Dictionary of Unconventional English_15 doc

renk adjective impudent; offhand; rude; yobbish. Variation of ‘rank’ (offensive) JAMAICA, 1994 Reno noun in bar dice games, two dice that add up to seven US, 1976 renob noun a person who acts foolishly US, 2001 rent noun 1 a youthful, attractive homosexual male prostitute UK, 1967. 2 road tax. Motor trade slang UK, 2004. < up me for the rent! used to register pleasurable astonishment AUSTRALIA, 1971 renta- prefix hired, rented. In commercial usage often used to create a company name, for instance: ‘Rentacar’ (examples found in Australia, Ireland, Spain, UK, US) and ‘Rentavan’ (examples found in Australia, Ireland, Mexico, UK). Both ‘rentacar’ and ‘rentavan’ are also used informally of a hired vehicle. Other use is often derogatory: ‘rentacrowd’ (a hired clique), ‘rentamob’ (a crowd assembled at political demonstration) and ‘rentamouth’ (a speaker for hire) US, 1921 rent-a-cop noun a private security guard. A tad disparaging US, 1968 rent-a-gob noun a citizens’ band radio user who chats on a channel reserved for making contact; a person who talks too much and to little effect UK, 1981 rental units noun parents. From PARENTAL UNITS, a neat pun describing parental worth from a youth perspective US, 1996 Rent-a-Svend nickname Canadian politician Svend Robinson, the first openly gay, New Democratic member of Parliament. The controversial Svend Robinson has drawn criticism for his espousal of unpopular causes, such as the Palestinian side in the Arab–Israeli war and gay rights CANADA, 2002 rent-a-tile noun dancing very closely, barely moving your feet TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1993 rent boy noun a young male prostitute UK, 1969 renter noun a homosexual male prostitute UK, 1893 rent party noun a party thrown for the purpose of collecting donations from friends to pay your rent US, 1925 rents noun parents. Teen slang that cuts parents down to size US, 1968 renzos noun Lorenzo™ decorative wheel rims US, 1993 reo noun 1 a reinforcement AUSTRALIA, 1931. 2 a difficult surfing manoeuvre on the breaking lip of a wave. An abbreviation of ‘re- entry’ US, 1988 rep noun 1 reputation US, 1705. 2 a repetition, or complete cycle of an exercise US, 1984. 3 a repertory theatre or theatre company; a repertoire US, 1925. 4 in prison, a written representation UK, 2002. 5 a representative, often a travelling salesman UK, 1896. 6 a repellent UK, 1995 rep verb 1 to represent someone; to give someone a reputation UK, 2002. 2 to work as a representative of a company UK, 1938 Repat noun 1 the Repatriation Commission which gave assistance to ex-service personnel returning to civilian life AUSTRALIA, 1920. 2 a hospital for repatriated service personnel AUSTRALIA, 1968 repeater noun in horse racing, a horse that won the last race it entered US, 1974 repo noun repossession US, 1971 repo depot noun the Replacement Detachment of any large military force or installation US, 1968 repo man noun an agent of a finance company who repossesses, by an assortment of techniques, cars which have not been paid for. From ‘repossess’ US, 1984 repple-depple noun a replacement depot where soldiers arriving in Vietnam were assigned to units and soldiers leaving Vietnam were processed for homecoming US, 1945 reppoc; reppock noun a police officer. Back slang for COPPER UK, 1996 represent verb 1 to serve as a pimp for a prostitute US, 1991. 2 to project a positive image and attitude US, 1997 reptile noun a railway pointsman US, 1977 Republic of Mali noun cocaine. Rhyming slang for CHARLIE (cocaine) UK, 2003 re-rub noun a re-mixed dance music recording UK, 2002 res noun 1 a resident physician in a hospital US, 1994. 2 a dormitory or residence at a university or college CANADA, 2001. 3 the oily residue in a pipe after crack cocaine has been smoked US, 1992 resemble verb to resent. Usually in the jocular ‘I resemble that remark’ UK, 1984 resin noun cannabis resin UK, 1996 respec; respect; respeck; rispeck used for registering approval of someone’s action or attitude. An abbreviation in all variant spellings of ‘respect due’; occasionally ironic. Originally West Indian and UK black UK, 1994 respect due used for registering approval of someone’s action or attitude. Originally West Indian and UK black UK, 1998 ressie noun a resident DJ UK, 2001 rest noun < give it a rest to stop talking, especially to stop talking about a specific topic. Often as an imperative UK, 1984 rest verb < rest your mouth to stop talking BAHAMAS, 1982. < rest your neck to stop talking US, 1989 rest cure noun in the car sales business, sending a car into the shop while the customer waits and then returning it, claiming that work which has not been done has been done US, 1953 resting adjective of an actor, unemployed. Originally positive thinking, now arch UK, 1999 rest in peace noun crack cocaine. Imagery of death. UK, 2003 restroom noun a brakevan (caboose) US, 1977 result noun 1 the winning score in a sporting contest; a victory in any sport. Conventionally ‘result’ means ‘outcome’, hence a ‘good result’; this usage clips and implies the positive adjective, exclusively acquiring the result for victors and so denying losers any achievement UK, 1981. 2 a satisfying or appropriate outcome; an achievement UK, 1973 . 3 a successful or profitable robbery UK, 1998. 4 an arrest or a criminal conviction UK, 2004 ret noun a cigarette US, 1971 retail action noun recreational shopping US, 1997 retail therapy noun shopping when considered as an empowering leisure activity US, 1986 retard noun a slow, dim-witted person. From ‘mentally retarded’, but not necessarily indicative of actual mental retardation US, 1970 retarded adjective 1 stupid, foolish US, 2003. 2 drunk US, 2003. 3 in Quebec, delayed, late CANADA, 2001 retardo noun a mentally challenged person US, 1981 retread noun 1 in the military: a short-service officer on a second commission; a retired officer recalled to service; a retired officer re-employed as a civilian in an administrative post; an officer who has been promoted from the ranks; an aviator returned to flying duties after a period of ground service. The origin is in the new life given to a tyre by the application of a new tread; there is also a pun on ‘retired/re-tyred’. The earliest use is for a World War 1 veteran recalled to serve in World War 2 AUSTRALIA, 1943. 2 a recently divorced person US, 1985 retread verb in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, to tape over a tape that has been recorded once US, 1994 retriever noun a prisoner who intimidates other prison inmates for the purpose of ‘retrieving’ drugs that those inmates are suspected of carrying UK, 1996 retro verb to return something or someone from Antarctica to the country of origin. An abbreviation of ‘retrograde’ ANTARCTICA, 2003 retrosexual noun a heterosexual man who enjoys traditional male pastimes and spends as little time and money as possible on his appearance. A play on METROSEXUAL (a man with aesthetic tastes), suggesting a throwback to an earlier type US, 2004 rette noun a cigarette US, 1997 reunion in my bureau noun in Quebec, a meeting in my office. Both ‘reunion’ and ‘bureau’ are used in their French sense in English in Montreal CANADA, 2001 537 renk | reunion in my bureau re-up verb to replenish a stack of something; to re-supply something; to re-sign or re-enlist. Originally a military slang term for re- enlisting US, 1906 rev verb to leave, to go US, 1952 RevCan noun Revenue Canada, the federal tax collection agency CANADA, 2002 revenge of the cradle; revenge of the nursery noun Quebec’s high birthrate, perceived as being in retaliation for the loss of the province to England by France CANADA, 1964 revenoo; revenuer; revenooer noun a federal law enforcement official. Used by those in the illegal production of alcohol US, 1974 Reverend Ronald Knox; the Reverend; the Right Reverend noun syphilis; hence any sexually transmitted infection. Rhyming slang for POX, formed from the Catholic priest and detective storywriter, 1888–1957 UK, 1980 reverse adjective < reverse gears to vomit US, 1989 reverse cowgirl noun a sexual position in which the woman straddles the prone man, facing his feet US, 1991 reverse o noun a position for mutual, simultaneous oral sex between two people, or the act itself, especially when advertised as a service offered by a prostitute UK, 2003 rev-head noun a motor vehicle enthusiast AUSTRALIA, 1987 revolt of the admirals noun a highly public clash between the US Navy and the US Air Force in 1949 over basing of the country’s strategic airpower US, 1949 rev up and fuck off go away and don’t annoy me; don’t annoy me IRELAND, 1991 rewind noun in trucking, a return trip US, 1977 rex noun a (small) quantity of money IRELAND, 1989 Rexall ranger noun someone who wears cowboy clothes but has never worked on a ranch. Rexall is a chain drugstore, giving a touch of specificity to the more common DRUGSTORE COWBOY US, 1970 rez noun a Native American Indian reservation US, 1998 RF verb to play a prank. An abbreviation of RATFUCK US, 1965 RFB noun room, food and beverage – the basic components of a complimentary pass at a casino or hotel US, 1996 RG noun in homosexual usage, a biological female. A fellow homo- sexual is a GIRL, while a woman is a ‘real girl’, or RG US, 1971 rhine noun heroin. Probably by abbrevation of a particular pronunciation UK, 1998 rhino noun 1 money UK, 1688. 2 a large and powerful wave US, 1991 rhino chaser noun a large surfboard made for big-wave conditions US, 1987 RHIP rank has its privileges US, 1968 Rhodey noun a white Zimbabwean. Derogatory. A reference to Rhodesia, the country which became Zimbabwe in 1980 SOUTH AFRICA , 2000 rhody; rhodie noun a rhododendron UK, 1851 rhubarb noun 1 nonsense. From its use by actors as an ‘unintelligible murmur’ UK, 1963. 2 said repeatedly by muttering actors to give the impression of background conversations; hence, spoken nonsense. Theatre slang UK, 1934. 3 a fight; an uproar; a riot US, 1943. 4 an advance of wages, a loan; as ‘rhubarbs’: a membership subscription. Rhyming slang, pronounced ‘roobub’, for SUB (a subscription) UK, 1929 rhubarb and custard noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. From the red and yellow colour of the pill; the syllable ‘barb’ is possibly an indication that the tablet contains barbiturate UK, 1996 rhubarb pill; rhubarb noun a bill (for payment). Rhyming slang, based on a homeopathic remedy for constipation; noted by Julian Franklyn, A Dictionary of Rhyming Slang,1960, who suspected (or perpetrated) the pun ‘that both necessitate an outpouring’ UK, 1998 rhubarbs noun 1 suburbs. Rhyming slang, pronounced ‘roobubs’, formed on an elision of ‘suburbs’ UK, 1960. 2 a variety of LSD UK, 1996 rhyme off verb to recite; to talk. From Scottish dialect rame (to talk nonsense; to reiterate) UK: SCOTLAND, 2000 rhythm noun an amphetamine tablet US, 1993 rhythm and blues; rhythms noun shoes. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 rhythm method noun a method of cheating while playing a slot machine by controlling the spins of the inner-wheels. Playing on the name of the least successful method of birth control US, 1977 riah noun the hair. Polari back slang UK, 1967 riah zhoosher; riah shusher noun a hairdresser. A combination of ZHOOSH (to tidy) with RIAH (the hair) UK, 2002 riah-zshumpah noun a hairdresser UK, 1992 rib noun 1 a wife or girlfriend. From the Biblical creation tale, with Eve springing from Adam’s rib UK, 1589. 2 Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’ US, 1995. 3 MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 rib verb 1 to make fun of someone US, 1930. 2 to insult someone in a semi-formal quasi-friendly competition. A variation of ‘rib’ (to tease) US, 2000 ribbon and curl noun a girl. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 ribbon clerk noun a poker player who withdraws from a hand at any sign of serious betting US, 1988 ribena on toast adjective awful; tasteless; in bad taste. Possibly a literal translation of a bad taste; coinage is credited to ballet master David Kerr UK, 1992 ribtapper noun a heavy-duty boot UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 Rican noun a Puerto Rican US, 1975 rice noun effort. Royal Marine slang UK, 1989 rice-and-peas boongy noun large buttocks, especially those of a woman BAHAMAS, 1998 rice-and-ring verb to get married US, 1947 rice-a-roni noun in necrophile usage, a badly decomposed corpse. A comparison to the branded soft-boiled rice product US, 1987 rice bandit noun a Japanese person. Offensive AUSTRALIA, 1995 rice belly noun the protruding stomach of a child GUYANA, 1996 rice-burner noun a Japanese car or motorcyle UK, 1979 rice eye noun a Japanese person. Hawaiian youth usage, especially in the taunt ‘No lie, rice eye’ US, 1982 rice machine noun a car manufactured in Japan or by a Japanese manufacturer US, 1993 riceman noun a Chinese person. Offensive US, 1945 rice paddy Hattie noun any rural Chinese prostitute US, 1949 rice queen noun a gay man attracted to men of South Asian origin US, 1972 ricer noun a person from South Asia. Offensive US, 1980 rice rocket noun a motorcyle made by a Japanese manufacturer. Offensive US, 1993 Richard noun 1 any police official, especially a detective. An embellished DICK US, 1950. 2 the penis. An extension of DICK (the penis), which is the short form of the first name Richard UK, 2001. < had the Richard to be ruined or irreparably broken; to be finished. In the Australian National Dictionary it is claimed that this is from British rhyming slang ‘Richard the Third’ (the bird), from theatrical slang ‘to get the bird’ (to get a bad reception on stage), but there is little semantic overlap to warrant this expla- nation. Rather if something has ‘had the dick’ then it is ‘fucked’, and therein lies the metaphor. Richard here is merely euphemistic for DICK (the penis). Supporting this explanation are the other variants HAD THE STICK, HAD THE ROD and of course HAD THE DICK AUSTRALIA , 1967 Richard and Judy adjective moody. Rhyming slang, formed from husband and wife television presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan UK, 2004 re-up | Richard and Judy 538 Richard Burton noun a curtain. Theatrical rhyming slang, formed from the name of the Welsh actor, 1925–84 UK, 1992 Richard the Third; Richard noun 1 a young woman; a sweetheart. Rhyming slang for BIRD UK, 1950 . 2 a bird. Rhyming slang; originally recorded in Songs and Slang of the British Soldier, John Brophy and Eric Partridge, 1930. In theatrical use as THE BIRD (a farting noise masquerading as criticism) UK, 1979 . 3 a piece of excrement. Rhyming slang for TURD UK, 1961 Richard Todd noun a portion of fried cod. Rhyming slang formed on the name of the British actor (b.1919) UK, 1992 Richibucto goose noun a salted shad. Named after a town in Nova Scotia CANADA, 1939 rich man’s drug noun cocaine. Because of its high cost. Although the phrase sounds a bit literary, it was used by those without any particular literary background US, 1972 rick noun 1 a mistake. Probably a shortening of RICKET (a mistake) UK, 1991. 2 an accomplice who pretends to be a client in order to encourage trade, originally used of a cheapjack or showman, later of a less than scrupulous bookmaker UK, 1898 rick adjective fake; spurious. From the noun UK, 1967 rick; ric verb to make a mistake. From RICK (a mistake) UK, 1996 ricket noun a mistake UK, 1958. < drop a ricket to make a mistake UK, 1998 rickety-raw adjective attractive, fashionable US, 1987 Rick Stein noun a fine. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the UK television chef (b.1947) UK, 2004 Rick Witter noun a shitter (in all senses). Rhyming slang, formed from the lead singer of Shed Seven UK, 2003 Ricky Martin; Ricky noun a side-parting. Popney rhyming slang, from popular singer Ricky Martin (b.1971). Popney was contrived for www.music365.co.uk, an Internet music site UK, 2001 Ricky Racer noun a fanatic mountain bike enthusiast who rarely if ever rides US, 1997 ricky-ticky; ricky-tick adjective used of a jazz rhythm, old-fashioned, even, boring US, 1952 rid verb < rid a fit to get rid of an outfit of clothes US, 1994 riddle verb in Newfoundland, to weave up-and-down rods between rails to make a fence CANADA, 1966 riddle-me-ree noun urine; an act of urination. Rhyming slang for PEE or WEE; always used in full to avoid confusion with other slang, such as JIMMY RIDDLE or PIDDLE UK, 1992 riddle me this, Batman answer this question. From the Batman television series (1966–68) and one of its arch-villains, The Riddler US, 1993 riddy noun (as a result of embarrassment) a red face. Glasgow slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 ride noun 1 acarUS, 1930. 2 a person who you are counting on to drive you somewhere US, 2001 . 3 a sexually desirable person. From RIDE (to have sex) UK, 2002. 4 an act of sexual intercourse UK, 1937. 5 a companion, especially a companion who is a fellow gang member US, 1981. 6 a criminal enterprise US, 1995. 7 a style of jazz music with an easy-going rhythm US, 1930. < get a ride in circus and carnival usage, to receive unfavourable publicity US, 1981 ride verb 1 to have sex. Usually from the female perspective US, 1994. 2 (used of a lesbian) to straddle your prone partner, rubbing your genitals together US, 1967. 3 to engage in sycophantic flattery US, 1988. 4 to irritate or worry someone US, 1918. 5 to play jazz with an easy- moving rhythm US, 1929. < letitride1 in gambling, to continue a bet from one play to another, increasing the bet with winnings US, 1980. 2 to tolerate something; to take no action about something UK, 1921. < ride a beef to accept a charge for a crime that you did not commit US, 1967. < ride a g-string; ride in a g- string to drive a BMW car. Scamto youth street slang (South African townships) SOUTH AFRICA, 2005. < ride a pony to cheat on a test in college or school US, 1959. < ride bitch to sit in the middle of the front seat in a pickup truck, between the driver and another passenger US, 1992. < ride dirty to drive under the influence of alcohol US, 2001. < ride ghost to drive at night without headlights US, 1995. < ride it to endure or cope with imprisonment UK, 1996. < ride it a treat in horse racing, to ride a skilled and intelligent race AUSTRALIA, 1989. < ride old smokey to be executed by electrocution US, 1950. < ride rubber to ride in a car US, 1981. < ride Santa’s sleigh to use cocaine. A phrase that combines SNOW as ‘cocaine’ with ‘flying’ as ‘intoxication’ UK, 2001. < ride shotgun 1 to act as a security or military escort. From the time when stage coaches carrying valuables were protected by a man carrying a shotgun who sat on top of the coach alongside the driver UK, 1979. 2 to be prepared for any eventuality in business US, 1974. 3 to travel in the passenger seat US, 1921 . 4 to oversee and control someone with a firm hand US, 1972. < ride the broom to threaten someone; to predict harm US, 1990. < ride the bubbles in hot rodding and drag racing, to rise slightly off the ground as a result of aerodynamics US, 1965. < ride the bus to defecate US, 1990. < ride the card to ride a winner on every race at a race meeting AUSTRALIA, 1984. < ride the circuit to move someone who has been arrested from stationhouse to stationhouse, making his timely release difficult US, 1949. < ride the cotton pony; ride the cotton horse to experience the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. This ‘cotton pony’ is a ‘sanitary towel’ US, 1954. < ride the grub line to travel and survive by scrounging food wherever it can be found CANADA, 1987. < ride the Hershey Highway to engage in anal sex US, 1989. < ride the lightning to be put to death by electrocution US, 1935. < ride the pine to sit on the sidelines of an athletic contest as a substitute player US, 1938. < ride the pipe to pilot a jet after engine failure. Korean war usage US, 1991. < ride the red tide to experience the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 1999. < ride the short bus to be mentally deficient. From the literally short bus that special edu- cation students use in the US US, 1995. < ride the showing to tour an area evaluating billboards for potential advertising use US, 1980. < ride the sick book to feign illness; to malinger US, 1968 . < ride the silver steed to participate in bismuth subcarbonate and neoarsphenamine therapy for syphilis US, 1981. < ride the splinters to sit on the sidelines of an athletic contest as a substitute player. The ‘splinters’ are an allusion to the bench which the substitute ‘warms’ or ‘rides’ US, 1949. < ride the turtles to drive on the raised reflective road markers that delin- eate motorway lanes US, 1997. < ride the white horse to experi- ence euphoria after using heroin US, 1955. < ride the wire to travel by tram US, 1970 ride along verb in poker, to remain in a game without betting because you have bet your entire bankroll on the hand US, 1967 ride and a rasher noun sexual intercourse followed by breakfast IRELAND, 1999 ride man; ride jock; ride monkey noun the operator of a carnival amusement ride US, 1985 ride out noun a group motor-scooter excursion UK, 2001 ride out verb to depart. Used by London teenagers in the late 1950s. UK, 1958 rider noun 1 a visible, aggressive member of a gang US, 2001. 2 a police officer US, 2003. 3 5 kg of heroin supplied free with a 100 kg shipment of cocaine UK, 2002. 4 a cheater. From the phrase RIDE A PONY (to cheat on a test) US, 1959. 5 in trucking, a flat tyre on a set of dual tyres US, 1971 ridge adjective all right; okay. Probably a figurative use of now obsolete ‘ridge’ (gold). Now superseded by RIDGY DIDGE AUSTRALIA, 1938 ridge cottage noun a bunker in the Korean demilitarised zone. Korean war usage US, 1982 ridge-runner noun any white male from the Appalachian Mountain region in the southern US US, 1980 ridgy didge; ridgy-didge adjective all right; okay AUSTRALIA, 1953 ridiculous adjective excellent US, 1959 riding Saint George; the dragon on Saint George noun hetero- sexual sex with the woman straddling the man, her head upright US, 1980 riding the waves; riding a wave adjective experiencing drug intoxi- cation US, 1930 539 Richard Burton | riding the waves; riding a wave R-ie noun a Returned Servicemen’s League club. From the initials RSL AUSTRALIA, 1992 rif verb to separate someone from military service or employment. From the initialism for ‘reduction in force’ US, 1983 riff noun 1 a rhythmic musical phrase played repeatedly, used in jazz and rock. Probably an abbreviation of ‘refrain’ US, 1935. 2 an oft- repeated argument or point of view. A figurative usage of the pre- vious sense UK, 2000. 3 the theme or gist of a conversation UK, 2000. 4 a verbal embellishment that adds no meaning to what is being said US, 1967. 5 an activity or experience US, 1975. 6 a refrigerated railway wagon US, 1946 riff verb 1 to repeatedly play a rhythmic musical figure, usually on a piano or guitar US, 1955. 2 to brag; to lie US, 1990. 3 to complain US, 1989 riffage noun rhythmic style(s) of rock music UK, 2002 riffle noun in a restaurant or soda fountain, to refill (an order) US, 1967 riffology noun in rock music, simple musical learning or skill UK, 1999 riff on verb to tease someone; to disparage someone or something US, 1995 riff-raff noun 1 the lowest class UK, 1470. 2 a Welsh person. Rhyming slang for TAFF UK: ENGLAND, 1992. 3 a café. Rhyming slang for CAFF UK, 1998 riffs noun music. Teen slang CANADA, 1946 rifle range noun 1 the ward in a hospital reserved for patients withdrawing from heroin addiction. A pun on SHOOTING GALLERY US, 1973. 2 change (money). Rhyming slang. Shortened form ‘rifle’ UK, 1980 rifle spot noun in the television and film industries, a spotlight that produces a long, thin beam of light US, 1990 rift noun a refrigerated freight railway wagon US, 1977 rig noun 1 a car, truck or bus US, 1938. 2 the collective equipment used by a musical group in concert UK, 1983. 3 a hypodermic needle and syringe US, 1969. 4 a still used in the illegal production of alcohol US, 1974. 5 a holster US, 2001. 6 the penis US, 1971. 7 surgically augmented breasts US, 1997. 8 a bad situation US, 1997 rigger noun 1 in the Royal Air Force, an airframe tradesman. An official Royal Air Force job title that was dropped as the job description changed in the 1930s yet has continued in colloquial use; still in Royal Air Force use, 2002 UK, 1943. 2 a half-gallon jar of beer NEW ZEALAND, 1998 rigger mortis noun an ineffectual member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. A ‘rigger mortis’ is a useless airman, based on RIGGER (an airframe tradesman) CANADA, 1995 rig gig noun a job driving a truck US, 1976 right noun in craps, a bet for the shooter US, 1974 right adjective 1 intensifies the good or bad character or condition of someone or something; complete, utter UK, 1956. 2 understanding and accepting the mores of the underworld US, 1950. < not right in the head unsound of mind UK, 1934 right adverb very CANADA, 1988 right 1 used as a greeting or farewell TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1966. 2 Ido not believe you. Heavily sarcastic, emphasising the negative interpretation. Variants include ‘yeah right’ and ‘aye right’ UK, 1998 right as rain adjective in good health; satisfactory UK, 1909 right enough adverb certainly, indeed UK, 1885 righteous adjective 1 very good, excellent, fine; honest; satisfactory. Conventional English with a religious overtone propelled into hip slang by context and emphasis in pronunciation US, 1942. 2 used of a drug, relatively pure and undiluted US, 1967 righteous bush noun any potent variety of marijuana. A combi- nation of RIGHTEOUS (good) and BUSH (marijuana) US, 1946 righteous name noun a person’s true name US, 1975 righteous nod noun a refreshing sleep US, 1947 right guy noun a dependable, trustworthy and reliable criminal US, 1964 right here used as a set answer to an inquiry as to how you are BAHAMAS, 1982 rightie noun in craps, a gambler who bets that the shooter will make his point before rolling a seven US, 1974 rightio!; righty-o!; righteho!; righty-ho! all right!; certainly!; gladly! UK, 1927 right numbers; right price noun in horse racing, higher than normal odds that merit a wager US, 1968 righto; right-oh okay!; all right! AUSTRALIA, 1911 right on! yes; excellent; correct; also used to signal enthusiastic agreement. Originally black usage, perhaps from ‘right on the button’, ‘right on time’ or RIGHTO. Subsequently adopted by the hippie generation US, 1930 right one noun a person whose behaviour does not conform to expectations UK, 1981 rights noun < do the rights to seek or gain revenge UK, 2002 right-said-Fred noun the head. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of a pop group who enjoyed success in the early 1990s; the group took its name from the title of a humorous song by Bernard Cribbins which was a top ten hit in 1962 UK, 2000 righty noun someone who looks very much like someone else; a double or near double US, 1962 right you are! certainly!; agreed! UK, 1864 rigid adjective drunk US, 1972 rigid adverb greatly; used to intensify, especially ‘bore’, ‘scare’ and ‘shake’. Modelled on synonymous STIFF, always used after the verb it modifies UK, 1943 rigmarole noun a string of incoherent statements; a disjointed or rambling speech; a trival or almost senseless harangue UK, 1736 rigor mortis noun in croquet, the condition of not being able to hit any opponent’s ball on a turn US, 1977 RIH rest in hell. A bitter version of RIP (rest in peace) US, 1999 rile verb to annoy or anger someone UK, 1836 rim noun < above the rim of the highest quality US, 2002 rim verb 1 to lick, suck and tongue another’s anus US, 1941. 2 to swindle someone US, 1949 rim-jag verb to make an indentation on a playing card with your fingernail or thumbnail to identify the card later in another player’s hand US, 1988 rim job noun the licking of a partner’s anus for the purposes of sex- ual pleasure US, 1969 rimmer noun a person who provides mouth in mouth-to-anus sex US, 1979 rim queen noun a male homosexual who is proficient at mouth-to- anus stimulation US, 1970 rimrock verb to drive livestock into an enclosure; to entrap someone CANADA, 1951 rims noun sunglasses US, 1997 rinctum noun an especially violent fit of temper CANADA, 1953 Rinehart!; Oh Rinehart! used as a shout to announce the onset of a student disturbance, started in fun but not always ending as such. Specific to Harvard University, honouring John Rinehart, Harvard Law School class of 1903 US, 1933 ring noun 1 a telephone call UK, 1900. 2 the anus. From the shape UK, 1949 . 3 a circular area where the game of two-up takes place AUSTRALIA, 1896. 4 collectively, the bookmakers at a racecourse AUSTRALIA, 1877. < get a ring in your nose in horse racing, to lose all your money betting US, 1951. < put the ring around it to con- firm something as definite NEW ZEALAND, 1978 ring verb 1 to provide one thing disguised as another UK, 1812. 2 to open and pilfer a cash register US, 1965. 3 to shout BARBADOS, 1965. < ring it on to outwit someone UK, 1977. < ring the bell 1 to make a successful attempt at something. Probably from a fairground challenge UK, 1966. 2 to achieve success beyond expec- tations US, 1950. < ring the berries in ice hockey, to hit the R-ie | ring 540 goalie with a hard shot between the legs CANADA, 1985. < ring your chimes to strike someone on the head with great force US, 1981 ring-a-ding noun an excellent example of something US, 1965 ring-a-ling on the ting-a-ling noun a telephone call US, 1968 ring angel noun a ‘blip’ on a radar screen, often a flock of birds US, 1947 ringas noun conversation; a conversation. Scamto youth street slang (South African townships) SOUTH AFRICA, 2005 ringburner noun an act of defecation that is attended by burning, stinging or other painful sensations in the anus; often applied to the spicy food that causes such effects. Combines RING (the anus) with a conventional sense of ‘burn’; upper-class society origins. The following definition is offered by Ann Barr and Peter York in their 1982 Official Slo ane Ranger Handbook:‘Theresultsofa heavy curry the morning after’ UK, 1982 ringer noun 1 a perfect resemblance. Often intensified with DEAD US, 1891. 2 an athlete or horse fraudulently entered in a game or race US, 1890. 3 a false vehicle registration number plate US, 1956. 4 a criminal who builds new cars from the parts of stolen cars UK, 1970. 5 a single inhalation of crack cocaine with a strong effect US, 1994. 6 astockmanAUSTRALIA, 1979. 7 the fastest shearer in a shearing shed AUSTRALIA, 1871 ring game noun a game of poker with all seats at the table occupied US, 1982 ringie noun the person running a game of two-up AUSTRALIA, 1941 ring-in noun 1 an illegal competitor substituted for another in a race AUSTRALIA, 1918. 2 any surreptitious substitute AUS TRALIA, 1956. 3 one who doesn’t belong; an outsider AUSTRALIA, 1987 ring in verb 1 to illegally substitute a racehorse or greyhound for another in a race; to substitute a phoney in a competition AUSTRALIA, 1895. 2 to secretly introduce altered dice into a dice game US, 1950 ringing-in noun the illegal substitution of a racehorse or greyhound in a race AUSTRALIA, 1975 ring-keeper noun the person running a game of two-up AUSTRALIA, 1896 ring-knocker noun a graduate of one of the US military academies. From the school rings worn by graduates US, 1991 ringmaster noun a railway yardmaster US, 1946 ringpiece noun the anus. An ARSEHOLE in both the anatomical and figurative senses UK, 1949 ring raider noun a male homosexual. An allusion to anal intercourse, based on RING (the anus) UK, 2003 ring-sting noun a burning sensation in and of the anus caused, gen- erally, by spicy food. Formed on RING (the anus). Occasionally, and originally, known as ‘ring-burn’ UK, 1984 ring-stinger noun a curry that produces, as an after-effect, a burning, stinging or other painful sensation in the anus UK, 2002 ringy adjective irritable US, 1932 rink rat noun a young boy who hangs around ice rinks, totally involved in hockey US, 1945 rinky-dink noun 1 something that is second rate, cheap or trivial US, 1912. 2 in trucking, the 4000 model White tractor US, 1971. 3 in snooker, the pink ball UK, 1992 rinky-dink adjective inexpensive; poorly made; worthless US, 1912 rinse noun a selection of dance tunes mixed into a seamless whole; an event which features such a musical blend UK, 1997 rinse verb to mix dance tunes into a seamless whole. Perhaps because of the wash of sound UK, 1999 . < rinse arse; rinse skin; rinse tail to administer a severe beating TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1992 rinsebag noun a plastic bag that once contained amphetamine US, 1989 rinsed adjective exhausted. A play on ‘washed out’ UK, 2005 rinsing!; rinsin’! excellent; a general-purpose superlative. The cry of approval offered up to a DJ who is rinsing tunes together (see RINSE), adopted by clubbers into wider usage UK, 2000 Rin-Tin-Tin; rinty noun the leg. Rhyming slang for PIN,formedfrom the name given to several generations of a German Shepherd dog television and film star of the 1930s–50s and beyond UK, 1998 Rio noun Rio de Janeiro US, 1935 riot noun something or someone that is very amusing or greatly funny UK, 1933 riot bell noun in prison, any bell UK, 1996 riot grrrl; riot girl noun a cultural movement of aggressive young feminists; a member of the riot grrrl movement; the sub-genre of punk rock music associated with the movement. Lazy journalism seems to be responsible for ‘girl/grrl’ variations US, 1991 Riot Hyatt; Riot House nickname The Continental Hyatt House, Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, famous for its association with rock musicians US, 1989 riot panic noun in circus and carnival usage, enthusiastic applause US, 1981 rip noun 1 a current travelling seawards from shore, usually moving swiftly. An abbreviation of ‘rip tide’ or ‘rip current’ US, 1990. 2 a method of breaking into a safe that employs mechanical force and no explosives US, 1950. 3 in a cheating scheme in a dice game, the switching of tampered dice into a game US, 1962. 4 an injustice; an action that is fundamentally unfair US, 1982. 5 a complaint lodged against a police officer US, 1970. 6 a fine or punishment imposed for breaking a police department conduct rule US, 1958. 7 one pound sterling UK, 1999. 8 marijuana UK, 2003. 9 a coarse, unattractive woman IRELAND, 1910 rip verb 1 to cheat or swindle someone US, 1904. 2 to steal something US, 1984. 3 to kill someone US, 1974. 4 to travel quickly UK, 1971. 5 to surf in a bold, skilled manner US, 1988. 6 to excel US, 1994 . < rip a new asshole to berate someone severely US, 1995. < rip into to attack someone or something with vigour or gusto. Either physically or verbally AUSTRALIA, 1970. < rip it up to enjoy energetically, to dance US, 1956. < rip off a piece (of ass) to have sex US, 1971 rip and tear; rip verb to swear. Rhyming slang. Possibly an influ- ence on LET RIP (to shout) UK, 1937 ripe adjective 1 bad-smelling US, 1995 . 2 too strong for general acceptability UK, 1999. 3 used of a girl, over the legal age of consent US, 1988. 4 in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, poised for enlightenment in the mysteries of the band US, 1994 rip job noun a safe robbery in which the front of the safe is peeled off US, 1973 rip-off noun 1 a copy; an imitation US, 1970. 2 a robbery; a theft; a swindle; exploitation US, 1975 rip off verb 1 to steal something. If the speaker is doing the stealing, the term suggests an act of political heroism; if not, it suggests corporate greed. The subject of this verb can be either the goods stolen, the location or the owner; the subject can split the verb without changing the sense US, 1967. 2 to overcharge someone UK, 1977. 3 to rape someone US, 1984 rip-off adjective 1 in an imitative style, especially with the intention to exploit a commercial advantage AUSTRALIA, 1973. 2 exploitative; cheating US, 1975 rip-off artist noun a swindler; a thief UK, 1975 ripped adjective 1 drunk or drug-intoxicated US, 1969 . 2 muscular; lacking body fat; well-sculpted US, 1984 ripped out of your tits adjective very drunk UK, 2002 ripped to the tits adjective very drunk US, 1983 ripper noun 1 a very unattractive (young) woman. Variant ‘old ripper’ UK, 2003. 2 an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimu- lant US, 1986. 3 a skilled skateboarder US, 1984. 4 a skilled scooter-rider UK, 2000. 5 in pinball, a ball that is forcefully hit into play US, 1977 ripper adjective intense; extreme; excellent AUSTRALIA, 1974 ripper! used for expressing strong approval AUSTRALIA, 1987 ripping adjective 1 excellent UK, 1846. 2 very angry US, 1968 ripping iron noun a jacket slit up the back BARBADOS, 1965 541 ring-a-ding | ripping iron rip-rap noun loose, crushed stone used to form embankments US, 1822 riproodling adjective excellent. A rare variant of ‘rip-roaring’ US, 1954 rips noun < do rips to smoke marijuana US, 1997 rip, shit or bust verb to throw yourself wholeheartedly into a task without fear of the consequences N EW ZEALAND, 1999 rip-snorter noun a remarkable person; an exceptional thing US, 1842 rip track noun on the railways, a hospital US, 1977 Rip Van Winkle verb to urinate. Rhyming slang for TINKLE or SPRINKLE, formed from the eponymous character in an 1820 story by Washington Irving UK, 1992 rise noun an erection US, 1998 rise verb < rise to the occasion to achieve an erection when the moment requires it. A punning application of a conventional phrase UK, 1984 rise and shine noun wine. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 rising damp noun cramp. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 rissole noun 1 the anus. Euphemistic for ARSEHOLE AUSTRALIA, 1971. 2 a Returned Servicemen’s League club. From a jocular pronunciation of RSL as a vowelless word, punning on ‘rissole’ (a meat patty) AUSTRALIA, 1983. < like a rissole used as a jocular catchphrase tacked onto the farewell expressions ‘catch you round’ and ‘see you round’. Punning on ‘round’ (circular), the shape of a rissole AUSTRALIA, 1996 ritual spirit noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 ritzy adjective classy, stylish, fashionable. After the Ritz luxury hotels in New York, London and Paris US, 1920 Riv; Rivie; Rivie hog noun a Buick Riviera car US, 1980 river noun in a hand of poker, the final card received by a player UK, 2003. < across the river dead US, 1949. < up the river; upriver to a prison US, 1947 riverina noun a shilling, hence, 5p. Rhyming slang for DEANER AUSTRALIA , 1943 river job noun as a result of betting, an enormous loss. So great is the loss that the bettor thinks of jumping in a river AUSTRALIA, 1989 River Lea noun tea, especially a poor quality cup of tea. Rhyming slang, formed on one of London’s rivers UK, 1859 River Nile noun a smile. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 River Ouse; river ooze; the river noun strong drink. Rhyming slang for BOOZE UK, 1930 river rat noun a river-rafting enthusiast US, 1997 River Tyne noun wine, especially inferior wine. Rhyming slang, formed on a major river in the northeast of England UK, 1992 Riviera; Riviera of the south nickname any place in Antarctica perceived to be slightly warmer than the rest of the continent, especially the Antarctic Peninsula or Davis station ANTARCTICA, 1963 rivvel noun among Nova Scotians of German origin, a noodle soup. Like another Lunenburg County word, ‘roovled’ this word is prob- ably a derivative of the German word runzeln (wrinkled) CANADA, 1999 Rizla noun a cigarette rolling paper. A brand name that acquired a generic meaning UK, 1996 RJR noun inexpensive cigarette tobacco given free to prisoners. An abbreviation of R.J. Reynolds, a major tobacco company US, 1990 R ’n’ R noun rock ’n’ roll. An initialism UK, 1999 roach noun 1 acockroachAUSTRALIA, 1985. 2 the butt of a marijuana cigarette. The variant ‘roche’ also exists US, 1938. 3 a still-lit and smokeable cigarette end. From the previous sense UK, 1996. 4 Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’. From the manufacturer, Hoffman-La Roche. The variant ‘roachie’ also exists US, 1995. 5 a police officer. A disliked insect found nearly everywhere US, 1963. 6 an unpopular girl US, 1959. 7 in new car sales, a bad credit risk US, 1989 roach verb 1 to smoke a marijuana cigarette UK, 2004. 2 to have sex with someone’s spouse or lover; to cuckold someone BAHAMAS, 1982. 3 in computing, to destroy a program US, 1991 roacha noun marijuana UK, 2003 roach and dace noun the face. Rhyming slang. A less common vari- ation of KIPPER AND PLAICE UK, 1874 roach bender noun someone who smokes marijuana. An elabor- ation of the noun and verb senses of ROACH US, 1942 roach clip noun a device, improvised or manufactured, designed to hold the butt of a (marijuana) cigarette and make smoking the final portion possible US, 1997 roach coach noun 1 a dustcart UK, 1981. 2 a catering truck. The reduplicative suggestion is of a lack of hygiene that attracts cockroaches US, 1985 Roachdale College nickname an ‘alternative’ institution within the University of Toronto, officially named Rochdale College. Founded in the 1960s, this irreverent nickname captured the flavour of the spirit of the place. Its history is memorialised in an exhibit which includes memoirs of drug use, a Can-Cannabis flag and other ‘Counter-Cultural Ephemera’ CANADA, 1969 roached adjective under the influence of Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’. From the name of the manufacturer, Hoffman-La Roche US, 1996 roach haven noun a hotel/motel lacking in hygiene US, 1995 roach killers noun pointed shoes US, 1974 roach motel noun a used car dealership that targets customers with poor credit US, 1997 roach wagon noun a catering truck US, 1984 roachy noun the penis BAHAMAS, 1982 road noun the realities of contemporary urban existence. A refinement of STREET UK, 2005. < the road in Roller Derby, anywhere outside the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties, the home of the game US, 1999. < up the road committed for trial before a judge and jury UK, 1977 road verb to ride a bicycle on the road in a large Canadian city CANADA, 2002 road agent noun a highway patrolman or state police officer. Biker (motorcyle) usage US, 2003 road apple noun 1 a piece of horse manure US, 1996. 2 atouring performer US, 1981 roadblock dance noun an unofficial street party UK, 1994 road burn noun in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, the deteriorated grooming and personal hygiene that serve as physical manifestations of a long tour following the band US, 1994 road dog noun 1 an extremely close friend US, 1989. 2 in sports betting, a team picked as the underdog playing away from home US, 1989 road dope noun amphetamines. Derives from the drug’s use by long-distance drivers UK, 2003 road engineer noun a long-haul truck driver US, 1963 road face noun a stoic expression giving no sign of emotion TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003 road game noun a criminal’s field of expertise US, 1984 road head noun oral sex received while driving US, 2001 road helper noun an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimulant US, 1969 roadie noun 1 a member of a rock band’s entourage who is respon- sible for setting up and dismantling the band’s equipment while on tour UK, 1968. 2 among mountain-bikers, a derogatory term for a cyclist who only rides on paved surfaces US, 1996. 3 a final drink before starting a road journey. From ‘one for the road’ AUSTRALIA, 1996. 4 a can or bottle of beer drunk while driving. Also used as a measure of distance, as in ‘It’s a three roadie trip’ AUSTRALIA, 1996 roadie’s scr ewdriver noun a hammer or any blunt instrument used to strike something that is not working UK, 1985 rip-r ap | roadie’s screwdriver 542 road kill noun literally, an animal or bird carcass on the side of the road; figuratively, an unattractive mess US, 1979 road louse noun a chorus dancer who can no longer get work in the major metropolitan dance halls US, 1948 road map noun 1 multiple facial lacerations US, 1989. 2 in craps, the dice placed before the shooter with the point needed to win face up US, 1983 . 3 a peace plan. Originally, and especially, applied to the Israel–Palestine conflict US, 2002 road pizza noun an animal carcass on the road CANADA, 1987 road rage noun a driver’s violent reaction to the frustrations of traffic hindrances and the discourtesies of other road users US, 1988 road rash noun 1 scraped, bruised and/or cut skin earned in falls while skateboarding or engaging in activity on the road US, 1976. 2 scraped, bruised and/or cut skin earned by moped riders in road accidents UK, 2003 road rocket; rocket noun an extremely fast motorcycle UK, 1978 road soda noun alcohol drunk in a car on the way to a party or concert US, 2004 road stake noun enough money to get someone to their next job US, 1965 roadster noun a tramp US, 1890 road talk noun gossip; a rumour BAHAMAS, 1982 road tar noun coffee, especially strong and bitter coffee US, 1976 road trouble noun problems encountered on the street, usually between a pimp and prostitute US, 1973 roam noun < on the roam away from home US, 1976 roarer noun in horse racing, a horse that coughes loudly while galloping US, 1947 roaring forties nickname the latitudes between 40 and 49 degrees south. Strong winds from the west produce choppy ocean con- ditions ANTARCTICA, 1897 roaring game noun the sport of curling CANADA, 2002 roaring twenty noun a type of amphetamine tablet UK, 1998 roar up verb (of a male) to have sex UK, 1995 roast noun a person killed by a fire US, 1976 roast verb 1 (from an active perspective) to have sex with someone UK, 2002. 2 to criticise someone or something severely; to be mercilessly disparaging of someone or something; to denounce someone UK, 1782. 3 to earn money after hours, especially when doing so with some degree of dishonesty JAMAICA, 1990 roast beef noun the teeth. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 roast beef verb in the used car business, to suggest a higher trade- in value to the dealer management than will be approved, giving the salesman who does so a cushion to fall to the value he expects will be approved US, 1975 roasted adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated US, 1989 roastie noun 1 a roast potato UK, 2001. 2 a traditional English roast dinner UK, 2002 roasting adjective 1 of an ambient temperature, very hot UK, 1768. 2 anxious; unhappy UK, 1996 roast pork; roast noun a fork. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 roast pork; roast verb to talk. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 roast potato; roastie noun a waiter. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 rob noun < on the rob engaged in thievery UK, 1999 rob verb to steal. Unconventional passive usage UK, 1999. < rob the cradle to be romantically involved with a young person US, 1978. < we wuz robbed; we woz robbed used as an excuse for losing. As a jocular exclamation this is a fine example of ‘many a true word spoken in jest’; widely used (with serious intent) as an indignant cliché. Apparently coined in 1932 by boxing manager Joe Jacobs when his client, Max Schmeling, lost the world heavyweight title as the result of a controversial split-decision US, 1988 robber talk noun threatening talk TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1985 robe noun in circus and carnival usage, a judge in criminal court US, 1981 Roberta Flack noun dismissal from employment. Rhyming slang for SACK, formed from the name of the US singer (b.1939) UK, 1998 Robert E. Lee noun 1 a quay. Dockers’ rhyming slang, formed on the name of the Confederate army general (1807–70) UK, 1961. 2 the knee. Sometimes abbreviated to ‘Robert E.’ or the simple ‘Robert’ UK, 1992. 3 urine; an act of urination. Rhyming slang for PEE or WEE UK, 1998 Robert’s your father’s brother everything’s all right. A humorous variation of BOB’S YOUR UNCLE UK, 1994 Robert’s your mother’s brother everything’s all right. A humorous variation of BOB’S YOUR UNCLE UK, 1999 Robin Hood noun wood; a wood; a Woodbine™ cigarette. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of the legendary hero of Sherwood Forest UK, 1992 Robin Hood adj ective good. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of the legendary hero of Sherwood Forest UK, 1932 Robin Hoods noun merchandise, goods. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 robin run noun in Canadian maple sugaring, the first flow of the maple tree sap, which is especially sweet CANADA, 1995 Robinson Crusoe verb to do so. Rhyming slang, formed from the eponymous hero of Daniel Defoe’s 1719 book UK, 1960 rob my pal noun a girl. Rhyming slang for GAL UK, 1960 robo noun dextromethorphan (DXM), an active ingredient in non-pre- scription cold and cough medication, often abused for non- medicinal purposes US, 2003 robo verb to drink Robitussin™ (a branded cough medicine with codeine) US, 1993 robodose verb to abuse cough syrups for recreational purposes. From the name of the most popular syrup of abuse, Robitussen™ US, 1995 robotard noun a person who abuses for non-medicinal purposes non-prescription medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM). From the branded cough syrup, Robitussen™ US, 2003 robotrip verb to abuse for non-medicinal purposes non-prescription medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM). From the branded cough syrup, Robitussin™ US, 2003 ROC noun the rest of Canada, i.e. all of Canada except Quebec CANADA, 2002 roca noun 1 MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003. 2 crack cocaine. Corrupted Spanish-English for ‘rock’ US, 1994 Roche; La Roche; rochie noun Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’. Because Roche Pharmaceuticals markets the Rohypnol™ sleeping pill US, 2004 rock noun 1 a rhythmic style of (usually) amplified music that provides the umbrella for any number of music genres. Originally abbreviated from ROCK ’N’ ROLL; in the US it has continued in use for all forms of driving, rhythmic music. Meanwhile, in the UK early variant forms were called ‘beat’ or POP; not until the mid- 1960s was ‘rock’ used as a title for some contemporary music and then only applied to the more serious music that derived from rock ’n’ roll US, 1957. 2 a diamond US, 1908. 3 cocaine US, 1973. 4 crack cocaine. Describes the crystalline lumps of purified cocaine US, 1983 . 5 a pool ball US, 1990. 6 in the usage of youthful model road racers (slot car racers), a slow car US, 1997. 7 a solid, reliable, dependable fellow prisoner US, 1976. 8 in prison, a predatory homo- sexual US, 1967. 9 a frugal and stingy person US, 1950. 10 a dollar US, 1950. 11 a packet of brand name manufactured cigarettes, used as a basic medium of exchange in prison US, 1992. 12 a crystal tuning device used in a citizens’ band transceiver US, 1976 Rock nickname < the Rock 1 Gibraltar. From Gibraltar’s main feature UK, 1829. 2 the Alcatraz federal penitentiary, located in San Francisco bay US, 1970. 3 Rocky Marciano (1923–69), the only undefeated heavyweight champion in boxing history US, 1975. 4 Guam. A nickname used by US military pilots during the Vietnamese war US, 1990. 5 Riker’s Island jail, New York US, 1975. 6 the island of Newfoundland. This term, almost universal in use in 543 road kill | Rock both Newfoundland and the rest of Canada, derives from the stony soil of the island CANADA, 2001 rock verb 1 to have sex US, 1922. 2 to excel US, 1996. 3 to excite someone US, 1955. 4 to work UK, 2001. 5 to prepare crack cocaine from powdered cocaine US, 1995. 6 to distress someone; to disturb someone; to startle someone US, 1940. < rock ass to produce rock music that inspires a vigorous audience response. On the model of KICK ASS (to behave energetically) US, 1979. < rock the boat to upset the status quo; to make difficulties; to cause trouble UK, 1931. < rock the clock in the used car business, to spin the odometer (mileometer) backwards US, 1997. < r ock the groove (of hip-hop music or musicians) to give pleasure UK, 1998 rock adjective hard UK, 2001 rockabilly noun a mid-1950s US fashion; a late 1970s British youth fashion and music genre identified as an exaggeration of hillbilly country and western style. An ellision of ROCK ’N’ ROLL and ‘hillbilly’ US, 1993 rock and boulder noun the shoulder. Rhyming slang UK, 1931 rock and roll noun used of an automatic or semi-automatic weapon, full automatic fire US, 1979 rock and roll; rock ’n’ roll verb to begin and perform the task at hand US, 1990 rock ape noun 1 a black person. Offensive AUSTRALIA, 1972. 2 a lout or hooligan AUSTRALIA, 1994 rock attack noun crack cocaine. An elaboration of ROCK. UK, 2003 rock bud noun a powerful variety of marijuana UK, 2003 rock cake noun a small bet. Possibly rhyming slang for ‘stake’; or possibly a dismissive comparison to an article of little value UK, 1991 rock candy noun diamonds US, 1970 rockchopper noun a Roman Catholic. A derogatory term originating amongst Protestants. In earlier use (1908, Australian National Dictionary) used of a ‘navvy’ (i.e. one who breaks up rock), and thus in origin probably a slur labelling all Australian Catholics descendants of Irish Catholic convicts AUSTRALIA, 1981 rock college noun prison NEW ZEALAND, 1998 rock crusher noun in poker, a hand that is certain to win US, 1988 rockdance noun walking barefoot over a rocky surface to retrieve a surfboard US, 1963 rocked out adjective under the influence of crack cocaine US, 1991 rocker noun 1 any of the several curved stripes below the three chevrons on the insignia of a sergeant in the US Army or Marine Corps US, 1944. 2 a curved patch designating a motorcyle gang or the gang-member’s home city or country, worn as part of the colours. A borrowing from the military US, 1971. 3 a member of the 1960s youth cult that is characterised by the use of motorcycles and leathers, and chiefly remembered as the opposite to Mod UK, 1971. 4 a non-surfer who associates with surfers and poses as a surfer AUSTRALIA, 1964. 5 a rock musician/singer UK, 2003. 6 a song, or instrumental, exhibiting the rhythmic characteristics of rock ’n’ roll UK, 1975. 7 the convex curvature of the bottom of a surfboard US, 1965. < off your rocker crazy UK, 1897 rocker; rokker verb to speak Romany; to talk. English gypsy use from Romany roker (to speak) UK, 2000 rocket noun 1 a marijuana cigarette US, 1942. 2 a hypodermic needle and syringe US, 1989. 3 a bullet US, 1965. 4 an Oldsmobile V-8 engine US, 1965. 5 a tampon. From the shape US, 2001 8see: ROAD ROCKET rocket alley nickname Phuoc Binh, South Vietnam. The nickname came from the frequent Viet Cong rocket attacks US, 1990 rocket burns noun faecal stains in the underwear or on a toilet bowl CANADA, 2002 rocket cap noun a dome-shaped cap on a vial in which crack cocaine is sold US, 1994 Rocket City nickname Tay Ninh, South Vietnam; Lai Khe, South Vietnam US, 1983 rocket fuel noun 1 phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust US, 1976. 2 a combination of assorted alcoholic beverages NEW ZEALAND, 1997 rocket man noun a person who sells syringes to drug addicts. Illegal in the US, but profitable US, 1989 rocket ripple noun a barrage of 144 rockets fired from a small cart. Korean war usage US, 1957 rocket science noun any difficult, demanding task US, 1997 rocket stains noun faecal stains in the underwear or on a toilet bowl CANADA, 2002 rock fiend noun a crack cocaine addict. From ROCK (crack cocaine) UK, 2003 Rockford Files noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang for ‘piles’, formed from the title of a US television series, 1975–82 UK, 2003 rock hard noun amyl or butyl nitrite. Reflects male use as a sex-aid; possibly derives from a brand name UK, 1998 rockhead noun 1 a crack cocaine addict US, 1991. 2 a dim-witted person US, 1957 rock-hog noun in mining, a tunneller or driller CANADA, 1954 rockhopper noun an angler who fishes from coastal rocks AUSTRALIA, 1966 rock hound noun in oil drilling, a geologist, especially one who focuses on the earth’s surface US, 1954 rock house noun a premises used for the sale and consumption of crack cocaine US, 1985 rocking chair noun 1 retirement with a pension US, 1946. 2 in a group of trucks travelling together, the truck in the middle US, 1976 rocking chair money noun unemployment insurance or Old Age Security CANADA, 1959 rocking horse noun sauce, whether the condiment, garnish or impudence. Rhyming slang UK, 1979 Rock Jaw nickname Rach Gia, South Vietnam US, 1990 rock jockey noun in the language of paragliding, the pilot of a hang glider US, 1992 rockman noun a dealer in crack cocaine US, 1989 rock med noun medical treatment targeted for rock ’n’ roll concert goers US, 1994 rock ’n’ roll noun 1 a genre of music with a driving rhythm; an umbrella for most simply rhythmic music produced since the 1950s. The etymology is laden with sexual overtones, thus ‘My Man Rocks Me With One Steady Roll’, sung by blues singer Trixie Smith in 1924, and a song entitled ‘Rock and Roll’ is recorded in 1934. It is not until 1954 that the music now recognised as ‘rock ’n’ roll’ is given its identity; coinage is generally credited to US disc jockey Alan Freed US, 1924. 2 a hole. Rhyming slang, used practically or figuratively UK, 1992. 3 unemployment benefit; any government office from which it is administrated. Rhyming slang for THE DOLE UK , 1994 rock ’n’ roll! used as an good-humoured exclamation of dismissal UK, 2000 rock of ages; rocks noun wages. Rhyming slang UK, 1937 rock of Gibraltar noun in shuffleboard, a disc that is well hidden and guarded US, 1967 rock-on noun an erection. A variation of HARD-ON (an erection) UK, 1999 rock on the chest; rock on the box noun silicosis US, 1951 rockpile noun any prison job US, 1984 rocks noun 1 salt US, 1981. 2 money US, 1950. 3 dominoes US, 1959. 4 jewels; pearls. From the US sense (diamonds) UK, 1937. 5 the testicles US, 1948. 6 courage US, 1977 8see: ALMOND ROCKS, MINT ROCKS . < get your rocks off 1 to ejaculate US, 1969. 2 to be satis- fied with or excited about something. Figurative application of the sense ‘to ejaculate’ US, 1995. < on the rocks 1 used of a drink, served over ice US, 1946. 2 in severe trouble UK, 1889. < shoot your rocks to ejaculate US, 1975. < the rocks a confidence swindle involving fake diamonds US, 1969 rock slinger noun a seller of crack cocaine US, 1993 rocks of hell noun crack cocaine. An elaboration of ROCK UK, 1998 rock | r ocks of hell 544 rock solvent noun in caving and pot-holing, any explosive. This is slang with a euphemistic purpose: when communicating by telephone, e-mail, etc., it is thought ill advised to use words like ‘explosive’ UK, 2004 rockspider noun 1 an Afrikaner. Derogatory. Sometimes shortened to ‘spider’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1970. 2 a child molester. Originally in prison use, but now part of general slang AUSTRALIA, 1984 rock star noun 1 a crack cocaine dealer US, 1988. 2 a woman who engages in sex for payment in crack cocaine or money to buy crack cocaine; a prostitute addicted to crack cocaine US, 1993 rock starring noun an act of having sex with a partner in exchange for a payment of crack cocaine UK, 2002 rock whor e noun a woman who will trade sex for crack cocaine US, 1991 rock wing noun in the language of paragliding, the pilot of a hang glider US, 1992 rocky noun 1 hashish. Probably from a specific use into generic UK, 1999. 2 crack cocaine UK, 1998 Rocky noun Coors™ beer. Coors boasts of being brewed with ‘pure Rocky Mountain spring water’ US, 1967 rocky black; rocky noun a type of marijuana UK, 1996 rocky hash noun a type of marijuana UK, 1997 Rocky III noun crack cocaine. An elaboration of ROCK, using the title of a 1982 film UK, 1998 Rocky Mountain deadshot noun pancakes; hotcakes; griddle cakes; flapjacks CANADA, 1989 Rocky Mountain Kool Aid noun Coors™ beer. Once available only in Colorado, where it is brewed US, 1977 Rocky Mountain oyster noun an animal testicle, usually that of a steer formerly known as a bull, prepared for eating as a regional delicacy US, 1986 rocy noun any variety of hashish from Morocco UK, 2003 rod noun 1 the penis; the erect penis UK, 1902. 2 a gun, usually a pistol. A perfect example for those who like to ascribe phallic symbolism to the tools of man’s aggression US, 1903. 3 ahired gunman US, 1964. 4 a car modified for speed or looks; a hot rod US, 1945. 5 the draw-rod underneath a railway goods wagon US, 1904. < had the rod wrecked; ruined. Variant of HAVE HAD THE DICK AUSTRALIA , 1975 rodadio noun a radio. Trucker embellishment US, 1976 rodda noun a Cadillac El Dorado car US, 1972 rodded up adjective armed with a handgun or handguns US, 1950 rodder noun a hot rod enthusiast US, 1949 rodeo fuck noun used for describing sex between a man and woman; the man enters the woman from behind, insults her (‘you’re almost as good as your sister’ for example) and then holds on. A term heard mostly in jokes US, 2002 Rodino noun a Mexican citizen permitted to stay in the US during an immigration amnesty period in the late 1980s. After Congressman Peter Rodino, sponsor of the legislation that made the amnesty possible US, 1993 Rodney boater noun a boat-dweller who does not care for the upkeep of the boat-home UK, 1987 rod out verb to install high performance equipment in a car’s engine US, 1994 Rods; Rod’s nickname Harrod’s, a department store in Knightsbridge, London. An abbreviation that seems to be a diminutive. Upper- class society use UK, 1982 Rod the Bod; Rod the Mod nickname rock singer Rod Stewart US, 1993 rod walloper noun a male masturbator. Formed on ROD (the penis) with a variation of ‘beater’ AUSTRALIA, 1971 rod-walloping noun male masturbation AUSTRALIA, 1971 roger verb 1 from a male perspective, to have sex. From its, now obsolete, use as a slang term for ‘the penis’ UK, 1711. 2 to acknowledge receipt of a message US, 2001 roger! used for expressing agreement or affirmation. ‘R’ or ‘roger’ signified that a message or command had been received US, 1941 roger dodger; ro ger dodge; roger D; roger splodge yes; affirmative. Variations of ROGER! (yes) US, 1976 Roger Hunt noun a cunt in all senses. Rhyming slang, formed, for no apparent reason other than the rhyme, from the name of a Liverpool and England footballer UK, 1998 rogering noun from a male perspective, sexual intercourse. From the verb ROGER (to have sex) UK, 1998 Roger ramjet noun any speeding and reckless driver US, 1976 rogue noun 1 a horse that is difficult to handle AUSTRALIA, 1947. 2 in surfing, a wave that appears without warning US, 1977 rogue verb to take something without permission US, 1984 rogue adjective strange; threatening US, 2003 rogue’s badge noun in horse racing, blinkers. Usually worn by horses that do not behave well, hence the label of ‘rogue’ US, 1947 rogue’s gallery noun a collection of photographs of criminals US, 1859 roidhead noun a habitual user of steroids. An abbreviation of ‘steroid’ combined with -HEAD (a user) UK, 2001 roid rage; ’roid rage noun violently ill-tempered behaviour resulting from excessive steroid use. An abbreviation of ‘steroid’, playing on ROAD RAGE US, 1987 roids noun anabolic steroids US, 1980 rojas noun Malboro™ cigarettes. Spanish for ‘red’, which is the colour of the packaging US, 1990 rojito noun a red central nervous system depressant, especially Seconal™. From the Spanish for ‘little red one’ US, 1971 rojo noun dextromethorphan (DXM), an active ingredient in non-pre- scription cold and cough medication, often abused for non- medicinal purposes. Spanish for ‘red’, which is the colour of the cough syrup US, 2003 rojo flow noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. A use of the Spanish word rojo (red) US, 2001 roko noun a riot, protest or demonstration INDIA, 2003 rolf verb to vomit US, 1982 roll noun 1 an act of sexual intercourse. An abbreviation of ROLL IN THE HAY US , 1962. 2 a roll of money US, 1965. 3 a single cigarette or marijuana cigarette FIJI, 1993. 4 MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003. 5 ten barbiturate capsules sold as a unit US, 1973. 6 a double-breasted suit US, 1970. < on a roll enjoying continuing success US, 1976 roll verb 1 to rob someone, especially with force and especially someone bemused with drink US, 1873. 2 to avoid paying a bill for services provided by an establishment such as a hotel or restaurant US, 1977. 3 to betray friends by changing sides; to inform on someone. A variation of ROLL OVER US, 1997. 4 to leave US, 1982. 5 to arrive on the scene AUSTRALIA, 1861. 6 to ride in a car US, 1990. 7 (used of a woman) to walk with a rolling motion of the pelvis TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1973. 8 in prison, to open a cell US, 1976. 9 to take MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy US, 2001. < roll bones to play dice US, 1950. < roll in on someone to attack someone US, 2000. < roll it back to decelerate a motorcycle; to close the throttle-twist grip UK, 1979 . < roll on let it proceed or happen swiftly. Often used in an imperative or exclamatory manner UK, 1901 . < roll the dice to take a chance on something US, 1992. < roll the drums in betting, to double the bet in effect US, 1986. < roll your own to reload your own ammunition US, 1957 roll deep verb to go somewhere with a large group of friends; to have a large group of friends US, 2001 roller noun 1 a police officer US, 1964. 2 a robber who relies on brute force US, 1975. 3 a prostitute who takes a client’s money without delivering a service. From ROLL (to rob someone) UK, 1996 . 4 a Rolls Royce car UK, 1975. 5 in the car sales business, a car that can be 545 rock solvent | roller driven home the same day it is bought US, 1966. 6 a car that is being driven US, 1970. 7 a machine used to start the engine of a drag racer by spinning the rear wheels while the driver turns on the ignition US, 1970. 8 a wave US, 1988. 9 a vein that tends to roll away from a needle US, 1970. 10 abowlerUS, 1953. 11 a tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy US, 2002. 12 a hot dog US, 1991 roller-rings noun the police US, 1987 rollers noun dice with rounded edges. A roller may be intentionally crafted or not; a naturally occurring roller makes a controlled shot by a cheat difficult US, 1950 rollerskate; skate noun asmallcarUK, 1951 roll for the bowl noun toilet paper US, 1991 rollicking noun a telling-off. Probably a euphemistic replacement for synonymous BOLLOCKING UK, 1938 rollie noun 1 a hand-rolled cigarette AUSTRALIA, 1981. 2 a marijuana ciga- rette. A variation of the previous sense UK, 1999. 3 a tablet of Rolypnol™, a brand name for flunitrazepan, a sedative NEW ZEALAND, 1989 rollies noun loose tobacco, used for hand-rolling cigarettes. Prison usage US, 1967 rolling adjective 1 very rich. Variants include ‘rolling in it’ and ‘rolling in money’ UK, 1782. 2 under the influence of MDMA, the rec- reational drug best known as ecstasy US, 1996 rolling bones noun dice US, 1950 rolling hot! used by helicopter gunship pilots in Vietnam to announce that a strafing attack was about to begin US, 1990 rolling lighthouse noun in trucking, a tractor and trailer embellished with many extra running lights US, 1971 rollings noun loose cigarette tobacco US, 1945 roll in the hay noun an act of sexual intercourse US, 1945 roll me in the gutter; roll me noun butter. Rhyming slang UK, 1925 rollocks noun the testicles. Rhyming slang for BOLLOCKS. The reduced form of JIMMY ROLLOCKS, JOHNNY ROLLOCKS and TOMMY ROLLOCKS UK, 1984 roll-on noun a secret lover in addition to your regular partner. Teen slang SOUTH AFRICA, 2003 roll on verb to travel; to go. Wheeled transport is probably implied US, 2001 roll-on, roll-off noun a used, sometimes stolen, car imported for sale TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2002 rollout noun in handball, a ball hit off the front wall so low that the ball does not bounce off the floor US, 1977 roll out verb to leave US, 1997 rollover noun an informant US, 2000 roll over verb to turn against or inform against someone AUSTRALIA, 1995 Rolls noun a Rolls-Royce car US, 1928 Rolls Royce noun the voice, especially a good singing voice. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 roll-up noun 1 a hand-rolled cigarette. A prison coinage UK, 1950. 2 a type of bet where the amount won on one event becomes the stake for the next event. Better known as an ‘accumulator’ UK, 2001 roll up verb 1 to arrive AUSTRALIA, 1920. 2 to roll a marijuana cigarette US, 1971 rolly noun a match. Rhyming slang, from Rolly Hatch, a prominent and popular horse racing figure in New Zealand and later Australia AUSTRALIA, 1989 roll-your-own noun a hand-rolled cigarette NEW ZEALAND, 2002 roly noun a hand-rolled cigarette. From ROLL-UP UK, 2002 roly-poly adjective overweight UK, 1820 Roman candle noun 1 in homosexual usage, the penis of an Italian or Italian-American US, 1987. 2 in target shooting, a poorly loaded cartridge that produces a spray of red sparks when detonated US, 1957 . 3 a burst of tracer bullets US, 1962. 4 a sandal. Rhyming slang, formed from a firework UK, 1992 Roman culture noun group sex US, 1967 Roman engagement noun in homosexual usage, anal sex with a woman US, 1987 Roman fingers noun the hands of a boy wandering over a girl’s body NEW ZEALAND, 1984 Roman roulette noun birth control by the rhythm method. A vari- ation of VATICAN ROULETTE UK, 1969 romantic ballad noun a salad. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 rom-com noun romantic comedy. Media jargon that has insinuated itself into mainstream consciousness UK, 2002 romo noun a follower of the New Romantic youth fashion of the early 1980s UK, 2003 romp noun in horse racing, an easy victory US, 1976 romp verb 1 to excite; to excel; to be lively US, 1946. 2 to win easily. Also as ‘romp home’ UK, 1881 rompered noun severely beaten. Derives from ‘romper room’; used by the British military in Northern Ireland to describe a brand of justice dispensed by illegal kangaroo courts UK: NORTHERN IRELAND, 1974 rompums noun marijuana UK, 2003 Romulan noun in British Columbia, a local variety of marijuana. A Star Trek inspired term CANADA, 2002 ron noun a homosexual Mafia don US, 2002 Ronan Keating noun a beating. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the popular Irish singer (b.1977) UK, 2004 ronies noun pepperoni US, 1996 Ronnie Biggs noun lodgings. Rhyming slang for DIGS,formedfrom the name of the ‘Great Train Robber’ (1929–2005) UK, 1992 Ronnie RayGun nickname Ronald Reagan (1911–2004), US President 1981–89. A neat pun that refers particularly to Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ initiative UK, 2000 ronson noun 1 a ponce, a man who lives on the earnings of a prostitute. Very imperfect rhyming slang, apparently adopted under the influence of high-powered advertising for the branded cigarette lighters UK, 1984. 2 a despised or unpleasant person. Rhyming slang, formed on a very weak rhyme for PONCE UK, 1960 roo noun 1 a kangaroo. By front clipping AUSTRALIA, 1898. 2 an apprentice station hand working on, and learning how to manage, a cattle or sheep station. An abbreviation of ‘jackaroo’ AUSTRALIA, 1891 -roo suffix used as an meaningless, affected embellishment of a noun US, 1984 roo bar noun a metal grille attached to the front of a vehicle as protection from kangaroos when driving in the country AUSTRALIA, 1973 roodle adjective in poker, said of a hand in which the stakes have been temporarily raised US, 1947 roody-poo noun someone who is ignorant or unsophisticated US, 1999 roody-poo adjective second-rate; shallow US, 1998 roof noun the flight deck of an aircraft carrier UK, 1998 . < on the roof paid for by the management of the establishment. A vari- ation of ON THE HOUSE UK, 2002 roof verb to break into a building through the roof US, 1972 roofer noun Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’ US, 1997 roofies; ruffles; roples noun the recreational drug Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam) US, 1997 roof monkey noun a television journalist who, when on location, relies on satellite communication for incoming information which is then included in that journalist’s report UK, 2005 roof -sniffing noun in caving and pot-holing, the act of moving on your back along a small, water-filled passage with only sufficient air-space for the eyes and nose UK, 2004 roller-rings | roof-sniffing 546 [...]... instant of time Most often used in all manner of elaborations: ‘in a shake’ (C19), ‘in the shake of a hand’ (C19, probably obsolete), ‘in a brace of shakes’ (mid-C19), ‘in a couple of shakes’ (mid-C19), ‘in two shakes’ (late C19); later C20 variations are more whimsical: ‘in the shake of a lamb’s tail’, ‘in the shake of a dead lamb’s tail’, ‘in two shakes of a lamb’s whiffwhoff’ (mid-C20), ‘two shakes of. .. something UK, 2002 sack of garbage noun in bar dice games, a roll that produces no points for the player US, 1971 sack of sauce noun a used condom US, 1997 sack of shit noun used abusively of an unpleasant person A conventional ‘sack’ full of SHIT (excrement); probably a revision of SAD SACK OF SHIT US, 2001 sack out verb to go to bed US, 1946 sack rat noun a lazy person, overly fond of sleep US, 1947 sack... affirmative A variation of BOW THE CRUMPET and NOD THE NUT AUSTRALIA, 1984 < off your scone mad A variation of OFF YOUR HEAD AUSTRALIA, 1958 < suck your scone in! mind you own business!; stop talking nonsense! A variation of PULL YOUR HEAD IN! AUSTRALIA, 1984 scone verb to hit someone on the head AUSTRALIA, 1948 scone hot adverb vigorously AUSTRALIA, 1927 Sconnie nickname a resident of the state of Wisconsin... 1907 3 (of a police officer) to extract a one-time bribe from a criminal to avoid prosecution US, 1972 4 (of a horse or rider) to win a race AUSTRALIA, 1969 < score on to get the best of someone verbally US, 1963 score! 1 used as a humorous acknowledgement of a correct answer US, 1994 2 used for expressing joy US, 2002 scorebag noun twenty pounds’ worth of a drug UK, 1996 scorpion noun 1 a variety of MDMA,... An abbreviation of SCRUMPTIOUS; often used as an exclamation of delight UK, 1915 scrump verb to steal apples from orchards From an old dialect word for a ‘withered apple’ UK, 1866 scrumper noun a stealer of apples from orchards UK, 1946 scrumping noun an act of stealing apples from an orchard From the verb SCRUMP UK, 1999 scrumptious adjective delicious Often used as an exclamation of delight UK, 1881... off to predict an obvious event, often only with the benefit of hindsight An elaboration and intensification of ‘see it coming’ UK, 1966 < see red to be angry UK, 1901 < see Steve to use cocaine US, 1952 < see the colour of your money to see your money; to be paid UK, 1718 < see you coming to take advantage of your gullibility UK, 1937 seed noun 1 a child US, 1998 2 a person who is hopelessly out of. .. planned to happen UK, 1994 run-off noun a prostitute who has attempted to break off from her pimp US, 1993 run of outs noun a succession of losses or failures AUSTRALIA, 1953 run-out noun a well-worn tyre US, 1961 run out verb < run out of road to fail to keep control of a motor vehicle, especially on a bend, and consequently be involved in an accident UK, 1981 < run out of steam to lose vigour UK, 1961... of three cards of the same rank and a pair Known conventionally as a ‘full house’ US, 1988 < off your shed in a state of mental confusion, insane A variation of OFF YOUR HEAD UK, 1991 shed verb in poker, to discard a card or cards US, 1967 shedded adjective drunk Recorded by ‘e-cyclopaedia’, BBC News, 20th March 2002, with the somewhat oblique explanation ‘as in "My shed has collapsed taking most of. .. 1949 school of crime noun a prison US, 1982 school of hard knocks noun the difficult emotional and physical experiences of growing up, seen as enriching The UNIVERSITY OF LIFE for the working-classes US, 1912 school solution noun a military tactic as taught in the classroom US, 1988 schooner noun a 15-fluid-ounce glass of beer In South Australia the same name is used for a 10-ounce glass of beer AUSTRALIA,... modules A figurative application of RO-RO (roll on, roll off ) UK, 1996 2 a Rolls Royce car UK, 1984 ro-ro adjective roll on, roll off Said of a containerisation system used to ship military cargo during the Vietnam war US, 1990 rort noun 1 a confidence trick; an illicit scheme or dodge; a swindle Also used of legitimate practices imputing that they are unfair or a rip-off AUSTRALIA, 1926 2 a wild party; . deck of an aircraft carrier UK, 1998 . < on the roof paid for by the management of the establishment. A vari- ation of ON THE HOUSE UK, 2002 roof verb to break into a building through the roof. 1971 sack of sauce noun a used condom US, 1997 sack of shit noun used abusively of an unpleasant person. A con- ventional ‘sack’ full of SHIT (excrement); probably a revision of SAD SACK OF SHIT. well, hence the label of ‘rogue’ US, 1947 rogue’s gallery noun a collection of photographs of criminals US, 1859 roidhead noun a habitual user of steroids. An abbreviation of ‘steroid’ combined