Dictionary of Unconventional English_8 doc

Gg G noun 1 one thousand dollars; one thousand pounds; one thousand. From GRAND US, 1928. 2 a gram. Used mainly in a drug context UK, 1997. 3 one grain (of a narcotic) US, 1966. 4 a generic manufactured cigarette US, 1992. 5 a gang member US, 1990. 6 a close friend US, 1989. 7 a girlfriend US, 1991. 8 a G-string US, 1992 g’ adjective good, especially in g’day, g’night, g’morning UK, 1961 gaar noun the buttocks TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 gab noun unimportant conversation UK, 1790 gabacho; gavacho noun a white person. Derogatory border Spanish used in English conversation by Mexican-Americans US, 1950 gabalash verb (of quilting) to lash the quilt into the frame with big stitches, so that the precise, tiny stitches of the quilting design itself may be done. The word may derive from blending the two words ‘gab’ and ‘lash’, as the quilting sessions are also occasions for talk CANADA, 1999 gabber noun any central nervous system stimulant US, 1987 gabbleguts noun a talkative person AUSTRALIA, 1966 gabby bench noun a bench favoured by idle talkers BAHAMAS, 1982 gabbyguts noun a talkative person AUSTRALIA, 1969 Gabby Hayes hat noun the field hat worn by US soldiers in Vietnam. Likened to the narrow brim and low crown of the hat worn by the US western film star Gabby Hayes US, 1977 gabfest noun a group talk, usually about gossip or trivial matters US, 1897 gabins noun money TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 Gabriel nickname a prisoner who plays the chapel organ UK, 1950 gabs noun trousers made of gabardine (a twill-woven cloth) UK, 1955 gack noun 1 cocaine UK, 1997. 2 a despised person US, 1997 gack verb in poker, to fold holding a hand that would have won had the player stayed in the game US, 1996 gack-blowing noun the process of anally ingesting cocaine UK, 2002 gacked adjective cocaine-intoxicated UK, 2003 gack-nag; gak-nag noun a cocaine user UK, 2002 gack scab noun a crusting of damaged mucous membrane that forms around the nostrils as the result of inhaling cocaine. Combines GACK (cocaine) with conventional ‘scab’ UK, 1999 gad noun in horse racing, the whip used by jockeys US, 1976 gadabout noun a Lada car. Citizens’ band radio slang UK, 1981 Gadaffi noun the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes). In Royal Air Force use; rhyming slang, based on the name of Lybian leader Colonel Moammar el Gadaffi UK, 2002 gad daigs! used for expressing surprise BAHAMAS, 1982 gadget noun 1 used as a general term for any cheating device used in a card game US, 1988. 2 in poker, any special rule applied to a game using wild cards US, 1967. 3 a G-string or similar female article of clothing US, 1980. 4 aUSAirForcecadetUS, 1944 gadgie noun 1 a man; an idiot or fool UK: SCOTLAND, 1985. 2 an old man. Urban youth slang UK, 2005 gaff noun 1 a location UK, 1999. 2 a place of residence; home; a shop or other place of business UK, 1932. 3 a prison cell. A narrower sense of ‘a place of residence’ UK, 1996. 4 a fair or fairground; a place of public amusement. Circus usage UK, 1753. 5 a cheating device US, 1893. 6 a device used to hide the shape of a male transvestite’s penis US, 1973 gaff verb 1 to fix or rig a device US, 1934. 2 to cheat UK, 1811. 3 to talk aimlessly and pleasantly TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1994 gaffer noun 1 used as a form of address. A loose variation of ‘gaffer’ as ‘boss’ or ‘old man’, usually showing respect UK: ENGLAND, 1748. 2 an employer, a boss, a foreman UK, 1659. 3 a senior electrician in a film unit US, 1969. 4 on the railways, a track crew supervisor US, 1977. 5 in motorcyle racing, a leader of a racing team US, 1965. 6 in circus and carnival usage, a manager US, 1981 gaffle noun in street gambling, a protocol under which the winner shares his winnings with other players US, 1997 gaffle verb 1 to steal US, 1900. 2 to arrest; to catch US, 1954. 3 to cheat, to swindle, to defraud US, 1998 gaffs noun dice that have been altered for cheating US, 1950 gaff shot noun in pool, an elaborate shot, especially an illegal one US, 1985 gaffus noun a hypodermic syringe and needle, especially when improvised US, 1967 gafu noun a colossal mistake. A ‘god almighty fuck-up’ NEW ZEALAND, 1998 gag noun 1 a manner of doing something, a practice US, 1890. 2 in the television and film industries, a stunt US, 1988. 3 any artifice employed by a beggar to elicit sympathy US, 1962. 4 an event or activity contrived to provide amusement or excitement UK, 1996. 5 an indefinite prison sentence US, 1958. 6 a small group of close friends US, 1994. 7 a quick use of cocaine US, 1997. 8 in craps, a bet that the shooter will make his even-numbered point in pairs US, 1950 gag verb to panic in the face of a great challenge US, 1988 gaga adjective 1 infatuated, silly UK, 1917. 2 mad, especially as a result of senility UK, 1920 gag-awful adjective horrible US, 1981 gage noun 1 marijuana. Also variants ‘gayge’ and ‘gages’ US, 1934. 2 alcohol, especially whisky US, 1932. < get a gage up to smoke a marijuana cigarette UK, 1998 gage butt noun a marijuana fashioned cigarette US, 1938 gaged adjective drug-intoxicated US, 1932 gage out; gauge out verb to become, or be, sleepy as a result of marijuana intoxication UK, 1996 gagers; gaggers noun methcathinone US, 1998 gagged adjective disgusted US, 1968 gagging adjective desperately craving something, such as a cigarette, a drink or sex UK, 1997 gagging for a blagging adjective used of banks, etc, that exhibit poor security. A combination of GAGGING (desperate for something) and BLAGGING (a robbery with violence) UK, 2001 gaggle noun a formation of several military aircraft flying the same mission US, 1942 gaggler noun 1 MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003. 2 amphetamines UK, 2003 gag me!; gag me with a spoon! used for expressing disgust. A quintessential Valley Girl expression of disgust US, 1982 gagster noun acomedianUK, 1935 Gainesburger noun in the military, canned beef patties. Alluding to a dog food product. Vietnam war usage US, 1983 Gainesville green noun marijuana grown in or near Gainesville, Florida US, 1976 gal noun a woman or a girl. This gal is a woman with a chequered history: ‘Cockney for girl’, 1824, but then the pronunciation worked its way up the social ladder until, by about 1840, it was quite upper-class. From around 1850 a ‘gal’ was a ‘servant girl’ or a ‘harlot’, and from about 1860, a ‘sweetheart’ as used by Albert Chevalier in My Old Dutch, 1893. The current sense is recorded in US jazz and jive circles from the 1930s. By the turn of the millennium, having passed through respectability once again, ‘gal’ was patronising or kitsch, and rarely found without ‘guys’ UK, 1795 galactic adjective great, wonderful, amazing US, 1998 galah noun a fool. From the name of an endemic Australian cockatoo, commonly kept as a cage bird, and able to be coaxed into antic behaviour. The name of the bird comes from the Australian Aboriginal language Yuwaalaraay AUSTRALIA, 1938 galba noun the penis TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 gal block noun a section of a prison reserved for blatantly homosex- ual prisoners US, 1972 gal-boy noun an effeminate young man US, 1987 galf noun a girlfriend. A reduction of ‘galfriend’ US, 1979 Galilee stompers noun in homosexual usage, sandals US, 1987 gall noun effrontery, impudence US, 1882 gallery 13 noun a prison graveyard US, 1982 gallery god noun a theatre-goer who sits in the uppermost balcony US, 1947 gallon noun a container for liquid, without regard to the precise volume FIJI, 1993 gallop verb < gallop the lizard (of a male) to masturbate AUSTRALIA, 1985 galloper noun aracehorseAUS TRALIA, 1960 galloping adjective worsening UK, 1785 galloping bones noun dice US, 1920 galloping dandruff noun body lice US, 1920 galloping dominoes noun dice US, 1918 galloping horse noun heroin. An elaboration of HORSE (heroin) US, 1959 gallops noun horse racing AUSTRALIA, 1950 gallup noun heroin. Building on the HORSE image UK, 2002 gallus; gallows adjective attractive, wonderful; self-confident, quick- witted, brave, ostentatious, nonchalant; also used as an intensifier. A phonetic slurring of ‘gallows’, suggesting ‘fit for the gallows’ and thus ‘wicked’ – a very early example of ‘bad’ means ‘good’. In the US from the 1840s to 1940s UK, 1789 galoot; galloot noun a man, especially if hulking, stupid, boorish, foolish, clumsy or otherwise objectionable. Possibly from Dutch gelubt (a eunuch) UK, 1818 gal pal noun 1 a woman’s female friend US, 2001. 2 a female friend of a male homosexual US, 1977 gal tank noun a holding cell in a jail reserved for homosexual prisoners US, 1972 galvanise noun sheets of corrugated iron BARBADOS, 1965 galvo noun galvanised iron. Iron corrugated sheets are a common building material in rural Australia AUSTRALIA, 1945 gam noun 1 the leg. Originally applied to a crippled leg, later to a woman’s leg UK, 1785. 2 an act of oral sex. Also variant ‘gambo’ UK, 1954 gam verb 1 to pretend IRELAND, 1989. 2 to boast US, 1970. 3 to perform oral sex UK, 1910 gamahuche noun an act of oral sex. Possibly a combination of Scots dialect words gam (gum, mouth) and roosh (rush), hence a ‘rushing into the mouth’; more likely from French gamahucher which shares the same sense UK, 1865 gambage noun showing off TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1940 Gamble and Procter; gamble noun a doctor. Rhyming slang, formed on a reversal of the pharmaceutical company Procter and Gamble UK, 1998 gambler’s bankroll; gambler’s roll noun a bankroll consisting of a large-denomination note on the outside of a number of small- denomination notes US, 1986 game noun 1 an athlete’s style and ability US, 1997. 2 aperson’sstyle, visual and oral US, 1976. 3 a conventional attitude. A counterculture concept that refuses to accept non-drop-out society as anything more than a game with unnecessary rules UK, 1967. 4 a criminal activity; crime as a profession UK, 1739. 5 business AUSTRALIA, 1877. 6 an attempt to con US, 1975. 7 sex appeal US, 1999 . 8 an interest in the opposite sex US, 2001. 9 a romantic or sexual relationship outside your primary relationship. Synonymous with PLAY AROUND; also, ‘game’ has strong sexual overtones, as in ON THE GAME (engaged in prostitution) UK, 1958. < give the game away to cease doing something; to abandon; to give up AUSTRALIA, 1953. < on the game to be working as a prostitute UK, 1898. < out of the game married, engaged or dating only one person US, 2001. < run a game to fool, to swindle US, 1940. < the game the business of prostitution UK, 1898. < the Game the criminal life- style US, 1976 game verb 1 to deceive, to mislead, to trick US, 1963. 2 to flirt; to woo US, 1988 game! used for expressing that enough is enough US, 1997 game as a pissant adjective very courageous AUSTRALIA, 1944 game face noun in sports, a serious expression and demeanour reflecting complete concentration on the competition at hand. Now used outside of sports, extended to any serious situation US, 1972 gameless adjective unskilled US, 1983 game of nap noun 1 a cap. Rhyming slang, from the card game UK, 1976. 2 an act of defecation. Rhyming slang for CRAP UK, 1992 game over! used for expressing that enough is enough US, 1997 gamer noun 1 a video game or role-playing game enthusiast US, 1977. 2 an athlete who can always be counted on for a gritty, all-out effort US, 1977. 3 a person engaged in swindles and hustles as a way of life US, 1975 game refuge noun any institution where traffic violators who are under pursuit are free from further pursuit once they pass the gates US, 1962 games and sports; games noun warts. Rhyming slang UK, 2003 gamey eye noun a tendency to flirt IRELAND, 1995 gamma delta iota noun a college student who is not a fraternity or sorority member; a notional fraternity or sorority comprised of students who don’t belong to fraternities or sororities. A back- formation from GDI (god damn independent) US, 2000 gammon noun one microgram. The unit of measurement for LSD doses, even in the non-metric US US, 1969 gammon rasher noun a superlative thing. Rhyming slang for SMASHER UK, 1974 gammy adjective 1 inferior, of low quality. As in ‘gammy gear’ (inferior goods) UK, 1979. 2 lame UK, 1879 gammy chant noun a bad situation IRELAND, 1997 gamoosh noun a fellow, usually not referring to a winner in the zero- sum game of life US, 1988 gamot noun heroin; morphine UK, 1998 gander noun alookUS, 1914. < cop a gander to look at someone or something, especially with discretion US, 1950. < get your gander up to become annoyed or angry. A variation, probably by mis- hearing, of DANDER UK, 2002 Gandhi’s flipflop noun used in similes as an example of extreme dryness. Mahatma Gandhi, 1869–1948, wore sandals UK, 1999 gandies noun underwear US, 1970 G and T noun gin and tonic. Initialism UK, 1966 gandy noun in Newfoundland, a pancake CANADA, 1966 gandy dancer noun 1 a railway track worker. Thought to be so called from the Gandy Manufacturing Company of Chicago, which made many of the tools used by the section gangs US, 1918. 2 aroad worker US, 1976. 3 in trucking, a tractor trailer that weaves back and forthontheroad US, 1971 gandy gang noun on the railways, a crew of track workers US, 1977 279 galactic | gandy gang gang noun 1 a work crew. Still heard on occasion, but largely replaced with the standard English ‘crew’ US, 1989. 2 a person’s social group. From earlier conventional senses UK, 1945. 3 a great many US, 1811. 4 marijuana BAHAMAS, 1982 gang verb to engage in serial, consecutive sex, homosexual or het- erosexual, especially to engage in multiple rape. A shortened form of GANGBANG UK, 1972 gangbang noun 1 successive, serial copulation between a single person and multiple partners US, 1945. 2 an orgy at which several couples have sex. 3 a cluster of reporters descending on a public figure with microphones, cameras, notepads and shouted questions. Sometimes shortened to ‘bang’ or the variant ‘major bang’ US, 2001. 4 a social gathering. A humorously ironic use of the orgiastic sense UK, 1977. 5 a group of friends talking together on citizens’ band radio US, 1977. 6 a television writing session involving multiple writers US, 1997. 7 the utilization of a large number of computer programmers to create a product in a short period of time US, 1991. 8 a fight between youth gangs US, 1967 gangbang verb 1 to engage in successive, serial copulation with mul- tiple partners. Also in figurative use US, 1949. 2 to be an active part of a gang; to battle another gang US, 1968 gangbanger noun a youth gang member US, 1969 gangbuster noun a zealous, energetic police official or prosecutor who targets organised crime US, 1936 gangbusters noun < like gangbusters aggressively, with force US, 1940 gang cheats noun two or more people working as confederates in a cheating scheme US, 1988 gange noun marijuana. A shortening of GANJA (marijuana) US, 1971 gang-fuck noun an uncoordinated mess UK, 1995 gang-fuck verb to engage in serial, consecutive sex, homosexual or hetereosexual US, 1916 gangie noun Serial sex between one person and multiple, partners, consensual or not NEW ZEALAND, 1971 gangplank noun a bridge US, 1976 gangplank fever noun in the military, a fear of transfer to an assignment overseas US, 1945 gang-shag noun successive, serial copulation between a single person and multiple partners US, 1927 gang-splash noun serial sex between one person and multiple partners, heterosexual or homosexual, consensual or not AUSTRALIA, 1971 gangsta noun a young black member of a (criminal) gang. A deliberate respelling of ‘gangster’ US, 1998 gangsta adjective good, exciting. Hip-hop US, 2002 gangsta-lette noun a female gang member US, 2001 gangstamuthafucka noun a gangster, especially one who is con- sidered powerful. An intensification of GANGSTA UK, 1997 gangsta rap; g-rap noun a rap music genre characterised by explicit sex and violence which, it is claimed, reflects black urban exist- ence. Combines GANGSTA or ‘g’ (a black urban anti-hero) with RAP (a musical style) US, 1992 gangsta rapper noun a rap artist who reflects on the black urban experience in an explicitly sexual and violent manner. GANGSTA RAP has been an influential music genre since the late 1980s US, 1990 gangster noun 1 marijuana. Promotes the outlaw self-image enjoyed by smokers of the illegal substance; possibly playing on GANJA US, 1960. 2 a cigarette US, 1972 gangster bitch noun a female who associates with youth gang members US, 2001 gangster doors noun any four-door sedan US, 1980 gangster lean noun 1 a style of driving a car in which the driver leans towards the right side of the car, leaning on an arm rest, steering with the left hand; by extension, a slouching walk or posture US, 1973. 2 a car with hydraulic shock aborbers that are set to leave the car higher on one side than the other US, 1991 gangster pill noun any barbiturate or other central nervous system depressant US, 1994 gangster whitewalls noun showy, flashy, whitewalled tyres US, 1972 gang-up noun serial sex between multiple active participants and a single passive one US, 1951 gangy noun a close friend; a fellow member of a clique. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 ganja noun 1 marijuana, notably from Jamaica. Hindi word for ‘cannabis’, possibly derived from BHANG and adopted around 1920 by ‘Anglo-Indian drug addicts’, by 1970 the UK Home Office ‘could ascribe it to West Indians’. Celebrated in song by, among many others, Clancy Eccles, ‘Ganja Free’, 1972 and Leslie Butler, ‘Ashanti Ganja Dub’, 1975. With many spelling variations including ‘ganj’, ‘ganjah’, ‘ganjuh’ and ‘ganga’ JAMAICA, 1972. 2 the white establishment US, 2000 ganja adjective white-skinned US, 2000 gank noun 1 marijuana US, 1989. 2 a substance sold as an illegal drug that is actually fake US, 1994 gank verb 1 to steal US, 1996. 2 in Internet game-playing, to ‘kill’ a player, especially unfairly. Also used as a noun UK, 2003 ganky adjective ugly, repulsive IRELAND, 2004 GAP noun the Great American Public US, 1965 gap verb to watch, to witness a crime US, 1949. < gap it to make a quick exit SOUTH AFRICA, 2000. < gap your axe to annoy NEW ZEALAND , 1998 gape noun a completely relaxed, distended anus. A term used by anal sex fetishists, especially on the Internet US, 1999 gape verb to idle, to wander US, 1966 gaper noun 1 a dolt. An abbreviation of GAPING ASSHOLE US, 1966. 2 a novice skier, or a non-skier watching others ski US, 1990. 3 a mirror US, 1931 gaper-block; gapers’ block noun a traffic problem created by motorists slowing down to gawk at an accident US, 1961 gaping and flaming adjective (used of a party) wild, rowdy, fun US, 1968 gaping asshole noun a dolt US, 1966 GAPO noun used as an abbreviation of gorilla armpit odour US, 1967 gaposis noun a notional disease involving a gap of any kind US, 1942 gap out verb to daydream and miss something for lack of attention CANADA, 1993 gapper noun a mirror. Prisoner usage to describe a mirror used to watch for approaching guards as the prisoners do something which they ought not to do US, 1934 gappings noun a salary US, 1955 gap up verb to fill capsules with a powdered narcotic US, 1971 gar noun 1 a black person. An abbreiviation of NIGGER US, 1962. 2 marijuana rolled in cigar leaf US, 2001 gar adjective excellent, pleasing US, 1993 garage noun a subset of a criminal organisation US, 1975 garage action noun a legal action for libel (usually against a newspaper) brought by the police on their own behalf. The damages awarded are often substantial enough to buy a new garage for the police officer’s home UK, 1998 garage band noun an amateur rock group with a basic, three-chord approach to music. From the custom of practising in the garage at the home of the parents of a band member US, 1977 garage man’s companion noun a truck manufactured by General Motors Corporation. A back-formation from the initials GMC US, 1971 garans! certainly. Hawaiian youth usage; shortened from ‘guaranteed’ US, 1981 garbage noun 1 anything of poor quality or little or no worth; nonsense. From the sense as ‘refuse’ UK, 1592. 2 heroin; low quality heroin US, 1962. 3 farm produce US, 1976. 4 any and all food, usually low in protein and high in carbohydrate, not in a bodybuilder’s gang | garbage 280 diet US, 1984. 5 cocktail garnishes US, 1998. 6 in hot rodding, a surfeit of accessories unrelated to the car’s performance US, 1960. 7 in poker, the cards that have been discarded US, 1967 garbage barge noun a tuna fish sandwich US, 1985 garbage down verb to eat quickly US, 1959 garbage dump noun the California State Prison at San Quentin US, 1992 garbage guts noun a glutton AUSTRALIA, 1977 garbage hauler noun a truck driver hauling fruit or vegetables US, 1971 garbage head noun an addict who will use any substance available. A term used in twelve-step recovery programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous US, 1970 garbage in – garbage out a catchphrase employed as an admonition to computer users: if you program mistakes into a computer then an output of rubbish will surely result US, 1976 garbage mouth noun a person who regularly uses profanity US, 1970 garbage rock noun crack cocaine, especially of inferior quality UK, 1998 garbage shot noun in pool, a shot made with luck, not with skill US, 1979 garbage stand noun in circus and carnival usage, a novelty concession US, 1981 garbage time noun the minutes at the end of an athletic contest when the outcome is not in doubt and substitute players are used freely by either or both teams; games at the end of a season when a team’s record is such that a win or loss will not make a differ- ence and substitute players are freely used US, 1971 garbage up verb 1 to eat US, 1955. 2 in bodybuilding, to eat food that is not in your regular diet US, 1984 garbage wagon noun a standard Harley-Davidson motorcyle. The term came from those who stripped the Harley of all the ‘garbage’ they didn’t want, keeping only the functional necessities US, 1966 garbanzos noun thefemalebreastsUS, 1982 garbo noun 1 a rubbish collector AUSTRALIA, 1953. 2 a rubbish bin AUSTRALIA, 1987 garbologist noun a rubbish collector AUSTRALIA, 1973 garburator noun a garbage disposal unit mounted in the sink CANADA, 1998 garden noun 1 a woman’s pubic hair US, 1982. 2 a railway yard US, 1946 Gardena miracle noun in a game of poker, a good hand drawn after a poor dealt hand. Gardena is a city near Los Angeles where poker rooms are legal US, 1982 gardener noun 1 a bookmaker who extends his prices beyond his competitors AUSTRALIA, 1989. 2 in pool, a betting player who wins US, 1990 garden gate noun 1 eight pounds, £8 UK, 1992. 2 a magistrate. Rhyming slang UK, 1859 garden gate verb to perform oral sex on a woman. Rhyming slang for PLATE (to engage oral sex) UK, 2002 garden gnome noun a comb. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 garden plant; garden noun an aunt. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 garden punk noun a male homosexual BAHAMAS, 1982 garden tool noun a promiscuous girl or woman. Alluding, of course, to a ‘hoe’ US, 1990 Gareth Gate verb to masturbate. Rhyming slang, inspired by the name of pop singer Gareth Gates (b.1984) who came to fame in 2002 UK, 2003 Gareth Hunt noun an unpleasant or despicable person. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of a well known London-born actor (1943–2007) UK, 2003 gargle noun alcoholic drink AUSTRALIA, 1965 gark noun ascratchNEW ZEALAND, 1998 garlo noun a police officer. English gypsy use UK, 2000 garm noun clothing; an item of clothing. An abbreviation of ‘garment’; current in the black community UK, 1997 garmed up adjective fashionably or smartly dressed UK, 1997 gar-mouth verb to issue threats which cannot and will not be implemented. In honour of the ‘gar’, a fish of the pike family with long jaws – a big mouth US, 1984 garms noun clothes. From conventional garments UK, 2006 garn! go on! AUSTRALIA, 1911 garnish noun cash US, 2003 garnot noun heroin UK, 2002 Garrison finish noun in horse racing, a sprinting finish by a horse that has lagged back until the final moment US, 1890 garrity adjective madly over-excited. Presumably after someone who exhibited such characteristics; possibly Freddie Garrity (b.1940), prancing and dancing lead singer of Freddie & The Dreamers, a 1960s pop group from Manchester UK, 1999 Gary Ablett noun a tablet, especially of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. Rhyming slang, ironically based on Australian Rules Football player Gary Ablett whose career was marred by a controversial involvement with drink and drugs. The etymology is confused by Liverpool FC player Gary Ablett AUSTRALIA, 1992 Gary Cooper noun in craps, a roll of 12. From Cooper’s starring role in the western film High Noon US, 1983 Gary Glitter noun the anus; a lavatory. Rhyming slang for SHITTER. The original 1980s use for entertainer Gary Glitter (Paul Francis Gadd b.1944), as inspiration for a rhyming slang term was as ‘bitter’ (beer), however in the mid-90s allegations of under-age sex changed the public’s perception and Gary Glitter became an ARSEHOLE or was associated with toilets. In 2006 he was found guilty in Vietnam of charges concerning under-age sex . Unlike much rhyming slang this is generally used in full, if only to avoid confusion with GARY LINEKER (vinegar) UK, 2001 Gary Lineker noun vinegar. Imprecise rhyming slang, based on the name of Gary Lineker (b.1960), a popular footballer and television personality. Walkers Crisps, whose advertising he is closely associ- ated with, introduced a ‘Salt and Lineker’ flavour after this slang term was in circulation UK, 1998 Gary Player; Gary noun an ‘all-dayer’ event. Rhyming slang, based on the name of South African golfer Gary Player (b.1936) UK, 2002 gas noun 1 a pleasing and/or amusing experience or situation. A jazz term that slipped into mainstream youth slang US, 1953. 2 anabolic steroids. The term drew national attention in the US on 14th July 1994, when Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) testified in criminal proceedings against wrestling promoter Vince McMahon in Uniondale, New York. Asked if he had heard any slang for steroids, Bollea/Hogan answered ‘Juice. Gas’ US, 1994. 3 batteries. From the radio as CAR metaphor US, 2002. 4 money SOUTH AFRICA, 1977. 5 in pool, momentum or force US, 1993. < cut the gas to stop talking US, 1951. < take gas to be knocked from a surfboard by a wave; to fall from a skateboard US, 1963. < take the gas to lose your composure US, 1961 gas verb 1 to talk idly; to chatter. The ‘gas’ is hot air US, 1847. 2 to tease, to joke, to kid US, 1847. 3 to please, to excite US, 1941. 4 to inhale glue or any volatile solvent for the intoxicating effect US, 1970. 5 to straighten (hair) with chemicals and heat US, 1953 gasbag noun a very talkative individual, a boaster, a person of too many words US, 1862 gas-cooker verb to catch out; to put in a difficult position; to trick or delude. Glasgow rhyming slang for SNOOKER UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 gaseech noun afaceUK, 1992 gas ’em stop noun a petrol station US, 1976 gas factor noun (among Canadian forces personnel) a measure of a person’s commitment to a project. The initials represent ‘give a shit’ CANADA, 1995 gas gun noun a large-bore shotgun loaded with tear-gas cannisters US, 1962 281 garbage barge | gas gun gas-guzzler noun a motor vehicle that demands immoderate quan- tities of fuel, either by design or in consequence of a driver’s excessive demands US, 1973 gash noun 1 the vagina; sex with a woman; a woman as a sex object US, 1866. 2 a male homosexual who is sexually passive US, 1950. 3 rubbish, refuse. A British contribution to South Pole slang ANTARCTICA, 1958. 4 a second helping of food AUSTRALIA, 1943. 5 marijuana US, 1986 gash verb to have sex US, 1989 gash adjective useless, of poor quality UK, 1997 gas-head noun 1 an abuser of industrial solvents for their psychoactive effects UK, 1996. 2 a person with chemically straightened hair US, 1968 gash hound noun a man who is obsessed with women US, 1955 gasket noun 1 any improvised seal between the end of a dropper and the hub of a needle US, 1970. 2 a doughnut US, 1942 gasket jint; gasket noun a pint, especially of beer. Glasgow rhyming slang, formed on the local pronunciation of ‘joint’ UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 gasoline! in oil drilling, used as a shouted warning that a boss is approaching US, 1954 gasoline alley noun in motor racing, the area at the race track where race teams repair and prepare cars for the race US, 1965 gasp and grunt; grunt noun the vagina; a woman or women sexually objectified. Rhyming slang for CUNT UK, 1961 gas-passer noun an anaesthetist US, 1961 gasper noun 1 a cigarette. Descriptive of the respiratory effect of tobacco-smoking. Originally military slang for an inferior cigarette, popularised in World War 1, in wider usage by 1930 UK, 1914. 2 a marijuana cigarette. From the earlier sense (cigarette) US, 1984. 3 something that is astonishing US, 1970. 4 in typography, an exclamation mark (!) UK, 2003 Gaspers nickname the Asper family of Winnipeg, Manitoba, socially, culturally and politically prominent CANADA, 2002 gasper stick noun a marijuana cigarette UK, 1998 Gaspe steak noun fried bologna CANADA, 1998 gas pump jock noun in the days before self-service, a petrol station attendant US, 1986 gas queen noun a male homosexual who patronizes young male prostitutes working on the street US, 1997 gassed adjective 1 tipsy, drunk. World War 1 military use from the stupefying effects of gas; then, its origins soon forgotten, just another synonym for ‘drunk’ US, 1919. 2 describes a drug that is considered to be terrific or very enjoyable, used especially of marijuana, US, 1946 gasser noun 1 something wonderful, very exceptional; extraordinarily successful US, 1944. 2 a cigarette. Partidge suggests ‘perhaps a slovening of the synonym GASPER’; a darker etymology reflecting the cough-inducing and life-shortening properties of tobacco is also possible AUSTRALIA, 1984. 3 an anaesthetist. Medical slang. Often teamed with surgeons as ‘gassers and SLASHERS’ UK, 2002. 4 in drag racing, a car that only uses petrol for fuel US, 1965. 5 in oil drilling, a well that produces no oil US, 1954 gassy adjective excellent, pleasant, humorous US, 1962 Gastown noun now a section of downtown Vancouver, named after a Victorian-era saloonkeeper CANADA, 1952 gastro noun gastroenteritis AUSTRALIA, 1975 gat noun 1 a gun, especially a pistol; in the Royal Air Force, a rifle US, 1897. 2 the anus. From Afrikaans (a hole) SOUTH AFRICA, 1968 gat verb to shoot US, 1990 gat-creeper noun a sycophant. From GAT (the anus), and kruiper (creeper) SOUTH AFRICA, 1985 gate noun 1 a jazz musician; hence a fashionable man. A pun on ‘swinging’ (swing gate, abbreviated from GATOR US, 1936. 2 used as a term of address among jazz lovers of the 1930s and 40s US, 1936. 3 a young person US, 1936. 4 release from prison US, 1966. 5 a vein into which a drug is injected US, 1986. 6 the mouth US, 1936 gate verb in private dice games, to stop the dice while rolling, either as a superstition or to check for cheating US, 1963 -gate suffix used as an embellishment of a noun or name to suggest a far-reaching political scandal. From the Watergate scandal that consumed and ultimately destroyed the Nixon presidency between 1972 (the burglary) and 1974 (the resignation from office) US, 1973 gate-crash verb to achieve entrance to a place, or an event such as a party, without proper credentials or an invitation US, 1922 gate-crasher noun a person who achieves entrance to a place, or an event such as a party, without proper credentials or an invitation US, 1927 gate-crashing noun the act of achieving entrance to a place, or an event such as a party, without proper credentials or an invitation US, 1927 gate fever noun the anxiety suffered by prisoners as they approach their release date UK, 1958 gate happy adjective (of prisoners) exuberant or excited at the approach of a release date UK, 1996 gate jaw noun in trucking, a driver who monopolises conversation on the citizens’ band radio US, 1976 gatekeeper noun a person who introduces another to a first LSD experience US, 1967 gate money noun the cash given to a prisoner upon release from prison US, 1931 gatemouth noun a gossip US, 1944 Gatemouth nickname jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) US, 1936 gates noun 1 used as a term of address, male-to-male, usually collegial US, 1936. 2 marijuana US, 1966. 3 a house BERMUDA, 1985 Gateshead noun < get out at Gateshead during sex, to withdraw the penis from the vagina just before ejaculation, to practise coitus interruptus UK, 1970 gates of Rome noun home. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 gate to heaven; jade gate noun the vagina. Notable for what seems to be the first slang uses of ‘gate’ as ‘vagina’ – not for the sub-‘Perfumed Garden’-style of metaphorical imagery US, 2001 Gateway to the South noun Balham, a district in South London. An ironic title, coined in the early 1960s for a satirical ‘travelogue’ ‘Balham – Gateway to the South’ written by Frank Muir and performed by Peter Sellers UK, 1977 gatey adjective of prisoners, suffering anxiety as the date of release from prison approaches UK, 1959 gather noun a police officer UK, 1999 gather verb to arrest. Usually as the passive ‘be gathered’ AUSTRALIA, 1975 Gatnick noun London Gatwick airport. A pun on NICK (to steal), based on the reputation of the baggage handlers UK, 1999 gato noun heroin. Spanish gato (a cat) US, 1980 gator noun 1 an alligator US, 1844. 2 an all-purpose male form of address. Originally a Negro abbreviation of ‘alligator’; in the 1930s it was adopted into JIVE (black/jazz slang) as an equivalent of CAT (a man); gato is a ‘male cat’ in Spanish. Eventually rock ’n’ roll spread the word and it died out US, 1944. 3 a swing jazz enthusiast. An abbreviation of ALLIGATOR US, 1944 Gator nickname Ron Guidry (b.1950), one of the best pitchers to ever play for the New York Yankees (1975–88). Guidry came from Louisiana, a state with swamps that are home to alligators US, 1978 gator boy; gator girl noun a member of the Seminole Indian tribe US, 1963 gator grip noun in television and film-making, a clamp used to attach lights. An abbreviation of ‘alligator grip’, from the resemblance to an alligator’s jaws US, 1987 gatted adjective drunk UK, 2002 gas-guzzler | gatted 282 gatter noun a drink; alcohol, especially beer. English gypsy use UK, 1841 gattered adjective drunk. Possibly a variation of GUTTERED UK, 2003 gauching adjective used to describe the glazed-eyed, open-mouthed state of an intoxicated drug taker UK, 1996 gauge noun a shotgun US, 1993 gavel and wig; gavel verb to probe your eye or your anus in order to relieve an irritation. Rhyming slang for TWIG UK, 1992 gavvers noun the police. English gypsy and underworld use UK, 2000 gawd; gaw; gor noun god. Phonetic spelling of Cockney pronunciation, subsequently treated as almost euphemistic UK, 1877 gawd love-a-duck!; cor love-a-duck! used as a mild expression of shock or surprise. A variation of LORD LOVE-A-DUCK! UK, 1948 gawjo noun 8see: GORGER gawk noun in circus and carnival usage, a local who loiters as the show is assembled or taken down US, 1981 gay noun a homosexual US, 1953 gay adjective 1 homosexual US, 1933. 2 catering to or patronised by homosexuals US, 1954. 3 bad, stupid, out of style. General pejorative in juvenile use; a reversal of the politically correct norm much as ‘good’ is BAD and WICKED is ‘good’ US, 1978 gay 90s noun US Treasury 3.5% bonds issued in 1958, due to return in 1990 US, 1960 gay and frisky noun whisky. Rhyming slang UK, 1919 gay and hearty noun a party. Rhyming slang AUSTRALIA, 1969 gay as a French horn adjective undoubtedly homosexual UK, 2001 gay-ass adjective extremely out of fashion CANADA, 2002 gay bar noun a bar catering to a homosexual clientele US, 1953 gay bashing noun violent beatings targeted on homosexuals US, 1997 gay boy noun a homosexual male, especially one who is flamboyant and young US, 1945 gaycat verb to have a good, carefree time US, 1924 gay chicken noun a young homosexual male US, 1959 gaydar; gadar noun the perceived or real ability of one homosexual to sense intuitively that another person is homosexual US, 1982 gayer noun a homosexual. An elaboration of GAY UK, 2003 gay for pay adjective said of a heterosexual man who portrays a homosexual man in a film or other theatrical performance US, 1997 gay ghetto noun a section of a city largely inhabited by openly homosexual men. Probably coined by Martin Levine, who wrote ‘Gay Ghetto’, published in Journal of Homosexuality,Volume4 (1979). Examples include Greenwich Village and Chelsea in New York, the North Side in Chicago and the Castro in San Francisco. Unlike all other ghettos, they are affluent US, 1971 gay gordon noun a traffic warden. Rhyming slang, probably formed from the Gay Gordons, a traditional Scottish dance UK, 1992 gaylord noun a homosexual man. An elaboration of GAY via a somewhat obscure male forename; introduced to the UK, and possibly coined by, comedian Sacha Baron-Cohen (b.1970) UK, 2001 gayly adverb in a manner that is recognised as obviously homosexual UK, 2002 gay-marry verb to commit to a lifelong relationship with someone ofthesamesex US, 1999 gaymo noun used as an insult by very young children UK, 2004 gayola; gay-ola noun extortion of homosexuals by the police US, 1960 gay plague noun AIDS. This term, with overtones of pious hate and biblical retribution, spread the misconception that the AIDS epidemic was exclusively reserved for ‘ungodly’ homosexuals US, 1982 gay radar noun the ability to recognise a homosexual AUSTRALIA, 1994 gay-tastic adjective especially wonderful or fabulous in a way that appeals to homosexuals US, 2004 gay ’til graduation adjective temporarily or situationally homosexual or bisexual US, 1996 Gaza II noun Concordia University, Montreal, formed of Sir George and Loyola Universities in 1974 CANADA, 2002 gazebbies noun the female breasts. Vietnam war usage US, 1965 gazelle noun < in a gazelle feeling good. Obsolete teen slang CANADA, 1946 gazillion noun a very large, if indefinite, number US, 1995 gazongas noun the female breasts US, 1978 gazook noun 1 a loud lout US, 1901. 2 aboyUS, 1949 gazookus noun in carnival usage, a genuine article US, 1924 gazoony noun 1 a fellow, especially a low-life US, 1914. 2 a manual labourer in a carnival US, 1966. 3 the passive participant in anal sex US, 1918 gazoozie verb to swindle US, 1992 gazump verb 1 to raise the selling-price of a property after agreeing the terms of sale; hence to outbid an agreed sale. A specialisation of the sense ‘to swindle’ UK, 1971. 2 to swindle UK, 1928 gazumping noun the act of raising the selling-price of a property after agreeing the terms of sale; hence, outbidding an agreed sale. From the verb GAZUMP UK, 1971 gazunder noun a chamberpot AUSTRALIA, 1981 gazunder verb of a house-owner or a swindler, to reduce the selling price of a property, especially shortly before exchange of contracts, with a threat that the sale must go through on the new terms. A play on GAZUMP UK, 1988 GB noun 1 sex between one person and multiple, sequential partners. An abbreviation of GANG BANG US, 1972. 2 any barbiturate or central nervous system depressant. An abbreviation of GOOFBALL US , 1966. 3 goodbye US, 1945 GBH noun 1 the criminal charges of grievous bodily harm and malicious wounding; the act of causing serious injury. Initialism UK, 1949. 2 the recreational drug GHB. A jumbling of the letters in GHB gives an abbreviation for GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM UK, 1996 GBH of the brain noun the activity of studying. From GBH (physical assault and damage) UK, 1996 GBH of the eardrums noun loud music. From GBH (physical assault and damage) UK, 1996 GBH of the earhole; GBH of the ear noun a verbal assault. Extended from the criminal offence of GBH (grievous bodily harm). Usually jocular UK, 1984 Gbitnoun a prison sentence to a federal penitentiary US, 1950 g’bye goodbye UK, 1925 G-car noun a federal law enforcement agency car US, 1981 GCM! used as an expression of frustration or wonder. An initialism of ‘God, Christ, Moses’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1984 g’day; gooday; gidday hello! An extremely common, and now iconic, Australian greeting AUSTRALIA, 1928 GDI noun a college student who is not a fraternity or sorority member, a god-damn independent US, 1966 G-dog noun a good friend US, 1998 GE noun the electric chair. Homage to General Electric US, 1990 gear noun 1 marijuana; heroin; drugs in general US, 1954. 2 anything, especially anything illicit, intentionally undefined AUSTRALIA, 1975. 3 the equipment and paraphernalia associated with drug use, especially syringes, etc UK, 1996. 4 stolen goods UK, 1956. 5 stuff, things UK, 1415. 6 clothes AUSTRALIA, 1970. 7 (of a woman) the obvious physical attributes. Extended from the purely genital sense US, 1953. 8 a homosexual US, 1972. < get your arse into gear; get your ass into gear to stop idling, to apply yourself to an activity, to start doing something useful US, 1914 gear adjective very good, outstanding. Brought to the world by the Beatles, dropped from fashionable use in the mid-1960s; revived in the UK, later C20, and continues in ironic use UK, 1951. < gear for something obsessed with, fanatical about something US, 1972 283 gatter | gear gear bonger; gear banger noun a poor driver, especially one who crashes the gears US, 1971 gear-box noun the vagina. A survival and technological updating of obsolete ‘gear ’(the vagina), used in East Anglia, notably Suffolk UK, 1972 gear down verb to dress up BARBADOS, 1965 geared adjective available for homosexual relations US, 1935 geared up adjective dressed up. Also used of motorcyclists in full protective wear UK, 1979 gear head noun in mountain biking, a bicycle mechanic US, 1992 gear jammer noun a truck driver who has a difficult time shifting gears, especially one who is constantly clashing the gears as he shifts US, 1929 gear-lever noun the penis. Historically ‘gear’ has meant both male and female genitals so the derivation here is ambiguous. Remembered by Beale as the term used by UK National Servicemen (National Service ran from 1946–60) UK, 1973 gears noun the testicles US, 1952 gedanken adjective in computing, impractical or poorly designed. From the German for ‘thought’ US, 1983 gedunk noun 1 ice-cream, sweets, potato crisps and other junk food; the ship store where junk food can be bought. A US Navy term US, 1927. 2 a place where sweets and snacks are sold US, 1956 gedunk truck noun a catering truck US, 1992 gee noun 1 a man, a fellow US, 1907. 2 opium; heroin. Possibly a respelling of the initial letter of a number of synonyms, or from Hindi ghee (butter), or playing on the sense as HORSE (heroin) US, 1938. 3 $1,000. From the first letter of GRAND ($1,000) US, 1936. 4 a piece of praise. Possibly from the verb sense ‘to encourage’ UK, 1998. 5 a market trader’s or circus entertainer’s assistant who is discreetly positioned in the crowd to incite responses UK, 1934. 6 a strong, respected, manipulative prisoner US, 1951. 7 any device used to secure a needle to an eye dropper as part of an improvised mechanism to inject drugs US, 1960. 8 the vagina. The term gives rise to the ‘gee bag’ condom, ‘missed by a gee hair’ (a near miss or accident) and the expression ‘do ya the gee’ said by a boy to a girl and meaning ‘do you have sex’ IRELAND, 1991. 9 a horse UK, 1879 gee verb 1 to encourage, to incite. From the commands to a horse: ‘gee up!’ UK, 1932. 2 to inform. From the initial letter of GRASS (to inform) UK, 1996 gee!; jee! an exclamation used for expressing surprise, astonishment or shock. Probably a euphemism for ‘Jesus!’; later use is often ironic US, 1895 geech noun money US, 1968 geechee noun an uneducated, rural black person, especially one who is not easily understood US, 1905 gee’d up adjective 1 drug-intoxicated. Originally of opium (GEE), gradually less discriminating US, 1936. 2 excited. Influenced by the meaning as ‘drug-intoxicated’ but actually from GEE (to encourage) UK, 1932. 3 dressed in clothing associated with youth gangs US, 1995 geedus noun in circus and carnival usage, money US, 1981 gee -eyed adjective completely drunk IRELAND, 2001 gee-gees noun 1 horse races. Singular ‘gee gee’ is a ‘(race)horse’ and ‘the gee gees’ means ‘horse racing’ UK, 1869. 2 veterinary drugs IRELAND, 1996 gee head noun a frequent Paregoric user US, 1970 geek noun 1 a carnival freak, usually an alcoholic or drug addict, who would sit and crawl in his own excrement and occasionally bite the heads off snakes and chickens. Perhaps from German gucken (to peep, to look) or synonymous German slang or dialect kefken US, 1928. 2 a student whose devotion to study excludes all other interests or society; someone who is considered too studious; someone obsessed with computers. Pejorative US, 1980. 3 an offensive, despicable person; a clumsy person; a socially awkward person UK, 1876. 4 a prostitute’s customer with fetishistic desires US, 1993 . 5 an awkward skateboarder or a pedestrian who gets in the way US, 1976. 6 crack cocaine mixed with marijuana UK, 1998. 7 a look; a peek AUSTRALIA, 1966 geek verb 1 to display severe anxiety when coming off cocaine intoxication US, 1993. 2 to act foolishly US, 1998. 3 to look, watch, peer AUSTRALIA, 1966 geek-a-mo noun a geek US, 1991 geeked adjective 1 in a psychotic state induced by continuous use of amphetamine or methamphetamine US, 1989. 2 sexually aroused while under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant US, 1989. 3 marijuana-intoxicated US, 2002. 4 jittery, childishly excited US, 1984 geeked out adjective unordinary; injured US, 2002 geeker noun 1 a user of crack cocaine US, 1990. 2 astarerAUSTRALIA, 1979 geekerati noun an elite grouping of people involved in information technology US, 2000 geeker rental noun a car stolen by a crack cocaine addict who then trades use of the car for drugs US, 2002 geeking adjective inept; unfashionable; awkward US, 1987 geekish adjective obsessed with computers; socially inept US, 1986 geek out verb to enter a highly technical mode which is too difficult to explain US, 1991 geek-o-zoid noun a student whose devotion to study excludes all other interests or society, hence an unpopular student; someone who is considered too studious; someone obsessed with computers. An elaboration of GEEK UK, 2002 geeksploitation noun an act, or general policy, of taking profitable advantage of the enthusiasm and willingness to work of young computer programmers; also used of entertainment designed to appeal to the technologically-obsessed. A combination of GEEK (a studious-type or IT obsessive) and ‘exploitation’ US, 1996 geekster noun a geek US, 1991 geeky adjective socially inept; overly involved with computers US, 1981 gees noun horse racing UK, 1959 geeser noun a small amount of an illegal drug US, 1952 geet noun a dollar US, 1947 geets noun money US, 1949 geetus noun money US, 1926 gee-up noun 1 an act or instance of stirring AUSTRALIA, 1995. 2 a swindler’s confederate who leads others to spend their money AUSTRALIA, 1899 gee up verb 1 to motivate; to encourage AUSTRALIA, 1955. 2 to tease UK, 1983 gee whiz! used for registering shock, surprise, disappointment, or for emphasis. Elaboration of GEE! US, 1876 gee willikers! used as a mock oath. There are countless variants US, 1851 geez noun 1 a friend UK, 2003. 2 a look. A variant of GEEK AUSTRALIA, 1981 geeze; geaze verb to inject by hypodermic needle US, 1966 geeze; geaze; greaze noun heroin; an injection of heroin; narcotics US, 1967 geezer noun 1 a man. Possibly from Basque giza (a man), picked up by Wellington’s soldiers during the Peninsular War (1808–14); alternatively it may derive from C15 English dialect guiser (a mummer). Variant spellings include ‘geyser’ and the abbreviated ‘geez’ UK, 1885. 2 an old person, somewhat infirm. An objectionable reference to a senior citizen UK, 1885. 3 a fellow-prisoner UK, 1958. 4 a man who is easily duped UK, 1959. 5 a young manual worker who lives with his parents and spends his disposable income on leisure and pleasure. Created by a research company as a sociological label for commercial and marketing purposes; a specialised vari- ation UK, 2003. 6 an intravenous drug user. Sometimes spelled ‘geazer’ from the variant verb spelling geeze; geaze US, 1967. 7 a small amount of a drug US, 1971 geezerbird; geezerchick noun a young woman characterised by her behaviour and positive involvement in activites (drinking, swearing, sport, etc) stereotypically enjoyed by males. Combines GEEZER (a man) with a less-than-politically correct term for a ‘young woman’ UK, 2002 gear bonger; gear banger | geezerbir d; geezerchick 284 geezo noun 1 a hardened prison inmate US, 1951. 2 an armed robbery US, 2001 geggie; gegg noun the mouth. Glaswegian use UK: SCOTL AND, 1985 gehuncle noun a cripple US, 1954 gel noun 1 a girl. With a hard ‘g’ UK, 1969. 2 dynamite used for opening a safe US, 1972. 3 a socially inept person US, 1991 gelly; jelly noun gelignite AUSTRALIA, 1941 gelt; geld noun money. Originally conventional English, then out of favour, then back as slang. German, Dutch and Yiddish claims on its origin UK, 1529 gen noun information. Originally military, possibly deriving from the phrase ‘for the general information of all ranks’ UK, 1940 gen; gen up verb to learn; to inform, to brief. After the noun UK, 1943 gendarme noun a police officer. Adopted directly from the French gendarme UK, 1906 gender bender noun a person with an ambiguous or androgynous sexual identity, or with asexual identity divergent from their bio- logical sex UK, 1980 gender mender noun a computer cable with either two male or two female connectors US, 1991 general noun a railway yardmaster US, 1946 General nickname < The General 1 Frank Sinatra, American singer (1915–1998) US, 1963. 2 Ireland’s most famous criminal, Martin Cahill IRELAND, 1995 General Booth noun a tooth. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of William Booth, 1829–1912, the founder of the Salvation Army UK, 1992 general election noun an erection. Rhyming slang, the source of many jokes about standing members, even if we only get one every four or five years UK, 1992 general mess of crap noun a truck manufactured by General Motors Corporation. A humorous back-formation from the initials GMC US, 1971 General Smuts; generals noun the testicles. Rhyming slang for NUTS, formed from the name of a South African statesman, 1870–1950 UK, 1992 General Westhisface nickname US Army General William Westmoreland. Not particularly kind US, 1977 Generation X; Gen X noun the marketing category that defines people born between the late 1950s and mid-70s. Originally the title of a sociological book by Charles Hamblett and Jane Deverson, 1965; moved beyond jargon when adopted as the name of a UK punk band in the mid-1970s; in 1991 Douglas Coupland employed it to describe a new generation; usage is now almost conventional. Generation Y does not appear to have caught on US, 1965 Generation Xer; Gen-Xer; Xer; X noun in marketing terms, someone born between the late 1950s and mid-70s, seen as well educated but without direction US, late 1970s Generation XL noun a (notional) sociological group of children, teenagers or young adults who are clinically obese. A play on GENERATION X and XL, the retail abbreviation for ‘extra large’ UK, 2003 generic adjective stupid, dull, boring US, 1988 geni-ass noun a smart and diligent student. A play on ‘genius’ US, 1968 genius noun 1 a person skilled at performing oral sex. A pun based on HEAD (oral sex) US, 2002. 2 in computing, an obvious or easily guessed password US, 1990 genny; jenny noun a generator UK, 1956 gent noun 1 a good man, an honourable man, a man who is admired. From ‘gentleman’ and charactertistics generously ascribed to the stereotype UK, 1987. 2 a man with pretentions to class or status. Used in a derisory context UK, 1605. 3 money. Survives as a variant of GELT (money) but, in fact, derives not from German gelt but French argent (silver; money); original use was especially of silver coins UK, 1859. 4 a maggot used as fishing bait AUSTRALIA, 1998 gentleman jockey noun in horse racing, an amateur jockey, especially in a steeplechase event US, 1947 gentleman of leisure noun a pimp US, 1973 gentleman’s call noun in pool, an understanding that a shot need not be called if it is obvious US, 1992 gentleman’s fever noun a sexually transmitted infection BAHAMAS, 1982 gentlemen’s relish noun sperm UK, 2002 gents noun a gentlemen’s public convenience US, 1960 Geoff Hurst; geoff noun 1 a first class honours degree. Rhyming slang, based on the name of Geoff Hurst (b.1941), the only footballer to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final UK, 1998. 2 a thirst UK, 1994. 3 urination. Rhyming slang for ‘burst’ UK, 2002 Geoffrey Chaucer noun a saucer. Rhyming slang formed on the name of the great English poet, who lived from about 1343 to 1400, and who, fittingly, used slang in his rhyme UK, 1992 geog; geoggers noun geography, especially as a subject of study UK, 1940 geologist noun a physician who considers his patients to be as intelligent as a rock US, 1978 George noun 1 a gambler who tips the dealer or places bets in the dealer’s name US, 1974. 2 in American casinos, a skilled and lucky gambler US, 1985. 3 used as a term of address for any Pullman porter US, 1939. 4 an act of defecation. A euphemism by personification, but why a George should be so honoured is not recorded UK, 1959. < call it George to agree that a matter is settled GUY ANA, 1962 George adjective excellent US, 1930 George and Ringo noun bingo. Rhyming slang, formed from the names of two of the Beatles, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, and probably not heard since the Beatles broke up UK, 1992 George and Zippy adjective (of weather) cold, chilly. Rhyming slang for NIPPY, based on two of the puppet characters in long-running Thames television children’s programme Rainbow (from 1972) UK, 2002 George Bernard Shaw; George Bernard noun a door. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the Irish playwright, 1856–1950 UK, 1992 George Blake noun a snake. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a notorious British security and intelligence operative who spied for the KGB from 1944–61 UK, 1992 George Martin noun farting. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of orchestral arranger and producer Sir George Martin (b.1926) UK, 2003 George Melly noun the belly, a paunch. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the jazz singer and surrealist (1937–2007) whose shape echoes the sense UK, 1992 George Michael; George verb to cycle. Popney rhyming slang, based on popular singer George Michael (b.1963). Popney was orig- inally contrived for www.music365.co.uk, an Internet music site; this is one of several terms that caught on UK, 2001 George Raft noun 1 a draught. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of US film actor George Raft (1895–1980) UK, 1979. 2 hard work. Rhyming slang for GRAFT UK, 1992 George Smack; George noun heroin US, 1967 George Spelvin noun used in a theatre programme as a fictitious name for an actor US, 1908 George the Third noun 1 a bird. Rhyming slang, recorded as an alternative to RICHARD THE THIRD UK, 1961. 2 a lump of excrement. Rhyming slang for TURD UK, 1992 George W. noun a person with an inflated sense of self-worth. An unkind allusion to US President George W. Bush US, 2001 Georgia; Georgie verb to cheat, to swindle; (of a prostitute) to have sex with a customer without collecting the fee. Especially used in the context of prostitution US, 1960 Georgia buggy noun a wheelbarrow US, 1918 285 geezo | Georgia buggy Georgia ham noun a watermelon US, 1971 Georgia homeboy noun the recreational drug GHB. A disguise for the initials GHB US, 1993 Georgia night rider noun a trucker who drives at night in the hope of avoiding police US, 1976 Georgia overdrive noun coasting down a hill with the car or truck in neutral US, 1963 Georgia scuffle noun 1 a swindle which fails because the intended victim is not smart enough to be swindled US, 1992. 2 in carnival usage, rough handling of an extremely naive customer in a swindle US, 1950 Georgie Best noun 1 a pest, especially a drunken pest. Rhyming slang, reflecting footballer George Best’s fall from grace to alcoholism UK, 1992. 2 the female breast. Rhyming slang UK, 2003. < be my Georgie Best! do as you wish; you are welcome to have whatever has been asked for. Rhyming slang for ‘be my guest’, formed on the name of Irish footballer George Best (1946–2005) UK, 1977 ger verb get. A slovenly pronunciation that occurs when the following word commences with a vowel, in uses such as ‘ger along’ UK, 1895 gerbil around verb in car repair, to work at a somewhat frantic pace in an effort to hide the fact that the problem at hand, or car repair in general, is too difficult US, 1992 geriatrick noun an older homosexual man as a one-time sex-partner UK, 1979 germ noun 1 a German UK, 1915. 2 a despised person US, 1942 Germaine Greer noun a glass of beer. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of an Australian feminist and academic who has become a media personality (b.1939) AUSTRALIA, 1987 German noun (used by prisoners) a prison officer. A hangover from World War 2 when the Germans were the enemy UK, 1996 German band noun the hand. Rhyming slang UK, 1979 Germans noun drug dealers from the Dominican Republic as perceived by African-American drug dealers competing for the same market – the enemy US, 1992 germs noun gentlemen, as a form of address. A jocular slurring, especially in the pairing ‘Ladeez and Germs’ UK, 2001 Geronimo noun 1 an alcoholic drink mixed with a barbiturate. A dangerous cross reaction US, 1970. 2 a barbiturate US, 1990 gerook; gerooked adjective drug or alcohol-intoxicated. From Afrikaans for ‘cured/smoked’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1970 gerrick noun piece of rolled up silver foil used as a filter in marijuana pipes. The ‘gerrick’ is made by laying out a piece of foil (usually from a cigarette box), or thin cardboard (usually from the same box) into a square, rolling it up, bending it into a circle and wedging it into the bottom of a bottleneck pipe to keep the marijuana from falling out when the smoke is sucked in SOUTH AFRICA , 2003 gerry nickname an old person. An abbreviation of ‘geriatric’ NEW ZEALAND , 1998 gert adjective great. A C14 dialect word that is now widely familiar beyond its regional use as a result of media exposure UK, 1997 gertcha!; gercha!; gertcher! I don’t believe you!; used for registering disbelief. An alteration of ‘get away!’; immortalised in song by Chas and Dave, 1979 UK, 1937 Gertie Gitana; Gertie noun a banana. Rhyming slang, based on the name of music hall entertainer Gertie Gitana, 1888–1957; originating in the first decade of C20 with her name replacing the refrain ‘Have a banana’ in the song ‘Let’s All Go Down the Strand’. Still in use UK, 1961 gert stonkers noun large female breasts AUSTRALIA, 1988 Gestapo noun 1 the police. Originally used of the military police during World War 2 in a (presumably) jocular allusion to the German Secret Police of the Third Reich. Often used with ‘the’ UK, 1941. 2 uniformed personnel (such as bus inspectors) or others (such as teachers) who enjoy the little power of their authority UK, 1969. 3 the motorcycle officers of the Metropolitan police traffic div- ision. Police use (especially the Metropolitan Police Drugs Squad); probably inspired by the jackboots and black breeches uniform UK, 1999 get verb 1 to understand, to appreciate US, 1892. 2 to worry, to vex, to annoy US, 1867. 3 to enthral, to appeal to, to affect emotionally, to obsess UK, 1913. 4 to obtain sexual intercourse AUSTRALIA, 1970 . < get above yourself to become conceited, arrogant UK, 1923. < get amongst to perform some task or take part enthusiastically AUSTRALIA, 1970. < get any; get anything; get enough; get a little bit to have sex US, 1947. < get it 1 to be punished, especially physically UK, 1851. 2 to be killed US, 1964. 3 to become infected with a sexually transmitted infection UK, 1937. < getitin one to understand immediately UK, 1942. < get it on 1 to have sex US, 1970. 2 to fight US, 1959. 3 to join battle. US Marines usage in Vietnam US, 1991. < getitupto achieve an erection US, 1943. < get some 1 to have sex US, 1970. 2 to kill enemy soldiers US, 1976. < get well 2 to make money US, 1995. < get wet to kill someone using a knife or bayonet US, 1991. < get with to have sex with UK, 1987. < get with the progr am to start to behave in a responsible manner. A generally figurative application of the recovery programmes promoted by Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, etc; usually as an injunction US, 1983. < get your end away to have sex UK, 1975. < get your leather to have sex CANADA, 1985. < get your own back to get revenge UK, 1910. < get your skates on to hurry up. Often as an imperative. Originally military UK, 1895. < get your skin to have sex CANADA, 1999. < get yours to get the punishment you deserve US, 1905. < have got something on someone to possess evidence against someone UK, 1928 get!; git! go!; go away! US, 1884 get a black dog up you! go to hell! AUSTRALIA, 1992 get across verb to make yourself (or your subject) understood US, 1913 get a dog up you! go to hell! AUSTRALIA, 1996 get a grip! control yourself! US, 1982 get a life! used to tease someone who is revealing a lack of grounding in reality or who is too obsessed with something US, 1989 get along! used for registering incredulity. Similar to the later ‘get away!’ UK, 1984 get along with you! go away! be quiet! UK, 1837 get a roll of stamps and mail it in used as a humorous comment on a lack of effort. Coined by ESPN’s Keith Olberman to describe ‘a lackluster effort on the part of a player or team’ US, 1997 get a room! used for discouraging public displays of affection US, 1999 get at verb 1 to attack verbally, to tease UK, 1891. 2 to mean, to imply a meaning US, 1899. < get at it to tease someone, to make a fool of someone UK, 1958 getaway noun the last morning of a military tour of duty US, 1968 get away!; gerraway! don’t talk nonsense!; don’t flatter! In 2002 a travel company used the slogan ‘Get away’ in a television advertising campaign, punning on the conventional sense (to escape, to go on holiday) with an exclamation of disbelief that such holidays could be so cheap UK, 1848 getaway day noun in horse racing, the last day of a racing meet US, 1962 get-back noun an act of revenge US, 1984 get bent! used as an exclamation of defiance, roughly along the lines of ‘go to hell!’ US, 1970 getcha vine noun a thorny vine found in the jungles of Vietnam US, 1990 get down verb 1 to depress UK, 1930. 2 in sports betting, to place a bet US, 1974. 3 to be a part of, or to relate to, as in ’get down with the kids’ UK, 1999. < get down to it to begin to work with serious application, sometimes used of sexual activity US, 1937 get-down time; git-down time noun the time of day or night when a prostitute starts working US, 1972 get-’em-off noun an exit ramp; a motorway exit US, 1976 Georgia ham | get-’em-off 286 get ’em off!; geremoff! used as a jocular imperative to strip US, 1995 geters noun money US, 1975 get-go; git-go; gitty up noun the very start US, 1966 get-hard adjective sexually arousing to men UK, 2000 get her! 8see: GET YOU! get-high noun crack cocaine US, 1990 get in; get-in verb of a staged entertainment, to bring in and set up staging and technical equipment. The reverse (to deconstruct and entirely remove staging equipment) is ‘get out’. Also used as nouns. UK, 1996 get-in Betty noun a crowbar used by burglars US, 1950 get into verb to come to know and like UK, 1968 get-it-on adjective vigorous, energetic in approach US, 1970 get knotted! used for expressing contempt. Usage was frozen in time and soon considered archaic. Later use is marked with irony UK, 1958 get lost! used as a contemptuous imperative of dismissal US, 1902 get off verb 1 to form an initial liaison with someone sexually attractive, especially with a view to greater intimacy UK, 1925. 2 to achieve sexual climax US, 1867. 3 to use a drug; to feel the effects of a drug US, 1952. 4 by extension, to take pleasure from something US, 1952 . 5 to crash while riding a motorcyle. Sarcastic and euphemistic biker (motorcyle) usage US, 2003 get off!; get off it! used as a register of impatience or incredulity UK, 1969 get-off house noun a place where you can both purchase and inject heroin US, 1990 get off on verb to greatly enjoy something. After GET OFF (to achieve sexual climax) UK, 1973 get off the stove, I’m ridin’ the range tonight! used for expressing enthusiasm about an upcoming date US, 1951 get on verb 1 of people, to agree, to co-exist. Often with a modifying adverb UK, 1816. 2 to become elderly UK, 1885. 3 to use drugs US, 1952. 4 to have US, 1990 get-out noun 1 an escape, an excuse, an evasion UK, 1899. 2 an extreme degree of something US, 1838 get out verb (used of a bettor) to recoup earlier losses US, 1951 get out of here! used for expressing disbelief at what has just been said US, 1994 get out of here, Mary! used for expressing doubt US, 1987 get out of it! used for expressing a lack of belief in what has just been said UK, 1984 get-over noun success through fraud US, 1997 get over verb to take advantage of someone, making yourself look good at their expense US, 1981. < cannot get over to be astounded UK, 1899. < get over on to seduce US, 1987 get over it! used as a suggestion that the hearer move on from the issue that is dominating the moment US, 1994 get over you! used in order to deflate a person’s excessive sense of importance US, 1997 get real verb to face the facts. Often as an imperative US, 1998 get real! used for expressing scorn at that which has just been said US, 1982 get round verb to circumvent US, 1849 get shagged! used as a general expression of disbelief or contempt UK, 1997 get stuffed! used as a general expression of disbelief or contempt UK, 1952 getting any? used as a male-to-male greeting. Instantly jocular due to the inquiry as to the other’s sex life US, 1958 getting on adjective (of time) late; growing late UK, 1882 get to verb to annoy someone US, 1961 get-up noun 1 an outfit or costume UK, 1847. 2 manufactured evidence that is intended to incriminate UK, 1967. 3 a piece of criminal trickery, an elaborate deceit UK, 1970. 4 the last morning of a jail sentence or term of military service US, 1967 get up verb 1 to be released from prison US, 1967. 2 to succeed in painting your graffiti tag in a public place US, 1994. 3 to win; to succeed AUSTRALIA, 1904. 4 to cause a racehorse to win AUSTRALIA, 1969 get-up-and-go noun vigour, energy, drive. Earlier variations from which this derives are ‘get-up’ and ‘get-up-and-get’ US, 1907 get up off of verb to concede something of importance or value US, 1985 get with the words! verb explain yourself! US, 1965 get you!; get him!; get her! verb 1 (with an emphatic stress on the pronoun) used to deflate a conceited male ego or to imply an unmasculine oversensitivity or homosexuality UK, 1958. 2 used for expressing disbelief at what has just been said. Homosexual use US, 1949 get your arse to an anchor! verb sit down! Adapted from nautical (likely fisherman) usage, this phrase came ashore for general purposes CANADA, 1978 get your kit off! verb used as ribald encouragement to undress UK, 1985 GFE; girl friend experience noun a dinner date followed by sex as a service offered by a prostitute UK, 2005 G force! used as an expression of enthusiastic assent. From a Japanese comic strip US, 1987 GFY go fuck yourself. Used when discretion suggests avoiding the word ‘fuck’ US, 1987 GG noun in transsexual usage, a genuine or genetic girl US, 1987 GH noun General Hospital, a popular television daytime drama US, 1981 Ghan noun an Afghan. In outback Australia this referred to the numerous immigrants from Afghanistan and nearby regions who came to work in the desert regions as camel-drivers. Not used to refer to recent migrants from Afghanistan AUSTRALIA, 1911 ghana noun marijuana. Possibly a variant spelling of GANJA (Jamaican marijuana) although current usage doesn’t acknowledge this etymology nor specify an alternative, such as marijuana from Ghana UK, 1989 ghar noun the buttocks. From the Hindi for ‘donkey’ TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1976 GHB noun a pharmaceutical anaesthetic used as a recreational drug. Gamma hydroxybutyrate is a foul-tasting liquid, invented in the 1960s by Dr. Henri Laborit, who swore by its powers as an aphrodisiac. The drug has been marketed as an anaesthetic and a health supplement, but it is a heightened sense of touch, sustained erections and longer orgasms that make it popular with ‘up-for-it clubbers’ US, 1990 gheid noun a Paregoric user US, 1971 gherao verb in India and Pakistan, to surround someone and not allow him or her to go from an office, desk, etc, as a demon- stration against that person. From Hindi gherna (to surround, to beseige) INDIA, 1967 gherkin noun the penis, especially a small penis. A variation of ‘pickle’ (the penis), especially in the phrase JERK THE GHERKIN (to masturbate) US, 2002 ghetto noun the anus US, 1973 ghetto adjective inferior, shoddy, bad US, 1995 ghetto- prefix used to qualify an adjective as being in the style of black culture. Has positive connotations when used by the black community but can be patronising and derogatory US, 2001 ghetto bird noun a police helicopter, especially one flying at night with a bright spotlight US, 1993 ghetto blaster; ghetto box noun a large, portable radio and tape player; a portable music system. Can be considered offensive because it is culture-specific and stereotypical US, 1981 ghetto bootie noun large buttocks US, 2001 287 get ’em off!; geremoff! | ghetto bootie [...]... secret) to be raced to win AUSTRALIA, 1936 < go off on one to lose your temper UK, 1997 goofies noun 1 a swimming bath Children’s slang SOUTH AFRICA, 1970 2 LSD US, 2001 goof-off noun a lazy person US, 1945 goof off verb to waste time, to idle US, 1943 goof on verb to joke about, to make fun of US, 1956 goof-up noun a blunder, an error of judgement US, 1956 goofus noun 1 a fool US, 1917 2 in circus and... AFRICA, 2004 4 a silly and/or dim-witted person US, 1944 goof butt; goof-butt; goofy butt noun a marijuana cigarette A combination of GOOF (a marijuana smoker) and BUTT (a cigarette) US, 1938 299 goofed; goofed up; goofed-up adjective 1 wrong US, 1952 2 experiencing the effects of drugs, especially barbiturates or marijuana; drunk US, 1944 goofer noun 1 a barbiturate capsule, especially glutethimide... US, 1981 goofy noun 1 a fool, especially as a form of address Goofy is the name of the foolish dog in Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse cartoons UK, 1967 2 a skateboarder who skates with the right foot to the front UK, 2004 goofy adjective gawky, clumsy, foolish, eccentric US, 1919 -goofy suffix mentally imbalanced as a result of the preceding activity US, 1969 goofy butt noun 8see: GOOF BUTT goofy foot noun... a noise An extension of ‘go off’ (to start) UK, 1998 15 (of a party or nightclub venue) to be thoroughly exciting and enjoyable AUSTRALIA, 1993 16 (of a prize) to be awarded AUSTRALIA, 1970 17 (of a woman) to engage in sexual intercourse AUSTRALIA, 1967 18 in motor racing, to suffer a diminution of performance, either because of a handling problem or driver fatigue US, 1980 19 (of a racehorse whose... weak jaw in the context of boxing or fighting US, 1955 glass of beer noun the ear Rhyming slang UK, 1961 glass of plonk noun the nose Rhyming slang for CONK UK, 1992 glass of water; glass noun a quarter of an ounce (seven grams) of cocaine Rhyming slang for QUARTER UK, 2002 glass pack noun in hot rodding, a muffler that has been stuffed with fibreglass, increasing the roar of the engine US, 1960 glass... deliberate creation of a great number of Internet pages with links to a specific website with an intent that the website achieves a position near the top of a Google search directory for seemingly unrelated words Google™ is an Internet search engine US, 2002 google box noun television NEW ZEALAND, 1984 goofed; goofed up; goofed-up | goomie googlewhack noun among Internet users, the result of a search for... players are cheated as a matter of course US, 1985 grine noun sexual intercourse; an act of sexual intercourse A variation of GRIND JAMAICA, 1970 grine verb to have sex A variation of GRIND JAMAICA, 1971 gringo noun among Latinos in the US, a white person The source of considerable false etymology based on the marching song ‘Green grow the rushes, o’ Often used with a lack of affection US, 1849 gringo... abbreviation of GOLDEN SHOWER US, 1979 GSD noun an Alsatian Initialism of German Shepherd Dog, the original breed name, which was changed by the UK Kennel Club after World War 1 for reasons of political sensitivity UK, 2002 G shot noun an injection of a small amount of a drug while in search of a larger amount US, 1992 G-star noun a youth gang member US, 1995 G-string noun 1 a small patch of cloth passed... an expression of delight Childish; often reduplicated in excitement UK, 1796 goody drawer noun any drawer in a bedroom containing contraceptives, lubricants or sex toys US, 2002 goody-goody noun 1 an excessively good person Usually uttered with some degree of derision UK, 1871 2 marijuana From the exclamation of delight UK, 2003 goody-goody adjective (of children) too well-behaved; (of adults) hypocritically... second lieutenant in the US Army US, 1991 goof noun 1 an alcoholic beverage Found only in Ontario, this term may have derived from GOOFBALL (a barbiturate drug) US, 1964 2 a barbiturate An abbreviation of GOOFBALL US, 1944 3 a frequent marijuana smoker US, 1950 4 a silly, soft or stupid person US, 1916 5 a joke, a prank US, 1958 6 a swim SOUTH AFRICA, 2004 goof verb 1 to botch, to ruin US, 1952 2 to . alook;apeek.Perhapsa nasalised variant of GEEK AUSTRALIA, 1945. 3 an unpleasant smell UK: SCOTLAND , 1 988 gink verb to give off an unpleasant smell UK: SCOTLAND, 1 988 289 GIGO | gink ginky adjective out of style US, 1969 gin. elaboration of GEEK UK, 2002 geeksploitation noun an act, or general policy, of taking profitable advantage of the enthusiasm and willingness to work of young computer programmers; also used of entertainment. exclamation of disbelief that such holidays could be so cheap UK, 184 8 getaway day noun in horse racing, the last day of a racing meet US, 1962 get-back noun an act of revenge US, 1 984 get bent!