A figurative use of a sporting actualityUK, 1875.2a rough-house fight UK, 2001 kick offverb1to begin; to get goingAUSTRALIA, 1924.2to sleep off the effects of an illegal drugUS, 1951.3to
Trang 1kickdownnoun1an object or commodity that has been donatedUS,
1997.2the automatic shift into the next lower gear that occurs
with an automatic transmission when applying full throttleUS, 1993
kick downverbto give, to provideUS, 1992
kickdown gearnounin a car, a gear designed for sudden bursts of
accelerationUS, 1965
kickernoun1an unforeseen complicationUS, 1941.2in poker, an
unmatched card held in the hand while drawingUS, 1963.3in the
illegal production of alcohol, any nitrate added to the mashUS,
1974.4a small, yeast-rich amount of an alcoholic beverage used to
start the fermentation process in a homemade alcohol-making
ventureUS, 1992.5in television and film-making, a small light used
to outline objects in the foregroundUS, 1990.6in dominoes, the
6–1 piece or any piece with a 5US, 1959.7a member of a civilian
air crew dropping supplies by parachute to troops in remote areas
The handlers literally kicked the supply crates with parachutes out
of the plane doorsUS, 1990.8a member of the Mountjoy prison
riot squadIRELAND, 1996.9on the railways, a jammed air brake valve
US, 1975.10a linear amplifier for a citizens’ band radioUS, 1976
kick inverbto contribute, to share an expenseUS, 1906
kicking; kickin’adjectiveexcellent, wonderful, etcUS, 1988
kick in the ass; kick in the pantsnounin horse racing, a horse
heavily favoured to win a raceUS, 1951
kick in the balls; kick in the arse; kick in the ass; kick in the
pants; kick in the headnouna grave disappointment; a serious
setbackUK, 1989
kick-offnoun1a start; a beginning; the time something begins A
figurative use of a sporting actualityUK, 1875.2a rough-house fight
UK, 2001
kick offverb1to begin; to get goingAUSTRALIA, 1924.2to sleep off the
effects of an illegal drugUS, 1951.3to dieUS, 1908.4to make a fuss,
to raise an objectionUK, 2000
kick onverb1to commenceAUSTRALIA, 1949.2to keep on; to
persevere, to continue, especially against adversityAUSTRALIA, 1949
kick outverb1while surfing, to step on the rear of the surfboard
while raising the lead foot and then to pivot the board to end a
rideUS, 1962.2to leave a gangUK, 1996
kickout holenounin pinball, a hole in the playfield that registers a
score and then ejects the ball back into playUS, 1977
kick padnouna drug rehabiliation facilityUS, 1973
kick potsverbto work mess hall dutyUS, 1991
kick rocks!go away!US, 2001
kicksnounshoesUS, 1897
kicks racenouna drag race with no prize, entered for the fun of
competing and winningUS, 2003
kick-startverbto give a good start to something; to get something
working wellAUSTRALIA, 1992
kick sticknouna marijuana cigarette A combination ofKICK(an
intoxicating effect) andSTICK(a cigarette)US, 1967
kick upverb1to complain vigorously, to respond unfavourably and
therefore cause problems or trouble Usually in phrases such as
‘kick up a row’, ‘kick up a fuss’, ‘kick up trouble’, etcUK, 1789.2(of
a jockey) to urge a horse on to a burst of speedAUSTRALIA, 1960
kickyadjectiveamusing, entertainingUS, 1942
kidnoun1a childUK, 1618.2used as a form of address, usually
affectionateUK, 1959.3the passive member of a male homosexual
relationship, especially in prisonUS, 1893.4a (young) follower of a
stated music style A UK rock band called the Heavy Metal Kids
was formed in 1973UK, 2003 < our kidthe eldest boy in the
family A colloquial term from the north of EnglandUK, 1984
kidverbto fool, to pretendUK, 1811
Kid Creolenoununemployment benefit; the local offices from
which unemployment benefit is managed Rhyming slang forTHE
DOLE UK , 2000
kiddernoun1a teaser, a mockerUK, 1888.2used as an affectionate
kiddienounthe boss A variation ofTHE MAN; ‘kiddy’ (late C18) is a
mainly obsolete term for ‘man’, surviving here and as ‘Kid’ when applied to a boxerUK, 2000
kiddie can; kiddie carnouna school busUS, 1976
kiddie fiddlernouna paedophileUK, 2003
kiddie strollnouna street in Vancouver where under-age prostitutes workCANADA, 2002
kiddiwink; kiddywink; kiddiewinkienouna child An elaboration
ofKID; also recorded as ‘kiddywinkle’, ‘kiddywinky’ and ‘kiddlywink’
UK, 1957
kiddlesnouna young womanUS, 1947
kiddonoun1used as a term of address, often affectionatelyUS, 1905.
2a youngster, a teenager An elaboration ofKID US , 1942
kiddy; kiddienouna small childUK, 1858
kiddyananounantique toys The conventional suffix ‘-ana’ combined withKIDDY(a child)UK, 2003
kiddy copnouna police officer assigned to juvenile crimeUS, 1975
kiddy kingdomnounblissBARBADOS, 1965
kiddy pornnounchild pornographyUS, 1977
kid fruitnouna male homosexual who achieves gratification from performing oral sex on young men or boysUS, 1961
kid glovesnoun< with kid glovesdelicately, gently, circumspectly, in such a manner so as to avoid upsetUS, 1888
kid in the khaki shirtnounin horse racing, an imaginary jockey who wins races on horses not favoured to winAUSTRALIA, 1989
kidneynounthe brain; by extension, intelligenceTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003
kidney-busternouna truck, especially a military truck, that rides roughlyUS, 1938
kidney punch; kidneynouna lunch Rhyming slangUK, 1960
kidney-wiper; kidney-scrapernounthe penis A ribald celebration
of a penis of heroic dimensionsUS, 1888
kidology; kiddologynouna notional science of teasing or deceiving; a notional science of dealing with childrenUK, 1964
kidsnouna group of homosexual men friendsUS, 1972
Kidsnoun< The KidsAll My Children, a popular television daytime
dramaUS, 1987
kid shownouna circus or carnival side showUS, 1980
kid-simplenouna male homosexual who is obsessively attracted to young men and boysUS, 1962
kidstakenouna fake Rhyming slang, fromKIDSTAKES(a pretence)UK, 1992
kidstakesnounchildish behaviour, especially childish pretence or kidding around; joking From ‘kid’ (to trick) and ‘stakes’ (games, competitive undertaking) This unusual sense for the word ‘stakes’
is also found in the obsolete Australian World War 1 slang term
‘bluff-stakes’ (a deceitful attempt to coerce someone by bluffing)
AUSTRALIA, 1912
kid-stuff; kid’s stuff; kids’ stuffnounany activity characteristic of,
or suitable for, children; hence, something easy to doUS, 1929
kielbasanoun the penis From kielbasa (a red-skinned Polish
sausage)US, 1978
kifeverbin circus and carnival usage, to swindleUS, 1931
kiffnouna marijuana cigaratteUK, 2003
kiff-kiffnouna modest, suppressed laughTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003
kikenouna Jewish person Not much room for anything but hate with this word It is believed that the term originated at the Ellis Island immigration facility in New York harbour, where Jewish immigrants who could not write were instructed to make a circle,
or kikel in Yiddish US, 1904
kike; kike itverbto walkUS, 1979
kike killernouna club or bludgeonUS, 1982
kikinouna homosexual male A derisive, short-lived insider term;
Trang 2kikiadjective1in a homosexual relationship, comfortable with
playing both roles in sexUS, 1941.2bisexualUS, 1970
Kilburn priory; Kilburnnouna diary, especially a police diary
Rhyming slangUK, 1992
killnoun1in roller derby, an extended attack on the other team’s
jammer (a skater who is eligible to score)US, 1999.2semenUS, 1998.
< the killthe moment when a sale is confirmed A hunting
image with the salesperson as the hunter and the customer as
prey; a variation of the sense ‘to win’UK, 1999
killverb1to cause someone to laugh uproariouslyUK, 1856.2to cause
pain to someoneUK, 1800.3to excite, to please, to thrillUS, 1844.4to
excelUS, 1900.5to cover with graffitiUS, 1997.6in the sport of
clayshooting, to hit the target accuratelyUK, 1983.7in handball,
racquetball and squash, to hit the ball so low on the front wall that
it cannot be returnedUS, 1970.8in pool, to strike the cue ball such
that it stops immediately upon hitting the object ballUS, 1984.9in
volleyball, to hit the ball downward with great force from the top
of a jumpUS, 1972.10in bar dice games, to declare that a formerly
wild point is no longer wildUS, 1976.11to finish consuming
somethingUS, 1995 < kill big sixto play dominoesUS, 1990 < kill
brain cellsto get drunkUS, 1983 < kill the changekeep the
changeUK, 2000 < kill the clockin a game governed by time, to
delay the game near the end when winningUS, 1970 < kill the
sinto relieve all the blame of somethingBAHAMAS, 1982 < would
kill a brown dogto be lethal; (of food) dreadful, disgusting,
inedibleAUSTRALIA, 1966
killadjectiveexcellentUS, 1985
Killarney carrotnouna large marijuana cigarette A regional
vari-ation of theCAMBERWELL CARROT IRELAND , 2000
kill buttonnounthe switch button under a motorcyle hand grip
that turns the engine offUS, 1962
Kill Citynouna ‘branded’ variety of heroinUK, 2002
killed endnounin bowls, an end (a stage of play) that has to be
replayed when the jack is driven out of boundsUK, 1900
kill ’em and count ’emused as a creed by US troops in Vietnam,
referring to the importance attached to body counts of enemy
deadUS, 1984
killernoun1an extraordinary example of somethingUK, 1835.2a
marijuana cigaretteUS, 1943.3paramethoxyamphetamine, PMAUK,
2004.4an animal ready to be killed for meatAUSTRALIA, 1897.5hair
pomadeUS, 1945
KillernicknameJerry Lee Lewis, an early US rocker (b.1935)US, 1982
killeradjective1very goodUS, 1951.2extremely difficultUS, 1982
killer B’snicknameon a sports team, a group of skilled, spirited
second stringersUS, 1991
killer-dillernouna remarkably attractive or successful thing; a wildly
good time or thrillUS, 1938
killer green budnouna potent strain of marijuanaUS, 1980s
killer Kanenounused as a generic name for a scouting and
assassination specialist in the US armed forcesUS, 1991
killer rimnouna gold-plated or chrome-plated spoked car wheelUS,
1994
killer sticknouna marijuana cigaretteUS, 1982
killer weednoun1marijuanaUS, 1967.2phencyclidine mixed with
marijuana or another substance in a cigaretteUS, 1978
killer whiffer!used for acknowledging an especially bad-smelling
fart Hawaiian youth usageUS, 1982
kill feenouna fee paid when a creative project is cancelledUS, 1982
kill-firenounan aggregation of Claymore land minesUS, 1986
kill game!used as warning to end a conversationUS, 2000
killicknouna leading handAUSTRALIA, 1960
killingnouna great financial successUS, 1888
killingadjectiveextremely funny From the notion encompassed in
the phrase ‘to die laughing’UK, 1874
killing boxnouna strategic situation in which it is relatively easy to
kill ragnouna cloth used by a male to clean up after masturbating
US, 1998
killsnounin the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, the very best concert tapes Always with ‘the’US, 1994
kill switchnounin a racing car, a switch that deactivates the car’s electric system, used in an emergencyUS, 1993
kill team; killer teamnouna small unit of highly trained scouts sent on a mission to kill enemyUS, 1984
kill-time jointnounin circus and carnival usage, a cocktail lounge
or barUS, 1981
kilo mannouna drug dealer who deals at the wholesale level, buying and selling kilogramsUS, 1992
kilosnoununwanted body weightAUSTRALIA, 1989
kilternounmarijuana; a marijuana cigaretteUS, 1969
kiltie kiltie cauld buma childish chant directed at any male wearing a kilt An elaboration of ‘kilt’, repeated, then ‘cold’ (spelt phonetically in a Glasgow accent) andBUM(the buttocks)UK: SCOTLAND, 1996
Kimberleyadjectiveused derogatorily or jocularly to denigrate by association something as better than it is From Kimberley, Western Australia; in such uses as ‘Kimberley mutton’ (goat meat) and ‘Kimberley oyster’ (a meat fritter)AUSTRALIA, 1945
kimchinountrouble ‘Kimchi’ is used as a euphemism forSHIT, with
the comparison between excrement and the Korean dish made with salted and fermented cabbage not particularly favourable to the dishUS, 1979
’kin; ’kingadjectiveused as an intensifier A shortening ofFUCKING
UK, 2000
’kin’ arse’olesused as an exclamation of surprise, anger, amazement Lazily or deliberately abbreviated fromFUCKING
ARSEHOLES! UK , 1984
kindnounmarijuana, especially high quality marijuana As is the case with many drug slang terms, ‘kind’ is a bit amorphous, at times referring to a marijuana cigarette, at times to the smoker, at times to the drug itselfUS, 1997
kindaadjectiveapproximately, sort of A ubiquitously contracted ‘kind of’US, 1963
kinda sortaadjectivealmostUS, 1995
kind budnounpotent marijuana A combination ofKIND(marijuana) andBUD(marijuana) that suggests twice the normal potencyUK, 1997
kindernoun1high quality marijuanaUS, 2002.2(especially in New South Wales) kindergarten; a kindergartenAUSTRALIA, 1955.3a child
in kindergartenAUSTRALIA, 1985
kindergartennouna reformatory for juvenile offendersUS, 1949
kinderwhorenouna young woman whose dress suggests both youthful innocence and sexual abandonUS, 1994
Kindest Cutnouna vasectomyCANADA, 2002
Kindly Call Me Godnouna KCMG (Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George) A pun elaborated on the initials; used by civil servants demonstrating a jocular familiarity with the honourUK, 1961
kindy; kindienounkindergarten; a kindergartenAUSTRALIA, 1969
kineahora!God forbid! From the German (not one) and Hebrew (evil eye)US, 1968
kinell!; ’kin’ ’ell!; kinnel!used as a register of shock or amazement A contraction ofFUCKING HELL! UK , 1982
kingnoun1an aggressive, ‘mannish’ lesbianUS, 1964.2a male leader
of a group of Australian AboriginalsAUSTRALIA, 1830.3a skilled person (at a specified thing); an adeptAUSTRALIA, 1919.4in Keno, any single number that a player circles to bet onUS, 1972.5an outstanding piece of graffiti artUS, 1997.6cocaineUK, 2002
kingadjectivegreat; excellentAUSTRALIA, 1964
king and queen; kingnouna bean, a baked bean Rhyming slang,
Trang 3king brownnoun(especially in Western Australia) a 750 ml bottle of
beer Named after a large venomous Australian snake; such beer
bottles are typically of brown glassAUSTRALIA, 2003
king budnounmarijuanaUK, 2003
king crabnounin hold ’em poker, a king and a three as the first two
cards dealt to a particular player In the game of craps, a three is
sometimes referred to as a ‘crab’US, 1981
King Dicknouna brick Rhyming slangUK, 1961
King Dickie; King Dickynouna bricklayer Rhyming slang for
‘brickie’UK, 1961
kingdom-comenoun1the after-life; a notional point in the
far-distant futureUK, 1785.2the buttocks Rhyming slang forBUM UK ,
1979
King Farouknouna book Rhyming slang, formed from the name
of the Egyptian king, 1920–65UK, 1998
kingfishnouna powerful or political figure Predates but influenced
by the adoption as a nickname for the governor of Louisiana,
Huey P Long (1893–1935)US, 1926
king georgenouna gambler who tips generouslyUS, 1979
King Hassannouna variety of hashish from Morocco Named to
honour the Moroccan King who gave official permission for the
cultivation of a marijuana cropUK, 2003
king-hitnouna powerful punch; a punch or blow that drops a
person; the winning blow in a fight; now, a cowardly and unfair
punch given to someone unawares or from behindAUSTRALIA, 1917
king-hitverbto deliver a powerful punch to someone, especially
from behind or when they are unawaresAUSTRALIA, 1949
king-hit merchantnouna person who king-hits others; a cowardly
thugAUSTRALIA, 1944
kingienouna kingfishAUSTRALIA, 1936
king james versionnounthe most authoritative and best in its
classSINGAPORE, 2002
King Kongnoun1cheap and potent alcohol, usually illegally
manufacturedUS, 1940.2the penis A pet name from the legendary
(fictional) beastUK, 2001.3in motor racing, a Dodge or Plymouth
with a cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers,
built for stock car racingUS, 1965.4a powerful drug addictionUS,
1970
King Kong pillnounany barbiturate or central nervous system
depressantUS, 1977
King Learnounthe ear Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a
Shakespeare characterUK, 1932 < on the King Learon the
scrounge Rhyming slangKING LEAR, for ‘the ear’, extended into a
variation ofON THE EARHOLE UK , 1992
King Learadjectivehomosexual Rhyming slang forQUEER UK , 1960
King Muhammednouna variety of hashish from MoroccoUK, 2003
king of the hillnounan important man in a limited circumstance
From the adult cartoon series King of the Hill, 1997 US, 1977
king of the ringnouna leading bookmakerAUSTRALIA, 1966
king of the troughnounin the Maritime Provinces, used as a
nonsense reply to ‘how are you?’CANADA, 1998
kingpinnounan indispensable leaderUS, 1867
king’s elevatornounmonumental mistreatment A back-formation
from ‘the royal shaft’US, 1969
king’s habitnouncocaine Surely not a reference to the British royal
family.UK, 1986
king’s headnouna shed Rhyming slang, formed ironically from the
name of a pubUK, 1992
kingshit niggernouna black person who is in charge of an
enterprise or eventUS, 1978
king snipenouna foreman of a railway track crewUS, 1916
King SpliffnicknameBob Marley (Robert Nesta Marley, 1947–81),
rastafarian, reggae singerUK, 1999
king’s ransomnounan enormous amount of money; an exorbitant
priceAUSTRALIA, 1936
King Tutnouna book that translates dreams into ‘lucky’ lottery numbersBAHAMAS, 1982
’kin hell!used for registering anger, amazement, despair, surprise, etcUK, 1993
kinknoun1a criminalUS, 1962.2a thiefUS, 1950.3non-conventional sexuality, especially when fetishistic or sado-masochisticUK, 1959.
4in a deck of playing cards, a kingUS, 1951
kinkernouna circus performer, especially an acrobat or contortionist Not praiseUS, 1909
kink pienouna pizza with sausage and mushroom toppings From the initials for the toppings: S & M Limited usage, but cleverUS, 1996
kinkyadjective1used for describing any sexual activity that deviates from the speaker’s sense of sexually ‘normal’; also of any article, enhancement or manner of dress that may be used in such activityUS, 1942.2eccentric, bizarreUS, 1847.3illegal; dishonest In prison, used without a sense of perversionUS, 1903.4stolenUS, 1950
kinky blaggardnouna persuasive talker who gets the desired result There seems to be an element of envy in ‘a blagger who gets away with it’ Probably a variation on ‘lucky bastard’ UK , 2001
kinnikiniknountobacco of mixed leaves and bark and some real tobaccoCANADA, 1987
kipnoun1sleep; a period of sleep Following the sense as ‘bed’UK,
1893.2a bedUS, 1859.3an undesirable place; a place that is dirty or disorderedIRELAND, 1991.4a small, narrow bat of wood used to toss the coins in a game of two-up Origin unknown May be connected
to the dialect word kep (to throw up into the air, to throw up a ball
and catch it)AUSTRALIA, 1887 < on the kipasleepUS, 1950
kipverbto sleepUK, 1889
kip bagnouna bedroll or sleeping bagUS, 1949
kip doughnounmoney to be spent on lodgingUS, 1950
kip downverbto go to bed, to prepare for bed, to sleep Mainly services usage, a variation of kipUK, 1959
kipe; kypeverbto stealUS, 1934
kippernoun1someone with red hairIRELAND, 2001.2the vaginaUK,
1984.3a Royal Navy sailor; hence, a English person Derogatory
AUSTRALIA, 1943.4a doss-house; a bed; anywhere to sleep Used by down-and-outsUK, 1984 < do someone up like a kipperto ruin
a person’s chances A variation ofKIPPER UK , 1984
kipperverbto ruin a person’s chancesUK, 1961
kipper and bloaternoun1a motor vehicle, a motor Rhyming
slangUK, 1979.2a photograph Rhyming slang on a London pronunciation of ‘photo’ Can be shortened to ‘kipper’UK, 1992
kipper and plaice; kippernouna face, especially one that is not particularly attractive Rhyming slangUK, 1992
kipper feastnounoral sex performed on a woman From the tired comparison between the smell of fish and the smell of the vagina
UK, 1983
kipper’s knickersnounthe acme of perfection, the best Always used ‘with’ the; this is a Glasgow variation on such constructions
asBEE’S KNEESandCAT’S PAJAMAS UK: SCOTLAND , 1988
kippsnouna brakevan (caboose)US, 1977
kippyadjective(of a woman) attractive, well-dressedCANADA, 1988
kipsynouna house or dwelling From ‘kip’ (a doss house) and the diminutive suffix ‘-sy’AUSTRALIA, 1905
kishkesnounthe intestines Yiddish, from the RussianUS, 1902
kismetnounfate, luck, predestination From Turkish, Farsi and/or ArabicUS, 1849
kissnoun1in games such as pool and marbles, a shot that barely touches anotherUS, 1973.2a student who curries favour with the teacher An amelioration ofKISS ASS US , 1963
kissverb1in games such as pool and marbles, to cause one object
to barely touch anotherUS, 1978.2in pool, to try to make a shot by bouncing the object ball off another ballUS, 1990.3to perform oral sexUS, 1941 < kiss and tellto reveal personal and confidential infor-mation, usually of a sexual natureUS, 1970 < kiss arse; kiss ass
Trang 4to behave subserviently A figurative use of perhaps the most
demeaning act that one human can demand another to perform
Mediaeval engravings show devil-worshippers pledging their utter
subservience to Satan by lifting his goat-tail and kissing his
backside; at that time both ‘kiss’ and ‘arse’ were conventionally
available to describe such an activityUK, 1968 < kiss buttto
behave subserviently A variation ofKISS ARSE US , 2001 < kiss
goodbyeto concede defeat; to accept an involuntary lossUS, 1906.
< kiss Maryto smoke marijuanaUS, 1968 < kiss the couchto
dieAUSTRALIA, 1989 < kiss the eighth polein horse racing, to
finish far behind the leaderUS, 1976 < kiss the fishto smoke
hashishUS, 1971 < kiss the porcelainto vomitUS, 1984 < kiss
the toeto drink a shot of Yukon Jack™ whisky in a single gulp, in
a glass containing a pickled human toeCANADA, 2002 < kiss your
ass goodbyeto concede defeat, to lose all hope of success or
survivalUS, 1995 < kiss your sisterin poker, to come out even in
a gameUS, 1996 < kiss your teethto make a scornful sound
JAMAICA, 2003
KISSsimple enough to be easily understood, even by the slowest
person Acronym for ‘keep it simple, stupid!’ US, 1960
kiss and crynounthe part of Canadian figure skating championship
rinks where contestants wait for their resultsCANADA, 2002
kiss and cuddlenouna muddle Rhyming slang that is never
reduced to its first elementUK, 1992
kiss-and-rideadjectivepertaining to areas at transport interchanges
designated for dropping off and picking up motor vehicle
passengers without parkingAUSTRALIA, 1974
kiss-ass; kiss-arsenouna sycophant; one who curries favour in a
self-demeaning fashionUS, 1973
kissernoun1the mouth Originally boxing slangUK, 1860.2the face
US, 1904.3a sycophant Shortened ‘ass-kisser’US, 1951
kissing Mrsnounthe act of rubbing the clitoris with the penis
Elaborated onTHE MRS(vagina)UK, 2001
kiss it!used as contemptuous expression of dismissal A shortening
ofKISS MY ARSE! UK , 1999
kiss kissgoodbyeUS, 1991
kiss-me-arsenounin British Columbia ocean waters, the marbled
murreletCANADA, 1989
kiss-me-ass; kiss-me-tailadjectiveinconsequential; pettyTRINIDAD
AND TOBAGO, 1972
kiss me Hardy; kiss menounBacardi™ (a branded white rum)
Rhyming slang, formed from Lord Nelson’s legendary last words
UK, 1992
kiss me quick; kiss menounthe penis; a fool Rhyming slang for
PRICK, reflecting, to some degree, the type of person who will wear
a ‘comical’ novelty hat bearing the legend ‘kiss me quick’ when
the opportunity arisesUK, 1992
kiss-me-quick; kiss-me-kwikadjectivedescribes a seaside resort
given to cheap, dated commercialism A kiss-me-quick hat is, in
many ways, a cultural touchstoneUK, 2003
kiss-me-quick hatnounany novelty hat sold at a funfair or seaside
resort, especially one bearing a slogan The predominant legend
writ large on such hats was ‘kiss me quick’UK, 1963
kiss my arse!; kiss my ass!used as a contemptuous expression of
dismissalUK, 1996
kiss my chuddies!used as an expression of disdain or rejection
Formed onCHUDDIES(underpants), possibly coined and certainly
popularised as a catchphrase by Goodness Gracious Me, a BBC
comedy sketch programme scripted and performed by four British
Asian comedians, first heard on Radio 4 in 1996 but better known
from television, since 1999UK, 2003
kiss my grits!used for humorously expressing defiance A signature
line of Polly Holiday’s character Florence Jean ‘Flo’ Casteleberry on
the television comedies Alice (CBS, 1976–85) and Flo (CBS,
1980–81) Repeated with referential humourUS, 1980
kiss my tits!
kiss of deathnouna generally innocent or well-meant action or contact that results (often predictably) in disastrous consequences
By association with the kiss by which Judas betrayed JesusUK, 1948
kiss-offnoun1a complete rejectionUS, 1926.2any form of compen-sation paid to someone who has been dismissed or rejectedUK, 2002
kiss offverbto dismiss, to rejectUS, 1904
kiss upverbto curry favourUS, 1965
kissynounan effeminate maleUS, 1964
kissyadjectivein homosexual usage, exciting, worthy of enthusiasm (usually of an inanimate object)US, 1949
kissy-facenounprolonged kissing Introduces a childish toneUS, 1958
kitnoun1clothes Conventionally used for sports clothingUK, 2001.
2in prison, contraband goodsUK, 1996.3the equipment needed to prepare and inject heroin or another drugUS, 1959.4in prison, a letterUK, 1996
kit and caboodlenounall of somethingUS, 1888
Kit Carsonnouna former Viet Cong who has become a scout or translator for the US Army The allusion is to the scouting abilities
of Kit Carson (1809–68), a legend of the US WestUS, 1970
kitchemanouna pub, a club or a bar English gypsy use, from
Romany kitshima (a tavern) UK, 1979
kitchennoun1an illicit methamphetamine laboratoryUS, 1989.2in pool, the end of the table where the cue ball is placed at the start
of the game Technically, it is the area between the head string and the head rail of the tableUS, 1990.3the hairs on the back of the neckUS, 1987.4in shuffleboard, the scoring area of the court
US, 1967.5a brakevan (caboose)US, 1977.6the cab of a railway engineUS, 1946 < down in the kitchenin trucking, in the truck’s lowest gearUS, 1971
kitchen baitnounin shuffleboard, a shot made to entice the opponent to try to go after the discUS, 1967
kitchen doornounthe fly on a pair of trousersTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003
kitchen labnouna laboratory where illegal drugs are manufactured, whether or not it is located in a kitchenUS, 1970
kitchen racketsnoun in Cape Breton, a ceilidh or house dance
CANADA, 2000
kitchen rangenoun1a change (of scene or costume) Theatrical rhyming slangUK, 1960.2change (small coins) Sometimes abbreviated to ‘kitchen’UK, 1992
kitchen sinknouna stink Rhyming slang, also used as a verbUK, 1992
kitchen sinkadjectiveof a piece of dramatic fiction, grittily realistic
in a domestic settingUK, 1960
kitenoun1a letter, note or message Largely prison usageUS, 1859.2a cheque, especially a blank or worthless cheque; a stolen credit card or cardsUK, 1805.3a criminal who deals in cheque and credit card fraud Variation ofKITER US , 2001.4a hand-rolled tobacco ciga-retteUS, 1992.5a foolAUSTRALIA, 1961.6a Christian Prison usageNEW ZEALAND, 1997.7the faceUS, 2001.8an ounce of drugsUS, 1958.9a bus
UK, 1954.10any type of aircraft Modern use has a mainly ironic toneUK, 1917.11a glider used in hang-gliding; a hang-glider
AUSTRALIA, 1996.12a newspaperAUSTRALIA, 1919 < fly a kite; lay a kiteto fraudulently issue or pass a worthless cheque Based on
KITE(a cheque); probably criminal in intent but possibly issued in hopeIRELAND, 1805
kiteverb1to obtain money or credit from a cheque that is drawn against uncollected funds in a bank accountUS, 1839.2to send a note or letterUS, 1924
kite bluenouna worthless cheque An elaboration ofKITE AUSTRALIA , 1975
kite-flyingverbpassing worthless chequesUK, 1956
kite-mannouna criminal specialising in cheques and bills of exchange; an issuer of worthless chequesUK, 1950
kiternouna criminal who issues worthless and fraudulent cheques
Trang 5kiting-booknouna cheque bookUK, 1962
kit katnoun1a fool Rhyming slang forPRATTformed from a
popular branded chocolate confectionery barUK, 1998.2the
rec-reational drug ketamineAUSTRALIA, 1996
kitschnounin any of the arts, a work considered to be inferior or
pretentious or in dubious taste From German kitschen (to throw
together, especially if hastily)UK, 1926
kitschyadjectivevulgarly sentimentalUS, 1967
kittennouna young girlUS, 1923
kittensnoun< have kittensto become overly excitedUS, 1900
kittlenounthe collection of empty beer containers that accumulate
on a table during a drinking sessionAUSTRALIA, 2003
kittynoun1a pool of money Originally a poker termUS, 1887.2the
vagina A diminutive ofPUSSY US , 2000.3a womanUS, 1936.4a guy, a
young man An extension ofCAT US , 1952.5a jail or prisonUS, 1950.
6a Cadillac carUS, 1970
kitty litternounany mixture of sand and salt or other compounds
sprinkled on a snowy road or an oil spill on a roadUS, 1976
kiwinouna person who shirks workUS, 1991
Kiwinouna New Zealander Named after the national bird of New
Zealand The kiwi is a flightless bird native to New ZealandNEW
ZEALAND, 1918
Kiwiadjectiveof or relating to New Zealand or New Zealanders
AUSTRALIA, 1935
Kiwi Fernsnicknamethe New Zealand women’s international Rugby
League team From the logo of New Zealand Rugby League: a
pictogram of a kiwi and a fernNEW ZEALAND, 1998
Kiwi greennouna variety of marijuana grown in New ZealandNEW
ZEALAND, 1976
KJnoun1high quality marijuana From ‘kind joint’US, 1997.2a
marijuana cigarette enhanced by phencylidineUS, 2001.
3phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust
US, 1972
klahowya(h)used as a greeting A word from the Chinook jargon
CANADA, 1964
K landnounthe catatonic intoxication experienced when taking the
recreational drug ketamineUS, 1995
klapverb to slap, to smack From Afrikaans klop SOUTH AFRICA, 1960
klatawanouna journeyCANADA, 1963
klebbiesnounsmall denominations in any foreign currency Royal
Navy slang hasICKIEas the generic unit of foreign money, which
then subdivides into one hundred ‘klebbies’UK, 2003
kleenexnoun1a youthful, sexually inexperienced male who is
tem-porarily the object of an older homosexual’s desireUS, 1987.
2MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUS, 1994
klep; kleppernouna kleptomaniac; a thiefUK, 1889
kleptonouna kleptomaniacUS, 1953
klimnounany powdered milk From the branded product
manufactured by BordenTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003
klingonnouna crack cocaine addict A play on ‘cling on’, describing
an addict’s behaviour; based on the Klingons, creatures from outer
space in television science fiction series Star Trek US, 2003
Klondikenoun1a prison cell used for solitary confinement An
allusion to Klondike, Alaska, the epitome of remotenessUS, 1982.
2brass or copper, often stolen, sold for scrapUS, 1980
klooch; klootchnouna wife, an Indian woman The term comes
from Chinook jargon for ‘female/wife’CANADA, 1963
klotsickadjective(among Nova Scotians of German descent) said of
a cake that has fallen, failed to rise, or rose and then fellCANADA,
1975
kluge; kludgenounin computing, a makeshift solution to a
hardware or software problemUS, 1962
klutz; clutznouna clumsy, awkward person Yiddish, from German
US, 1956
klutzy; clutzy
KMAGnounduring the Korean war, the US advisors assigned to Republic of Korea troops – the Korean Military Advisory Group The Korean troops performed so poorly early in the war that the
initials took on a new meaning – Kiss My Ass Goodbye US, 1952
knackedadjectiveexhausted Used by teenagers too exhausted to manage every syllable ofKNACKERED(exhausted)UK, 1982
knackernounan unfit or useless individual, especially if overweight Royal Navy slang: any food with a high calorie count may be called ‘fat knacker pie’UK, 1987
knackerverb1to ruin; to kill From the conventional sense (to slaughter a horse)UK, 1887.2to stealIRELAND, 1998
knacker drinkingnoundrinking alcohol outsideIRELAND, 1991
knackeredadjectivetired, worn-out, exhausted Derives from the obsolete ‘knacker’ (a worn-out horse)UK, 1949
knacker out; knackerverbto tire outUK, 1946
knackersnoun1the testicles From an earlier sense (castanets)UK,
1866.2nonsense Identical in use to all senses ofBALLSorBOLLOCKS
UK, 1984 < off your knackersdrunk or drug-intoxicatedUK, 2001
knackers!used for registering anger, frustration, dismissal, etc Identical in use toBALLS!orBOLLOCKS! UK , 1984
kneadverb< knead the noodle(of a male) to masturbateUS, 2001
knee-bangersnounlong shortsUS, 1991
kneecapverbto break someone’s kneecap or shoot them in the kneecap, almost always as a planned act of retributionUS, 1974
kneehigh to a grasshopperadjectivevery young Many variations
on this theme have been recorded since ‘knee-high to a toad’,
1814, and continue to be coinedUS, 1914
kneelverb< kneel at the altar1to engage in anal sexUS, 1962.
2to kneel while performing oral sex on a manUS, 1965
kneelonouna surfer who rides kneelingAUSTRALIA, 1985
knee machinenouna short surfboard, a kneeboard or bellyboard
US, 1977
kneesiesnounknee-to-knee contact, usually out of sight such as under a restaurant tableUS, 1947
knee-slappernouna small, white-water waveUS, 1991
knees-upnounan energetic dance party, a lively gathering From the song ‘Knees up Mother Brown!’ by Weston and Lee, 1939UK, 1963
knee-trembleverbperforming sexual intercourse while standing
AUSTRALIA, 1985
knee-tremblernoun1sex while standingAUSTRALIA, 1896.2a sexually attractive womanUK, 1999
knicker-nickernouna stealer of clothes (especially underwear) from
a clotheslineUK, 1984
knickersnoun< keep your knickers on!stay calm!, don’t get excited!; don’t lose your temper!UK, 1973
knickers!used as an expression of dismissal, contempt or annoyance A children’s ‘naughty’ word, now in adult handsUK, 1971
knickers in a twist; knickers in a knotnounan agitated or flustered condition; a state of panic A figurative sense of an uncomfortable conditionAUSTRALIA, 1978
knick-knacknoun1a trinket; a small trivial article pleasing for ornamentUK, 1682.2a small penisUS, 1981
knife and forknoun1a meal, especially in a restaurantUK, 2001.
2pork Rhyming slangUK, 1992.3the money that a betting pool player leaves in reserve for living expensesUS, 1990 < do you need a knife and fork?; do you want a knife and fork?a catchphrase jibe directed at a driver struggling to find the right gearUK, 1975
knife and gun clubnouna hospital casualty departmentUS, 1994
knife-happyadjective(used of a surgeon) over-eager to treat with surgeryUS, 1961
KnifepointnicknameHM Prison Highpoint in SuffolkUK, 2000
knightnounin homosexual usage, a person with syphilisUS, 1981
knight of the asphalt
Trang 6knitnouna shirt or sweaterUS, 1972
knitverb< like knitting fogimpossibleUK, 2003
knitting circlenounin homosexual usage, a group of men who are
too engaged in conversation to seek sexUS, 1981
knitting needlenounin oil drilling, a tool used to splice wire cable
US, 1954
knitting needlesnouna rapid movement of blades and series of
clicks produced when two fencers are practising From the
simi-larity in sound and action to that of knitting needles, not the
earlier, obsolete ‘knitting needle’ (a sword)UK, 1988
knivesnoun< at it like knivesvery sexually activeUK, 1985
knobnoun1the headUK, 1673.2the penisUK, 1660.3a fool; an
obnoxious, despised personUK, 1997.4the kneeUS, 1970.5a sexually
transmitted infectionUK, 1966 < polish a knobto perform oral
sex on a manUS, 1947
knobverbto have sex with someone Derives fromKNOB(the penis)
but usage is not gender-specificUK, 1988
knobbernoun1oral sex performed on a maleUS, 1989.2a fool, used
as a general term of contempt An elaboration ofKNOB US , 1990
knobbingadjectiveused as an intensifier Substitutes forFUCKING UK ,
2000
knobbly kneenouna key Rhyming slangUK, 1992
knobbynouna motorcyle tyre with large treads, used for riding on
dirt and trailsUS, 1973
knob-cheesenounsmegma collected under the foreskin A variation
ofCOCK CHEESE UK , 1997
knob-endnouna despised personUK, 1998
knob gagnouna joke about a penisUK, 2003
knob-gobblingnounoral sex on a manUS, 1980
knobhead; nobheadnouna despised person; a fool FromKNOB
(the penis)US, 1926
knob jobnounoral sex performed on a manUS, 1968
knob-jockeynouna homosexual male; a promiscuous heterosexual
female A rider of theKNOB(the penis)UK, 1998
knob offverbgo awayUK, 2001
knobsnounthe female breasts, especially the nipplesUS, 1968.
< with knobs onwith interest, intensified, with embellishments
UK, 1930
knob throbnoun(of a male) an intense desire for sexUK, 1998
knocknoun1a setback, especially a monetary lossUK, 1889.2a bite
(that moment when a fish takes the bait) Used by anglersUK, 1969.
3a promiscuous womanAUSTRALIA, 1965 < do a knock1to
partake in an amorous outing; to go on a dateAUSTRALIA, 1934.2to
have sex From ‘knock’ (an act of sexual intercourse)AUSTRALIA, 1933.
< on the knock1on credit; engaged in hire purchaseUK, 1968.
2to be working as a prostituteUK, 1969 < take a knockto suffer
a setback or a financial lossUK, 1649 < take the knockto fail to
meet your debtsAUSTRALIA, 1966
knockverb1to criticise, to disparageUS, 1865.2to defraud, to cheat,
especially by passing a fraudulent cheque or by obtaining and
dishonouring a credit arrangementUK, 1962.3to steal; to robUK,
1919.4to arrestUS, 1987.5to killAUSTRALIA, 1911.6to woundAUSTRALIA,
1917.7to exhaust; to debilitateAUSTRALIA, 1957.8to have sexual
intercourse with someoneUK, 1598.9to make an amorous
approach to (a person)AUSTRALIA, 1934.10to be unable to make a
move in a game, such as dominoes Almost certainly derived from
the player’s action of knocking on the table to signal an inability
to moveUK, 1984.11to disclose that a pool player is a professional
US, 1990.12to post (a letter)US, 1947 < couldn’t knock the skin
off a rice puddingweak, impotent; used contemptuously of an
inferior fighterUK, 1946 < knock ’em cold; knock ’em deadto
amaze an audience, to have a sensational success From boxing
UK, 1961 < knock a chunk offto have sex from the male
perspectiveUS, 1973 < knock a fadeto leaveUS, 1973 < knock a
scarfto eat a mealUS, 1947 < knock at the doorin horse
racing, to have nearly won several recent racesUS, 1960 < knock
bootsto have sex, especially anal sexUS, 1994 < knock dogto be
for sale at a low priceTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 < knock for six
1to utterly overcome, to inconvenience gravely Cricketing imagery, where a ‘six’ or ‘sixer’ is a shot that clears the boundary
UK, 1902.2to astoundUK, 1949 < knock into a cocked hatto damage someone or something very considerably By late C20 other violent verbs often replace ‘knock’US, 1833 < knock into the middle of next week; knock into next weekto hit violently, even fatally; especially, to deliver a blow that causes insensibility Originally used of boxersUK, 1821 < knock it offto have sexual intercourseAUSTRALIA, 1983 < knock it on the head
to stop talking; to stop doing something Often as an imperative
AUSTRALIA, 1965 < knock it outto have sexUS, 1980 < knock one offto have sex, especially in a perfunctory mannerUS, 1924.
< knock one outto masturbate to orgasm Possibly related to KNOCK OUT(to manufacture or supply cheaply)UK, 1990 < knock out tongueto kiss with open mouthsUS, 1993 < knock seven bells out of someoneto physically beat someone very severely
UK, 1929 < knock someone rottento punch or strike fiercely; to daze (a person) by hitting them; to stunAUSTRALIA, 1965 < knock someone’s eyes outto astound someoneAUSTRALIA, 1940.
< knock something on the headto finish an activity, to stop doing something or stop something happening Often as the exclamatory injunction (knock it on the head!) Obviously derives from a final blow that renders someone unconscious, or kills a snake, or drives a nail homeUK, 1871 < knock spots offto surpassUS, 1856 < knock the drawing room out of someone
to condition or toughen someone physicallyNEW ZEALAND, 1952.
< knock the slack outto accelerate (a truck or car)US, 1976.
< knock your wigto comb your hairUS, 1947
knockaboutnounan itinerantAUSTRALIA, 1889
knock aboutverb1to be aroundAUSTRALIA, 1889.2to wander without purpose and without a homeTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1904.3to beat someoneUK, 1926
knockaboutadjective1experienced, well-travelledAUSTRALIA, 1965.2of theatrical entertainment, noisy and violent, slapstickUK, 1892
knock aroundverb1to spend time with no fixed abode; to travel about as an itinerantAUSTRALIA, 1901.2to spend time (with someone); to idleUS, 1846
knockaroundadjectiveexperienced in the ways of the world, especially the underworldUS, 1949
knockbacknoun1a refusal; a rejectionAUSTRALIA, 1918.2an ‘offer by
a bookmaker to accept a wager at lower odds or for a lesser stake,
in part at full odds with the balance at reduced odds, or at SP (starting price) terms only’UK, 2001
knock backverb1to reject, especially sexual advancesAUSTRALIA, 1918.
2to drinkUK, 1931.3to cost a person a specified amount For example the phrase ‘that knocked him back a fiver’UK, 1961.
< knock back with a stickto get more than enough casual sex A jocular boast of sexual prowessAUSTRALIA, 1950
knockdownnounan introduction (to someone)US, 1959
knock downverb1to earnUS, 1929.2to make a sale at auction From the significant action of an auctioneer’s gavel in marking the conclusion of a saleUK, 1760.3to stealCANADA, 1976.4to robUS,
1976.5to spend the entire sum of money earned for seasonal work
in a drinking spree Once a veritable institution this practice was especially common amongst shearers and sailorsAUSTRALIA, 1845.
6to drink A variation ofKNOCK BACK(to drink)UK, 1960.7to introduceUS, 1953
knock-down drag-outadjective(of a fight) viciousUS, 1827
knockedadjectivedrunkUS, 1974
knock ’em down rainsnounin tropical Australia, seasonal torrential rainAUSTRALIA, 1946
knockernoun1an inveterate critic; a person addicted to finding faults and making criticismsUS, 1898.2a person who defaults (deliberately) on a hire-purchase agreement A narrowing of an earlier use applied to a person who contracts a debt with no intention of repaying itUK, 1968.3a thief or confidence trickster posing as a door-to-door salesmanUK, 1996.4in circus and carnival usage, a member of the audience who warns others that something is a fraudUS, 1981.5someone who discloses that a pool player is in fact a professionalUS, 1990.6in pinball, a sound effect
Trang 7when an additional ball is wonUS, 1977 < on the knocker
1exactly, preciselyAUSTRALIA, 1960.2right away; promptlyAUSTRALIA,
1962.3used of a door-to-door canvasser or salesmanUK, 1934 < up
to the knockerthoroughly, perfectly, entirelyAUSTRALIA, 1911
knocker and knobnouna job Rhyming slang, probably formed of
door furniture (rather than body parts)UK, 1992
knockersnoun1the female breasts, especially large onesUS, 1934.
2dice that have been loaded with mercury that shifts when the
dice are tappedUS, 1950
knocker shopnouna brothelAUSTRALIA, 1985
knockin’adjectivegreatUS, 2004
knockingnouncriticism; fault-findingAUSTRALIA, 1978
knockingsnounthe facts or details, an explanationUK, 1999
knocking shopnouna brothelUK, 1860
knock it off!; knock off!stop it!, shut up!UK, 1883
knock, knock!1used as the verbal equivalent of an actual knock
on the door when entering another’s room, office, etcUK, 1984.2in
a game of dominoes or such, used as a signal (often accompanied
by the action of knocking on the games’ table) that the
game-player is unable to make a moveUK, 1984
knockonouna narcotics police officerUS, 1992
knock-offnoun1a product that is designed to be mistaken for an
expensive, brand name productUS, 1963.2the end of a work shift;
quitting timeAUSTRALIA, 1916.3a murderUS, 1928.4in hot rodding
and drag racing, a wheel lug that is easily removedUS, 1960
knock offverb1to cease; to stopUK, 1649.2to finish a work shift,
job, etc.UK, 1649.3to killUS, 1879.4to defeat; to despatchUS, 1927.
5(of police) to arrest; to raidUS, 1925.6to rob, to stealUS, 1917.7to
reproduce a branded item, less expensively and usually illegallyUS,
1963.8to sell or dispose ofNEW ZEALAND, 1985.9of a male, to have
sexAUSTRALIA, 1965.10to have sexual intercourse with someoneUS,
1943.11to seduceAUSTRALIA, 1950 < knock off a pieceto have sex
US, 1921
knock-off gearnounan item or items of stolen propertyUK, 2000
knock-off timenounthe end of a work shift; quitting timeAUSTRALIA,
1867
knock outverb1to have a very powerful effect on, to impress
profoundlyUS, 1890.2to manufacture or supply cheaply The
currency of market-traders and sweat-shops, ‘knock it out cheap’,
‘knock them out’, adopted into wider useUK, 1876.3to produce
AUSTRALIA, 1946.4to go to sleepUS, 2003.5to burgle in such a
thorough manner that nothing of any value remainsUK, 1950
knockoutadjectiveexcellent, impressiveUS, 1920
knockout; knock-outnoun1an outstanding, beautiful or
outrageous personUK, 1892.2an excellent thing Literally, ‘a thing
so excellent that it will render you insensible’UK, 1892
knock out dropsnouna sedative added to a drink to cause
unconciousness, especially with criminal intentUS, 1876
knock oververb1to robUS, 1925.2to raid an establishmentUS, 1929.
3to kill; to slaughterUS, 1823.4to arrestUS, 1924.5to drinkAUSTRALIA,
1924
knockroundnouna period spent wandering about idlingAUSTRALIA,
1934
knock roundverbto spend time (with someone); to accompany
AUSTRALIA, 1955
knock shopnouna brothelAUSTRALIA, 1968
knock sidewaysverbto astoundUK, 1925
knock togetherverbto prepare a marijuana cigarette A
specialis-ation of the conventional senseUK, 2000
knock-upnouna fraudulent system operated to rig the bidding at an
auctionUK, 1966
knock upverb1to impregnateUS, 1813.2to hammer on the door of
a cell to attract the attention of a warderAUSTRALIA, 1944
knolly bikenounany low-powered motorcycle used by probationary
streets (DO THE KNOWLEDGE) Formed on a shortening of ‘the knowledge’UK, 1998
knotnoun1the headUS, 1954.2a large sum of moneyUS, 1993
knot-flashingnounpublic self-exposure by a male for sexual thrills Police slang, formed on an otherwise obsolete use of ‘knot’ (the [head of the] penis)UK, 1968
knottyadjective(of hair) in tight curlsBAHAMAS, 1982
Knotty Ashnouncash Rhyming slang, from the name of a Liverpool suburb; probably inspired by comedian Ken Dodd, a famous resident of the area, and in particular by his clash with the taxmanUK, 1992
knownoun< in the knowtrendy, fashionableUS, 1958
knowverb< know b from bull footto know anything at all Usually used in the negativeTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 < know backwardsto have a thorough knowledge of somethingUK, 1904.
< know how many beans make fiveto be not easily fooled
UK, 1830 < know inside outto have a thorough knowledge of somethingUK, 1921 < know like the back of your handto have a thorough knowledge of something A simile that is easier said than doneUK, 1943 < know someone who knows someoneto be able to obtain an article for less than its retail price, referring to either wholesale rates or the acquisition of stolen propertyUK, 1984 < know the scoreto understand what is going on Referring to a musical score, not the score of a sports contestUS, 1946 < know your onionshaving knowledge that comes from experience Also in the variations: ‘know your apples’ (since 1945); ‘oats’ (since 1926); ‘oil’ (since 1925) The formula is also used to describe a specified field of knowledge, e.g ‘know your hockey’ (about 1929)US, 1922 < know your shitto have knowledge that comes from experienceUS, 1984 < not know from a bar of soapto not know at allAUSTRALIA, 1918 < not know from the hole in your arseto be ignorant ofUK, 1999.
< not know whether you are Arthur or Marthato be in a state of confusionAUSTRALIA, 1966 < not know whether you are coming or goingto be in a state of confusion, befuddlement or perplexityUK, 1924
know-allnouna person who displays their knowledge in a conceited mannerAUSTRALIA, 1934
know-alladjectiveconceitedly knowledgeableAUSTRALIA, 1965
knowed-upadjectivelucky, and believing that skill not luck produced successUS, 1954
know-it-allnouna person who knows less than he thinksUS, 1895
know-it-alladjectiveconceitedly knowledgeableUK, 1935
knowledgenounskill at performing oral sex; a person who is skilled
at performing oral sex An elaboration and play onHEAD(oral sex)
US, 2002 < do the knowledgeof probationary taxi drivers, to learn the geography of London’s streets (especially by driving around on a low-powered motorcycle); to take a written examin-ation that tests the newly acquired knowledgeUK, 1978
knowledge boxnoun1the head; the brainUK, 1785.2in railway terminology, the yardmaster’s officeUS, 1926
knowmean?; na mean?do you know what I mean? Used either
as a question or as a stress at the end of a statementUK, 1997
knucklenounphysical violence; the act of punching From the verb senseUK, 2001 < go the knuckleto attack with the fists; to take part in a fist fightAUSTRALIA, 1944
knuckleverbto punch with a bare fistAUSTRALIA, 1983
knuckle-busternoun1in car repair, a nut that is tightly fastened, guaranteeing a difficult and painful removal processUS, 1992.2a crescent wrenchUS, 1941
knuckle downverbto make an effort and apply yourself to a task
UK, 1864
knuckledusternouna large, heavy or over-gaudy ring which may, or may not, be worn for violent purposes An extension of the sense
as ‘a weapon’UK, 1896
knuckledustersnouna pair of brass knuckles The derivation is as blunt as the practical usage: where it’s worn, on the knuckles;