Rhyming slang forPAIN, formed from the name of a traffic-junction on London’s North Circular road, probably coined by a driver in a jamUK , 1992 hang-gutnouna paunchy stomachBAHAMAS , 1
Trang 1hammer and discusnounfacial hair, whiskers Rhyming slangUK ,
1998
hammer and nail; hammerverbto follow, to tail Rhyming slang
UK , 1961
hammer and tacknounthe back Rhyming slangAUSTRALIA , 1977
hammer and tongsadverbenergetically, vigorously, strongly;
violently From the vigorous use a blacksmith makes of these tools
UK , 1708
hammer-blowedadjectivedrunkUK , 2002
hammeredadjectivedrunkUS , 1960
hammerheadnounone of several kinds of inferior horseUS , 1941
hammerheadingnoun1an act of taking a recreational drug cocktail
of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy, and
Viagra™ (a branded drug that enables a male erection) From the
after-effect of a throbbing headacheUK , 2003
hammeringnouna defeat, a significant defeat; a beatingUK , 1900
hammer mannouna male of considerable sexual prowess Related
to the expression ‘going at it hammer and tongs’ to describe
highly energetic sexual activityIRELAND , 1997
hammersnounthe female thighsUS , 1980
hammer-slammernounan airframe technician US Army usageUS ,
1998
hammer timenouna decisive point; the time to launch a military
attack Adapted from a catchphrase attached, in the late 1980s, to
California rapper MC HammerUS , 2003
hammocknouna sanitary towel Generally used by young males,
often in the jocular formula: ‘hammock for a bleeding lazy cunt’
UK , 2003
hammock for twonouna brassiereUS , 1963
hammock seasonnounthe bleed period of the menstrual cycle
The image of a sanitary towel as aWEE HAMMOCKor ‘mouse’s
hammock’SOUTH AFRICA , 2001
hammyadjectivemelodramatic, theatricalUS , 1899
hammy; hammienouna hamstringAUSTRALIA , 1986
ham patchnouna telephone connection enabled by shortwave
radioANTARCTICA , 1997
Hampden roarnounthe state of affairs, the current situation
Rhyming slang forTHE SCORE, formed from the name of Scotland’s
national stadium and the roar of a football crowdUK: SCOTLAND , 1985
Hampstead Heath; hampsteads; ampstids; hampsnounthe
teeth Rhyming slang, from a rural area of north LondonUK , 1887
Hampton Court; hamptonnounsalt Rhyming slang, formed on a
historic Surrey location Do not confuse it with Hampton Wick
(the penis)UK , 1992
Hampton Wick; Hampton; Wicknoun1a penis Rhyming slang
forPRICK(the penis), after a suburb of London A polite
euphemism in its reduced formsUK , 1960.2a fool Rhyming slang
forPRICK(general term of offence)UK , 1977
ham sandwichnounlanguage Glasgow rhyming slang; this is a
convincing rhyme in the appropriate accentUK: SCOTLAND , 1988
ham shanknoun1an American Rhyming slang forYANK Originally
a World War 2 Merchant Navy coinage to describe American ships
or men, subsequently adopted by the AmericansUK , 1960.2a bank
Rhyming slangUK , 1994.3an act of masturbation Rhyming slang
forWANK UK , 2002
ham stealernouna thief who steals to eat, rather than for profitUS ,
1976
hamsternouna discrete piece of computer code that does what it is
supposed to do wellUS , 1991
hamster crab; crabnouna type of scratch (a manipulation of a
record to create a musical effect) Derives from the crab-like
movements of the DJ’s fingers; ‘hamster’ is a reference to the
hamster-switchUK , 2002
hamster-stylenouna method of manipulating record turntables in
hamster switch is a crossfader reverse switch, so named for the
‘BulletProof Scratch Hamsters’ who are credited with its invention
in the mid-1990sUK , 2002
Hancockverbto sign A shortened version ofJOHN HANCOCK From
his admirable signature on the Declaration of IndependenceUS , 1967
handnounfive; in betting, odds of 5–1 From theTICK-TACKsignal used by bookmakersUK , 1991 < do it with one hand tied behind your backto do something very easilyUS , 1889 < hand has no hairused for expressing a willingness to accept money in the present situationTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1982
handverb< hand it toto admit the superiority of someone or somethingUS , 1914
HANDin text messaging, have a nice day UK , 2003
hand and a halfnounin betting, odds of 11–2 In bookmaker slangHANDis 5–1, here the addition of a ‘half’ increases the odds
to 5½-1 or 11–2UK , 1991
hand and fistadjectivedrunk Rhyming slang, always used in full, forPISSED UK , 1992
H and Badjective sexually aroused; hot and bothered US , 1968
handbagnoun1an attractive male escort for a woman at a social engagementAUSTRALIA , 1967.2a male homosexualAUSTRALIA , 1992.
3money Also variant ‘hambag’UK , 1984
handbag-positiveadjectiveapplied to a confused and disoriented patient, lying in a hospital bed, clutching their handbag or purse
A jocular medical conditionUK , 2002
handbagsnouna minor verbal or physical disagreement, especially
on a sports pitchUK , 2003
Handbagsnicknamesecond battalion, Royal Green JacketsUK , 1995
handbags at dawna minor verbal or physical disagreementUK , 2001
handbags at ten pacesa conflict that, despite its potential for violent confrontation, comes to nothing more than posturing The number of paces may varyUK , 1991
handballverbto insert your lubricated hand into your partner’s rectum or vagina, providing sexual pleasure for bothUS , 1979
handballingnounthe insertion of a hand and fist into a person’s rectum or vagina for sexual gratificationUS , 1999
hand bombverbto throw a just-caught salmon using both hands
CANADA , 1989
handbooknouna bookmaker who operates on the street, without the benefit of a fixed officeUS , 1973
handbrakenouna wife or girlfriend, seen as preventing a man from having a good timeAUSTRALIA , 1998
handbrakienouna handbrake turnAUSTRALIA , 1996
H and Cnoun a mixture of heroin and cocaine A play on ‘hot and
cold’, shown on taps as H and CUS , 1971
hand cannonnouna large pistol Used for effect, quaintly old-fashionedUS , 1929
handcuffnounan engagement or wedding ringUS , 1926
handcuffedadjectivemarriedUS , 1945
hand-doodlenounto masturbateUS , 1968
H and Enounhigh explosivesUS , 1971
-handedsuffixdenotes the specific or general size of a gang when combined with a unit of measurement, e.g two-, ten-, mob-handedUK , 1999
hand fuckverbto insert a lubricated fist into a partner’s rectum or vagina, leading to sexual pleasure for bothUS , 1979
handfulnoun1a troublesome person who is difficult to control; something difficult to controlUK , 1887.2a prison sentence of five yearsUS , 1930.3in a restaurant or soda fountain, fiveUS , 1967.4in racing, five As high as you can count on one hand To win by ‘a couple of handfuls’ is to win by ten lengthsUK , 1937.5five pounds (£5)UK , 1961.6gambling odds of 5–1, especially among bookmakersUK , 1984 < get a handful; have a handfulto
Trang 2hand gallopnounan act of male masturbationUS , 1971
hand grenadedadjective(used of a racing car engine) exploded and
damagedUS , 1980
handicapnouna sexually transmitted infection, especially
gonorrhoea Rhyming slang forCLAP UK , 1992
handicap chase; handicapnouna face, especially an ugly face
Rhyming slangUK , 1992
handienounan act of manual masturbation FromHAND JOB
AUSTRALIA , 1994
handiesnounfondling of hands by loversAUSTRALIA , 1915
handing outnounin prison, the act of separating an imprisoned
mother from her baby (subject to disciplinary exceptions the
parent and child may spend up to eighteen months in a mother
and baby unit)UK , 1996
hand jig; hand gignounmasturbationUS , 1962
hand jivenoun1a rhythmic pattern of hand-movements performed
to music as a substitute for more usual forms of dance; hence,
obscure hand signalsUS , 1958.2an act of masturbating a maleUK ,
2003
hand jobnoun1manual stimulation of another’s genitalsUS , 1937.
2in trucking, cargo that must be hand-loadedUS , 1971
hand-jobverbto masturbate another personUS , 1969
handlenoun1a name, a nicknameUS , 1837.2a self-attributed
identity used on citizens’ band radioUS , 1974.3a big noseUS , 1750.
4a glass of beer served in a 10-fluid-ounce glass with a handle
AUSTRALIA , 1943.5a half-pint glass of beerNEW ZEALAND , 1994.6in
horse racing, the total amount bet, either on a given race or an
entire seasonUS , 1951 < get a handle onto gain a means of
comprehending or controlling someone or somethingUS , 1972
handleverbto stay in control Hawaiian youth usage as an
intransitive verbUS , 1981 < handle swollen goods(of a male) to
masturbate Punning a criminal activity: ‘to handle stolen goods’
UK , 2001
handlernoun1a drug dealer who deals in large quantities to
retail-level sellersUS , 1953.2in drag racing, a driverUS , 1968
handlesnounin basketball, ball-handling skillUS , 1997
handle-slammernouna person who manipulates the handles of a
slot machine that is in need of repair, forcing the machine to pay
out regardless of the spinUS , 1984
hand like a footnounin card games, a very bad hand of cards
A pun that was previously used of poor handwriting Currently in
popular use at Internet sites devoted to pokerUK , 1956
handmadenoun1a large penis An allusion to the belief that
excessive masturbation will produce a larger-than-average penisUS ,
1967.2a hand-rolled cigaretteUS , 1988
hand muckernounin gambling, a cheat who switches cardsUS , 1979
handoutnounin prison, the act of giving a prisoner’s property to a
visitor for removalUK , 1996
hand over fistadverbvery quickly, especially applied to making or
losing moneyUK , 1888
hand queennouna male homosexual who favours masturbating his
partnerUS , 1964
hand-rearedadjectiveendowed with a large penis A reference to
masturbation, presumably with the suggestion that such
manipu-lation promotes growthUK , 1961
hand reliefnounmasturbation in the context of a hand massage –
a sexual service offered in some massage parloursUS , 1988
hand ridenounin horse racing, a race run without using a whipUS ,
1974
hand-rollednouna marijuana cigarette Mildly euphemistic, and
thus mildly humorousUS , 1978
handsnoun< put your hands upto confess, especially to admit
to a crime The universal gesture of surrender The singular ‘put
your hand up’ seems unlikely; it smacks of a schoolchild seeking
attentionUK , 1970
hands and feet
hands and heelsadjectivein horse racing, used for describing a ride
in which the jockey did not use his whipAUSTRALIA , 1989
handshakenoun1the synchronisation mechanism of two computers or two programsUS , 1991.2to engage in mutual masturbationUS , 1961
hand shandy; handy shandynounan act of male masturbation
UK , 1997
hand shoenouna gloveUS , 1977
hands off cocks – feet in socks!; hands off your cocks and pull up your socks!; hands off cocks – on with socks!; hands off cocks, on socks!used for awakening sleeping men Military usageUK , 1976
handsome!excellent, first-rate; used for registering approvalUK , 1997
hand thingnounthe act of masturbating a man A variation of
HAND-JOB US , 2001
hand-to-gland combatnounan act of masturbation, especially if conducted with vigour A pun on ‘hand-to-hand combat’AUSTRALIA , 1998
hand toolsnounlockpicks, screwdrivers and other tools used by burglarsUS , 1982
hand to roufnounin betting, odds of 5–4 A combination ofHAND
(five) andROUF(four)UK , 1991
hand upverbto incriminateUK , 2002
handwaveverbto oversimplify or give a cursory explanation of a complicated pointUS , 1981
handynounamong antique dealers, an antique small enough to conceal in the palm of the handUK , 2003
handyadjectivegood at fightingUK , 1997
haneadjectivedisgusting An abbreviation ofHEINOUS US , 1993
hangnoun1a little bit Used as a euphemism for ‘damn’; always in the negativeUK , 1861.2used as a euphemism for ‘hell’SOUTH AFRICA ,
1960.3a person who regularly spends time in one place, or around people and places that are in some way associatedUS , 1996.4a job
US , 1950 < get the hang of somethingto learn how to do somethingUS , 1847 < give a hang; care a hangto care, to be concerned – usually in a negative contextUK , 1861
hangverb1to turn, especially but not exclusively applied to driving
a vehicle Usually in the phrase ‘hang a left/right’ (to make a left/right turn)US , 1967.2to tolerate, to keep up withUS , 1993.3used for registering annoyance, impatience, etc, as in ‘hang the expense’ From the sense ‘to execute by hanging’UK , 1392.4to idle
US , 1941.5(used of a computer program) to wait in suspension for something that will not occurUS , 1983 < hang crepein a hospital, to manage a patient’s expectations by leading them to expect the very worstUS , 1994 < hang fiveto surf with five toes extended over the front edge of the boardUS , 1963 < hang hard
to suffer a hangoverUS , 1996 < hang heelsto surf with your heels extended backwards over the tail of the surfboardUS , 1977.
< hang her alongside awhile before we heist her aboard
(of an idea or plan) to urge someone to think about it before we
do anythingCANADA , 1992 < hang it up1to insultUS , 1989.2to stop talking; to shut upUS , 1963.3to retire Or ‘hang them up’US ,
1936 < hang looseto do little and to do it without angstUS , 1955.
< hang on the ironto put snow chains on a truck’s tyresUS ,
1961 < hang on the leg(used of a prisoner) to associate and curry favour with prison authoritiesUS , 1992 < hang on the wall
(used of a groupie) to loiter at a rock and roll club in the hopes of making contact with a musicianUS , 1969 < hang one onto punchAUSTRALIA , 1974 < hang paper1to pass counterfeit money
US , 1976.2to pass cheques with fraudulent intentUK , 1996 < hang tento surf with all the toes of both feet extended over the front
of the boardUS , 1963 < hang tightto stay put, to stay resolvedUS ,
1947 < hang up your jockto quit or retireUS , 1983 < hang your hatto live, to resideUS , 1969 < hang your ownin circus and carnival usage, to brag A metaphor derived from the image of the braggart hanging posters advertising himselfUS , 1981
hang about
Trang 3hang about!used for demanding a pause in an activity Always
imperative, sometimes used to indicate that the speaker has
suddenly understood somethingUK , 1974
hangarnounin trucking, a garageUS , 1976
hangar-flyingnouna group conversation among combat pilots,
reliving combat missionsUS , 1918
hang aroundverbto idle, to pass time aimlessly, to socialiseUS , 1830
hangar queennounan aircraft that spends an inordinate amount of
time being repairedUS , 1943
hangashore; angishorenouna person who does not go out fishing
and thus is regarded as lazy Originally from the Irish word
aindeiseoir (a wretch), this word was adapted by folk etymology to
apply to the fishing culture of Atlantic CanadaCANADA , 1988
hangchernouna handkerchiefTRISTAN DA CUNHA , 1963
hang-downnounthe penisUS , 2001
hanged upadjectivedrug-intoxicatedUS , 1949
hangernoun1a piece of paper currency that has not fallen all the
way through the slot on a casino table where cash is droppedUS ,
1980.2in pool, a ball that is at rest right at the edge of a pocketUS ,
1937.3a handgun cartridge that fails to detonate immediately after
being struck by the firing pinUS , 1957.4a handbag with a strapUS ,
1950
Hanger Lanenouna nuisance, an annoyance, a frustration, an
irri-tation Rhyming slang forPAIN, formed from the name of a
traffic-junction on London’s North Circular road, probably coined by a
driver in a jamUK , 1992
hang-gutnouna paunchy stomachBAHAMAS , 1982
hangingadjective1of inferior qualityUK , 2002.2drunk; exhaustedUK ,
2002
hanging baconnounthe outer labia of the vaginaUK , 2002
hanging Johnnynounthe penis in a flaccid stateUS , 1980
Hanging SamnounGeneral Samuel T Williams of the US Army
Williams fought Pancho Villa in Mexico, and then in World War 1,
World War 2, Korea and VietnamUS , 1972
hang it!; hang it all!used for registering annoyance, irritation or
despairUK , 1703
hangmannouna difficult personNEW ZEALAND , 2002
hangnailnouna slow-moving person, a dawdler, especially a slow
driver Rhyming slang for ‘snail’, from the characteristics of the
creatureUK , 1998
hang onverb1to wait; to wait while using a telephone Often used
in the imperativeUK , 1959.2to make a criminal charge againstUS ,
1957
hangoutnouna place where people gather to socialise At times a
negative connotationUS , 1892
hang outverb1to spend time with someone, usually a friend or
friendsUS , 1867.2to monitor a citizen’s band radio channelUS , 1976
hangtimenountime spent waiting for something to happenUS , 1991
hang tough!used for expressing support when departingUS , 1990
hang upverb1when combined with an article symbolic of a trade,
profession or sport, to retire from that field of endeavour ‘Hang up
your fiddle’, which carries the generalised sense of retiring, is first
recorded in 1833; however the current wide use may well owe its
generation to Western films, particularly the cliché of an aged or
disabled gun-fighter hanging up his guns Of modern variations
‘Hang up (one’s) tits’ is recorded of a retiring female impersonator
in 1984 In 2003 a brief search of contemporary sources reveals a
hairdresser hanging up his scissors, a judge hanging up the wig
and robe, a Malayan who has hung up his Kalashnikov, a chef who
hangs up his toque and white jacket, and a war correspondent
who has hung up her flak jacket; jockeys hang up their silks,
boxers hang up their gloves, sumo wrestlers hang up their
loincloths, etcUK , 1833.2in a prayer group, to pray last If ‘to pray
first’ is toDIAL, then it is only logical that ‘to pray last’ is ‘to hang
up’US , 1990 < hang up a shingleto go into business for yourself
hangup; hang-upnoun1an emotional problem, neurosis or inhi-bitionUS , 1952.2in foot-propelled scootering, a seizing-up of a wheel during the performance of a trickUK , 2000
hanhichnounhashish Probably a misspelling of ‘hashish’UK , 2003
hanknoun< take your hankto masturbateUS , 1967
hank booknouna pornographic book or magazineUS , 1974
hank freaknouna person obsessed with masturbatingUS , 1967
Hank Marvinadjectivevery hungry Rhyming slang for ‘starving’; based on the name of popular guitarist Hank Marvin (b.1941)UK , 1998
hanktyadjectivesuspiciousUS , 1966
hanky; hankienouna handkerchief; a tissue (often qualified as a paper hankie) In the US a childish shortening virtually conven-tional in the UKUK , 1895
hanky code; hankie codenouna designation of a person’s sexual preferences, signalled by the colour of the handkerchief and the pocket in which it is wornUS , 1991
hanky panknouna carnival game in which the customer is allowed
to win small, inexpensive prizesUS , 1985
hankypankadjective(used of a carnival game) inexpensiveUS , 1950
hanky-panky; hankie-pankienoun1trickery, mischief, especially of
a sexual natureUK , 1841.2a boyfriend Teen slangUK , 2003
Hannibal Lecternouna ticket inspector Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a fictional serial killer who caught the popular imagination, created in 1981 by author Thomas Harris and portrayed on film in 1986 by Brian Cox, and, most famously, by Anthony Hopkins from 1992UK , 1998
Hanoi Hannahnouna composite character on Radio Hanoi who broadcast during the Vietnam war with a target audience of US troops and a goal of lessening troop moraleUS , 1967
Hanoi Hiltonnicknamea North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp, formally known as the Hoa Lo Prison (1964–1973) The title of a
1987 film starring Michael Moriarty and Jeffrey Jones as US prisoners of war trying to survive in the campUS , 1970
hanyaknouna smokeable methamphetamineUK , 1998
hapnoun1an event or activity An abbreviation of ‘happening’; usually found in questions such as ‘What’s the hap?’US , 1971.2a bite; a mouthful Directly from AfrikaansSOUTH AFRICA , 1978
hapas capasnoun a writ of habeas corpus US , 1950
ha’pennynounthe female genitals From the small value halfpenny coinUK , 1984 8see:HALFPENNY DIP, HALFPENNY STAMP
ha’porthnouna small or negligible measure of something (cost, potency, wit, etc) A colloquial contraction of ‘halfpennyworth’ that orginally, surely, suggested greater value and less contemptUK , 1976
ha’p’orth; haporth; apethnouna fool A contraction of
‘halfpennyworth’ signifying something of little value; gently contemptuous and usually qualified as ‘daft ha’porth’, ‘silly apeth’, etcUK , 1974
happenverbto be successfulUS , 1949
happeningnoun1an unstructured event built around music, drugs and a strong sense of bondingUS , 1959.2a party at which there is much drinking; a booze-upAUSTRALIA , 1971
happeningadjectivemodern, fashionable, chic In common with many words that define the times, ‘happening’ is now deeply unfashionable, surviving in irony and the vocabularies of those who were there when it was ‘happening’US , 1977 < it’s all happening!used when more than one thing happens at the same time; used of a general state of excitementUK , 1976
happilyadverbin computing, operating without awareness of an important factUS , 1991
happinessnounMDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy
UK , 2002
happynouna variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 1996
happyadjectiveslightly drunkUK , 1770 < are you happy in your work?
Trang 4work Originally military, in the form ‘are you happy in the
Service?’UK , 1943
-happysuffixmentally unbalanced or obsessed in the manner
denoted by earlier or current circumstances, or impending fate, as
affixed Originally military, fromHAPPY(slightly drunk); thus
‘bomb-happy’ (nerves shattered by exposure to imminent death or
mutilation), ‘demob-happy’ (obsessed by demobilisation, release
from service)US , 1931
happy as a pig in shitadjectiveextremely happyUK , 1944
happy as Larryadjectiveextremely happy Just exactly who the
proverbially happy Larry was is one of those snippets of
infor-mation lost in timeAUSTRALIA , 1905
happy bagnouna holdall in which an armed robber carries the
equipment of his tradeUK , 2002
happy bunnynouna person who is very contented Childish
imagery, originally business jargon.A contented worker, or team
member Often with a negative sense: ‘not a happy bunny’US , 1998
happy campernounused as a humorous description of a contented
person Often said with sarcasm or used in the negativeUS , 1981
happy cigarettenouna marijuana cigaretteUS , 1982
happy-clappyadjectivefilled with spiritual joy, sometimes applied to
Christians but rarely in the conventional ChurchUK , 1993
happy daynouna mixture of bottled strong ale and draught beerUK:
SCOTLAND , 1996
happy daysnoun1a type of bet in an illegal numbers game lottery
US , 1957.2breadfruitBARBADOS , 1965
happy drugnounMDMA, the recreational drug best known as
ecstasyUK , 2003
happy dustnouncocaine, morphine or any powdered mind-altering
drug Imparts a sense of nostalgia, not unlikeWACKY BACCY
(marijuana) The term of choice for cocaine in George Gerswhin’s
Porgy and Bess US , 1922
happy fagnouna marijuana cigaretteUK , 2002
happy gasnounnitrous oxide, laughing gasAUSTRALIA , 1986
happy hackingused as a farewellUS , 1981
happy happy joy joyused as a humorous, often sarcastic,
celebratory remark First heard in the Ren and Stimpy cartoon
(1991–1995), and then popularised with a broader audience by
Keith Olberman on ESPNUS , 1997
happy herbnounmarijuanaUK , 1998
happy hournouna period of time in the late afternoon when a bar
serves free snacks and drinks at reduced pricesUS , 1959
happy hoursnounflowers Rhyming slangUK , 1960
happy little Vegemitenouna happy person, especially a child
From an advertising jingle for Vegemite™, a yeast-based spread
popular in AustraliaAUSTRALIA , 1988
happy mealnouna mixture of chemical stimulants and
depress-ants A Happy Meal is more usually a product of McDonalds™
fast-food restaurantsUK , 2001
happy pienounthe vaginaUS , 1974
happy pillnoun1an amphetamine or other central nervous system
stimulantUK , 1956.2a Prozac™ tabletUK , 2001.3a tablet of MDMA,
the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 2003
happy powdernouncocaineUK , 1998
happy Sallynounstrong, homemade whiskyUS , 1986
happy shopnounan off-licence (a liquor store)US , 1972
happy slapverbto physically assault a randomly chosen person and
film the incident on a mobile phoneUK , 2005
happy slappernouna person who, as part of popular youth craze,
violently attacks a randomly chosen individual while the incident
is filmed by an accompliceUK , 2005
happy slappingnounan apparently motiveless violent attack on a
randomly chosen innocent person while the incident is filmed by
an accomplice; or such attacks collectively; or the teenage craze
happy sticknouna marijuana cigarette enhanced with phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust
US , 1999
happy trailsnouncocaine From the cowboy song known by those who came of age in the US in the 1950s and 60sUS , 1993
happy trailsused as a farewell A catchphrase television sign-off
sung on The Roy Rogers Show (NBC, 1951–57) Repeated with
referential humourUS , 1951
happy valleynounthe cleft between the buttock cheeksUS , 1970s
Happy Valleynicknamethe Vinh Thanh Valley, during the war a dangerous area northeast of An Khe, South VietnamUS , 1983
hapsnounthe latest; something that is popular Often heard as ‘the haps’US , 1961
haraminouna shrewd or cunning person; used as a term of abuse it
may carry the same sense as ‘bastard’ From Urdu haram (that which is sacred), hence Urdu harami (a rogue) There is anecdotal
evidence that it has been in UK since the 1960s Current in Pakistan and Indian street slang, as is the equivalent but more
abusive Urdu term haramzada (a son of wickedness; aBASTARD)
INDIA , 2003
harassverbto flirtTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003
Harbour CitynicknameSydneyAUSTRALIA , 1964
harbour light; harbouradjectiveright Rhyming slangUK , 1961
hardnoun1an erectionUS , 1961.2hardcore sexual materialUS , 1977.
3an addictive drugNEW ZEALAND , 1982.4coinsUS , 1950
hardadjective1of drinks, intoxicating, spiritous, ‘strong’US , 1789.
2(used of drugs) powerfully addictiveUS , 1955.3fine, excellentUS ,
1948.4muscular, tonedUS , 1990.5of rock music, serious, uncompromising, with a strong rhythmic forceUS , 1960s.6of rave music, relentlessly rhythmicUK , 1998.7of pornographic material, descriptive of anything that is more explicit than society finds gen-erally acceptable A flexible standard depending on where you are
US , 1969.8in craps, a point made with a matching pair A bet on a
‘hard’ number means that the only combination that will win is a pair Often used in the phrase ‘the hard way’US , 1930.9(used of straightened hair) heavily greasedUS , 1970.10in blackjack, said of a hand without an ace or with an ace and a value of 12 or higher
US , 1978.11(used of a theatre ticket) reserved for a specific seatUS , 1973
hardadverb< go hardto engage in gunfireUS , 2003
hard anklenouna working man, especially a truckerUS , 1976
hard-arsed; hard-ass; hard-assedadjectiveuncompromising, unyielding, tough, stubbornUK , 1903
hard asknouna difficult challengeNEW ZEALAND , 2000
hard-assnouna strict, unforgiving, unrelenting personUS , 1966
hard-assverb1to endure a difficult situationUS , 1967.2to treat harshlyUS , 1970
hard at itadjectivevery busy, especially when engaged on a particu-lar taskUK , 1749
hardbackadjectiveoldJAMAICA , 2000
hardballnoun1competition or conflict with no holds barredUS , 1972.
2crack cocaineUK , 2003
hardballernouna person who competes or pursues an interest with
an intense focus and little thought as to the consequencesUS , 1984
hardbellynouna teenage girl or young woman Biker (motorcyle) usageUS , 1988
hard bitnouna prison sentence that is especially difficult to serve, 1996
hard-boiledadjectivecallous, cynical, emotionally uninvolved, tough; describing the characteristics of macho tough guys in ‘hard-boiled’ pulp fiction Figurative usage of the solid properties of hard-boiled eggs, or clothing vigorously boiled in starch; applied by Mark Twain (1835–1910) to refer to rigid rules of grammar (1886); in the early 1900s it applied to hard or stiff clothing; by 1918 it was being used to describe a person who stuck rigidly to the rules; from which the current sense evolved
Trang 5hardbootnouna person from KentuckyUS , 1923
hard candynoun1heroinUS , 1970.2a person who has been
ident-ified for revenge by a prison gangUS , 1997
hard-casenouna hardened, tough personUS , 1836
hard-caseadjectiveeccentric, unconventionalNEW ZEALAND , 1971
hard catnouna well-dressed, popular maleUS , 1959
hard-chargeverbin car racing, to drive aggressivelyUS , 1965
hard chawnouna thugIRELAND , 2003
hard cheddarnounbad luckUK , 1931
hard cheesenounbad luck Often said in commiserationUK , 1876
hardcorenoun1amyl nitrite Perhaps from ‘hardcore’ as a grade of
pornography because of the drug’s reputation as a sexual relaxant
UK , 1996.2a regular soldier of the North Vietnamese Army or the
Viet CongUS , 1991
hardcoreadjective1of pornography, graphic, explicit The gradations
betweenSOFTCOREand ‘hardcore’ vary over time and place; in
general, the erect penis, penetration and ejaculation are the
hallmarks of hardcore pornographyUS , 1970.2extremeUS , 1997
hardcoreadverbextremelyUS , 1997
hard cutadjectiverough, tough, hard-livingCANADA , 1962
hard-doer; hard doernouna person who struggles valiantly against
difficulties Literally, a person who ‘does it hard’ A term of
approbationAUSTRALIA , 1910
hard dressernounan aggressive, ‘mannish’ lesbianUS , 1967
hard-earnednounmoney, especially that identified as earnings, 1975
hard-earsnounsaid of a stubborn personTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003
har-de-har-harused as a vocalisation mocking laughterUS , 1957
hardfistnouna violence-prone, tough personCANADA , 1955
hard graftnounhard workAUSTRALIA , 1873
hard-graftingadjectivehard-workingAUSTRALIA , 1972
hard guynouna serious, violent criminalUS , 1916
hard hatnounan elite, full-time Viet Cong soldierUS , 1965
hard headnouna criminal who uses explosives to break into safes
US , 1949
hard hitnounan act of defecation Rhyming slang forSHIT, especially
in the phrase ‘go for a hard hit’UK , 1978
Hard Johnnoun1an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI)US , 1945.2a tough, uncompromising personUS , 1961
hard knockadjectivetoughened by life Having been through the
SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS US , 1977
hard labournouna neighbour Rhyming slangUK , 1992
hard legnounan experienced, cynical prostituteUS , 1967
hard linenouncrack cocaineUK , 1998
hard linesnounbad luck Probably of nautical origins Often said in
commiserationUK , 1824
hard-lookverbto stare at aggressivelyUS , 1994
hard macknouna brutish pimp who relies on force and the threat
of force to control his prostitutesUS , 1972
hard mannoun1a professional thug; a person not afraid of violent
actionUS , 1970.2an uncompromising politician or businessmanUK ,
1976
hard moneynouncashUS , 1972
hard-mouthverbto threaten or disparageTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1960
hard nailnouna hypodermic needleUS , 1955
hard-nosedadjectivestubborn, uncompromisingUS , 1927
hard nutnouna dangerous foe; a tough individual; a difficult
challenge Clipped from ‘a hard nut to crack’US , 1884
hard nut to cracknoun 8see:TOUGH NUT
hard of hearingadjectiveundisciplined, disobedientTRINIDAD AND
hard-onnoun1the erect penis; an erectionUS , 1888.2a grudgeUS ,
1931.3a stubborn, belligerent personUS , 1968.4a prized possession; something to be desired Derives from the sense as ‘an erection’, via the idea that inanimate objects can beSEXY(desirable)UK , 1999.
5a desire forUS , 1971
hard onadjectiveaddicted toBAHAMAS , 1982
hard onenounin necrophile usage, a corpse that has stiffened with rigor mortisUS , 1987
hard pimpnouna pimp who relies on violence and the threat of violence to control his prostitutesUS , 1973
hard-pushedadjectivein difficulties, especially financialUK , 1834
hard ricenounduring the Vietnam war, weapons and ammunition
US , 1985
hard rocknouncrack cocaine An elaboration ofROCK UK , 1998
hardshell Baptistnouna member of the Primitive Baptist Church,
or any other rigidly orthodox BaptistUS , 1838
hard shellsnounpowerfully addictive drugs, such as heroin, morphine and cocaineUS , 1960
hard, soft and wetdenotes all that is necessary to operate a computerUK , 1998
hard sportsnounsadomasochistic sex-play involving defecation, especially when it is offered as a service in a prostitute’s advertisingUK , 2003
hard spotnounan ambush using tanks or other armour as part of the ambushUS , 1991
hard stuffnoun1alcoholic drink other than beer or wineAUSTRALIA ,
1832.2addictive drugs such as heroin or cocaineUS , 1950.3coinsUS , 1788
hardtailnouna motorcyle with no rear shock absorbersUS , 1992
hard timenouna long prison sentence, whether in absolute terms
or relative to the crime or relative to the prisoner’s ability to surviveUS , 1927
hard-timernouna prisoner serving a long sentenceUS , 1986
hard upadjective1in want of money, impoverishedUK , 1818.2in need of something specifiedUK , 1840
hardwarenoun1weapons, usually gunsUS , 1865.2ostentatious jewelleryUS , 1939.3silverwareUS , 1962.4any medal or trophy awarded in a competitionUS , 1921
hardware shopnouna homosexual male brothelUK , 1987
hardware storenouna poker game in which players generally bet based on the value of their hands and do not bluff An allusion to the True Value chain of hardware stores in the USUS , 1996
hard wordnoun< put the hard word on someone1to ask someone for sexual intercourseAUSTRALIA , 1936.2to make a fervent request of someoneAUSTRALIA , 1918
hard yakka; hard yackernounhard workAUSTRALIA , 1888
hard yardnouna difficult challengeNEW ZEALAND , 2000
hard yardsnounexacting work Originally a sporting metaphor
AUSTRALIA , 2001
hare and houndnouna round of drinks Rhyming slang; a variation
ofFOX AND HOUND UK , 1992
hare-and-hound racenouna long motorcyle race in the desertUS , 1965
haricot bean; haricotnouna male homosexual Rhyming slang for
QUEEN AUSTRALIA , 1971
Harlem credit cardnouna siphon used for stealing petrol from parked carsUS , 1979
Harlem handshakenouna series of hand-to-hand manoeuvres that combine into an idiosyncratic handshake Harlem, New York, is a centre of the black community and figuratively used to emphasise stereotypical and negative black characteristicsUS , 2000
Harlem heaternounany improvised source of heat, such as leaving
an oven door open to heat the room New York police slangUS , 1997
Harlem sunsetnounthe blood-red line on freshly razor-slashed skin
Trang 6figuratively used to emphasise negative black characteristics; here,
combined with an allusion to ‘blood red sunsets’, the suggestion is
that only black people get into razor fightsUS , 1940
Harlem taxinouna large, luxury car painted in an extravagant
colourUS , 1962
Harlem tennisnounthe game of crapsUS , 1983
Harlem toothpicknouna pocket knife; a switchbladeUS , 1944
Harley wrenchnouna hammer Humorous biker (motorcyle) usage,
suggesting a low degree of sophistication among motorcyle
mech-anicsUS , 2003
harmonicnoun Indian tonic water Rhyming slang UK , 1984
harm reducernounmarijuana A reference to the claim that
smoking tobacco mixed with marijuana will cause less harm than
unadulterated tobaccoUK , 2001
harnessnoun1reinforcement on the outside of a safeUS , 1949.2a
uniformUS , 1853.3the leather clothing worn by some motorcyle
riders and embraced as a fashion statement by othersUS , 1993
harnessadjectiveuniformedUS , 1903
harness racknounan old horseCANADA , 1987
Harold Lloyd; haroldnouncelluloid (as a housebreaking tool, used
for forcing locks) Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the
legendary silent film comedian, 1893–1971UK , 1959
Harold Macmillan; ‘aroldnouna villain Rhyming slang, formed
from the name of a British prime minister (1957–63) and
statesman, 1894–1986UK , 1992
Harold Pinter; ‘aroldnouna splinter Rhyming slang, formed from
the name of a playwright (b.1930)UK , 1992
haroldsnounknickers Probably rhyming slang, fromHARRY TAGGS,
shortened to Harry, thus HaroldAUSTRALIA , 1971
harpnoun1a harmonicaUS , 1887.2an Irish-American or an Irish
personUS , 1898
harpicadjectivemad, crazy, eccentric A play onROUND THE BEND
(mad) and branded toilet cleaner Harpic’s advertising slogan
‘cleans round the bend’ It is interesting to note that a cocktail of
blue curacoa, kahlua, vodka and lemonade is named Harpic –
probably not just for the colour Also used as a nicknameUK , 1961
harpistnouna harmonica player FromHARP(a harmonica)UK , 1993
harpoonnouna needle used to inject drugs intravenously, especially
a hollow needle used in an improvised contraptionUS , 1938
Harris tweednounamphetamine Rhyming slang forSPEED UK , 1983
Harrynounheroin Giving an personal identity and disguise toH
(heroin)US , 1954
Harry-big-buttonnounany cheap electrical appliance characterised
by unfashionable design, especially large control knobsUK , 2002
harry-carrynoun suicide From Japanese hara-kiri (ritual suicide by
disembowelment)UK , 1996
Harry Freemansnounanything that is free Royal Navy, from
obsolete ‘drink at freeman’s quay’ (to drink at another’s expense)
UK , 1962
Harry Hillnouna tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known
as ecstasy Rhyming slang for ‘pill’; based on the name of UK
comedian Harry Hill (b.1964)UK , 2001
Harry Hoofnouna male homosexual Glasgow rhyming slang for
POOF UK: SCOTLAND , 1985
Harry Hugginsnouna fool, an idiot, often with an implication that
the fool is a victim (and a fool to be so) Rhyming slang for
MUGGINS(an idiot)UK , 1992
Harry Jamesnounthe nose A pun on ‘trumpet’, connected to
band leader and trumpet player Harry James (1916–83)UK , 1958
Harry Laudernouna prison warder Rhyming slang, formed from
the name of the Scottish comedian and singer, Sir Harry Lauder,
1870–1950UK , 1961
Harry Limenountime Rhyming slang, formed from the name of
the character played by Orson Welles in the 1950 film The Third
Harry Monk; harrynounsemen Rhyming slang forSPUNK;
gener-ally reducedUK , 1992
Harry Selbynounused in a theatre programme as a fictitious name for an actor Less common thanGEORGE SPELVIN, but serving the
same purposeUS , 1973
Harry Taggnounbag Rhyming slang; theatrical Current in 1960UK , 1960
Harry Taggs; haroldsnountrousers Rhyming slang for ‘bags’ (trousers)UK , 1992
Harry Tatenoun1eight pounds (£8) Rhyming slang, formed from the stage name of musical hall performer Ronald Hutchinson, 1872–1940UK , 1992.2a plate Rhyming slangUK , 1992.3a first officer in the Merchant Navy Rhyming slang for ‘mate’UK , 1961.4a confusion; an attack of nerves; an emotional state Rhyming slang for ‘state’UK , 1932
Harry Tateadjectivelate Rhyming slang, formed from the stage name of musical hall performer Ronald Hutchinson, 1872–1940
UK , 1960
Harry Tatesnounbranded cigarettes, Player’s ‘Weights’ Rhyming slangUK , 1974
Harry Wragg; Harry Rag; harrynouna cigarette Rhyming slang forFAG(a cigarette), formed on the name of jockey Harry Wragg, 1902–85UK , 1960
Harry X-erswith Harry preceding and -ers suffixed, a personified variation of an adjective or adverb Mainly nautical, in applications such as ‘Harry Nuders’ (naked)UK , 1925
harshnounmarijuana, hashish Probably a play on the pronunciation ofHASH(hashish) but may well refer to the quality
UK , 2003
harshverbto criticise or disparageUS , 1988 < harsh a mellowto ruin a calm situationUS , 1997
harshadjective1disagreeable, forbidding, severe Conventional English rendered slang by the youngUS , 1984.2in motor racing, bumpy and roughUS , 1980
Hart, Schaffner and Marxnounin poker, three jacks An allusion
to a men’s clothing manufacturerUS , 1988
harum-scarumadjectivereckless, carelessUK , 1751
harum-scarumadverbrecklessly, wildlyUK , 1691
harvest moon; harvestnouna black person Rhyming slang for
COON UK , 1992
Harvey Nicholnouna predicament Rhyming slang forPICKLE,
formed from the name of London department store Harvey NicholsUK , 1932
Harvey Nicholsnounpickles, savoury condiments Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a London department storeUK , 1960
Harvey Nicks; Harvey Nic’snicknameHarvey Nichols, a fashionable department storeUK , 1991
Harvey Smithnouna v-sign as an insulting gesture Following an incident on 15th August 1971 when show-jumper Harvey Smith used the gesture at the British Jumping Derby and as a result was disqualified (a decision subsequently overturned); his spontaneous action swiftly became part of UK folkloreUK , 1979
Harvey Wallbangernounany unsafe, reckless and/or drunk driver
US , 1976
hasnoun hashish An abbreviated variation of HASH UK , 1998
has-beennouna person whose best days and greatest achievements are in the pastUK , 1606
has beensnoungreen vegetables, especially cabbage Rhyming slang forGREENS UK , 1984
hasbiannouna former lesbian; a woman who took lesbian lovers in college, but who reverted to heterosexuality after graduation from collegeUS , 1995
hashnoun1hashish (cannabis resin or pollen) Variant spellings include ‘hashi’, ‘hashis’ and ‘haschi’ Derived from the Arabic word for ‘herb’ or ‘grass’, as though it were the herb ‘par excellence’ (Sadie Plant, ‘Writing On Drugs’, 1999) . a number sign (#)
Trang 7on a computer keyboardUS , 1991 < make a hashto spoil, to
make a mess of somethingUK , 1833
hashverbto serve alcoholic drink that is not the brand claimedUS ,
1979
hash and trashnounbackground noise during a citizens’ band
radio transmissionUS , 1976
Hashburynicknamethe Haight-Ashbury neigbourhood of San
Francisco A blending of the two street names and an allusion to
the drug-using propensities of the area’s residentsUS , 1967
hashcakenouna confection that has marijuana or hashish as a
major ingredientUK , 2000
hash cannonnouna device for smoking marijuana or hashish, used
to force smoke deep into the lungsUS , 1970
hashernouna waitress in an inexpensive restaurantUS , 1908
hash housenouna restaurant that serves inexpensive, simply
prepared food, catering to working menUS , 1868
hash jointnouna hash houseUS , 1895
hash outverbto discuss until an issue is resolvedUS , 1995
hashovernouna general feeling of lethargy or malaise following
marijuana use A play on ‘hangover’ andHASH(marijuana)UK , 1996
hash-puppynouna dog trained to sniff-out marijuana A play on
Hush Puppies™, US branded footware, introduced in 1958
AUSTRALIA , 1970
hash-slingernouna waitress or cookUS , 1868
hasslenouna problem, trouble, harassmentUS , 1946
hassleverb1to harass, annoyUS , 1959.2to engage in mock
plane-to-plane aerial combatUS , 1979
hasta la bye-byegoodbye Intentionally butchered SpanishUS , 1990
hasta la vista, baby!see you later! Popularised by Tone Loc in his
1989 rap hit ‘Wild Thing’US , 1990
hasta lumbagoused as a humorous farewell An intentional
corruption of the Spanish hasta luego (until later) US , 1977
hatnoun1in drag racing, a crash helmetUS , 1968.2a condomUS , 1992.
3a womanUS , 1963.4on the railways, an incompetent workerUS , 1977.
5a US Marines drill instructorUS , 1991.6twenty-five dollarsUS , 1973.
7anything bought with a bribe, used as code for a bribeUS , 1973.
8the up-arrow or caret key (^) on a computer keyboardUS , 1991.9a
dose of LSDUS , 1994.10in pinball, a piece of plastic that indicates a
value when lit Conventionally known as a ‘playfield insert’US , 1977.
< get hatto leaveUS , 1966 < in the hatmarked for murder by a
prison gangUS , 2003 < throw your hat in firstto test out a
situ-ation before taking partAUSTRALIA , 1953 < wear more than one
hat; wear several hatsto simultaneously hold more than one
post, or position of responsibilityUS , 1924
hat and coatnouna boat, especially a refrigerated cargo ship
Rhyming slangUK , 1992
hat and feather; hattonnounweather Rhyming slangUK , 1992
hat and scarfnouna bath Rhyming slang, with Cockney
pronunciation.UK , 1992
hatchnoun1the vaginaUS , 1967.2the mouthUS , 1968
hatchverb< hatch itto forget about somethingUS , 1968
hatcherynouna psychiatric ward or mental institutionUS , 1994
hatchet jobnounan unwarranted and harshly critical attack on
someone’s or something’s reputationUK , 1944
hatchet mannoun1a person who is called upon to perform
distasteful tasks From the literal image of a paid assassin armed
with a hatchet; sometimes abbreviated to a simple ‘hatchet’US ,
1937.2a physically aggressive athlete, especially one who is tasked
with roughing up an opponentUS , 1971
hatchintannouna gypsy site English gypsy use, from Romany
hatsh (stop, rest) UK , 2000
hatch, match and dispatchverb(of a local preacher) to carry a
person through life’s big eventsCANADA , 1992
hatch, match and dispatch; hatches, matches, dispatches;
hatched, matched, dispatched
announcements of births, marriages and deaths A neat sum-mation of life, originally applied by journalists to such newspaper columns; later recognised by church authorities as the times when most people are prepared to be part of a service or congregation
UK , 1937
hateverbused in the phrase ‘hate to say’ as a substitute for ‘have’
US , 2003 < hate someone’s gutsto hate someone intenselyUK , 1918
hatedadjective1bad, unpleasantUS , 1989.2(used of a girl) beautiful beyond imagination Usually as ‘hatedBETTY’US , 1988
haternouna jealous or envious personUS , 2001
hater juicenounderogatory speechUS , 2003
hating lifeadjectivedepressedUS , 1989
hatless tap dancenoun(among Canadian Forces personnel) the march into the Commanding Officer’s office to face a charge
CANADA , 1995
hat out; hat upverbto leaveUS , 1970
hatsnounLSDUK , 1998
hats offcongratulations An imperative variation of ‘take your hat off to’; when hats were everyday wear the action would echo the words or make their use unnecessaryUK , 1929
hatstandadjectivemad, crazy From the cartoon character ‘Roger
Irrelevant: he’s completely hatstand’ in the comic Viz UK , 2003
hatternoun1a solitary worker in a rural or remote area, especially one who suffers from social phobia Originally applied to miners who worked their claims without a partner Possibly from the phrase ‘your hat covers your family’ (you are alone in the world), though no doubt the concept of the ‘mad hatter’ must have had
an influence Now only historicalAUSTRALIA , 1853.2a homosexual man FromBROWN-HATTER(a gay man)UK , 1984
Hattie Jacques; Hattiesnoundelirium tremens, the shakes Rhyming slang, based on the name of actress and comedienne Hattie Jacques (1924–80)UK , 2002
hat tricknounthree consecutive successes, usually in a sporting context; three linked events Originally and conventionally a cricketing term, recorded to mark the bowling of three wickets with consecutive balls; achieving this phenomenal feat entitled the sportsman to a new hat from his club, hence ‘hat-trick’
Subsequently adopted by other sports for lesser feats of three, such as three goals scored in a football match (which may well not
be rewarded with a hat)UK , 1909
hattyadjectiveused to describe the qualities of an elaborate hatUK , 1959
hat up!used for urging departureUS , 1971
haulnounthe proceeds of a crime or business operationUS , 1950
haulverb< haul assto go swiftlyUS , 1918 < haul buttto move quicklyUS , 1968 < haul coal(used of a white person) to have sex with a black personUS , 1972 < haul someone over the coalsto give a stern reprimand to someoneUK , 1795 < haul the mail1in trucking, to drive faster to make up for lost timeUS , 1971.2in hot rodding and drag racing, to perform at the highest potentialUS , 1993
haulernoun1in the usage of youthful model road racers (slot car racers), a fast model road carUS , 1997.2a very fast drag racing car
US , 1960s to 70s
haurangiadjectivedrunkNEW ZEALAND , 1960
haveverb1to have sex with someoneUK , 1594.2to believe something, to acceptUK , 2001.3to outwit, to cheat, to deceiveUK ,
1805 < have a noI don’t have Korean war usage from Japanese pidgin; a supply officer’s perfect answer to a requisition for supplies not in stockUS , 1951 < have a pop atto attack, especially verbally A variation of ‘have a pop at’ (to try) adopting a different sense of ‘pop’ (to hit)UK , 2001 < have got ‘em; have got ‘em badto have the delirium tremens, to have a fit of nerves
or depression or ‘the blues’UK , 1893 < have got it bad; have got it badlyto have fallen in love or to be infatuatedUK , 1911.
< have had it1to be faced with an unavoidable prospect of defeat or ruin; to be defeated, to be ruined; to be dead or to have been killed . to have had more than enough of