Dictionary of Unconventional English_9 pdf

Hh H noun heroin US, 1926. < the H Houston, Texas US, 1998 H-17 noun in casino blackjack gambling, a rule that the dealer must draw a card if he has a 17 made with an ace counting 11 points. The ‘h’ is for HIT US, 1996 H8 verb in text messaging, hate. A variant spelling; one of several constructions in which a syllable pronounced ‘ate’ is replaced by the homophone ‘eight’ UK, 2002 hab noun a habitual criminal US, 1963 habit noun an addiction to any drug UK, 1881 habitual noun < the habitual a criminal charge alleging habitual criminal status US, 1972 Habra Dabra and the crew noun any random representatives of the populace. The functional equivalent of ‘Tom, Dick and Harry’ BARBADOS, 1965 hache noun heroin. The Spanish pronunciation of the letter ‘h’ US, 1955 hachi; hodgy noun the penis US, 1954 hack noun 1 ajournalist,areporterUK, 1810. 2 a prison guard US, 1914. 3 a solution to a computer problem; an impressive and demanding piece of computer work US, 1981. 4 in computing, a quick, often temporary, fix of a problem US, 1983. 5 a single act of unlawfully invading and exploring another’s computer system by remote means US, 1983. 6 an opportunist. Used at Oxford University UK, 1980. 7 a taxi US, 1928. 8 a hot rod US, 1958. 9 a brakevan (caboose) US, 1916. 10 a game of Hacky Sack US, 1997 hack verb 1 to tolerate, endure, survive. Usually used with ‘it’ US, 1952. 2 to bother, to annoy US, 1893. 3 to unlawfully invade and explore another’s computer system by remote means US, 1983. 4 to investi- gate the possibilities of a computer purely for the pleasures of discovery; to create new possibilities for a computer without commercial consideration US, 1983. 5 to work with a computer US, 1981. 6 to drive a taxi US, 1903. 7 to play with a hacky sack beanbag US, 1995. < hack butts to smoke cigarettes CANADA, 1993. < hack it to cope with, to accomplish US, 1952 hack around; hack off; hack verb to waste time, usually in a context where time should not be wasted US, 1888 hack driver noun in horse racing, a jockey US, 1951 hacked; hacked off adjective annoyed US, 1936 hacker noun 1 a person who uses their computer expertise in any effort to breach security walls and gain entry to secure sites US, 1963. 2 a person with a profound appreciation and affection for computers and programming US, 1981. 3 an expert in any field US, 1983. 4 a taxi driver BAHAMAS, 1982 hackette noun a female journalist. Patronising UK, 1984 hackie noun a carriage or taxi driver US, 1899 hack mode noun while working on or with a computer, a state of complete focus and concentration US, 1991 Hackney Wick noun a penis. Rhyming slang for PRICK. Hackney Wick is an area of East London, located considerably closer to the source of Cockney rhyming slang than the more popular synonym HAMPTON WICK UK, 1998 hacktivist noun a cultural activist and skilled computer-user who invades a corporate website to leave subversive messages UK, 2001 hacky sack noun a beanbag used in a game in which a circle of players try to keep the bag from hitting the ground without using their hands. A trademarked product that has lent its name to a game and to rival products US, 1989 haddock and cod; haddock noun used as a general pejorative, a sod. Rhyming slang UK, 1962 had-it noun a person who was formerly successful UK, 1992 had-it adjective exhausted; completely worn out. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981 haemorrhoid noun 1 an irritation, an annoying person. An excruciating pun on ‘pain in the ass’ US, 1975. 2 a despised person US, 1969 haffie noun 8see: HALF-JACK ha-fucking-ha!; ha-bloody-ha!; ha-di-fucking-ha!; hardy fuckin’ ha, ha! used as a jeering response to unfunny jokes; and to dismiss impossible suggestions UK, 1976 hag verb to annoy, to bother BARBADOS, 1965 hagged out adjective 1 exhausted US, 1968. 2 (of a woman) ugly. From ‘hag’ (an unattractive woman), possibly punning on SHAGGED; SHAGGED OUT (tired) US, 2001 Haggis McBagpipe nickname British Columbia radio and television personality Jack Webster CANADA, 1989 ha-ha noun a glass of beer; beer US, 1979 ha-ha bird; ha-ha pigeon noun a kookaburra, a well-known Australian bird. From its call which resembles human laughter AUSTRALIA, 1938 ha-ha-funny adjective 8see: F UNNY HA-HA Haight nickname < the Haight the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood of San Francisco US, 1967 Haight-Ashbury nickname a neighbourhood in San Francisco, the epicentre of the hippie movement in the mid- to late 1960s. From the intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets. More recently referred to simply as THE HAIGHT US, 1987 hail noun 1 crack cocaine. Based on the drug’s resemblance to pieces of hail US, 1994. 2 in soda fountain usage, ice US, 1935 hailer noun in the television and film industries, a bullhorn US, 1977 Hail Mary noun 1 a last-minute, low-probability manoeuvre US, 1994. 2 in poker, a poor hand that a player holds into high betting in the hope that other players are bluffing and have even worse hands US, 1996 hail smiling morn noun the erect penis, an erection. Rhyming slang for HORN UK, 1980 haim noun 8see: HA ME haint; hain’t a have-not; to have not. Verb and noun. A vulgar contraction UK, 1971 hair noun 1 courage US, 1959. 2 in computing, intricacy US, 1981. < get in someone’s hair to annoy or irritate someone US, 1949. < let your hair down to behave in a (more than usually) uninhibited manner US, 1933. < put hair on your chest; put hairs on your chest a quality ascribed to an alcoholic drink or, when encouraging a child to eat, used of food (especially crusts and brussel sprouts); also applied more broadly to robust or challenging questions of aesthetic taste or preference UK, 1964. < tear your hair; tear your hair out to behave in a highly agitated manner, especially as a result of worry UK, 1606. < wear your hair out against the head of the bed; wear your hair out on the bedhead to go bald. A jocular explanation UK, 1961 hairbag noun a veteran police officer US, 1958 hairbagger noun an experienced police officer US, 1958 hairball noun 1 an obnoxious, boorish person, especially when drunk US, 1981. 2 a large, powerful wave US, 1981 hairball! terrifying! US, 1998 hairblower noun a severe telling-off, a scolding UK, 2002 hairburger noun the vulva, especially in the context of oral sex US, 1971 hair burner; hair bender noun a hair stylist US, 1964 haircut noun 1 a short prison sentence. From the short period of time between haircuts UK, 1950. 2 a lowering of the true mileometer (odometer) reading of a motor vehicle to increase its resale value NEW ZEALAND, 1990. 3 marijuana UK, 2003. 4 a sore on a man’s penis as the result of a sexually transmitted infection. From the popular belief that the sore was caused by a woman’s pubic hair TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003 haircut adjective describes an image of fashionability that is without deeper significance UK, 2000 hairdresser noun a homosexual. From the presumption that all hairdressers are gay UK, 2001 hair -dry adjective without getting your hair wet US, 1991 haired up adjective angry. From a dog’s bristling back when angry US, 1914 hair fairy noun a homosexual male with an extravagant hairdo US, 1964 hair in the gate noun in television and film-making, any foreign object in the camera gate US, 1990 hair pie noun 1 the vulva; oral sex performed on a woman. Also spelt ‘hare’ pie or ‘hairy’ pie US, 1938. 2 a pizza with an errant hair embedded in it. Limited usage, but clever US, 1996 hairpins noun homosexual code phrases inserted casually into a conversation, trolling for a response US, 1950 hairtree noun a man who wears his hair long and styled as a fashion statement US, 1996 hair-trunk noun in horse racing, a bad-looking horse that performs poorly UK, 1948 hairy noun 1 a long-haired, bearded individual UK, 1976. 2 aformer non-commissioned officer training to become an officer. Military UK, 1981. 3 a young woman with a reputation for sluttishness. Glasgow slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1985. 4 heroin. A phonetic distortion of HARRY US, 1973 hairy adjective 1 dangerous; scary (especially if thrilling) US, 1945. 2 bad, difficult, undesirable. A popular term in C19, resurrected in later C20 youth usage UK, 1848. 3 in computing, complicated US, 1983. 4 good, impressive US, 1959 hairy-arse; hairy-arsed adjective describes a thuggish, insensitive brute UK, 2001 hairyback; hairy noun an Afrikaner. Derogatory SOUTH AFRICA, 1970 hairy bank noun a prostitute’s vagina GUYANA, 1998 hairy belly noun in dominoes, the 6–6 piece US, 1959 hairy chequebook noun the vagina, as used for payment in kind instead of money AUSTRALIA, 1996 hairy clam noun the vagina. An almost subtle combination of FISH and visual imagery UK, 2000 hairy eyeball noun a hostile stare. Deriving, perhaps, from the eyelashes that mask the eye US, 1995 hairy fairy adjective of a man, effeminate to some degree. A pun on AIRY-FAIRY (delicate, insubstantial) and FAIRY (a homosexual man) UK, 1978 hairy goat noun a racehorse that is a slow runner or poor performer AUSTRALIA, 1933 hairy goblet noun the vagina UK, 2001 hairy growler noun the vagina UK, 2001 hairy leg noun 1 a man. CItizens’ band radio slang UK, 1981. 2 a railway fettler AUSTRALIA, 1969 hairy maclary noun a female who invites sexual foreplay but stops short of intercourse NEW ZEALAND, 1998 ha-ja noun 8see: HALF-JACK hale and hearty adjective a party. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 Hale and Pace; hale noun the face. Rhyming slang, from comedy double act Gareth Hale and Norman Pace UK, 2002 half noun 1 used colloquially as an elliptical noun when the original noun is omitted, especially of a half pint (of beer) UK, 1937. 2 a child travelling at half-fare UK, 1961 half adverb 1 used in exaggerations, as in ‘I half killed him’ UK, 2001. 2 used to reverse what is being said, which is usually formed as a negative, and thus stress the intention, i.e. ‘not half bad’ is pretty good UK, 1583 half a bar noun until 1971, ten shillings; post-decimalisation, fifty pence UK, 1911 half a C noun fifty dollars. A shortened allusion to $100 as a ‘C-note’ US, 1967 half a case noun fifty cents US, 1950 half a chip noun sixpence, a sixpenny bit UK, 1950 half a cock noun five pounds (£5). Based on rhyming slang COCKLE AND HEN (ten) UK, 1950 half a crack noun a half-crown coin, half-a-crown, two shillings and sixpence. A coin and coinage that paid the price of decimalisation in 1971 UK, 1933 half a dollar noun 1 a prison sentence of 50 years US, 1990. 2 ahalf- crown coin; two shillings and sixpence. Pre-decimalisation, that is pre-1971, a half-crown coin was valued at two shillings and sixpence (equivalent to 12½ p), and, presumably, at the point of coinage, a pound was worth approximately four US dollars UK, 1916 half a football field noun fifty crystals of crack cocaine UK, 2001 half-a-man noun a short person US, 1997 half a mo noun a very short but vaguely defined time. A shortening of ‘half a moment’ UK, 1896 half and half noun 1 oral sex on a man followed by vaginal intercourse US, 1937. 2 a hermophrodite US, 1935. 3 a pint drink comprising equal measures of two different beers UK, 1909 half and half adjective 1 mediocre TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1958. 2 bisexual US, 1975 half a nicker noun 1 pre-decimalisation, ten shillings; after 1971, fifty pence. From NICKER (one pound) UK, 1895. 2 a vicar. Rhyming slang. Also variant ‘half-nicker man’ UK, 1974 half-apple noun in television and film-making, a standard-sized crate used for raising objects or people, half as high as a standard ‘apple’ US, 1990 half-assed; half-arsed adjective 1 inferior, unsatisfactory, incompetent US, 1865. 2 incomplete, not serious, half-hearted US, 1933 half a stretch noun 1 a six-month prison sentence. From ‘stretch’ (a year’s sentence) UK, 1950. 2 gambling odds of 6–1 UK, 1984 half a yard noun fifty dollars US, 1961 half-baked adjective intellectually deficient. Dialect UK, 1855 half-chat noun a half-caste. Also used in Australia UK, 1909 half-cock noun < go off at half-cock generally, to start without being ready; in sex, to ejaculate prematurely or without being fully erect. A variation of HALF-COCKED UK, 1904 half-cock adjective ill-considered; inferior UK, 2002. < at half-cock not fully prepared or ready UK, 2000 half-cocked adjective 1 not fully capable; not completely thought out; unfinished; incomplete. Derives from the mechanism of a gun US, 1833. 2 drunk AUSTRALIA, early C19. < go off half-cocked gen- erally, to start without being ready; in sex, to ejaculate prematurely or without being fully erect. Gun imageny UK, 1809 half colonel noun a lieutenant-colonel US, 1956 half-cut adjective drunk UK, 1893 half-cuts noun trainers (sneakers) BARBADOS, 1998 halfers noun < go halfers; go haufers to share equally between two parties UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 half-fried adjective of eggs, fried on one side only. The Indian-English equivalent to SUNNY SIDE UP INDIA, 1979 half G noun a half-gallon jar of alcohol NEW ZEALAND, 1971 half-gone adjective half-drunk UK, 1925 hair burner; hair bender | half-gone 316 half-half adjective mediocre FIJI, 1996 half-hearty adjective of medicore health, recovering from an illness but not completely recovered BARBADOS, 1965 half-het noun a bisexual US, 1995 half hour noun a short prison sentence. A little bravado in this prisoner’s exaggeration UK, 2002 halfie noun a half-caste person AUSTRALIA, 1945 half-inch verb to steal; to arrest. Rhyming slang for PINCH (to steal or to arrest) UK, 1925 half-iron noun a heterosexual or bisexual man who associates with homosexuals. From ‘iron’ (a homosexual male) UK, 1950 half-jack; ha-ja; haffie noun a half-bottle (375 ml) of spirits SOUTH AFRICA , 1953 half-load noun fifteen packets of heroin US, 1973 half-man noun a kneeboarder, or a surfer who rides without standing US, 1991 half-mast adjective 1 (used of a penis) partially but not completey erect US, 1972. 2 partially lowered US, 1871 half of marge noun a police sergeant. Rhyming slang for SARGE, formed from a measure of margarine UK, 1998 half-ounce verb to cheat UK, 1960 half-ounce deal noun in prison, a trade that swaps a half ounce of tobacco for a single marijuana cigarette UK, 1996 half ounce of baccy noun a Pakistani, especially a Pakistani child. An elaboration (perhaps a reduction) of OUNCE OF BACCY (PAKI) UK, 1992 half ouncer noun a physically intimidating individual employed to control the clients of any establishment, usually of a premises offering entertainment, e.g. pub, club, concert venue, music festival, etc; a ‘chucker-out’; door-security. Rhyming slang for BOUNCER, with a degree of irony UK, 1992 half past six adjective incompetent. A sexual reference, with the hands of the clock indicating impotence SINGAPORE, 2002 half past two noun a Jewish person. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 halfpenny dip; ha’penny dip; ha’penny noun 1 a sleep. Rhyming slang for KIP UK, 1980. 2 a ship. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 halfpenny stamp; ha’penny noun a tramp. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 half-pick duck noun an incomplete account TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1975 half-pie adjective half-hearted AUSTRALIA, 1941 half-pie adverb not fully AUSTRALIA, 1992 half piece noun 14g (½ oz) of a powdered drug, especially heroin US, 1938 half-pint noun a short person. From the non-metric measure of volume US, 1876 half-pipe noun a trough in a snow slope used for aerial manoeuvres in snowboarding US, 1993 half-power noun a worker working with a hangover US, 1980 half-rack noun in the US, half a case of beer (12 bottles or cans); in Canada, a six-pack of beer US, 1997 half-scooped; hauf-scooped adjective tipsy UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 half-seas-over adjective half-drunk UK, 1700 half-sheet noun a punishment, usually a fine, received by a prison warder. This generalised term derives from the half-sheet of blank paper that an officer is given to explain his conduct UK, 1950 half smart adjective stupid US, 1927 half-soaked adjective moderately competent UK, 2001 half stamp noun a tramp. Rhyming slang UK, 1984 half-step verb to make a half-hearted, insincere effort US, 1990 half-stepper noun a person who does things only halfway and cannot be counted on US, 1981 half tanked adjective mildy drunk AUSTRALIA, 1971 half track noun crack cocaine. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 half-wit noun a stupid fool UK, 1755 half your luck you’re so lucky! Elliptical for ‘I wish I had half your luck’ AUSTRALIA, 1933 halibut head noun to the indigenous peoples of Alaska, a white person US, 1965 halter noun a necktie US, 1960 halvsies noun 1 half a share of something that is to be divided. Variants include ‘halfsies’ and ‘halfies’ US, 1927. 2 mutual oral sex performed simultaneously US, 1985 ham noun 1 an amateur shortwave radio operator and enthusiast US, 1919. 2 theatrical antics US, 1930. 3 in circus and carnival usage, food or a meal US, 1981. 4 any type of alcoholic drink US, 1997. 5 a member of the armed forces in complete dress uniform US, 1991. 6 overtime UK, 1970 ham verb 1 to over-act, to be an inferior actor US, 1930. 2 to walk US, 1962. < ham it up to behave theatrically, to exaggerate US, 1955 ham actor; ham actress; ham noun an unsubtle actor US, 1881 ham and beef noun a chief prison warder. Rhyming slang UK, 1962 ham and egg; ham noun the leg. Rhyming slang UK, 1932 ham-and-egger noun 1 in professional wrestling, a wrestler whose regular role is to lose to help the careers of others. A slight vari- ation on the boxing original US, 1999. 2 in oil drilling, an operator who has suffered loss after loss and is now burdened with poor credit US, 1954. 3 an inconsequential person who has achieved little US, 1985 ham and egging noun a general system or understanding that allows different members of a sports team to achieve best per- formances at complementary times US, 1997 ham and eggs cap noun 8see: SCRAMBLED EGGS CAP hambone noun 1 a male striptease act. A popular male display in the 1960s AUSTRALIA, 1964. 2 atromboneUS, 1934. 3 a telephone. Rhyming slang UK, 1992. 4 a black prisoner US, 1989 hamburger noun a socially inept outcast. High school usage US, 1949 hamburger helper noun 1 crack cocaine. The drug bears some resemblance to a brand name food product US, 1994. 2 a linear amplifier for a citizens’ band radio US, 1976 Hamburger Hill nickname Dong Ap Bia Mountain in South Vietnam, close to the Laos border. Taken at great cost by the US Marines in battle in May 1969, and then quietly abandoned a week later. Of marginal tactical importance and ultimately symbolic of the lack of military vision US, 1971 hamburger home noun a boarding house used by oil field workers US, 1954 hame; haim; haym noun a job, especially a menial or unpleasant one US, 1941 hamfat noun an amateur performer US, 1911 hamhock circuit noun a tour of black bars and nightclubs US, 1975 Hamilton noun a ten-dollar bill. From the engraving of Alexander Hamilton on the note US, 1948 hammed adjective drunk US, 1997 hammer noun 1 the penis US, 1967. 2 a handgun US, 1994. 3 heroin NEW ZEALAND , 1982. 4 an attractive girl or young woman US, 1970. 5 a pizza with ham topping US, 1996. 6 an accelerator pedal. Citizens’ band radio slang, often as ‘back off the hammer’ (to slow down) and ‘put the hammer down’ (to accelerate) US, 1974. 7 in shuffleboard, the eighth and final shot US, 1967. 8 in bar dice games, the player who wins the chance to play first US, 1971. < on your hammer 1 following close behind; tailing. From HAMMER AND NAIL AUSTRALIA, 1942. 2 badgering. From HAMMER AND TACK AUSTRALIA, 1955. < put the hammer on to press someone for something IRELAND, 1984 hammer verb 1 to drive a vehicle at maximum speed AUSTRALIA, 1960. 2 to inflict a resounding defeat UK, 1948. 3 to beat up UK, 1973. 4 to stretch physical limits UK, 2002. < get hammered 1 while surfing, to be knocked from your surfboard and violently thrashed by the surf US, 1988. 2 in mountain biking, to experience a violent accident US, 1992 317 half-half | hammer hammer and discus noun facial hair, whiskers. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 hammer and nail; hammer verb to follow, to tail. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 hammer and tack noun the back. Rhyming slang AUSTRALIA, 1977 hammer and tongs adverb energetically, vigorously, strongly; violently. From the vigorous use a blacksmith makes of these tools UK, 1708 hammer-blowed adjective drunk UK, 2002 hammered adjective drunk US, 1960 hammerhead noun one of several kinds of inferior horse US, 1941 hammerheading noun 1 an act of taking a recreational drug cocktail of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy, and Viagra™ (a branded drug that enables a male erection). From the after-effect of a throbbing headache UK, 2003 hammering noun a defeat, a significant defeat; a beating UK, 1900 hammer man noun a male of considerable sexual prowess. Related to the expression ‘going at it hammer and tongs’ to describe highly energetic sexual activity IRELAND, 1997 hammers noun the female thighs US, 1980 hammer-slammer noun an airframe technician. US Army usage US, 1998 hammer time noun a decisive point; the time to launch a military attack. Adapted from a catchphrase attached, in the late 1980s, to California rapper MC Hammer US, 2003 hammock noun a sanitary towel. Generally used by young males, often in the jocular formula: ‘hammock for a bleeding lazy cunt’ UK, 2003 hammock for two noun a brassiere US, 1963 hammock season noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. The image of a sanitary towel as a WEE HAMMOCK or ‘mouse’s hammock’ SOUTH AFRICA, 2001 hammy adjective melodramatic, theatrical US, 1899 hammy; hammie noun ahamstringAUSTRALIA, 1986 ham patch noun a telephone connection enabled by shortwave radio ANT ARCTICA, 1997 Hampden roar noun the state of affairs, the current situation. Rhyming slang for THE SCORE, formed from the name of Scotland’s national stadium and the roar of a football crowd UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 Hampstead Heath; hampsteads; ampstids; hamps noun the teeth. Rhyming slang, from a rural area of north London UK, 1887 Hampton Court; hampton noun salt. Rhyming slang, formed on a historic Surrey location. Do not confuse it with Hampton Wick (the penis) UK, 1992 Hampton Wick; Hampton; Wick noun 1 a penis. Rhyming slang for PRICK (the penis), after a suburb of London. A polite euphemism in its reduced forms UK, 1960. 2 a fool. Rhyming slang for PRICK (general term of offence) UK, 1977 ham sandwich noun language. Glasgow rhyming slang; this is a convincing rhyme in the appropriate accent UK: SCOTL AND, 1988 ham shank noun 1 an American. Rhyming slang for YANK. Originally a World War 2 Merchant Navy coinage to describe American ships or men, subsequently adopted by the Americans UK, 1960. 2 abank. Rhyming slang UK, 1994. 3 an act of masturbation. Rhyming slang for WANK UK, 2002 ham stealer noun a thief who steals to eat, rather than for profit US, 1976 hamster noun a discrete piece of computer code that does what it is supposed to do well US, 1991 hamster crab; crab noun a type of scratch (a manipulation of a record to create a musical effect). Derives from the crab-like movements of the DJ’s fingers; ‘hamster’ is a reference to the hamster-switch UK, 2002 hamster-style noun a method of manipulating record turntables in which the priorities are reversed. DJ jargon; on a sound mixer the hamster switch is a crossfader reverse switch, so named for the ‘BulletProof Scratch Hamsters’ who are credited with its invention in the mid-1990s UK, 2002 Hancock verb to sign. A shortened version of JOHN HANCOCK.From his admirable signature on the Declaration of Independence US, 1967 hand noun five; in betting, odds of 5–1. From the TICK-TACK signal used by bookmakers UK, 1991. < do it with one hand tied behind your back to do something very easily US, 1889. < hand has no hair used for expressing a willingness to accept money in the present situation TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1982 hand verb < hand it to to admit the superiority of someone or something US, 1914 HAND in text messaging, have anice day UK, 2003 hand and a half noun in betting, odds of 11–2. In bookmaker slang HAND is 5–1, here the addition of a ‘half’ increases the odds to 5½-1 or 11–2 UK, 1991 hand and fist adjective drunk. Rhyming slang, always used in full, for PISSED UK, 1992 H and B adjective sexually aroused; hot and bothered US, 1968 handbag noun 1 an attractive male escort for a woman at a social engagement AUSTRALIA, 1967. 2 a male homosexual AUSTRALIA, 1992. 3 money. Also variant ‘hambag’ UK, 1984 handbag-positive adjective applied to a confused and disoriented patient, lying in a hospital bed, clutching their handbag or purse. A jocular medical condition UK, 2002 handbags noun a minor verbal or physical disagreement, especially on a sports pitch UK, 2003 Handbags nickname second battalion, Royal Green Jackets UK, 1995 handbags at dawn a minor verbal or physical disagreement UK, 2001 handbags at ten paces a conflict that, despite its potential for violent confrontation, comes to nothing more than posturing. The number of paces may vary UK, 1991 handball verb to insert your lubricated hand into your partner’s rectum or vagina, providing sexual pleasure for both US, 1979 handballing noun the insertion of a hand and fist into a person’s rectum or vagina for sexual gratification US, 1999 hand bomb verb to throw a just-caught salmon using both hands CANADA, 1989 handbook noun a bookmaker who operates on the street, without the benefit of a fixed office US, 1973 handbrake noun a wife or girlfriend, seen as preventing a man from having a good time AU STRALIA, 1998 handbrakie noun a handbrake turn AUSTRALIA, 1996 H and C noun a mixture of heroin and cocaine. A play on ‘hot and cold’, shown on taps as H and C US, 1971 hand cannon noun a large pistol. Used for effect, quaintly old- fashioned US, 1929 handcuff noun an engagement or wedding ring US, 1926 handcuffed adjective married US, 1945 hand-doodle noun to masturbate US, 1968 H and E noun high explosives US, 1971 -handed suffix denotes the specific or general size of a gang when combined with a unit of measurement, e.g. two-, ten-, mob- handed UK, 1999 hand fuck verb to insert a lubricated fist into a partner’s rectum or vagina, leading to sexual pleasure for both US, 1979 handful noun 1 a troublesome person who is difficult to control; something difficult to control UK, 1887. 2 a prison sentence of five years US, 1930. 3 in a restaurant or soda fountain, five US, 1967. 4 in racing, five. As high as you can count on one hand. To win by ‘a couple of handfuls’ is to win by ten lengths UK, 1937. 5 five pounds (£5) UK, 1961. 6 gambling odds of 5–1, especially among bookmakers UK, 1984. < get a handful; have a handful to fondle a woman’s breasts, buttocks or genitals UK, 1977 hammer and discus | handful 318 hand gallop noun an act of male masturbation US, 1971 hand gr enaded adjective (used of a racing car engine) exploded and damaged US, 1980 handicap noun a sexually transmitted infection, especially gonorrhoea. Rhyming slang for CLAP UK, 1992 handicap chase; handicap noun a face, especially an ugly face. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 handie noun an act of manual masturbation. From HAND JOB AUSTRALIA , 1994 handies noun fondling of hands by lovers AUSTRALIA, 1915 handing out noun in prison, the act of separating an imprisoned mother from her baby (subject to disciplinary exceptions the parent and child may spend up to eighteen months in a mother and baby unit) UK, 1996 hand jig; hand gi g noun masturbation US, 1962 hand jive noun 1 a rhythmic pattern of hand-movements performed to music as a substitute for more usual forms of dance; hence, obscure hand signals US, 1958. 2 an act of masturbating a male UK, 2003 hand job noun 1 manual stimulation of another’s genitals US, 1937. 2 in trucking, cargo that must be hand-loaded US, 1971 hand-job verb to masturbate another person US, 1969 handle noun 1 aname,anicknameUS, 1837. 2 a self-attributed identity used on citizens’ band radio US, 1974. 3 a big nose US, 1750. 4 a glass of beer served in a 10-fluid-ounce glass with a handle AUSTRALIA, 1943. 5 a half-pint glass of beer NEW ZEALAND, 1994. 6 in horse racing, the total amount bet, either on a given race or an entire season US, 1951. < get a handle on to gain a means of comprehending or controlling someone or something US, 1972 handle verb to stay in control. Hawaiian youth usage as an intransitive verb US, 1981. < handle swollen goods (of a male) to masturbate. Punning a criminal activity: ‘to handle stolen goods’ UK, 2001 handler noun 1 a drug dealer who deals in large quantities to retail- level sellers US, 1953. 2 in drag racing, a driver US, 1968 handles noun in basketball, ball-handling skill US, 1997 handle-slammer noun a person who manipulates the handles of a slot machine that is in need of repair, forcing the machine to pay out regardless of the spin US, 1984 hand like a foot noun in card games, a very bad hand of cards. A pun that was previously used of poor handwriting. Currently in popular use at Internet sites devoted to poker UK, 1956 handmade noun 1 a large penis. An allusion to the belief that excessive masturbation will produce a larger-than-average penis US, 1967. 2 a hand-rolled cigarette US, 1988 hand mucker noun in gambling, a cheat who switches cards US, 1979 handout noun in prison, the act of giving a prisoner’s property to a visitor for removal UK, 1996 hand over fist adverb very quickly, especially applied to making or losing money UK, 1888 hand queen noun a male homosexual who favours masturbating his partner US, 1964 hand-reared adjective endowed with a large penis. A reference to masturbation, presumably with the suggestion that such manipu- lation promotes growth UK, 1961 hand r elief noun masturbation in the context of a hand massage – a sexual service offered in some massage parlours US, 1988 hand ride noun in horse racing, a race run without using a whip US, 1974 hand-rolled noun a marijuana cigarette. Mildly euphemistic, and thus mildly humorous US, 1978 hands noun < put your hands up to confess, especially to admit to a crime. The universal gesture of surrender. The singular ‘put your hand up’ seems unlikely; it smacks of a schoolchild seeking attention UK, 1970 hands and feet noun meat. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 hands and heels adjective in horse racing, used for describing a ride in which the jockey did not use his whip AUSTRALIA, 1989 handshake noun 1 the synchronisation mechanism of two computers or two programs US, 1991. 2 to engage in mutual masturbation US, 1961 hand shandy; handy shandy noun an act of male masturbation UK, 1997 hand shoe noun a glove US, 1977 hands off cocks – feet in socks!; hands off your cocks and pull up your socks!; hands off cocks – on with s ocks!; hands off cocks, on socks! used for awakening sleeping men. Military usage UK, 1976 handsome! excellent, first-rate; used for registering approval UK, 1997 hand thing noun the act of masturbating a man. A variation of HAND-JOB US, 2001 hand-to-gland combat noun an act of masturbation, especially if conducted with vigour. A pun on ‘hand-to-hand combat’ AUSTRALIA, 1998 hand tools noun lockpicks, screwdrivers and other tools used by burglars US, 1982 hand to rouf noun in betting, odds of 5–4. A combination of HAND (five) and ROUF (four) UK, 1991 hand up verb to incriminate UK, 2002 handwave verb to oversimplify or give a cursory explanation of a complicated point US, 1981 handy noun among antique dealers, an antique small enough to conceal in the palm of the hand UK, 2003 handy adjective good at fighting UK, 1997 hane adjective disgusting. An abbreviation of HEINOUS US, 1993 hang noun 1 a little bit. Used as a euphemism for ‘damn’; always in the negative UK, 1861. 2 used as a euphemism for ‘hell’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1960. 3 a person who regularly spends time in one place, or around people and places that are in some way associated US, 1996. 4 ajob US, 1950. < get the hang of something to learn how to do something US, 1847. < give a hang; care a hang to care, to be concerned – usually in a negative context UK, 1861 hang verb 1 to turn, especially but not exclusively applied to driving a vehicle. Usually in the phrase ‘hang a left/right’ (to make a left/right turn) US, 1967. 2 to tolerate, to keep up with US, 1993. 3 used for registering annoyance, impatience, etc, as in ‘hang the expense’. From the sense ‘to execute by hanging’ UK, 1392. 4 to idle US, 1941. 5 (used of a computer program) to wait in suspension for something that will not occur US, 1983. < hang crepe in a hospital, to manage a patient’s expectations by leading them to expect the very worst US, 1994. < hang five to surf with five toes extended over the front edge of the board US, 1963. < hang hard to suffer a hangover US, 1996. < hang heels to surf with your heels extended backwards over the tail of the surfboard US, 1977. < hang her alongside awhile before we heist her aboard (of an idea or plan) to urge someone to think about it before we do anything CANADA, 1992. < hang it up 1 to insult US, 1989. 2 to stop talking; to shut up US, 1963. 3 to retire. Or ‘hang them up’ US, 1936 . < hang loose to do little and to do it without angst US, 1955. < hang on the iron to put snow chains on a truck’s tyres US, 1961. < hang on the leg (used of a prisoner) to associate and curry favour with prison authorities US, 1992. < hang on the wall (used of a groupie) to loiter at a rock and roll club in the hopes of making contact with a musician US, 1969. < hang one on to punch AUSTRALIA, 1974. < hang paper 1 to pass counterfeit money US, 1976. 2 to pass cheques with fraudulent intent UK, 1996. < hang ten to surf with all the toes of both feet extended over the front of the board US, 1963. < hang tight to stay put, to stay resolved US, 1947. < hang up your jock to quit or retire US, 1983. < hang your hat to live, to reside US, 1969. < hang your own in circus and carnival usage, to brag. A metaphor derived from the image of the braggart hanging posters advertising himself US, 1981 hang about verb to loiter, to hesitate, to haunt UK, 1892 319 hand gallop | hang about hang about! used for demanding a pause in an activity. Always imperative, sometimes used to indicate that the speaker has suddenly understood something UK, 1974 hangar noun in trucking, a garage US, 1976 hangar-flying noun a group conversation among combat pilots, reliving combat missions US, 1918 hang around verb to idle, to pass time aimlessly, to socialise US, 1830 hangar queen noun an aircraft that spends an inordinate amount of time being repaired US, 1943 hangashore; angishore noun a person who does not go out fishing and thus is regarded as lazy. Originally from the Irish word aindeiseoir (a wretch), this word was adapted by folk etymology to apply to the fishing culture of Atlantic Canada CANADA, 1988 hangcher noun a handkerchief TRISTAN DA CUNHA, 1963 hang-down noun the penis US, 2001 hanged up adjective drug-intoxicated US, 1949 hanger noun 1 a piece of paper currency that has not fallen all the way through the slot on a casino table where cash is dropped US, 1980. 2 in pool, a ball that is at rest right at the edge of a pocket US, 1937. 3 a handgun cartridge that fails to detonate immediately after being struck by the firing pin US, 1957. 4 a handbag with a strap US, 1950 Hanger Lane noun a nuisance, an annoyance, a frustration, an irri- tation. Rhyming slang for PAIN, formed from the name of a traffic- junction on London’s North Circular road, probably coined by a driver in a jam UK, 1992 hang-gut noun a paunchy stomach BAHAMAS, 1982 hanging adjective 1 of inferior quality UK, 2002. 2 drunk; exhausted UK, 2002 hanging bacon noun the outer labia of the vagina UK, 2002 hanging Johnny noun the penis in a flaccid state US, 1980 Hanging Sam noun General Samuel T. Williams of the US Army. Williams fought Pancho Villa in Mexico, and then in World War 1, World War 2, Korea and Vietnam US, 1972 hang it!; hang it all! used for registering annoyance, irritation or despair UK, 1703 hangman noun a difficult person NEW ZEALAND, 2002 hangnail noun a slow-moving person, a dawdler, especially a slow driver. Rhyming slang for ‘snail’, from the characteristics of the creature UK, 1998 hang on verb 1 to wait; to wait while using a telephone. Often used in the imperative UK, 1959. 2 to make a criminal charge against US, 1957 hangout noun a place where people gather to socialise. At times a negative connotation US, 1892 hang out verb 1 to spend time with someone, usually a friend or friends US, 1867. 2 to monitor a citizen’s band radio channel US, 1976 hangtime noun time spent waiting for something to happen US, 1991 hang tough! used for expressing support when departing US, 1990 hang up verb 1 when combined with an article symbolic of a trade, profession or sport, to retire from that field of endeavour. ‘Hang up your fiddle’, which carries the generalised sense of retiring, is first recorded in 1833; however the current wide use may well owe its generation to Western films, particularly the cliché of an aged or disabled gun-fighter hanging up his guns. Of modern variations ‘Hang up (one’s) tits’ is recorded of a retiring female impersonator in 1984. In 2003 a brief search of contemporary sources reveals a hairdresser hanging up his scissors, a judge hanging up the wig and robe, a Malayan who has hung up his Kalashnikov, a chef who hangs up his toque and white jacket, and a war correspondent who has hung up her flak jacket; jockeys hang up their silks, boxers hang up their gloves, sumo wrestlers hang up their loincloths, etc UK, 1833. 2 in a prayer group, to pray last. If ‘to pray first’ is to DIAL, then it is only logical that ‘to pray last’ is ‘to hang up’ US, 1990. < hang up a shingle to go into business for yourself US, 1997 hangup; hang-up noun 1 an emotional problem, neurosis or inhi- bition US, 1952. 2 in foot-propelled scootering, a seizing-up of a wheel during the performance of a trick UK, 2000 hanhich noun hashish. Probably a misspelling of ‘hashish’ UK, 2003 hank noun < take your hank to masturbate US, 1967 hank book noun a pornographic book or magazine US, 1974 hank freak noun a person obsessed with masturbating US, 1967 Hank Marvin adjective very hungry. Rhyming slang for ‘starving’; based on the name of popular guitarist Hank Marvin (b.1941) UK, 1998 hankty adjective suspicious US, 1966 hanky; hankie noun a handkerchief; a tissue (often qualified as a paper hankie). In the US a childish shortening virtually conven- tional in the UK UK, 1895 hanky code; hankie code noun a designation of a person’s sexual preferences, signalled by the colour of the handkerchief and the pocket in which it is worn US, 1991 hanky p ank noun a carnival game in which the customer is allowed to win small, inexpensive prizes US, 1985 hankypank adjective (used of a carnival game) inexpensive US, 1950 hanky-panky; hankie-pankie noun 1 trickery, mischief, especially of a sexual nature UK, 1841. 2 a boyfriend. Teen slang UK, 2003 Hannibal Lecter noun a ticket inspector. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a fictional serial killer who caught the popular imagination, created in 1981 by author Thomas Harris and portrayed on film in 1986 by Brian Cox, and, most famously, by Anthony Hopkins from 1992 UK, 1998 Hanoi Hannah noun a composite character on Radio Hanoi who broadcast during the Vietnam war with a target audience of US troops and a goal of lessening troop morale US, 1967 Hanoi Hilton nickname a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp, formally known as the Hoa Lo Prison (1964–1973). The title of a 1987 film starring Michael Moriarty and Jeffrey Jones as US prisoners of war trying to survive in the camp US, 1970 hanyak noun a smokeable methamphetamine UK, 1998 hap noun 1 an event or activity. An abbreviation of ‘happening’; usually found in questions such as ‘What’s the hap?’ US, 1971. 2 a bite; a mouthful. Directly from Afrikaans SOUTH AFRICA, 1978 hapas capas noun a writ of habeas corpus US, 1950 ha’penny noun the female genitals. From the small value halfpenny coin UK, 1984 8see: HALFPENNY DIP, HALFPENNY STAMP ha’porth noun a small or negligible measure of something (cost, potency, wit, etc). A colloquial contraction of ‘halfpennyworth’ that orginally, surely, suggested greater value and less contempt UK, 1976 ha’p’orth; haporth; apeth noun a fool. A contraction of ‘halfpennyworth’ signifying something of little value; gently contemptuous and usually qualified as ‘daft ha’porth’, ‘silly apeth’, etc UK, 1974 happen verb to be successful US, 1949 happening noun 1 an unstructured event built around music, drugs and a strong sense of bonding US, 1959. 2 a party at which there is much drinking; a booze-up AUSTRALIA, 1971 happening adjective modern, fashionable, chic. In common with many words that define the times, ‘happening’ is now deeply unfashionable, surviving in irony and the vocabularies of those who were there when it was ‘happening’ US, 1977. < it’s all happening! used when more than one thing happens at the same time; used of a general state of excitement UK, 1976 happily adverb in computing, operating without awareness of an important fact US, 1991 happiness noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2002 happy noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1996 happy adjective slightly drunk UK, 1770. < are you happy in your work? asked, ironically, of someone engaged in dirty or dangerous hang about! | happy 320 work. Originally military, in the form ‘are you happy in the Service?’ UK, 1943 -happy suffix mentally unbalanced or obsessed in the manner denoted by earlier or current circumstances, or impending fate, as affixed. Originally military, from HAPPY (slightly drunk); thus ‘bomb- happy’ (nerves shattered by exposure to imminent death or mutilation), ‘demob-happy’ (obsessed by demobilisation, release from service) US, 1931 happy as a pig in shit adjective extremely happy UK, 1944 happy as Larry adjective extremely happy. Just exactly who the proverbially happy Larry was is one of those snippets of infor- mation lost in time AUSTRALIA, 1905 happy bag noun a holdall in which an armed robber carries the equipment of his trade UK, 2002 happy bunny noun a person who is very contented. Childish imagery, originally business jargon. A contented worker, or team member. Often with a negative sense: ‘not a happy bunny’ US, 1998 happy camper noun used as a humorous description of a contented person. Often said with sarcasm or used in the negative US, 1981 happy cigarette noun a marijuana cigarette US, 1982 happy-clappy adjective filled with spiritual joy, sometimes applied to Christians but rarely in the conventional Church UK, 1993 happy day noun a mixture of bottled strong ale and draught beer UK: SCOTLAND , 1996 happy days noun 1 a type of bet in an illegal numbers game lottery US, 1957. 2 breadfruit BARBADOS, 1965 happy drug noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 happy dust noun cocaine, morphine or any powdered mind-altering drug. Imparts a sense of nostalgia, not unlike WACKY BACCY (marijuana). The term of choice for cocaine in George Gerswhin’s Porgy and Bess US, 1922 happy fag noun a marijuana cigarette UK, 2002 happy gas noun nitrous oxide, laughing gas AUSTRALIA, 1986 happy hacking used as a farewell US, 1981 happy happy joy joy used as a humorous, often sarcastic, celebratory remark. First heard in the Ren and Stimpy cartoon (1991–1995), and then popularised with a broader audience by Keith Olberman on ESPN US, 1997 happy herb noun marijuana UK, 1998 happy hour noun a period of time in the late afternoon when a bar serves free snacks and drinks at reduced prices US, 1959 happy hours noun flowers. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 happy little Vegemite noun a happy person, especially a child. From an advertising jingle for Vegemite™, a yeast-based spread popular in Australia AUSTRALIA, 1988 happy meal noun a mixture of chemical stimulants and depress- ants. A Happy Meal is more usually a product of McDonalds™ fast- food restaurants UK, 2001 happy pie noun the vagina US, 1974 happy pill noun 1 an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimulant UK, 1956. 2 a Prozac™ tablet UK, 2001. 3 a tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 happy powder noun cocaine UK, 1998 happy Sally noun strong, homemade whisky US, 1986 happy shop noun an off-licence (a liquor store) US, 1972 happy slap verb to physically assault a randomly chosen person and film the incident on a mobile phone UK, 2005 happy slapper noun a person who, as part of popular youth craze, violently attacks a randomly chosen individual while the incident is filmed by an accomplice UK, 2005 happy slapping noun an apparently motiveless violent attack on a randomly chosen innocent person while the incident is filmed by an accomplice; or such attacks collectively; or the teenage craze for such attacks UK, 2005 happy stick noun a marijuana cigarette enhanced with phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust US, 1999 happy trails noun cocaine. From the cowboy song known by those who came of age in the US in the 1950s and 60s US, 1993 happy trails used as a farewell. A catchphrase television sign-off sung on The Roy Rogers Show (NBC, 1951–57). Repeated with referential humour US, 1951 happy valley noun the cleft between the buttock cheeks US, 1970s Happy Valley nickname the Vinh Thanh Valley, during the war a dangerous area northeast of An Khe, South Vietnam US, 1983 haps noun the latest; something that is popular. Often heard as ‘the haps’ US, 1961 harami noun a shrewd or cunning person; used as a term of abuse it may carry the same sense as ‘bastard’. From Urdu haram (that which is sacred), hence Urdu harami (a rogue). There is anecdotal evidence that it has been in UK since the 1960s. Current in Pakistan and Indian street slang, as is the equivalent but more abusive Urdu term haramzada (a son of wickedness; a BASTARD) INDIA , 2003 harass verb to flirt TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 Harbour City nickname Sydney AUSTRALIA, 1964 harbour light; harbour adjective right. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 hard noun 1 an erection US, 1961. 2 hardcore sexual material US, 1977. 3 an addictive drug NEW ZEALAND, 1982. 4 coins US, 1950 hard adjective 1 of drinks, intoxicating, spiritous, ‘strong’ US, 1789. 2 (used of drugs) powerfully addictive US, 1955. 3 fine, excellent US, 1948. 4 muscular, toned US, 1990. 5 of rock music, serious, uncompromising, with a strong rhythmic force US, 1960s. 6 of rave music, relentlessly rhythmic UK, 1998. 7 of pornographic material, descriptive of anything that is more explicit than society finds gen- erally acceptable. A flexible standard depending on where you are. US, 1969. 8 in craps, a point made with a matching pair. A bet on a ‘hard’ number means that the only combination that will win is a pair. Often used in the phrase ‘the hard way’ US, 1930. 9 (used of straightened hair) heavily greased US, 1970. 10 in blackjack, said of a hand without an ace or with an ace and a value of 12 or higher US, 1978. 11 (used of a theatre ticket) reserved for a specific seat US, 1973 hard adverb < go hard to engage in gunfire US, 2003 hard ankle noun a working man, especially a trucker US, 1976 hard-arsed; hard-ass; hard-assed adjective uncompromising, unyielding, tough, stubborn UK, 1903 hard ask noun a difficult challenge NEW ZEALAND, 2000 hard-ass noun a strict, unforgiving, unrelenting person US, 1966 hard-ass verb 1 to endure a difficult situation US, 1967. 2 to treat harshly US, 1970 hard a t it adjective very busy, especially when engaged on a particu- lar task UK, 1749 hardback adjective old JAMAICA, 2000 hardball noun 1 competition or conflict with no holds barred US, 1972. 2 crack cocaine UK, 2003 hardballer noun a person who competes or pursues an interest with an intense focus and little thought as to the consequences US, 1984 hardbelly noun a teenage girl or young woman. Biker (motorcyle) usage US, 1988 hard bit noun a prison sentence that is especially difficult to serve, 1996 hard-boiled adjective callous, cynical, emotionally uninvolved, tough; describing the characteristics of macho tough guys in ‘hard-boiled’ pulp fiction. Figurative usage of the solid properties of hard-boiled eggs, or clothing vigorously boiled in starch; applied by Mark Twain (1835–1910) to refer to rigid rules of grammar (1886); in the early 1900s it applied to hard or stiff clothing; by 1918 it was being used to describe a person who stuck rigidly to the rules; from which the current sense evolved US, 1904 321 -happy | hard-boiled hardboot noun a person from Kentucky US, 1923 hard candy noun 1 heroin US, 1970. 2 a person who has been ident- ified for revenge by a prison gang US, 1997 hard-case noun a hardened, tough person US, 1836 hard-case adjective eccentric, unconventional NEW ZEALAND, 1971 hard cat noun a well-dressed, popular male US, 1959 hard-charge verb in car racing, to drive aggressively US, 1965 hard chaw noun athugIRELAND, 2003 hard cheddar noun bad luck UK, 1931 hard cheese noun bad luck. Often said in commiseration UK, 1876 hardcore noun 1 amyl nitrite. Perhaps from ‘hardcore’ as a grade of pornography because of the drug’s reputation as a sexual relaxant UK, 1996. 2 a regular soldier of the North Vietnamese Army or the Viet Cong US, 1991 hardcore adjective 1 of pornography, graphic, explicit. The gradations between SOFTCORE and ‘hardcore’ vary over time and place; in general, the erect penis, penetration and ejaculation are the hallmarks of hardcore pornography US, 1970. 2 extreme US, 1997 hardcore adverb extremely US, 1997 hard cut adjective rough, tough, hard-living CANADA, 1962 hard-doer; hard doer noun a person who struggles valiantly against difficulties. Literally, a person who ‘does it hard’. A term of approbation AUSTRALIA, 1910 hard dresser noun an aggressive, ‘mannish’ lesbian US, 1967 hard-earned noun money, especially that identified as earnings, 1975 hard-ears noun said of a stubborn person TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 har-de-har-har used as a vocalisation mocking laughter US, 1957 hardfist noun a violence-prone, tough person CANADA, 1955 hard graft noun hard work AUSTRALIA, 1873 hard-grafting adjective hard-working AUSTRALIA, 1972 hard guy noun a serious, violent criminal US, 1916 hard hat noun an elite, full-time Viet Cong soldier US, 1965 hard head noun a criminal who uses explosives to break into safes US, 1949 hard hit noun an act of defecation. Rhyming slang for SHIT, especially in the phrase ‘go for a hard hit’ UK, 1978 Hard John noun 1 an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) US, 1945. 2 a tough, uncompromising person US, 1961 hard knock adjective toughened by life. Having been through the SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS US, 1977 hard labour noun a neighbour. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 hard leg noun an experienced, cynical prostitute US, 1967 hard line noun crack cocaine UK, 1998 hard lines noun bad luck. Probably of nautical origins. Often said in commiseration UK, 1824 hard-look verb to stare at aggressively US, 1994 hard mack noun a brutish pimp who relies on force and the threat of force to control his prostitutes US, 1972 hard man noun 1 a professional thug; a person not afraid of violent action US, 1970. 2 an uncompromising politician or businessman UK, 1976 hard money noun cash US, 1972 hard-mouth verb to threaten or disparage TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1960 hard nail noun a hypodermic needle US, 1955 hard-nosed adjective stubborn, uncompromising US, 1927 hard nut noun a dangerous foe; a tough individual; a difficult challenge. Clipped from ‘a hard nut to crack’ US, 1884 hard nut to crack noun 8see: TOUGH NUT hard of hearing adjective undisciplined, disobedient TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1973 hard-on noun 1 the erect penis; an erection US, 1888. 2 a grudge US, 1931 . 3 a stubborn, belligerent person US, 1968. 4 a prized possession; something to be desired. Derives from the sense as ‘an erection’, via the idea that inanimate objects can be SEXY (desirable) UK, 1999. 5 a desire for US, 1971 hard on adjective addicted to BAHAMAS, 1982 hard one noun in necrophile usage, a corpse that has stiffened with rigor mortis US, 1987 hard pimp noun a pimp who relies on violence and the threat of violence to control his prostitutes US, 1973 hard-pushed adjective in difficulties, especially financial UK, 1834 hard rice noun during the Vietnam war, weapons and ammunition US, 1985 hard rock noun crack cocaine. An elaboration of ROCK UK, 1998 hardshell B aptist noun a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, or any other rigidly orthodox Baptist US, 1838 hard shells noun powerfully addictive drugs, such as heroin, morphine and cocaine US, 1960 hard, soft and wet denotes all that is necessary to operate a computer UK, 1998 hard sports noun sadomasochistic sex-play involving defecation, especially when it is offered as a service in a prostitute’s advertising UK, 2003 hard spot noun an ambush using tanks or other armour as part of the ambush US, 1991 hard stuff noun 1 alcoholic drink other than beer or wine AU S TRALIA, 1832. 2 addictive drugs such as heroin or cocaine US, 1950. 3 coins US, 1788 hardtail noun a motorcyle with no rear shock absorbers US, 1992 hard time noun a long prison sentence, whether in absolute terms or relative to the crime or relative to the prisoner’s ability to survive US, 1927 hard-timer noun a prisoner serving a long sentence US, 1986 hard up adjective 1 in want of money, impoverished UK, 1818. 2 in need of something specified UK, 1840 hardware noun 1 weapons, usually guns US, 1865. 2 ostentatious jewellery US, 1939. 3 silverware US, 1962. 4 any medal or trophy awarded in a competition US, 1921 hardware shop noun a homosexual male brothel UK, 1987 hardware store noun a poker game in which players generally bet based on the value of their hands and do not bluff. An allusion to the True Value chain of hardware stores in the US US, 1996 hard word noun < put the hard word on someone 1 to ask someone for sexual intercourse AUSTRALIA, 1936. 2 to make a fervent request of someone AUSTRALIA, 1918 hard yakka; hard yacker noun hard work AUSTRALIA, 1888 hard yard noun a difficult challenge NEW ZEALAND, 2000 hard yards noun exacting work. Originally a sporting metaphor AUSTRALIA, 2001 hare and hound noun a round of drinks. Rhyming slang; a variation of FOX AND HOUND UK, 1992 hare-and-hound race noun a long motorcyle race in the desert US, 1965 haricot bean; haricot noun a male homosexual. Rhyming slang for QUEEN AUSTRALIA, 1971 Harlem credit card noun a siphon used for stealing petrol from parked cars US, 1979 Harlem handshake noun a series of hand-to-hand manoeuvres that combine into an idiosyncratic handshake. Harlem, New York, is a centre of the black community and figuratively used to emphasise stereotypical and negative black characteristics US, 2000 Harlem heater noun any improvised source of heat, such as leaving an oven door open to heat the room. New York police slang US, 1997 Harlem sunset noun the blood-red line on freshly razor-slashed skin. Harlem New York, is a centre of the black community and hardboot | Harlem sunse t 322 figuratively used to emphasise negative black characteristics; here, combined with an allusion to ‘blood red sunsets’, the suggestion is that only black people get into razor fights US, 1940 Harlem taxi noun a large, luxury car painted in an extravagant colour US, 1962 Harlem tennis noun thegameofcrapsUS, 1983 Harlem toothpick noun a pocket knife; a switchblade US, 1944 Harley wrench noun a hammer. Humorous biker (motorcyle) usage, suggesting a low degree of sophistication among motorcyle mech- anics US, 2003 harmonic noun Indian tonic water. Rhyming slang UK, 1984 harm reducer noun marijuana. A reference to the claim that smoking tobacco mixed with marijuana will cause less harm than unadulterated tobacco UK, 2001 harness noun 1 reinforcement on the outside of a safe US, 1949. 2 a uniform US, 1853. 3 the leather clothing worn by some motorcyle riders and embraced as a fashion statement by others US, 1993 harness adjective uniformed US, 1903 harness rack noun an old horse CANADA, 1987 Harold Lloyd; harold noun celluloid (as a housebreaking tool, used for forcing locks). Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the legendary silent film comedian, 1893–1971 UK, 1959 Harold Macmillan; ‘arold noun a villain. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a British prime minister (1957–63) and statesman, 1894–1986 UK, 1992 Harold Pinter; ‘arold noun a splinter. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a playwright (b.1930) UK, 1992 harolds noun knickers. Probably rhyming slang, from HARRY TAGGS, shortened to Harry, thus Harold AUSTRALIA, 1971 harp noun 1 a harmonica US, 1887. 2 an Irish-American or an Irish person US, 1898 harpic adjective mad, crazy, eccentric. A play on ROUND THE BEND (mad) and branded toilet cleaner Harpic’s advertising slogan ‘cleans round the bend’. It is interesting to note that a cocktail of blue curacoa, kahlua, vodka and lemonade is named Harpic – probably not just for the colour. Also used as a nickname UK, 1961 harpist noun a harmonica player. From HARP (a harmonica) UK, 1993 harpoon noun a needle used to inject drugs intravenously, especially a hollow needle used in an improvised contraption US, 1938 Harris tweed noun amphetamine. Rhyming slang for SPEED UK, 1983 Harry noun heroin. Giving an personal identity and disguise to H (heroin) US, 1954 Harry-big-button noun any cheap electrical appliance characterised by unfashionable design, especially large control knobs UK, 2002 harry-carry noun suicide. From Japanese hara-kiri (ritual suicide by disembowelment) UK, 1996 Harry Freemans noun anything that is free. Royal Navy, from obsolete ‘drink at freeman’s quay’ (to drink at another’s expense) UK, 1962 Harry Hill noun a tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. Rhyming slang for ‘pill’; based on the name of UK comedian Harry Hill (b.1964) UK, 2001 Harry Hoof noun a male homosexual. Glasgow rhyming slang for POOF UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 Harry Huggins noun a fool, an idiot, often with an implication that the fool is a victim (and a fool to be so). Rhyming slang for MUGGINS (an idiot) UK, 1992 Harry James noun the nose. A pun on ‘trumpet’, connected to band leader and trumpet player Harry James (1916–83) UK, 1958 Harry Lauder noun a prison warder. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the Scottish comedian and singer, Sir Harry Lauder, 1870–1950 UK, 1961 Harry Lime noun time. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the character played by Orson Welles in the 1950 film The Third Man UK, 1972 Harry Monk; harry noun semen. Rhyming slang for SPUNK; gener- ally reduced UK, 1992 Harry Selby noun used in a theatre programme as a fictitious name for an actor. Less common than GEORGE SPELVIN, but serving the same purpose US, 1973 Harry Tagg noun bag. Rhyming slang; theatrical. Current in 1960 UK, 1960 Harry Taggs; harolds noun trousers. Rhyming slang for ‘bags’ (trousers) UK, 1992 Harry Tate noun 1 eight pounds (£8). Rhyming slang, formed from the stage name of musical hall performer Ronald Hutchinson, 1872–1940 UK, 1992. 2 a plate. Rhyming slang UK, 1992. 3 afirst officer in the Merchant Navy. Rhyming slang for ‘mate’ UK, 1961. 4 a confusion; an attack of nerves; an emotional state. Rhyming slang for ‘state’ UK, 1932 Harry Tate adjective late. Rhyming slang, formed from the stage name of musical hall performer Ronald Hutchinson, 1872–1940 UK, 1960 Harry Tates noun branded cigarettes, Player’s ‘Weights’. Rhyming slang UK, 1974 Harry Wragg; Harry Rag; harry noun a cigarette. Rhyming slang for FAG (a cigarette), formed on the name of jockey Harry Wragg, 1902–85 UK, 1960 Harry X-ers with Harry preceding and -ers suffixed, a personified variation of an adjective or adverb. Mainly nautical, in applications such as ‘Harry Nuders’ (naked) UK, 1925 harsh noun marijuana, hashish. Probably a play on the pronunciation of HASH (hashish) but may well refer to the quality UK, 2003 harsh verb to criticise or disparage US, 1988. < harsh a mellow to ruin a calm situation US, 1997 harsh adjective 1 disagreeable, forbidding, severe. Conventional English rendered slang by the young US, 1984. 2 in motor racing, bumpy and rough US, 1980 Hart, Schaffner and Marx noun in poker, three jacks. An allusion to a men’s clothing manufacturer US, 1988 harum-scarum adjective reckless, careless UK, 1751 harum-scarum adverb recklessly, wildly UK, 1691 harvest moon; harvest noun a black person. Rhyming slang for COON UK, 1992 Harvey Nichol noun a predicament. Rhyming slang for PICKLE, formed from the name of London department store Harvey Nichols UK, 1932 Harvey Nichols noun pickles, savoury condiments. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a London department store UK, 1960 Harvey Nicks; Harvey Nic’s nickname Harvey Nichols, a fashionable department store UK, 1991 Harvey Smith noun a v-sign as an insulting gesture. Following an incident on 15th August 1971 when show-jumper Harvey Smith used the gesture at the British Jumping Derby and as a result was disqualified (a decision subsequently overturned); his spontaneous action swiftly became part of UK folklore UK, 1979 Harvey Wallbanger noun any unsafe, reckless and/or drunk driver US, 1976 has noun hashish. An abbreviated variation of HASH UK, 1998 has-been noun a person whose best days and greatest achievements are in the past UK, 1606 has beens noun green vegetables, especially cabbage. Rhyming slang for GREENS UK, 1984 hasbian noun a former lesbian; a woman who took lesbian lovers in college, but who reverted to heterosexuality after graduation from college US, 1995 hash noun 1 hashish (cannabis resin or pollen). Variant spellings include ‘hashi’, ‘hashis’ and ‘haschi’. Derived from the Arabic word for ‘herb’ or ‘grass’, as though it were the herb ‘par excellence’ (Sadie Plant, ‘Writing On Drugs’, 1999) US, 1948. 2 a number sign (#) 323 Harlem taxi | hash on a computer keyboard US, 1991. < make a hash to spoil, to make a mess of something UK, 1833 hash verb to serve alcoholic drink that is not the brand claimed US, 1979 hash and trash noun background noise during a citizens’ band radio transmission US, 1976 Hashbury nickname the Haight-Ashbury neigbourhood of San Francisco. A blending of the two street names and an allusion to the drug-using propensities of the area’s residents US, 1967 hashcake noun a confection that has marijuana or hashish as a major ingredient UK, 2000 hash cannon noun a device for smoking marijuana or hashish, used to force smoke deep into the lungs US, 1970 hasher noun a waitress in an inexpensive restaurant US, 1908 hash house noun a restaurant that serves inexpensive, simply prepared food, catering to working men US, 1868 hash joint noun a hash house US, 1895 hash out verb to discuss until an issue is resolved US, 1995 hashover noun a general feeling of lethargy or malaise following marijuana use. A play on ‘hangover’ and HASH (marijuana) UK, 1996 hash-puppy noun a dog trained to sniff-out marijuana. A play on Hush Puppies™, US branded footware, introduced in 1958 AUSTRALIA, 1970 hash-slinger noun a waitress or cook US, 1868 hassle noun a problem, trouble, harassment US, 1946 hassle verb 1 to harass, annoy US, 1959. 2 to engage in mock plane-to- plane aerial combat US, 1979 hasta la bye-bye goodbye. Intentionally butchered Spanish US, 1990 hasta la vista, baby! see you later! Popularised by Tone Loc in his 1989 rap hit ‘Wild Thing’ US, 1990 hasta lumbago used as a humorous farewell. An intentional corruption of the Spanish hasta luego (until later) US, 1977 hat noun 1 in drag racing, a crash helmet US, 1968. 2 acondomUS, 1992. 3 a woman US, 1963. 4 on the railways, an incompetent worker US, 1977. 5 a US Marines drill instructor US, 1991. 6 twenty-five dollars US, 1973. 7 anything bought with a bribe, used as code for a bribe US, 1973. 8 the up-arrow or caret key (^) on a computer keyboard US, 1991 . 9 a dose of LSD US, 1994. 10 in pinball, a piece of plastic that indicates a value when lit. Conventionally known as a ‘playfield insert’ US, 1977. < get hat to leave US, 1966. < in the hat marked for murder by a prison gang US, 2003. < throw your hat in first to test out a situ- ation before taking part AUSTRALIA, 1953. < wear more than one hat; wear several hats to simultaneously hold more than one post, or position of responsibility US, 1924 hat and coat noun a boat, especially a refrigerated cargo ship. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 hat and feather; hatton noun weather. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 hat and scarf noun a bath. Rhyming slang, with Cockney pronunciation. UK, 1992 hatch noun 1 the vagina US, 1967. 2 the mouth US, 1968 hatch verb < hatch it to forget about something US, 1968 hatchery noun a psychiatric ward or mental institution US, 1994 hatchet job noun an unwarranted and harshly critical attack on someone’s or something’s reputation UK, 1944 hatchet man noun 1 a person who is called upon to perform distasteful tasks. From the literal image of a paid assassin armed with a hatchet; sometimes abbreviated to a simple ‘hatchet’ US, 1937. 2 a physically aggressive athlete, especially one who is tasked with roughing up an opponent US, 1971 hatchintan noun a gypsy site. English gypsy use, from Romany hatsh (stop, rest) UK, 2000 hatch, match and dispatch verb (of a local preacher) to carry a person through life’s big events CANADA, 1992 hatch, match and dispatch; hatches, matches, dispatches; hatched, matched, dispatched noun newspaper announcements of births, marriages and deaths. A neat sum- mation of life, originally applied by journalists to such newspaper columns; later recognised by church authorities as the times when most people are prepared to be part of a service or congregation UK, 1937 hate verb used in the phrase ‘hate to say’ as a substitute for ‘have’ US, 2003. < hate someone’s guts to hate someone intensely UK, 1918 hated adjective 1 bad, unpleasant US, 1989. 2 (used of a girl) beautiful beyond imagination. Usually as ‘hated BETTY’ US, 1988 hater noun a jealous or envious person US, 2001 hater juice noun derogatory speech US, 2003 hating life adjective depressed US, 1989 hatless tap dance noun (among Canadian Forces personnel) the march into the Commanding Officer’s office to face a charge CANADA, 1995 hat out; hat up verb to leave US, 1970 hats noun LSD UK, 1998 hats off congratulations. An imperative variation of ‘take your hat off to’; when hats were everyday wear the action would echo the words or make their use unnecessary UK, 1929 hatstand adjective mad, crazy. From the cartoon character ‘Roger Irrelevant: he’s completely hatstand’ in the comic Viz UK, 2003 hatter noun 1 a solitary worker in a rural or remote area, especially one who suffers from social phobia. Originally applied to miners who worked their claims without a partner. Possibly from the phrase ‘your hat covers your family’ (you are alone in the world), though no doubt the concept of the ‘mad hatter’ must have had an influence. Now only historical AUSTRALIA, 1853. 2 a homosexual man. From BROWN-HATTER (a gay man) UK, 1984 Hattie Jacques; Hatti es noun delirium tremens, the shakes. Rhyming slang, based on the name of actress and comedienne Hattie Jacques (1924–80) UK, 2002 hat trick noun three consecutive successes, usually in a sporting context; three linked events. Originally and conventionally a cricketing term, recorded to mark the bowling of three wickets with consecutive balls; achieving this phenomenal feat entitled the sportsman to a new hat from his club, hence ‘hat-trick’. Subsequently adopted by other sports for lesser feats of three, such as three goals scored in a football match (which may well not be rewarded with a hat) UK, 1909 hatty adjective used to describe the qualities of an elaborate hat UK, 1959 hat up! used for urging departure US, 1971 haul noun the proceeds of a crime or business operation US, 1950 haul verb < haul ass to go swiftly US, 1918. < haul butt to move quickly US, 1968. < haul coal (used of a white person) to have sex with a black person US, 1972. < haul someone over the coals to give a stern reprimand to someone UK, 1795. < haul the mail 1 in trucking, to drive faster to make up for lost time US, 1971. 2 in hot rodding and drag racing, to perform at the highest potential US, 1993 hauler noun 1 in the usage of youthful model road racers (slot car racers), a fast model road car US, 1997. 2 a very fast drag racing car US, 1960s to 70s haurangi adjective drunk NEW ZEALAND, 1960 have verb 1 to have sex with someone UK, 1594. 2 to believe something, to accept UK, 2001. 3 to outwit, to cheat, to deceive UK, 1805. < have a no I don’t have. Korean war usage from Japanese pidgin; a supply officer’s perfect answer to a requisition for supplies not in stock US, 1951. < have a pop at to attack, especially verbally. A variation of ‘have a pop at’ (to try) adopting a different sense of ‘pop’ (to hit) UK, 2001. < have got ‘em; have got ‘em bad to have the delirium tremens, to have a fit of nerves or depression or ‘the blues’ UK, 1893. < have got it bad; have got it badly to have fallen in love or to be infatuated UK, 1911. < have had it 1 to be faced with an unavoidable prospect of defeat or ruin; to be defeated, to be ruined; to be dead or to have been killed UK, 1941. 2 to have had more than enough of hash | have 324 [...]... ISLANDS, 1985 < on the hoof 1 working as a prostitute on the streets US, 1977 2 on the spot, spontaneously From the literal sense of the term, applied to cattle or swine, meaning ‘alive’ US, 1992 < the hoof dismissal from employment; expulsion UK, 1973 hoof verb 1 to dance US, 1916 2 to walk UK, 1641 hoof and toof noun foot and mouth disease Farmers’ use UK, 2001 hoofer noun a professional dancer, especially... ‘molten lactate extract of hooved animals’ for ‘melted cheese’, but a few such as this were temporarily in vogue US, 1977 house of joy noun a brothel US, 1948 House of Lords noun corduroy trousers Rhyming slang for CORDS UK, 1992 house of wax noun a prison US, 1973 house piece noun a gift of a dose of crack cocaine, given to the owner of a crack house in appreciation for the use of the premises US, 1992... the head of a brown-skinned person A refinement of the rhyming slang LOAF OF BREAD (the head); Hovis™ is a wellknown brand of brown bread UK, 1998 how ADJECTIVE can you get? used of someone who has a more than average measure of a specified quality US, 1951 Howard Johnsons noun an outdoor street food vendor in Vietnam during the war From the name of a roadside restaurant which at the time of the Vietnam... Rhyming slang, formed from the title of the 1952 film UK, 1992 high-nose verb to snub; to ignore US, 1954 high number noun an especially fashionable member of the Mod youth fashion movement UK, 1986 high octane adjective caffeinated Borrowing from the language of car fuel for application to the world of coffee drinks and, to a lesser extent, soft drinks US, 1995 high off the hog adverb prosperously US,... shrinking noun the practice of psychiatry US, 1964 heads I win, tails you lose however a situation is resolved I cannot lose Mocking the principle that a toss of a coin normally offers a choice of winner UK, 1832 heads-up adjective 1 clever, alert From the earlier sense as ‘wideawake’ US, 1934 2 in motor racing, said of a competition with no handicap US, 1993 heads-up adverb (of a game of pool) with no handicaps... degree of privilege An updated ‘house slave’ US, 1968 house nut noun in the cinema business, the weekly operating expenses of the cinema US, 1990 House of Commons noun an outdoor toilet CANADA, 1987 House of D nickname the New York Women’s House of Detention, Greenwich Avenue US, 1964 house of dark shadows noun any building that is occupied, or thought to be occupied, by Viet Cong US, 1991 House of Do... imprecations, and questions (often rhetorical) of impatience and irritation UK, 1596 2 crack cocaine UK, 2003 < for the hell of it; for the sheer hell of it; just for the hell of it simply for the pleasure or experience of doing something; also applied to reckless behaviour UK, 1934 < from hell used for intensifying Humorous, hyperbolic US, 1965 < get the hell out; get the hell out of here (or somewhere)... high-heel boy noun a paratrooper US, 1948 high holy noun in the usage of counterculturalists associated with the Rainbow Nation gatherings, an older, experienced member of the counterculture Often used with a degree of irony and lack of reverence US, 1997 high horse noun a position of arrogant superiority US, 1947 high iron noun the main line of a railway US, 1930 high-jive verb to tease, to taunt, to belittle... noun branded soft drink Coca-Cola™, Coke™ Rhyming slang, originally used of the solid fuel UK, 1992 holy smoke! used as a exclamation of surprise and wonder UK, 1892 holy snappin’! used as a curse or oath CANADA, 1982 holy Toledo! used for registering surprise A little bit of Holy Toledo goes a long way A trademark of Milo Hamilton, radio broadcaster for the Houston Astros baseball team, and often used... theatre of war AUSTRALIA, 1945 3 a referee or sports official who favours the home team US, 1888 Homer noun any Iraqi soldier Gulf war usage; an allusion to the doltish Homer Simpson of television cartoon fame US, 1991 homers noun home-brewed beer A gift to the slang of the South Pole from its Australian visitors AUSTRALIA, 1970 home run noun the journey of a circus from the final engagement of the . the name of a British prime minister ( 195 7–63) and statesman, 1 894 – 198 6 UK, 199 2 Harold Pinter; ‘arold noun a splinter. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a playwright (b. 193 0) UK, 199 2 harolds. by remote means US, 198 3. 6 an opportunist. Used at Oxford University UK, 198 0. 7 a taxi US, 192 8. 8 a hot rod US, 195 8. 9 a brakevan (caboose) US, 191 6. 10 a game of Hacky Sack US, 199 7 hack verb 1. been! I’ll see you later! Youth usage US, 194 9 have off verb 1 to steal from UK, 199 4. 2 to use without respect. A vari- ation of the previous sense UK, 199 9. 3 to defeat, to overthrow, to supplant