Glasgow rhyming slangUK: SCOTLAND , 1988 southpawnouna left-handed person, especially a left-handed athlete US , 1891 South Polenounthe anus.. Used by schoolchildrenAUSTRALIA , 1988.2a p
Trang 1soul-casenounheart and soulAUSTRALIA , 1901
soul foodnounfood associated with southern black cultureUS , 1964
soulienouna member of a mid-1970s youth subculture identified
by its dedication to soul music; a soulboy or a soulgirlUK , 1996
soul kissnouna sustained, open-mouthed kissUS , 1948
soul kissverbto give someone a deep and intimate kiss, usually
involving tongue or tonguesUS , 1951
soul patchnounfacial whiskers that are grown and worn beneath
the lower lip and above the chinUK , 2006
soul sisternouna black womanUS , 1967
soulvillenouna part of a city inhabited largely by black peopleUS ,
1975
soundnoun1a style of speech, including vocabulary, syntax and
attitudeUS , 1958.2a taunt or tease; an insultUS , 1967
soundverb1to speak or inform; to tease someone; to flirt; to insult
someone in a semi-formal quasi-friendly competitionUS , 1959.2to
glare at or intimidate someone with a lookUS , 1955
soundthat’s good; used in a congratulatory sense to express praise
for an actionUK , 2002
sound as a poundadjectivereliable; perfectly sound, good or
healthyUK , 2001
sound as a troutadjectiveperfectly sound, good or healthyUK , 1635
soundboxnounthe throatUS , 1946
sound downverbto speak to someone in a probing or inquiring
wayUS , 1990
sound offverbto complain angrily about a particular something; to
speak your mindUS , 1918
soundsnoun1recorded musicUS , 1955.2a radio From its use as a
provider of ’sounds’ (music)UK , 1996
sounds like a personal problemused for silencing a complaint
without sympathyUS , 1968
soundtrackverbto supply the musical accompaniment to an
activityUK , 2002
soupnoun1nitroglycerin, or any explosive used for opening a safe
US , 1902.2in the television and film industries, the chemicals used
to develop filmUS , 1990.3in hot rodding and drag racing, race fuel
US , 1954.4cocaineUS , 1995.5foaming water left after a wave breaks
US , 1963.6rainUS , 1945.7in shuffleboard, the scoring area of the
courtUS , 1967 < in the soupin grave troubleUS , 2001
soup and gravy; soupnouna navyUK , 1960
soup cannouna gas grenadeUS , 1978
soupedadjectiveof a car, power-enhancedUK , 1951
souped-upadjectiveusually of a standard model car, supercharged,
performance-enhancedUS , 1931
soup jobnouna car with many performance-enhancing featuresUS ,
1993
soup jockeynouna cook for a railway work crewUS , 1975
soup outverbto ride a wave into the foaming water produced by
the breaking waveUS , 1963
soup-plate feetnounlarge hooves on a horseUK , 1948
soup-strainernouna moustacheUS , 1946
soup suitnouna dinner-jacketUS , 1954
soup upverbto make modifications which increase a car’s
perform-anceUS , 1933
sourballnouna person with a sour dispositionUS , 1900
sourdoughnoun1a person with considerable experience in Alaska
US , 1898.2in Alaska, homebrew alcoholUS , 1915
sour grapenounrape Prison slang NEW ZEALAND , 1999
sourpussnouna grumbler: a misery: a killjoy From the ‘sour’ look
on his or herPUSS(face)US , 1937
sousedadjectivedrunkUS , 1932
southnoun< go southto palm and hide something, usually dice
Southnoun< the SouthAntarcticaANTARCTICA , 1901
south 48; south 49nounin Alaska, all states except AlaskaUS , 1984
South American snowflakesnouncocaineUK , 1999
South Austin suitcasenouna brown paper bag used to conceal a beer you want to drink on the streetUS , 2001
South County Indiannouna Portuguese immigrant or Portuguese-American Rhode Island usage, alluding to the large Portuguese populationUS , 1989
Southend-on-Seanounurine; an act of urination Rhyming slang forPEE OR WEE,formed from the stereotypical Cockney’s traditional seaside resortUK , 1992
Southend Piernounthe ear Rhyming slangUK , 1992
southerly busternounon the east coast, a sudden strong and cooling wind from the south arriving towards evening after a hot day and often bringing rainAUSTRALIA , 1850
Southern and Sevennounan alcoholic drink consisting of Southern Comfort™ whisky mixed with Seven-Up™ sodaUS , 1989
Southern engineeringnouna sloppy job of design or manufacture
US , 1984
Southern lovenounmouth-to-penis contact immediately after the penis is withdrawn from a rectumUS , 1995
Southienicknamean Irish-American enclave in south Boston An area famous for its support of the Irish Republican Army, its opposition to school busing to achieve racial integration and its anti-homosexual stanceUS , 1984
South of Francenouna dance Rhyming slangUK , 1992
south of the borderadjectiveunacceptable Glasgow rhyming slang forOUT OF ORDER Not a reference to England but (thanks to Hollywood) MexicoUK: SCOTLAND , 1988
south of the borderadverbin or to the area of the genitals, especially a woman’sUS , 1945
south of the border; southnounorder; an orderly condition Glasgow rhyming slangUK: SCOTLAND , 1988
southpawnouna left-handed person, especially a left-handed athlete
US , 1891
South Polenounthe anus Rhyming slang forHOLE UK , 1992
souvenirverbto take an object as a souvenir Originally World War 1 military slangAUSTRALIA , 1918
sovnounone pound sterling (£1) An abbreviation of ‘sovereign’, which, at one time, was a coin valued at £1; since the departure of the coin as currency it has denoted first a one-pound note, and then a one-pound coinUK , 1850
sovvynouna gold sovereign; a sovereign ringUK , 2005
sow bellynounon the railways, a coal tender with a drop bottomUS , 1946
so what?used for registering dismissal of, or disinterest in, what has gone beforeUS , 1934
soxnounsocksUK , 1905
so you feelthat is your opinion, that is what you think Recorded
in use among young urban blacksUK , 1999
sozzledadjective drunk From dialect word sozzle (to mix messily) UK , 1886
SPnoun1the latest information Bookmakers abbreviation of jargon
‘starting price’UK , 1974.2starting price bookmakingAUSTRALIA , 1941.
3a starting price bookmakerAUSTRALIA , 1949.4an establishment operating starting price bookmakingAUSTRALIA , 1965.5the US Navy’s Shore Patrol, or internal policeUS , 1951
SPadjectiverelating to horse race betting at starting price odds
AUSTRALIA , 1932
SPadverbat starting price oddsAUSTRALIA , 1949
spanouna small, privately owned convenience/grocery shopUS , 1997
Spanounthe Saratoga race track, Saratoga Springs, New YorkUS , 1960
spacadjectivestupid; awfulAUSTRALIA , 1988 < go spacto lose control
in anger
Trang 2spacadverbdreadfullyAUSTRALIA , 1988
spac; spack; spaknoun1a stupid or unfashionable person
Alteration ofSPASTIC Used by schoolchildrenAUSTRALIA , 1988.2a
person with spastic paralysis; a person who has any disabilityUK ,
1996
spac attack; spack attacknounan instance of idiotic behaviour
FromSPAC UK , 2003
spacbrainnouna stupid or unfashionable personAUSTRALIA , 1988
spaccoadjective< go spaccoto behave in an idiotic, erratic or
hyperactive manner FromSPAC UK , 2003
spacenoun1a mental attitude or positionUK , 1971.2a year,
especially a year in prisonUS , 1950
spaceverbto daydream; to wander off mentallyUS , 1995
spacebasenouna cigar wrapper filled with phencyclidine and crack
cocaineUS , 1992
space cadetnoun1a drug userUK , 2002.2a heavily drugged hospital
patientUS , 1989
space case; space cadet; space headnouna person who is
completely out of touch with their surroundingsUS , 1974
space cookie; space cakenouna sweet confection with marijuana
in the recipeUK , 1998
space cowboynouna disoriented, distracted personUS , 1977
spacedadjective1in a state of drug intoxication, especially as a
result of hallucinogen use but loosely of any drugUS , 1967.
2unaware; unfocused; highly distractedUS , 1967
spacedancingnounin the language surrounding the Grateful Dead,
the freeform dancing practised by band followersUS , 1994
spaced outadjective1drug-intoxicated; disoriented Conventionally
‘space’ is beyond the frontiers of normalityUS , 1970.2stupefied
from anaestheticUS , 1973
space pillnounMDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy
UK , 2000
spacernoun1a hallucinogenic recreational drugUK , 1971.2a mace
cigaretteUS , 1967.3someone who is capable of crazy actions
IRELAND , 2003
space shakenouna milk-based drink which has marijuana as an
important ingredientUK , 2003
space suitnoununtearable prison-issue pyjamasUK , 1996
spaciesnoun computerised arcade games From Space Invaders ,
one of the earliest popular games of this type Modelled onPOKIE
AUSTRALIA , 1986
spacker; spacka; spacknouna stupid person A later variation of
SPASTICas a general derogative, in juvenile use in the UKUK , 2001
spacy; spaceyadjectivein a state of confusion; denoting an
unbalanced normality or a dazed condition; similar to or of a
hallucinogenic experience Compares a perception of reality to
that of beingSPACED(drug-intoxicated) but does not always
describe a drugged stateUS , 1970
spadnicknamea Douglas aircraft A-1 Skyraider, used for close air
support of ground troopsUS , 1989
spadenouna black personUS , 1928 < in spadesto a great degree
US , 1929
spadesnounshoes with pointed toes Teen slangUS , 1955
spaffverbto ejaculate semenUK , 2003 < spaff your loadto
ejaculate semen An elaboration ofSPAFF UK , 2003
spagnounspaghettiUK , 1948
Spagnoun an Italian From ‘spaghetti’ AUSTRALIA , 1967
spag bol; spag bognounspaghetti bologneseUK , 1970
spag fagnouna gay man attracted to Italians CombinesSPAG(an
Italian) andFAG(a gay man)UK , 1998
spaghettinoun1in hot rodding, a surfeit of chromeUS , 1958.2in oil
drilling, small-diameter pipingUS , 1954
spaghetti
spaghetti and macaroninounsado-masochism Disguising the initialismS AND M US , 1989
spaghetti-bendernounan Italian or Italian-AmericanUS , 1967
spaghetti-eaternounan Italian or Italian-AmericanUS , 1958
Spaghetti Junctionnickname1junction 6 of the M6 motorway, the interchange at Gravelly Hill, near Birmingham So-called for the complicated pattern of roads; it opened for use in 1972, but was already known by this name in late 1971UK , 1972.2a motorway overpass 10 kilometres from DurbanSOUTH AFRICA , 1999
spaghetti strapnounvery thin shoulder straps on a woman’s garment; the garment itselfUS , 1972
spaghetti westernnouna cowboy film about the American ‘wild west’ produced by the Italian film industryUS , 1973
spaginzynouna black personUS , 1973
Spahn and Sain and then, dear Lord, two days of rainused
as a humorous entreaty for a bit of luck to accompany a bit of skill or hard work Coined by sports writer Gerald Hern in 1948 to describe the strategy of the Boston Braves baseball team – win games pitched by the skilled pitchers Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain and then hope for the bestUS , 1948
spaknoun 8see:SPAC
spamnoununsolicited, unwanted, often fraudulent advertising mess-ages sent by e-mailUS , 1994
spamverb1to post e-mail in unwanted quantities, especially advertising matter to people who don’t want it Ultimately from branded tinned meat Spam™ (a compound of spiced ham); popular etymology insists that this usage is inspired by the Monty Python sketch, 1970, set in a café in which nothing but unwanted Spam is servedUS , 1994.2to assign an unpleasant task to someone Gulf war usageUK , 1991
spam cannoun1a Southern Region 4–6–2 passenger locomotive
of the ‘West Country’ class; a class Q freight locomotive also known as a ‘biscuit box’ Railway slang with a derogatory edge; an allusion to the shapeUK , 1979.2any metal-skinned light aeroplane
A derogatory term used by flying club pilots of veteran, fabric-covered aircraftUK , 1979
spam fritternounthe anus Rhyming slang forSHITTER UK , 2003
spam frittersnounthe vaginal labia A pink highlight of UK cuisine
UK , 2002
spam javelinnounthe erect penis A meat weaponUK , 1997
spam lancenounthe penis, especially when erectUK , 2001
spam medalnounthe Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, given to all Canadian servicemen during World War 2 who volunteered rather than being conscriptedCANADA , 1995
spamouflagenounsoftware designed to mask the fact that an e-mail is an unsolicited mass advertisementUS , 2002
Spandau Balletnounan alley Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a 1980s UK pop groupUK , 2004
spangverbto beg on the streets Etymology is uncertain, possibly a compound of ‘Spare any change?’ or, less likely, an abbreviation of
‘spangle‘ (something that glitters, hence a coin)UK , 1998
spangledadjectivedrunkUK , 2002
Spanicnounin Toronto, a person of South American descentCANADA , 2001
Spanish archernoundismissal; a rejection An excruciating pun:
ELBOW(dismissal, a rejection) and ‘El Bow’UK , 2000
Spanish cursenounin dominoes, the 3–3 pieceUS , 1959
Spanish footballnouna sexually transmitted infection Navy ‘lower decks’ usage; possibly a pun on ‘dribbling’UK , 1961
Spanish guitar; spanishnouna cigar Rhyming slangUK , 1952
Spanish Main; spanishnouna drain Rhyming slangUK , 1992
Spanish onionnouna bunion Rhyming slangUK , 1992
Spanish radio stationnounused as the epitome of something that
Trang 3Spanish surrealistnouncocaine A discreet reference toSALVADOR
DALI UK , 2002
Spanish waiternouna potato Rhyming slangUK , 1992
spanknouna beatingUK , 1984
spankverb1to beat someone with violent intent Extends from
‘spank’ (to beat with an open hand)UK , 1999.2to rob someoneUS ,
1976.3to fraudulently amend financial accountsUS , 1999.4(used of
a male) to masturbateUS , 1994.5to slap the inside of the arm to
draw out veins for a drug injectionUS , 1997 < spank the monkey
(used of a male) to masturbateUS , 1999 < spank the plank1(of
a male) to masturbateUK , 1998.2to play an electric guitarUK , 2004
spankadociousadjective 8see:SPOKADOCIOUS
spankedadjectiveworn out; over-usedUS , 1992
spankingnouna serious beating From ‘spank’ (to hit with the open
hand); a blackly humorous understatement of violent intentUK ,
1999
spank offverb(of a male) to masturbateUK , 2002
spannernoun1a promiscuous female; a sexually provocative
woman From the name of the tool used to tighten nutsUK , 1983.
2in prison, a keyUK , 1996.3a fool; an idiotIRELAND , 2003
spanneredadjectivedrunk or drug-intoxicatedUK , 2000
spansulanouna combination of central nervous system depressants
and stimulantsUS , 1971
Span-yardnouna SpaniardUK , 2000
sparnoun1a friend; a companion Shortening ofSPARRING PARTNER
BARBADOS , 1965.2a close male friendJAMAICA , 2003.3a man From
the meaning as ‘a friend’ Mainly black usage The variant ‘spa’ is
also usedUK , 1998
sparenoun1in a social context, any or all unattached members of
the opposite sexUK: SCOTLAND , 1985.2a friendUS , 1947
spareadjectivedistraught, distracted or distressed; angry; crazyUK ,
1964 < go spareto become very angryUK , 1958
spare me days!heavens above! WithMEfor ‘my’AUSTRALIA , 1915
spare pricknouna useless fellow; someone who is surplus to
requirements A shortening of ‘spare prick at a wedding’, from the
phrase ‘standing about like a spare prick at a wedding’UK , 1982
spare ribnouna trivial lie Rhyming slang for ‘fib’UK , 1998
spare timenounthe possession of marijuana The implication is
that you must have spare time if you are to use the marijuanaUS ,
1999
spare tire; spare tyrenouna roll of fat around the waistUS , 1961
sparkverb1to light a cigarette or a marijuana cigarette Also variant
‘spark up’US , 1995.2to hit someone hard; to knock someone out
UK , 2002.3to see something or someone Hawaiian youth usageUS ,
1972.4in horse racing, to use an electrical device to shock a horse
during a raceUS , 1951 < spark it upto smoke marijuanaUK , 1998
sparkedadjectiveknocked out, unconsciousUK , 1996
sparkersadjectiveunconscious or deeply asleep A variation ofSPARK
OUT UK , 1977
sparklenounstrong and pure methamphetamine with a crystalline
appearanceUS , 1989
sparkle plentynounan amphetamine tablet Named after a
character in the Dick Tracy comic strip US , 1969
sparklernoun1a diamondUK , 1822.2a tablet of amphetamineUS ,
1994
sparklersnounclean white socks Michigan Upper Peninsula usage
US , 2003
sparklyadjectivedishonest; criminal An opposite to dull,STRAIGHT
(honest)UK , 1999
sparkoadjective1in a state of unconsciousness Abbreviated from
SPARK OUT UK , 1999.2psychotic; derangedUK , 1983
spark outverbto become unconscious; to faint; to die The spark of
life goes out, to some degreeUK , 1936
spark-outadjective unconscious The spark of life has (temporarily)
gone out
sparkplugnouna tamponUS , 1999
sparks; sparky; sparkienounan electricianUK , 1914
spark scenenouna sexual fantasy; the imagined or remembered
scene that sparks or enhances a sexual reaction UK , 2001
sparkynouna fool; a mentally handicapped person Probably derived
as a variation ofSPAC; SPACK UK , 2003
sparkyadjectivelively Electric, giving off sparksUK , 2000
sparring partnernouna friend; a companion; a husband or wife From boxing jargonUK , 1961
sparrownounan attractive, single femaleBERMUDA , 1985
Sparrownounin Canada, an Englishman, particularly a Cockney
CANADA , 1966
sparrow-fart; sparrow’s fartnoundawnUK , 1886
sparrow grassnounasparagusCANADA , 2001
sparrow’s kneecapsnounundeveloped or non-existent arm muscles Parodic, jocular, derisiveUK , 1984
spasticnouna stupid or uncoordinated person A general term of abuse commonly used by schoolchildrenAUSTRALIA , 1981
spasticadjectiveincompetent; uncoordinated; unfashionable A cruel allusion to spastic paralysisUS , 1973
spatnouna short, sharp quarrel; a tiffUS , 1804
spatmobilenounthe Toronto airport’s Special Assistant Team vehicleCANADA , 1994
spawgeenouna poor white personBARBADOS , 1965
spaznoun1a person with spastic paralysis; a person who has any disabilityUK , 2003.2an uncoordinated or incompetent individual; a
fool Contemptuous and derogatory use of ‘spastic’ (a person with
spastic paralysis) Also used in the variants ‘spazz’ and ‘spas’US , 1964
spaz; spazzoadjectivecrazy; foolishAUSTRALIA , 1966
spaz chariotnouna wheelchair FromSPAZ(a person who has any disability)UK , 2003
spaz cutnounany hairstyle that is alleged to make the wearer look mentally or physically handicapped FromSPAZ(a person with a disability)UK , 2003
spazmonounan uncoordinated or incompetent individual; a fool A variation ofSPASTIC UK , 1984
spaz out; spazz outverbto act in a very awkward or uncoordinated manner; to lose emotional controlUS , 1984
spazzedadjectivedrunkUK , 2002
spazzernouna spastic (a person with spastic paralysis)UK , 2003
SP bettingnounillegal betting at starting price oddsAUSTRALIA , 1936
SP booknouna starting price bookmaker’s ledgerAUSTRALIA , 1948
SP bookie; SP bookmakernounan illegal off-course bookmaker who offers starting price oddsAUSTRALIA , 1938
SP’d upadjectiveinformedUK , 1999
speaknouna bar where alcohol is served illegally A shortened form
ofSPEAKEASY US , 1930
speakverb< speak the realto speak the truth, unpleasant as it might beUS , 1998 < speak the same languageto share a way
of thinking about somethingUK , 1948 < speak whiteto speak English Anglophone Canadian usageUS , 1978
-speaksuffixvocabulary or jargon ‘Newspeak’ is the language of
Oceania in George Orwell’s 1948 novel 1984 This coinage seeped
into the language and, post-1984, provides a neat formula for book titles and media headlines concerned with jargon and slang
‘Jackspeak’ 1989, ‘Low Speak’ 1989, ‘Artspeak’ 1990, ‘Eurospeak’
1992, ‘Rockspeak’ 1996, ‘Freshspeak’ 1997, ‘Double Speak’ 1999,
‘Teen Speak’ 2001 among othersUK , 1949
speak!tell me what’s on your mind!US , 1975
speakeasynouna bar that sells alcohol illegallyUS , 1889
speakernouna gunUS , 1970
speak to the hand 8see:TALK TO THE HAND
Trang 4speak upverb< speak up Brown – you’re through!; speak up
Ginger – you’re almost through!said, as if on a telephone, as
a comment on an audible fart Occasionally heard as ‘come on
Brown’, etcUK , 1961
spearnoun1a hypodermic needleUS , 1961.2a firefighter’s hookUS ,
1954 < take the spearto accept responsibility Colonel Oliver
North popularised the phrase during the moral collapse of the
Reagan presidency in 1986 and 87, explaining that while he had
said that he would ‘take the spear’ for the administration’s
misdeeds in Iran and Nicaragua, he did not mean that he would
accept responsibility if criminal prosecution became a possibility
US , 1989 < the speardismissal from workAUSTRALIA , 1941
spearverb1to dismiss someone from employmentAUSTRALIA , 1911.
2to eject someone from a shop, pub, etcAUSTRALIA , 1975 < spear
the bearded clam(from a male perspective) to have sex
Formed onBEARDED CLAM(the vagina)AUSTRALIA , 1971 < spear the
kegto broach a keg of beerAUSTRALIA , 1994
spear-carriernouna non-speaking role in a play; an actor who
appears in the background or only plays minor rolesUK , 1984
spear-chuckernoun1a black person Offensive An allusion to the
jungles of AfricaUS , 1969.2a vocal, aggressive advocateUS , 1997
specnoun1an operational specification; a detailed description of
somethingUK , 1956.2a position, a view-point Probably abbreviated
from ‘spectate’UK , 1999.3a pair of eye-glassesBAHAMAS , 1982 < on
specon the off chance; speculatively UK , 1832
speccy; speckienounin Australian Rules football, a spectacular
catching of the ballAUSTRALIA , 1989
specialnouna potent marijuana cigaretteUS , 1938
specialadjectiveapplied to a disabled person More patronising than
euphemisticUK , 2003
special a la cokenounthe recreational drug ketamine in powder,
capsule or tablet formUS , 1998
special friendnouna woman’s menstrual periodUS , 2001
Special Knounketamine hydrochloride, an anaesthetic used as a
recreational drug, in powder, capsule or tablet form Kellogg’s
Special K™, a well-known breakfast cereal, is the inspiration for this
variation onK(ketamine)US , 1993
specimennouna person of a stated character Generally derogatory
UK , 1854
specknouna black person OffensiveUS , 1980
Specknoun< the SpeckTasmania A reference to the shape and
size of Tasmania on a map; shortened from obsolete the ‘Fly-speck
Isle’AUSTRALIA , 1916
speckverb1to search for gold or opal on the surface of the ground
AUSTRALIA , 1888.2to place a highly speculative bet on a horse
AUSTRALIA , 1960
speckernoun1a speculative bettor Agent noun ofSPECK AUSTRALIA ,
1960.2one year of a prison sentence Used in numeric
constructions such as ‘three-specker’ or ‘five-specker’US , 1950
speckingnounan act of randomly searching for houses to burgle
FromON SPEC(speculatively)UK , 1996
speckyadjectivebespectacledUK , 1956
specsnoun1eye-glasses A shortened form of ‘spectacles’UK , 1807.
2a person with poor eyesight and thick glassesUS , 1997.3in horse
racing, blinkers on a horseUS , 1951
spectacles, testicles, wallet and watchthe positions of the
hand when making the sign of the cross Part Catholic mnemonic,
part jokeUK , 1999
spednouna social outcastUS , 1997
speednoun1an amphetamine, especially Dexedrine™, which is a
central nervous system stimulantUS , 1966.2crack cocaineUK , 2003.
3ability in poolUS , 1967
speedverb1to be under the influence of a central nervous system
stimulantUS , 1995.2in poker, to bet heavily and to bluff oftenUS ,
1983
speedballnoun1a mixture of a central nervous system stimulant
(especially cocaine) and a narcotic (especially heroin) .
2an alcoholic beverage fortified with a drugUS , 1962.3a rissole
AUSTRALIA , 1965
speedballverbto inject or smoke a mixture of cocaine and heroin After the noun senseUK , 2002
speedboatnounmarijuanaUK , 1998
speedbombnounamphetamine powder rolled in a cigarette paper (for the purpose of swallowing)UK , 2000
speed bumpnoun1a red bump on the skin sometimes suffered after injecting impure amphetaminesUS , 1989.2a non-military obstacle that is likely to hinder an army’s progress, especially civilians but also used of geographic features Military jargonUS , 2003
speed bumpsnoun1small female breastsUS , 2003.2Saudi Arabian troops Gulf war usageUS , 1991
speed-datingnounan intensive method of meeting a number of prospective partners, organised so that each meets each for a short period before moving on to ‘date’ the nextUS , 2003
speed for loversnoun 8see:LOVER’S SPEED
speedfreaknouna person who is addicted to or compulsively uses amphetamines or methamphetamineUS , 1967
Speed Gordonnounused as the epitome of trouble or strife
AUSTRALIA , 1961
speed humpnouna skindiverAUSTRALIA , 1996
speed jawnounan aching jaw which is a symptomatic after-effect
of amphetamine useUK , 2002
speed merchantnounin American football, a fast runnerUS , 1962
speed moneynouna bribe that purchases official cooperation of bureaucratic machineryINDIA , 2002
speedonouna speedometerUK , 1934
speed of heatnouna high speed US naval aviator usageUS , 1986
speedometernounin computing, a graphic depiction of a computer’s current operating speedUS , 1991
speedyadjectiveof drugs, displaying stimulant qualities; of a person, under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant From
SPEED(amphetamines)UK , 1995
speedy dognicknamea Greyhound bus; the Greyhound corporation
US , 1988
speedy squibnounin horse racing, a horse that runs well for most
of the race but does not finish wellAUSTRALIA , 1989
Speewah; Speewanounan imaginary remote country property or locale used as a setting for tall tales Named after an actual place
in northwest VictoriaAUSTRALIA , 1890
speilernouna swindlerAUSTRALIA , 1879
spellnouna sentence of three months’ imprisonmentUK , 1996
spellverb< spell it outto explain something that should be apparent and make it absolutely clearUK , 1968
spelling flamenounan inflammatory Internet posting attacking another’s spellingUS , 1995
spell-onouna rest period, a breakANTARCTICA , 1916
spelunkverb< spelunk without a partner(of a female) to masturbate Figurative sense of ‘spelunking’ (caving as a sport), hence this solo exploration of a ‘grotto’ (the vagina)US , 2001
spelunkernoun a caver Ultimately from Latin spelunca (a cave) US , 1942
Spenard divorcenouna shooting of one spouse by the otherUS , 1965
spendverb< spend a pennyto urinate This derives from the charge made for use of a public convenience The first to charge a penny was opened outside the Royal Exchange, London, in 1855; however, a euphemistic use is not recorded until 1945 Since then prices have risen to beyond a point where the term has any practical meaningUK , 2003
spendsnoun spending money UK , 2002
Trang 5spengnouna foolUK , 1996
spent upadjectivehaving no more moneyUK , 1996
sperm wailnounan involuntary cry from a male experiencing an
orgasmUK , 2002
speshnounCarlsberg Special Brew™ lager Phonetic abbreviation of
‘special’UK , 1997
speshadjectivespecialAUSTRALIA , 1996
spewnoun1vomitUS , 1997.2semenUS , 1989.3a temper tantrumNEW
ZEALAND , 1998
spewverb1to vomitUS , 1988.2to ejaculate Adopted from the more
common sense ‘to vomit’, suggesting a more than generous
ejaculationUS , 1989.3to reject an agreement or responsibility
Possibly a play on synonymousBLOW OUT UK , 2002.4to be extremely
angryAUSTRALIA , 1987.5to post an excessive number of messages to
an Internet discussion groupUS , 1995 < spew your gutsto
inform on your friends to the policeUK , 1961 < spew your guts
upto vomit violentlyUK , 1984 < spew your ring; spew your
ring upto vomit violentlyUK , 1963
spewing!used for expressing angerAUSTRALIA , 1988
spewsomeadjectivedreadful; awful That is, ‘enough to make you
vomit’AUSTRALIA , 1996
sphynxnounthe removal by wax of all of a woman’s pubic hair; the
results thereofUS , 2001
spicnoun1a Spanish-speaking person Derogatory and offensiveUS ,
1913.2a Spaniard This usage reflects the fact that Spain is the
closest Spanish-speaking community to the UKUK , 2000.3the
Spanish languageUS , 1946.4a West IndianUS , 1945.5a railway track
worker Many track workers in the American southwest were
Mexican; the racial epithet was applied to Mexican and
non-Mexican alikeUS , 1977
spiconouna Spanish-speaking person A modestly embellishedSPIC
US , 1967
Spictownnouna Spanish-speaking neighbourhoodUS , 1969
spidenouna member of a Belfast subcultural urban adolescent
grouping that seems to be defined by a hip-hop dress and
jewellery senseUK: NORTHERN IRELAND , 2003
spidernoun1in the television and film industries, a device used to
support the legs of a tripod on a slippery or uneven surfaceUK ,
1960.2in harness racing, a sulkyAUSTRALIA , 1989.3a tall glass of
carbonated soft drink with a dollop of ice-cream in the top
AUSTRALIA , 1941
spider bluenounheroin Referring probably to the web of blue veins
into which heroin users inject the drugUS , 1994
spider boxnounin the television and film industries, an electrical
junction boxUS , 1990
spider holenouna sniper’s lair in a cave Korean war usageUS , 1957
spider’s legsnounthe pubic hair that can be seen outside the
con-fines of a girl’s bikini or underwearUK , 2003
spielnoun1a long-winded explanationUS , 1896.2a speech intended
to attract customersUS , 1966.3an illegal gambling operationUK ,
1996.4a drinking club Probably a shortening ofSPIELER UK , 1981
spielverbto talk, especially at length; to patterUS , 1894
spielernoun1a facile and smooth speakerUS , 1894.2a person who
stands at the door of a business calling out to people passing by,
trying to lure them into the businessUS , 1894.3an (illegal)
gambling or drinking clubUK , 1931
spiffnoun1a loner An articulation of the initials SBF (surrounded
by friends), used with irony US , 1987.2a tip, gratuity or commission
US , 1997.3a bonus paid by a record company to a promoter who
has succeeded in getting a record playedUS , 1980
spiffverbto dress up Coined in the UK in the 1870s, obsolete by
the 1930s, and then resurfaced in the US in the 1970s, used with
‘up’US , 1979
spiffedadjectivedrunkUS , 1987
spiffing; spiffin’adjectiveexcellent, first-rate; fashionable or smart
and middle-class society, hence current usage tends towards irony However, it is also current in its original unambiguous senseUK , 1872
spifflicated; spiflicatedadjectivedrunkUS , 1906
spiffyadjectivewell-dressed, elegant, sharpUK , 1853
spiflicateverbto deal with someone in a way that confounds, silences, dumbfounds or defeats A humorous colloquialism that
by mid-C20 survived mainly as a vague threat to children Recorded as a form of intimidation used among Yorkshire
schoolchildren by Iona and Peter Opie, The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren, 1959 UK , 1785
spignouna Spanish-speaking person A corruption of the prevalent
SPIC US , 1969
spikenoun1a syringe and needle; a hypodermic needleUS , 1936.2a mixture of heroin and scopolamine or strychnineUK , 2002.3in a deck of playing cards, an aceUS , 1988.4in volleyball, hitting the ball downward with great force from the top of a jumpUS , 1972.5a casual ward (a temporary accommodation facility for vagrants)UK ,
1866 < the spikethe hypodermic syringe as a symbol of drug addictionUK , 1973
spikeverb1to adulterate a drink or ply a person with alcohol or drugsUS , 1909.2to inject a drugUS , 1935.3in American football, to slam the football to the ground in a ritualistic celebration after scoring a touchdownUS , 1975.4to attach electrical tape on a stage floor to mark positions for props and setsUS , 1991
spikedadjectivein a state of intoxication as the unwitting victim of
an adulterated drink or drugUK , 1996
spikernouna (branded antidepressant) Prozac™ tabletUK , 2001
spikesnoun1sports shoes with cleatsUS , 1997.2woman’s shoes with narrow high heels that taper into a point, formally known as spike-heel shoesUS , 1996
spikey; spikienounan anti-globalisation activist with a philosophy
of violent protestUK , 2001
spikyadjectiveuncompromising in Anglican faith or practiceUK , 1881
spillverb1to fall off a surfboardUS , 1957.2to talk with energy and no clear agendaUS , 1970 < spill the beansto tell that which one is not supposed to tellUS , 1993 < spill your guts (out)to confess your secrets; to tell all you knowUS , 1927
spinnoun1a tactical, revisionist interpretation of an event for public consumption Although the term came to the forefront during the Reagan presidency, it is an ancient practice that was simply taken
to new heights by Reagan’s handlersUS , 1986.2an excursion in a car Originally applied to horse training, meaning ‘a run of some duration’, then to a bicycle ride, and now the present senseUK ,
1907.3a period of time considered in terms of how you fared during it; an experience; a time of itAUSTRALIA , 1917.4five years’ imprisonmentAUSTRALIA , 1950.5a five-pound note; the sum of £5
An abbreviation ofSPINNAKER After decimalisation in 1966 also briefly used for $5AUSTRALIA , 1941.6a single playing of a song by a radio stationUS , 1999.7a turn at spinning the coins in the gambling game two-upAUSTRALIA , 1919.8a Separation Program Number The numbers corresponded to several hundred reasons for discharge from the service Also known as ‘spin number’US , 1984
spinverb1to manipulate, edit and present information in such a way that it suits political needs or a political agendaUK , 2003.2in circus and carnival usage, to speak a language or dialect fluently
US , 1981.3to searchUK , 1972.4to play a record, especially on the radioUS , 1965.5in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, to tape a concertUS , 1994.6to turn back a car’s odometer (mileometer)US , 1980.7to deceiveUS , 1952.8to leaveUS , 1989.
< spin a ditin nautical use, to tell a story, especially a tall story FromDIT(a tale)AUSTRALIA , 1943 < spin a drum; spinto search a private premisesUK , 1977 < spin the shitto discuss something
UK , 1995
spinalnouna paraplegicUS , 1998
spinal tapnounfalling over backwards while snowboardingUS , 1990
spinbinnouna residential facility for psychiatric treatmentUK:
Trang 6spindle-mannouna game operator in a carnivalUS , 1969
spinebashnouna period resting rather than workingAUSTRALIA , 1968
spine-bashverbto loafAUSTRALIA , 1958
spinebashernouna loaferAUSTRALIA , 1945
spinebashingnounloafingAUSTRALIA , 1941
spinmeisternounan acknowledged expert in the art of spin A
com-bination ofSPINand German meister (master) US , 1986
spinnableadjectiveopen to persuasion by manipulated information;
also, used of information that is suitable for biased interpretation
UK , 2003
spinnakernouna five-pound note; the sum of £5AUSTRALIA , 1898
spinnernoun1in the used car business, a person who is adept at
reducing the mileage on a car’s odometer (mileometer)US , 1975.
2in hot rodding, a showy hubcapUS , 1958.3a radio disc jockeyUS ,
1950.4a person who is mentally unstable after extensive
medi-cationUS , 1989.5in the gambling game two-up, the person who
tosses the coinsAUSTRALIA , 1911.6in air-traffic control, a shift of
employment covering absent workers’ responsibilitiesUK , 1981.7in
dominoes, a double that may be played on both endsUS , 1959.8in
poker, a streak of good luckUS , 1988
spinnyadjectivecrazy, insaneCANADA , 1992
spin on it!; spin!a derisive invitation that accompanies the
offensive gesture of a raised middle fingerUK , 2003
spin outverbin the gambling game two-up, to throw a pair of tails
and hence lose the right to continue spinningAUSTRALIA , 1951
spinsnounthe heightened state of dizziness you feel when you lie
down very drunkUS , 1993
spin upverbto roll a cigarette with tobacco or marijuanaUK , 2003
spitnoun1an exact, or near-exact, likeness of someoneUK , 1825.
2something of no valueUS , 1987.3a small sum of moneyUS , 1985.
4the payout in coins from a computer poker gameAUSTRALIA , 1989.
5in some games of poker, a card turned face-up in the centre of
the table which may be used by all players’ hands Also called a
‘spit in the ocean’US , 1961
spitverbto perform a rap lyricUS , 2001 < spit beefto vomitUS ,
1978 < spit bloodto be very angry, especially in the phrase
‘could spit blood’UK , 1963 < spit bricksto be furiousUK , 2002.
< spit chipsto vent anger verballyAUSTRALIA , 1947 < spit cotton
to salivate while under the influence of heroinUS , 1953 < spit
leadto fire a gunUS , 1949 < spit the dummy; spit the dummy
outto become furious; to throw a tantrum From the image of an
upset baby spitting out its dummy and cryingAUSTRALIA , 1984
spit!be quiet!US , 1950
spit and drag; spit and a dragnouna cigarette; a cigarette being
smoked, especially when the act of smoking is clandestine
Rhyming slang forFAG UK , 1960
spit and gitverbto accomplish a task quicklyUS , 1972
spit and imagenounan exact likeness of someone or something
The surviving form of ‘spit and fetch’ (image, picture), in which
‘spit’ is surely the substance of a body, or perhaps its corrupted
’spirit’ and the noun with which it is combined represents an
outer-appearance, (‘fetch’ is defined by the Oxford English
Dictionary as ‘the apparition, double or wraith of a living person’);
‘spit and’ has varied in dialect use to spitten leading, ultimately, to
the conventional synonym: ‘spitting image’UK , 1895
spit-backnouna technique of spitting a drink back into a glass to
give the appearance of consuming more alcohol than you areUS ,
1964
spitballverbin the entertainment industry, to offer up a suggestion
for discussion; to brainstormUS , 1955
spit blacknounmascara Because water is needed to applyUK , 1952
spit boxnounin horse racing, the barn where horses are taken after
a race to have their saliva tested for the presence of illegal drugs
or their metabolitesUS , 1997
spit fuckverbto penetrate a rectum or vagina using only saliva as a
spit kitnounin the US submarine corps, an anti-submarine vessel
US , 1948
spit outverbto say something that is emotionally difficult to sayUK , 1855
spit-roastnouna sexual position in which a woman (or a man) performs oral sex on one man whilst being penetrated by another from behind; the woman (or man) receiving such attention The two erect penises necessary for this activity create the illusory image of a single spit going in one end and out the other Mainly heterosexual usageUK , 1998
spit-roastverbto have sex as an active participant in the spit-roast positionUK , 2003
spitsnounsunflower seedsCANADA , 1987
spit spidersverbto be furiousUK , 2001
spitternoun1a person who spits out semen after oral sexAUSTRALIA ,
1987.2a killerUS , 1975.3a wave that sprays from its end as it collapsesUS , 1964
spitting feathersadjective1very thirstyUK , 1997.2furiously angryUK , 2003
spittin’ timenounthe bleed period of a woman’s menstrual cycle
US , 1954
spivnouna sharply dressed individual who lives by his wits – within the law for preference, and not too far outside the law whenever possible Several possible etymologies vie for credence: an acronym from police records ‘Suspected Persons and Itinerant Vagrants’; back slang of the acronym for ‘Very Important Persons’
(VIPs); dialect spif or spiff (neat, smart, dandified), which also leads
toSPIFFING(excellent); spivic, an apparently obsolete Romany word
for ‘sparrow’, used to describe those who followed the gypsies and picked up their leavingsUK , 1934
spiviasnounamphetamines; MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 2003
spivverynounpetty crime and other behaviour associated with a spivUK , 1956
spizznouna hypodermic needleUS , 1961
SP jointnounan establishment operating starting price bookmaking
AUSTRALIA , 1945
splacknounsexUS , 1994
splackverb1to steal a car, especially by shattering the steering columnUS , 1993.2to ejaculate in sexual climaxUS , 2001
splaffnouna marijuana cigarette laced with LSD ‘A’ forACID
substitutes the ‘i’ inSPLIFF(a marijuana cigarette)UK , 2003
splashnoun1an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimulantUS , 1966.2a small amount of water added to an alcoholic drinkUS , 1996.3tea (the beverage)UK , 1960.4a bathUS , 1972
splashverb1to take a bathUS , 1972.2to ejaculateUS , 1970 < splash the bootsto urinateAUSTRALIA , 1968 < splash the potin a game
of poker, to throw betting tokens directly into the pile of chips in the centre of the table instead of lining them up for other players
to see before adding them to the potUS , 1961
splashingnounin a prostitute’s advertising, semen, urine and other fluids secreted at orgasmUK , 2003
splash movenounin cheating at dice, a switch of the diceUS , 1997
splash outverbto spend money extravagantlyUK , 1934
splashovernouna signal leaking from one citizens’ band radio channel to anotherUS , 1976
splash shotnouna scene in a pornographic film or photograph depicting a man ejaculatingUS , 1997
splatnoun1any food not subject to ready identification From the sound made when it hits the mess kitUS , 1968.2the * character on
a computer keyboardUS , 1983
splatverbto be killed bungee jumpingUS , 1992
splat hatnouna motorcycle crash helmetUK , 1981
splendiferous; splendacious; splendidious; spledidousadjective
Trang 7splibnouna black person Offensive US , 1964
spliceverbto marry someoneUK , 1710
splicedadjectivemarriedUS , 1997
spliffnoun1a marijuana cigaretteJAMAICA , 1936.2marijuana Also
used in the variant ‘splif’UK , 1967.3a cigarette adulterated with
crack cocaineUK , 2002.4a hand-rolled cigaretteUK , 1984 < on the
spliffa state of marijuana intoxicationUK , 2001
spliffverbto smoke marijuana and be under its influenceUK , 1977
spliffed; spliffed out; spliffed upadjectivein a state of
intoxi-cation as a result of smoking marijuanaUK , 1994
spliff upverbto prepare a marijuana cigarette; to smoke marijuana
in cigarette formUK , 2000
spliff winenounmarijuana wineUK , 2002
spliffynouna marijuana cigaretteUK , 2000
spliffyadjectivein a state of gentle intoxication as a result of
smoking marijuana; in a manner that suggests the smoking of
marijuana Playing onSQUIFFY(drunk)UK , 2001
spliftedadjectivemarijuana-intoxicated; exhilaratedUS , 1995
splimnounmarijuana A misreading or simple variation ofSPLIFF US ,
1982
splinkynounthe penis A term apparently coined by the writers of
Mad About You, a US situation comedy (NBC, 1992–99); repeated
with referential humourUS , 1999
splintnouna marijuana cigaretteUS , 1992
splintersnounadversityUS , 1954
splitnoun1the vaginaUS , 1967.2a share of mutual property or
profitsUK , 1889.3a tranquillizer or other central nervous system
depressantUS , 1969.4a decongestant tablet sold as MDMA, the
rec-reational drug best known as ecstasyUK , 1996
splitverb1to leave Each night, during the 1960s, Philadelphia rock
’n’ roll disc jockey Hy Lit ended his broadcast with the mantra,
‘Nuff said Ted, solid ahead, time to split the scene and leave it
clean’US , 1956.2from a male perspective, to have sex Probably
more to do with bragging than as a considered threat of violence
UK , 1937 < split a gutto exert yourself to the extreme, especially
laughingUS , 1958 < split on someoneto inform on or betray
someoneUK , 1795 < split the breezeto drive fastUS , 1976.
< split the differencefrom a male perspective, to have sex A
punning elaboration ofSPLIT UK , 1974 < split the sceneto leave
US , 1990 < split the sheetsto divorceUS , 1976 < split the
whiskers(of a woman) to urinateAUSTRALIA , 1992 < split your
sidesto laugh heartilyUK , 1704
split-arsenouna woman Noted as current in the northeast of
England by Chris Lewis, The Dictionary of Playground Slang, 2003
UK , 1998
split beaver; spread beavernounthe vagina displayed with lips
parted A familiar cliché of pornographyUS , 1969
split C-notenouna fifty-dollar noteUS , 1954
splithnounmarijuana prepared and smoked in the fashion of a
ciga-rette A jocular variation ofSPLIFF US , 2000
split knishnounthe vagina A conventional ‘knish’ is a baked or
fried turnover of Russian Jewish origins; ‘split’ describes the nature
of the vagina and exposes the savoury fillingUS , 1998
split-tailnouna femaleUS , 1950
split-whiskernouna womanAUSTRALIA , 1945
splivinsnounamphetaminesUS , 1970
splonouninexpensive, low quality whiskyUS , 1974
splonknounin horse race betting, the favouriteUK , 1967
sploogenounsemenUS , 1989
sploogeverbto ejaculateUS , 1989
sploshernouna drunkUK , 2000
splownounpalms slapped in greetingUS , 1976
splurgeverbto spend money extravagantly; to recklessly use an
expensive resource
SP mannouna starting price bookmakerAUSTRALIA , 1932
Spocknounused as a term of address for anyone who is coming across as intellectual or superior From the intellectual and
superior character on Star Trek US , 1978
spockverbto examine something or someoneUS , 1991
spodnouna student whose devotion to study excludes all other interests or society, hence an unpopular student; someone who is considered too studious; someone obsessed with computersUK , 1998
spoddyadjectiveobsessively studious and unstylishUK , 2001
spodiodinoun1a mixture of cheap port and whisky Used (and drunk) by jazz-lovers and musiciansCANADA , 1959.2wineUS , 1975
spoggie; spoggynoun(chiefly in south Australia) the common
house sparrow, passer domesticus AUSTRALIA , 1975
spoiled waternounany non-alcoholic beverageUS , 1962
spoilernouna team that has no chance of winning a championship but which takes pride if not pleasure in defeating teams that are vying for a championshipUS , 1962
spokadocious; spankadociousadjectiveattractive; fashionable
BAHAMAS , 1982
spokeadjectivespoken Especially of language, in the construction ‘as she is spoke’UK , 1937
sponverbto tell a lieUK , 1999
spondonicles; spondonicals; spongsnouna pair of metal tongs for lifting a hot cooking utensil off a fireAUSTRALIA , 2003
spondoolinounmoney Variation ofSPONDULICS UK , 1997
spondulics; spondulix; sponds; spondosnounmoneyUS , 1857
spongenoun1a group, notional or real, opposed to the gains of the civil rights movement The vocalised abbreviation stood for
‘Society for the Prevention of Negroes Getting Everything’ The group was more notional than real, but, for example, in 1965 the Student Council of the University of Virginia was petitioned by an organisation calling itself SPONGE for status as an independent organisation eligible to receive Student Council fundsUS , 1965.2a boogie boarder, who rides waves on a small foam board Used in a disparaging manner by surfersUS , 1991
spongeverb1to obtain something in a parasitic mannerUK , 1673.
2in horse racing, to insert a sponge into a horse’s nostril just before a race, impeding its breathing during the raceUS , 1951
spongelledadjectivedrunkUK , 2002
spongernouna person who obtains things in a parasitic mannerUK , 1677
sponge-worthyadjectiveused of a man, so sexually desirable as to warrant the use of a contraceptive sponge Coined and popularised
on an episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s television comedy show (‘The Sponge’) that first aired on 7th December 1995US , 1995
spongiesnounin the usage of youthful model road racers (slot car racers), smooth, soft tyresUS , 1997
sponknounsemen A variation ofSPUNK UK , 2001
spoonounsemen Variant pronunciation ofSPEW(semen), from
SPEW/SPOO(to ejaculate)US , 1989
spooverbto ejaculate Variant pronunciation ofSPEW(to ejaculate), from conventional ‘spew’ (to vomit), the suggestion therefore is of
a copious quantity of semenUS , 2005
spoofnoun1a hoax, a bluff; an act of hoaxingUK , 1889.2a parodyUK ,
1958.3semen Rhymes with ‘hoof’AUSTRALIA , 1916
spoofverb1to hoax; to foolUK , 1889.2to make a parodic version of somethingUK , 1927.3to ejaculateAUSTRALIA , 1992
spoofadjectiveparodic; fake; bogusUK , 1884
spoofedadjectiveused of an electronic message, of a suspect origin
US , 1997
spoofernoun1in carnival usage, a large stuffed dog offered as a game prizeUS , 1985.2a hoaxer; a blufferUK , 2001
spoofingnoun1the sending of e-mail that claims to come from