Dictionary of Unconventional English_19 docx

waker-upper noun a heroin addict’s first injection of the morning US, 1982 wake-up noun 1 the day’s first dose of a drug taken by an addict US, 1954. 2 any amphetamine or central nervous system stimulant US, 1972 . 3 a short time remaining on a jail sentence or term of military service, especially the last morning US, 1950 wake up verb 1 to make someone aware; to inform someone AUSTRALIA, 1859. 2 to become aware that you are being swindled US, 1969. 3 in horse racing, to stimulate a horse illegally by electric shock or drugs US, 1947 wake-up adjective used of an addictive substance taken upon waking up US, 1981 wake-up pill noun an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimulant US, 1979 wake you verb to make you aware of something US, 1953 wakey-wakey noun a wake-up call. Adapted from the exclamation, ‘wakey, wakey!’ UK, 2001 wakey, wakey! ‘wake up!’. Probably of military origin; widespread once adopted as the catchphrase of bandleader Billy Cotton (1899–1969) in his 1949–68 BBC radio Sunday lunchtime variety programme, The Billy Cotton Bandshow UK, 1959 wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey! used for calling someone from sleep to breakfast. Used with great comic effect by Quentin Tarantino in Kill Bill Volume 2 (2004) as Bill’s brother Budd awakens The Bride to bury her alive US, 2000 wakey, wakey, hands off snakie! used for humorously waking up a male AUSTRALIA, 1985 Waldorf-Astoria noun an especially spartan solitary confinement cell US, 1976 walk noun 1 a release from jail US, 1965. 2 during the Vietnam war, a 30-day patrol in which contact with the enemy is expected US, 1991 walk verb 1 to win something easily UK, 1903. 2 to escape unpunished US, 1979. 3 to quit a job or commitment US, 1999. 4 (of objects) to disappear, presumed borrowed or stolen UK, 1898. 5 to move a boat sideways US, 1989. 6 (used of a military aviator) to suit up for battle. From the vocabulary of fighter pilots US, 2001. < walk a cat back to trace a missile back to its launch site. Gulf war usage US, 1991. < walk back the cat to reconstruct events in order to understand what went wrong US, 1997. < walk in tall corn to make a great deal of money US, 1997 . < walk out on to abandon someone or something. Of theatrical origin UK, 1937. < walk the dog 1 while surfing, to move frontwards and backwards on the surfboard to affect its speed US, 1987. 2 on the railways, to operate a freight train at such a high speed that the wagons sway US, 1977. < walk the nose while surfing, to advance to the front of the board US, 1962. < walk the plank to move forward on a surfboard, increasing the speed of the ride AUSTRALIA, 1963. < walk the twelve steps to go to court CAYMAN ISLANDS, 1985. < walk the walk of the trollop to convey sexuality while walking. Another catchphrase from the ‘Wayne’s World’ sketch on Saturday Night Live US, 1991. < walk the walk; walk the walk and talk the talk to be (or behave as if) totally familiar with, and a part of, a given circumstance UK, 2004. < walk the yard to methodically walk in a prison open space US, 1981. < walk with your Lucy to inject a drug US, 1981. < walk your dog to use the toilet US, 1968 walkabout; walk-about noun a journey on foot taken by an Aboriginal, especially when withdrawing from white society for a period AUSTRALIA, 1910. < go walkabout 1 (of an aboriginal) to go on a walkabout AUSTRALIA, 1927. 2 (ofaperson)togooffsomewhere else AUSTRALIA, 1969. 3 (of an important person) to make an informal tour on foot. Variants include ‘do a walkabout’ UK, 1984 walkaway noun 1 a type of theft in which the thief walks away with a suitcase in a public place, leaving behind his suitcase as an alibi if apprehended US, 1954. 2 the final step in a confidence swindle, in which the swindlers walk away with the victim’s money US, 1981 walk-back noun an apartment in the rear of a building US, 1970 walkboards noun a platform outside a carnival show or attraction US, 1966 walk-buddy noun in prison, a close friend and steady companion US, 1976 walker noun 1 a prisoner who constantly paces in his cell US, 1984. 2 a striptease dancer who disrobes while walking US, 1981. 3 in dominoes, the highest piece of its suit that is not a double and has been played US, 1964 walkers noun the legs US, 1992 walkie noun a close and dependable friend. A term that suggests ‘talkie’, which in turn suggests friendship US, 1991 walkies noun a walk with a small child or a dog. A childish or jocular term addressed to, and understood by, that child or dog US, 1923 walkie-talkie noun 1 an able-bodied person (from the perspective of a disabled person) UK, 2003. 2 a portable two-way radio US, 1939. 3 a prisoner who associates with guards US, 1992 walk-in noun a thief who steals from unlocked hotel rooms US, 1954 walking adjective used of an order for food at a restaurant, to be taken from the restaurant US, 1952 walking crab noun in electric line work, a lever lift US, 1980 walking disaster area noun an especially inept or accident-prone person UK, 1984 walking man’s special noun in the used car business, a run-down car that is not much to look at but still runs, in a fashion US, 1993 walking money noun in gambling, a small amount of money given by the house or other players to someone who has just lost all of his money US, 1961 walking tree noun in a criminal enterprise, a watchman or lookout US, 1956 walking writer noun in an illegal numbers gambling lottery, a person who collects and records bets US, 1949 walk in the park noun an easy thing to do UK, 1998 walk in the sun noun a combat march without a significant chance of engaging the enemy US, 1991 walk of fame noun the walk home or to work after spending the night with a beautiful and popular woman US, 2001 walk of shame noun the walk home or to work after spending the night with a date, still wearing yesterday’s clothes US, 2002 walk -on noun in sports, an athlete who gets chosen for a team having appeared at practice unsolicited and unexpected US, 1978 walkover noun in horse racing, a race in which all but one of the entries are withdrawn. The lone horse starting the race can win the purse simply by walking the distance of the race US, 1965 walk -up noun a brothel US, 1950 wall noun < behind the wall imprisoned US, 1989. < go over the wall to escape from prison US, 1934. < go to the wall to lose money in stock investments US, 1988. < off the wall in auction fraud, where non-existent bids are said to come from UK, 2003. < the wall a maximum security prison US, 2002. < up the wall crazy; crazed by circumstances; angry UK, 1951 wall verb to lean against the wall at a party or other social gathering US, 1997 wallaby noun < on the wallaby wandering around. Originally ‘Tramping the outback in search of work (as though following the track made by wallabies)’, G.A. Wilkes, A Dictionary of Australian Colloquialisms, 1978 AUSTRALIA, 1861 Wallace and Gromit; wallace verb to vomit. Rhyming slang, based on Oscar-winning (1990) animated characters UK, 1998 Wallace Beery; wallace noun in a betting shop, a dispute over the sum due. Rhyming slang for ‘query’, formed from the name of the US film actor (1885–1949) UK, 1998 wallah; walla noun 1 a man identified by relation to the activity, occupation or philosophy to which it is properly affixed. Adopted directly by Anglo-Indians, hence military, from Hindu wálá (‘a person connected in some way with the thing expressed in the first word’, George Clifford Whitworth, An Anglo-Indian Dictionary, 1885) INDIA, 1785. 2 in the television and film industries, indistinguishable background voices US, 1990 wallbanger noun a person whose impairment with central nervous system depressants has produced a marked lack of coordination US, 1977 685 waker-upper | wallbanger wallet noun 1 a person who finances a (criminal) project UK, 2003. 2 a generous person US, 1997 wallet lane noun the passing lane of a motorway. Trucker use, with a reference to a ‘wallet’ because of the likelihood of having to pay a ticket if caught using the passing lane US, 1977 walleyed adjective drunk US, 1992 wallflower week noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 1954 wallie noun in skateboarding, any jumping manoeuvre performed from a wall. A combination of ‘wall’ and OLLY; OLLIE (a jumping manoeuvre) UK, 2004 8see: WALL Y wallies noun nothing, zero UK, 2000 wallin’ noun the act or habit of sitting or standing against a wall at a party. Teen slang UK, 2003 wall job noun sex with one of the participants standing against a wall US, 2001 wallop noun 1 a heavy blow UK, 1823. 2 an attempt, a go. A pun on BASH (a try) UK, 2001. 3 the strength to deliver a heavy blow. Boxing slang UK, 1914. 4 beer UK, 1933 wallop verb 1 to hit someone UK, 1825. 2 to get the better of someone. A figurative application of the previous sense UK, 1865. 3 to dance UK, 1992 walloped adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated UK, 2002 walloper noun 1 the penis UK: SCOTLAND, 2002. 2 a male who masturbates to excess NEW ZEALAND, 1998. 3 a police officer AUSTRALIA, 1945. 4 a dancer, especially a professional dancer. Theatrical slang UK, 1937 wallopies noun large female breasts US, 1975 walloping noun a beating, a thrashing; a win by a more than convincing margin UK, 1871 walloping adjective large, great UK, 1847 wallops noun choreography. From WALLOP (to dance) UK, 1992 wallpaper noun 1 a background pattern or photograph for a computer display screen US, 1991. 2 counterfeit money US, 1949. 3 a postcard acknowledging receipt of a citizens’ band or ham radio message US, 1976 wall-stretcher noun an imaginary tool for which a building trades apprentice may be sent to fetch UK, 1961 wall ticket noun in Keno, a big win. Casinos often post large winning tickets on the wall of the Keno lounge as an enticement to bettors US, 1987 wall time noun the time as shown on wall clocks, as contrasted with GMT or another common time used on computers ANTARCTICA, 1991 wall-to-wall adjective abundant; appearing everywhere. From wall-to- wall carpets that cover the entire floor UK, 1967 wall-to-waller noun a pornographic film shot in one day on a very low budget US, 2000 Wally < call it Wally to agree that a matter is settled GUYANA, 1962 wally; wallie; wolly noun 1 an unfashionable individual; someone who is innocent, or foolish; a fool. Possibly originates in the name Wally, however Scottish dialect wally-draigle (a feeble, ill-grown person) may well have had an influence UK, 1969. 2 in CID slang, a uniformed police officer, especially a constable; more generally, a trainee or an incompetent police officer. ‘Woolly’ is also recorded by the Oxford English Dictionary in 1965 UK, 1970 wallyo; wal-yo noun a young man, usually an Italian-American US, 1975 Wally Pipp noun any athlete who misses a game and is thereafter replaced by a better player. On 1st June, 1925, the New York Yankees first baseman Wally Pipp did not play because he was sick; his place was taken by Lou Gehrig, who played for the next 2130 games US, 1967 walnut storage disease noun any unspecified mental problem. A play on NUTTY (crazy) US, 1983 walnut whip; walnut noun 1 sleep. Rhyming slang for KIP,formed on a chocolate confection UK, 1998. 2 a vasectomy. Rhyming slang for THE SNIP UK, 2002 Walter Mitty noun 1 a person who poses as a heroic ex-soldier. From Walter Mitty, the title character of James Thurber’s short story The Secret Lif e of Walter Mitty (1939) and successful film of the same title starring Danny Kaye (1947) AUSTRALIA, 2002. 2 the female breast. Rhyming slang for TITTY. The short form ‘walter’ can also be used UK, 2003 Walts noun 14 Int (an undercover intelligence unit of the British Army). Abbreviated from Walter Mitty, the name of a character, created in 1941 by James Thurber, who has become a cultural reference for a person who leads a dual existence UK, 1995 waltz noun intense warfare, be it a fire fight or hand-to-hand combat US, 1991 waltz verb to move in a nonchalant manner US, 1887. < waltz matilda to travel as a swagman. From ‘Matilda’ (a swag) and ‘waltz’ (to lead in a waltz), here punning on the female name. Now of course obsolete, except in the well-known Australian song. Most singers are entirely unaware of the literal meaning of the phrase AUSTRALIA, 1893 waltz off verb to leave in a nonchalant or cavalier manner US, 1989 wamper noun a sandal made with pieces of tyre and tied with thatch string CAYMAN ISLANDS, 1985 wampum noun money. An imitation of Native American Indian language US, 1950 wampy adjective crazy NEW ZEALAND, 1950 wand noun 1 the penis. The magic stick that you wave in your hand UK, 2001. 2 in pool, a player’s cue stick US, 1993 wandering hands brigade noun a male’s hands exploring a female’s body NEW ZEALAND, 1984 wandwaver noun a male exhibitionist US, 1980 wang; whang noun the penis US, 1935 wangbar noun an electric guitar’s tremolo arm US, 1980 wanger noun 8see: WHANGER wangle noun a swindle; a convenient arrangement. The successful outcome of the verb WANGLE UK, 1915 wangle verb to arrange something to suit yourself; to contrive or obtain something with sly cunning; to manipulate something. Widely used, especially in the military, as ‘wangle a job’, ‘wangling leave (of absence)’, etc UK, 1888 wang-wang noun the penis US, 1980 wank noun 1 an act of masturbation; hence, an act of self- indulgence. An earlier spelling ‘whank’ has given way to ‘wank’ UK, 1948. 2 a waste of time UK, 1998. 3 a fool; a despicable person UK, 2002. 4 nonsense; rubbish. As in the expression ‘that’s a load of old wank’ and the exclamation (current in the armed services, especially army, 1960–70s) ‘wank! wank!’ (pronounced almost as if quacked) greeting any announcement or declaration considered to be rubbish UK, 1979 wank verb 1 to masturbate. The Scots dialect word whank (to beat) was the usual spelling until the 1970s. Also used with ‘off’ UK, 1950. 2 to party with zeal and a lack of inhibition CANADA, 1993 wank adjective of poor quality; pathetic; self-indulgent UK, 2002 wank about; wank around verb to waste time UK, 2001 wank-bank noun a personal collection of inspirational erotic images. Formed on WANK (an act of masturbation) UK, 2003 wanked-out adjective drained of life UK, 2000 wanker noun 1 a masturbator. The earlier spelling ‘whanker’ has given way to ‘wanker’ UK, 1978. 2 a despicable person; an all-purpose form of abuse. From the sense as ‘a masturbator’; some commentators suggest late C19 dialect wanker (a simpleton) UK, 1972 wankered adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated, 2001 wanker’s doom noun the mythological disease that is the inevitable result of excessive masturbation US, 1977 wanker tank noun a large 4WD vehicle that never gets used for off- road driving AUSTRALIA, 2003 wallet | wanker tank 686 wanking-spanner noun the hand. A masturbatory tool that loosens nuts UK, 1961 wank mag noun a pornographic magazine. Combines WANK (to masturbate) with MAG (a magazine) UK, 1998 wank-off adjective self-indulgent. A figurative application for ‘an act of masturbation’ UK, 2000 wank -pit; wanking-pit noun a man’s (unshared) bed. Military slang, formed on WANK (masturbation) UK, 1961 wank shaft noun 1 the vagina UK, 2001. 2 the penis; also used as a term of abuse. Formed on the word WANK (masturbation) UK, 2003 wank sock noun an item of (men’s) footwear used to contain the penis during masturbation UK, 2003 wanksta noun someone, especially a white person, who postures as a gangsta rapper. A derisory play on WANKER (a despised person) US, 2002 wank-stain noun a contemptible person UK, 1997 wank tanks noun the testicles. Celebrating the testicles as no more than a source of semen for masturbation UK, 2002 wank trade noun the pornography industry US, 1997 wankware noun software on compact disc intended for sexual stimulation CANADA, 1995 wanky adjective 1 of poor quality; pathetic. Original printer’s use cognisant with WONKY; survives into a modern use which presumes WANK as the inspiration UK, 1890. 2 pretentious AUSTRALIA, 1979 wannabe noun someone who wants to be and pretends to be that which he is not. Deemed potentially offensive by Multicultural Management Program Fellows, Dictionary of Cautionary Words and Phrases, 1989 US, 1980 wanna-bet shirt noun in a rowing competition, a team’s shirt which is the object of a wager between competing teams, where the winner claims the opposing team’s shirts which are worn as a badge of victory US, 2001 Wanno nickname Wandsworth Prison UK, 2004 wan singer, wan song 8see: ONE SINGER, ONE SONG want noun a notification that a person is wanted by the police US, 1958 want verb < want in to wish to enter; to desire to be a part of something. Originally a colloquial term in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the US UK, 1836. < want out to wish to exit; to desire a complete change of circumstances UK: SCOTLAND, 1870 wap noun 8see: WASP wappy adjective idealistic, sentimental. Perhaps as a blend of WET (weak, lacking in effectiveness) and SOPPY (foolishly sentimental, naive) UK, 1959 war noun < go to war to fight US, 2002 war and strife noun a wife. Rhyming slang; a less-used variation of TROUBLE AND STRIFE UK, 1931 warb noun a decrepit, unclean or otherwise disgusting person. Perhaps from ‘warble’ (a type of maggot) AUSTRALIA, 1933 warby adjective decrepit; unkempt; filthy; disgusting AUSTRALIA, 1923 warchalk verb to chalk icons on walls, etc, to indicate an area where a wireless Internet connection may be made for free. Derived as a back-formation from WARCHALKING UK, 2002 warchalker noun a computer user who chalks icons on walls, etc, to indicate to other computer users an area where a wireless Internet connection may be made for free UK, 2002 warchalking noun the practice of chalking icons on walls, etc, to indicate an area where a wireless Internet connection may be made for free. Coined in June 2002 by Matt Jones, a London- based ‘information architect’, as a play on ‘wardialing’ (a computer-directed assault by telephone). ‘Warchalking’ is based on the system of symbols used by UK tramps and beggars, first recorded in 1849, and developed by US hobos during the Depression. The three basic symbols are privacy] node) UK, 2002 warden noun 1 aparentUS, 1968. 2 a spouse. Usually a spouse of the female persuasion as perceived by the spouse of the male persuasion US, 1976. 3 a school principal US, 1954. 4 a teacher. Teen slang US, 1951. 5 on the railways, the supervisor of a track crew US, 1977 war department noun someone’s wife or girlfriend US, 1984 war dialer noun a computer program that dials a given range of telephone connections in order to hack into computer or telecommunications systems US, 1989 warehoused adjective used of a prisoner who is neither educated nor trained during a period of imprisonment but simply contained UK, 1996 warez noun pirated computer software offered over the Internet. A deliberate respelling of ‘wares’ UK, 2003 warhead noun in cricket, a fast bowler UK, 1996 warlord noun a high-level member of a political organisation US, 1991 warm noun an act of warming; an act of becoming warm. Colloquial UK, 1768 warm adjective good UK, 1996 warm for someone’s form adjective sexually attracted to someone US, 1964 warm fuzzies noun the feeling when praised by a superior US, 1986 warm one noun a bullet US, 1998 warmup noun a loose-fitting, athletic warmup suit US, 1999 warm up verb to refill a cup of coffee US, 1996 warn’t verb was not; were not US, 1970 warp noun a bent card used by a card cheat to identify the value of the card US, 1996 war paint noun makeup, cosmetics. Originally theatrical US, 1869 warped adjective 1 perverted US, 1993. 2 drug-intoxicated US, 1979. 3 drunk UK, 2002 warp one noun a high speed. Figurative US naval aviator usage US, 1986 warp seven adverb very quickly US, 1992 warrior noun a fearless, violent member of a youth gang US, 1995 warrior bold noun acoldUK, 1961 wars noun < have been in the wars to show signs of injury. especially the trivial wounds that afflict children UK, 1850 warthog noun a US Air Force attack plane formally known as an A-10 Thunderbolt. Gulf war usage US, 1991 warts and all with all blemishes or imperfections unconcealed UK, 1930 war wagon noun a vehicle carrying weapons on a motorcyle gang outing when trouble is expected US, 1992 Warwick F arm; warwick noun the arm. Rhyming slang, after the name of a racecourse in Sydney AUSTRALIA, 1944 war zone noun an area in Washington D.C. infamous for drug sales and other crime US, 1984 wash noun 1 crack cocaine. A shortened form of ‘readywash’. To manufacture crack cocaine, hydrachloride is washed in a solution of baking soda and water UK, 1996. 2 the effect of a drug US, 1974. 3 a large number of things or people BARBADOS, 1965. < the wash theft of money in public lavatories while the owner is washing UK, 1977 wash verb 1 to kill US, 1941. 2 to purge or expunge something US, 1983. 3 to give money obtained illegally the appearance of legitimacy through accounting and banking schemes US, 1997. 4 to shuffle a deck of cards US, 1965. 5 to receive favourable consideration US, 1986. 6 to be credible UK, 1849. < not a child in the house washed nothing done, no progress made IRELAND, 1996. < wash mouth to criticise someone or something without concern for the consequences TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1986. < wash your face when selling a lot by auction, to break even UK, 2004. < wash your mouth out; wash out your mouth addressed to someone using 687 wanking-spanner | wash filthy language or dirty words. Often as an imperative, and occasionally elaborated with ‘soap’, or ‘soap and water’ UK, 1961 wash away verb to kill someone US, 1941 washboard noun in mountain biking, an area of hard, rippled earth US, 1996 washboard adjective of an abdomen, trim, muscular, defined. From the appearance – solid and rippled US, 1992 washdown noun beer. Especially in the context of drinking after a session of drinking the tranquillizing herbal beverage kava FIJI, 1991 washed-up adjective no longer successful, finished US, 1923 washer noun < put a washer on to urinate. A Lancashire term UK, 1967 washer-dryer noun a douche bag and towel US, 1980 wash-foot -and-come noun a noisy, rowdy party ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, 1998 washicongs noun trainers, sneakers TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1992 washing machine noun 1 in computing, an obsolete large hard disk found in a large floor cabinet US, 1991. 2 a wave as it breaks over and thrashes a surfer US, 1991 Washington noun a one-dollar note. From the portrait of George Washington on the note US, 1959 Washington Monument noun in poker, a hand with three fives. A rather esoteric allusion to the fact that the Washington Monument is 555 feet high US, 1988 washout noun 1 a failure (a thing or a person); a disappointment; a cancellation UK, 1902. 2 in motorcyle racing, the condition that occurs when the front wheel begins to slide in soft dirt; also used in mountain biking US, 1973 wash out verb 1 to fail and expel someone from a course or training US, 1970. 2 in motor racing, to suffer a loss or decrease in steering responsiveness US, 1980. 3 in mountain-biking, to lose front-wheel traction US, 1996. 4 to process cocaine into crack cocaine UK, 1996 wash-pot noun something or someone easily obtained TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1971 wash rock noun crack cocaine. Combines two separate terms for CRACK UK, 1997 wash-up noun a post-event analytical discussion. Originally Royal Navy, then the wider military, and from there into corporate and political jargon UK, 1965 wash up verb in heterosexual intercourse, to enter the vagina from behind UK, 2001 washwoman’s gig noun in an illegal numbers gambling lottery, a bet on 4, 11 and 44 US, 1949 washy adjective used of a racehorse sweating, especially with anxiety US, 1976 wasp; wap noun 1 a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant. The term is applied to whites without particular regard to the religious com- ponent US, 1957. 2 a white Appalachian southern Protestant US, 1981. 3 a traffic warden. From the yellow band on the uniform hat and sleeves (no doubt influenced by a characteristic intent to ‘sting’ a harmless motorist) UK, 1966 waspishness noun the state of being distinctly white, Anglo-Saxon and Protestant US, 1957 WASS verb 8see: WAZ wassock; wazzock; wazzuck noun a fool; an annoying or stupid individual UK, 1983 wassup?; whas up?; wassuuup? used as a greeting. A slurred ‘what’s up?’ with dozens of variant spellings. Wildly popular pop speak in the US (and, to a degree, UK) in 2000 in response to a series of television advertisements for Budweiser™ beer US, 1990 wassy adjective ostentatious, especially in a sexually provocative way TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 waste verb 1 to kill someone US, 1964. 2 to smoke marijuana US, 1967. 3 (used of a jockey in horse racing) to lose weight AUSTRALIA, 1989. < waste babies (of a male) to masturbate US, 2001. < waste groceries to vomit US, 1987 wastebasket noun in pool, a pocket that seems receptive to balls dropping US, 1993 waste-case noun a drunkard US, 1987 wasted adjective 1 drunk or drug-intoxicated US, 1964. 2 absolutely exhausted. From earlier uses as ‘intoxicated’ UK, 1995 Waste Island nickname the West Island of Montreal. Likely nicknamed with this derogatory term by teenagers, the West Island area of the city is heavily residential and suburban, meaning that under-age citizens have to be transported around by their parents or use the bus, and by contrast with central Montreal, it is boring CANADA, 2002 waster noun a lazy, unambitious person IRELAND, 1991 waste-time adjective dull, boring, uninteresting. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1972 wastoid noun a worthless, dim-witted person; a person whose drug or alcohol use is ruining their life US, 1985 wastry noun rubbish (trash) JAMAICA, 2003 watch verb < watch your lip; watch your mouth; watch your trap to talk politely; to mind your manners; to not speak out of turn. Often exclamatory UK, 1997. < watch your step to be careful; to be cautious in a current or planned activity. Often as a warning UK, 1959 Watcha 8see: WOTCHER watch and chain; watch noun the brain. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 watchie noun a watchman UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 watch it verb used as a (sometimes threatening) warning to be careful. Always imperative, often exclamatory UK, 1916 watch queen noun 1 a homosexual man who derives sexual pleasure from watching other men having sex US, 1970. 2 a lookout during anonymous homosexual sex in public places US, 1975 watch this space used as an announcement that further developments may be expected. Originally, and still, used of space in a newspaper, etc UK, 1917 watch works noun the brain. Teen slang, reported by a Toronto newspaper in 1946, although reportedly ‘obsolescent or obsolete’ by 1959 CANADA, 1946 water noun 1 methamphetamine or another central nervous system stimulant US, 1989. 2 phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust US, 1989. 3 semen TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1983 8see: WA TERCRESS, WATER HEN. < go in the water to lose an athletic contest or other competition intentionally US, 1955. < go to water to be overcome with fear; to fail to maintain a resolve AUSTRALIA, 1950. < in the water; out in the water in debt US, 1992. < over the water Northern Ireland. A British armed services’ view of the world UK, 1995 water verb < water her garden (of a man) to have sex with a woman JAMAICA, 1998. < water the garden to change the bottles of intravenous fluid that feed a neurologically depressed hospital patient US, 1978. < water the horses to urinate AUSTRALIA, 1971. < water the vegetables to administer intravenous fluids to a hospital’s neurologically depressed patients US, 1985 water black noun mascara. Because water is needed for application UK, 1952 waterbomber noun an aircraft for fighting fires. Most of the world’s waterbombers are made by Canadair in Montreal, and are known in Europe as ‘le Canadair’ and ‘le pelican’ CANADA, 1965 8 FIREBOMBER water box noun in drag racing, the area where cars heat and clean their tyres before a race US, 1997 waterboy noun a truck with a water tank used to spray water or other liquids on the ground US, 1971 water burner noun a cook. The form ‘water scorcher’ has been recorded as early as 1916 AUSTRALIA, 1982 waterc ooler moment noun a televisual moment that is expected to get people talking the next day. The discussions about such a moment are envisaged to happen when office workers meet at a watercooler US, 2003 wash away | water cooler moment 688 watercress; water noun a dress. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 watercress; water verb to dress. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 water dog noun 1 in circus and carnival usage, a seal US, 1981. 2 in trucking, a truck with leaking water lines US, 1971 waterfall verb to drink from a can or bottle by cascading the liquid into your mouth without touching the can or bottle with your lips. Collected from a 13-year-old in Irvine, California, April 2003 US, 2003 Waterford adjective easily understood; perfectly clear. Puns the synonymous ‘crystal clear’ with well-known Irish glass manufacturers Waterford Crystal UK, 2001 waterhead noun a person with mental problems US, 2002 water hen; water noun ten. Rhyming slang, especially in horse racing UK, 1969 waterhole; water hole noun 1 a public hotel AUSTRALIA, 1968. 2 a truck stop US, 1976 watering hole; watering spot noun a bar or club where alcohol is served; a public hotel US, 1955 Waterloo noun a stew. Rhyming slang, from the area of London UK, 1992 watermelons noun female breasts of generous dimensions. From the all-too-obvious resemblance US, 1995 water sports noun 1 sexual activity involving the giving and getting of an enema US, 1969. 2 sexual activity that includes urination US, 1969 water-walker noun a fellow aviator whose accomplishments approach the miraculous. US naval aviator usage US, 1986 water-water noun marijuana UK, 2003 water works noun 1 tears UK, 1647. 2 the urinary system US, 1961 wave noun 1 the semi-erect penis US, 1987. 2 crack cocaine UK, 1998 wave verb to bend the edge of a playing card for later cheating US, 1979. < wave a dead chicken to knowingly make a futile attempt to resolve a problem. Possibly an allusion to voodoo US, 1996. < wave your wig to comb your hair. High school student usage US, 1961 wavelength noun < on your wavelength; on the same wavelength to comprehend (and agree with) another’s point of view or approach. Figurative application of a clear radio signal US, 1927 waves noun < make waves to stir up trouble; to upset an established or accepted routine US, 1962 wax noun phonograph records. Recordings were originally made on wax cylinders or discs; the term applied to shellac discs and, sub- sequently, vinyl, but is not used to refer to newer technologies such as CD, tape, etc US, 1932. < put the wax on the tracks to get ready and start out UK, 2003 wax verb 1 to shoot or kill someone US, 1960. 2 to excel; to perform well US, 2001. 3 in children’s games, to share turns at bat, kicking or the like AUSTRALIA, 1990. < wax the carrot (of a male) to masturbate US, 2001. < wax the dolphin (of a male) to masturbate US, 1987. < wax the weezer (of a male) to masturbate US, 2001 waxa adjective good, excellent UK, 2003 waxhead noun a surfer. From the wax used on surfboards AUSTRALIA, 1981 wax me used as an injunction or request to be given a marijuana cigarette UK, 1996 wax up verb to conceal contraband in a small container in readiness for hiding the container in the anus UK, 1996 waxy noun in horse racing, an enthusiast who can’t help shouting in the ears of those near him AUSTRALIA, 1989 way noun a familiar neighbourhood; your home territory US, 1987. < in a big way to an extreme US, 1987. < on the way out of a person, approaching retirement or likely to be dismissed; of a thing, coming to the end of its useful existence UK, 1961. < that’s the way (something does something) that’s how things turn out. Used in a formulaic construction of ‘that’s the way the NOUN VERBs’ US, 1952. < the other way diverging from a stated con- dition UK, 1858 way adverb extremely; without doubt US, 1982 wayback adjective in remote areas AUSTRALIA, 1899 way enough! in team rowing, used as a command by the coxswain to the rowers to stop rowing US, 2003 Wayne Fontanas adjective mad. Rhyming slang for BANANAS;formed from British singer Wayne Fontana (Glyn Ellis) (b.1945) who, with Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, came to prominence in the mid-1960s UK, 2004 wayout noun a person who is dressed in an extraordinary, unconventional fashion. From WAY OUT (unconventional) US, 1969 way out adjective extreme; unconventional; experimental or innovative; good US, 1958 way past adverb extremely US, 1992 way to go! used for registering approval; ‘well done!’. Abbreviated from ‘that’s the way to go!’ US, 1972 way up adjective drunk US, 1955 waz; wazz; wass verb to urinate UK, 1984 waz; wazz; whaz noun an act of urination UK, 1999 wazoo noun the anus and/or rectum US, 1965 wazz verb to rain. A figurative use of the sense ‘to urinate’ UK, 1980. < wazz on your bonfire to spoil your fun, to ruin something good. Combines WAZ; WAZZ (urination) with a symbol of celebration UK, 1998 wazzed adjective drunk. A variation of PISSED. The Batfinks ‘Wazzed ’n’ Blasted’ was recorded in the 1980s but not released until 1998 UK, 1996 wazzer; wazz adjective wonderful UK, 1983 wazzock; wazzuck noun 8see: WASSOCK WC noun a lavatory. Abbreviated from ‘water closet’ UK, 1815 weak! used as a prompt and short expression of disagreement with what has just been said US, 1986 weakheart noun a police officer; a representative of the establishment or authority. Used by West Indians, and intended to be offensive UK, 1977 weakie noun a poker player who lacks courage US, 1996 weak sister noun 1 a weak, ineffective person US, 1857. 2 an investor who buys a stock as an investment but sells it as soon as the price rises US, 1988 weaky-weaky adjective frail TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 weapon noun 1 the penis. First recorded around the year 1000; and ever thus UK, 1000. 2 in pool, a player’s cue stick US, 1993. < spit shine the weapon to perform oral sex on a man. Perhaps this phrase has military origins US, 2001 weapons noun an actor’s arsenal of make up UK, 1952 weapons-grade adjective very strong. Teen slang, post 11th September 2001 US, 2002 wear verb 1 to tolerate or accept something. Originally military UK, 1925. 2 to use a name US, 1968. < wear American gloves among Canadian military personnel, to have your hands in your pockets CANADA, 1995. < wear buttons to be extremely gullible US, 1976. < wear it to take the blame, and punishment, for another’s crime UK, 1996. < wear stripes to serve a prison sentence US, 1949. < wear the face off someone to vigorously French kiss someone IRELAND, 2003 we are not worthy used as a humorous recognition of accomplishment US, 1992 wearing the smalls noun the testicles. Rhyming slang for BALLS UK, 2003 Weary Willie noun a person who is perpetually tired, sad and pessi- mistic. From the character portrayed by circus clown Emmett Kelly (1898–1979) US, 1947 689 watercre ss; water | Weary Willie Weary Winny noun a prostitute who seeks customers on the street. From the title of a 1927 film US, 1951 weasel noun a tip, a gratuity. Used by railway porters; probably derived from WEASELING (extracting tips) UK, 1965 weasel verb 1 to use ambiguous language in an attempt to equivocate on the meaning US, 1956. 2 to use cunning to achieve your end; to cheat UK, 1975. < weasel out; weasel your way out to avoid a responsibility or obligation, especially in a sly or underhand manner UK, 1962 weasel and stoat; weasel noun a coat. Rhyming slang UK, 1971 weaseling; weaselling noun extracting gratuities. Used by railway porters UK, 1970 We, as official Video Rangers, hereby promise used with humour as an oath or pledge. From the US children’s television programme Captain Video and his Video Rangers (1947–57), in which the viewers were asked to join with Captain Video in prom- ising to ‘support forever the causes of freedom, truth and justice throughout the universe’. Used with irony in later years by those who as children had been warped by television US, 1957 weather noun < under the weather 1 ill, unwell US, 1850. 2 experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. A narrowing of the general sense of ‘vaguely unwell’ CANADA, 1961. 3 tipsy, drunk. From the conventional sense as ‘unwell’ AUSTRALIA, 1942 weather guesser noun a meteorologist ANTARCTICA, 2003 weather in; weather out verb (of bad weather) to confine pilots in Canada’s west to the airport until conditions improve. This term was used in alternation with, or perhaps more often than, ‘storm- stayed’, in western Canada winters CANADA, 1989 weave noun 1 real and synthetic hair woven into existing hair to hide baldness or thinning hair US, 1993. 2 clothes US, 1972 weave verb < get weaving to start (immediately). Originally Royal Air Force slang UK, 1942 web noun a television network US, 1990 webbed up adjective involved, entangled; addicted UK, 2000 webfoot noun 1 a dairy farmer NEW ZEALAND, 2002. 2 a racehorse that performs well on a muddy track US, 1951 weblish noun the informally coded and abbreviated form of English that is used in text messaging, chat rooms, etc UK, 2001 web rage noun an outburst of enraged hostility within a cyber- environment US, 1996 wedding noun a one-on-one battle between fighter pilots US, 1986 wedding bells noun morning glory seeds, eaten for their purported hallucinogenic effect US, 1970 wedding bells acid; wedding bells noun LSD US, 1971 wedding kit noun the genitals US, 1964 wedding night noun the first occasion on which two homosexual men have sex with each other UK, 2002 wedding tackle noun the male genitals UK, 1961 wedge noun 1 a thick fold of currency notes; money in general. In the C18 and C19 ‘wedge’ meant both ‘money’ and ‘silver’; how- ever, these senses were obsolete long before the current usages. The modern derivation comes from folded banknotes which form a wedge shape; hence the coincidental generic usage UK, 1977. 2 one hundred pounds UK, 2000. 3 a dose of LSD; LSD US, 1971. 4 in drag racing, an engine with a combustion chamber that is shaped like a wedge US, 1999. 5 a car. Teen slang US, 1951 wedged adjective in computing, suspended in mid-operation and unable to proceed US, 1983 wedged up adjective having money to spend UK, 2000 wedger noun someone who pushes into a queue US, 1994 wedgie noun a wedge-tailed eagle AUSTRALIA, 1941 wedgies noun wedge-heeled shoes UK, 1959 wedginald noun money. Disguising WEDGE (money) with a play on thenameReginaldUK, 1999 wedgy; wedgie noun 1 the condition that exists when someone pulls your trousers or underpants forcefully upward, forming a wedge between buttock cheeks US, 1988. 2 a sandal, the thong of which wedges between the toes US, 1981 wee; wee wee noun urine; an act of urination. Juvenile or jocular in the main UK, 1937 wee verb to urinate IRELAND, 1934 weebles noun an ill-defined or undefined illness US, 1947 weed noun 1 marijuana. The preferred slang term for marijuana until the 1950s, and despite the popularity of its successors it has never completely vanished from the lexicon US, 1928. 2 a marijuana cigarette US, 1958. 3 a cigarette US, 1951. 4 tobacco UK, 1606. 5 a thin, unhealthily delicate and weak person UK, 1869. 6 in horse racing, an undersized thoroughbred UK, 1948. 7 an expert BARBADOS, 1965. 8 a beginner surfer US, 1990. < get into the weeds to micro-manage the smallest details US, 1991 weed verb 1 in a gambling establishment, to provide an employee with money to gamble in the hopes of building up business US, 1947. 2 to pilfer. Survives as WEEDING UK, 1811. < weed a poke to remove all money and valuable items from a stolen wallet US, 1962 weedburner noun in drag racing, exhaust pipes that extend downward and to the rear of the car, terminating near the ground US, 1993 weeder noun on the railways, the supervisor of a track crew US, 1977 weed head noun a marijuana smoker US, 1945 weeding noun stealing, especially from an employer, or at the scene of a crime already committed. From WEED (to pilfer) UK, 1977 weedly noun a female marijuana smoker US, 1955 weed monkey; weed mule noun an old car or truck used to haul raw materials used in the illegal production of alcohol US, 1974 weedo noun a marijuana user US, 1958 weed of wisdom noun marijuana UK, 1994 weeds noun clothes US, 1961 weed tea noun a narcotic drink made by the infusion of marijuana leaves. A combination of WEED (marijuana) and ‘tea’ in the con- ventional sense US, 1960 weedwacker team noun in law enforcement, a surveillance team US, 1997 weedy adjective lacking in physical, moral or emotional strength UK, 1852 Wee Georgie Wood; wee georgie adjective good. Rhyming slang, formed on music hall entertainer Wee Georgie Wood (1894–1979), perhaps via the Tasmanian Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway (named after a locomotive presumably named, in turn, after the entertainer); especially in the phrase ‘any wee georgie wood?’ AUSTRALIA, 1942 wee hammock noun a sanitary towel. From the similarity of appearance; in usage while such capacious reinforcement was the popular choice; certainly in use during the mid-to late 1960s UK, 2001 wee heavy noun a nip-sized bottle of strong ale or barley wine. First used for Fowler’s Wee Heavy™, then generic. Recorded by Brian Glover, CAMRA Dictionary of Beer, 1985 UK, 1985 wee hours noun very early in the morning; the hours just after midnight US, 1973 weekend noun any short term of imprisonment UK, 1950 weekend adjective used derisively for indicating a part-time or casual dedication to a stated activity. Not restricted to weekend usage UK, 1935 weekender noun a person serving a jail sentence for a minor offence on weekends US, 1971 weekend habit noun a sporadic use of recreational drugs UK, 1996 weekend hippie noun a person with a conventional lifestyle who at the weekend adopts a counterculture persona US, 1968 weekend pass noun a glass. Rhyming slang, probably of military origin UK, 2002 Weary Winny | weekend pass 690 weekend root noun a sexual partner with no illusions of a sustained relationship NEW ZEALAND, 1998 weekend warrior noun 1 a member of the National Guard. Members of reserve units must typically devote one weekend a month to refresher training US, 1976. 2 in drag racing, a hobbyist/enthusiast who confines his passion to weekend events US, 1965 weenie; weeny adjective small, tiny UK, 1790 weenie; weeny; wienie noun 1 a hot dog. From the German wienerwurst US, 1906. 2 the penis US, 1978 weenie bin noun a library carrel US, 1987 weenie wagger; weenie waver noun a male sexual exhibitionist US, 1970 weeny; weenie; wienie noun an unlikeable, weak person US, 1963 weeny-bopper noun a young girl, not yet a teenager but with a teenager’s tastes. After TEENYBOPPER (a young teenager, especially a girl) UK, 1972 weep and wail noun a sob story told by a beggar. Rhyming slang for ‘tale’ UK, 1960 weep and wait verb to serve a prison sentence while awaiting news on the outcome of an appeal US, 1962 weeper noun a prisoner who cannot manage his incarceration and constantly complains US, 1976 weepie noun a film, novel, play, song, etc, with a sentimental narrative or emotional effect UK, 1952 weeping willow noun a pillow. Rhyming slang UK, 1880 weeping womb noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 1999 weeps noun tears US, 1946 wees noun an act of urination NEW ZEALAND, 1984 weevil noun in oil drilling, a new and inexperienced worker US, 1954 wee-wee noun 1 the penis US, 1969. 2 the vagina US, 1998 8see: WEE wee-wee verb to urinate. Children’s vocabulary UK, 1937 wee-wee adjective very small BARBADOS, 1965 weezee verb to urinate. Children’s vocabulary TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1986 we go! ‘let’s leave!’. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981 we gone goodbye. Originally used for signing off on a citizens’ band radio transmission, but too good to stay there US, 1976 We Ho noun West Hollywood, California US, 2001 weigh verb < weigh in to bring influence to bear; to make a forceful contribution to a topic under discussion UK, 1909. < weigh in with to produce something additional; to introduce something extra or unexpected; to contribute UK, 1885. < weigh into someone 1 to attack someone AUSTRALIA, 1941. 2 to ensnare someone in a swindle US, 1965. < weigh on to pay or repay someone. English Gypsy use UK, 2000 weigh off verb 1 to sentence someone to imprisonment or other judicial punishment. In a wider sense ‘to weigh up’ is ‘to con- sider’; this usage is originally military UK, 1925. 2 to take revenge. To redress the balance by adjusting the weight UK, 1977 weight noun 1 large quantities of a drug US, 1964. 2 a large amount of money US, 1964. 3 blame, responsibility US, 1960. 4 difficulties, problems US, 1997. 5 the handicap that a skilled pool player will allow an opponent US, 1984. < do the weight to slim, to lose weight UK, 1999. < put on weight to undergo breast enhancement surgery US, 1997 weight house noun in an illegal drug enterprise, any place where a dealer hides his major supply of drugs US, 2002 weightless adjective drug-intoxicated, especially by crack cocaine UK, 1998 weight pile noun the area where weightlifting equipment is kept. Prison terminology US, 1990 weights noun loaded dice US, 1977 weight watcher noun a Department of Transportation employee at a roadside weigh station for trucks US, 1976 weigh up verb to consider or appraise something UK, 1894 weiner noun 8see: WIENER weird and wonderful adjective remarkably eccentric; peculiar; unfathomable. A colloquial coupling; usually ironic or derogatory, always clichéd UK, 1859 weirdo noun a weird person US, 1955 weird out verb 1 to begin to act weirdly US, 1980. 2 to frighten someone; to cause someone emotional turmoil US, 1993 weirdy; weirdie noun 1 an eccentric; a very odd person UK, 1894. 2 a homosexual, usually male UK, 1969 welch verb 8see: WELSH welcome aboard! a catchphrase used in greeting to a newcomer to any organisation, institution or closed group US, 1962 welcome to my world used for expressing limited sympathy when someone is complaining about something that happens to you regularly US, 1999 welcome to the club! used for expressing faint sympathy for someone who is complaining about something that others suffer US, 1993 weld verb to have sex JAMAICA, 1992 welder noun a male pornography performer US, 1995 well noun to a pickpocket, an inside jacket pocket US, 1979. < the Well Bridewell Jail, Chicago US, 1976 well adjective used of a drug addict, unaffected by withdrawal symptoms US, 1969 well adverb used generally to add positive emphasis to adjectives UK, 1986 well and truly adverb utterly, beyond doubt, to an unarguable degree UK, 1948 well away adjective 1 sound asleep UK, 1927. 2 tipsy UK, 1931. < be well away to prosper, to be doing very well. As in the example: ‘He’s well away with that girl’ UK, 1937 well-endowed adjective 1 of a man, having impressively pro- portioned genitals UK, 1951. 2 of a woman, having generously pro- portioned breasts UK, 1984 well-gone adjective drunk UK, 2000 well-hard adjective very tough UK, 1995 well-heeled adjective rich; having more than sufficient money US, 1897 well hung adjective 1 of a man, having generously proportioned genitals UK, 1685. 2 young. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 wellie verb 1 to smash something or defeat someone. Used by the Royal Marines in the Falklands war, made familiar in the SAS fictions of Chris Ryan and Andy McNab UK, 1982. 2 to kick someone or something UK, 1966 wellie; welly noun 1 a Wellington boot (rubberised or plastic water- proof footware). In the 1970s, it began to be used in phrases where ‘boot’ occurred, e.g. ‘The welly’s on the other foot now’; ‘he’s getting too big for his wellies’. Perhaps started by The Great Northern Welly Boot Show put on by Billy Connolly at the Edinburgh Festival in the early 1970s. ‘Well boot’ is also a variant UK, 1961. 2 power, energy, especially when harnessed as acceleration UK, 1980. < give it some wellie; give it some welly to vigorously attack someone or something; hence, to put all your effort into something. After WELLIE (Wellington boot), hence a play on STICK THE BOOT IN UK, 1990 wellied adjective drunk UK, 2002 wellie-whanging noun Wellington boot hurling as an unconventional competitive sport UK, 1984 well, I’ll be a blue-nosed gopher! used for expressing surprise. A signature line of the Ollie character in the ‘Spin and Marty’ segment of the Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950s. Repeated with referential humour US, 1955 691 weekend root | well, I’ll be a blue-nosed gopher! well, I’ll be a dirty bird! used for expressing surprise humorously. A signature line of George Gobel on the television comedy The George Gob el Showcase (CBS, 1954–60). Repeated widely with referential humour US, 1960 well, I’m damned! 8see: I’LL BE DAMNED well I never!; well I never did! used for registering surprise UK, 1848 wellington noun a condom. A figurative application of waterproof footwear. ‘Welly boot’ is also a variant UK, 2003 wellington boot; wellington noun an act of sexual intercourse. Rhyming slang for ROOT AUSTRALIA, 1970 well-lined adjective reasonably wealthy UK, 1999 well-oiled adjective drunk. An intensification of OILED that now stands alone UK, 1937 welnaw no US, 1993 welsh; welch verb to swindle someone out of money wagered. Originates in the supposed untrustworthiness of the Welsh, poss- ibly as speakers of a language few other mainland Britons understand (and such private communication is, after all, the intention of most criminal slang) UK, 1857 Welshie; Welshy noun a Welsh person UK, 1951 Welsh Wales noun Wales. If this referred specifically to the parts of Wales where Welsh is the predominant language this could well be considered as a correct usage; however, this is used generally and patronisingly, often in a faux-Welsh accent, of Wales as a whole UK, 2004 Welsh Windbag nickname politician Neil Kinnock (b.1942); hence, any loquacious Welsh person. A happy alliteration given to Kinnock from his weakness for big speeches that (unhappily) undermined his credibility with the electorate; the tag dates from his time as leader of the Labour party from 1983–92 UK, 1984 wendy noun a white homosexual male. Gay slang, formed on the name Wendy, probably elaborating the initial ‘w’ for white, and originating among Cape coloureds SOUTH AFRICA, 2000 Wendy house noun 1 in prison, a time when prisoners are permitted to associate with each other. From a child’s Wendy house, thus an allusion to playtime and the possibility for discreet association UK, 1996. 2 the Duty Chief Inspector’s office in the Information Room at New Scotland Yard. From the conventional sense as ‘a children’s playhouse’ UK, 1999 Werris noun a Greek person AUSTRALIA, 1977 Werris Creek noun 1 a Greek person. Rhyming slang. From the name of a New South Wales town AUSTRALIA, 1977. 2 an act of urination. Rhyming slang for LEAK AUSTRALIA, 2002 wert’ noun worthless. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 Wesson party noun group sex enhanced by spreading vegetable oil on the participants’ bodies. An allusion and tribute to Wesson™ vegetable oil US, 1971 west coaster noun in trucking, a large, rectangular rear view mirror US, 1971 west coast turnaround noun any strong central nervous system stimulant. Powerful enough to keep a truck driver awake for a trip to the west coast and back US, 1971 West End show noun heroin. London’s West End is known as ‘Theatreland’; this jocular term in use amongst musicians suggests that heroin is a popular entertainment that will, in the words of a critical cliché, ‘run and run’ UK, 2001 West End thespian noun a lesbian. Rhyming slang UK, 2003 western grip noun used of a male when masturbating, gripping your penis with your thumb facing your body. From the grip used on the reins by those riding Western style US, 2004 western style adjective used of coffee, stale and lukewarm. Punning on the observation that the coffee has ‘been on the range all day’ US, 1976 West Ham reserves; west hams noun the nerves. Rhyming slang, formed from the football club UK, 1961 westie noun a young tough person. Originally referring to people from the western suburbs of Sydney, it now has spread to other parts of the country. In Sydney it was used as a derogatory sobriquet to refer to inhabitants of suburbs west of one’s own, which meant that everyone except those people living in the eastern beach suburbs was liable to be called a ‘westie’ by someone. Similarly, in New Zealand, applied to those from the suburbs west of Auckland AUSTRALIA, 1977 Westminster Abbey noun a cab driver. Rhyming slang for CABBY UK, 1992 Westminster Abbey adjective shabby. Rhyming slang; originally theatrical, nicely ironic UK, 1961 Westralia noun Western Australia. Hence ‘someone or something of Western Australia’ is ‘Westralian’ AUSTRALIA, 1893 west side passkeys noun burglary tools. Coined in Chicago US, 1982 Westy noun US Army General William Childs Westmoreland (b.1914), US commander in Vietnam 1964–68 US, 1991 wet noun 1 a politician with middle-of-the-road views on controversial issues, especially (during the 1980s) a Conservative not entirely supportive of Margaret Thatcher’s monetarist policies UK, 1931. 2 in motor racing, a tyre designed for racing in the rain US, 1992. 3 a drink of an alcoholic beverage. C10 wæt, first recorded in slang as ‘heavy-wet’ (malt liquor) UK, 1982. 4 alcoholic beverages. Gulf war usage UK, 1991. 5 an act of urination UK, 1925. 6 aconven- tional cigarette infused with embalming fluid US, 2001. 7 rain; wet weather US, 1945. 8 a Mexican national illegally present in the US. Shortened form of WETBACK, from the Spanish mojado, drawn from the image of swimming across the Rio Grande River from Mexico into Texas. Derogatory US, 1979. < the wet the wet season in Australia’s tropical north AUSTRALIA, 1908 wet verb < wet the baby’s head to drink to celebrate the birth (and christening) of a child UK, 1885. < wet the elbow to enjoy a few drinks NEW ZEALAND, 1994. < wet your whistle to have a drink, especially an alcoholic drink US, 1720. < wet yourself to laugh uproariously UK, 1970 wet adjective 1 of a woman, sexually excited; ready for sex. Not recorded before 1937 but surely in use much earlier UK, 1937. 2 in politics, willing to compromise. Adopted from the sense ‘weak, lacking in effectiveness’; in this context often as Tory ‘wet’ (see following citation) UK, 1980. 3 weak, lacking in effectiveness. Upper- class society use UK, 1916. 4 foolish NEW ZEALAND, 2002. 5 excellent US, 2000. 6 pertaining to killing US, 1992. 7 permitting the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages US, 1950 wetback noun 1 an illegal immigrant to the US from Mexico. An offensive and figurative term deriving from the crossing of the Rio Grande River between Mexico and the US. Displaying a candour endemic to the time, the US Border Patrol launched ‘Operation Wetback’ in 1954 to stem the tide of illegal immigration from Mexico US, 1929. 2 in surfing, a large wave US, 1957 wet behind the ears adjective inexperienced UK, 1931 wet blanket noun a killjoy, a spoilsport UK, 1857 wet bum noun a weak individual. Derogatory; the image of a baby with a wet bottom, punning on WET (weak) UK, 1997 wetcoast noun the strip of British Columbia along the Pacific Ocean CANADA, 1989 Wetcoast Samsonite noun a green rubbish bag used for luggage CANADA, 1989 wet decks noun a woman who has recently had sex with several men US, 1972 wet dream noun 1 among men, a sleeping fantasy that triggers orgasm UK, 1851. 2 a dream come true. A figurative application of the unconsious fantasy that triggers an orgasm UK, 1971 wet dreamer noun an exciting experience UK, 1999 wet fart adjective ineffectual, pointless UK, 2000 wet-finger noun < get wet-finger in the categorisation of sexual activity by teenage boys, to insert a finger into a girl’s vagina US, 1986 well, I’ll be a dirty bird! | wet-finger 692 Wet Nelly noun used as a generic name for any form of bread pudding. There is anecdotal evidence of Wet Nelly being enjoyed during World War 1 UK, 2000 wet paper could cut you used for describing a person who can’t do anything right TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1989 wet rag noun an unpopular, socially inept person US, 1955 wet road block noun the Yalu River, Korea. US troops were prohibited from crossing the Yalu, even in pursuit of enemy soldiers US, 1982 wet season noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle AUSTRALIA, 1988 wet shot noun a scene in a pornographic film or photograph depicting a man ejaculating US, 1991 wet smack noun a sexually frigid woman US, 1977 wet stuff noun explicit violence or sex in a television programme or film US, 1997 wetsuit noun acondomUS, 1993 wettie noun especially among surfers, a wetsuit AUSTRALIA, 1987 wettie rash noun a rash caused by wearing a wetsuit AUSTRALIA, 1996 wetware noun a human being; the human brain US, 1991 wet week; wet weekend noun < like a wet week; like a wet weekend miserable, wretched UK, 1984 wet willie noun an act in which a spit-moistened finger is forced into a victim’s ear and twisted US, 1992 WFO adjective used of a throttle, all the way open. An abbreviation of ‘wide fucking open’ US, 2001 whack noun 1 a heavy, resounding blow; a blow with a stick, often as corporal punishment UK, 1737. 2 a share, a portion, a part, a measure AUSTRALIA, 1889. 3 heroin UK, 2003. 4 crack cocaine UK, 2003. 5 a poorly executed piece of graffiti art US, 1997. < have a whack at; take a whack at to attempt something; to attack someone US, 1904. < out of whack not in proper shape or order US, 1885 whack verb 1 to kill someone, especially by gunshot. Also used with ‘out’ US, 1977. 2 to strike someone vigorously UK, 1721. < whack plaque in a dentist’s office, to clean teeth. Collected from an orthodontist in Bangor, Maine, in April 2001 US, 2001. < whack your doodle (of a male) to masturbate US, 1970 whack! in the language of hang gliding, used for commenting on a poor landing US, 1992 whackadoo noun acrazypersonUS, 1979 whack attack noun 1 in the language of hang gliding, a string of bad landings US, 1992. 2 an irrational and violent reaction to hallucinogenic drugs US, 2001 whacked adjective 1 exhausted UK, 1919. 2 drunk or drug-intoxicated. Also used with ‘out’ US, 1967. 3 out of control UK, 1995 whacker; wacker noun a fool; a jerk AUSTRALIA, 1966 whacking noun 1 a beating; a defeat. The figurative, sporting sense is not recorded before 1951 UK, 1862. 2 a killing. From WHACK (to murder) US, 2001 whacking adverb used to intensify adjectives of largeness UK, 1853 whacko adjective 1 terrific; wonderful AUSTRALIA, 1953. 2 crazy; eccentric US, 1957 whacko! used for expressing shock AUSTRALIA, 1937 whack-off noun an act of masturbation US, 1969 whack off verb to masturbate US, 1969 whack off with verb to steal something AUSTRALIA, 1977 whacko Jacko adjective crazy. A catchphrase formed from the nickname of entertainer Michael Jackson, whose well-publicised eccentricities give rise to this usage UK, 1989 whacko the chook! used for expressing shock AUSTRALIA, 1981 whacko-the-diddle-oh used for expressing shock AUSTRALIA, 1966 whack out verb to kill someone US, 1979 whack -silly adjective obsessed with masturbation US, 1962 whack up verb to divide something, especially a quantity of illegal drugs, into portions US, 1973 whaddup? used as a greeting US, 1994 whaddya hear?; whaddya say? used as a greeting. The trademark greeting of James Cagney (‘Rocky’ Sullivan) in the 1938 Warner Brothers film Angels With Dirty Faces US, 1938 wha happen?; what happenin? used as a greeting TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1993 whaka blonde noun a Maori woman. A coinage from the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village in Rotora, a Maori tourist attraction NEW ZEALAND, 1950 whale noun a gambler who places large bets US, 1995 whale verb 1 to beat someone UK, 1790. 2 to have sex US, 1967. 3 to play music with passion and gusto US, 1958 whale belly noun on the railways, a coal tender with a drop bottom US, 1946 whale in the bay noun someone looking for payment of a gambling debt AUSTRALIA, 1989 whale kisser noun an environmentalist US, 2003 whale of a time noun a good time US, 1913 whale sperm noun a plexiglas cleaning agent US, 1991 whale tail noun that portion of the ‘T’ at the rear of a thong that becomes exposed during wear UK, 2005 wham noun a striptease act in which the dancer ends her perform- ance completely naked US, 1981 wham! used for registering the suddenness of an occurrence. Figurative use of ‘wham’ (to hit) UK, 1999 wham bag noun a bag full of explosives US, 1988 wham, bam, thank you m’am used for describing anything done in very short order, especially sex. Sometimes abbreviated, and sometimes embellished with other rhymes US, 1942 whammer noun the penis US, 1989 whammy noun 1 a curse or hex. US, 1940. 2 something that is upsetting or sets you back US, 1961 whammy bar noun a floating bridge on an electric guitar that makes tremolos, vibrators, dives, bends and other effects possible US, 1992 wham-wham noun in prison, store-bought snacks US, 1981 whandoodles noun in poker, a temporary increase in the betting limit after a player wins a hand with a rare hand US, 1967 whangdoodle noun on the railways, a remote telephone US, 1977 whanger; wanger noun the penis US, 1939 wha’ppen(?) ‘what’s happening?’; used as a greeting. West Indian and UK Black usage UK, 1981 whapp’n used as a greeting. Derived from ‘what’s happening?’ but not used as an interrogative UK, 2003 wharfie noun a wharf labourer AUSTRALIA, 1911 wharf rat noun in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, a follower of the band who abstains from alcohol and drugs. From the title of a Grateful Dead song US, 1994 whark verb to vomit UK, 1985 whassname noun used to refer to a name that is unknown, forgotten, to be avoided or hardly worth mentioning. Slovening of WHATS-HIS-NAME UK, 2000 what noun < or what? used as a final (often the only), wholly indefinite choice UK, 1766 what a gay day! used as a conversation starter or filler; also as an indicator of homosexual company. The catchphrase of CAMP comedian and television compere Larry Grayson (1923–95) it caught the public imagination in the mid-1970s and was adopted into popular use UK, 2004 what a loss used for expressing sympathy for a difficult situation US, 1983 what am I going to do with you? said to someone you know well as an expression of tolerance and forgiveness UK, 1984 693 Wet Nelly | what am I going to do with you? what a revolting development this is used for expressing displeasure. A signature line of working-class hero Chester A. Riley on the television comedy The Life of Riley (NBC, 1949–58). Repeated with referential humour US, 1958 what are you like? an exclamation directed at someone whose behaviour is unacceptable IRELAND, 1995 what can I do you for? ‘how can I help?’, ‘what can I do for you?’. A jocular suggestion UK, 1961 whatcha’ thinking? used as a greeting US, 1986 what’chu talkin’ about, Willis? used for humorously expressing a lack of understanding or belief. A stock line on the television comedy Diff’rent Strokes (1978–86), uttered by the Arnold Jackson character played by Gary Coleman. Repeated with referential humour US, 1986 what did your last slave die of? used as an expression of discontent to someone who is demanding that too much be done UK, 1976 whatdja; whatdya; whaddya ‘what do you’. A phonetic recording of general slurring UK, 1999 what-do-you-call-it; what-d’ye-call-it noun used as a replacement for any noun that the user cannot or does not wish to specify UK, 1600 what do you know?; whaddya know? used as a register of surprise US, 1914 what do you know, Joe? used as a greeting US, 1947 what do you think of the show so far? – rubbish! a question and answer catchphrase widely used and often without an appropriate context. Comedian Eric Morecambe (1926–84) introduced this catchphrase in the early 1970s. The response was usually voiced by Morecambe in the manner of a ventriloquist: ‘ruggish!’ UK, 1981 what else did you get for Christmas? directed at a person showing-off with a new ‘toy’; often addressed to the tail of a disappearing vehicle UK, 1975 whatever adverb used for registering self-pitying acceptance US, 2003 whatever pronoun used as an emphatic form of ‘what?’. In conven- tional use from C14–C19, then colloquial UK, 1974 whatever! used as a dismissing retort to what has just been said. Said with attitude, with a pause after ‘what’, and sometimes with thumbs and forefingers shaped like a ‘W’ US, 1989 whatever’s fair used as a non-responsive, vague answer to a direct question US, 1969 whatever turns you on your individual tastes, foibles, hobbies, interests, etc. Generally spoken to indicate a tolerance of tastes that do not coincide with your own US, 1978 what for a thing is that? among Nova Scotians of German descent, used as a query to mean ‘what kind of a thing is that?’ CANADA, 1999 what goes up must come down a Cockney catchphrase that comments generally on the inevitability of things happening, and, specifically, on the nature of a pregnancy UK, 1969 what-have-you noun used in place of any other item or items in a category UK, 1999 what is it with you? why are you behaving in such a manner? UK, 1996 what it is used as a greeting US, 1974 what kind? what’s the matter with you? US, 1963 what makes you tick the inner-workings of your mind. As if by clockwork UK, 1999 whatnot noun anything and everything. Usually a characteristic of individual speakers, not a group, and often used with an annoying regularity UK, 1540 what price NOUN? consider the worth of… something!; what do you think of… something? Occasionally admiring, but generally sarcastic, in reference to a declared or well-understood value UK, 1893 what say? 1 what do you think?; what do you say to the proposal?, etc UK, 1895. 2 used as a greeting US, 1965 what’s-er-name; what’s-her-name noun used to refer to a name that is unknown, forgotten, to be avoided or hardly worth mentioning UK, 1978 what’s-his-face; what’s-her-face noun used to refer to a name that is unknown, forgotten, to be avoided or hardly worth mentioning UK, 1995 what’s-his-name; what’s-his-namey noun used to refer to a person whose name is unknown, forgotten, to be avoided or hardly worth mentioning UK, 1697 whatsit; whatsis; whatzis noun used to refer to a name that is unknown, forgotten, to be avoided or hardly worth mentioning US, 1882 what’s it to you? used (often aggressively) as the rhetorical response to a question, the answer to which is thus signalled to be none of the questioner’s business UK, 1959 what’s kicking? used as a greeting, along the lines of ‘what is new?’ US, 1949 what’s my name? used as a taunt while beating someone. In 1967, boxer Muhammed Ali fought Ernie Terrell, who insisted on calling Ali ‘Cassius Clay’; as Ali pounded Terrell, Ali taunted ‘What’s my name, fool? What’s my name?’ US, 1997 what’s poppin? used as a peer-to-peer greeting US, 1995 what’s shaking?; what’s shakin’? used as a greeting US, 1951 what’s that when it’s at home? used as an expression of contempt or derision for something. Any person, people or object may, of course, substitute for ‘that’ UK, 1932 what’s the damage? how much do I owe?; what is the cost? Formed on DAMAGE (expense) UK, 1984 what’s the dealio?; what’s the dillio? what is new?, what is going on? Popularised by rapper Busta Rhymes in the late 1990s US, 2002 what’s the difference between NOUN and NOUN? a well- worn joke-telling formula that is only usually half answered (a more vulgar or scandalous response to the question is implied) US, 1851 what’s the drill? what are the arrangements, or usual procedures? Originally military, now general UK, 1961 what’s the score? what is the latest information, situation, etc? Originally Royal Air Force, then more general UK, 1961 what’s the story, morning glory? used as a cheerful greeting US, 1959 what’s up? used as a greeting US, 1993 whatsup? used as a greeting US, 1990 what’s up, Doc? used as an all-purpose enquiry. The catchphrase of Loony Tunes cartoon hero Bugs Bunny, who, from his third outing, in July 1940 (and much repeated), would inquire ‘Mnyeh what’s up, Doc?’ as a taunt to pursuers. Also used cinematically, this time without specific context, as the title of a 1972 Hollywood film. Popular with sub-editors as a headline for any number of articles on the National Health US, 1940 what’s up with that? used for expressing interest in more facts US, 1994 what’s with you? what’s amiss with you?; why are you behaving in such a way?; what has happened to you?; explain yourself!; why? Also applied to inanimate objects US, 1940 what’s your damage? what’s your problem?; what’s the matter? US, 1988 what’s your song, King K ong? used as a greeting US, 1947 what the fuck! used for registering annoyance, resignation or surprise. Possibly a shortening of ‘what the fucking hell!’, in turn an elaboration of WHAT THE HELL! UK, 1999 what the heck! used as an exclamation of surprise, indignation, etc; also used dismissively and as an expression of resignation UK, 1887 what a revolting development this is | what the heck! 694 [...]... 1967 woof! used as a shout of approval, especially as a male declaration of appreciation for a sexually desirable female Originated by television talk show host Arsenio Hall in 1989; the barking is accompanied by a pumped raised hand, fist clenched US, 1992 woofer noun an unattractive woman or man A variation of DOG UK, 1995 woofter noun a homosexual man A variation of homosexual) UK, 1977 POOFTER (a... criticised as low-culture A deliberate misspelling of ‘youth’, mocking the pronunciation of stereotypical ‘yoof’ television presenters, emphasising the critical view UK, 2000 yoof; yufe noun a young person; the period of youth A deliberate mispronunciation of ‘youth’, used by Leicestershire teenagers UK, 1977 yoofsploitation noun the exploitation of youth culture and imagery for commercial gain, especially... you can go off some people, you know used as a (usually jocular) response to offence or imagined offence UK, 1984 you can have it!; you can keep it! ‘I want nothing to do with it!’ UK, 1930 you cannot be serious! ‘that is preposterous!’ A stock phrase of US tennis star John McEnroe whose questioning of officials’ calls was as legendary as his genius at the game Of all his rants against tennis officialdom,... elaborate play on WILLY (the penis) UK, 1998 willy woofter noun a homosexual man Elaboration of WOOFTER (a male homosexual) UK, 2000 Wilma noun a Protestant female, especially one who is a supporter of Glasgow Rangers football club A female form of William, and the female equivalent of BILLY-BOY UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 wilma adjective meek A personification of uncertain pedigree, recorded as a contemporary... specific combination of eleven bets UK, 1967 Yankee noun 1 a native or inhabitant of New England; hence, more generally, of the northern states of America The most likely derivation is from Dutch Janke, a diminutive of Jan (John) as a pejorative nickname; also possible is a North American Indian corruption of ‘English’; or Cherokee eankke (a slave, a coward) Used by the Confederates of the Federal army... orange noun a warrant officer in the Royal Air Force A ludicrous re-use of the initials UK, 2002 wodge; wadge noun a large amount Originally used of a bulky mass UK, 1860 wog noun 1 any person of non-white ethnicity; a native of the Indian subcontinent; an Arab; any (non-British) foreigner, as in ‘the wogs begin at Calais’ Derogatory, patronising Derives possibly from an abbreviation of ‘golliwog’ (a caricature,... bottom US, 1951 whore note noun a two-dollar note US, 1970 whore of Babylon noun an extremely promiscuous woman Originally a disparaging sobriquet for the Church of Rome, in allusion to the Book of Revelations, Chapter XVII, where she is one of several mysterious Christian allegorical figures of evil US, 1992 Whovian noun a dedicated fan of BBC cult science fiction television programme Dr Who UK, 1998... language of hang gliding and parachuting, anyone other than a fellow expert Purportedly derived from the question, ‘Wuffo they do that?’ US, 1978 wumpers noun a rubber-soled sandal, especially one made from a car tyre BAHAMAS, 1982 wunch noun a group of bankers Collective noun A jokey Spoonerism of ‘bunch of wankers’ UK, 2002 wunzee verb to urinate An evolution of the children’s vocabulary of NUMBER... whip off verb (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1975 whip-out noun 1 a bankroll designed to impress when whipped out of the pocket US, 1972 2 a regular payment US, 1981 whip o’will noun an act of vomiting; vomit Possibly rhyming slang for ‘spill your guts’ AUSTRALIA, 1967 whipped adjective dominated by a girlfriend or wife A shortened form of PUSSY-WHIPPED US, 1965 whipper noun 1 a small cartridge of. .. very drug-intoxicated US, 1974 wipe-off noun 1 a cursory washing of the body using little water US, 1953 2 a total wreck; a write-off AUSTRALIA, 1945 wingnut | wise guy wipe off verb to wreck or ruin something AUSTRALIA, 1962 wipe-out noun a fall from a surfboard, usually caused by a wave A major word of the surfer’s lexicon; it was the title and one-word lyric of the 1963 ‘surf instrumental’ by the . AUSTRALIA, 192 7. 2 (ofaperson)togooffsomewhere else AUSTRALIA, 196 9. 3 (of an important person) to make an informal tour on foot. Variants include ‘do a walkabout’ UK, 198 4 walkaway noun 1 a type of. suit US, 199 9 warm up verb to refill a cup of coffee US, 199 6 warn’t verb was not; were not US, 197 0 warp noun a bent card used by a card cheat to identify the value of the card US, 199 6 war. hydrachloride is washed in a solution of baking soda and water UK, 199 6. 2 the effect of a drug US, 197 4. 3 a large number of things or people BARBADOS, 196 5. < the wash theft of money in public lavatories