From the branded Swanndri™ shirtNEW ZEALAND , 1998 swansonnouna cowardUS , 2004 swapverb< swap cansused of a male homosexual couple to take turns as the active participant in anal sexUS
Trang 1to place The ‘swag’ and the ‘swagman/swaggie’ are Australian
cultural iconsAUSTRALIA , 1841.5a person’s possessions when
travelling light Metaphoric use of the swagman’s swagAUSTRALIA ,
1987.6a bedrollAUSTRALIA , 1865.7clothes The best known meaning
of ‘swag’ (stolen property) originally referred especially to linens
and clothes Here the sense narrows to the type of goods with no
suggestion of theftUK , 1999.8moneyUS , 1976.9a large amount of
somethingAUSTRALIA , 1882.10inferior quality marijuana It seems
unlikely that this usage should derive from the C19, now obsolete
adjective ‘swag’ (worthless) but stranger etymologies have
happenedUS , 2001.< on the swagcarrying a swag and travelling
as an itinerantAUSTRALIA , 1982
SWAGnouna joking and derogatory prediction or estimate A
‘scientific wild-assed guess‘ CANADA , 1995
swagverb1to move articles in a hurried manner Extends from the
sense ‘to hustle’UK , 1956.2to hustle or hurry someoneUK , 1958
swagadjective1stolenUS , 1979.2inferiorUK , 2004
swag bagnouna bag for loot or special contrabandUS , 1974
swaggienouna swagmanAUSTRALIA , 1891
swagmannounan itinerant man looking for work; a trampAUSTRALIA ,
1859
swag offverbto lock a prisoner’s possessions awayUK , 1996
SWAK; SWALK; SWANKwritten on an envelope, or at the foot of
a lover’s letter, as lovers’ code for ’sealed with a kiss’ Embellish
-ments included a ‘loving’ kiss and a ‘nice’ kiss Widely known, and
well used by servicemen, then a nearly mandatory sign-off line in
any American teenage love letter of the 1950s and 60s, now a part
of the coded vocabulary of textingUK , 1925
swallownouna drink of alcoholUK , 1822
swallowverb1to easily accept something as trueUK , 1594.2to
accept something that has happened without complaint or
acknowledgement A shortening of ‘swallow your pride’UK , 2000.
< swallow a dictionaryto be loquacious or sesquipedalian; to
habitually use long or erudite wordsAUSTRALIA , 1957.< swallow a
gunto commit suicide by gunshot to the mouthUS , 1981.
< swallow spitto stop talking; to be quietUS , 1993.< swallow
the oliveto lose your composure and concentrationUS , 1961
swallow and sighnouna collar and tie Rhyming slangUK , 1938
swallowernouna person who swallows semen during oral sex
AUSTRALIA , 1987
swallynouna drink; a drinking session Glasgow slang from ‘swallow’
UK: SCOTLAND , 1985
swaminouna poker player with the annoying habit of coaching
other playersUS , 1996
swampverbto drink an alcoholic beverage after eatingUK , 1983
swamp-donkeynouna particularly unattractive womanUK , 1998
swampedadjectivedrunkUS , 1945
swampernoun1a labourer who loads or unloads cargoUS , 1981.
2rubber boots worn during mud season Michigan Upper
Peninsula usageUS , 2003
swamp ratnounany person living near or coming from near the
great swamps of the southern USUS , 1978
swampynouna rural New Englander who is thoroughly and
steadfastly rural An abbreviation ofSWAMP YANKEE US , 1963
swamp Yankeenouna rural New Englander who is thoroughly and
steadfastly ruralUS , 1939
swanverb< swan about; swan around; swan offto move idly
or with no apparent purpose (although pleasure is often
presumed) The imagery of swans gliding on water; originally
military, of armoured vehicles (perhaps sliding over mud)UK , 1942
swan divenounto pretend to be injured or fouled while playing a
team sportCANADA , 2002
Swanee rivernounthe liver Rhyming slangUK , 1992
swank
swank and wankverbto preen in a self-satisfied manner A neat, rhyming combination of ‘swank’ (to behave in a pretentious manner) andWANK(to masturbate)UK , 2002
swankyadjectiveshowy; conceited; pretentious; pretentiously grand First recorded as Wiltshire dialectUK , 1842
Swan Lake; swannouna cake Rhyming slang, formed from the ballet by TchaikovskyUK , 1992
swannienouna bush shirt From the branded Swanndri™ shirtNEW ZEALAND , 1998
swansonnouna cowardUS , 2004
swapverb< swap cans(used of a male homosexual couple) to take turns as the active participant in anal sexUS , 1965.< swap
lies and swat fliesto engage in prolonged, aimless conversation
US , 1962.< swap slopto kissUS , 1947.< swap spitto kiss long and hardUS , 1952
swap outverbto exchange roles in homosexual sex after one partner achieves satisfactionUS , 2002
swappernouna married person who engages in spouse swapping at sex partiesUS , 1967
swarmingnouna gathering swiftly formed as the result of a snowball-effect proliferation of instant text message communi-cationUK , 2003
swashnounfoaming water after a wave breaks on shoreUS , 1963
swassnounsweaty buttocks A contraction of ‘sweaty’ and ‘ass’
CANADA , 2003
swatchnouna quick lookUK: SCOTLAND , 1911
swatty-blousenounan effeminate intellectualNEW ZEALAND , 1995
swave and blazeadjectivesuave and blasé An intentional mispronunciation, meant to be humorousUS , 1967
swearverb< swear and cussa bus Rhyming slangUK , 1938.
< swear byto have a great confidence in somethingUK , 1815
sweatnouna worry or difficulty Usually used in the negative, most often as ‘no sweat!’US , 1979
sweatverb1to coerce someone through intense pressure, usually not involving physical forceUS , 1947.2to admire or desire someone
or somethingUS , 1999.3to disclose that a pool player is in fact a skilled betting professionalUS , 1990.4to gamble nervously and cautiouslyUS , 1991.< sweat blood1to make an unsparing effort
UK , 1911.2to be very afraidUK , 1924.< sweat bulletsto experience
a high degree of nervous tension, usually sweating profuselyUS ,
1977.< sweat cobsto perspire heavilyUK , 1978.< sweat itto worryUK , 1998.< sweat like a glassblower’s arseto perspire heavilyUK , 2003.< sweat onto wait with nervous expectationUK ,
1917.< sweat the brassin horse racing, to race a horse day after day, without giving it a rest periodUS , 1951.< sweat your guts
outto labour extremely hard; to make the utmost effortUK , 1890
sweatbacknounan illegal immigrant to the US who is working A
WETBACKwho is working, and thus sweatingUS , 1962
sweat boxnoun1a police interview roomUK , 1971.2the waiting area outside the room in which a parole hearing is to take placeUS , 1962.
3a vehicle for transporting prisoners in small individual cubicles
UK , 1996.4in trucking, a sleeping compartment behind the seatUS , 1971
sweat choveynouna gymnasium or weights room A combination
of ‘chovey’ (an otherwise obsolete term for a shop) with a product
of working-outUK , 2002
sweaternoun1a casino employee or executive who cheats gamblersUS , 1977.2in a casino or other gambling establishment, a person who observes but does not participate in a gameUS , 1968.
3a person who worriesUS , 1966
sweater meatnounthe female breastsUS , 2004
sweater puppiesnounthe female breastsUS , 1995
sweater queennouna neatly and nicely dressed homosexual male
US , 1997
sweat roomnouna small room in a police station where suspects
Trang 2Sweatshopnoun< the Sweatshopthe Apollo Theatre, New York
US , 1949
sweaty sock; sweatynouna Scot Rhyming slang forJOCK(a Scot);
derogatory, both in its own imagery and as demonstrated in the
usage by football supporters to taunt rivals Certainly in use in the
Newcastle-upon-Tyne area in 1990UK , 2002
swedenoun1the head; hence, the hair on the head From the
shape of the vegetableUK , 1999.2a potentially naive provincial
police officer investigating complaints in London A nuance used
by the Metropolitan PoliceUK , 1999
swede-basher; swedenouna person from the countryside; an
unsophisticated type Derives from the root vegetableUK , 1943
swedelandnounthe countryside as seen from the town Derogatory
FromSWEDE-BASHER(a person from the countryside; an
unsophisticated type)UK , 1967
swedeynoun< the swedeythe provincial police of ‘Operation
Countryman’ drafted to London, from 1978 to the early 1980s to
investigate alleged corruption in the Metropolitan Police,
particu-larly in the Flying Squad Derisive; formed onSWEDE(a provincial
police officer), punning onTHE SWEENEY(the Flying Squad)UK , 1980
swedgeverbto fightUK: SCOTLAND , 1999
Swedishadjectivesexually permissive From the Swedish attitude to
pornographyUK , 2000
Swedish fiddlenounamong loggers, a cross-cut saw The reference
to Sweden likely alludes to the ‘Swedish saw’CANADA , 1942
Swedish headachenounan aching in the testicles from sexual
activity that does not culminate in ejaculationUS , 1932
Swedish massagenounejaculation achieved with the man’s penis
between the woman’s breastsUK , 1973
sweedienouna friend, an acquaintance; recognised as a form of
address with shallow sincerity An ironic mid-Atlantic
approxi-mation ofSWEETIE; identified and popularised in BBC television
comedy Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2001) UK , 2002
Sweeneynoun< on your Sweeneyon your ownIRELAND , 1996.
< the Sweeneythe Flying Squad, Metropolitan Police branch C1
(1921–48), subsequently C8; a member of the Flying Squad
Rhyming slang formed from ‘Sweeney Todd’ for ‘Flying Squad’
Sweeney Todd was the legendary ‘Demon Barber of Fleet Street’
Brought to widespread popular attention by television police
drama series The Sweeney, originally broadcast from 1974–78,
which gave the impression that all police work was about guns
and fast carsUK , 1938
sweepnoun1in combat, a search and destroy mission or a
concerted search through an areaUS , 1977.2a concerted effort to
find someone or something illegalUS , 1974
sweepverbto systematically search for surveillance devicesUS , 1985.
< sweep the leavesto drive at the back of a group of trucks
travelling together, watching for police from the rearUS , 1976
sweepernoun1in mountain biking, a tree limb overhanging the
trail at approximately face heightUS , 1992.2an expert hired to
search for and locate surveillance devicesUS , 1985
sweetnoun1an effeminate male homosexualUS , 1990.2an
amphet-amine tabletUS , 1994
sweetadjective1all rightUK , 1890.2excellent; in style; admirableUS ,
1982.3amenable A shift in the earlier (C18–19) sense as ‘gullible,
unsuspicious’UK , 1999.4when combined in phrases meaning
nothing, absoluteUK , 1958.5homosexualUS , 1972.6drunkBARBADOS ,
1965
sweet!used to express approvalUK , 2003
sweet-arseadjectiveused for describing someone or something with
approval A variation ofSWEET UK , 1998
sweet asadjectivesatisfying and easy, especially of a crime A
shortening of the familiarSWEET AS A NUT UK , 2001
sweet as a nutadjectivesatisfying and easy, especially of a crimeUK ,
1937
sweet BAnounnothing whatsoever A euphemistic variation of
sweet bugger allnounabsolutely nothing at all A sarcastic or emphatic variation ofBUGGER ALL UK , 1918
sweet chatnounflatteryTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1977
sweet copnounan easy jobAUSTRALIA , 1918
sweet countnounin dominoes, a good handUS , 1997
sweet daddynouna pimpUS , 1957
sweet deedeenounin horse racing, a combination wager conventionally known as the ‘daily double’US , 1968
sweet dreamsnounheroinUK , 1998
sweet dying Jesusan affectionate exclamatory oathCANADA , 1985
sweetenverb1in poker, to increase the amount betUS , 1963.2in the television and film industries, to make subtle improvements in the soundtrackUS , 1990
sweetened airnouncandy flossUS , 1981
sweetenernoun1a bribeUK , 1996.2cashUS , 2003
Sweet evening breezenoun 8see:EVENING BREEZE
sweet Fanny Adams; sweet FAnoun 8see:FANNY ADAMS
sweet fuck allnounabsolutely nothing at all A sarcastic or emphatic variation ofFUCK ALL UK , 1969
sweetheadnouna marijuana userUS , 1997
sweetheartnoun1used as an endearment or what is intended to
be an endearing form of address Often patronisingUK , 1290.2used
as a menacing form of address An ironic variation of the genuine endearmentUK , 1977
sweetheartadjectiveused of a trade union overly sympathetic to, if not controlled by, managementUS , 1959
sweet Heaven!used as a mild expletive, or register of shock, surprise, etcUK , 2002
sweetienoun1a sweetheartUS , 1925.2used as a wheedling, patronising form of addressUS , 1971.3an effeminate man, usually
an effeminate homosexual A pejorative, adopted by gays as an ironic endearmentUS , 1972.4a sweet (an individual chocolate- or sugar-based item of confectionary) From ‘sweetmeat’, but now considered a childish extension of ‘sweet’; generally heard in the pluralUK , 1860.5tablets for medication or recreation From the sense as ‘confectionary’UK , 2000.6the drug Preludin™, a stimulant that suppresses the appetiteUS , 1970.7an amphetamine or MDMA tabletUK , 1994
sweetie-pienouna sweetheart; a dear friend; aCAMPform of address An extension of all variants ofSWEETIEas an endearment
In 1947 the animated cartoon Tweety Pie won an Oscar UK , 1928
sweet Jesusnounmorphine; heroinUS , 1967
sweet Jesus!used as a mild expletive, or register of shock, surprise, etcUK , 2002
sweet leafnounmarijuanaUS , 2001
sweet limburger!used for expressing disapproval A signature line
of Colonel Sherman Potter on M*A*S*H (CBS, 1972–83) Repeated
with referential humourUS , 1983
sweet Lucynoun1muscatel wineUS , 1973.2any cheap wineUS , 1997.
3a solution of hashish and wineUS , 1948.4marijuanaUS , 1969
sweet macknouna pimp who controls his prostitutes through charm and attentionUS , 1972
sweetmannouna man who is supported by his lover; a pimp
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1939
sweet Miss Adamsnoun 8see:FANNY ADAMS
sweet namenounany affectionate nicknameTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1971
sweetnessnounused as an endearmentUK , 1992
sweet oninfatuated by someone or somethingUK , 1740
sweet shit in a bucket!used for registering anger, frustration or despairUS , 1970
sweet spotnounin surfing, the forward position on the surfboard that maximises speed and the back position that maximises the
Trang 3sweet stuffnounpowdered drugs; cocaine, heroin or morphineUS ,
1936
sweet-talkverbto flatter someone, to convince someone through
kind wordsUS , 1936
sweet thingnounan attractive young womanUS , 1971
sweet toothnounan addiction to morphineUS , 1961
swellnouna well-dressed, fashionable manUK , 1786
swelladjectivegood; attractive; stylish A key piece of slang for more
than a century, eventually displaced byCOOL UK , 1812
swellbownouna swollen elbow Skateboarders’ and scooter-riders’
slang; an elision of ‘swell’ and ‘elbow’UK , 1998
swell pipesnounin circus and carnival usage, a good singing voice
US , 1981
swell-upnouncrack cocaineUK , 1998
swervenoun1a deception, practical joke or false reportUS , 1997.
2intoxicationUS , 2001.< get your swerve onto drink to the
point of intoxicationUS , 1998
swerveverb1to avoid someone or something From the
conven-tional sense (to change direction abruptly); probably a shortening
ofBODY-SWERVE UK: SCOTLAND , 1985.2to make a late change in your
plans Teen slangUK , 2003
swerve pastverbto visit a place briefly; to go out of your wayUK ,
1999
swiftadjective1good, cleverUS , 1970.2of police, corruptUK , 1977
swiftienoun1a deceitful trick; a conAUSTRALIA , 1945.2an alcoholic
drink quickly drunk, a ‘swift drink’ The spelling ‘swifty’ is also
usedUK , 2001
swiftingnounin the police, an action of making a quick arrest when
it may not be clear that all elements of the offence can be proved
From ‘swift ’un’ (a quick, possibly unfair arrest)UK , 1999
swignounan act of drinking deeply, especially of intoxicating liquor
UK , 1621
swigverbto drink, especially deeply, and especially of intoxicating
liquor FromSWIG(a drink)UK , 1654
swillnouna drinkUK , 2001
swill cupnouna combination of leftover alcoholic beveragesUS , 2003
swillernouna public houseUK , 2001
swimnoun< in the swimactive socially, up to date with trends
and fashionsUK , 1869
swimverb1to parade ostentatiously A variation ofSWAN(to move
with no purpose)UK , 1952.2to move through a stadium or
auditorium, experiencing a concert from different perspectivesUS ,
1994
swimmernoun1a car that has been driven or fallen into a body of
waterUS , 1962.2in horse racing, a horse that peforms very well on
wet track conditionsAUSTRALIA , 1989
swimmersnouna swimming costumeAUSTRALIA , 1967
swimmiesnounswimwear; a swimming costumeUK: SCOTLAND , 1988
swindle sheetnoun1a record of reimbursable business expenses
that is completed by a travelling sales representative or business
executive An implicit suggestion that these records are not always
entirely honestUS , 1949.2in trucking, a trucker’s daily log bookUS ,
1971
swinenoun1an unpleasant person, especially a coarse or degraded
person; a sensualistUK , 1842.2a police officer; the policeUS , 1997.
3a prison guardUS , 1976.4a difficult or awkward thing From the
sense as ‘an unpleasant person’UK , 1933.5leather, especially leather
car upholsteryUS , 2002
swingnoun1a bag (or similar receptacle) that is used to transfer
contraband items between prison cells by being attached to a
length of string (or similar) and swung from one cell window to
another Also called a ‘swinger’UK , 1996.2a punch delivered with a
wide sweep of the arm, especially in the phrase: take a swing atUK ,
1910.3an employee’s rest period in a shift system; a pattern of
working that incorporates such rest periods; hence, time off work
. a consensual orgy
swingverb1to enjoy frequent casual sex with different partnersUK ,
1964.2to have fun, especially in a currently fashionable or unconventional activity; hence, to be fashionableUS , 1957.3to accomplish something, especially something that is difficultUK ,
1933.4to be executed by hanging Hanging has been the principal form of execution in the British Isles since the C5; the death penalty was abolished in the UK in 1965 (except for crimes of treason, piracy with violence and arson in the Royal Dockyards)UK ,
1542.5to play jazz with feeling and a basic understanding of the mediumUS , 1933.6to cheat or swindle someoneUS , 1952.7to steal something Casino usageUS , 1980.8in high-low poker, to declare for both high and lowUS , 1979.< swing both waysto be bisexualUK ,
1972.< swing it1to malinger; to shirk responsibility; to evade duty Variation ofSWING THE LEAD UK , 1959.2to achieve something
by trickery or influenceUK , 1959.< swing the leadto malinger;
to shirk responsibility; to evade duty Popular etymology holds this
to be the ‘sounding-lead’ with which the depth of water is measured; in practice ‘heaving the lead’ is a skilled task The term certainly has naval originsUK , 1917
swing byverbto visit briefly; to go out of your wayUK , 2001
swingdomnouna culture of casual sexual interactionUS , 1997
swingernoun1a person who freely enjoys life’s pleasuresUS , 1959.
2someone who engages in spouse or partner swappingUS , 1964.3a person who has died by hangingUS , 1987.4a prisoner who has attempted suicide by hangingUK , 1996.5in trucking, a large loadUS , 1971
swing gangnounin the television and film industries, the crew that prepares and dismantles the setUS , 1990
swingingnounconsensual swapping of sexual partners as a deliberate activityUK , 1976
swingingadjective1lively and alert and progressive; uninhibited; fashionableUK , 1967.2of a court case, adjourned until a later date
AUSTRALIA , 1975
swinging dicknounan ordinary fellow Sometimes euphemised (barely) as ‘swinging Richard’US , 1966
swinglenounan unmarried person in search of a sexual partnerUS , 1968
swing oilnounto a golfer, beer or alcoholUS , 2000
swing-outnouna fight between youth gangsUS , 1972
swings and roundaboutsthe rough and the smooth; used of a fluctuating situation where the average outcome remains constant whatever action is taken A reduction of the proverb ‘what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts’UK , 1983
swing shiftnouna work schedule that begins late in the afternoon and continues until the middle of the night, traditionally from 4
pm until midnightUS , 1943
swipenoun1a heavy blow delivered with a swinging motion (may
be applied to a bat addressing a ball, or a hand hitting flesh)UK ,
1807.2an instance of adverse criticism Extended from the pre-vious senseUK , 1932.3an objectionable personUK , 1929.4the penis
US , 1969.5potent, homemade pineapple-based alcohol Hawaiian usageUS , 1982.6to drink great amounts of kava, a tranquillity-inducing herbal beverageFIJI , 1997
swipeverb1to hit someone From an earlier sense, ‘to swing the arms in a circular motion’UK , 1851.2to steal somethingUS , 1889.
3to take something, but not necessarily to steal itUK , 1947
swipe me!a euphemistic cry of surprise, replacing ‘fuck me!’ A slight variant of the obsolete and hence euphemistic ‘swive’ (to have sex)UK , 1955
swipesnoun1in horse racing, a groomUS , 1947.2beer Originally (1786) ‘a small beer’UK , 1805
swishnoun1a homosexual male, especially of the dramatically effeminate typeUS , 1941.2weak alcohol made by letting water stand in old screech barrelsCANADA , 2001
swishverb1(of a homosexual male) to behave in a flamboyant, camp or effeminate mannerUS , 1960.2(among drug users) to distribute drugs, especially hallucinogenic drugsNEW ZEALAND , 1982
swishadjective1fashionable; elegant Colloquial, from Devonshire
.
Trang 4swish Alpsnounthe Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California A
homosexual enclaveUS , 1983
swishernouna hollowed-out cigar refilled with marijuanaUS , 1999
swish faggotnounan effeminate, melodramatic homosexual man
US , 1980
swish tanknouna holding cell in a jail where homosexual suspects
and prisoners are keptUS , 1992
Swiss Army knife; swiss armynouna wife Rhyming slang,
formed on a commercial tool that is marketed in a wide range of
variationsUK , 1998
Swiss bankernounused as an all-purpose form of abuse Rhyming
slang forWANKER UK , 2003
Swiss-cheeze upverbto shoot a person or place full of holes The
image of a piece of cheese such as EmmentalUS , 2002
switchnoun1a switchblade knife that opens with a button-operated
springUS , 1949.2in a sexually oriented massage parlour, a massage
given to the masseuse by the customerUS , 1982.3the buttocksUS ,
1949
switchverbto act upon bisexual impulsesUS , 1970.< switch lanes
to change allegiance Used by teenage gang membersUK , 2003
switchablenouna person who is willing to play either the sadist or
masochist role in a sado-masochism encounterUS , 1979
switchboard jockeynouna telephone operatorUS , 1957
switched onadjective1in fashion, up-to-date and well-informedUK ,
1964.2drug-intoxicatedUS , 1972.3excited by music; aroused by a
sexual opportunity Electrical imageryUK , 1977
switchernouna bisexualUS , 1966
switcheroonouna swapping; an exchangeUS , 1933
switchfootnouna surfer who can surf with either foot forward,
depending on the conditionsUS , 1964
switch hitternoun1a bisexualUS , 1960.2a person who masturbates
with first one hand and then the otherUS , 2002
switchiesnounsex involving more than two peopleUS , 1983
switch listnounon the railways, a menuUS , 1977
switch monkeynouna railway pointsmanUS , 1977
switch offverb1to stop paying attention; to lose interestUK , 1921.
2to knock someone out Electrical imageryUK , 2000
swizzle; swiz; swizznouna swindle; a disappointment half-jokingly
described as a ‘swindle’UK , 1913
swoleadjectiveupset; provoked; angryUS , 1998
swolesnounmuscles From ‘swollen’US , 2004
swolladjectivemuscularUS , 1997
swollen-headedadjectiveconceitedUK , 1928
swonkedadjectiveexhausted by heavy workCANADA , 1953
swoonverbto seduce or romance someoneUK , 2003
swoonienicknamethe contemporary dollar coin In 2002, with the
Canadian dollar dropping in value, this parody nickname is derived
fromLOONY CANADA , 2002
swoontimenounthe approximate time when young people
congregate somewhere to socialiseUS , 1953
swoopernouna prisoner who collects discarded cigarette-ends (to
roll new ones) The swooper swoops on his prey UK , 1996
swoop squad; swoop teamnouna unit of prison officers detailed
to discover drugs and other contrabandUK , 1996
swooshnounthe name given to the tick-shaped logo of Nike™, the sports shoe manufacturerUS , 2001
S-wordnoun1the word ‘shit’US , 1999.2the word ‘sex’US , 1988.3the word ‘socialism’US , 1987
sword fightingnouna sexual act in which two erect penises compete for or share the attention of a single person performing oral sexUK , 2002
swordsmannoun1a man with an impressive reputation for his sex-ual prowessUK , 1998.2a male homosexualUK , 1983
sword swallowernouna person who performs oral sex on a man
The working title of the 1970s pornographic classic Deep Throat was Sword Swallower US , 1964
swotverbto study, especially at the last possible moment before an examinationNEW ZEALAND , 1984
swot; swatnounan extra-studious studentUK , 1850
swot vacnounstudent holidays from school or universityAUSTRALIA , 1983
swynoun1the gambling game two-up Ultimately from German
zwei (two), possibly via Yiddish AUSTRALIA , 1913.2two; a two-year prison sentence; two shillings; two pounds; two ounces of tobacco
From German zwei (two) The spelling ‘swi’ is also used AUSTRALIA , 1921
swy gamenounthe gambling game two-upAUSTRALIA , 1946
swy schoolnouna group of people playing the gambling game
two-upAUSTRALIA , 1944
sXenounused as an identifying word by members of the Straight Edge youth culture The ‘s’ and ‘e’ are, obviously, the initials of
‘Straight Edge’, while the ‘X’ represents the rubber stamp marked
on the hands of under-age patrons at youth clubsUS , 2000
Sydney Harbournouna barber Rhyming slangAUSTRALIA , 1942
Sydney or the bushall or nothingAUSTRALIA , 1915
Sylvester Stallone; sylvesteradjectivealone Rhyming slang, formed on the US film actor (b.1950)UK , 1998
synchnoun< in synch; in syncin accord with Figurative use of
the abbreviated in synchronization (working together) US , 1961
syndicatnounin Quebec, a trade unionCANADA , 2002
syndicatenoun1a criminal organisationUS , 1929.2a small group of close friends JoiningCREWandPOSSEas crime terms applied to friendsUS , 1993
synergynoun4-bromo-2, 5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, a mild hallucinogenUS , 1995
syphnounsyphilisUS , 1914
syrupnounprescription cough syrup, used recreationallyUS , 1995
syrup headnouna person who abuses for non-medicinal purposes non-prescription medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM)
US , 2003
syrup of fig; syrup of figs; syrupnouna wig Rhyming slang Syrup of figs is used as a laxative Noted in use among criminals
by David Powis, The Signs of Crime, 1977; as a showbusiness term
by Red Daniells, 1980, and in wide and general use by Ray Puxley,
Cockney Rabbit, 1992 UK , 1977
syrupped upadjectiveintoxicated by cough syrup taken for non-medicinal purposesUS , 1970
systemnoun1the criminal justice system; jailUS , 1995.2an audio system, especially a loud car audio systemUS , 1993
systems kickernounin prison, a rebellious inmate One who kicks against the systemUK , 1996
SYTnoun a youthful, attractive homosexual male; a sweet young thing US , 1979
Trang 5Tnoun1marijuana The simplest abbreviation ofTEA UK , 1950.
2cocaine Probably an abbreviation of another slang term for
‘cocaine’ such asTOOT UK , 2003.3a tee shirtUK , 2003.< to a T
precisely, exactlyUK , 1693
Tnicknamethe local rail system serving urban and suburban Boston,
Massachusetts used with ‘the’ From the official designation
‘Boston Transport’US , 1987
tathank you An abbreviation of ‘thanks’ or ‘thank you’; originally
childish or juvenile, now widespreadUK , 1772
tabnoun1a tablet, usually one taken as a recreational drug; a single
dose of LSD Originally medical and pharmaceutical jargon, added
to the vocabulary of drugs users in the 1950sUK , 1961.2a tabloid
newspaperUS , 1951.3a bill, especially in a restaurant or barUS , 1946.
4a cigarette Originally northern dialect, spread with media usage
UK , 1934.5a walk or march across countryUK , 1982.6an enterprise,
an activityUS , 1946.< run a tabto order drinks without paying for
each one, paying instead the entire bill at the end of the session
US , 1995
tabverb1to march or otherwise travel on foot across country
MilitaryUK , 1982.2to make a drug into tablet formUS , 1967
tabasconounnapalmUS , 1991
tabbedadjectivedressed stylishlyUS , 1980
tablanouna surfboard Spanish, imported to the US from Mexico by
American surfersUS , 1977
tablenouna pinball machineUK , 1977
table dancenounin a strip-club, a semi-private sexual performance
near or on a customer’s tableUS , 1992
table gradeadjectiveused of a woman, sexually appealing A clear
suggestion of oral sex, or eatingUS , 1972
table-hopper; table-toppernouna necrophileUS , 1987
table mannersnounin poker, a player’s mannerisms, which may
provide clues as to the relative strength of his handUS , 1981
table musclenounthe stomachUS , 1984
table pussynouna woman with good looks and mannersUS , 1970
tablescoreverbto take food left on restaurant tablesUS , 1997
table talknounin poker, idle chatter that does not rise to the level
of intentionally distracting talkUS , 1979
table timenouna time-based charge for playing poolUS , 1993
table zamboninouna cleaning rag used by a bartender Zamboni is
an ice resurfacer used on ice rinksUS , 1987
tab outverbto pay a bar bill and leave the barUS , 1992
tabsnounthe earsUS , 1970
tacitnoun< take a tacitto stop talkingUS , 1947
tacknoun1anything that demonstrates a quality of vulgarity, bad
taste or kitschUS , 1986.2a tattooUS , 1992.3marijuanaUK , 1996
tackedadjectivedrunk or drug-intoxicatedUS , 2004
tacked backadjectivecovered with tattoosUS , 1989
tacked outadjectivein trucking, running at full speed A
construction from ‘tachometer’US , 1971
tackernouna child From British dialect (Devon and Cornwall)
AUSTRALIA , 1942
tackety bit; tacketynounthe female breast Glasgow rhyming slang
forTITfrom the local pronunciation of ‘tackety’ (steel-tipped and
-heeled) bootsUK: SCOTLAND , 1988
tackienouna tyreSOUTH AFRICA , 1978
tackiesnounrunning shoes, trainersSOUTH AFRICA , 1913
tackiness a state of unrefined vulgarity
tacklenoun1the male genitalia Originally ‘a man’s tackle’ sub-sequent familiarity reduced the necessity for ‘a man’s’UK , 1788.
2food and drink; ’stuff’; more recently, drugsUK , 1857
tackleverbto court; to flirtTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1987
tackyadjectivevulgar, unrefined, unattractive, aesthetically unappealling; ’cheap and nasty’US , 1862
tacoadjectiveMexican Offensive From the Mexican street foodUS , 1990
taco bendernouna Mexican or Mexican-American OffensiveUS , 1992
Taco Hellnicknamea Taco Bell™ fast-food restaurantUS , 1990
tacolandnouna Mexican or Mexican-American neighbourhood OffensiveUS , 1981
taco wagonnouna car embellished with bright colours, chrome and other accessories associated with Mexican-American car
enthusiastsUS , 1960
tadadjective little; a small amount Perhaps from dialect tad (toad)
UK , 1940
tadgernounthe penis Originally dialect; survives in rhyming slang
FOX AND BADGER UK , 1961
tadpolenounan OH-6 light observation military helicopter From its shapeUS , 1991
tadpole factorynounthe testiclesUK , 2003
ta ever sothank you An elaboration ofTAand variation ofTHANKS
EVER SO UK , 1970
Taffia; Tafianouna notional conspiracy of influential Welsh people, especially Welsh-speakers, that control many areas of Welsh life for its own benefit A blend ofTAFF(Welsh) and ‘mafia’ (a criminal association)UK: WALES , 1980
Taffy; Taffnoun a native of Wales From Welsh Dafydd (David – the
Welsh patron saint and everyday christian name) as heard by English ears Taffy since about 1700; Taff since 1929UK , 1964
tagnoun1the stylised signature of a graffiti artist From ‘tag’ (a label)US , 1998.2a stylised signature often confused with graffitiUS ,
1997.3a nickname, or popular designationUS , 1950.4a number plateUS , 1972.5a planned murderUS , 1982.6in the television and film industries, a very short final sceneUS , 1990
tagverb1to shoot and hit someone or somethingUS , 1992.2to strike
or hit someone or somethingUS , 1975.3to catch or arrest someone, or convict someone of a crimeUS , 1966.4to spray-paint graffiti in a signature stylingUS , 1980.5to tattoo part of the body
US , 1993.6to bestow a nickname on someoneUS , 1960.7to identify someone or somethingUS , 1951
tag-alongnounsomeone who joins an activity without invitationUS , 1961
tag and bagverbto put a name tag on a corpse and place the body
in a body bag Vietnam war usageUS , 1981
taggernouna person who writes his signature in a stylised fashion
on public walls, subways, etcUS , 1997
tagging crewnouna group of graffiti artistsUS , 1989
tag plantnouna prison number plate manufacturing shopUS , 2000
tag shopnounthe area in a prison where number plates are manufacturedUS , 1958
Taig; Teaguenicknamea Catholic From the anglicised spelling of
the Irish name/nickname Tadhg UK , 1971
tailnoun1the backside, buttocks and/or anusUK , 1303.2a woman, regarded as a sexual object; women, collectively, categorised with the same regardUK , 1846.3an act of sexual intercourse or sexual intercourse in a general sense The earlier, obsolete, senses of
‘penis’ and ‘vagina’ come together in a logical consequence .
Trang 64a person who is following someone else closely and secretlyUS ,
1914.5in prison, an informerUS , 1990.6the term of a prisoner’s
paroleUS , 1992.7in hot rodding, a fox tail or racoon tail tied to the
carUS , 1960.< bust your tailto give the maximum effortUS , 1996
tailverbto follow someone closely and secretlyUS , 1907.< tail ’em
in the gambling game two-up, to throw a pair of tailsAUSTRALIA , 1911
tail-betternounin the gambling game two-up, a player who bets on
tailsAUSTRALIA , 1963
tail-end Charlienounsomeone at the rear of any group or
expedition Originally the name given to the rear gunner on a
Royal Air Force bomber, hence ‘the man at the back’UK , 1941
tailgateverb1to walk very closely behind another person A
vari-ation of the conventional senseUK , 2003.2to eat and drink
clustered in parking lot before a sports eventUS , 1995
tailgunnernouna homosexual maleNEW ZEALAND , 1998
tailienounin the gambling game two-up, a player who bets on tails
AUSTRALIA , 1919
tail lightsnounLSDUK , 1998
tailornounin gin, a win without the opponent scoringUS , 1950
tailor-made; tailor; taylornouna factory-made cigaretteUS , 1924
tail painnounanal painTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003
tailynounthe penisUS , 1982
taimanoun marijuana Possibly an elision of Spanish Tailandés (Thai)
and marijuana UK , 1998
taintnounthe perineumUS , 1955
t’aint no crack, but a solid factwhat I am saying is the truthUS ,
1973
Taj Mahalnouna dome covering radar antennae at NORAD air
defence radar stationsCANADA , 1995
takenoun1an opinion; a view Possibly from television and film
jargon, ‘take’ (a recorded scene), suggesting a point of viewUK , 2001.
2stolen property, especially moneyUS , 1888.3a theftAUSTRALIA , 1975.
< on the takeaccepting bribesUS , 1930
takeverb1(of a male) to have sex with someoneUK , 1915.2to defeat
someoneUK , 1939.3to successfully swindle someoneUK , 1946.
< take advantage(of a man) to seduce someone, to have sex
with someone, to force sex upon someone Euphemistic, but
often jocularUS , 1928.< take back waterto back down on a
brag or dare; to refuse a challenge This phrase is derived from
rowingCANADA , 1972.< take care of someoneto kill someone;
to kill one or more, especially as an expedient solution to a
problemUK , 1984.< take in laundryto wear underwear internally
UK , 2001.< take it in the shortsto be abused or defeatedUS ,
1994.< take it lying downto submit tamelyUK , 1961.< take it
Nelsonto relaxUK , 1996.< take on for the teamto accept
responsibility for an unpleasant task for the greater good of a
group Originally a baseball team, used as an ex post facto
expla-nation of a batter advancing to first base after being hit with a
pitchUS , 2001.< take oneto be open to briberyUK , 1970.< take
one for the teamin a social situation, to pay attention to the
less attractive of a pair of friends in the hope that your friend will
have success with the more attractive member of the pairUS , 2002.
< take someone apartto absolutely defeat someone in a fight;
to reprimand someone severelyUK , 1984.< take someone for a
ride1to swindle or deceive someoneUS , 1925.2in a car, to take a
planned victim to a convenient spot for murderUS , 1927.< take
stoppoto escape Based on ‘stoppo’(a getaway)UK , 1956.< take
the biscuitused in the context of surprise or annoyance at
something which is remarkable or extraordinaryUK , 1907.< take
the cakeused in the context of surprise or annoyance at
something that is startingly improbableUS , 1900.< take the
cheeseto be considered in the most negative manner; in a
figurative sense, to take the prize for being worstUK , 1997.< take
the micky; take the mickey; take the mick; take the
michaelto make fun of someone; to pull someone’s leg All
vari-ations of rhyming slangMIKE BLISS; MICKY BLISS(PISS); literal and
euphemistic translations ofTAKE THE PISS The variations on
‘mickey’, ‘mick’ etc may be given an initial capitalUK , 1935.
< take the piss; take the piss out of someone1to make a
fool of someone; to pull someone’s leg ToPISSand hence deflate
a bladder gives the central idea of deflation, in this case by making
a fool of; perhaps coincidentally an inflated bladder (on a stick) is the mediaeval comedy prop associated with a foolUK , 1984.2to implement a urine test A literal pun on the sense ‘to tease someone’UK , 1996.< take the ta-ta kiss; take the ta-tato make a fool of someone; to pull someone’s leg Rhyming slang for
TAKE THE PISS, formed on a goodbye kissUK , 1992.< take yourself
in hand(of a male) to masturbateUK , 1953
take a little, leave a littleused as a description of the standing orders that carnival workers have for cheating customersUS , 1985
take a running jump!; take a running jump at yourself!used
as a contemptuous expression of dismissalUK , 1933
take a train!used as an all-purpose insultUS , 1951
takedownnounthe amount earnedUS , 1990
take downverbto arrest and convict someoneUS , 1997.< take
someone down a pegto reduce a person’s self-esteem; to force
a brash or bumptious person to conformUK , 1959
take-down brightsnounthe very bright lights on a police car used when ordering a driver to pull overUS , 1992
take-homesnouna several-day supply of methadoneUS , 1989
take it away!commence the entertainment!; start the music!UK , 1984
take-mannounthe member of a criminal gang who actually steals the moneyAUSTRALIA , 1975
take moneynounthe proceeds of a robbery or other illegal scheme
US , 1975
take night to make dayused for describing an all-out effort
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1986
taken shortadjectivedesperate to urinate or defecateUK , 1890
take-offnoun1in a gambling operation, the amount of the bet money taken by the houseUS , 1950.2a mimicking impression; a parodyUS , 1846.3in surfing, the catching of a wave and start of a rideUS , 1970
take offverb1to use a drug, especially to inject a drugUS , 1952.2to bring someone to orgasmUS , 1975.3to go; to leaveUK , 1959.4in surfing, to catch the momentum of a wave and begin a rideUS ,
1970.5to rob a place; to steal somethingUS , 1960.6to mimic or parody someone or somethingUK , 1766.< take off a piece of
workto masturbateUS , 2002
take-off artistnounan escaped prisonerUK , 1996
take onverbto have sex with someoneUS , 1972
take-outnounin poker, the minimum number of chips that a player can buy from the bank at onceUS , 1967
take outverb1to kill someoneUS , 1939.2to win a game, an award a prize or the likeAUSTRALIA , 1976
takernouna thief who snatches a chain from the wearer’s neck Recorded by a Jamaican inmate of a UK prison, August 2002UK , 2002
takey-ah-waysnountake-away food Pronounced with a mock Maori accentNEW ZEALAND , 1998
take you everywhere twice – the second time to apologise
used as a jocular reprimand to a companion who has just said or done something contrary to the accepted social code; or (replacing
you with him or her) to the company at large, as a humorous acknowledgement of such a faux pas UK , 2002
take your pickadjectivestupid Rhyming slang forTHICK, possibly
formed from the title of a television quiz show broadcast between
1955 and 68UK , 1998
takkiesnounrunning shoesSOUTH AFRICA , 2001
takkourinoun hashish A corruption of Tunisian takrouri (hashish)
UK , 1998
talalanounthe vulva and vaginaTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1959
talc; talconouncocaine Another white powder as a metaphorUS , 1984
talentnoun1a categorisation of sexually attractive people (within a given area), usually by heterosexual men of women and by
Trang 7homosexual men of men; occasional use by women increased in
the 1990sUK , 1947.2an intelligent, resourceful criminalUS , 1962.
< the talentin the entertainment industry, the actors, the
performersUS , 1991
talentedadjectiveattractiveUS , 1996
Tale of Two Cities; tale o’ twosadjectivethe female breasts
Rhyming slang forTITTIE(S), formed from the title of Charles
Dickens’ novel, 1859 Often spoonerised as ‘Sale of Two Titties’UK ,
1960
Talibanadjectivegiven as a nickname to any eccentric or
unconventional student, especially one of Arab ethnicity Teen
slang, post 11th September 2001; from the Muslim fundamentalist
government The words ‘terrorist’ and ‘fundamentalist’ are also
current as nicknamesUS , 2002
talkverb1to betray someone; to inform on someoneUS , 1924.2to
have a sexual relationship in prisonUS , 1982.3(used of a truck) to
emit a clear sound from the smokestackUS , 1971.< talk gameto
analyse the business of prostitutionUS , 1972.< talk noiseto
exag-gerate; to lieUS , 1986.< talk shit1to disparage someone or
something; to exaggerateUS , 1965.2to talk nonsenseUS , mid-C20.
< talk smackto disparage someone or somethingUS , 1993.
< talk stinkto malign someone or something Hawaiian youth
usageUS , 1981.< talk storyto gossip; to engage in idle
conversation Hawaiian youth usageUS , 1981.< talk the hind
legs off a donkeyto talk until a listener is distracted; to talk
persuasively The surviving variation of many de-legged creatures:
‘bird’ (1929), ‘cow’ or ‘dog’ (1887), ‘horse’ (mainly dialect), ‘jackal’,
etcUK , 1915.< talk though your neckto talk nonsenseUK , 1899.
< talk through your arse; talk through your ass; talk out
of your arseto talk nonsenseUK , 1985.< talk through your hat
to talk (ill-informed) nonsenseUS , 1888.< talk to Ralph Beukler
to vomitCANADA , 2002.< talk to Ralph on the big white phone
to vomitUS , 1989.< talk to the canoe driverto perform oral sex
on a womanUS , 1971.< talk to the sealsto vomit Surfer usage
US , 1997.< talk trashto engage in aggressive verbal sparring; to
speak offensivelyUS , 1967.< talk turkeyto speak candidly and
openly about an important issueUS , 1903
talk and walknounthe practice of professing psychological
improvement in a prison therapeutic setting to improve your
chances of paroleUS , 1971
talk atverbto talk to someone The ‘at’ is a folksy affectation that
decreases the formality of the statementUS , 1999
talkdownnounthe conversational technique used to guide an LSD
user who is having a difficult time back to realityUS , 1994
talkernounin the circus or carnival, a person who entices
customers into the side showUS , 1960
talkienouna film with sound; a film Mainly historical, as an
opposite to silent filmsUS , 1913
talking handbagnouna portable radioUK , 1996
talking headnounan expert guest on a television or radio news
showUS , 1977
talking womannouna female performer who banters with the
audience as she strips off her clothesUS , 1950
talkmannounan electrical torture device attached to a prisoner’s
face Gulf war usage, punning on the Walkman™ portable music
deviceUS , 1991
talk of the devil!said of a person who, while being spoken of,
arrives unexpectedly; hence, an ungracious, though not necessarily
unfriendly, greeting to that person A shortening of the proverb
‘Talk of the Devil, and he’s presently at your elbow’UK , 1666
talk powdernounany central nervous system stimulantUS , 1988
talk to the hand; tell it to the hand (because the face isn’t
listening); speak to the handused for expressing a complete
lack of interest in what is being said Usually followed with
‘because the face don’t give a damn’ or something in a similar
vein, accompanied by a gesture of a raised hand, palm facing the
other personUS , 1995
talk-upnounin sales and marketing, a raising of awareness and
talladjective1used of a jail sentence, lengthyUS , 1992.2 drug-intoxicated A play onHIGH US , 1946
tallboynouna 16-ounce can of beerUS , 1984
tall grassnounin circus and carnival usage, an extremely remote locationUS , 1981
tallie; tallynounchiefly in Queensland, a tall, 750 ml bottle of beer
AUSTRALIA , 2003
tall ordernounan excessive demand, a difficult thing to achieveUS , 1893
tall poppynounan eminent, wealthy or successful person when viewed as needing deflationAUSTRALIA , 1902
tall poppy syndromenounthe habit of denigrating successful people An outgrowth of the Australian’s strong sense of egalitarianism and habit of siding with the underdogAUSTRALIA , 1983
tall story; tall talenounan elaborate lie; an (enjoyable) exagger-ationUK , 1846
tall winenounsex in which the woman below the man moves and keeps her buttocks up off the bedTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1986
Tallyadjective Italian UK: SCOTLAND , 1985
tallywhacker; tallywackernounthe penisUS , 1966
tamnouna knitted hat used by a Rastafarian to contain his dreadlocks An abbreviation of conventional ‘tam o’shanter’
JAMAICA , 2002
tamalenounthe vagina The imagery is of a savoury dish (originally from Mexico): a rolled pancake with a spicy fillingUS , 1998
tamboo bamboonounthe penis An allusion to a musical instrument made from a length of bambooTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1980
Tammienouna capsule of Temazepam™, a branded sleeping pillUS , 1997
tammynoun a tampon UK , 2001
tampverbto walkUS , 1953
Tampa; Tampa pilotnounin shuffleboard, a hide disc on your side
of the court near the apex of the tenUS , 1967
tampaxnounfilter-tipped cigarette(s) From the similarity in appearance between the white tubes of manufactured cigarettes and Tampax™, a well-known brand of tamponsUK , 1984
tampi; tampeenounmarijuanaJAMAICA , 1975
tampingnouna beatingUS , 1967
tamponnoun1a snobbish, unpleasant person An allusion to the nature of tampons in the sense that they are all ‘stuck up cunts’, punning on ‘stuck-up’ (snobbish) andCUNT(an unpleasant person)
UK , 2001.2a fat marijuana cigaretteUS , 1997.< maybe your
tampon will be flushedperhaps you will be feeling better; maybe your mood will have improved Note south Wales dialect
tamping (angry) US , 1988
tampon dicknouna contemptible manUK , 1997
tamp upverbto beat someone physicallyUS , 1962
tampynounmarijuanaBAHAMAS , 1982
ta muchlythank you very much A deliberate solecism used for humorous effectUK , 1969
tanverb1to consume something voraciously; to do something briskly or with urgencyUK: SCOTLAND , 1988.2to burgle somewhere
UK: SCOTLAND , 1988.< tan someone’s hide; tan someone’s arse
to beat someone on the buttocks (as a punishment)UK , 1670
T and Anounvisual depictions of sexually provocative females FromTITS AND ASS; TITS AND ARSE US , 1993
T and Tverbto tape record and trace the origin of a phone callUS , 2001
tangerine dreamnouna type of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy Named for the colour of the tablet and after a German group that plays electronic, synthesized musicUK , 1996
Tangier tigernouna low grade variety of hashish from the foothills
of the Rif Mountains