive US , 1964

spliceverbto marry someoneUK , 1710

splicedadjectivemarriedUS , 1997

spliffnoun1a marijuana cigaretteJAMAICA , 1936.2marijuana Also

used in the variant ‘splif’UK , 1967.3a cigarette adulterated with

crack cocaineUK , 2002.4a hand-rolled cigaretteUK , 1984.< on the

spliffa state of marijuana intoxicationUK , 2001

spliffverbto smoke marijuana and be under its influenceUK , 1977

spliffed; spliffed out; spliffed upadjectivein a state of

intoxi-cation as a result of smoking marijuanaUK , 1994

spliff upverbto prepare a marijuana cigarette; to smoke marijuana

in cigarette formUK , 2000

spliff winenounmarijuana wineUK , 2002

spliffynouna marijuana cigaretteUK , 2000

spliffyadjectivein a state of gentle intoxication as a result of

smoking marijuana; in a manner that suggests the smoking of

marijuana Playing onSQUIFFY(drunk)UK , 2001

spliftedadjectivemarijuana-intoxicated; exhilaratedUS , 1995

splimnounmarijuana A misreading or simple variation ofSPLIFF US ,

1982

splinkynounthe penis A term apparently coined by the writers of

Mad About You, a US situation comedy (NBC, 1992–99); repeated

with referential humourUS , 1999

splintnouna marijuana cigaretteUS , 1992

splintersnounadversityUS , 1954

splitnoun1the vaginaUS , 1967.2a share of mutual property or

profitsUK , 1889.3a tranquillizer or other central nervous system

depressantUS , 1969.4a decongestant tablet sold as MDMA, the

rec-reational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 1996

splitverb1to leave Each night, during the 1960s, Philadelphia rock

’n’ roll disc jockey Hy Lit ended his broadcast with the mantra,

‘Nuff said Ted, solid ahead, time to split the scene and leave it

clean’US , 1956.2from a male perspective, to have sex Probably

more to do with bragging than as a considered threat of violence

UK , 1937.< split a gutto exert yourself to the extreme, especially

laughingUS , 1958.< split on someoneto inform on or betray

someoneUK , 1795.< split the breezeto drive fastUS , 1976.

< split the differencefrom a male perspective, to have sex A

punning elaboration ofSPLIT UK , 1974.< split the sceneto leave

US , 1990.< split the sheetsto divorceUS , 1976.< split the

whiskers(of a woman) to urinateAUSTRALIA , 1992.< split your

sidesto laugh heartilyUK , 1704

split-arsenouna woman Noted as current in the northeast of

England by Chris Lewis, The Dictionary of Playground Slang, 2003

UK , 1998

split beaver; spread beavernounthe vagina displayed with lips

parted A familiar cliché of pornographyUS , 1969

split C-notenouna fifty-dollar noteUS , 1954

splithnounmarijuana prepared and smoked in the fashion of a

ciga-rette A jocular variation ofSPLIFF US , 2000

split knishnounthe vagina A conventional ‘knish’ is a baked or

fried turnover of Russian Jewish origins; ‘split’ describes the nature

of the vagina and exposes the savoury fillingUS , 1998

split-tailnouna femaleUS , 1950

split-whiskernouna womanAUSTRALIA , 1945

splivinsnounamphetaminesUS , 1970

splonouninexpensive, low quality whiskyUS , 1974

splonknounin horse race betting, the favouriteUK , 1967

sploogenounsemenUS , 1989

sploogeverbto ejaculateUS , 1989

sploshernouna drunkUK , 2000

splownounpalms slapped in greetingUS , 1976

splurgeverbto spend money extravagantly; to recklessly use an

expensive resource

SP mannouna starting price bookmakerAUSTRALIA , 1932

Spocknounused as a term of address for anyone who is comingacross as intellectual or superior From the intellectual and

superior character on Star Trek US , 1978

spockverbto examine something or someoneUS , 1991

spodnouna student whose devotion to study excludes all otherinterests or society, hence an unpopular student; someone who isconsidered too studious; someone obsessed with computersUK , 1998

spoddyadjectiveobsessively studious and unstylishUK , 2001

spodiodinoun1a mixture of cheap port and whisky Used (anddrunk) by jazz-lovers and musiciansCANADA , 1959.2wineUS , 1975

spoggie; spoggynoun(chiefly in south Australia) the common

house sparrow, passer domesticus AUSTRALIA , 1975

spoiled waternounany non-alcoholic beverageUS , 1962

spoilernouna team that has no chance of winning a championshipbut which takes pride if not pleasure in defeating teams that arevying for a championshipUS , 1962

spokadocious; spankadociousadjectiveattractive; fashionable

BAHAMAS , 1982

spokeadjectivespoken Especially of language, in the construction ‘asshe is spoke’UK , 1937

sponverbto tell a lieUK , 1999

spondonicles; spondonicals; spongsnouna pair of metal tongsfor lifting a hot cooking utensil off a fireAUSTRALIA , 2003

spondoolinounmoney Variation ofSPONDULICS UK , 1997

spondulics; spondulix; sponds; spondosnounmoneyUS , 1857

spongenoun1a group, notional or real, opposed to the gains of thecivil rights movement The vocalised abbreviation stood for

‘Society for the Prevention of Negroes Getting Everything’ Thegroup was more notional than real, but, for example, in 1965 theStudent Council of the University of Virginia was petitioned by anorganisation calling itself SPONGE for status as an independentorganisation eligible to receive Student Council fundsUS , 1965.2aboogie boarder, who rides waves on a small foam board Used in adisparaging manner by surfersUS , 1991

spongeverb1to obtain something in a parasitic mannerUK , 1673.

2in horse racing, to insert a sponge into a horse’s nostril justbefore a race, impeding its breathing during the raceUS , 1951

spongelledadjectivedrunkUK , 2002

spongernouna person who obtains things in a parasitic mannerUK , 1677

sponge-worthyadjectiveused of a man, so sexually desirable as towarrant the use of a contraceptive sponge Coined and popularised

on an episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s television comedy show (‘TheSponge’) that first aired on 7th December 1995US , 1995

spongiesnounin the usage of youthful model road racers (slot carracers), smooth, soft tyresUS , 1997

sponknounsemen A variation ofSPUNK UK , 2001

spoonounsemen Variant pronunciation ofSPEW(semen), from

SPEW/SPOO(to ejaculate)US , 1989

spooverbto ejaculate Variant pronunciation ofSPEW(to ejaculate),from conventional ‘spew’ (to vomit), the suggestion therefore is of

a copious quantity of semenUS , 2005

spoofnoun1a hoax, a bluff; an act of hoaxingUK , 1889.2a parodyUK ,

1958.3semen Rhymes with ‘hoof’AUSTRALIA , 1916

spoofverb1to hoax; to foolUK , 1889.2to make a parodic version ofsomethingUK , 1927.3to ejaculateAUSTRALIA , 1992

spoofadjectiveparodic; fake; bogusUK , 1884

spoofedadjectiveused of an electronic message, of a suspect origin

fully as ‘IP spoofing’US , 1989.2the creation of a false website that

looks exactly like a real site More fully known as ‘web spoofing’

The attacher can lure an Internet user to the false site, can see

everything that the user is doing, and can modify traffic from the

user to any web serverUS , 2004

spoof tubenouna cardboard tube filled with scented cloth that

masks the smell of exhaled marijuana smokeUS , 2003

spoofyadjectivespermyAUSTRALIA , 1998

spoogenoun1semenUS , 1987.2any viscous matter of unknown

originUS , 1995.3in computing, code or output which cannot be

understoodUS , 1991

spooge boothnouna private booth in a pornography arcadeUS , 2001

spooknoun1a black person Derogatory and offensiveUS , 1945.2a

ghostUS , 1801.3a spyUS , 1942.4a drug-addict From the addict’s

ghostly pallorUK , 1958.5a psychiatristUS , 1961.6in casino blackjack,

a player who can spot the dealer’s down cardUS , 1991.7in drag

racing, a car that crosses the starting line too soonUS , 1960s

spookverb1to frighten or startle someone Also variant ‘spook out’

US , 1935.2to drive a car without a destination, merely for the

pleasure of driving and the social aspects of being seenUS , 1958.

3in blackjack, to peak and see the dealer’s down cardUS , 1985

spookedadjectiveused of playing cards, marked for cheatingUS , 1963

spookyadjective1in surfing, difficult or unpredictableUS , 1963.2fine,

good West Indian and UK black usage, recorded August 2002UK ,

2002

spool of pipe threadnounused as a mythical task assigned to a

newly hired helperUS , 1963

spoonnoun1the amount of a drug needed for a single dose A

measure of heroin, sufficient for a single injection, approximately

equal to a standard teaspoonUS , 1973.2the handle of a hand

grenade From its curved, spoon-like shapeUS , 1977.3an army cook

US , 1991.4the dip up at the front nose of a surfboardUS , 1963.5a

doltNEW ZEALAND , 1982

spoonverb1to lie behind someone, your face towards their backUS ,

1887.2to tongue a woman’s vagina and clitorisUS , 1971

spoondoolienounthe penisUK , 2001

spooneynounan effeminate male who may or may not be

homo-sexualUS , 1978

sportnounused as a term of address, usually male-to-male In

Australia an everyday usage In the US, a self-conscious term that

conveys a jocular feelingAUSTRALIA , 1935

sportverbto wear something in order to display itUK , 1778

sport fuckingnounsex without any pretence of a relationship,

although with a competitive edgeUS , 1986

sporting girlnouna prostituteUS , 1938

sporting housenouna brothelUS , 1894

sporting ladynouna prostituteUS , 1972

sporting lifenoun1the business and lifestyle of prostitution and

pimpingUS , 1973.2a wife Rhyming slangUK , 1992.3cocaine From

Porgy and Bess, in which the character Sportin’ Life sells cocaine.

Retro and rare The shortened form is ‘sporting’US , 1978

sportsmannouna pimp In the mid-C19, the term referred to a

gambler By mid-C20 it was a somewhat grandiose euphemism for

‘pimp’US , 1967

sportsman’s paradisenouna bar favoured by pimpsUS , 1978

sportyadjectiveexcellentBERMUDA , 1985

s’pose; ’sposeverbsupposeUK , 1852

spotnoun1a difficult or dangerous position Usually in phrases: ‘in

a spot’ and ‘in a bit of a spot’UK , 1936.2a venue, especially a place

of entertainmentUK , 1936.3an apartment or houseUS , 2001.4a

place in a programme of entertainment, or an item of

entertainment performed in such a programmeUS , 2001.5a large

party, a convention or other event that is a promising source for

swindle victimsUS , 1977.6of food, a portion or meal that should

not be described as extravagant; of abstracts like work, rest and

of playing cards, an aceUS , 1988.13in poolroom betting, ahandicap given in a bet-upon gameUS , 1967.< put someone to the spotto kill someone who has been lured to a rendezvousUS , 1948

spotverb1to recognise, discover or detect someone or something.ColloquialUS , 1848.2to rain in a few scattered drops Originallydialect; ‘spotting with rain’ is a constant and current feature of UKweather reportsUK , 1849.3in trucking, to park a truckUS , 1946

spot cardnounin a deck of playing cards, any card other than anace or face cardUS , 1967

spot onadverbabsolutely accurate, exact; preciselyUK , 1920

spot playnounin horse racing, an approach to betting in which thebettor only bets in situations where the odds seem advantageous

US , 1975

spotsnoun1diceUK , 2000.2in circus usage, leopardsUS , 1981

spotted dickadjectiveill Rhyming slang for ‘sick’, formed on a greatBritish puddingUK , 1992

spotternoun1a spy hired by an employer to observe and report onemployees’ activitiesUS , 1876.2a criminal who finds or identifies alikely victim for robberyUK , 1937.3a look out in a drug-selling oper-ationUS , 1990.4a trainspotter, a planespotter, a bus-spotter or a similar type of hobbyist Spotter’s Guides have been published by

Mayflower Books of New York since 1979US , 2003

spottersnounthe eyesUS , 1945

spotters and skinnersnounchildlike, scratchy handwriting

BARBADOS , 1992

spotting ita method of consuming cannabis resin: pieces of hash,cut to the approximate size of matcheads, are picked up on theend of a lit cigarette; once the drug is burning the smoke givenoff is inhaled by means of a hollow tube, such as the empty body

of a ballpoint penUK , 2000

spotty dog; spottynouna foreigner Rhyming slang forWOG UK , 1979

spoutnoun< up the spout1in trouble; close to ruin; bankrupt.From the earlier sense (to pawn)UK , 1829.2of a bullet, in the riflebarrel and ready to fire Often as ‘one up the spout’UK , 1931.

3pregnant From the earlier sense (ruined)UK , 1937

spoutverbto speak A broadening of conventional sense (1750s), ‘todeclaim’UK , 1964

spraddleverbto step awkwardly around something or someone Ablend of ‘sprawl’ and ‘straddle’BARBADOS , 1965

spragnoun1in school, an informer, a tell-tale Commented on bythe Plain English Campaign in October 2003UK , 2003.2chiefly in

Queensland, the common house sparrow, passer domesticus

AUSTRALIA , 1981

spranksiousadjectiveenergetic, playfulBARBADOS , 1965

sprassey; spraser; sprazey; sprowsie; sprousenounsixpence or6d; a coin of that value Many variations, ultimately from Shelta

sprazi Inflation has rendered the conversion from 6d to 2½p

meaninglessUK , 1931

spraunceverbto lie; to tell a trivial lieUK , 1998

sprauncyadjectiveostentatious, showyUK , 1980

spraynounan aerosol used when inhaling solventsUK , 1996

sprayverb1to ejaculate semen onto a sexual partnerUK , 2001.2tofartUS , 2002

spray and prayverbin a military engagement, to shoot wildly thenrunUS , 2003

spreadnoun1an assortment of food laid out on a table or served at

a social eventUK , 1822.2in sports betting, the margin of victoryincorporated into a betUS , 1973.3a photograph of a naked womanexposing her genitalsUS , 1969.4in pool, the first shot of the game

spreadverbto share information or cards while engaging in a

cheating schemeUS , 1968.< spread a gameto start a card game

US , 1977.< spread for someoneof a woman, to dispose herself

for sex with someoneUK , 1978.< spread the eagleto escape

from prison or jailUS , 1950.< spread your shotto speak honestly

and directlyUS , 1976

spread-betnouna type of gamble against predicted oddsUS , 1992

spread-bettingnouna form of gambling against a bookmaker’s

predicted result (see citation)US , 2001

spread-eagleverbto spread and stretch out a person’s arms and

legsUK , 1826

spreadheadnouna devoted follower of the band Widespread Panic

An evolution of ‘deadhead’ (a follower of the Grateful Dead)US , 2001

spreading broadsnounan act of playing or cheating at cards,

especially the manipulating of cards in the three-card trickUK , 1886

spread shotnouna photograph or scene in a pornographic film

showing a woman’s spread vaginaUS , 1971

spreck upverb(of a male) to orgasm A possible pun on ‘ejaculate’

based on German sprechen (to speak) UK , 2002

spree boynouna person who loves fun but not workBARBADOS , 1965

sprigsnounsparse facial hairBAHAMAS , 1982

springverbto escape, or effect someone’s escape or release, from

prison or detentionUS , 1904

spring busternouna hole in a road, jarring to the driver when

encounteredUS , 1962

springbuttnouna person who is eager to pleaseUS , 1962

spring chickennouna youthful, attractive boy as the object of

sex-ual desire of an older homosexsex-ual manUS , 1979

springernoun1any person in the position to get you out of jail,

from a bail bondsman to a lawyer to a judgeUS , 1950.2in horse

racing, a horse that becomes the betting favourite or nearly the

favourite after betting opens on a raceUK , 1948

springynouna wetsuit covering the body, neck and limbs to the

elbows and kneesAUSTRALIA , 1992

springy thingynounin drag racing, a car with a light structure and

thus maximum flexibilityUS , 1965

sprinkleverbto urinateUK , 1992

spritzverbto squirt, especially a mistUS , 1917

spritzernouna fuel injectorUS , 1992

sprognoun1a baby; a child From obsolete ‘sprag’ (a lively young

fellow)UK , 1706.2a recruit Royal Air Force originally, then Royal

Navy, now police Probably derives from obsolete ‘sprag’ (1706) ‘a

lively young fellow’ but etymological theories abound: a reversal of

‘frog spawn’ – because it’s so very green; a confusion of ‘cog and

sprocket’ – a metaphor with the recruit just a cog (a sprocket) in a

wheel; a distortion of ‘sprout’; it has also been claimed that a

‘sprog’ is ‘a young gannet’UK , 1941.3semenAUSTRALIA , 1992

sprogverbto parent a childUK , 2000

sproggedadjectivepregnantNEW ZEALAND , 1984

sprogieadjectivestylish; fashionableBAHAMAS , 1982

spronceverbto show off, especially by your choice of clothesUK , 1991

sproncy; sprauntsy; sprauncyadjectiveshowily dressed; fashionable;

showyUK , 1957

spruikverbto declaim; to hold forth; to make a speech like a

showman Exact origin unknown, but no doubt related to the

Germanic, such as Dutch spreken (to speak) or Yiddish shpruch (a

saying, a charm)AUSTRALIA , 1902

spruikernouna speaker employed to attract a crowd to a venue,

show or demonstration of a product; a barkerAUSTRALIA , 1902

sprungadjectiveaddictedUS , 1992

sprung onadjectiveinfatuated withUS , 1995

SP shopnounan establishment operating starting price bookmaking

spudnoun1a potatoNEW ZEALAND , 1845.2a traineeUK , 2001.3a SCUDmissile An obvious rhyme that belittles the enemy’s weaponryUS , 1993

spud and onion gangnouna group of wharf workers who load orunload produceAUSTRALIA , 1995

spud-bashingnounpotato peeling; hence, kitchen fatigues Military,combiningSPUD(a potato) with the suffix-BASHING(vigorouscompulsory activity)UK , 1940

spud cockynouna potato farmerAUSTRALIA , 1950

spudgeverbto poke a fire’s logs, making the fire blaze upCANADA , 1984

spud juicenouna potent homemade alcoholic beverage produced

by fermenting potatoesUS , 1977

spunnounin the television and film industries, a light diffuser madewith synthetic materials Originally an abbreviation of ‘spun glass’,the term was retained when the material changedUS , 1990

spunadjective1crazy; disorientedUS , 1997.2very drug-intoxicatedUS ,

1997.3excited, enthusiasticUS , 1984

spunknoun1mettle, courage A word forever associated in the US

with actress Mary Tyler Moore; in the initial episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970, Moore’s boss Lou Grant assesses her –

‘You’ve got spunk I hate spunk!’UK , 1774.2semenUK , 1888.3a veryattractive personAUSTRALIA , 1978

spunkverb1(of a male) to ejaculate Also used in the variants

‘spunk off’ and ‘spunk up’AUSTRALIA , 1974.2to spend or wastemoney or time From ‘spunk’ (to ejaculate semen), punning on

‘spend’UK , 2000

spunk binnounthe vaginaUK , 2001

spunkbubblenoun1used between men as a term of abuseUK , 1984.

2a sexually attractive personAUSTRALIA , 1992

spunk dustnounused between men as a term of abuseUK , 1984

spunkernounused by adolescent girls as a derisive term for any boy

of similar maturity Demonstrates a very basic grasp of biology:only males produceSPUNK(semen)UK , 1997

spunkettenouna sexually attractive young womanAUSTRALIA , 1994

spunkinessnoungood looksAUSTRALIA , 1981

spunkratnouna sexually attractive personAUSTRALIA , 1987

spunkynouna sexually attractive personAUSTRALIA , 1967

spunkyadjective1brave; spirited; plucky FromSPUNK(courage)UK ,

1786.2sexually attractiveAUSTRALIA , 1973

spun outadjectivecrazyUK , 2000

sputniknouna mixture of marijuana from Pakistan and opium;marijuana From ‘sputnik’ (the Russian satellites, first launched in1957), hence its use here as something else to take you out of thisworldUK , 1998

squabnouna young girl or woman From the standard sense (anewly hatched or very young bird)US , 1948

squabverbto fightUS , 1986

squab jobnouna sexually attractive girl below the legal age ofconsentUS , 1964

squacknouna woman; sex with a womanUS , 1972

squackverbto ejaculateUS , 1993

squadnouna police car Known conventionally as a ‘squad car’US , 1965

Squadnoun< the Squadthe Flying Squad (a unit of the

Metropolitan Police, known as the Flying Squad since 1921)UK , 1996

squaddie; squaddynouna soldier, usually ranked private From anew recruit’s placement in a squadUK , 1933

squarenoun1a person with a conventional job and lifestyle; an fashioned personUS , 1944.2a heterosexualAUSTRALIA , 1960.3a fillingmealUS , 1882.4a factory-manufactured cigaretteUS , 1958.5a one-dollar noteUS , 1993.< on the square1honest, truthful,trustworthy Possibly from Masonic symbolism and jargonUK , 1872.

old-.

3being a freemason From symbolism that is employed in

freemasonryUK , 1984

squareverbto satisfactorily settle matters or resolve a problem,

gen-erally by the use of power and influence, bribery or threat From

‘square’ (to balance the books)UK , 1853.< square it awayto

settle mattersAUSTRALIA , 1985

squareadjective1old fashioned; decent and honest; conventionalUS ,

1946.2heterosexualAUSTRALIA , 1944.3in cricket, used to describe

fielding positions along an imaginary line extending to the left and

right of the batsman’s wicketUK , 1851.< live squareto conduct

your life as an honest citizenAUSTRALIA , 1975

square as a bearadjectiveextremely conventional The bear

appears for the rhyming value, nothing elseUS , 1957

square awayverbto put in order, to tidy away; hence, to learnUK ,

1909

square-bashingnoun military parade drill From the ‘parade square’

UK , 1943

square bitchnounany woman who is not a prostituteUS , 1972

square boxnounin court, a witness boxUK , 1996

squaredadjectivecraving drugsUS , 1958

square dancing ticketnouna dose of LSD on a square of blotting

paperUK , 2003

square-eyedadjectiveapplied contemptuously to someone who

watches ‘too much’ televisionUK , 1984

square from Delawarenounan exceptionally naive, conventional

person Delaware exists for the rhyme; it is no more or less square

than any other state In the 1930s and 40s, there was a cottage

industry in inventing terms along the line of this construction – a

‘clown from Allenton’, a ‘pester from Chester’ and so on The

‘square from Delaware’ was one of the few that truly worked itself

into speechUS , 1938

square groupernouna brick of compressed marijuana The name

of a notional fish, alluding to the presence of marijuana smugglers

in south Florida watersUS , 1989

squareheadnoun1a German, especially a German soldier in World

Wars 1 and 2 A derogatory term that has lingered, perhaps,

through films retelling how we won the warUS , 1999.2any

Scandanavian Left from the language of the logging camps of the

early C20US , 1975.3in Quebec, an anglophoneUS , 1978.4a

non-criminalAUSTRALIA , 1890

square Janenounan exceptionally conventional womanUS , 1986

square Johnnouna decent and law-abiding, if naive, personUS , 1934

square jointnouna tobacco cigaretteUS , 1971

square mackerelnounmarijuana From the shape of packages

smuggled by seaUS , 1998

square monickernouna person’s legal, given nameUS , 1959

square namenouna person’s legal name, sometimes unknown to

his associates who know him only by a nicknameUS , 1955

square-offnounsomething that puts matters right; an apology

AUSTRALIA , 1941

square offverbto settle matters; to make everything rightAUSTRALIA ,

1950

square pairnounin craps, an eight rolled with a pair of foursUS , 1985

squarernounin circus and carnival usage, a claims adjuster and

mender of legal problemsUS , 1981

square riggernouna black person Rhyming slang forNIGGER

OffensiveUK , 1992

square Samnounan exceedingly honest, upright, conventional

personUS , 1953

square shooternouna truthful, direct, honourable personUS , 1914

square time bobnouncrack cocaineUK , 1998

square upverbto return to the path of righteousness after a

sojourn in sinUS , 1968

square weednountobaccoUS , 1959

square-wheeled parked Citizens’ band radio slang

square wifenounin law enforcement, a wife in the literal sense ofthe word, as opposed to the sense of work partnerUS , 1988

square womannouna woman who is not a prostituteUS , 1967

squarienoun1especially in nautical parlance, a young woman

AUSTRALIA , 1917.2a non-criminalAUSTRALIA , 1950

squashnoun1a kiss Circus and carnival usageUS , 1981.2the skull orbrainUS , 1985

squash it!forget it!US , 1993

squash rotnounthe medical condition suffered by severe strokevictimsUS , 1983

squatnoun1nothing A shortened form ofDOODLY-SQUAT Oftenfound in double negative constructionsUS , 1967.2an act ofdefecationNEW ZEALAND , 2002.3a seat; a chairUS , 1973

squatverb1to execute someone by electrocution in the electricchairUS , 1950.2to assemble to discuss and mediate disagreementsamong prisonersUS , 1976

squat teamnounin prison (especially HMP Holloway), a unit ofprison officers trained to discover drugs and other contrabandUK , 1996

squatternouna chairUS , 1945

squat throughverbto lower your stance to a squat to maintaincontrol of your surfboard while a wave is cresting over youUS , 1965

squatumnounin Newfoundland, homemade berry wineCANADA , 1964

squawknouna complaint, especially a vociferous and indignant one

US , 1909

squawkverb1to complainUS , 1970.2(of an aircraft) to transmit anidentification and location signal Used among air-trafficcontrollersUS , 1956

squawk booknouna book in which complaints are registeredUS , 1955

squawk boxnoun1a low-fidelity public address systemUS , 1945.2acitizens’ band radioUS , 1976.3a child hospital patient who persist-ently cries or complainsUS , 1994

squaw moneynouna two-dollar noteCANADA , 1987

squaw peenounginger beerCANADA , 1992

squaw pissnounbeer with a low alcohol contentUS , 1968

squaw winternounthe first snowstorm or cold snap, just beforeIndian summerCANADA , 2001

squeaknoun1a police informerUS , 1950.2a cheapskateUS , 1963

squeakverbto complainUK , 2003

squeakernouna very close score in any athletic contest Often usedwith irony to describe a large margin of victoryUS , 1977

squealnounin police work, a person who reports a crime; the callreporting the crimeUK , 1977

squealverb1to inform on someone; to betray someoneUS , 1846.

2from a standstill, to accelerate a car suddenly, squealing the tyres

on the roadUS , 1951

squealernoun1a police informerUK , 1865.2in trucking, a devicethat records time and speed data, used by company officials toassure compliance with laws and regulations Knownconventionally as a ‘tachograph’US , 1971.3a baby, especially anillegitimate oneUK , 1865

squealersnounbaconUS , 1996

squeegee copnounin Burnaby, British Columbia, a policeundercover officer posing as someone offering to cleanwindscreens in stopped traffic in order to catch seat-belt violators

squeezenoun1a partner in romance A shortening ofMAIN SQUEEZE

(a man’s primary romantic partner)US , 1980.2a benefit; an tageUK , 2000.3in prison, a prisoner’s application or request which

advan-is favourably dealt with . a light sentence of imprisonment

UK , 1996.5extortion or graftUS , 1949.< put the squeeze on

someoneto exert influence on someoneUS , 1941.< the

squeezepermission to enterUK , 1996

squeezeverb1to recount or tell somethingUS , 1947.2in poker, to

surround a player with two confederates whose collusive betting

tactics relieve the middle player of his bankroll and drive him

from the gameUS , 1949.3while playing cards, to look only at the

very edge of a cardUS , 1967.< squeeze (her) easyto slow down

a truckUS , 1976.< squeeze a lemon; squeeze the lemonto

drive through a traffic light as it changes from yellow to redUS ,

1993.< squeeze one outto fart; to defecate; of a male, to

masturbateUK , 2005.< squeeze the breezeto close a car

windowUS , 1991.< squeeze the cheeseto fartUS , 1993.

< squeeze the lemonto urinateUK , 1984.< squeeze your

head; squeezeto defecateUK , 1984

squeeze boxnoun1an accordion or concertina Musicians’ slangUK ,

1936.2in greyhound racing, the number five starting position (the

yellow box)AUSTRALIA , 1989

squeeze cheesenouna pasteurised processed cheese product,

semi-solid, sold in a plastic bottle A clever name for a vile thing

US , 1986

squeeze offverbto fire a shot from a gunUS , 1956

squeezersnoundice that have been squeezed out of shape in a vice

for use by cheatsUS , 1950

squeeze upverbto ejaculateUK , 1974

squeezingsnouna gel formed with liquid ethanol and saturated

cal-cium acetate solution; when ignited, the alcohol in the gel burns

Used as a source of fuel in portable cooking stoves and as a

source of alcohol for truly desperate derelicts who squeeze the gel

through sponges and collect the liquidUS , 1980

squibnoun1a cowardAUSTRALIA , 1908.2in the television and film

industries, a small explosive charge that simulates being struck by

a bulletUS , 1990.3in target shooting, a hand-loaded cartridge that

does not fully detonateUS , 1957.4a slow racehorseAUSTRALIA , 1915

squibverb1to act the cowardAUSTRALIA , 1918.2to fire a gun to

frighten rather than to woundCANADA , 1999

squidnoun1a serious, dedicated, diligent studentUS , 1987.2a

despicable, spineless personUS , 1974.3an inexperienced, unskilled

motorcyclist Perhaps from the image of flailing armsUS , 2002.4a

US Navy sailor From the perspective of the US MarinesUS , 1991.5a

fishermanUS , 1978.6a Japanese person who is lacking in all social

skills Hawaiian youth usage; highly insultingUS , 1982.7one pound

sterling (£1) A play onQUID UK , 1997

squidverbto study hardUS , 1981

squidgeverb1to squeeze; to squelch together so as to make a

sucking noise Originally Isle of Wight dialectUK: ENGLAND , 1881.2in

tiddlywinks, to shoot a wink with an oversized winkUS , 1977

squidgy blacknouna variety of marijuanaUK , 1996

squidjiggernounin Canada, any resident of the Maritime Provinces

CANADA , 1978

squiffed offadjectiveannoyed; angryUS , 1952

squiff outverbto lose consciousness as a result of excessive

consumption of alcoholUS , 1953

squiffyadjectivedrunk Probably fromSKEW-WHIFF(at the wrong

angle)UK , 1855

squiggnouna prankUS , 1988

squigglenouna tilde (~) on a computer keyboardUS , 1991

squigglesnounduring the 1991 US war against Iraq, any writing in

the Arabic scriptUS , 1991

squigglynouna sexually attractive womanBERMUDA , 1985

squillionairenouna multi-millionaireUK , 1978

squinch-eyedadjectivewith eyes half closedUS , 1946

squinchyadjectivevery smallBAHAMAS , 1982

squintnoun1a look; a glance Generally phrased ‘have a squint at’

lacking in social skills, fashion or bothUS , 1978.< on the squint

on the look-out for somethingUS , 1970

squirenounused as a familiar form of address to a manUK , 1961

squirm seatnounthe chair in which witnesses sit in a courtroom

US , 1962

squirrelnoun1a reckless driver who weaves in and out of trafficUS ,

1962.2a drug addict who hides drug portions for future useUS , 1957

squirrelverb1to smoke cocaine, marijuana and phencyclidine, therecreational drug known as PCP or angel dust It makes you nuts;squirrels like nutsUK , 1999.2on the railways, to climb up the side

squirrel trapnounthe vaginaUK , 2001

squirrelyadjective1completely obsessed with acquiring andhoarding amphetamineUS , 1989.2in motorcyle racing, difficult tocontrol or out of controlUS , 1973

squirtnoun1a person who is small in stature, character or bothUS ,

1848.2twenty-five cents or twenty-five dollarsUS , 1951.3in the carsales business, windscreen cleanerUS , 1953

squirtverbin pool, to strike the cue ball off centre producing acourse in the opposite direction proportional to the degree towhich the ball is hit off centreUS , 1978.< squirt it into the air

to test an idea by bringing it up before a group and asking forcommentsUS , 1974

squirt brakesnounhydraulic brakesUS , 1965

squirternouna scene in a pornographic film or photographdepicting a man ejaculatingUS , 1995

squirt racingnoundrag racingUS , 1993

squishyadjectiveforgetful Teen slangUS , 1951

squitnounan insignificant person Probably cognate withSQUIRT UK , 1825

squits; the squitsnoundiarrhoea A shortening ofSQUITTERS UK , 1841

squittersnoun diarrhoea From obsolete dialect squitter (to squirt)

UK , 1664

squiz; squizznouna brief look; a peekAUSTRALIA , 1913

squiz; squizzverbto have a brief look From British dialect (Devon)

AUSTRALIA , 1941

squulchverbto crushBARBADOS , 1965

Sri Lankanouna contemptible individual Rhyming slang for

WANKER, apparently inspired by the Sri Lankan cricket teamUK , 1998

SROstanding room only; completely sold-outUS , 1890

SSnoun1an injection of drugs into the skin, avoiding a vein An

initialism of ‘skin shot’ US , 1938.2the Department of Social Security(DSS, previously DHSS) An obvious, hard to resist pun on NazistormtroopersUK , 1988

ssss nounan informer From the hissing sound of aSNAKE(aninformer)UK , 1996

ssstonedadjectiveintoxicated with marijuana ExtendsSTONEDtodemonstrate the effects of marijuanaUK , 1999

stabnoun1a short and sudden type of scratch (a manipulation of arecord to create a musical effect)UK , 2002.2a victim of a knife fight

US , 1985.< have a stab; make a stab atto attempt; to guessUS , 1895

stabverb1to disparage someone with profanityUS , 2001.2in pool, tohit the cue ball with enough backspin so that it stops immediatelyafter striking the object ballUK , 1873

stablenoun1a group of prostitutes working for a single pimp ormadamUS , 1937.2a group of ‘slaves’ in the control of, or at thedisposal of, a dominatrix; a collection of masochists in the control

of, a sadistUS , 1989.3by extension, a group of people working for

.

stableverb(used of a pimp) to induce a prostitute to join other

prostitutes working for himUS , 1969

stable boy’s favouritenouna controlled throw of dice onto a dirt

surfaceUS , 1974

stable of lacenounthe prostitutes associated with one pimpUS , 1976

stable sisternounone prostitute in relation to the other prostitutes

in a pimp’s stableUS , 1972

’stachenouna moustacheUS , 1989

stacknoun1in rock music, an assemblage of loudspeakersUK , 1996.

2in pool, the balls assembled inside the rack before a gameUS ,

1977.3in pool, the clustered pack of balls left at the foot of the

table after the first shot of the gameUS , 1990.4a package of

marijuana cigarettesUS , 1955.5one thousand dollarsUS , 2002.

6moneyUS , 1997.7in trucking, a smokestack from the truck engine

US , 1971.8a large amount of somethingUS , 1870

stackverb1to crash a vehicleAUSTRALIA , 1971.2to earn a lot of

moneyUS , 1997.< stack on a blueto begin a fightAUSTRALIA , 1944.

< stack on a turnto kick up a fussAUSTRALIA , 1971.< stack on

an actto kick up a fussAUSTRALIA , 1962

stack awayverbto eat or drink heartilyAUSTRALIA , 1960

stackedadjective1possessing large breasts Sometimes intensified

with phrases such as ‘stone to the bone’ or rhymed as in ‘stacked

and packed’ (the name of a photographic calendar produced by

former Nixon operative G Gordon Liddy, featuring nearly naked

women holding guns)US , 1942.2muscularUS , 2002.3used of prison

sentences, consecutive, not concurrentUS , 1998.4well-provided;

wealthyUK , 2001

stackhatnouna crash helmetAUSTRALIA , 1985

stack itverbto brag or boast Prison usageNEW ZEALAND , 1999

stacksnoun1a large amountUS , 1892.2a lot of intimate activity with

the opposite sexUK , 1987.3in hot rodding, an exhaust systemUS ,

1948

stackupnouna group of waves; a group of surfers on a single wave

US , 1977

stack upverbon the railways, to have a collisionUS , 1977

staffnoun< go to work without a staff(of a female) to

masturbateUS , 2001.< meet the staffto have sex Punning on

‘staff’ (a long stick/weapon/personnel) as ‘penis’US , 2001

stagnoun1at a social function, a man without a dateUS , 1905.2a

male at a stag party A back-formation fromSTAG PARTY(a party for

men only)UK , 2003.3a pornographic film An elliptical form ofSTAG

MOVIE US , 1966.4guard duty MilitaryUK , 1943.5amyl or butyl nitrite

Possibly derived from a brand marketing the drug as a male

sex-aidUK , 1998.6the butt end of a cigaretteUS , 2002

stag dinnernouna males-only dinner featuring sexual entertain

-ment in the form of pornographic films, dancers and/or prostitutes

US , 1889

stag do; stag night; stagnouna social event for men only After

STAG PARTY UK , 1965

stageverb1to single someone out in front of a crowdUS , 2004.2in

drag racing, to bring the front wheels of a car to the starting line

preparatory to starting the raceUS , 1973

stage door Johnnynouna man waiting outside the stage door for

an actressUS , 1912

stage frightnoun a light ale Rhyming slang UK , 1977

stage mothernounin hospital usage, a mother who coaches their

child in answering questions from a doctor and who has a

preconceived notion of the diagnosis and appropriate treatment

US , 1978

stage namenouna criminal’s aliasUS , 1950

stage stopnouna truck stop A jocular comparison to the days of

stage coachesUS , 1976

stag fightnounan amateur, extra-legally staged boxing matchUS , 1955

stag filmnouna pornographic filmUS , 1967

stag flick

stagged-off pantsnounamong loggers in British Columbia,trousers cut off shortCANADA , 1989

stagger soupnounwhiskyUS , 1977

stagger-through; staggernounan early and rough attempt atrehearsing an entire piece of work TheatricalUK , 1964

stag linenounat a dance, a line of men without dates, waiting todanceUS , 1934

stag movienouna pornographic film made for and enjoyed by men

US , 1960

stag partynouna party for men only, usually organised to viewpornography, tell sexual jokes and/or be entertained by strippers orprostitutesUS , 1856

stainnouna contemptible person Shortened fromWANK-STAIN UK , 1997

stainingnounthe bleed period of the menstrual cycleUK , 1951

stair-dancernouna thief whose speciality is office buildings withmultiple floorsNEW ZEALAND , 1953

stakenoun1money needed to finance an enterprise or to ute as a share to finance an enterpriseUS , 1738.2in gamblingcircles, moneyUS , 1963

contrib-stakeverbto provide someone with money or other neededresourcesUS , 1853

staked outadjectivetired of a necessary but tedious taskBARBADOS , 1992

stake drivernounon the railways, an engineer in the engineeringdepartmentUS , 1946

stakehorsenounin pool, a person who financially backs the wagers

stakeyadjectiveanxious; jumpy; ready to leaveUS , 1965

stal; stallienouna stalactite formation and/or stalagmite formation

A cavers’ and pot-holers’ termUK , 1980

Stalin Hillnouna hill within the punch bowl basin, occuped byNorth Korean and Chinese troops during the Korean war Alsorefers to hills in North Vietnam and Prague (the site of a statue ofStalin from 1955 to 62)US , 1989

stalknoun1the penis, especially when in a state of erectionUK , 1961.

2man’s obvious sexual appetite; courage; impudence Extendedfrom the previous senseUK , 1977.3a plastic sheath used for medi-cal examination of the rectumIRELAND , 1994

stalksnounthe legsUS , 1972

stallnouna pickpocket’s confederate who distracts the victimUK , 1591

stallverb1to make excuses; to play for timeUK , 1829.2in pool, tointentionally miss a shot or lose a gameUS , 1967

stallionnounan attractive, sensual woman, especially a tall oneUS , 1970

stall the ball!stop!IRELAND , 1999

stall the digger!stop!IRELAND , 1997

stall walkernounin horse racing, a nervous jockey who pacesbefore a race A term originally for a racehorse pacing in the stall

US , 1953

Stamford Hill cowboynounan orthodox Jewish resident in theStamford Hill/Stoke Newington area of north London From thewide-brimmed black hat that is conventionally worn and theconsequent image created by a group with the sun behind them

UK , 2002

stammer and stutternounbutter Rhyming slangUK , 1937

stampernouna shoeUK , 1565

stamping groundnouna territory; an area of responsibilityUK , 1821

stamp on

Stan and Ollienounan umbrella Rhyming slang forBROLLY, formed

on the names of film comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver HardyUK ,

1998

standverbin blackjack, to accept your hand without any further

cardsUS , 1980.< stand forto endure or tolerate somethingUS , 1896

stand-aboutnouna idler A variation of ‘layabout’, but so literal as

to be almost conventionalINDIA , 2002

stand-at-easenouncheese Rhyming slang, originally military,

current during Word War 1UK , 1979

stand by for a ramming!used as a jocular prediction that trouble

is impendingUS , 1994

stand from undernounthunder Rhyming slangUK , 1960

stand on itto accelerate a car to full speedUS , 1970

stand on mebelieve meUK , 1933

stand-overnounintimidation Used attributivelyAUSTRALIA , 1956

standoververbto intimidate someone with the threat of violence

stand-readnoun an act of standing and reading magazines,

newspapers, etc where they are displayed on a vendor’s shelves A

subtle form of theftUK , 1999

stand-to-attentionnouna pension Rhyming slang, originally

military, probably from the early part of C20 and used exclusively

of a military pension; now in wider useUK , 1961

stand upverb1to fail to keep a social appointment or romantic

engagement with someoneUS , 1902.2to refuse to co-operate when

questioned by the police; to withstand pressure to confessUS , 1971

stand-upadjective1loyal to the end, devoted and dependable

Perhaps from boxing, where a stand-up fight was one in which the

fighters stood up to each without flinching or evasion The

ulti-mate praise in the world of organised crimeUS , 1971.2solid; pure

US , 1973

stand-upadverbdescribing someone’s play in pool, at your true skill

level, not below itUS , 1993

standy-upadjectiveused of an on-your-feet position or postureUK ,

2002

stangnounprospective goods to be stolenUS , 1965

Stangnouna Ford Mustang carUS , 1993

stanknounthe vagina; sex Usually said unkindlyUS , 1980.< get

your stank on(from a female perspective) to have sex

ReclaimingSTANK(the vagina) for womenUK , 2002

stankyadjectivebad-smellingUS , 1980

Stanleynoun1a Pole or Polish-American Coined in ChicagoUS , 1982.

2an industrial knife with a retractable blade, often used as a

discreet weapon Although similar tools are manufactured by

many other companies, the Stanley brand provides the generic

identityUK , 1997

stanley knifenouna wife Rhyming slang, formed from a

proprietary cutting tool that is a generic for such toolsUK , 1998

stanzanounin horse racing, a single raceUS , 1951

starnoun1cocaine Possibly from shorteningSTARDUST(cocaine)US ,

2003.2methcathinoneUK , 2003.3a prisoner serving a first custodial

sentenceUK , 1996.4an asterisk sign (*) on a computer keyboardUS ,

1991.5man; used as a general form of address West Indian, hence

UK black Also spelt ’starr’JAMAICA , 1995

starchnounsemenUS , 1967

stardustnoun1cocaineUS , 1967.2phencyclidine Recorded as a

‘current PCP alias’US , 1977

starfishnounthe anus A visual punUK , 2001

starfish troopernouna male homosexual An allusion to anal sex

based onSTARFISH(the anus), playing on the popular science

starfuckernounanyone who seeks to provide free sexual services tothe famous; hence, an ingratiating hanger-on of anyone withcelebrity statusUK , 1970

star gazernoun1on the railways, a brakeman who has misreadoncoming signalsUS , 1975.2in horse racing, a horse that holds itshead too highUK , 1948

star gradenounin the US military, the rank of generalUS , 1982

stark bollock nakedadjectiveabsolutely naked An amendedspelling of earlier ‘stark ballock naked’, 1922UK , 1984

stark bollocky; stark bollocky naked; stark ballockyadjective

totally nakedAUSTRALIA , 1972

starkersadjectivetotally nakedNEW ZEALAND , 1923

stark mother nakedadjectivetotally nakedAUSTRALIA , 1967

stark staring bonkersadjectiveutterly madUK , 2001

starlight hotelnounsleeping in the open air at nightNEW ZEALAND , 1998

starsnounLSD From the design printed on the doseUK , 1998

Starship Enterprisenouna marijuana cigarette In the cult

televison series Star Trek (1966–69) and sequels, the Starship

Enterprise is a means ‘to boldly go’ exploring space – simply a

ROCKETfor the next generationUK , 2001

Starsky and Hutch; starskynounthe crotch Rhyming slang,formed from a US television police-action-adventure series,1976–81UK , 1998

star’s napverbto borrow something, especially money Rhymingslang forTAP UK , 1961

star-spangled powdernouncocaineUK , 1998

startverb1to start your menstrual periodUS , 2001.2to act as if youwant a fightIRELAND , 1998

starternouna gambler hired by a casino to gamble and therebycreate interest in a gameUS , 1977

starter capnouna condom To stop anything startingUS , 1996

startersnounany lubricant used to facilitate anal sexUK , 2002.< for startersto begin withUK , 1969

starting juicenounpressurised ether in a spray can, used to spray

in the carburettor to help start a car that is not inclined to startUS , 1992

startlernounin typography, an exclamation mark (!)UK , 2003

star upverb(used of a young prisoner, on turning 21) to betransferred to an adult prisonUK , 1996

starvernouna saveloyAUSTRALIA , 1941

starve the crows!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1918

starve the lizards!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1927

starve the mice!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1962

starving Armeniansnounused as an example when parents urgechildren to finish their dinner There are endless variations on thethemeUS , 1979

starving daysnounthe first few, unproductive days of a project Alogger term that survived the end of mass loggingUS , 1975

stashnoun1a hidden supply of drugs, usually marijuana; the hidingplace itselfUS , 1942.2in the illegal production of alcohol, a cache ofalcoholUS , 1974.3ill-gotten or illicit goods kept in a hidden store

UK , 1914.4a person’s hiding placeUS , 1927.5a room, apartment orhouseUS , 1946

stashverb1to hide something, especially drugsUS , 1914.2(used of aprostitute) to retain some of your earnings and not turn themover to your pimpUS , 1989

stash apartmentnounan apartment where drugs are hiddenUS , 1992

stash catchernounan employee of a drug dealer whose job it is toretrieve supplies of drugs that are jettisoned in the event of apolice raidUS , 1992

stash padnounthe room, apartment or house where someonehides their drugs

statnoun1a statistic Usually used in the pluralUS , 1961.2a statutory

tenantUK , 1963.3methcathinoneUS , 2003

statchadjectivestatutoryUS , 1994

statenoun1a dirty, ill-kempt or poorly preserved conditionUK , 1879.

2a condition of excitement; agitation; anxiety; a state of

drunkennessUK , 1837.3a state prisonUS , 1991

State and Perversionnicknamein Chicago, the intersection of State

and Division StreetsUS , 1958

state collegenouna state prisonUS , 1949

state electriciannounthe executioner in a state using

electrocution in the electric chair for capital punishmentUS , 1982

statefuladjectivein a nervous or excited condition, ‘in a state’ Teen

slangUK , 2003

State of Maine bankrollnouna bankroll made from a real note

folded around paper cut to the shape of currencyUS , 1975

state-of-the-monteadjectivestate of the art, using up-to-date

tech-nology Formed with theFULL MONTE(everything)UK , 1999

state-raisedadjectivesaid of a prisoner who has spent most of his

life incarceratedUS , 1992

Statesnoun< the Statesin Alaska, all states except AlaskaUS , 1984

statesideadjectiveof the US; AmericanUS , 1943

state timenouna prison sentence served in a state prison More

serious than time inCOUNTY, and within the state jurisdiction as

opposed to federal jurisdictionUS , 1995

stateynouna state highway trooperUS , 1985

staticnounharassment; trouble; complicationsUS , 1926

stationerynounfree tickets to an athletic or entertainment event

UK , 1952

stations of the crossa police tactic in which a person who has

been arrested is moved from one precinct to another in rapid

succession, making it impossible for him to be located and bailed

out by his friends and familyUS , 1992

stavenouna drinking sessionIRELAND , 1984

staving drunkadjectivevery drunk This phrase has lasted past the

time when alcohol came only in barrels (althoughSWISHstill does)

CANADA , 1999

stayverbto resideUS , 1973.< stay awaketo use amphetamines or

methamphetamine continuously A vague euphemismUS , 1989.

< stay looseto remain calmUS , 1959

stay and prayverbin poker, to stay in a hand with a large amount

of money bet, hoping for a particular card to be drawn to improve

your handUS , 1988

stay-awakenounamphetamine sulphate or any other central

nervous system stimulantUS , 1993

stay-behindadjectiveleft to operate in enemy territory CIA Director

Allen Dulles formed ‘Operation Stay Behind’ shortly after World

War 2, building a wide network of anti-communist guerrillas –

including many former Nazis – who would fight behind the lines

in the event of a Soviet invasion of EuropeUS , 1982

stayernoun1in poker, a hand that warrants staying in the game but

not raising the betUS , 1949.2in horse racing, a horse that performs

well in longer distance racesUS , 1976

stay-home saucenounfood or drink made with ingredients

believed to instil sexual fidelity or attractionGUYANA , 1992

stay-outnounin prison, a confrontational tactic in which prisoners

refuse to return to their cellsUS , 1976

stay out of the Koolaid!mind your own business!US , 1995

stay putto remain in place, to stay where you areUS , 1843

stay upused as a farewellUS , 1998

stay-wagnouna station wagonUS , 1991

St Cat’snounin Montreal, Rue St CatherineCANADA , 2002

STD grab bagnouna person who has had many sexual partners

and is likely, therefore, to be a source of sexually transmitted

disease

steadynouna steady boyfriend or girlfriendUS , 1897

steady Eddienouna reliable, dependable, trustworthy personUS , 2003

Steak and KidneynounSydney Rhyming slangAUSTRALIA , 1905

steak and kidney pienounthe eye Rhyming slangUK , 1960

steak drapesnounthe vaginal labia A play onBEEF CURTAINS UK , 1998

stealnounsomething cheap or made available at a cheaper costUS , 1944

stealverbin poker, to win a hand with an inferior hand eitherthrough superior bluffing skills or poor estimation by other players

US , 1979.< steal someone blindto rob someone of everything

An illiterate variation of ‘rob someone blind’US , 1976.< steal the antein poker, to bet aggressively early in a hand, driving outother players and leaving a pot consisting mostly of the buy-inantesUS , 1975.< steal the showin a public display, to outshineother performers, to gain most applauseUS , 1928

stealth bombernicknameStella Artois™ lager Named after thenickname of the US Air Force’s B2 Spirit, which is used here toimply invisible strength and a great power to inflict damageUK , 2002

steamnoun1alcoholAUSTRALIA , 1941.2hashishCANADA , 2002.3in sportsbetting, a flurry of betting on one side of a betUS , 1991.< not give the steam off your turds; not give the steam of your pissexpresses an absolute refusal to give or be generous Thepredominate style is ‘off’, rather than ‘of’ The term employed forappropriate bodily excretions may be as varied as the user’svocabulary: ‘steam off your shit’ is a familiar exampleUK , 2000

steamverbin gambling, to bet increasingly larger amounts ofmoney in a losing effort to recoup recurring lossesUS , 1985

steam and cream; steam jobnounduring the Vietnam war, a bathand sex with a prostituteUS , 1969

steamboatnouna cardboard tube or box with a hole for amarijuana cigarette and a hole for inhaling, used to trap thesmokeUS , 1967

steamboatsadjective1foolish, silly Probably derives as rhyming

slang from Steamboat Willie, the 1928 animated film that

introduced Mickey MouseUK , 2000.2drunkUK: SCOTLAND , 1996

steamenouna steamed hot dogCANADA , 2001

steamernoun1a member of a youth gang taking part in asteaming attackUK , 1987.2in horse racing, a horse that attractsheavy betting on the morning of a race, at a time before the oddsbeing offered by bookmakers are reducedUK , 1991.3an act of oralsex performed on a manUK , 2003.4a homosexual man, especiallyone who seeks passive partners Ultimately fromSTEAM TUG(a

MUG)UK , 1958.5a prostitute’s clientUK , 2002.6a gambler whoincreases the size of his bets after losingUS , 1968.7a drinkingsessionUK: SCOTLAND , 1988.8a full wetsuit covering the torso, legsand armsAUSTRALIA , 1985

steam inverbto engage in an activity, especially fighting, with ute commitmentUK , 1961

absol-steamingnounyouth gang activity involving robbing and escaping

en masseUK , 1987

steamingadjective1used as an intensifierUK , 1962.2drunkUK , 2002

steaming demonnounany large American carUK , 1981

steam packetnouna jacket Rhyming slangUK , 1857

steampiggedadjectivedrunkUK , 2002

steam-poweredadjectiveobsoleteUS , 1991

steamrollernoun1a thick hand-rolled cigaretteNEW ZEALAND , 1953.2a

bowler hat Rhyming slang Glossed as: ‘A dying piece simply

because the headwear of the typical city gent is a thing of the

past’ by Ray Puxley, Cockney Rabbit, 1992 UK , 1992

steam tug; steamernouna fool; a victim Rhyming slang forMUG

UK , 1932

steeazicknouna marijuana cigaretteUS , 1947

steelnouna pistol A variation of the more common ‘iron’US , 1993.

< off the steelnot engaged in railway workUS , 1977

steel and concrete curenounthe sudden and complete

steel beachnounthe deck of an aircraft carrier or other warship

when used for recreational purposesUS , 1982

steel doornouna hospital-admitting physician who admits only the

sickest patientsUS , 1994

steelienouna ball bearing used in a game of marblesUS , 1978

steeliesnounsteel-toed boots, especially those made by Doc Marten

US , 2000

steel potnounthe US military standard-issue M-1 helmet Vietnam

war usageUS , 1968

steelynoun1a steel guitarUK , 1967.2in trucking, a brake made with

a magnesium-steel brake shoe in a steel drumUS , 1971

steennounan imaginary large numberUS , 1900

steepadjective1excessively expensive; over-pricedUS , 1856.2sought

by the police; wantedUS , 1995

steernoun< all a steer can do is trysaid to justify, humbly, an

attempt to do the seemingly impossibleCANADA , 1987

steerverbin confidence swindles, to direct the confederate(s) who

will swindle the victimUS , 1889

steeragenouneconomy class on a commercial airlinerUS , 2002

steerernouna person who directs potential customers to an illegal

enterpriseUS , 1989

steermannoun1a member of a swindling enterprise who identifies

potential victims and directs them into the swindleUS , 1993.2in

tandem surfing, the person towards the rear of the surfboardUS ,

1957

steezenouna person’s image or styleUS , 2003

Steffi Graf; Steffinoun1a laugh Rhyming slang, formed from the

name of the German tennis champion (b.1969)UK , 1998.2a bath

Rhyming slang, based on the name of the German tennis player

Steffi Graf (b.1969)UK , 1998.3half an ounce, especially of drugs.

Rhyming slangUK , 2003

steggiesnounsteroidsUK , 2002

Steinienouna bottle of Steinlager™ beerNEW ZEALAND , 1998

stella bluenouna variety of marijuana Possibly named after a 1973

song by the Grateful Dead: ‘It seems like all this life / Was just a

dream / Stella Blue / Stella Blue’UK , 1995

stellaradjectivevery good A conventional adjective rendered slangy

through attitude, pronunciation and application to objects such as

hamburgersUS , 1986

Stella the Stenonounused as a personification of the stereotypical

female office workerUS , 1946

stemnoun1a main street or boulevard, especially one frequented by

tramps, prostitutes, pimps, and their ilkUS , 1914.2the dominant

culture in a society An abbreviation of ‘system’US , 1995.3the

penisUS , 1972.4a railway trackUS , 1946.5a laboratory pipette used

to smoke crack cocaineUS , 1992.< on the stemperforming or

inclined to perform oral sex on a manUS , 1976.< up against the

stemaddicted to smoking marijuana From ‘stem’ (the

non-smokeable part of the marijuana plant)UK , 1998

stemverbto beg on the streetUS , 1958

stemmernouna beggarUS , 1962

stemsnoun1the legsUK , 1860.2marijuana An example ofBAD

meaning ‘good’; the non-smokeable part of the plant is here

adopted as a name for the goodUK , 2003

stenchelnounmolasses, water and ground ginger, to go on porridge

or as a drink in the fieldCANADA , 1988

stench trenchnounthe vaginaUK , 1997

stencilnouna thin and long marijuana cigaretteUS , 1980

stenkedadjectivedrunkUK: SCOTLAND , 1996

stenonouna stenographerUS , 1906

stenographernounin a deck of playing cards, a queenUS , 1988

stepverb< step onto dilute a powdered drugUS , 1971.< step on

the gas; step on itto hurry; to accelerate; often used as an

imperative Originally applied just to motor vehicles; the ‘it’ is

the accelerator pedal .< step on your dickto commit

a self-damaging actUS , 1980.< step on your meatto engage inself-defeating conductUS , 1981.< step up to the plateto rise to

a challenge From the image of a batter in baseball coming up tobatUS , 1919

Stephenson’s rocketnouna pocket Rhyming slang, formed fromthe early locomotiveUK , 1998

Stepin Fetchitnounan black person who curries favour with whitesthrough obsequious behaviour After the stage name of LincolnTheodore Monroe Perry (1902–85), a black actor known for hisfilm portrayal of stereotypical black minstrel charactersUS , 1940

step offverbto go awayUS , 1993

steppernoun1a prostitute; a promiscuous womanUS , 1953.2agunmanJAMAICA , 2000.< up the steps; up the stairson trial.The accused goes up the steps/stairs from the cells into the court

UK , 1931

step toverbto get into a fightUS , 1995

step upverbto start a fightUS , 2001

stern-wheelernounthe passive participant in anal sexUS , 1979

Steve Canyonnounany fighter pilot Vietnam war usage, alluding tothe name of a comic strip popular in the US in the 1950s and 60s

US , 1968

Steve McQueen’snounjeans Rhyming slangUK , 2002

Stevie Wondernounthunder Rhyming slang, formed from thename of the US singer and musician (b.1950)UK , 1998

stewnoun1an awkward position; an agitated conditionUK , 1806.2astate of alcohol intoxicationUS , 1965.3a drunkardUS , 1950.

4nitroglycerin used to blow open a safeUS , 1949.5an airline flightattendant A shortened form of ‘stewardess’US , 1969

stewverb< stew in your own juiceto endure the consequences

of your actionsUK , 1885

stewards’; steward’snounan informal investigation of any ation Reduced from ‘stewards’ inquiry’ (an authorised investi-gation by the officials who control horse racing)UK , 1999

situ-Stewart Grangernoundanger Rhyming slang, formed from thename of the British film actorUK , 1992

stew bum; stewbumnounan alcoholic derelictUS , 1902

stewedadjectivedrunk Another drunk synonym, first recorded byBenjamin FranklinUS , 1737

stewed prunenouna tune Rhyming slangUK , 1979

stewienounan alcoholicUS , 1945

St Gapournounin Quebec, the alcoholic mixed drink best known

as a Singapore SlingCANADA , 1992

sticknoun1ability in poolUS , 1970.2a cigarette Indian EnglishINDIA ,

1979.3marijuanaUK , 2003.4phencyclidine, the recreational drugknown as PCP or angel dustUK , 2001.5a truncheon; a riot baton Inpolice and prison-service use; narrowing but continuing the sense

as ‘cudgel’, which has been in recorded use since 1377US , 1929.6aburglar’s pry-barUK , 1879.7a clarinet A shortened form ofLIQUORICE

STICK US , 1946.8a handgun Recorded in use August 2002UK , 1781.

9a surfboardUS , 1964.10a skateboardUS , 1984.11in horse racing,the whip used by jockeysUS , 1976.12a pool playerUS , 1990.13thegame of poolUS , 1966.14a set of rules for a game of poolUS , 1990.

15criticism, especially harsh criticism A softening of the sense ‘tobeat with a stick’UK , 1942.16violent punishment; a severereprimand Originally ‘the stick’ (a beating with a stick)UK , 1856.

17harsh or extreme demands made of a motor engine Usually as

‘give it (some) stick’; derives from the sense of the ‘cane’, as

‘punishment’UK , 1978.18a manually operated car transmission Ashortened form of ‘stick shift’US , 1960.19in drag and motor racing,tyre tractionUS , 1980.20a prisoner’s personal influence or powerUS ,

1992.21a person of a type describedUK , 1784.22a fighter pilotUS ,

1986.23a prostituteUS , 1972.24one thousand dollars Probably anevolution ofYARD US , 1978.25in circus or carnival, a person playing

a game or concession with the house’s money in an attempt toattract other patrons to playUS , 1980 8see:BELLY-STICK.< give it stick; give it some stickto enjoy something noisily, and to theutmostUK , 1984.< give stick; give some stickto energeticallycriticise someone; to inflict physical damage on something or

someoneUK , 2000.< had the stickto be ruined or irreparably

broken; to be finishedAUSTRALIA , 1953.< up the stickpregnant

AUSTRALIA , 1941

stickverb1to stab someone with a knifeUS , 1975.2to inject a drug

US , 1992.3to punch or hit someoneUS , 2003.4(from the male

perspective) to have sexUS , 1972.5to tolerate or endure someone

or somethingUK , 1899.6to burden someoneUK , 1851.< stick a hit

in snowboarding, to achieve impressive height when jumpingUS ,

1995.< stick beef(used of a male) to have sexBAHAMAS , 1982.

< stick fatto remain loyal Prison usageNEW ZEALAND , 1997.

< stick in promise land forto threaten someone with a prison

sentence Prison useUK , 1959.< stick it upto treat someone

unfairlyAUSTRALIA , 1974.< stick like shit to a blanketto adhere

tenaciouslyUK , 1956.< stick one on someoneto hit someone

UK , 1960.< stick to your knittingto limit your efforts to doing

what you know how to do; in the business world, to avoid the

temptation to diversify beyond your company’s expertiseUS , 1991.

< stick withto persevere with something; to endure; to remain

faithful to someone or somethingUK , 1882.< stick your neck

outto take a riskUS , 1926

stick < stick your bib into interfere; to meddleAUSTRALIA , 1952

stickabilitynounperseveranceUS , 1888

stick and stone; sticknouna bone Rhyming slang, generally plural

UK , 1992

stick booknouna pornographic book or magazineAUSTRALIA , 1967

stick bunnouna son Rhyming slangUK , 1992

stickernoun1a knifeUK , 1896.2a warrant or bill of detainerUS , 1976.

3a prisoner who is remanded in custody pending a court

appearanceUK , 1977

stick forverbto charge too much for somethingUK , 1961

stick hallnouna pool roomUS , 1958

stick horsenounin horse racing, a horse that runs best with some

encouragement from the jockey and whipUS , 1976

stickienicknamea member of the ‘official’ IRA and Sinn Fein

IRELAND , 1972

stick Indiannouna backwoods IndianCANADA , 1956

sticking outadjectivegood; fashionableUK , 1983

stick-in-the-mudnounsomeone who resists changeUK , 1733

stick it up your arse!; stick it in your ear!; stick it up your

jumper!expressions of contemptuous rejectionUS , 1960

stick magnouna pornographic magazineAUSTRALIA , 1992

stickmannoun1a pickpocket, shoplifter or other petty criminal’s

accomplice who is passed the stolen goods, and also impedes any

pursuit West Indian slangUK , 1861.2a marijuana smokerUS , 1966.

3a sexually active heterosexual male who prides himself on his

skill and prowessUK , 1975

stick me with a fork – I’m done!used for expressing submission

in the face of a challengeUS , 2000

stick of rocknounthe penis Rhyming slang forCOCK; a visual pun

on a long pink sweet that is made to be suckedUK , 1992

stick of teanounmarijuana prepared and smoked in the fashion of

a cigarette CombinesSTICK(a cigarette) withTEA(marijuana)US ,

1940

stick outverbto be conspicuous or obvious From ‘stick out a mile’

Originally in conventional use, colloquial or slang since mid-C19

UK , 1638.< stick out like dog’s ballsto be obvious; to stand out

prominentlyAUSTRALIA , 1971

sticksnoun1the countrysideUS , 1905.2goalposts Examples include

football (soccer) and Australian Rules footballAUSTRALIA , 1876.3skis;

ski polesUS , 1963.4furnitureUS , 1956.5good quality marijuanaUK ,

2000

sticks and stonesnounthe game of poolUS , 1990

sticksingnounpickpocketing West Indian slangUK , 1977

stick sisternouna woman who shares a sexual partner with another

stickspinnouna scene in a pornographic film in which a womanchanges positions without losing her vaginal grip on the man’spenisUS , 1995

stick upverbto rob someone at gunpoint; to hold up a place

AUSTRALIA , 1843

stick-upadjectiveengaged in sexTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1974

stickup; stick-upnoun1an armed hold-upUS , 1904.2glue used insolvent abuse A play on the conventional use of glueUK , 1996

stick up forverbto champion or defend someone or somethingUK , 1837

stick-up merchantnounan armed robberAUSTRALIA , 2001

stickynounan inquisitive look Short forSTICKYBEAK AUSTRALIA , 1974

stickyadjective1of a situation, incident, work, etc, unpleasant, verydifficult, dangerousUK , 1915.2in troubleBARBADOS , 1965.3of awebsite, successful at attracting repeated or extended visits fromInternet usersUK , 2003.4in volleyball, said of a ball that is briefly,and illegally, heldUS , 1972

stickybeak; sticky-beaknoun1an overly inqusitive person

AUSTRALIA , 1920.2an inquisitive lookAUSTRALIA , 1971

stickybeak; sticky-beakverbto pryAUSTRALIA , 1933

sticky booknouna pornographic book or magazineUK , 2000

sticky buns; the stickysnoundiarrhoea Rhyming slang forTHE

RUNS UK , 2003

sticky dognounin cricket, a rain-soaked pitch which the sun isdryingUK , 1933

sticky endnoun< come to a sticky end1(of a person) to end

up in prison, or to die an unpleasant (and unnatural) death; (thus,

of an abstract or physical thing) to cease to exist, to be destroyed

UK , 1961.2to masturbate A pleasing punAUSTRALIA , 1984

sticky end of the stickthe least desirable partTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1987

sticky fingerverbto shopliftUS , 1970

sticky-fingeredadjectiveinclined to thieveryUK , 1890

sticky fingersnoun1an inclination to stealUS , 1939.2a shoplifterUS , 1982

sticky-ickynounmarijuanaUS , 2002

sticky toffeenouncoffeeUK , 1979

sticky wicketnoun1a tricky or uncertain situation From the game

of cricket; the ball bounces unpredictably on a pitch that is dryingoutUK , 1882.2in croquet, a difficult shotUS , 1977

stiffnoun1a corpseUS , 1859.2an ordinary person; a person whoconformsUS , 1998.3in any endeavour, a disappointing, poorperformerUS , 1978.4a non-player in a gambling establishmentUS ,

1979.5a poor tipperUS , 1974.6a disagreeable person who is likely totry to cheatUS , 1882.7a tramp; a hoboUK , 1899.8in an illegalbetting operation, a person who has agreed to pose as the head ofthe operation to protect the actual head in the event of a policeraid and arrestUS , 1952.9an unskilled pool playerUS , 1993.10inhorse racing, a horse that is favoured to win but is not ridden in

an effort to winUS , 1947.11in pool, the cue ball left with no easyshotUS , 1993.12a worthless chequeUS , 1950.13in the usage oftelephone swindlers, a payment by chequeUS , 1959.14aclandestine letter; in prison, a letter smuggled into, out of, orbetween prisonsUK , 1900.15in blackjack, a card with a value of two,three, four, five or six Combined with a ten-point card, a card thatleaves the player in limboUS , 1975.< the stiffmoney orcorrespondence to the benefit of a prisoner passed to a prisonwarder by a prisoner’s friend or relativeUS , 1875

stiffverb1to cheat someone; to rob someone; to refuse to paysomeoneUS , 1950.2to extort from someoneUK , 1978.3to killsomeoneUK , 1977.4to fail miserablyUS , 1996.5(of a male) to havesex Used in both the passive and active formsUK , 1977

stiffadjective1of alcoholic liquor, potent or undilutedUK , 1813.

2drunkUS , 1737.3excellentBERMUDA , 1985.4frustrated; out of luck

From earlier sense as ‘broke, penniless’, 1898 (Australian National

stiffadverbgreatly; used to intensify, especially ‘bore’ and ‘scare’.

From ‘stiff’ (dead) hence, here, ‘to death’; always after the verb it

modifiesUK , 1905

stiff!tough luck!AUSTRALIA , 1985

stiff-assed; stiff-arsedadjectiveused of a person who behaves in a

superior manner and doesn’t mix with othersUS , 1937

stiff bikkies!used for expressing a lack of sympathy with a bad

turn of eventsNEW ZEALAND , 1992

stiff cheddar!tough luck!AUSTRALIA , 1979

stiff cheese!tough luck!AUSTRALIA , 1979

stiffen the crows!heavens above!AUSTRALIA , 1932

stiffen the wombats!heavens above!AUSTRALIA , 1962

stiff-eyeverbto look at someone without establishing eye contact

US , 1964

stiffienounan erectionNEW ZEALAND , 1995

stiff lucknounbad luckAUSTRALIA , 1919

stiff onenounany strong alcoholic drinkUK , 1813

stiff shit!tough luck!AUSTRALIA , 1969

stiff-toe gangnounthe deadBAHAMAS , 1995

stiff turpsnounbad luckAUSTRALIA , 1960

stiff upper lipnouna personal quality characterised as repressed

emotion or quiet courage, and regarded as typically British In early

use you would ‘carry’ or ‘keep’ a stiff upper lip; later use is mainly

jocular or derisory Although widely considered a stereotypical

British characteristic, actually of US originUS , 1815

stiff withadjectiveclosely packed, densely crowded Hyperbole;

orig-inally (from C17) a conventional use of ‘stiff’UK , 1907

stiffynoun1an erection Also variants ‘stiffie’ and ‘stiff’.UK , 1980.2in

snowboarding, a stiff-legged jumping manoeuvreUS , 1995.3an

engraved invitation card Upper-class society use; from the

unbending quality of the card and the (stiff ) formality of the

occasionUK , 1982.4a computer disc From the packagingSOUTH

AFRICA , 1993

stifleverbto silence yourself A verb popularised by the Archie

Bunker character on the television series All in the Family US , 1971

stillnicknamea Falkland IslanderUK , 2002

still gamenouna card game held on a regular basis with regular

playersUS , 1977

stilliesnounstiletto shoesUK , 2005

stilt person; stilt peoplenouna celebrityNEW ZEALAND , 2003

stiltsnounthe legsUS , 1945

stimnounan empty bottle with a refundable depositUK , 1995

stimeynounten dollars’ worth of drugs From the synonymousDIME

BAG; a contraction of ‘it’s a dimey’US , 2001

stimpnounthe legUK , 2002

stimp covernouna nylon stocking Based onSTIMP(the leg)UK , 2002

stingnoun1any crime that achieves its purpose by fraud or

deceptionUS , 1930.2a robberyUS , 1940.3a short, sharp chord played

to make or disssolve a sense of suspenseUS , 1973

stingverb1to swindle someone; to cheat, to rob someoneUK , 1812.

2in horse racing, to shock a horse with an electrical device during

a raceUS , 1951.< sting between the toes(from a male

perspective) to have sexAUSTRALIA , 1971

stingernoun1a pinched nerveUS , 1999.2the penisUS , 1967.4a high

velocity, hollow-nose, expanding bulletUS , 1981.4in poker, a

sequence of five cards Known conventionally as a ‘straight’US , 1988.

5a railway brakesmanUS , 1977.6an improvised heating element

consisting of exposed wires attached to a small metal plate, used

for heating waterUS , 1989.7an illegal vote Chicago Mayor Richard

Daley was given credit for delivering Chicago and the state of

Illinois to John Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election through

extensive use of ‘stingers’ Subsequent research dispelled most of

these rumours, but Daley enjoyed the power the stories gave him

. a radio antenna

stingonounstrong, illegally manufactured whiskyUS , 1999

stingy brimnouna hat with a thin brimUS , 1949

stinknouna commotion; a loud complaintUK , 1812.< like stink

desperately hard, extremely fast, very much, etcUK , 1929

stinkverbto be aesthetically or morally offensiveUS , 1934

stink bombnounin the used car business, a car that won’t sellbecause of a lingering, nauseating smellUS , 1992

stinkernoun1an offensive or despicable person or thingUS , 1911.2acorpse that has begun to decompose and, as a result, smellUS , 1996.

3an onionUS , 1962.4a cigar So known because of the offensivesmell the cigar emitsUS , 1907.5in dominoes, a player who forcesthe next player to draw by cutting him offUS , 1959.6a stronglyworded letterUK , 1912

stinkeroonouna complete failure Coined by Damon RunyonUS , 1934

stinker squadnouna police homicide investigative departmentUS , 1981

stink-eyenouna hateful glare Hawaiian youth usageUS , 1981

stink-fingernoun1the insertion of a finger or fingers into awoman’s vaginaUK , 1903.2the middle finger From the vaginalodour occasioned by the finger’s predominant use in sexualforeplayUK , 1984

stink-fingerverbto insert a finger or fingers into a woman’s vagina

US , 1992

stinkingadjective1disgusting, contemptible In conventional use forcenturies, but now considered vulgarUK , 1961.2drunk, very drunk.This sense is recorded earlier thanSTINKING DRUNK US , 1887

stinking drunkadjectivevery drunk A combination of twoadjectives with the same senseUK , 1926

stinkinglyadverbexcessivelyUK , 1906

stinking rich; stinkingadjectivevery wealthy First recorded as

‘stinking’ in 1940; with ‘rich’ in 1945US , 2003

stinking thinkingnounthe rationalisation of an addiction as ‘notthat bad’ or as something short of an addiction Used in twelve-step recovery programmes such as Alcoholics AnonymousUS , 1998

stinking with money; stinking with itadjectivevery wealthy Avariation ofSTINKING RICH UK , 1961

stinkonounalcohol, especially wineAUSTRALIA , 1958

stinkoadjectiveexceedingly drunkUS , 1927

stinkoedadjectivedrunk A variation ofSTINKO UK , 1997

stinkoutnouna prank in which bad-smelling material is put in aroom, making it uninhabitableUS , 1967

stink potnounthe vaginaUS , 1980

stink stiffnouna badly decomposed and smelly corpseUS , 1984

stinkumnounany bad-smelling substanceUS , 1972

stinkweed; stink weednounmarijuanaUS , 1950

stinkynoun1a promiscuous womanBERMUDA , 1985.2a femalemember of the Royal Air Force In Royal Air Force use, 2002UK ,

2002.< go stinkyto defecateUS , 1979

stinky pinkynoun1a finger enriched with the aroma of vaginaUS ,

1993.2a party game based on rhymes An overworked prostitute is

a ‘sore whore’, excretory humour is ‘shit wit’, etcUS , 1949

stipenouna stipendiary steward at a racecourseAUSTRALIA , 1902

stirnoun1a prison or jail Derives from Romany stariben, steripen thus Welsh gispy star (to be imprisoned), stardo (imprisoned) UK ,

1851.2a partyNEW ZEALAND , 1998.3teasingAUSTRALIA , 1985.< do stir

to serve time in prisonUK , 1994

stirverb1to have sexUS , 1973.2to tease someoneAUSTRALIA , 1969.

< stir the porridge(of a man) to have sex with a woman whosevagina is newly awash with the semen of her previous partner(s),especially if the final man in the line; to have sex with a womanwho is in a sexual relationship with another man The appearance

of mixed ejaculate put the coiner in mind of porridgeAUSTRALIA ,

1970.< stir the shitto cause trouble, especially by gossiping or

stir bugnouna prisoner crazed by years of incarcerationUS , 1950

stir-crazyadjectivederanged by incarcerationUS , 1908

stir-happyadjectiveadversely affected by imprisonmentUK , 1959

Stirling Moss; stirlingnouna thing of little or no value Rhyming

slang forTOSS, formed from the champion racing driver, Stirling

Moss (b.1929)UK , 1992

stirrernouna teaser; a troublemakerAUSTRALIA , 1966

stirrupnoun1in trucking, any device that provides help for climbing

up into the cabUS , 1971.2on the railways, the lowest step on a

stitch queennouna male homosexual wardrobe assistantUS , 1973

stitch that!; stitch this!said at the moment of physical attack

with a knife or similar weapon, usually as the climax to a

catchphrase threat such as ‘Can your wife do first aid? Stitch that!’

or ‘Are you any good at sewing? Stitch this!’UK , 1992

stitch-upnounan act that unjustly places criminal, financial or

moral responsibility on someone elseUK , 1984

stitch upverb1(of the police) to incriminate someone, especially by

planting false evidenceUK , 1977.2to deliberately take unfair

advan-tage of someoneUK , 1970

stitchynounin circus and carnival usage, a tailorUS , 1981

stivververbto staggerCANADA , 1953

STLadjectivesaid of a hospital patient who is in a persistent

vegetative state, who is similar to lettuce US , 1994

St Louisnounin circus and carnival usage, second helpings of food

According to Wilmeth, an allusion to the fact that circus

engagements in St Louis played in two sectionsUS , 1981

St Louis blues; St Louisnoun1shoes Rhyming slang, formed

from ‘St Louis Blues’, a song by William Christopher Handy,

published in 1914, and now a jazz classicUK , 1980.2news; the

news Glasgow rhyming slangUK: SCOTLAND , 1985

St Louis stopnouna rolling stop at a traffic signal or stop signUS ,

1999

St Martins-le-Grand; St Martin; Martin-le-Grand; martinnoun

the hand Rhyming slangUK , 1857

stoatverb(of a bet) to winUK: SCOTLAND , 1988

stoat downverb to rain very heavily Formed on Scots stot (to

bounce)UK: SCOTLAND , 1996

stoatedadjectivedrunkUK , 1999

stoaternounsomething excellent; a particularly good-looking

person, especially a womanUK: SCOTLAND , 1911

stoatingadjectiveexcellent FromSTOATER(a good thing)UK: SCOTLAND ,

1988

stoat-the-baw; stoaternouna paedophile; a child-molester From

Scots for ‘bounce-the-ball’, possibly an image of a child’s head

being patted as if bouncing a ballUK: SCOTLAND , 1988

stocious; stotiousadjectivedrunk Of Anglo-Irish originsUK , 1937

stocknounthe prizes in a carnival midway game concessionUS , 1985.

< throw stockto distribute prizes in a carnival gameUS , 1966

-stocksuffixused in combination with an entertainer’s name (or part

thereof ) to create a name for a musical festival The second

syllable of legendary music festival Woodstock, 1969, is taken to

lend quality and scale to a current music event In August 1992,

the group Madness reformed after eight years, and hosted and

headlined a weekend-long open-air concert called Madstock in

London’s Finsbury Park Officially titled ‘Big Beach Boutique’,

Normstock is, or was, a one-day festival of dance music hosted on

When the crowds in attendance proved to be greater than theauthorities expected the parallel to Woodstock was drawnUK , 1992

stockbroker’s Tudor; stockbroker Tudornounfaux-TudorarchitectureUK , 1938

stockholdernounon the railways, any employee who appears to bemore concerned about the company than his fellow workersUS , 1977

stockingsnounfemale legsUS , 1971

stocking stuffernoun1in poker, money bet by a player who haswithdrawn from the handUS , 1996.2cashUS , 2003

stocks and bondsa slogan used by prostitutes to advertisebondage services A punning euphemismUK , 2001

stocks and sharesnounstairs Rhyming slangUK , 1992

stockynouna habitual user of cocaine Recorded as ‘cokehead’ by aJamaican inmate in a UK prisonUK , 2002

stogienoun1a cigarUS , 1873.2an extra-large marijuana cigarette.Derives ultimately from Conestoga, a town in Pennsylvania, andthe name given to a horse-drawn freight wagon originating in thatregion in the C18 Conestoga (the town and the wagon)abbreviated to ‘Stogy’; ‘Stogy drivers’, apparently, smoked a coarsecigar which became known as a ‘stogie’, and by the late C19 a

‘stogie’ was a generic cheap or roughly made cigarUS , 1980.3acigaretteUS , 1995

stokabokaadjectiveextremely enthusiasticUS , 1991

stokeverb(from a male perspective) to have sex Coined for the punillustrated in the following citationUK , 2001.< stoke the boilerin

a swindle operated by telephone, to telephone a prospectivevictimUS , 1988

stokedadjective1excited A major word of the surf lexicon, it wasthe title and only word in the lyric of a 1963 Beach Boys songwritten by Brian WilsonUS , 1963.2drug-intoxicatedUS , 1986.3drunk

US , 1964

Stoke-on-Trentadjectivehomosexual Rhyming slang forBENT,formed from the Staffordshire townUK , 1992

stokernouna wave that excites surfersUS , 1977

StokeynounStoke Newington, in north LondonUK: ENGLAND , 1998

Stolly; Stoli; Stolynickname Stolichnaya™, vodka UK , 1998

stomachnoun< stomach thinks your throat has been cutto

be extremely hungryAUSTRALIA , 1950

stomach Steinwaynounthe accordionUS , 1994

stompverbin computing, to mistakenly overwrite somethingUS , 1991

stomp-downadjectiveexcellent, admirableUS , 1968

stompernoun1an aggressive, ‘mannish’ lesbianUS , 1967.2the foot; ashoe, especially a heavy shoe Also used in the variant ‘stomp’US , 1960

stompienouna cigarette butt, especially one saved for smoking later

SOUTH AFRICA , 1947

stompingnounan attack, especially by kickingUK , 1971

stomp padnounon a snowboard, the pad between the bindingsUS , 1993

stompsnounshoesUS , 1970

stonenoun1a diamond or other precious stoneSOUTH AFRICA , 1884.

2an Opel car Citizens’ band radio slang; pun on ‘opal’UK , 1981.

3crack cocaine; a piece of crack cocaine A recurring rockmetaphorUK , 1996.4a state of drug intoxicationUS , 1980.5a billiardballUS , 1990.6in motorcyle racing, a very slow racerUS , 1965.7inthe usage of youthful model road racers (slot car racers), a slow car

US , 1997

stoneverb1to render a drug user intoxicated, especially ofmarijuanaUS , 1952.2by extension, to amaze or impress someone

US , 1950

stoneadverbcompletely, utterlyUK , 1928

Stone Agenounin computing, the years from 1943 until the 1950s

stonebonkernounin horse racing, a horse sure to win a race.

Popularised by radio race caller Cliff Caller, a fixture in Australia

beginning in the mid-1960sAUSTRALIA , 1989

stonedadjective1intoxicated on a drug, usually marijuanaUS , 1952.

2very drunkUS , 1952.3exhilarated, unrelated to drugsUS , 1971

stoned outadjectivein a state of drug intoxication An elaboration of

STONED US , 1952

stoned out of your playpenadjectivehighly drug-intoxicatedUK ,

2000

stone gingeradjectiveabsolutely certain From the name of a horse

that won virtually every race it ranNEW ZEALAND , 1936

stoneheadnouna regular user of marijuana A combination of

STONED(drug-intoxicated) andHEAD(a user)UK , 2002

stone Johnnouna jail or prisonUS , 1962

stone jugnouna gullible fool; an easy dupe Rhyming slang for

‘mug’UK , 1998

stone me!used for registering surprise or exasperation Execution

by stoning was current in biblical times, which lends this innocent

expletive a mildly blasphemous feel; the inspiration, however,

could just as likely beSTONES(testicles) However obscene the

orig-inal intention, from the mid-1950s its popularity (and innocence)

was spread by comedian Tony Hancock (1924–68) and the BBCUK ,

1958

stone motherlessadjectivein horse racing, used for describing a

horse running a distant lastAUSTRALIA , 1989

stonernouna regular or habitual user of marijuana; a drug userUS ,

1988

stoner momentnouna short interval in which a marijuana user

succumbs to a mental or physical lack of energy or consistency

AfterSENIOR MOMENT UK , 2004

stonesnoun1the testiclesUK , 1154.2courage From ‘stones’ as

‘testicles’ and ‘testicles’ as ‘courage’US , 1990.3crack cocaineUS , 1994.

4dominoesUS , 1959

stone the crows!verbheavens above!AUSTRALIA , 1927

Stonewall Jacksonnounused as a soubriquet for an extremely

frugal person Thomas ‘Stonewall’ Jackson was a general in the

Confederate Army, killed by ‘friendly fire’ in 1863US , 1962

stone worknouna jewellery robberyUS , 1949

stoneyadjectiveof drugs, capable of causing intoxication From

STONED(drug-intoxicated) Also known as ‘stoney weed’UK , 2003

stoney weednounmarijuana A combination ofSTONEY(capable of

intoxicating) and conventional ‘weed’ or ‘weed’ as marijuanaUK ,

2003

stonkernoun1anything impressive in its fieldUK , 1997.2the erect

penis A personal specialisation of something impressiveUK , 2001

stonkerverb1to make someone drunkAUSTRALIA , 1947.2to bring a

halt to someone or something; to thwart, overcome or stop

somethingAUSTRALIA , 1964

stonkeredadjective1drunkAUSTRALIA , 1918.2very tiredNEW ZEALAND ,

1984

stonkingadjective1excellent, great; used generally to add positive

emphasis to adjectives of size or qualityUK , 1980.2drunk After the

previous senseUK , 2002

stonk-onnounthe erect penisUK , 2003

stonyadjective1without money A shortened form ofSTONY-BROKE UK ,

1886.2used of a golf ball, extremely close to the hole, such that

the making of the putt is a foregone conclusion From the more

conventional but still slangy ‘stone dead’US , 1985

stony-broke; stone-brokeadjectivewithout moneyUK , 1886

stony lonesomenounprisonUS , 1993

stoogenoun1a performer whose role in an entertainment is as the

butt of a leading character’s jokes, or straight man or feedUS , 1913.

2a person in a subservient positionUK , 1937.3a petty criminal who

confesses falsely to a crime committed by a more powerful villain

and takes the rap for himUK , 1999

stoolverbto inform onUS , 1911

stoolie; stoolynouna police informer A shortened form ofSTOOL

PIGEON US , 1924

stool magnetnouna person with bad luckUS , 1994

stool pigeonnouna police informerUS , 1906

stoopadjectiveused of work, usually agricultural, requiring the worker

to bend at the waist to work near the groundUS , 1953

stoopernounin horse racing, a bettor who examines discardedtickets on the ground in the hope of finding a winning betUS , 1947

stooshadjectivepretentiousJAMAICA , 2003

stooshie; stushie; stushynoun an uproar Scottish dialect stushie

UK: SCOTLAND , 2000

stopnounsufficient marijuana for a single joint or pipe; hence,marijuanaSOUTH AFRICA , 1949

stop-and-gonoun1a traffic signal Michigan Upper Peninsula Usage

US , 2003.2the toe Rhyming slang Can be shortened to ‘stop’UK , 1992

stop and startnounthe heart Rhyming slangUK , 1992

stop-at-a-winnernounin gambling, a conditional bet: aninstruction to the bookmaker to halt a series of bets when awinning result is recordedUK , 2001

stop gunnounon the railways, a torpedo placed on the track towarn a train operator of a problem aheadUS , 1977

stop it – I like it!used for registering a guilty pleasure, especially

as a pretence that a partner’s caresses are unwantedUS , 1970

stop-overnouna short jail sentence, either empirically or in portion to the crime involvedUS , 1962

pro-stoppernoun1a central nervous system depressant; a barbiturateUS ,

1977.2air or artillery fire used to prevent enemy ground troopsfrom escapingUS , 1990

stoppo drivernouna getaway driverUK , 1996

storenoun1a betting operationUS , 1951.2any rigged game orattraction in a carnivalUS , 1985.3in a big con swindle, the fakeoffice, poolroom or betting establishment created for the swindle

US , 1940.< your store is opena catchphrase used to advise thatyour (trouser) fly is undoneCANADA , 1968

store-boughtadjectivefactory-manufactured cigarettes, as opposed

to hand-rolledUS , 1969

store choppersnounfalse teethUS , 1975

store dicenouninexpensive store-bought dice, not milled to level tolerancesUS , 1962

casino-store dicknouna department store’s private detectiveUS , 1960

stork bitenouna flat pink birthmark or capillary hemangiomaUS , 1991

storkedadjectivepregnantUS , 1945

stormverb1in hot rodding, to perform very wellUS , 1965.2to attend

a party to which you are not invitedTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1969

storm carpenternounan untrained, unskilled, incompetentcarpenter The formation of storm-CRAFT is used with other crafts

as well, such as ‘storm mason’TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1831

storm damagenounapplied to a person of limited intelligenceUK: SCOTLAND , 1988

stormernoun1any excellent thingUK: SCOTLAND , 1985.2an excellentperformance in a sports match (hurling, soccer, Gaelic football)

IRELAND , 1996.3a theatrical successUK , 2001.4in hot rodding, a fastcarUS , 1958

storming

Stormin’ Normannickname1US Army General H Norman

Schwarzkopf, commander of the anti-Iraq forces in the Persian Gulf

warUS , 1991.2Norm Van Brocklin (1926–83), quarterback for the

Los Angeles Rams during their glory days (1949–57) and then for

the Philadelphia Eagles (1958–60)US , 1960

storm-stayedadjectiveprevented from reaching home by a storm

CANADA , 1989

stoushnouna fight; a brawl; fighting Possibly a variant of Scottish

dialect stashie (a commotion, disturbance, quarrel) which was

recorded in C19 Aberdeen as ‘stash’ without the ‘-ie’ suffix During

both World Wars used by servicemen to refer to the war, with a

touch of jocular or ironic bravadoAUSTRALIA , 1893.< deal out a

stoushto assault with violenceAUSTRALIA , 1900

stoushverbto punch, to hit; to struggle, to battleAUSTRALIA , 1893

stovenouna truck or car heaterUS , 1971

stoveboltnouna Chevrolet or Chevrolet engineUS , 1965

stovepipenoun1a distended, gaping anus produced by recent anal

intercourseUS , 1995.2a revolverUS , 1957.3a jet aircraftUS , 1956.

4gossip From the image of railwaymen gathered around a stove

gossipingUS , 1977.5a three-part bet in an illegal numbers gambling

lottery, in which the bettor must correctly guess two of the three

digits in the winning number and have the third digit be one of

eight bet onUS , 1949

stove upadjectiveinjured, ill or exhaustedUS , 1901

stowverb< stow your chantto stop talkingUS , 1964

STPnouna type of synthetic hallucinogen Probably coined as an

abbreviation of ‘serotonin triphosphate’ and as an allusion to the

trademark name of an motor oil additive, and later de-abbreviated

to ‘serenity, tranquility and peace’ US , 1967

St Petenounin shuffleboard, a disc hidden midway on your

opponent’s side of the courtUS , 1967

str8adjectivestraight, in all its sensesUS , 1993

str8 drawnouna move in an on-line game of hold ’em poker, when

the player gambles on making a straight with the final card A

variant spelling of a conventional termUK , 2003

strack; stracadjectiveprofessional; neat; clean Military slangUS , 1982

Stradnoun a Stradivarius violin UK , 1884

straddlenounin poker, an increased bet made without looking at

your cardsUS , 1988

stragglernounin horse racing, a winning bet that is not cashed in

immediately after a race but, unlike an out ticket, is cashed in

before the end of the dayUS , 1982

straightnoun1a conventional person, blind to the values of a

counter-cultureUS , 1967.2a factory-made cigaretteUS , 1951.3a

house dweller Used by late-1980s–early 90s counterculture

travellersUK , 1999.4a heterosexualUS , 1941.5simple vaginal

intercourseUS , 1961.6unadulterated tobaccoUK , 1978.7in horse

racing, a bet that a horse will win a raceUS , 1976

straightadjective1heterosexualUS , 1941.2conventional, not part of

the countercultureUS , 1960.3not currently drug-intoxicated; no

longer using drugsUK , 1967.4under the influence of drugs, or at

least not suffering from withdrawal symptomsUS , 1946.5correctUS ,

1996.6good, pleasing, acceptableUS , 1993.7of an utterance,

outspoken, straightforwardUK , 1894.8honest, honourable, frankUK ,

1864.9of alcoholic drinks, undilutedUS , 1874.10without a ‘minus’

or ‘plus’ attached to a gradeUS , 1968.< go straightto abandon a

criminal lifestyle in favour of honestyUK , 1940

straight!honestly! it’s a fact!UK , 1897

straight and narrow; straightnounan honest, conventional or

virtuous way of life, especially when temptation is resisted Always

with ‘the’; a shortening of ‘the straight and narrow path’UK , 1930

straight arrownounan honest or honourable person From the

proverbial expression, ‘straight as an arrow’US , 1969

straight as a monk’s cockadjectivevery honestUK , 1999

straight as a stiffadjectivevery honest or honourable An

elabor-ation ofSTRAIGHT(honest); punning the final posture of aSTIFF(a

other than honest An interesting comparison withSTIFF(to cheat)

UK , 2001

straight as a stringadjectiveused of a racehorse, fully exerting itself

US , 1976

straight datenounconventional vaginal sex with a prostituteUS , 1972

straight-down-the-lineadjectivevery honest; used to describesomeone who sticks to the rules An elaboration ofSTRAIGHT UK , 2001

straight down the lineadverbhonestlyUK , 1996

straight edgeadjectivereflecting a philosophy that promoteshardcore rock music, abstinence from drugs and abstinence frompromiscuous sex Probably coined by Ian Mackaye in the self-titledsong ‘Straight Edge’ while Mackaye was the singer of theWashington D.C band Minor ThreatUS , 1983

straightenverb1to bribe someoneUS , 1923.2to avenge someone Apart ofTEDDY BOYcultureUK , 1959.3to produce drug intoxication insomeoneUS , 1958.< straighten out a curveto enter a curvedriving too fast and leave the roadUS , 1962

straightenernoun a fist fight to settle an argument, to straighten

matters out; a fair fight ATEDDY BOYtermUK , 1956

straighten outverb1to correct someone; to put someone rightUK ,

1956.2(of a drug addict) to cease drug useUK , 2001.3to feel theeffects of a drug, relieving any pangs of withdrawalUS , 1966.4tobring someone up to dateUS , 1946

straight facenounan facial expression that is hiding amusement orsuccessfully restraining laughterUK , 1897

straight-facedadjectivedisplaying a facial expression devoid ofhumourUK , 1975

straight flush wannabenounin poker, a sequenced handcomprised of all red or all black suits, but not a flush Impressivelooking, but worth no more than any non-flush straightUS , 1996

straight-goernouna dependable, honest personAUSTRALIA , 1899

straight-legnounan infantry soldier, unattached to a mechanised orairborne unitUS , 1951

straight monikernouna person’s legal nameUS , 1966

straight pudanounthe complete, whole truthUS , 1968

straightsnounstraight pool or continuous pocket billiardsUS , 1984

straight shooternouna glass or metal device used to smoke crackcocaineUS , 1995

straight tradenounhomosexual sex with a man who considershimself heterosexualUS , 1972

straight tricknounvaginal sex between a prostitute and customer

US , 1972

straight upadjective1used of an alcoholic drink or a drug,undilutedUS , 1973.2a prison sentence, without reduction for goodbehaviour or other factorsUS , 1969.3pure, unadulteratedUS , 1995.

4used of a person, especially a girl, thinUS , 1947

straight up!honestly; used for emphasisUK , 1959

straight up and downadverbentirelyUS , 1999

straight up the platformadverbabsolutely, completely, entirelyUK , 1999

straight wirenounthe whole truthNEW ZEALAND , 1998

strainverb< strain at the leashto demonstrate a greateagerness From the characteristic behaviour of a dogUK , 1910.

< strain the potatoes; strain the spuds; strain your taters

to urinateAUSTRALIA , 1965

strangenouna new and unknown sexual partnerUS , 1967

strangeadjectivenew, fresh, unknown, especially sexuallyUS , 1957.

< don’t be strangedon’t resist; don’t hesitate A polaricatchphrase, always in the imperativeUK , 1967

strangely weird; strangelynouna beard Rhyming slangUK , 1992

strangernoun1used as a form of address emphasising the fact thatthe two people have not seen each other for a whileUS , 1996.2inpoker, any card added to a hand by draw

strangersnounin gin, cards in a hand that do not and cannot form

a sequenceUS , 1965

strange stuffnouna new and different sex-partnerUS , 1950

strangleverb1to turn something off; to deactivate somethingUS ,

1963.2to prevent a horse from winning a race Strictly, and

orig-inally, by pulling back on the reins so strongly that the horse is

almost strangledAUSTRALIA , 1949.< strangle a darkieto defecate

UK , 1985

strapnoun1a naughty or lascivious girlIRELAND , 2000.2a handgun

Recorded in UK prison use, August 2002US , 1991

strapverb1to interrogate someone in a severe mannerUK , 1996.2to

have sex Also used in the variant ‘strap on’US , 1971

strap-hangernoun1a passenger on public transport who stands

supported by an overhead strap (or other type of grip)UK , 1905.2a

member of the armed forces, stationed well away from combat,

accompanying troops into the field without having a specific role

to playUS , 1986

strap-onnouna dildo that is harnessed to a person’s bodyUK , 1999

strappedadjective1armed, especially with a gun FromSTRAP(a

handgun)US , 1993.2short of money Also appears as

‘cash-strapped’.US , 1857

strapsnounsuspendersUS , 1945

strap upverbto carry a pistolUS , 1998

stratnouna cigaretteUK , 1996

Stratnoun a Fender ‘Stratocaster’ guitar, first manufactured in 1954

US , 2004

stratverbto deceive someoneBARBADOS , 1965

strawnoun1marijuana; a marijuana cigarette Playing onGRASSor

HAY US , 1971.2a hatUS , 1976

strawbnouna strawberryAUSTRALIA , 1985

strawberriesnounLSD bearing a strawberry designUK , 1998

strawberries and creamnouna variety of MDMA, the recreational

drug best known as ecstasy, identified by the pink and white

colours of a pillUK , 2002

strawberrynoun1a woman who trades sex for crack cocaineUS ,

1989.2the female nipple Usually in the pluralUS , 1982.3a tablet of

mescaline From the colour of the tabletUS , 1971.4a bruise or

scrapeCANADA , 1921

strawberry fields; fields; strawberriesnounLSD Named after

the drug-inspired imagery that is the Beatles song ‘Strawberry

Fields Forever’, 1966 Strawberry Fields is an area of LiverpoolUS ,

1986

strawberry jamnoun1the corpse of a person who has died with

massive injuriesUS , 1987.2an unspecified flammable substanceUS ,

1987

strawberry patchnouna brakevan (caboose) seen from the rear at

night From the red lightsUS , 1946

strawberry ripplenouna cripple Rhyming slang, from an

ice-cream varietyUK , 1982

strawberry shortcakenounamphetamine; MDMA, the recreational

drug best known as ecstasyUS , 1970

strawberry tablet; strawberrynouna variety of MDMA, the

rec-reational drug best known as ecstasy From the pink colour of the

tabletUK , 1996

strawberry tart; strawberrynounthe heart Rhyming slangUK , 1984

straw bossnounan assistant foremanUS , 1894

strawbossverbto work as an assistant foremanUS , 1977

straw hatnounin the car sales business, a convertible topUS , 1953

strawnyverbto figure something outCANADA , 1999

strawsnounstrawberries Greengrocers’ abbreviation, both spoken

and used in signageUK , 1961

straynouna solitary enemy soldier Borrowed from the lexicon of

streaknouna thin person Usually qualified (LONG STREAK OF MISERY;LONG STREAK OF PISS); in its unqualified form it is more often used

in Australia and New Zealand but not exclusively soAUSTRALIA , 1941.

< put a streak in itto hurryUK , 1968

streakverb1to move at great speedUK , 1768.2to run naked through

a crowd, especially at public events, either as a protest or out ofexhibitionism Adapted from the sense ‘to go very fast’US , 1966

streak of miserynouna tall, thin, morose personAUSTRALIA , 1961

streak of pelican shitnouna tall, thin personAUSTRALIA , 1969

streak of pissnounan inconsequential or weak person AdaptedfromLONG STREAK OF PISS(a tall, thin person)UK , 2001

streak of rustnouna railwayUS , 1946

streak of the squeaknouncowardiceUK , 2000

streaky weathernouna changing weather situationCANADA , 1990

streetnoun1the essence of modern urban life for the poor, withsuggestions of the underworld or the shadows between theunderworld and the legitimate mainstreamUS , 1967.2in stud poker,

a card For example, the fifth card dealt is known as ‘fifth street’

US , 1988.< on the streetnot imprisoned; released from prisonUS , 1935

streetadjective1experienced in or possessing the necessary qualitiesfor urban survivalUS , 1980.2having an admired-as-fashionable quality

of being understood by or of urban youth Abbreviated from

STREETCREDin turn shortened from ‘street-credibility’, but alsoinformed bySTREET(the essence of modern urban life)UK , 2001

street bookienouna bookmaker who takes bets on the street,without an established place of businessUS , 1972

street catnouna man, especially a young black man, who spendshis life on the edges of crimeUS , 1976

street crednounan admired-as-fashionable quality of beingunderstood by or of urban youth Abbreviated from ‘street-credi-bility’ (late 1970s)UK , 1981

street divorcenouna domestic quarrel that ends in one spousemurdering the otherUS , 2001

street doctornouna drug dealerUS , 1998

streeternouna person who spends his time fraternising andcarousing on the streetUS , 1968

street-legaladjectiveused of a motor vehicle, in compliance with allmotor vehicle lawsUS , 1993

street machinenouna car made for street drivingUS , 1970

street namenouna nickname by which you are known byacquaintancesUS , 1983

street person; street peoplenouna person living, or spendingmost of their time, on the street A semi-voluntary, semi-politicalstate that preceded ‘homelessness’ as a labelUS , 1968

streets aheadadjectiveabsolutely superiorUK , 1898

streets behindadjectivegreatly inferior The natural opposite of

street sweepernouna taxi driver who solicits customers on thestreetUS , 2004

streetsyadjectiveof a manner of speech or vocabulary, having acontemporary urban qualityUS , 1997

street taxnounin an illegal drug-selling enterprise, the share of an

streetwalkernoun1a prostitute who seeks customers on the street

UK , 1592.2in oil drilling, an operator who does not have an office

US , 1954

street-wiseadjectiveexperienced in or possessing the necessary

qualities for urban survivalUS , 1981

-strelsuffixwhen combined with a music style, a singer in that style

From ‘minstrel’ ‘Teen angstrel’ (a teen singer affecting angst) and

‘popstrel’ are noted by Susie Dent, The Language Report, 2003 UK ,

2003

strengthnounthe essential facts; the pertinent detailsAUSTRALIA , 1908.

< on the strengthused to signify agreement, import or

sincerityUS , 1995

stress-headnouna person who is habitually stressed; a constant

worrierAUSTRALIA , 1996

stretchnoun1a prison sentence; one year’s imprisonment A prison

sentence of a number of years is given with the number of years

preceding ‘stretch’US , 1821.2a longer-than-normal limousine with

extended seating From ‘stretch limousine’US , 1982.3the penisUK ,

2001.4in poker, a hand consisting of a sequence of five cards

Known conventionally as a ‘straight’US , 1988.< to do a stretchto

shopliftNEW ZEALAND , 1985

stretchverb1to serve time in prison FromSTRETCH(a prison

sentence)US , 2002.2to put someone to death by hangingUS , 1962

stretched outadjectivein trucking, travelling fastUS , 1971

stretchernoun1a lieUK , 1674.2a substance added to a drug for the

simple purpose of diluting it for increased profit when soldUS , 1970

stretcher-casenouna person who is exhaustedUK , 2002

stretchersnounshoe lacesUS , 1962

stretchesnounyears; a very long time FromSTRETCH(a year’s

imprisonment)UK , 2000

strewth!; struth!used as an oath A shortening of ‘God’s truth!’UK ,

1892

stridesnoun1trousers Being the tailored articles in which you

‘stride’UK , 1889.2trousers that are reserved for messy jobs,

especially in car customisingUS , 1960

strike!used as an expression of shock, surprise or astonishment

Short forSTRIKE ME BLIND!orSTRIKE A LIGHT!AUSTRALIA , 1915

strike a light!used as an expression of shock, surprise or

astonishmentAUSTRALIA , 1922

strike me!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1874

strike me blind!; strike me dumb!; strike me lucky!used for

registering shock, surprise or astonishment Other variations

include calls on God to strike the speaker ‘bountiful’, ‘vulgar’,

‘ugly’ or ‘pink’ The earliest variation recorded is ‘strike me dumb’

in Vanbrugh’s The Relapse, 1696 and ‘strike me blind!’ appears in

1704; ‘strike me lucky!’ from 1849, was a popular catchphrase in

Australia in the 1930s Other Australian examples are listed below

UK , 1971

strike me dead; strike menounbread Rhyming slangUK , 1992

strike me dead!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1932

strike me fat!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1895

strike me handsome!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA ,

1955

strike me pink!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1892

strike me purple!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1915

strike me roan!used for expressing great surpriseAUSTRALIA , 1917

strike me up a gum-tree!used for expressing great surprise

AUSTRALIA , 1960

strike-outnouna hospital patient who has died or lapsed into a

neurologically depressed stateUS , 1977

Strike Unicknamethe US Naval Strike Warfare Center, Fallon, Nevada

US , 1991

strillers; strill; strillsnouna musical instrument, especially a

piano; a musician Polari; possibly from Italian strillare (to shriek).

Thus, for a pianist: ‘strill homey’ or ‘strillers omee’ (a piano man),

or ‘strill polone’ (a piano woman)UK , 1967

Strinenounbroad Australian English, specifically that form ofAustralian English which appeared in the books of AlastairMorrison ‘Strine’ is supposedly how the word ‘Australian’ is said inthe Australian accent It is not a separate language or dialect, butrather a jocular celebration of the Australian accent utilisingrespelling, shifting word boundaries and much elision to give the

impression that other words are being spoken, e.g sly drool is Strine for ‘slide rule’, Emma Chisit for ‘how much is it?’, laze and gem for ‘ladies and gentlemen’, let stalk Strine for ‘let’s talk

string beannouna tall, thin personUK , 2003

string beans; stringsnounjeans Rhyming slangUK , 1992

stringernoun1in poker, an instalment bet or the person making it

US , 1988.2in poker, a hand of five cards in sequence Conventionallyknown as a ‘straight’US , 1967.3a railway brakemanUS , 1977.4anarrow strip of laminated wood on a surfboardUS , 1979

stringienouna string bagAUSTRALIA , 1968

stringsnoun1the female legsUS , 1963.2spaghettiUS , 1956

string upverbto execute someone by hangingUK , 1964

string vestnoun a pest, a nuisance Rhyming slang UK , 1998

stripnoun1in a striptease show, the portion of the show in whichthe dancer removes her last garmentsUS , 1945.2a neighbourhood

BAHAMAS , 1982.3a thoroughfare in a town or city lined with bars,nightclubs, off-licences and restaurantsUS , 1939.4a Benzedrine™-soaked strip of paper from an inhaler, removed from the inhalerand ingested as a central nervous system stimulantUS , 1951.< the Strip1the portion of Sunset Boulevard between Crescent HeightsBoulevard and Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, CaliforniaUS , 1951.2LasVegas Boulevard south of central Las Vegas, Nevada, lined withneon-signed hotels and casinosUS , 1971.3a section of Yonge Street,between Dundas and Bloor, in central Toronto, Ontario A flashy,noisy part of townUS , 1987

stripenoun1a scar, usually the result of a razor slash Hence theadjective ‘striped’UK , 1958.2in the military, a promotionUS , 1968

stripeverbto slash someone with a blade Descriptive of the scarthat is madeUK , 1958

stripe me!used as a register of surprise or exasperationUK , 1997

stripernounin prison, an improvised cutting weaponUK , 1996

stripesnoun1a referee in an athletic contestUS , 1997.2in pool, thestriped balls numbered 9 to 15US , 1984.3in circus usage, tigersUS , 1981

stripes and solidsnounin pool, the game of eight-ballUS , 1974

stripingnouna severe reprimand FromSTRIPE(to slash with a blade)

UK , 2000

strippernoun1a striptease dancer (usually female), a performer whoundresses creatively for the purpose of entertainment Gypsy RoseLee (Rose Louise Hovick, 1914–70) was, perhaps, the most famous

of all strippers; in Gypsy, the musical biography (1962) by Stephen

Sondheim, she discovers the word ‘ecdysiast’ to give her jobdescription a veneer of respectabilityUS , 1981.2a pickpocketUS , 1950.

3a car thief who targets newer cars that will be stripped for parts

US , 1962.4a playing card that has been altered in a manner thatfacilitates its extraction from a full deckUS , 1962

stripping hole; stripping pitnouna strip mineUS , 1997

strippynounin prison, a strip searchUK , 1996

stripsnounin prison, a segregation unitUK , 1996

strokenoun1an underhand, immoral or illegal trickUK , 1970.2praise

or flattery Almost always in the pluralUS , 1964.3appetiteIRELAND , 2000

strokeverb1to flatter someoneUS , 1979.2to masturbate Also ‘strokeoff’ .< stroke it1in car racing, to drive with care and

cautionUS , 1965.2to perform badly on purposeUS , 1989.< stroke

the lizard(of a male) to masturbateUS , 1971

stroke booknouna magazine or book viewed while masturbating

US , 1967

stroke magnouna pornographic magazine The ‘stroke’ thus

inspired is a direct reference to masturbatory techniqueUK , 1995

stroke-me-offnounused as a humorous nickname for stroganoff, as

in ‘beef stroganoff’US , 1985

strokernoun1a petty thiefIRELAND , 1996.2a hospital patient who has

suffered a strokeUS , 1961

strollnoun< the strollthe collective activities on a street, mostly

illegal, some involving sauntering as if innocently strollingUS , 1946.

< The StrollSeventh Avenue, New YorkUS , 1946

strollernoun1a carUS , 1960.2a stone on the surface of the field

CANADA , 1987

stroll on!used for registering disbelief or surpriseUK , 1959

strongnounalcoholTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1989.< the strong ofthe

essential facts; the pertinent detailsAUSTRALIA , 1908

strongverb< strong itto behave in an aggressive manner, or to

take things to an extreme A variation ofCOME ON STRONG UK , 1964

strongadjective1of a theatrical performance, very sexualUS , 1962.

2well-funded at the moment Teen slangUS , 1958.3flush with

moneyUS , 1954.< be going strongto be prosperous, or enjoying

continuing success, or full of energy and vigourUK , 1898.< come

it strongto behave with boldness; to overstate somethingUK , 1837.

< come on strongto behave aggressively or exhibit aggressive

behaviour; to have a successUS , 1970.< go strong onto support

or follow a particular course with great energy or investmentUK ,

1844

strongarmnoun1a crime involving brute physical violence; a

violent criminalUS , 1901.2a person who lends physicality and a

capacity for brutal physical force to the moment Also called

‘strongarm man’US , 1907

strong-armverbto rob a place roughly or violentlyUS , 1903

strong as a Mallee bulladjectivephysically strongAUSTRALIA , 1990

strong-backadjectivesexually aggressive; virileTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ,

2003

strong boxnouna prison cell, usually windowless; designed for

disruptive prisonersUK , 1996

strong like mooseadjectiveused humorously with a literal meaning

A catchphrase of US television in the 1950s and 60s, first from the

Uncle Tenoose character on The Danny Thomas Show and then

from Boris Bandanov of the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show; spoken

with a thick Russian accentUS , 1968

strong move to the holenouna direct approach to seducing a girl

Application of a basketball term to sexual relations, punning on

HOLEas ‘the basket’ in the basketball term and ‘the vagina’ in this

usageUS , 1992

stronknounmale and female sexual secretions Recorded in the

song ‘The Ballad of Kirriemuir’ in Martin Page’s collection of World

War 2 songs and balads, ‘For Gawdsake Don’t Take Me’, 1976UK:

SCOTLAND , 1976

stropnoun1a display of bad temper FromSTROPPY(bad-tempered),

ultimately from ‘obstreperous’UK , 1970.2male masturbation From

the conventional action Also variant ‘stropping’UK , 1992

stropverb< strop the Mulligan(of a male) to masturbate Also

variant ‘stropping’AUSTRALIA , 1971

stroppyadjective1bad-tempered Conventional ‘obstreperous’

wrongly abbreviated and understoodUK , 1951.2stubborn, defiant

NEW ZEALAND , 1984

strucknouna girl’s steady boyfriendUS , 1963

struck; struck by; struck withadjectivecharmed, attracted to or

delighted by someone or something From an older sense as

‘bewitched’UK , 1839

structural engineeringnouna well-constructed foundation

well-designed and well-fitted brassiere can have on a woman’sshapeAUSTRALIA , 1984

structurenounthe human bodyJAMAICA , 2000

struddleverbto fool with something you shouldn’t The word is

from the German strudeln (boil, spout, proceed rashly) CANADA , 1999

strudelnounthe ’at’ sign (@) on a computer keyboardUS , 1991

struggleverb1to danceUS , 1960.2to experience a hangoverUS , 2001

struggle and strainnouna trainUK , 1931

struggle and strainverbto train; to exercise Rhyming slangUK , 1992

struggle and strainer; strugglenouna trainer (shoe) Rhymingslang, extended fromSTRUGGLE AND STRAIN(to train)UK , 1992

struggle-and-strife; strugglenoun1a wife Rhyming slangUK , 1959.

2life; a life Rhyming slangUK , 1992

struggle-buggynouna broken-down carUS , 1946

strugglingadjectiveworn out; neglectedUS , 2000

strumverbto masturbate Also variant ’strum off’ From the up anddown stroking action that is strumming a guitarUK , 1999.< strum headsto fightUS , 1990.< strum the banjo(of a woman) tomasturbate A surreal elaboration ofSTRUM(to masturbate)UK , 2001

strummed upadjectivestimulated by drugsUS , 1972

strung outadjective1addicted to a drug; in a poor state of physicaland mental health as a result of drug addiction Used as aparticipial adjectiveUS , 1958.2obsessed with or overly concernedabout an activity or condition; emotionally disturbedUS , 1973.

3extendedUK , 2001.4in love; infatuatedUS , 1968

struntverbto sulkCANADA , 1990

strychninenounin craps, the point and number nineUS , 1950

stubverbto kick, particularly a ball, especially in rugbyUK , 1947

stubbie; stubbynouna small, squat beer bottle, now 385 ml; thecontents of a stubbie From the noun use of ‘stubby’ (short andsquat)AUSTRALIA , 1966

stubbie gutsnouna game in which frisbees are used to knock overstubbiesAUSTRALIA , 1993

stubbie holdernounan insulating container for keeping a stubbie

of beer cool whilst being heldAUSTRALIA , 1981

stubble jumpernouna prairie farmerCANADA , 1961

stub downverbin the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, tomove to better seats at a concert using ticket stubs for the bettersections smuggled up by friendsUS , 1994

stubenouna tavernUS , 1950

stuckadjectiveof a player in a game of poker or other gamblinggame, losingUS , 1974.< get stuck into initiate or becomevigorously involved in an activityAUSTRALIA , 1941.< get stuck into

to attack a task or a person vigorouslyAUSTRALIA , 1941

stuck onadjectiveinfatuated by, or enamoured of, someoneUS , 1886

stuck-upadjectiveconceited; pretentiousUK , 1829

studnoun1a man, especially a manly manUK , 1895.2used as ajocular term of address to a manUS , 1999.3in homosexual usage, aperson who plays the ‘masculine’ role sexually and emotionally in

a relationshipUS , 1961.4amyl or butyl nitrite Possibly derived from

a brand marketed as a male sex-aidUK , 1998.5loose tobaccoUS , 2002

stud broadnouna lesbianUS , 1968

stud ducknounin oil drilling, an important company officialUS , 1954

studentnounan inexperienced drug userUS , 1952

student tobacconounmarijuana From a perception that thoseundergoing higher and further education are drug usersUK: SCOTLAND , 1996

stud hustlernouna male homosexual prostitute who projects atough, masculine imageUS , 1963

Studienouna Studebaker carUS , 1950

studio-fuelnouncocaine Probably coined by cocaine-fuelled

studlyadjective1describes a man who is considered to be above

average in his sexual adventuringUS , 1999.2admirableUS , 1966.

3unpleasant; unpopularUS , 1960

stud muffinnouna handsome, well-built manUS , 1992

stud puppynounan attractive person A variation ofSTUD MUFFIN US ,

1989

stud upnounin prison, a prisoner who attempts to abandon

homo-sexual activity and return to his previous state of heterohomo-sexual

celibacyUS , 1990

study bunnynouna serious and diligent studentUS , 1987

stuffnoun1a drug, especially heroinUS , 1929.2used for any noun

that the user cannot or does not wish to specifyUK , 1889.

3anything at all Used as a euphemism forFUCKin constructions

such ‘I don’t give a stuff about it’NEW ZEALAND , 1969.4in prison,

anything of valueUS , 1967.5the female genitalsUS , 1982.6a woman

as a sexual objectUS , 1967.7the male genitalsUS , 1966.8an

effeminate homosexual manUS , 1976.9in pool, spin imparted on

the cue ball to affect the course of the object ball or the cue ball

after striking the object ballUS , 1993

stuffverb1used as an emphatic rejection; and euphemistically for

‘fuck’ in all sensesUK , 1955.2to have sex from the male point of

viewNEW ZEALAND , 1984.3to block the pay chute of a casino slot

machine with the expectation of returning later, unblocking the

chute and retrieving the interim earningsUS , 1999.4to persuade

someone to buy something that they did not know they wanted

to buyUS , 1997.< stuff your faceto overeat; to eat greedily; to

eat An unconventional and over-active digestion would be

required if this simple description of the apparent action was as

accurate as the imageryUS , 1996

stuffedadjectivevery tiredNEW ZEALAND , 2002

stuffed shirtnouna person who is overly formal, aloof, and out of

touchUS , 1913

stuffernoun1a male homosexual who plays the active role in anal

sexUS , 1949.2a parachute riggerUS , 1991.3in hot rodding, a

superchargerUS , 1968

stuffyadjectiveconservative; very conventional; straitlaced Derives

fromSTUFFED SHIRT UK , 1895

stugots; stugatsnounthe penis From southern Italian dialect,

adapted/corrupted by Italian-American immigrantsUS , 1962

stuk; stukkienouna woman sexually objectifiedSOUTH AFRICA , 1946

stulperverbto stumbleCANADA , 1999

stumnounany central nervous system depressantUS , 1980

stumble biscuitnouna tablet of the recreational drug

methaqualone, best known as Quaaludes™ From the lack of

coordination associated with the drugUS , 1993

stumblebumnouna poor and foolish drunkUS , 1932

stumblernounany barbiturate or central nervous system depressant

US , 1977

stumblesnouna loss of coordination, especially as the result of drug

or alcohol intoxicationUS , 1971

stumernoun1a fool The spelling ‘stumor’ is also usedUK: SCOTLAND ,

1985.2a forged or bad chequeUK , 1890.3a mistake; a blunder; a

messUK , 1983

stumpnoun1the leg Survives mainly in the phrase ’stir your

stumps!’ (start doing something!, get moving!)UK , 1460.2the penis

In a world where size matters, often but not always applied to a

short penisUS , 1993.3a shoeUS , 1973

stumpverbto challenge or dare someoneCANADA , 1959

stump-brokeadjectiveunconditionally obedient From the quaint

notion of a mule trained to step forward and then backwards for

sex with a man standing on a stumpUS , 1967

stumpersnounshoesUS , 1971

stump-floaternounheavy rainCANADA , 2002

stumphole whiskeynounstrong, homemade whiskyUS , 1971

stump-jumper an infantry soldier

stump ranchnounin the Canadian west, a poorly run farmCANADA , 1989

stump up; stumpverbto payUK , 1833

stumpynouna short person Often used as a term of addressUS , 1997

stunnedadjectivedrunkUS , 1982

stunned mulletnounused as the epitome of one who is dazed,stupid, foolishAUSTRALIA , 1953

stunnernoun1an exceedingly attractive womanUK , 1848.2a person

or thing of extraordinary excellenceUK , 1855.3a pin-up, topless orsoft-porn model Adapted by the tabloid press from the earlier, andcontinuing use, as ‘a good looking woman’ Often combined with

‘Page 3’, in reference to the Sun newspaper’s daily placing of

naked female breasts The spellings ‘stunna’ and ‘stunnah’ alsoexistUK , 1999

stunningadjective1excellent; extremely good lookingUK , 1847.2incomputing, incomprehensibly stupidUS , 1991

stuntnounin advertising, marketing, etc, an event contrived toattract attention and gain publicity Still regarded as colloquial bythose who keep up our standardsUK , 1878

stuntverbto wear expensive clothes and jewellery as a display ofconspicuous consumption; to show offUS , 2001

stunt cock; stunt dick; stuntnouna male pornography performerwho fills in for another performer who is unable to maintain anerection or ejaculate when neededUS , 2000

stunt pussynouna female pornography performer who fills in foranother performer for the purposes of genital filming onlyUS , 2000

stuntsnounsexUS , 1994

stupe; stoopnouna stupid person Often, not always, usedaffectionatelyUK , 1762

stupidadjective1used to describe a ‘smart’ weapon that fails tofunction properlyUS , 2003.2good The spelling ‘stoopid’ is alsousedUS , 1989.< get your stupid onto drink to the point ofintoxicationUS , 2003

stupidadverbextremelyUS , 1992

stupid badgenouna temporary identification card worn by aworker who has lost or left his identification at homeUS , 1955

stupid-bakernouna Studebaker carUS , 1992

stupideenouna stupid or insignificant personTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1959

stupid labournounpublic labourCANADA , 1987

stupidness!used for expressing scornCAYMAN ISLANDS , 1985

stupid, stupidused as an expression of utter disapproval From the

cry of ‘stupid, stupid rat creatures!’ in the Bone comic book US , 1997

sturgeonnouna surgeonUS , 1994

stutter and stammer; stutternouna hammer Rhyming slangUK , 1992

stuvacnounespecially in New South Wales, student holidays from

school or university From ‘student vacation’ AUSTRALIA , 1970

stylenoungraffitiUS , 1997

styleverbto conduct or carry yourself in a stylish manner, especially

in an exaggerated, showy wayUS , 1972

styleenouna style, determined by the cultural category that cedes it A fashionable elaboration of ‘style’UK , 1997

pre-stylienouna white person with dreadlocksUS , 1994

stylin’ and profilin’adjectivevery fashionableUS , 1988

stylo miloadjectivevery fashionableSINGAPORE , 2002

subnoun1a submarine UK , 1917.2a subscription UK , 1833.3in

publishing, a sub-editor UK , 1859.4a sexual submissive, a willing

slave in a sado-masochistic relationshipUS , 1987.5the submissive

performer in a pornographic sex sceneUS , 2000.6in prison, a

subversive UK , 1996.7on an athletic team, a reserve player who may

enter the game as a substitute for a starter UK , 1889.8a loan An

abbreviation of ‘subsistence’, with the loan characterised as a

‘subsistence advance’AUSTRALIA , 1989.9a financial advance,especially when given against wages or salary . a