Dictionary of Unconventional English_16 docx

< up to shit no good; hopeless AUSTRALIA, 1978. < when the shit hits the fan; when the shit flies the moment when a crisis starts, especially if such trouble has been expected UK, 1966. < you’re shit and you know you are used by football fans as a chant to disparage (and enrage) the opposing team and fans UK, 2001 shit verb 1 to defecate. Conventional English for about 500 years from the C14, then, sometime in the C19, slipped into vulgarity UK, 1308. 2 to deceive someone; to lie to someone or stretch the truth. An abbreviated form of BULLSHIT US, 1934. < shit a brick to have a difficult time accepting something; to react with anger US, 1971. < shit all over to surpass someone or something by a great degree UK, 2003. < shit in to win easily or by a large margin AUSTRALIA, 1979. < shit it to be very nervous or worried; to be thoroughly frightened. An allusion to the bowel-loosening effect of terror UK, 2000. < shit it in to do something with ease AUSTRALIA, 1992. < shit nickels to be very frightened US, 1968. < shit on someone to disparage or abuse someone UK, 1984. < shit or get off the pot to get out of the way and let someone else try to do it; make your mind up. Originally directed at dice players CANADA, 1966. < shit the life out of someone to frighten someone. Variation of conventional ‘scare the life out of’ combined with SCARE THE SHIT OUT OF UK, 1999. < shit your pants 1 to soil your underpants by accidental defecation UK, 2001. 2 to be terrified. To lose control over your excretory functions is noted as a symptom of extreme terror; however, this is used figuratively (most of the time), often as an exaggeration UK, 1994. < shit your shorts to behave in a nervous or frightened manner US, 2002. < shit yourself to be terrified. Losing control over your excretory functions is noted as a symptom of extreme terror; it is used here (and most of the time) in a figurative sense, certainly as an exag- geration UK, 1914 shit adjective 1 inferior; shoddy; valueless; unpleasant; disliked for whatever reason UK, 1930. 2 unfashionable; in poor taste UK, 2001. 3 bad US, 1950. 4 despicable US, 1977. 5 good UK, 1996 shit! used for registering annoyance, frustration, despair, etc UK, 1920 shit a brick!; shit-a-brick!; shit on a brick! used for expressing annoyance, disgust or shock AUSTRALIA, 1968 shit-all noun nothing, nothing at all. A variation of FUCK ALL US, 1981 shit and a shave noun a short sentence of imprisonment. An inference that the sentence is for no more time than it takes to get ready to go out UK, 1996 shit and derision!; shit and corruption!; shit and molasses! used for registering annoyance and frustration. Originally air force, describing weather conditions UK, 1982 shit and git verb to leave quickly US, 1994 shit and shinola noun in poker, three two’s US, 1948 shitaree noun a toilet UK, 1994 shit-ass adjective despicable, of poor quality US, 1967 shit-ass; shirt-arse noun a despicable person US, 1942 shitbag noun a despicable person or object UK, 1964 shitbag verb to denigrate or criticise someone or something AUSTRALIA, 1986 shitball noun a despicable person US, 1998 shitbird noun a despicable person US, 1952 shit-blitz noun an intensive media campaign of attack designed to present a negative image of someone or something UK, 2004 shit bowl noun a toilet US, 1967 shit box noun 1 the anus UK, 1997. 2 a despicable person AUSTRALIA, 1979. 3 a small and shoddy dwelling AUSTRALIA, 1995. 4 the Chevrolet Chevette US, 1992 shit-bo x adjective no good AUSTRALIA, 1995 shitbrains; shit-brain noun a stupid person US, 1970 shit-burner noun a person assigned to the task of cleaning out latrines, dousing the spoils with fuel and burning the mixture. Coined during the Vietnam war US, 1991 shitcan noun 1 any rubbish bin US, 1948. 2 a cheap car US, 1971 shitcan verb 1 to throw something away; to discharge someone from employment US, 1975. 2 to denigrate or criticise someone AUS TRALIA, 1950 shitcan adjective rubbishy UK, 1998 shit-chute noun the rectum US, 1977 shit creek noun < up shit creek; up shit creek without a paddle; up the creek stranded, in trouble. Embellishments abound US, 1941 shitcunt noun a contemptible person; used as a harsh term of contempt. When neither SHIT nor CUNT is abusive enough this combination may serve UK, 1979 shit disturber noun a troublemaker US, 1977 shite noun excrement; hence rubbish. A variation on SHIT phonetically similar to German Scheiße UK, 1976. < give a shite to care, to be concerned – usually in a negative context. A variation of GIVE A SHIT UK, 1971 shite adjective 1 poor quality, inferior UK, 1997. 2 awful; unhappy; emotionally upset UK, 2002 shite! used as an expression of frustration, anger, etc UK, 1937 shit-eater noun a coprophiliac US, 1996 shit-eating adjective sycophantic UK, 1974 shit-eating grin noun a broad smile, ingratiating and unctuous US, 1957 shite-awful adjective being of very inferior quality UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 shit eh! wow! AUSTRALIA, 1972 shitehawk noun a despicable, worthless person UK, 2000 shitehead noun a contemptible person; used as a general term of abuse. A variation of SHITHEAD UK, 1997 shitepoke noun a despicable person US, 1926 shiters noun < put the shiters up someone to frighten someone UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 shiters adjective scared. From SHIT-SCARED (terrified) and other vari- ations on the theme UK, 2002 shitey adjective faeces-covered; of poor quality UK: SCOTLAND, 1994 shit-fac e noun 1 a despised person UK, 1937. 2 used as an intensifier of the degree of intoxication US, 1977 shitfaced adjective drunk US, 1968 shitfire! used as an oath US, 1970 shit fit noun 1 a bad case of diarrhoea US, 1975. 2 a tantrum US, 1968 shit-for-brains adjective stupid US, 2003 shit-for-brains; shite-for-brains noun an idiot US, 1994 shit-fuck noun a despicable person AUSTRALIA, 1997 shit happens used for conveying the inevitability of misfortune. A tremendously popular catchphrase in the mid-to late 1980s in the US, spawning dozens of jokes with the predictable punch-line, tee- shirts with lists of various religions’ interpretations of the phrase, etc US, 1983 shit-hawk noun a seagull CANADA, 1993 shithead noun an objectionable, obnoxious, despised person UK, 1961 shitheap noun a motor vehicle that is in poor repair or that lacks power AUSTRALIA, 1984 shitheel noun a despicable person US, 1935 shit heroin noun heroin, especially if of poor quality UK, 1950 shithole; shitehole noun 1 a bad place; a dirty, run-down or disreputable place US, 1965. 2 the anus UK, 1937 shithook noun 1 the hand US, 1970. 2 a thoroughly unpleasant person US, 1968. 3 a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Vietnam war usage US, 1991 shit-hot noun a highly skilled fighter pilot US, 1983 shit hot adjective excellent, wonderful. A positive sense of SHIT intensifies HOT (popular, fashionable) UK, 1961 shithouse noun 1 a toilet bowl; a toilet; a lavatory UK, 1795. 2 a shoddy, dirty, unpleasant place US, 1973. 3 jail or prison US, 1969. 4 an shit | shithouse 574 extremely unpleasant individual UK, 1999. 5 acowardUK, 2002. < to the shithouse to hell AUSTRALIA, 1987 shithouse adjective 1 disgusting, nasty, unpleasant AUSTRALIA, 1971. 2 no good; hopeless; abysmal AUSTRALIA, 1973 shithouse rumour noun gossip. A blunt version of the kinder and gentler ‘latrine rumour’ US, 1968 shitkicker noun 1 a tough, belligerent person US, 1954. 2 acountry- dweller, a peasant US, 1966. 3 a person employed to do menial jobs AUSTRALIA, 1950. 4 a prostitute. Far less common than the term MUDKICKER US, 1967. 5 a fraudster, especially one who adopts a pose of extreme modesty US, 1981 shitkickers noun heavy work shoes or work boots US, 1974 shitless adverb completely, entirely, to a great degree UK, 1936 shitlips noun a person who talks nonsense. Extended from SHIT (rubbish, nonsense) with ‘lips’ representing the mouth that emits it US, 1991 shit list noun an imagined list of those in disfavour US, 1942 shitload noun a great deal of US, 1991 shitman used as an intensifier of what follows US, 1967 shitmobile noun a poor quality motor vehicle AUSTRALIA, 1995 shit-nasty adjective very unpleasant UK, 2001 shit off! go away! UK, 1966 shitogram noun an especially virulent e-mail message US, 1991 shit on a shingle noun minced or creamed beef on toast. A visual simile in UK military use, possibly of US origin US, 1994 shit on a string noun an elusive or difficult task US, 1981 shit or bust verb to make a determined final effort. A less extreme variation of RIP, SHIT OR BUST UK, 2005 shit order noun a dirty or untidy condition, especially when applied to military accommodation or equipment UK, 1971 shit-out noun acowardUK, 2000 shit out verb to run away; to yield UK, 1999 shit out of luck adjective very unlucky US, 1983 shitpacker noun an anal-sex enthusiast US, 1964 shit paper noun toilet paper US, 1969 shitparcel noun a prison officer UK, 1996 shitpicker noun a notional menial, demeaning job US, 1971 shit pie noun a comparative example for anything of no value UK, 1999 shit pit noun a field-latrine. Military UK, 1995 Shitport nickname Norfolk, Virginia US, 1982 shitpot noun 1 a contemptible, worthless individual UK, 1937. 2 agreat deal of US, 1968. 3 marijuana of inferior quality. A combination of synonyms SHIT and POT US, 2001 shitpuncher noun a male homosexual NEW ZEALAND, 1998 shits noun < for shits and giggles for no good reason. Something is done, for example, for shits and giggles US, 2001. < put the shits up someone to frighten someone UK, 2002. < the shits 1 diarrhoea UK, 1947. 2 the worst US, 1971. 3 fear. Following logically from the earlier sense as ‘diarrhoea’ UK, 1967 shit sandwich noun a troubling, odious situation US, 1968 shit-scared adjective terrified UK, 1958 shit-shaped adjective used of a prison cell that has been daubed with excrement. A pun on ‘ship-shape’. From private correspondence with a serving prisoner in 2001 UK, 2001 shit, shave, shower, shine used as a jocular reminder of a man’s tasks before going out on the town. Multiple variants, probably coined in the US Marine Corps as a pre-liberty litany US, 1968 shitshover noun a male homosexual. An obvious allusion to anal intercourse UK, 1996 shitstabber noun a male homosexual UK, 2002 shit stain noun a stupid, despicable person US, 1997 shitstain adjective despicable, unpleasant, foolish US, 1995 shit-stick noun a despised person US, 1964 shit sticks! used as a mildly profane expression of disappointment US, 1964 shit-stir verb to tell tales, or spread rumours, with the specific intention of causing trouble. A limited variation of ‘stir the shit’ UK, 1999 shit-stirr er noun a troublemaker; a person who heckles or harasses, especially for the fun of it AUSTRALIA, 1971 shit-stirring noun harassing; heckling; troublemaking AUSTRALIA, 1971 shit stompers noun heavy work boots US, 1975 shit stopper noun a prank US, 1981 shit stoppers noun drain-pipe trousers (a tight-cut, narrow-legged part of a Teddy Boy’s ‘uniform’) UK, 2003 shitstorm; shit storm noun an extremely serious situation US, 1962 shit street noun an unpleasant place to be; serious trouble. You can be ‘in’ or ‘up’ shit street; a similar location to SHIT CREEK UK, 1961 shitsure adverb certainly, definitely US, 1981 shittalay noun a Chevrolet car US, 1992 shit-talk verb to engage in bragging, insulting conversation US, 2004 shitted adjective afraid. A variation of SHIT-SCARED UK, 1997 shitter noun 1 an example of something UK, 2005. 2 a toilet or bathroom US, 1969. 3 a criminal, usually a burglar, who fetishistically defecates at the scene of the crime US, 1970. 4 a liar; a braggart; a bluffer. A shortened form of BULLSHITTER US, 1982. 5 acowardUK, 2000. 6 a horse US, 1958. 7 a prison cell used for solitary confinement US, 1972. 8 the hell. Used as an intensifier AUSTRALIA, 1971 shit the bed! used for registering wonder or satisfaction. An elabor- ation of SHIT! UK, 2002 shit ticket noun a piece of toilet paper AUSTRALIA, 1996 shitting adjective used as a negative intensifier UK, 1966 shitting in high cotton (and wiping with the leaves) enjoying prosperous times US, 1984 shitting-it adjective scared; very nervous UK, 1996 shittings noun diarrhoea BAHAMAS, 1982 shitting up noun in prison, a deliberate act of protest by decorating a cell with excrement UK, 1996 shit train noun a great number; a lot of US, 1989 shitty noun abadmoodAUSTRALIA, 1979 shitty adjective 1 awful; of poor quality US, 1924. 2 in a bad mood AUSTRALIA, 1971. 3 drunk US, 2003 shitty end of the stick noun an unfair position to be in; inequitable treatment UK, 1974 Shitty Mcshit! used for registering frustration, annoyance, anger, etc. SHIT! intensified by an elaborated reduplication UK, 2000 shit up verb to scare someone UK, 2000 shitville noun any remote, forsaken town US, 1977 shitwork noun any unglamorous occupation, often dirty work UK, 1968 shitwrap noun a despicable person US, 2001 shiv verb to stab someone US, 1951 shiv; chiv; shivvie noun a homemade knife-like weapon, especially one fashioned in prison. Almost certainly evolved from C17 ‘chive’ (knife) US, 1915 shivaree noun a group mocking US, 1805 Shiva Skunk noun in British Columbia, a local variety of marijuana CANADA, 2002 shiver and shake; shiver noun a cake. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 shivoo noun a party; a celebration. From French chez vous (at your place) AUSTRALIA, 1844 shivver noun a criminal who attacks victims with a knife US, 1957 shiznit noun the very best; something of great quality. Used with ‘the’. A euphemistic embellishment of THE SHIT US, 1996 575 shithouse | shiznit shizzle; fo’ shizzle certainly; emphatically yes. A hip-hop, urban black coinage; the opening sound of ‘sure’ elaborated to a pattern; especially in rhyming reduplications, ‘fo’ shizzle my nizzle’ (for sure my nigger), ‘fo’ shizzle my sizzle’ (for sure my sister) and ‘fo’ shizzle my bizzle’ (for sure my brother) US, 2003 shizzle my mizzle fizzle dizzle! used as a contemptuous expression of dismissal. Popular hip-hop cryptography disguising ’suck my mother fucking dick!’ US, 2003 shizzy adjective great UK, 1993 shlemiel; schlemiel; schlemihl noun a bungler with chronic bad luck. Yiddish. During the opening montage of the US situation comedy Laverne and Shirley (ABC, 1976–83), the lead characters, played by Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, skip down a Milwaukee sidewalk singing ‘1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8, Shlemiel, shlamazzel, Hassenpepper Incorporated’, giving ‘shlemiel’ its highest profile to date US, 1948 shlep noun 1 stealing from parked cars US, 1950. 2 influence US, 2002 shlep; schlep verb to move or travel laboriously. From Yiddish schlep or schlepen (to drag) IRELAND, 1922 shlepper; schlepper noun an inconsequential person; a nobody US, 1934 shlepper bag; schlepper bag noun a tote bag US, 2000 shlimazel; schlimazel noun a person with chronic bad luck. A blend of German and Hebrew, literally translated as ‘bad luck’ US, 1948 shlock; schlack; schlock noun shoddy, defective or cheaply made merchandise. From German to Yiddish to American slang US, 1915 shlocker; schlocker noun a cheaply produced horror or thriller film. AcompoundofSHLOCK; SHLOCK (something cheap or inferior) and SHOCKER UK, 2002 shlocky; schlocky adjective shoddy US, 1968 shlong noun 1 the penis. From the Yiddish. Also spelt ‘schlong’ US, 1969. 2 a hairstyle in which the hair is worn short at the front and long at the back. An ellision of ‘short-long’. Better known, perhaps, as a MULLET US, 2005 shlubby adjective ill-mannered; poorly dressed. Yiddish from the Slavic zhlob (a coarse person) US, 1968 shm-; schm- prefix used for creating a Yiddish-sounding reduplication of an English word, usually with the intention of diminishing the importance of the original word US, 1929 shmagma noun marijuana UK, 2003 shmaltz; schmaltz noun excessive sentimentality, especially in music, writing, etc. From German schmaltz (fat, lard) via Yiddish, with a suggestion of something too greasy to be easily digested US, 1935 shmams noun the female breasts. Derives, apparently, from MAMMARIES on the Yiddish model of reduplication (‘mams, shmams’) UK, 2003 ’shman noun a first-year college student, a freshman US, 1987 shmatte; schmatte noun 1 the clothing trade CANADA, 2002. 2 a less than elegant house dress. Yiddish US, 1970 shmear; schmear noun a bribe US, 1950 shmear; schmear verb to bribe someone US, 1985 shmeck; schmeck; shmee noun heroin; cocaine. From German schmecken (to taste), but note an assonant similarity to SMACK (heroin) US, 1932 shmecker; schmecker noun a heroin user. Yiddish, formed from SHMECK US, 1952 shmeckler noun a heroin user or addict US, 1988 shmeer; schmear noun a package or deal. From the Yiddish US, 1969 shmegegge; schmageggy noun an incompetent person. An American-born ‘Yiddish’ word US, 1975 shmendrick noun a naive, cowardly person. From the name of a character in an operetta by Abraham Golfaden US, 1980 shmo; schmo; schmol noun a gullible, hapless fool. An American addition to Yiddish. In August 1948, just as ‘shmo’ was coming into the American lexicon, US cartoonist Al Capp introduced the ‘shmoo’ in the L’il Abner comic strip. The loveable and selfless ‘shmoo’ loved to be eaten and tasted like any food desired US, 1948 shmooze; schmooze noun an agreeable conversation; persuasive talk US, 1939 shmooze; schmooze verb to gossip; to chat, to engage in idle talk; to network; to persuade someone indirectly. Yiddish from the Hebrew US, 1897 shmoozy adjective chatty; friendly US, 1954 shmuck; schmuck noun 1 a fool; an objectionable person. Taken into general usage from Yiddish; the literal meaning is ‘penis’, hence the original Yiddish usage in this sense had a particularly derogatory tone. The variant ‘schmuck’ seems to have been adopted in error due to a similarity in sound to Yiddish schmuck (jewel) UK, 1892. 2 the penis UK, 2003 shmuck; schmuck verb to make a fool of someone US, 2001 shmucko; schmucko noun a reprehensible person AUSTRALIA, 1987 shmutter; schmutter noun clothing, especially a suit. From Yiddish shmatte (a rag), ultimately from Polish szmatte (a rag) UK, 1977 shmutz; schmutz noun filth; dirt. Yiddish from German US, 1959 shnitzel; schnitzel noun the penis US, 1967 shnook noun an inoffensive, unassertive person; a ‘nobody’. American Yiddish coinage US, 1948 shnookered adjective drunk US, 1985 shnorrer; schnorrer noun a freeloader. Yiddish from the German for ‘begging’ US, 1948 shnoz; schnoz; shnozz; scnozz noun the nose. A shortening of SHNOZZLE US, 1942 shnozzle; shnozzola; schnozzle; schnozzola noun the nose US, 1930 shoat boat noun in trucking, a trailer used for hauling livestock US, 1971 shock a brew! have a beer! An intentional corruption of the Hawaiian SHAKA US, 1989 shocked-as adjective very shocked UK, 2001 shocker noun a person or thing that is shockingly bad AUSTRALIA, 1962 shock jock noun a radio personality who tests the limits and tries to win listeners by outrageous language, thoughts or stunts US, 1986 shock shop noun a room where electric shock therapy is administered US, 1962 shock treatment noun in the used car business, a very low assessment of the value of a customer’s trade-in car US, 1980 shoddy-doo noun palms slapped in greeting US, 1976 shoddy-dropper noun a vendor of low quality clothing passed off as high quality AUSTRALIA, 1950 shoe noun 1 a detective. An abbreviation of GUMSHOE US, 1988. 2 a black person. A play on BOOT US, 1960. 3 in drag and motor racing, a driver US, 1980. 4 among Quebec anglophones, the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke. The word ‘shoe’ indicates how the acronym CHUS is pronounced, leaving off the last consonant in the French way CANADA, 2001. 5 a linear amplifier for a citizens’ band radio US, 1976 Shoe nickname Willie Shoemaker (b.1931), the most successful jockey in the history of horse racing in the US US, 1977 shoebite; shoe-bite noun a blister on the foot caused by a shoe’s rubbing INDIA, 1979 shoe boot noun a prostitute. Rhyming slang UK, 2003 shoe clerk noun a poker player who withdraws from a hand at any sign of serious betting US, 1996 shoe dog noun a shoe salesman US, 1997 shoegazer noun an aficionado of ‘serious’ introspective rock music; hence the music itself UK, 1999 shoegazing noun ‘serious’, introspective rock music UK, 2003 shoe laces and collar buttons noun in poker, a hand consisting of a pair of aces and a pair of twos US, 1988 shizzle; fo’ shizzle | shoe laces and collar buttons 576 shoe-leather express noun walking US, 1949 shoemaker noun a boy who is not particularly intelligent. Teen slang US, 1955 shoes noun 1 tyres US, 1917. 2 car wheel rims US, 2003 shoes and socks; the shoes noun syphilis; hence any sexually transmitted infection. Rhyming slang for POX UK, 1992 shoestring noun a very small amount of money; a low budget US, 1904 s-h-one-t noun used as a euphemism for ‘shit’ UK, 2002 shonk noun a person who engages in dishonest business dealings. Back-formation from SHONKY AUSTRALIA, 1982 shonker noun the nose UK, 1998 shonky noun a dishonest person AUSTRALIA, 1979 shonky adjective of an item, phoney; of business dealings, dishonest AUSTRALIA, 1969 shoo adjective well-dressed. Teen slang US, 1958 shoo-fly noun 1 a police officer assigned to investigate the integrity of other policemen US, 1958. 2 on the railways, a temporary track bypassing an unusable section of track US, 1946 shoofti; shufti noun alookAUSTRALIA, 1944 shoo-in noun a person, idea or thing with no serious competition. Originally (1935) applied to a fixed horse race and four years later in a more general sense US, 1939 shook adjective excited; enthusiastic US, 1973 shookon infatuated with AUSTRALIA, 1868 shook-up adjective alienated; confused; dehumanised US, 1914 shoop verb to have sex. From the song by Salt-N-Pepa US, 1994 shoosh noun silence AUSTRALIA, 1949 shoosh verb < shoosh your noise to become quiet. Especially when used as an injunction UK, 2003 shoot noun 1 anything legitimate, unscripted or unstaged US, 1996. 2 heroin UK, 2002 shoot verb 1 to ejaculate. Most likely a shortened form of the C19 ‘shooting one’s roe’ IRELAND, 1922. 2 to inject a drug intravenously US, 1914. 3 to depart. Variants include ‘shoot off’ and ‘shoot out’ UK, 1897. 4 to flirt; to make sexual advances US, 1967. 5 to throw or toss something AUSTRALIA, 1929. 6 to play. Usually as ‘shoot pool’, ‘shoot crap’, etc US, 1926. 7 to drink alcohol in shot glass units US, 1991. 8 to pick a pocket US, 1969. 9 used as an imperative, to start; to continue US, 1915. 10 (used of a plant) to show signs of producing fruit CA YMAN ISLANDS , 1985. < he shoots, he scores; he shoots, he scores, he wins used for registering admiration of a small but telling per- sonal victory. A cliché of football commentary applied to the ordinary moments of life; always in the third person, even if used of the first person UK, 2002. < shoot a beaver to look for and see a girl’s crotch US, 1966. < shoot a blag to gossip TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1992. < shoot a good stick to play pool well US, 1961. < shoot a jug; shoot a peter to break into a safe using explosives US, 1950. < shoot a wave to surf a wave, especially if difficult US, 1963. < shoot an air rifle; shoot an air gun in pool, to bet without money to back your bet US, 1990. < shoot an azimuth to take a compass bearing US, 1991. < shoot blanks (said of a male) to engage in sex with a low or non-existent sperm count US, 1960. < shoot down in flames to absolutely defeat in an argument UK, 1942. < shoot for two to defecate. A combi- nation of basketball terminology and children’s bathroom vocabulary US, 2003. < shoot gravy to inject a mixture of blood and drug solution that has been reheated after failing to make a direct hit on the vein US, 1973. < shoot it to lie. Euphemistic vari- ation of SHOOT THE SHIT (to tell tall tales) UK, 1959. < shoot off your mouth; shoot your mouth off to speak with a complete lack of discretion; to speak boastfully US, 1864. < shoot the breeze to chat idly US, 1919. < shoot the bull to engage in small talk US, 1902. < shoot the con to engage in goal-oriented, truth-deficient conversation US, 1965. < shoot the crow; shoot the craw to abscond; to depart hurriedly, especially without paying money that is owed UK, 1887. < shoot the curl; shoot the tube to surf through the hollow part of a wave US, 1957. < shoot the doughnut to aim artillery strikes at enemy forces encircling a US defensive position US, 1990. < shoot the duck to skateboard crouched on one leg with the other leg extended outward US, 1976. < shoot the pier to surf, or attempt to surf, through the pilings of a pier US, 1962. < shoot the scales (used of a truck driver) to bypass a weigh station US, 1963. < shoot the shit; shoot shit to engage in idle conversation; to tell lies UK, 1984. < shoot the V to make a V-sign (the first and index fingers raised from a clenched fist, knuckles forward). ‘Shoot’ as ‘to fire a gun’ accentuates the aggressive or dismissive nature of this action UK, 2000. < shoot the works on the railways, to make a sudden, emergency stop US, 1977. < shoot your bolt to ejaculate NEW ZEALAND, 1998 . < shoot your cuffs (used of a man wearing a suit or sports jacket) to straighten your arms so that the cuffs of the shirt extend beyond the jacket sleeves. The modern version of the older (1878) ‘shoot your linen’ UK, 1909. < shoot your load figuratively, to exhaust your resources early in a contest US, 1954. < shoot your trap to talk too much US, 1947. < shoot your wad to ejaculate US, 1972 shoot! 1 yes! Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982. 2 used as a euphemism for ‘shit’ in an exclamation US, 1934 shoot and scoot verb to engage in warfare involving brief contact with the enemy and then a quick withdrawal US, 1987 shoot-em-up noun used as a loose category for any film or computer game with violent gunplay as a main element in advancing the storyline UK, 2002 shooter noun 1 a gun; a pistol, especially a revolver UK, 1840. 2 apro- fessional killer US, 1972. 3 a criminal who specialises in breaking into safes US, 1949. 4 an intravenous drug user US, 1991. 5 in a functionally compartmentalised illegal drug enterprise, the person who holds and turns over the drugs to buyers US, 1987. 6 a pinball player US, 1977. 7 in pinball, the device that propels a ball into the playfield. Known conventionally as a ‘plunger’ US, 1977. 8 a television camera operator US, 1986 shooting gallery noun a place where addicts congregate to buy and inject drugs US, 1951 shooting match noun all of something; the entire matter US, 1968 shoot it! in surfing, used to encourage a surfer to catch a wave breaking behind them US, 1957 shoot (someone) out verb to train or prepare someone US, 1972 shoot through noun a person who fails to honour an undertaking. Royal Navy slang, from the verb sense ‘to go absent without leave’ UK, 1989 shoot through verb to depart hastily; to go absent without leave AUSTRALIA, 1947. < shoot through like a Bondi tram to depart hastily. Referring to trams formerly running from the centre of Sydney to Bondi beach, noted for their speed. Appearing slightly earlier (1945, Australian National Dictionary) was the variant ‘go through like a Bondi tram’ AUSTRALIA, 1951 shoot up verb to inject heroin or another drug intravenously US, 1914 shoot-up; shoot-up man noun a person who promotes a card game or other activity involved in a swindle US, 1977 shooty noun a shotgun. Jamaican gang terminology US, 1995 shop noun 1 any place of business, where you work UK, 1779. 2 any home or apartment where drugs are sold US, 1997. 3 a theatrical engagement; a job UK, 1888 shop; shop up verb to inform the police authorities against, or reveal the whereabouts of, someone with the expected result of arrest and imprisonment for the subject. The original (1583) sense ‘to imprison’ began, during C19, to also mean ‘to cause to be imprisoned’, which sense survives UK, 1976 shop around verb 1 to search for and compare different possibilities. Extended from the practice of making actual comparisons between shops UK, 1922. 2 to search for a conversation on a citizens’ band radio US, 1976 shop door noun the fly on a man’s trousers US, 1965 shopping accident noun an impulse purchase later regretted CANADA, 1993 shoppy noun 1 a shop assistant; a shop-keeper UK, 2002. 2 a shoplifter AUSTRALIA, 1975 577 shoe-leather express | shoppy shoppying noun shoplifting AUSTRALIA, 1975 shoppying job noun an act of shoplifting AUSTRALIA, 1975 shore dinner noun a sailor, as seen by a homosexual US, 1965 short noun 1 a car, especially a restored older car or hot rod US, 1914. 2 a drink of spirits (as opposed to wine, beer, etc), or a spirit and a mixer. Used of drinks taken in short measures, although the orig- inal use is also of undiluted alcohol UK, 1837. 3 the unsmoked butt of a cigarette UK, 1990. 4 a brief nap US, 1976. 5 in lobstering, a lobster that is not legal size US, 1978. 6 a railway carriage left between stations US, 1977 short adjective 1 lacking money; lacking enough money to meet an obligation US, 1960. 2 near the end of a prison sentence or military tour of duty US, 1967. 3 used of an amount of a drug, underweight US, 1989. < a NOUN (part) short of a NOUN (whole) used as the central part of a generally humorous formula – a something short of a greater – that infers a lack of mental capacity, not completely sane, ‘not all there’. Inspiration for these phrases seems to be universal: ‘one planet short of a full galaxy’. Religions account for, among others: ‘one candle short of a menorah’; ‘two candles short of a mass’; ‘a few wafers short of a communion’; ’several fishes short of a miracle’. UK politics and current affairs: ‘quite a few red boxes short of a successful Prime Minister’; ‘various wheezes short of a Scottish parliament’; ‘a few pence short of a euro’; ‘a few pence short of a first-class stamp’; ‘a few digits short of a dialling code’; ‘a couple of programmes short of a series’. Sports and games: ‘one player short of a cricket team’; ‘a couple of cubs short of a full Lion’s pack’; ‘one helmet short of a huddle’; ‘two cards short of a full-house’; ’several pawns short of a full set’; ‘several pieces short of a full set’. Animals are also popular: ‘two sheep short of a flock’; ‘a couple of kangaroos short of a full paddock’. Food and drink: ‘several currants short of a bun’; ‘one liquorice stick short of a Pontefract cake’; ‘two bottles short of a crate’; ‘a nosebag short of a sack of oats’; ‘two luncheon vouchers short of a ploughman’s’; ‘several prawns short of a cocktail’; ‘a few stock-cubes short of a full polar ration’; ‘several gondolas short of a Cornetto [a branded ice-cream associated with Venice]’. Fashion: ‘three diamond clusters short of a tiara’; ‘several gemstones short of a full tiara’; ‘more than a Dolce short of a Gabbana [Dolce & Gabbana is a well-known fashion-house]’. And so on. Two final examples, both with obviously limited circulation but they demonstrate the possibilities: ‘a few billion neurons short of a full load’; ‘a few shards of pottery short of a full anthropological theory’ UK, 1941. < a sheep short of a paddock lacking a full complement of intelligence AUSTRALIA, 1994. < get short to near the end of a prison sentence or military enlistment US, 1951. < have short arms and long pockets to be stingy AUSTRALIA, 1966 short-and-curlies noun pubic hair US, 1967. < have by the short and curlies to hold someone at a disadvantage; to exercise complete control over someone. Fanciful but convincing imagery in which ‘short and curlies’ represent pubic hairs; a variation of HAVE BY THE SHORT HAIRS UK, 1948 short-arm verb to perform a rectal examination US, 1994 short-arm bandit; short-arm heister noun arapistUS, 1950 short-arm inspection; small-arm inspection noun an inspection for a sexually transmitted infection. Soldiers or prisoners are lined up, each holding his penis. At the command ‘Skin it back and milk it down’, each man ‘milks’ down his penis from the base to the tip so that the inspecting doctor can check for pus at the tip of the urethra UK, 1919 short-arm parade noun an inspection of the genitals of a group of men for sexually transmitted infection AUSTRALIA, 1977 short-arse; short-ass noun a short person UK, 1706 short-arsed adjective small, not tall. Extended from SHORT-ARSE (a short person) UK, 1997 short bus noun used as a reference to the mentally retarded. Referring to the smaller school buses used to transport special education students in the US US, 1998 short buy noun a purchase of a small amount of drugs US, 1955 shortcake noun the act of shortchanging someone deliberately. Used with ‘the’ US, 1974 shortcake verb to shortchange someone US, 1961 shortcake artist noun an expert at shortchanging US, 1980 shortchange artist noun a swindler who gives customers too little change US, 1960 short con noun a confidence game in which the victim is swindled once, without being sent home for a bigger prize US, 1940 short con verb to engage in a short con swindle US, 1964 short dog noun a half pint bottle of alcohol; cheap wine US, 1968 short end noun in the television and film industries, unexposed film remaining after cutting off the exposed film US, 1990 short eyes noun a child molester US, 1976 short fuse noun an impending deadline US, 1986 short go; short order noun a drug dose that is smaller than the addict is accustomed to US, 1959 short hairs noun < have someone by the short hairs to hold someone at a disadvantage; to exercise complete control over someone. A figurative use of the literal meaning ‘to hold by the pubic hair’ UK, 1888 short heist noun an act of masturbation US, 1974 short house noun a short person. A euphemistic variation of SHORT ARSE UK , 1964 shortie pyjamas noun summer pyjamas with short sleeves and trousers legs AUSTRALIA, 1987 shortitis noun the mental state of knowing that you have almost finished a prison sentence or military tour of duty US, 1950 short-long noun a hairstyle in which the hair is worn short at the front and long at the back. Most commonly known as a MULLET US, 2001 short of cars adjective on the railways, without a job US, 1977 short on adjective less than is adequate, expected or required UK, 1922 short ones noun < have someone by the short ones to have absolute control of someone; to force submission. A figurative use of the literal meaning ‘to hold by the pubic hair’; a variation on HAVE BY THE SHORT HAIRS US, 1971 short pair noun in poker, a pair of tens or lower US, 1963 short round noun gunfire or artillery fired by friendly forces US, 1985 shorts noun 1 a condition of low or no funds US, 1932. 2 the last portion of a cigarette US, 1992. 3 in poker, a pair that is beaten by a larger pair US, 1988 short short adverb soon US, 1976 short-shorts noun very brief shorts US, 1958 short skirt noun a Mini car. Citizens’ band radio slang, punning on the length of a mini-skirt UK, 1981 short-sleeves noun in homosexual usage, an uncircumcised penis US, 1981 short stick noun a stick notched by a US soldier in Vietnam counting the days until the end of his tour of duty US, 1983 shortstop noun 1 a temporary arrangement or relationship US, 1972. 2 a gambler who makes small and conservative bets US, 1950. 3 in pool, a very skilled player who is just below the highest tier US, 1990. 4 in a group eating setting, to take a second helping despite an earlier request from another for seconds US, 1947 short time noun a brief session with a prostitute, long enough for sex and nothing more US, 1965 short-time verb 1 to serve the final days of a jail sentence or term of enlistment US, 1975. 2 to engage in a quick sexual encounter with a prostitute US, 1960 short-timer noun 1 a soldier near the end of his tour of duty in Vietnam. All but the US Marines served exactly 12 months in Vietnam; the Marines served 13 months US, 1964. 2 a prisoner whose release date is approaching US, 1966. 3 someone whose retirement date is rapidly approaching US, 1993. 4 a prostitute engaged for a short period of time US, 1960 short-timer’s calendar noun a calendar showing the days remaining in a soldier’s tour of duty in Vietnam US, 1965 shoppying | short-timer’s calendar 578 shorty noun 1 a female, especially an attractive one US, 1997 . 2 a close friend US, 1997. 3 in a casino, a shorter-than-expected shift at a table US, 1980 shot noun 1 an opportunity US, 1972. 2 an attempt UK, 1756. 3 the right way to do something AUSTRALIA, 1953. 4 an occurrence or instance; a thing US, 1960. 5 an instance of sexual intercourse. An abbreviation of SHOT OF COCK US, 1968. 6 an ejaculation US, 2001. 7 an injection of drugs UK, 1929. 8 cocaine UK, 2003. 9 Coca-Cola™ US, 1946. 10 a single measure of spirits US, 2000. 11 a blow, especially a severe one US, 1996. 12 an illegal move by a gambler US, 1980. 13 a competent pickpocket US, 1976. 14 a person or thing UK: SCOTLAND, 1988. 15 an incident report describing a prisoner’s misconduct US, 1976. < have a shot at to heckle or harass someone AUSTRALIA, 1947. < like a shot exceedingly quickly UK, 1809. < make a shot to secret something on your body while shoplifting US, 1971 Shot noun < the Shot Aldershot (the home of the British Army) UK, 1925 shot adjective especially of a mechanical contrivance, broken; wrecked; ruined AUSTRALIA, 1983. < shot of rid of UK: SCOTLAND, 1823 shot! well done! BERMUDA, 1985 shotcaller noun the nominal leader of a youth gang US, 1995 shot down adjective drug-intoxicated US, 1982 shot-for-shot noun an arrangement between two homosexuals in which they switch sex roles to satisfy each other US, 1950 shotgun noun 1 a pipe with air-holes used for smoking marijuana. The shotgun gives a BLAST US, 1977. 2 a ritual of drinking beer, forcing the beer out of the can into the drinker’s mouth by opening the down-facing top after puncturing the up-facing bottom US, 1988. 3 a potent mix of heroin, cocaine, nitroglycerine, phenol and kola nut administered to racehorses as a stimulant US, 1961. 4 the front passenger seat in a car. Also called the ‘shotgun seat’. The earliest use of the term, not yet applied to a car, seems to be in the 1939 film Stagecoach. To date, the earliest discovered use in the sense of a car is in 1963 US, 1963. 5 a male passenger in a vehicle equipped with citizens’ band radio UK, 1981. 6 apolice radar unit US, 1976. 7 in blackjack, the player to the immediate left of the dealer US, 1979. 8 in electric line work, an insulated line tool formally known as a grip-all stick US, 1980. 9 an unannounced test US, 1968 shotgun verb 1 to share marijuana smoke with someone else in the following manner: you blow through a lighted joint or blunt which is held with the burning end in your mouth, while your fellow- smoker inhales the stream of smoke that is produced US, 1974. 2 to smoke an entire marijuana cigarette in one go AUSTRALIA, 1995. 3 while treating a hospital patient, to order every possible treatment to avoid being wrong US, 1994 shotgun adjective 1 used of a house or apartment, having rooms set on both sides of a central hall US, 1903. 2 wide-ranging US, 1994 shotgun! used as a claim on riding in the front passenger seat of a car US, 1973 Shotgun Alley nickname the A Shau Valley, dense jungle terrain near the border of South Vietnam and Laos, southeast of Khe Sanh. A phonetic approximation US, 1990 shotgun bunk noun a sleeping space into which one must crawl CANADA, 1963 shotgun mike noun in the television and film industries, a directional microphone US, 1990 shotgunner noun a door gunner on an air gunship US, 1990 shot house noun an establishment that sells alcohol illegally, by the drink US, 1978 shot of cock noun sexual intercourse US, 1968 shot on the swings noun an instance of sexual intercourse UK: SCOTLAND , 1988 shot out adjective in very bad physical shape US, 1989 shot rod noun a fast car. Teen slang US, 1955 shottie noun a shotgun US, 1997 shot to shit adjective ruined, utterly spoiled UK, 2001 shotty; shotti noun the front passenger seat in a car. A shortened SHOTGUN US, 2004 shotty-gotty! used as a claim on riding in the front passenger seat of a car. A variation on SHOTGUN! US, 1997 shoulder noun in betting, odds of 7–4. From the TICK-TACK signal used by bookmakers UK, 1991 shoulder boulder noun an abandoned vehicle on the side of the road. The hard shoulder of the road, rhymed and contrived to make an obstacle US, 1976 shoulder hopper noun a surfer who surfs in another surfer’s right of way US, 1987 shoulders noun < on the shoulders in betting, odds of 9–2. From the TICK-TACK signal used by bookmakers UK, 1991 shouse noun a toilet. Euphemistic for SHITHOUSE AUSTRALIA, 1941 shouse adjective no good. Euphemistic for SHITHOUSE AUSTRALIA, 2003 shout noun 1 a drink or round of drinks bought for others; the purchase of a round AUSTRALIA, 1854. 2 your turn to buy drinks for someone else AUSTRALIA, 1882. 3 your turn to buy anything AUSTRALIA, 1911. 4 a call on the police radio. Derived from conventional ‘shout’ (used to hail) UK, 1970. 5 a greeting US, 1999 shout verb 1 to buy a round of drink for others AUSTRALIA, 1854. 2 to buy something as a present for another AUSTRALIA, 1949. 3 to write exclusively in upper case US, 1995. < shout at your shoes to vomit US, 1987. < wouldn’t shout if a shark bit you to be stingy AUSTRALIA, 1986 shout-out noun a greeting; a recognition US, 1999 shove noun the member of a pickpocketing team who jostles the victim, diverting his attention so that a confederate can actually pick the victim’s pocket US, 1981. < give someone the shove to dismiss someone from employment or reject the partner in a romantic relationship UK, 1899 shove verb to have sex UK, 1969. < shove it used as a harsh rejection of a suggestion. A shortened form of ‘shove it up your ass’ AUSTRALIA, 1941. < shove it up the ass to reject something completely US, 1957. < shove paper to pass counterfeit money or stolen or forged cheques US, 1962. < shove shit uphill to take the active role in anal intercourse UK, 1996 shovel verb < shovel coal (of a motor vehicle) to accelerate. An allusion to steam-driven, coal-fired transports US, 1976 shovel and broom; shovel noun a room. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 shovel and pick; shovel noun a prison. Rhyming slang for NICK UK, 2000 shovel and tank noun a bank. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 shovelhead noun the V-twin Harley Davidson engine, manufactured 1966–83. Biker (motorcyle) usage US, 1995 shovel pilot noun a manual worker UK, 2003 shovels and spades noun AIDS. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 shove off verb to go away. Naval coinage, from shoving a boat away; often used as an injunction UK, 1909 shover noun a person who passes counterfeit money US, 1945 show noun an opportunity; a chance; an opening AUSTRALIA, 1876 8see: SHOW PRICE show verb to arrive; to make an appearance US, 1958. < show hard to reveal to other men that you have an erection US, 1975 show and shine verb in car customising, to prepare a car and then exhibit it in a car show US, 1993 show-and-tell noun a public display and explanation. From the name of a school activity for young children US, 1948 showbiz noun the entertainment industry. A reduction of ‘showbusiness’; originally theatrical US, 1945 showbizzy adjective used of the stereotypical excesses of showbusiness UK, 1969 showboat verb to show off; to pay attention to the performance aspects of a task. From the C19 river steamers with theatrical per- formances and melodramatic, showy gamblers US, 1951 579 shorty | showboat show buddy noun in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, a friend with whom you team up for Grateful Dead tours US, 1994 showcase verb to show off US, 1945 showdown noun 1 in prison, private time for sex US, 1972. 2 in poker, the moment when betting is completed and the players show their hands US, 1982 shower noun a worthless collection of people UK, 1941. < not come down in the last shower to be aware AUSTRALIA, 1902 shower bath; showers noun ten shillings; hence 50p. Rhyming slang for ‘half apound’ UK, 1960 shower cap noun a condom. Figurative application of a convention- al item US, 1969 shower of shit; shower of shite noun an unpleasant and worthless collection of people. Derogatory. An elaboration of ‘shower’ UK, 1999 showers noun urination by one person on another, or other acts of urine fetishism, especially when offered or sought in advertisements UK, 2003 shower-spank verb (of a male) to masturbate in the shower US, 1989 show house noun a homosexual brothel US, 1981 showie noun a person who runs or works in a stall or ride at agricultural shows AUSTRALIA, 1980 show me the money used as a humorous urging that a statement be backed up. A key catchphrase in the US in the late 1990s US, 1996 show-off lane noun in trucking, the passing lane of a motorway US, 1976 show-out noun a discreet signal from an informer to a police officer UK, 1959 show out verb to behave ostentatiously US, 1993 show pony noun a prissy, prancing fop more concerned with image than performance AUSTRALIA, 1964 show price; show noun in gambling racing, the betting odds displayed by a bookmaker at a point in time UK, 1976 show shop noun a theatre US, 1981 showstopper noun a proposal that would lead to a breakdown in negotiations; a deal-killer US, 1997 showtime noun time for something to begin US, 1992 show-up noun a process used by police to have witnesses to a crime identify the criminals US, 1969 show-up box noun a room in a jail where suspects are shown for identification by witnesses US, 1953 show us your tits used as a crass male heckling catchcry AUSTRALIA, 2000 shpilkes noun an inability to sit still US, 1992 SHPOS noun a critically ill hospital patient who fails to follow medi- cal instructions, worsening their own condition; a sub-human piece of s hit US, 1978 shpritz; schpritz verb to squirt or spray. Yiddish US, 1967 shrapnel noun 1 low denomination coins UK, 2005. 2 the ripple effect in poker of a player completely losing his composure and infecting other players with his poor play US, 1996 shred verb to perform very well; to excel US, 1977 shredache noun the headache resulting from extreme exertion while surfing. A punned version of the standard ‘headache’, built on SHRED (performing well) US, 2004 shredded adjective 1 muscular as the result of intense workouts US, 2001. 2 weary; weak US, 1986 shredded wheat adjective excellent. Rhyming slang for SWEET,based on the branded breakfast cereal; current in UK prisons February 2002 UK, 2002 shredder noun a snowboarder US, 1995 shreddies noun male underpants; army-issue underpants; panties; female underwear. Originally a reference to the stereotypically disgusting state of bachelor’s underwear; Shreddies™, a branded breakfast cereal, are brown and have a woven appearance UK, 1991 shredding adjective extreme; exciting; good US, 1987 shrewd adjective attractive; popular; savvy US, 1962 shrewd head noun a cunning or shrewd person AUSTRALIA, 1915 shrewdie noun 1 a cunning or shrewd person AUSTRALIA, 1904. 2 a clever action NEW ZEALAND, 1998 shriek noun 1 distilled, concentrated heroin US, 1987. 2 an exclamation mark (!) US, 1983 shrieking sixties noun the latitudes of 60 to 69 degrees south ANTARCTICA, 1921 shrimp noun 1 a short person UK, 1386. 2 asmallpenisUS, 1972. 3 marijuana UK, 2003 shrimp job; shrimp noun the act of toe-sucking for sexual pleasure. A foot-fetishist’s view of an appetising similarity between toes and shrimps UK, 1999 shrimp queen; shrimper noun a person with a fetish for the toes US, 1971 shrink noun a psychiatrist or therapist. From the longer and older HEADSHRINKER US, 1966 shrinkage noun the condition of a man’s genitals after swimming in cold water. Coined and popularised on an episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s television programme (The Hamptons) that first aired on 24th May 1994 US, 1994 shroomer noun a recreational drug user who takes hallucinogenic mushrooms; also, more innocently, a person who gathers wild mushrooms US, 2003 shroomers noun mushrooms as a pizza topping US, 1996 shrooms noun psychoactive mushrooms US, 1987 shroud noun from the perspective of a man not accustomed to dressing up, a suit US, 1962 shtarker noun a strong and brave person. Yiddish, from German US, 1959 shtetl noun a predominantly Jewish neighbourhood. From the German for ‘village’, originally applied to small Jewish villages in eastern Europe UK, 1949 shtick; schtick; shtik; schtik noun 1 a theatrical routine, an act; hence a style, routine or behaviour. From German stück (a bit, a piece) into Yiddish, and thence more widespread US, 1961. 2 an area of interest. From the Yiddish for ‘piece’ or ‘play’ US, 1968 shtuck; schtuck; schtook; stuk noun trouble. Not Yiddish despite appearances, although probably formed on the Yiddish model of a reduplicated word commencing with a ‘sh’ sound, in which case ‘shtuck’ is a variant of ‘stuck’ (in a difficult situation) UK, 1936 shtum; shtoom; stumm adjective quiet; saying nothing. Anglicised phonetic spelling of synonymous German stumm which, it is presumed, reached England through Yiddish UK, 1958 shtunk; shtonk noun a nasty person; a jerk. Yiddish, from German US, 1977 shtup noun an act of sexual intercourse US, 1986 shtup; shtoop; schtup verb to have sex. Yiddish from the German for ‘to push’ US, 1965 shubs noun a party. Urban youth slang UK, 2005 shuck noun 1 nonsense; something of little worth US, 1851. 2 a deception; a tease US, 1959. 3 in poker, a card that may be discarded and replaced US, 1981 shuck verb to deceive someone in a blustery, teasing manner. Often used with ‘jive’ US, 1959. < shuck the ice to remove stolen dia- monds from their settings US, 1949 shucker noun a striptease dancer US, 1981 shuckman noun a swindler US, 1965 shucks used as a register of dismay or contempt. Used where SHIT! might do US, 1847 shucky darn used as a mock, mild oath US, 1976 show buddy | shucky darn 580 shuffle noun 1 the movement by a surfer forward on the board while surfing, executed without crossing the feet US, 1965. 2 counterfeit money US, 1950 shuffle verb < shuffle off to Buffalo to leave. The reference to Buffalo, New York, is for the sake of rhyme and adds nothing to the meaning US, 1986. < shuffle the deck on the railways, to switch wagons onto side tracks at stations along a line US, 1946 shufti; shuftie; shufty; shoofti noun a quick look. Military adoption of Arabic sufti (did you see?) UK, 1943 ’shun! Attention! A military command, abbreviated from the extended delivery ‘Atten shun!’ UK, 1888 shunk; shunkie noun a toilet UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 shunt noun a car accident UK, 1959 shunt verb in motor racing, to bump a competitor US, 1965 shunter noun a drug dealer who becomes addicted and continues to deal in order to fund the habit. Formed on PUNTER (a customer) UK, 2000 shurrit! be quiet! A phonetic slurring of SHUT IT! UK, 1982 shurrup! be quiet! A slurring of SHUT UP! UK, 1964 shush verb to steal something. Polari; a possible variant sense and spelling of ZHOOSH (to swallow) UK, 2002 shush bag noun a bag for carrying away stolen property. Polari; from SHUSH (to steal) UK, 2002 shusher noun a person who is employed to keep people quiet on the street outside a nightclub. From ‘shush!’ (be quiet!) UK, 2004 shushing noun the work of keeping people quiet on the street outside a nightclub UK, 2004 shush the mush! be quiet!, shut up! A combination of convention- al ‘shush!’ and MUSH (the mouth or face) UK, 2004 shush up verb to become quiet. Often in the imperative. Combines conventional ‘shush!’ (be quiet!) with SHUT UP UK, 1999 shut verb < shut the gate in motor racing, to pass another car and immediately pull in front of the other car, minimising its ability to pass in return US, 1965 shut-door noun a rejection; a refusal. The image of a door being slammed in your face UK, 2001 shuteye; shut-eye noun sleep UK, 1896 shuteyes noun a sex offender US, 1982 shut-in noun a person who stays at home and never goes out US, 1904 shut it! be quiet! UK, 1886 shutout noun any situation in which a person fails to score, literally or figuratively US, 1957 shutter noun 1 the eyelid US, 1945. 2 a gunman. Recorded by a Jamaican inmate in a UK prison, August 2002 UK, 2002 shutterbug noun 1 a photography enthusiast; a photographer US, 1940. 2 a photographer who selects subjects for personal sexual gratification, often without the subject’s knowledge or consent US, 1999 shut the fuck up! be quiet! An intensified, very imperative SHUT UP! (be quiet!) US, 1991 shuttup! be quiet!; stop talking! A variation of SHUT UP! UK, 1955 shut up verb to cease talking; to stop making a noise. Used as a two word exclamation the sense is imperative or (since the 1960s) disbelieving US, 1840 shut up! verb used as a humorous, kind, even flirtatious way to change the subject US, 1978 shut UP! shut up. The difference between the slang ‘shut up’ and the colloquial is the emphasis on a drawn out ‘up’ with register rising slightly for the ‘up’ US, 1989 shut-up sandwich noun a punch in the mouth CANADA, 2002 shut your crunch! be quiet! UK, 1978 shut your face! be quiet!; shut up! UK, 1809 shut your head! be quiet!; shut up! US, 1876 shut your teeth! be quiet!; stop talking! UK, 2003 shut your trap! be quiet! From TRAP (the mouth) UK, 1959 shuzzit noun marijuana. A discreet variation of SHIT US, 1971 shvartz; schvartz noun a black person; an Indian or Pakistani person. Also seen as ‘schwartz’, ‘schvartze’ and ‘ schvartza’. The Yiddish term schvartz (from the German for ‘black’) is an adjective, with schvartzer as the noun for ‘a black person’. ‘Schvartz’ the adjective became an inside, ‘code’ word among Jews for ‘a black person’ US, 1961 shvartz; schvartz; schwartz; schvartze adjective black, especially as a skin colour. Derogatory UK, 2002 shvitz; schvitz verb to perspire. Yiddish, from German US, 1992 shvontz; shwantz noun the penis US, 1965 shy verb to cook opium pellets for smoking US, 1946 shy adjective 1 having less of something than is desired, required or necessary US, 1895. 2 in debt; owing money US, 1950 shylock noun 1 a person who illegally loans money at very high interest rates and often has violent collection procedures. The allusion to Shakespeare’s usurious money-lender in The Merchant of Venice cannot be missed US, 1930. 2 in circus and carnival usage, the show’s office secretary US, 1981 shylock verb to engage in usurious loan practices UK, 1930 shypoo adjective inferior; shoddy NEW ZEALAND, 1952 shyster noun 1 a lawyer, especially an unprofessional, dishonest or rapacious lawyer; any dishonest professional. In his Origin of the Term Shyster, slang lexicographer Gerald Cohen demonstrates the craft of slang etymology at its highest: ‘coined by New York journalist Mike Walsh’ US, 1843. 2 a very poorly attended circus per- formance UK, 1953 siamesed adjective in motor racing and repair, closely connected or joined together US, 1993 sib noun a sibling UK, 2000 Siberia noun solitary confinement US, 1984 sice noun in craps, the point and number six US, 1950 Sicilian price noun death, usually slow and painful, as punishment US, 1997 sick noun withdrawal symptoms suffered by a drug addict US, 1972. < on the sick in receipt of sickness benefit UK, 1996 sick adjective 1 suffering the symptoms of withdrawal from a drug addiction US, 1938. 2 experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle BAHAMAS, 1982. 3 infected with HIV or suffering from AIDS US, 1990. 4 scary. Perhaps from the sensations aroused US, 1995. 5 tedious, boring; disaffecting UK, 1973. 6 excellent; wonderful. On the principle that BAD means ‘good’ US, 1987. 7 in poker, without further funds US, 1988 sick and tired of adjective bored or fed-up with someone or something UK, 1783 sick and wrong! used for conveying a strong disagreement or disapproval US, 1989 sick as an ANIMAL adjective physically sick, but not necessarily vomiting. The earliest recorded is ‘dog’ (1705); followed by ‘horse’ (1765); ‘cat’ shows up in 1915, and ‘sonofabitch’ in 1953. ‘Sick as a parrot’ is a jocular variation from 1979. On 20th November 2000, Judith Keppel was the first contestant to win a million pounds on the television quiz Who Wants To Be A Millionaire;the first question she answered (for £100) was: ‘Complete this phrase. Assickasa–Puffin–Penguin–Parrot–Partridge’ UK, 1999 sick-bay commando noun a soldier who feigns illness to avoid combat duty US, 1991 sickener noun anything that is depressing or disappointing UK, 2001 sickest adjective best TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 sickie; sicky noun a feigned illness cited as grounds for missing work AUSTRALIA, 1953 sickle; motorsickle noun a motorcycle. Re-pronounced abbreviation punning on CHOPPER (a motorcycle) US, 1967 581 shuffle | sickle; motorsickle sickler noun a person suffering from sickle-cell anaemia US, 1994 sickness noun the range of symptoms experienced when a drug addict is deprived of the drug US, 1987 sicko noun an emotionally or psycho-sexually disturbed person US, 1963 sicko adjective depraved AUSTRALIA, 1993 sick pad noun a sanitary towel US, 1966 sick puppy noun a perverted person US, 1984 sick squid noun six pounds. A play on on ‘six QUID’ UK, 2002 sick to death of adjective bored or fed-up with someone or something UK, 1890 siddi noun marijuana UK, 1998 side noun 1 a recorded tune or song. Early gramophone records held one recording on each side US, 1936. 2 agirlUS, 1972. 3 a group of friends TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1973. < on the side somewhat; to a noticeable degree UK, 1713. < on the side 1 describes an extra- marital sexual liaison US, 1893. 2 of work or commerce, extra to regular or legitimate practice, often discreetly so UK, 1961. 3 used as an announcement that you are monitoring a citizens’ band radio channel; describes someone monitoring a citizens’ band radio channel US, 1976. < over the side engaged in private business or sexual liaisons during duty hours. Originally navy, ‘over the side (of a ship)’, meaning ‘absent without leave’; adopted into police use UK, 1970. < put on side to assume airs and graces. Possibly derived from the game of billiards UK, 1878 side < on the … side somewhat; to a noticeable degree UK, 1713 side arms noun 1 in poker, the lower value pair in a hand consisting of two pairs US, 1988. 2 sugar and cream US, 1945 sideboards noun side whiskers UK, 1857 sidebox verb to surround someone in a menacing manner UK, 1982 side-buster noun a person whose deeds do not match his description of his deeds US, 1989 side comb noun hair parted on the side. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 side dish noun amistressUS, 1949 sidehill winder; sidehill gouger noun a mythical animal whose legs are shorter on one side than the other from years of grazing on a hillside US, 1975 sidekick noun a close friend and accomplice US, 1906 sideman noun in a whe-whe lottery game, an assistant to the banker TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1966 side-roader noun a rural marijuana thief; a person who grows marijuana in a remote outdoor garden NEW ZEALAND, 1990 ’sides adverb in addition; used to introduce a further matter. An abbreviation of ‘besides’ UK, 1579 side squeeze noun a partner in romance other than your primary partner; a romantic affair US, 1991 sidewalk pizza noun a puddle of vomit US, 1997 sidewalk Susie noun a prostitute US, 1949 sideways adjective 1 of a sum of money being gambled, split each way (to win or place). Racing slang UK, 1960. 2 in motor racing, out of control, whether or not the car is actually sideways to the track traffic US, 1973 sideways trip noun a suicide in prison US, 1984 sidewinder noun 1 a South Asian prostitute; a promiscuous South Asian female. The allusion is to a poisonous snake found in North America US, 1997. 2 an unknown but very fast horse CANADA, 1974. 3 in trucking, a U-model Mack truck with a slightly off-centre driver’s compartment US, 1971 side work noun prostitution US, 1996 sideys; sidies noun side whiskers. An abbreviation of ‘sideburns’ or ‘sideboards’ UK, 1967 sidity; sididy; seditty adjective arrogant, boastful, showing off US, 1968 sieg heils noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang for PILES UK, 2003 sieve noun a hospital or admitting physician that freely admits patients US, 1994 sieve verb to drill holes in a safe for the placement of explosives to be used in opening it US, 1970 siff noun syphilis US, 1972 sift verb to move swiftly through a crowd. Adopting conventional ‘sift’ (to pass through a sieve), perhaps incorporating a gentle pun on ‘shift’ (to move) UK, 1997 SIG (in doctors’ shorthand) a bad-tempered, thoroughly objectionable individual. An (unofficial) medical initialism: STROPPY (bad-tempered) ignorant GIT (objectionable individual) UK, 2002 sight noun a large quantity UK, 1390 sight verb to understand BAHAMAS, 1980 sight adverb very much. Often used with ‘damn’, ‘damned’ or another intensifier UK, 1928 sight-hit verb to stare at someone or something; to ogle someone INDIA, 1979 signal-to-noise ratio; s/n ratio noun the amount of useful content found on an Internet site. A figurative use of a technical term US, 1997 signature noun the backblast of flame or smoke from a weapon US, 1990 signify verb to engage in ritualistic insults, goading and teasing. Unlike DOZENS, signifying does not make a person’s mother the subject of the tease US, 1932 sign on verb to register unemployed; hence to be unemployed US, 1885 signs noun hand signals showing youth gang affiliation US, 1993 Sigourney Weaver noun the vagina. Rhyming slang for BEAVER, formed from the name of the US actress (b.1949) UK, 2003 sig quote noun in computing, an aphorism automatically included with the user’s formatted signature US, 1991 silencer noun a motorcyle muffler. The UK conventional English ‘silencer’ is US slang US, 1973 silent adjective of an entry in a criminal’s file, unofficial; showing crimes for which the criminal was not charged but probably committed US, 1990 silent but deadly adjective applied to the unpleasant smell that hangs in the air as a result of a silent fart. Unpleasant but hardly deadly. Anecdotal evidence and experience place this term in the 1970s UK, 1999 silent captain noun in shuffleboard, the scoreboard US, 1967 silent death noun an electric train. By comparison with steam engines, at the date (around 1950) of the introduction of electric trains UK, 1970 silent flute noun the penis. Variation of FLUTE (the penis) UK, 1788 silent flute of love noun the erect penis UK, 2003 silent night noun a light ale. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 silent violent noun an unpleasantly aromatic fart that pollutes without warning, a silent fart. A variation of SILENT BUT DEADLY UK, 2003 silk noun 1 a white person US, 1960. 2 a homosexual US, 1972. 3 in the categorisation of sexual activity by teenage boys, a touch of a girl’s crotch outside her underwear US, 1986. 4 money US, 1950. 5 heroin UK, 2002. < hit the silk; take to silk to open a parachute after jumping from a plane US, 1933 silk adjective 1 white-skinned US, 1960. 2 homosexual US, 1962 silk and satin noun any combination of central nervous system stimulants and central nervous system depressants US, 1980 silk department noun the very best AUSTRALIA, 1989 silk glove noun a guard on a passenger train. Not praise US, 1977 silk hat noun in circus and carnival usage, an egocentrist US, 1981 silkies noun a woman’s underpants US, 1986 sickler | silkies 582 silks noun silk or nylon socks US, 1972 silk-stocking adjective wealthy US, 1970 silky adjective excellent; pleasing; smooth US, 1973 silky-straight noun any hairstyle with artificially straightened hair US, 1981 Silky Sullivan noun in horse racing, any horse that comes from far behind to win a race. Ridden by Willie Shoemaker, the original Silky Sullivan came from 30 lengths behind to win the 1958 Santa Anita Derby by three lengths US, 1997 silly affairs noun used as a humorous synonym for ‘Civil Affairs’ US, 1968 silly as a two-bob watch adjective very silly NEW ZEALAND, 1984 silly billy noun a fool. Formed on Billy, a familiar diminutive of William; originally used as a nickname for William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester (1776–1834) and William IV (1765–1837), then as a popular name for a clown, especially a clown’s juvenile stooge UK, 1834 silly bollock; silly bollocks noun a contemptible fool UK, 1999 silly cunt noun afoolUK, 2000 silly dust noun a powdered drug UK, 2003 silly season noun from a police perspective, the summer as a period of counterculture, pop, rock and dance festivals. From the familiar journalistic sense. Used by late 1980s–early 90s counterculture travellers UK, 1999 silly side bin noun psilocybin or psilocin, in powder or capsule form. Nonsense pun on the chemical name UK, 1999 sillyvillian noun a civilian, seen from the cynical eyes of the military US, 1963 silly walk noun in computing, an absurd procedure that must be followed. A borrowing from Monthy Python US, 1991 sillywatter noun any alcoholic drink, especially in reference to a drinker’s foolish behaviour UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 silver noun 1 marijuana. Based on the colour of the leaves UK, 2000. 2 in American casinos, a silver coin or $1 chip US, 1980. 3 money US, 1966. 4 a type of bet in an illegal numbers game lottery US, 1957 silver and gold adjective old. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 silver bike noun a metal syringe. Drug addict usage US, 1970 silver bullet noun 1 an ideal, usually notional, solution to a problem. From the mythology that a silver bullet is fatal to a werewolf; this symbol was also adopted by the eponymous hero of television western The Lone Ranger, 1956–62 UK, 2002. 2 a martini US, 1988 silver goose noun a proctoscope US, 1989 silver haze noun a hybrid strain of marijuana. From the frosty colour of the leaf UK, 1999 silver lady noun a hypodermic needle and syringe US, 1993 silvermine verb to patrol a casino in search of coins left in the tray of a slot machine or dropped on the floor US, 1985 silver plate please. Intentionally butchered s’il vous plaît US, 1990 silvers noun any coins TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 silver spoon noun 1 used as a metaphor of wealth at birth, especially in the expression ’born with a silver spoon in your mouth’ US, 1972. 2 the moon. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 silver surfer noun an elderly or retired person who uses the Internet. Adopting the identity of cartoon superhero the Silver Surfer, created in 1966 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby for Marvel Comics; this puns ‘silver’ (the hair colour) and ‘surfer’ (someone who browses the Internet) UK, 2001 silvertail noun 1 a member of the privileged class. Derogatory AUSTRALIA, 1891. 2 a prisoner who enjoys privileges AUSTRALIA, 1950 silvertail adjective pretentious AUSTRALIA, 1962 silvery moon noun a black person. Rhyming slang for COON UK, 1979 silvery spoon noun a black person. Rhyming slang for COON UK, 1977 sim noun a simulator; a simulation UK, 1979 simmer down verb to calm down US, 1871 simoleon noun a dollar US, 1896 simp noun afool;asimpleton US, 1903 simp adjective 1 foolish. From SIMP (a simpleton) US, 2000. 2 fashionable US, 1965 simple as very easy. The familiarity of the phrase ‘it is as simple as that’ has allowed a gradual clipping; first the verb was generally considered unnecessary to express the intention, then ‘as’ was slurred aside, finally ‘that’ is understood; it is as simple as that UK, 2001 simple pimp noun a pimp who fails to live up to the high standards of his fellow pimps US, 1972 simple Simon noun 1 a diamond (the precious stone; the suit of cards); Double Diamond™ (a branded beer). Rhyming slang, formed from a nursery rhyme character UK, 1992. 2 psilocybin, a hallucinogenic mushroom US, 1970 simp twister noun in circus and carnival usage, a carousel US, 1981 sin noun < as sin extremely, especially in phrases ‘ugly as sin’ and ‘miserable as sin’ UK, 1821 sin! used for registering shock or surprise. Ironic euphemism for FUCK! UK, 2001 sin bin noun 1 in team sports, an off-field area a player can be sent to for a period as a punishment for breaking the rules CANADA, 1970. 2 in prison, a punishment cell or the punishment block UK, 1996. 3 a panel van or the like used for sexual encounters AUSTRALIA, 1984. < in the sin bin ostracised AUSTRALIA, 1995 sin-bin verb 1 to temporarily remove a person from duty or office while they are under investigation for some misdeed AUSTRALIA, 1983. 2 in team sports, to send a player to the sin bin AUSTRALIA, 1983 since Adam was a pup for a very long time AUSTRALIA, 1956 since Hector was a pup for a very long time US, 1904 since time for a very long time UK, 2003 sin city noun the neighbourhood in An Khe, Vietnam, housing brothels, bars and other vice dens US, 1968 Sinead O’Connor; Sinead noun a doner kebab. Popney rhyming slang, based on the name of Irish singer Sinead O’Connor (b.1966). Popney was contrived for www.music365.co.uk,an Internet music site UK, 2001 sine-died adjective permanently barred (from a bar or sporting endeavour). From Latin sine die (without a day) used in legal language for ‘an indefinite adjournment’ UK: SCO TLAND, 1996 sing verb 1 to give information or evidence, usually to the police US, 1929. 2 in carnival usage, to make a sales pitch US, 1981 . 3 in a big store confidence swindle, to provide false information to the intended victim, 1997. < sing in the choir to be homosexual. Cute code US, 1994. < sing like a canary to give information or evidence, usually to the police. An elaboration of SING US, 1950 Singapore grey noun hashish purportedly manufactured in Singapore US, 1971 singbird noun a police informer US, 1982 sing-cerely used as a humorous closing in letters between singers US, 1975 singer noun 1 in a confidence swindle, a participant who passes information about the false enterprise to the victim US, 1985. 2 in trucking, a recapped tyre. Named after the road noise US, 1971 Singin’ Johnny noun homebrew CANADA, 1998 single eye noun a Japanese person. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 single-fish noun a urination. Glasgow rhyming slang for PISH (a PISS) UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 single-O noun a criminal, gambling cheat or a prisoner who acts alone US, 1962 single-O verb to operate as a criminal without confederates; to oper- ate selfishly within a criminal enterprise US, 1950 single-O adjective selfish US, 1950 singles bar noun a bar that caters to a young, unattached clientele US, 1969 583 silks | singles bar [...]... achieve an objective An abbreviation of ‘softly softly catchee monkey’ Later use is probably influenced by Softly Softly, a BBC television police drama series, 1966–76 UK, 1959 soft-nose adjective easily learned A term of derision applied to the ‘soft’ sciences, for example sociology US, 1974 soft-on noun a penis flaccid from being sexually turned off AUSTRALIA, 1995 soft one noun in necrophile usage,... US, 1978 softarse noun a person who is easily imposed upon UK, 2002 soft-arsed adjective stupid, dull, half-witted UK, 2002 softball noun any barbiturate or central nervous system depressant US, 1977 soft cock noun a weak-willed or timid person; a wimp AUSTRALIA, 1999 soft-cock adjective weak; insipid AUSTRALIA, 1981 soft-cock rock noun rock music that lacks power and aggression Blend of SOFT COCK and... younger man Often patronising UK, 1870 sonny boy; sonny Jim; sunny Jim noun used to address a boy or younger man An elaboration of SONNY; often patronising UK, 1959 son of | soul brother 604 son of a successor of something A jocular derivation from the imaginative formula used to title some Hollywood film sequels (a fine example: Son of Paleface, 1952, in which Bob Hope played the son of the character... served in an easy-going prison US, 1983 soft touch; easy touch noun a person who is easily manipulated or parted from a thing of value; a task that is easily done US, 1940 soft walkers noun sneakers, trainers ANGUILLA, 1992 software rot noun in computing, an imaginary condition in which unused software or software features stop working if not used US, 1981 softy noun 1 a flaccid penis US, 1995 2 an... volume control UK, 1915 softplay verb in poker, to play less than ruthlessly against a friend UK, 1990 soft shoes noun sneakers, trainers BARBADOS, 1998 soft slugger noun a casino cheat who inserts counterfeit currency into a slot machine US, 1999 soft-soap noun flattery, especially as an act of deception or manipulation US, 1830 soft-soap verb to flatter or deceive someone UK, 1840 soft time noun a relatively... Paleface, 1948) UK, 1971 sonofabitch; sonuvabitch noun a fellow US, 1951 son of a bitch noun 1 a despicable person UK, 1605 extreme comparisons US, 1953 2 used in son of a bitch! used as a mild expletive US, 1953 son -of- a-bitching adjective used as a somewhat profane intensifier US, 1930 son -of- a-bitch with slides noun an expert guest speaker at a medical meeting US, 1985 son of a gun noun a fellow Originally,... meaning ‘a run of some duration’, then to a bicycle ride, and now the present sense UK, 1907 3 a period of time considered in terms of how you fared during it; an experience; a time of it AUSTRALIA, 1917 4 five years’ imprisonment AUSTRALIA, 1950 5 a five-pound note; the sum of £5 An abbreviation of SPINNAKER After decimalisation in 1966 also briefly used for $5 AUSTRALIA, 1941 6 a single playing of a song... COCK and COCK ROCK AUSTRALIA, 1996 soft con noun a confidence swindle accomplished through charm and warmth US, 1977 softcore noun sexual material that does not show insertion, penetration, an erect penis, spread labia or ejaculation US, 1977 soft cover noun the official government-issued armed forces baseball cap Marine usage in the Vietnam war US, 1990 softly-softly adjective describing a circumspect... AFRICA, 2003 six-packs noun in craps, a roll of twelve US, 1999 sixpennyworth noun a prison term of six months UK, 1957 six, six, and a kick noun military discipline consisting of six months imprisonment, six months forfeiture of pay and a badconduct discharge from the service US, 1991 sixteen noun an M-16 rifle US, 1985 sixteenth noun a sixteenth of an ounce (of drugs) US, 1988 six tits noun in poker,... abbreviated form of ‘redskin’ US, 1989 8see: SKINHEAD < get under your skin to irritate; to become constantly irritating UK, < no skin off your nose it makes no difference to you Variations have included: ‘no skin off your ear’, ‘off your ass’, ‘off your bugle’, ‘off you’ and ‘off Jeff’ (thus, any person’s name) UK, 1896 1926 skin verb 1 to inject (a narcotic) into the skin as opposed to a vein US, 1953 . the end of a prison sentence or military tour of duty US, 1967. 3 used of an amount of a drug, underweight US, 1989. < a NOUN (part) short of a NOUN (whole) used as the central part of a generally. wheezes short of a Scottish parliament’; ‘a few pence short of a euro’; ‘a few pence short of a first-class stamp’; ‘a few digits short of a dialling code’; ‘a couple of programmes short of a series’ ‘one player short of a cricket team’; ‘a couple of cubs short of a full Lion’s pack’; ‘one helmet short of a huddle’; ‘two cards short of a full-house’; ’several pawns short of a full set’; ‘several