Slang and uncoventional english part 47 potx

gravel-cru sher noun an infantry soldier US, 1918 gravel puncher noun a solitary miner using antiquated equipment CANADA, 1951 gravel rash noun scraped skin and cuts resulting from a motorcyle accident US, 1992 grave-nudger noun from the perspective of youth, an older person UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 graveyard noun the area of a beach where waves break US, 1965 graveyard shift; graveyard tour; graveyard watch noun a work schedule that begins very late at night and lasts until the morning shift begins, traditionally from midnight until 8 am US, 1907 graveyard spiral noun a downward spiral of an aeroplane from which recovery is nearly impossible and as a result of which impact with the ground is inevitable US, 1988 gravity check noun in footbag, the bag dropping to the ground US, 1997 gravy noun 1 money, especially money that is easily and/or illegally obtained US, 1930. 2 an unexpected benefit US, 1910. 3 in poker and other games that are bet on, winnings US, 1967. 4 any sexual emission, male or female UK, 1796. 5 blood UK, 1999. 6 a mixture of blood and drug solution in a syringe. Perhaps from ‘gravy’ as ‘blood’ in C19 boxing slang US, 1966. 7 sexual innuendo or bawdiness when used to enliven a dull script. A pun on SAUCE (impudence) UK, 1973. 8 a prison sentence. Especially in the phrase DISH OUT THE GRAVY (to sentence harshly) UK, 1950. 9 pasta sauce. Mid-Atlantic Italian-American usage US, 1976. < clear gravy an unexpected bonus or profit. An embellishment of the more common GRAVY US, 1975 gravy adjective 1 all right US, 2002. 2 excellent, very good UK, 2005 gravy used for expressing approval UK, 2003 gravy hauler noun a truck driver who will only drive high-paying jobs US, 1971 gravy run noun on the railways, a short and easy trip US, 1977 gravy strokes noun during sex, the climactic thrusts prior to male ejaculation. Presumably from GRAVY (any sexual emission: semen) NEW ZEALAND, 2003 gravy train noun a money-making opportunity, a generous situation US, 1914 gray noun 1 a white person US, 1944. 2 a white betting token usually worth one dollar US, 1983. 3 a police officer US, 1967 8see also: GREY gray adjective white, Caucasian. Derogatory US, 1944 8see also: GREY gray area noun in motor racing, the portion of the track immedi- ately above the quickest line around the track US, 1980 Graybar hotel; Graybar Motel noun a jail or prison US, 1970 grayboy noun a white male US, 1951 gray cat noun a white male US, 1997 gray eye noun a work shift that starts in the middle of the night US, 1977 grayspace noun the brain US, 1982 Graystone College noun a jail or prison US, 1933 graze noun 1 in cricket, time spent fielding in a quiet area of the out field UK, 1997. 2 food, a meal SOUTH AFRICA, 2004 graze verb 1 to pay only superficial attention to any television channel, preferring instead to flick from one programme to another US, 1998. 2 (used of an amphetamine user) to search obsessively in a carpet for pieces of amphetamine or meth- amphetamine US, 1989 grease noun 1 any lubricant used in anal sex US, 1963. 2 any hair cream BAHAMAS, 1982. 3 nitroglycerin US, 1949. 4 in trucking, ice or snow US, 1976. 5 food, especially US Army c-rations US, 1991. 6 a young, urban tough. An abbreviation of GREASER US, 1967. 7 a black person US, 1971. 8 in pool, extreme spin imparted on the cue ball to affect the course of the object ball or the cue ball after striking the object ball US, 1993. 9 a bribe UK, 1823. < shoot the grease to make the initial approach in a confidence swindle US, 1982 grease verb 1 to shoot or kill. Vietnam war usage US, 1964. 2 to bribe or otherwise favourably induce others to act as desired UK, 1528. 3 to eat US, 1984. 4 to use nitroglycerin to break into a safe US, 1949. 5 to barely pass a course in school or college US, 1959. < grease heel to run away quickly TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1939. < grease someone’s palm to persuade by bribery UK, 1807. < grease the skids to facilitate something, especially by extra legal means US, 1989 . < grease the tracks to be hit by a train US, 1977. < grease the weasel to have sex (from the male perspective) US, 2003. < grease your chops to eat US, 1946 greaseball noun 1 a person of Latin-American or Mediterranean extraction. A derogatory generic derived from a swarthy complexion US, 1922. 2 an odious, unappealing, unattractive person. Derives from racist usage US, 1917. 3 a railway mechanic US, 1977. 4 in circus and carnival usage, a food concession stand US, 1981 greaseburger noun a despicable person US, 1991 greased adjective drunk US, 1928 grease for peace used as a humorous farewell. A catchphrase television sign-off on the Sha Na Na programme (1971–81). Repeated with referential humour US, 1971 grease gun noun the US Army’s M-3 submachine gun. Based on GREASE ( to kill) US, 1984 grease-hand noun a bribe TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1966 grease it! in playground basketball, used as a cry to encourage a ball tottering on the rim of the hoop to fall through for a score US, 1980 grease man noun a criminal with expertise in using explosives to open safes US, 1970 grease money noun a bribe TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 grease monkey noun 1 a car or aeroplane mechanic US, 1928. 2 in oil drilling, a worker who lubricates equipment US, 1954 grease orchard noun an oil field US, 1954 grease out verb to enjoy good luck US, 1990 grease pit noun a low-quality, low-price restaurant US, 1995 greaser noun 1 a Mexican or any Latin American. Offensive US, 1836. 2 a motorcycle gang member. The collective noun is ‘grease’ UK, 1971. 3 a hamburger, especially one from a fast-food restaurant US, 1982. 4 a young, poor tough US, 1964. 5 a slimey lump or clot of spittle and mucus UK: SCOTLAND, 1988. 6 a submachine gun, especially the M-3 or M3A-1 submachine gun US, 1991. 7 a Teddy Boy. Greased hair was an important part of 1950s fashion UK, 1964 grease up verb to lubricate the anus, especially in order to smuggle contraband within the body UK, 1996 greasies noun take-away food, especially fish and chips NEW ZEALAND, 1979 greasy noun a shearer AUSTRALIA, 1939 greasy adjective having an insincere and ingratiating manner UK, 1848 greasy eyeball noun a foul or menacing look AUSTRALIA, 1996 greasy luck adjective good luck. A whaling expression that persisted after whaling in New England US, 1963 greasy spoon noun an inexpensive and all-around low-brow restaurant US, 1912 great adjective very skilled UK, 1784 great action! used as an expression of happy approval US, 1980 great army noun in horse racing, the body of regular bettors AUSTRALIA, 1989 Great Australian Adjective noun the word ‘bloody’ used as an intensifier. This had an extremely high frequency amongst many speakers, especially formerly, though now it has lost much ground to FUCKING AUSTRALIA, 1897 great balls of fire! used as a mockingly profane expression of surprise. Found in Gone With The Wind (1939) but made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis in his 1957 hit song written by Jack Hammer and Otis Blackwell US, 1951 great big adjective intensifies the merely big UK, 1857 gravel-crusher | great big 304 great Caesar’s ghost! used as a non-profane oath. The non- profane outburst of the Metropolis Daily Planet editor, Perry White, in The Adventures of Superman (1951–1957). Repeated with referential humour US, 1954 great divide noun the vulva. From the nickname of the continental divide, where north American rivers flow either east or west. Perhaps best known from its usage in the erotic poem ‘The Ballad of Eskimo Nell’: ‘She dropped her garments one by one / With an air of conscious pride / And as he stood in her womanhood / He saw the Great Divide’ US, 1980 Greatest nickname < the Greatest Muhammed Ali (b 1942), heavyweight boxer who defined and dominated the sport from 1960 until the late 1970s US, 1964 Great Runes noun in computing, text displayed in UPPER CASE ONLY. A legacy of the teletype US, 1991 great Scott! used for registering exasperation or surprise; also as an oath UK, 1885 great stuff noun anything excellent UK, 1934 great unwashed noun < the great unwashed 1 the proletariat. Originally derisive and jocular, now somewhat snobbish, but famili- arity breeds unthinking colloquialisms UK, 1937. 2 hippies. At the time, no doubt, this was seen as a literal description of long-haired counterculturists UK, 1977 great white combine noun a prairie hailstorm CANADA, 1987 great white father noun any unpopular authority figure US, 1963 great white hope noun crack cocaine. Used with ‘the’ UK, 2003 great white light noun LSD US, 1966 great white way; gay white way noun Broadway and the theatre district of New York US, 1901 great white whale noun cocaine. An exaggeration and romantic allusion based on the colour of cocaine UK, 2001 greaze verb to eat US, 1968 grebo; greebo noun a member of a British youth cult that flourished in the mid- to late 1980s; grebos/greboes are character- ised as being intentionally unkempt and categorised as rock and heavy metal music enthusiasts. Adapted from GREASER (a youth subculture), perhaps influenced by ‘greb’ (an insult) UK: ENGLAND, 1987 gred adjective unpleasant UK, 2005 greedy-guts noun a glutton; a person (occasionally, thing) driven by greed or appetite. ‘Greedy gut ’ is the earlier form UK, 1550 greedy pig noun used by card sharps of a victim UK, 1977 greefa; grifa; griff; griffa; griffo noun marijuana. Originally border Spanish used in English conversation by Mexican- Americans US, 1931 Greek noun 1 unintelligible language UK, 1600. 2 anal sex; a prac- titioner of anal sex US, 1967. 3 a male homosexual, especially the active partner in anal sex US, 1938. 4 in pinball, a shot up a lane with a scoring device with sufficient force to activiate the scoring device US, 1977 Greek adjective (of sex) anal US, 1934 Greek culture; Greek style; Greek way noun anal sex US, 1967 Greek lightning noun arson financed by the owner of a failing business. In Chicago, Greeks enjoy the reputation of being arsonists. Chicago residents cite a rule of Three Ns – ‘never give matches to a Greek, whiskey to an Irishman, or power to a Polack’ US, 1982 Greek massage noun anal sex AUSTRALIA, 1985 Greek rodeo noun anal sex between men US, 1968 Greek’s noun a small cafe or milkbar. Post-World-War-2 migrants from southern Europe commonly opened such businesses, though they were not, of course, all Greek AUSTRALIA, 1946 Greek shift noun in card trickery, a method of repositioning a card US, 2003 Greek shot noun in dice games, a controlled roll with a controlled result US, 1962 Greek shuffle noun in card trickery, a cut of the deck that leaves the cards in the same order as before the cut US, 2003 green noun 1 money. From the green colour of paper currency in the US US, 1898. 2 in American casinos, a $25 chip US, 1985. 3 marijuana, especially with a low resin count US, 1955. 4 phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust. From the practice of sprinkling the drug on parsley or mint US, 1981 . 5 the recreational drug ketamine. From the drug’s natural green colour US, 1986. 6 mucus UK, 1997. 7 the felt surface of a pool table US, 1990. 8 a stage, especially in the phrase ‘see you on the green’. All that remains in current use of theatrical rhyming slang ‘green gage’ UK, 1931. 9 an unbroken wave US, 1964. 10 a green capsule containing drugs, especially a central nervous system stimulant. Also variant ‘greenie’ US, 1966. 11 a supporter of environ- mental politics UK, 1982. < in the green flying with all instruments recording safe conditions US, 1963 green adjective < not as green as you are cabbage-looking more intelligent than you look. Jocular UK, 1931 greena noun marijuana UK, 1998 green about the gills adjective ill, nauseous, sickly-pale UK, 1949 green and black noun a capsule of Librium, a central nervous system depressant US, 1992 green and brussel; greens and brussels noun a muscle; muscles. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 green and friendly noun a prison-issue phone card UK, 1996 green-and-white noun a green and white police car US, 1991 green apple quick-step noun diarrhoea US, 1994 green ar ound the gills adjective giving an appearance of being about to vomit US, 1985 greenback noun 1 a one-dollar note US, 1862. 2 a one-pound note. A green-coloured banknote, first issued in 1917, the colour remained despite diminishing size and value, except for the period 1940–48 when it was blue, until 1988 when it ceased to be legal tender. Sometimes shortened to ‘greenie’ UK, 1961. 3 an Australian one- pound note. Fell out of use after the introduction of decimal currency in 1966 AUSTRALIA, 1919. 4 in surfing, a swell that has not broken US, 1963. 5 an implement for re-railing a train carriage or engine US, 1946 green baggy noun the cap worn by Australian test cricketers AUSTRALIA, 1992 green bait noun a cash bonus paid to US soldiers who re-enlisted during the Vietnam war US, 1991 green bean noun in South Africa, a township municipal police officer. Derisive; from the colour of the uniform SOUTH AFRICA, 1987 green bud; green buds noun marijuana. From the colour of the plant US, 1981 green burger noun a blend of amphetamine and caffeine marketed as MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1996 green can noun a can of Victoria Bitter™ beer AUSTRALIA, 2003 green cart noun an imaginary vehicle used to take people to an asylum for the insane AUSTRALIA, 1935 green door noun the door leading to an execution chamber US, 1976 green double dome noun 8see: DOUBLE DOME green dragon noun 1 LSD enhanced with botanical drugs from plants such as Deadly Nightshade or Jimsonweed US, 1970. 2 any barbiturate or other central nervous system depressant US, 1971. 3 heroin US, 1990. 4 the M-113 armoured personnel carrier. The pri- mary armoured tracked personnel carrier used by the US forces in Vietnam US, 1991 green drinking voucher noun 8see: DRINKING VOUCHER green egg noun 8see: EGG greenery noun marijuana. College slang US, 2001 green eye noun on the railways, a clear signal US, 1946 green eyes noun jealousy, envy US, 1950 green fairy noun absinthe, a French gin UK, 2001 305 great Caesar’s ghost! | green fairy greenfly noun used as a collective noun for Army Intelligence Corps personnel. From the bright green beret they adopted in the mid- 1970s UK, 1984 green folding; folding green noun paper money UK, 1981 green frog noun a central nervous system despressant UK, 1998 greengages; greens noun wages. Rhyming slang UK, 1932 green game noun in a casino, a game with a mininum bet of $25 (the green betting token) US, 1983 green goblin noun absinthe, a French gin. From private correspondence with a rock group whose management prefer to remain anonymous. Named after the arch-enemy of Spiderman UK, 2001 green goddess noun 1 marijuana. From the colour of the leaf and the elation it inspires; several ancient religions worshipped a green goddess US, 1938. 2 an emergency firefighting vehicle that is made available (for operation by the military) when regular firefighters and their fire engines are out of service. First came into the public vocabulary during the 1977 strike by Fire Brigade officers UK, 1997 green gold noun cocaine UK, 1998 green goods noun counterfeit money US, 1949 green grolly noun a deposit of phlegm. Abbreviates as ‘grolly’. Schoolboy and military use UK, 1989 greenhorn noun a person recently arrived in the city or recently immigrated to a new country UK, 1753 green hornet noun a capsule combining a central nervous stimulant and a central nervous system depressant US, 1942 greenhouse noun 1 a small room or enclosed space where marijuana is being smoked US, 2001. 2 in surfing, a smooth ride inside the hollow of a wave US, 1987. 3 in hot rodding and car customising, the upper part of the car body US, 1993 green ice noun emeralds US, 1950 greenie noun 1 any paper money UK, 1982. 2 a one-pound note. From the colour of the note UK, 1980. 3 an Australian one-pound note. Shortening of GREENBACK AUSTRALIA, 1968. 4 a gob of thick nasal mucus and catarrhal matter. From the colour UK, 2000. 5 a speeding ticket US, 1976. 6 a conservationist. From ‘green ban’ (a ban imposed for environmental reasons) AUSTRALIA, 1973. 7 an ocean wave, especially a large breaking wave suitable for surfing AUSTRALIA, 1964 greenie in a bottle noun a bottle of beer AUSTRALIA, 1991 green ink noun time spent in aerial combat US, 1991 green-ink brigade noun collectively, people who write cranky or abusive (often illegible) letters. Derives from the notion that only a person who disdains conventional standards could possibly be ill mannered enough to write in green ink – or, sometimes, green crayon UK, 2001 green light noun in prison, permission to kill US, 2000 green-light verb to give approval. In traffic signalling, the green light means ‘go’ UK, 2001 green-light adjective approved. After the verb sense UK, 2001 green machine noun 1 the US Army. Vietnam war usage US, 1969. 2 a computer built to military specifications for field use US, 1991 green man noun 1 marijuana. To ‘see the green man’ is to smoke or buy marijuana US, 1997. 2 a bottle of Ballantine™ ale US, 1965 green meanie noun any green amphetamine or barbiturate capsule US, 1981 green micro noun a type of LSD UK, 1996 Green Onion noun a Montreal parking violation officer CANADA, 1999 greenout noun the joy felt on seeing and smelling plants after an extended stay on Antarctica ANTARCTICA, 2003 green paint noun marijuana UK, 2003 green paper noun money US, 1979 green pastures noun high earnings for railwaymen; bonus payments; overtime UK, 1970 greenpea noun a novice US, 1912 green penguin noun a variety of LSD UK, 1996 green queen noun a male homosexual who takes pleasure in outdoor sex in public parks US, 1981 green room noun 1 in surfing, a smooth ride inside the hollow of a wave US, 1987. 2 an execution chamber US, 1981 greens noun 1 currency notes. The colour of money US, 1904. 2 marijuana. From the colour and after GREEN (marijuana), possibly informed by the vegetable sense and the UK expression of maternal care ‘eat your greens, they’re good for you’, 1998. 3 green vegetables, especially cabbage and salad UK, 1725. 4 loose green clothing worn by hospital employees, especially in operating theatres US, 1988. 5 the green US Army dress uniform US, 1968. 6 sexual activity UK, 1888 8see: GREENGAGES greens and beans noun basic groceries US, 1994 greenseed noun a US soldier freshly arrived in Vietnam US, 1988 greens fee noun the amount charged by a pool room to play pool. Punning on a conventional term found in golf, alluding to GREEN (the surface of a pool table) US, 1990 green shield stamps noun money. A variation on GREENSTAMPS; Green Shield Stamps were a sales promotional scheme popular in the 1960s and 70s UK, 1981 green single dome noun 8see: DOUBLE DOME green slime noun green peppers. Limited usage, but clever US, 1996 green snow; green tea noun phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust. The colour reference is to the parsley or mint on which the drug is often sprinkled US, 1978 greenstamp noun a traffic ticket for speeding US, 1975 greenstamps noun in trucking, money US, 1956 green stuff noun currency notes US, 1887 green teen noun an environmentally conscious young person US, 1995 green thumb noun in pool, the ability to make money playing for wagers US, 1990 green-to-green adjective running smoothly, without problem. Nautical origins – ships following the rules of navigation US, 1975 green triangle noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. From the colour of the tablet and the embossed motif UK, 2002 green ’un noun a one-pound note UK, 1982 greenwash noun a pretended concern for ecological matters. A play on ‘whitewash’ (a covering-up of faults), possibly also on EYE-WASH (something that is intended to conceal; nonsense) UK, 2003 green wedge noun LSD US, 1975 green womb noun the inside of a hollow breaking wave US, 1991 green worms noun the undulating green lines on a radar screen US, 1947 green yoke noun a young inexperienced horse UK, 1969 greet verb < greet the judge in horse racing, to win a race AUSTRALIA, 1989 greeter; greta noun marijuana US, 1952 Gregory Peck; gregory noun 1 a cheque. Rhyming slang formed on the name of film actor Gregory Peck, 1916–2003 AUSTRALIA, 1983. 2 the neck. Also known in the UK, especially after use in mid- 1970s BBC television’s Porridge AUSTRALIA, 1966 Gregory Pecks; gregories noun spectacles. Rhyming slang for SPECS, formed from the name of film actor Gregory Peck, 1916–2003 UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 grem noun an unskilled skateboarder; generally, anyone who is maladroit at anything. Teen slang; probably a shortening of GREMMIE UK, 1978 gremlin noun 1 a mysterious spirit that haunts aircraft, deluding pilots; hence, any mechanical fault. Originally Royal Ait Force slang UK, 1929. 2 an inexperienced surfer who does not respect surfer etiquette US, 1961 gremmie noun 1 an unpopular, unfashionable person US, 1962. 2 an unskilled surfing or skateboarding novice AUSTRALIA, 1962. greenfly | gremmie 306 3 marijuana and crack cocaine mixed for smoking in a cigarette US, 1989 grette noun a cigarette US, 1966 Greville Starkey noun a black person. Rhyming slang for DARKY, formed from the name of the English jockey and Derby winner (b.1939). Noted as predating synonymous FEARGAL SHARKEY UK, 1998 grey noun in a mixed race couple, the other partner BERMUDA, 1985 grey adjective a middle-aged, conventionally minded, conservatively dressed person in the eyes and vocabulary of the counterculture UK, 1967 grey death noun insipid prison stew AUSTRALIA, 1967 greyer noun someone dull who perpetuates dullness UK, 1999 grey ghost noun a parking inspector in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australian. From the colour of their uniform AUSTRALIA, 1967 grey goose noun a grey California Department of Corrections bus used for transporting prisoners. An allusion to the Greyhound bus line US, 1974 greyhound noun a very short skirt. A pun on (pubic) hair/hare UK, 2002 Greyhound noun an M-8 armoured car. World War 2 vintage, used at the beginning of the Vietnam war by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam US, 1990 greyhound verb (used of a black person) to pursue a white person in the hopes of a romantic or sexual relationship. From GREY MAN (a white person) US, 1972 greylist verb to hold a person under consideration for blacklisting CANADA, 2002 grey man noun 1 a white man. Black slang UK, 1984. 2 a dull, boring undergraduate. Oxford and Cambridge students’ term UK, 1960 grey mare noun a bus or train fare. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 grey matter noun brains, thus intelligence US, 1899 grey shield noun LSD UK, 2003 greys on trays noun adult snowboarders US, 1997 grice verb to practise trainspotting. Trainspotters’ slang UK, 1982 grice; gricer noun a locomotive (train) spotter. Trainspotters’ slang UK, 1982 grick noun a Greek immigrant or Greek-American US, 1997 grid noun 1 the face UK, 2001. 2 the female breast US, 1993. 3 a bicycle AUSTRALIA, 1927 G-ride noun 1 a stolen car US, 1985. 2 a rebuilt, customised vintage car with a suspension system that allows the body to be lifted and lowered US, 1997 gridley grinder noun on Prince Edward Island, a bad storm CANADA, 1988 grief noun trouble, problems. Originally in the phrase COME TO GRIEF (to get into trouble, to fail) US, 1897. < give someone grief to tease or criticise someone US, 1968 grief verb to trouble someone UK, 2003 griefer noun an Internet game player who tries to spoil the fun of other players by harassing them. Someone who creates GRIEF (trouble) UK, 2003 griever noun a union spokesman on a contract grievance committee US, 1946 grievous bodily harm noun the recreational drug GHB. Extended from the punning GBH US, 1993 g-riffick noun the recreational drug GHB. A combination of the ‘g’ of GHB and ‘terrific’ US, 1997 grifter noun 1 a person who makes their living by confidence swindles, especially short cons. Widely familiar from Jim Thompson’s 1963 novel The Grifters and its 1990 film adaptation US, 1915. 2 in horse racing, a bettor who makes small, conservative bets US, 1951 grig verb to annoy, to tease. From the Irish griog IRELAND, 2000 grill noun 1 a person of Mediterranean background. Post-World-War-2 migrants from southern Europe commonly opened businesses selling fried or grilled food AUSTRALIA, 1957. 2 a motor accident in which an occupant or occupants of the car are burnt US, 1962. 3 the bars or mesh of a prison cell US, 1992 grille noun the teeth US, 2001 griller noun a verbal assault, a roasting, especially when given by the authorities AUSTRALIA, 1975. < to put on the griller to assault verbally. Mostly in the passive voice AUSTRALIA, 1975 grime noun a modern music genre focused on lyrical and aural interpretation of an inner-city environment and street-culture, that combines the musical influences of hip-hop and UK garage with the practical low-budget, do-it-yourself spirit of punk rock and reggae sound-systems. So-named, apparently, to acknowledge the music’s origins in the grimey urban sprawl UK, 2004 grimey adjective excellent, best UK, 2005 grimmy noun 1 a middle-aged woman UK, 1972. 2 marijuana UK, 2003 Grimsby Docks noun socks. Rhyming slang, formed from a location on the northeast coast of England UK, 1988 grimy adjective 1 rude; uncouth US, 2002. 2 excellent UK, 2004 grin noun 1 a good and amusing situation US, 1966. 2 used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘your message amused me’ US, 1997 grinch noun a bad-tempered person whose negative attitude depresses others. Adopted from the characteristics of the Grinch, a mean-spirited character created by Dr Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) in the novel How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 1957, and subsequently played by Jim Carrey in the 2000 film version US, 2003 grinchy adjective unpleasant, distasteful, bad. High school usage US, 1961 grind noun 1 sexual intercourse; an act of sexual intercourse UK, 1870. 2 in a striptease or other sexual dance, a rotating movement of the hips, pelvis, and genitals US, 1931. 3 hard, dull, routine, monotous work; work in general. Originally with special emphasis on academic work; now more general and often appearing as ‘the grind’ or ‘the daily grind’ UK, 1851. 4 a serious, dedicated, diligent student US, 1889. 5 in the used car business, a concerted assault of negotiation with a potential customer US, 1997. 6 astyleofhard rock appealing to the truly disaffected, featuring a fast, grinding tempo, bleak lyrics and relentlessly loud and distorted guitars. Also known as ‘grindcore’ US, 1994 grind verb 1 to have sex UK, 1647. 2 in a striptease or other sexual dance, to rotate the hips, pelvis, and genitals in a sensual manner US, 1928. 3 to study hard US, 1955. 4 in computing, to format code so that it looks attractive US, 1983. 5 to eat. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981. 6 to call out and invite patrons to enter a performance US, 1968. < grind someone’s ass to annoy US, 1996 grindage noun food US, 1990 grinder noun 1 a sexual partner US, 1966. 2 a striptease artist US, 1950. 3 a person who calls out and invites patrons to enter a perform- ance US, 1968. 4 a pornographic film with poor production values and little plot or dialogue, just poorly filmed sex US, 1995. 5 the drill field in an armed forces training camp US, 1963. 6 in competition sailing, a person who in tandem operates a winch-like device to raise a large sail very quickly US, 1996 grinders noun the teeth UK, 1676 grind film noun a pornographic film, usually with crude production values and no plot or character development US, 1977 grind house noun a theatre exhibiting continuous shows or films of a sexual or violent nature US, 1929 grinding adjective (used of surf conditions) powerful, breaking con- sistently US, 1987 grind joint noun a casino dominated by slot machines and low-limit tables US, 1991 grind man noun a person who calls out and invites patrons to enter aperformanceUS, 1968 grinds noun < get your grinds to have sex US, 1966 grinds; grines noun food US, 1981 307 grette | grinds; grines grind show noun a carnival attraction that relies on a relentless patter to attract customers inside US, 1927 grind store noun an illegal gambling operation where players are cheated as a matter of course US, 1985 grine noun sexual intercourse; an act of sexual intercourse. A vari- ation of GRIND JAMAICA, 1970 grine verb to have sex. A variation of GRIND JAMAICA, 1971 gringo noun among Latinos in the US, a white person. The source of considerable false etymology based on the marching song ‘Green grow the rushes, o’. Often used with a lack of affection US, 1849 gringo gallop noun diarrhoea suffered by tourists in Mexico or Latin America US, 1960 grinner noun a rock which just shows above the ground CANADA, 1987 grins and shakes noun a tour of a military facility or a visit to the troops US, 1991 grip noun 1 a small suitcase. A shortened form of ‘gripsack’ US, 1879. 2 money US, 1993. 3 a large amount US, 1997. 4 a photograph ANTARCTICA, 2003. < get a grip to get control of your emotions and actions US, 1971 grip verb 1 to arrest UK, 2000. 2 to flatter and curry favour with those in power US, 1981. 3 to masturbate US, 1971. < grip your shit to satisfy your requirements UK, 1995 gripe noun acomplaintUS, 1918 gripe verb to moan, to complain US, 1928 gripester noun in prison, a chronic complainer US, 1962 griping noun complaints; the act of complaining US, 1945 grip off verb to annoy. Used among bird-watchers, usually as ‘gripped off’ UK, 1977 grippers noun men’s underpants US, 1985 grips noun 1 a porter on a passenger train US, 1977. 2 running shoes US, 1991. < come to grips to get control of your emotions and actions UK, 1988 gripy adjective miserable US, 1946 gristle noun the penis. A relatively obscure term, but well understood when adopted as a confrontational name by 1980s thrash metal pioneers Throbbing Gristle UK, 1665 grit noun 1 spirit, stamina, courage, especially if enduring US, 1825. 2 a member of the Canadian Liberal Party CANADA, 1995. 3 a narrow- minded if not reactionary person US, 1972. 4 a stereotypical rural, southern white US, 1972. 5 food US, 1959. 6 crack cocaine. Another rock metaphor, based on the drug’s appearance US, 1994. 7 a ciga- rette US, 1990 grit verb to eat US, 1968 gritch verb acomplaintUS, 1983 grizzle verb to sleep US, 1997 grizzle-guts; grizzly-guts noun a tearful, whining person. From the verb ‘to grizzle’ UK, 1937 groan noun a standup bass fiddle US, 1945 groaner noun a foghorn with a prolonged monotone US, 1997 groats noun the epitome of unpleasant US, 1979 groceries noun 1 the genitals, breasts and/or buttocks, especially as money-earning features US, 1965. 2 crack cocaine. A sad euphemism US, 1994. 3 in horse racing, horse feed US, 1951 groc er’s shop noun an Italian. Rhyming slang for WOP UK, 1979 grocery boy noun a heroin addict who is craving food US, 1973 grocery French noun a barely passable command of the Quebec French language CANADA, 1980 grocery getter noun a car for everyday use US, 1993 grock noun a fool. Probably after Adrien Wettach, 1888–1959, the Swiss clown named Grock, who was inducted in the Clown Hall of Fame in 1992 UK, 2002 G-rock noun cocaine; a one gram rock of crack cocaine UK, 1998 grockle noun 1 a tourist. Disparaging; sometimes shortened to ‘grock’. Grock was the professional clown-name of Charles Adrien Wettach (1880–1959), hence ‘grockle’ is probably intended to rep- resent a tourist as a clown; however not abbreviated until the 1990s UK, 1964. 2 a social inferior. Disparaging, upper-class usage; acquired from the sense as ‘tourist’ UK, 1982 grockly adjective common, inferior. Used by upper-class youths, from GROCKLE (a social inferior) UK, 1982 grody noun a dirty, homeless hospital patient infested with lice US, 1985 grody; gr oady; gr oaty adjective messy, unkempt, disgusting US, 1963 grody to the max adjective extremely disgusting US, 1982 groendakkies noun a mental hospital. From Afrikaans for ‘green roofs’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1978 grog noun 1 an alcoholic drink, especially beer US, 1805. 2 a clot of spittle. Glasgow slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1985. < on the grog drinking steadily; taking part in a drinking session; binge drinking AUSTRALIA, 1946 grog verb 1 to drink alcohol US, 1824. 2 to spit. Glasgow slang UK: SCOTLAND , 1985 grogan noun a piece of excrement; a turd AUSTRALIA, 1980 grog artist noun a heavy drinker AUSTRALIA, 1965 grog boss noun a person serving alcohol at a work party CANADA, 1964 grog-doped adjective intoxicated by kava, a herbal beverage made from the root of the tropical shrub piper methysticum FIJI, 1992 groggery noun a disreputable bar US, 1822 grogging noun drinking alcohol; boozing AUSTRALIA, 1962 grogging-on noun drinking heartily, or to excess AUSTRALIA, 1979 groggy noun a person who drinks to excess FIJI, 1994 groggy adjective weak, unsteady, faint. From conventional ‘groggy’ (drunk) UK, 1828 grog-on noun a drinking session or party AUSTRALIA, 1971 grog on verb to take part in a drinking session; to drink steadily and heavily AUSTRALIA, 1951 grog session noun an extended kava drinking session. Kava is a tranquillity-inducing beverage made from the root of a tropical shrub FIJI, 1991 grog shanty noun a roughly constructed building selling alcohol AUSTRALIA, 1895 grog shop noun 1 an off-licence (liquor store) AUSTRALIA, 1799. 2 a cheap tavern UK, 1790 grog swiper noun an intemperate kava drinker. Kava, made from the root of a tropical shurb, induces tranquillity FIJI, 1996 grog-up noun a drinking session or party AUSTRALIA, 1959 grog up verb to drink heavily and steadily AUSTRALIA, 1955 groid noun a black person. A shortened ‘negroid’ US, 1972 groin; groyne; growne noun a ring UK, 1931 groinage noun jewellery. From GROIN (a ring) UK, 2002 groinplant noun in mountain biking, an unintended and painful contact between the bicycle and your groin US, 1992 groin-throb noun someone, of either sex, who is the object of sexual lust. A play on the more romantic ‘heart-throb’ , 1996 grok verb to understand, to appreciate. Coined by Robert Heinlein (1907–88) for the science-fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land, 1961; adopted into semi-mystical use by the counterculture US, 1970 grolly noun an unpleasant thing. Ascribes the attributes of a GREEN GROLLY , often abbreviated as ‘grolly’ (a lump of phlegm) to any given object UK, 1987 grom noun a beginner surfer. An abbreviation of GROMMET US, 1990 grommet noun 1 a novice surfer, especially one with a cheeky attitude AUSTRALIA, 1981. 2 by extension, a zealous novice in other sports. Recorded in use by skateboarders and scooter-riders US, 1995. 3 akidAUSTRALIA, 1995. 4 the anus UK, 1889 grind show | grommet 308 gromp verb in tiddlywinks, to move a pile of winks as a whole onto another wink or pile of winks US, 1977 gronk noun an unattractive woman UK, 1987 gronk verb in computing, to shut down and restart a computer whose operation has been suspended. A term popularised by Johnny Hart in his B.C. newspaper comic strip US, 1981 groom verb to attract children into sexual activity. A euphemism that hides a sinister practice UK, 1996 groove noun 1 the prevailing mood UK, 1998. 2 a routine; the regular way of doing something UK, 1984. 3 a profound pleasure, a true joy US, 1946. 4 (of music) an aesthetic pleasure in tune with the zeitgeist US, 1996. 5 a rhythm UK, 1947. 6 the act of dancing UK, 1998. < in the groove totally involved, at that moment, with making or enjoying music. Originally used in jazz but has been applied to most subequent modern music forms US, 1932 groove verb 1 to enjoy US, 1950. 2 to please, to make happy US, 1952. 3 to make good progress, to co-operate UK, 1967. 4 to have sex US, 1960. 5 to be relaxed and happy US, 1970 groover noun a drug user who enjoys psychedelic accessories to his drug experience US, 1971 groovily adverb pleasantly UK, 2002 groovy adjective 1 very good, pleasing. The word enjoyed two periods of great popularity, first in the early 1940s and then in the mid-to- late 1960s, where it caught on both in the mainstream and in hip circles. Since then, it has become a signature word for mocking the attitudes and fashions of the 1960s US, 1937. 2 sexually attractive. A nuance of the sense as ‘pleasing’ UK, 1967. 3 profoundly out-of-style US, 1983. 4 used to describe the effects of amphetamine. Drug-users’ (no-one else could be so subjective) slang UK, 1978 grope noun an act of sexual fondling, especially when such fondling is the entire compass of the sexual contact US, 1946. < come the grope to feel up sexually AUSTRALIA, 1971. < go the grope to feel up sexually AUSTRALIA, 1962 grope verb to grab or caress someone’s genitals, usually in an impersonal manner UK, 1380 Groper nickname a non-Aboriginal native or resident of Western Australia, especially a descendant of an early settler. A shortening of SANDGROPER AUSTRALIA, 1899 Groperland noun the state of Western Australia AUSTRALIA, 1900 gross adjective disgusting US, 1959 gross-out noun a disgusting thing US, 1968 gross out verb to disgust, to shock. From GROSS (disgusting) US, 1965 Grosvenor Squares noun flared trousers, flares. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 grot noun 1 dirt, filth. By back-formation from GROTTY UK, 1971. 2 a filthy person AUSTRALIA, 1985. 3 a toilet NEW ZEALAND, 1981 grotbag; grot-bag; grot noun an unpleasantly dirty person. A com- bination of GROT (dirt), with the suffix -BAG (personifies an unpleasant quality). Glasgow use UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 grot-hole noun in caving and pot-holing, a small cave that leads nowhere and is difficult to manoeuvre in UK, 2004 grots noun in caving and pot-holing, any (well used) clothing UK, 2004 grotty; grot; grotbags adjective unattractive, inferior UK, 1964 grouch noun an ill-tempered person US, 1900 grouch bag noun literally, a small bag hidden on the person with emergency funds in it; figuratively, a wallet or a person’s supply of money US, 1908 Groucho Marx; groucho noun an electrician. Rhyming slang for SPARKS, formed from the name of the American comedian, 1890–1977 UK, 1992 ground noun an area of operation or influence. In police use UK, 2002. < back on the ground; on the ground freed from prison US, 1982. < on the ground in horse racing, said of a jockey serving a suspension US, 1976 ground verb to punish a child by refusing to let them leave the house for any social events US, 1950 ground apple noun a brick US, 1945 ground clouds noun fog US, 1976 ground control noun a person who guides another through an LSD experience. Another LSD-as-travel metaphor US, 1967 grounder noun a crime that does not demand much effort by the police to solve US, 1984 ground floor noun < in on the ground floor in at the early stages of a project, trend, technical development, etc. Generally phrased ‘get in on’, ‘let in on’ and ‘be in on’ US, 1864 ground gripper nickname a Hawker Siddeley ‘Trident’ aircraft. Introduced into service in 1964 US, 1994 groundhog noun 1 in the language of parachuting, anyone who has not parachuted US, 1978. 2 a railway brakeman US, 1926 ground joker noun any non-flying personnel in the Air Force US, 1946 groundlark noun a bookmaker who illegally conducts business at a horse race track AUSTRALIA, 1989 groundman noun in a group of friends taking LSD or another hallucinogen, a person who does not take the drug and helps those who do navigate their experience UK, 1983 ground-pounder noun a member of the infantry. Coined in World War 2, and used in every war since US, 1942 groundscore verb to find something of value, real or perceived, on the ground US, 1997 ground-sluic e verb to shoot at a bird on the ground CANADA, 1999 groundsman noun an assistant to a bookmaker who collects bets and pays off winners AUSTRALIA, 1989 ground-trog verb in caving and pot-holing, to search the surface for cave entrances US, 2004 ground week noun the first week of US Army airborne parachute training US, 1991 ground zero noun 1 the centre of action. From the lingo of atomic weapons, literally meaning ‘the ground where a bomb explodes’ US, 1966. 2 a back-to-basics condition from which a recommence- ment or restructuring may be developed. Figurative, from sense as a ‘centre of targeted destruction’ UK, 2001. 3 an untidy bedroom. Teen slang US, 2002 group grope noun 1 group therapy US, 1977. 2 sex involving more than two people US, 1967 groupie; groupy noun 1 a girl who trades her sexual availability to rock groups and musicians in exchange for hanger-on status US, 1966. 2 a follower or hobbyist devoted to a pre-eminent person within a given field, or to a genre or subject type. An extension of the previous sense, this usage is not restricted to rock groups or music, nor is there a suggestion that sex is a prerequisite; the tone may be derogatory, jocular or ironic US, 1967 Group of One; G1 noun the United States CANADA, 2002 grouse noun 1 a grumble; a cause for complaint UK, 1917. 2 a good thing; something of the best quality AUSTRALIA, 1924 grouse verb to grumble UK, 1885 grouse adjective great; excellent; top quality. Origin unknown. Commonly intensified as ‘extra grouse’ AUSTRALIA, 1924 grouser noun a complainer. From the verb GROUSE UK, 1885 grouter noun < come in on the grouter to gain a fortuitous and unfair advantage, especially by appearing at an opportune time. The origin of this term is unknown, although one might conjecture that since grouting is the last task in a tiling job, to come in on the grouter would be to arrive when there is no work left to be done AUSTRALIA, 1902 grovel verb 1 in computing, to work with great diligence but without visible success US, 1981. 2 to ride a wave even as it runs out of force US, 1990 Grover noun a one-thousand dollar note; one thousand dollars. From the portrait of US President Grover Cleveland on the notes, first issued in 1928 US, 1984 309 gromp | Grover grow verb < grow your own to promote an enlisted man to a non- commissioned officer vacancy in a unit; to promote from within US, 1990 growed-up truck noun an eighteen-wheeled over-the-road truck US, 1976 growl verb < growl at the badger to engage in oral sex on a woman, especially noisily UK, 1998 growl and grunt; growl noun the vulva and vagina. Rhyming slang for CUNT AUSTRALIA, 1941 growler noun 1 a bowel movement US, 1993. 2 afartUK, 2003. 3 in the language of barbershop quartets, a strident bass singer US, 1975. 4 the lowest gear in a truck US, 1971. 5 a largely submerged iceberg ANTARCTICA, 1912. 6 the vagina AUSTRALIA, 1988. 7 a prison cell used for solitary confinement US, 1984. 8 beer, the dregs of a cask IRELAND, 1999. 9 a wrestler US, 1945. 10 a hotel’s activity log US, 1953. 11 a beer can US, 1949 grub noun 1 food; provisions of food UK, 1659. 2 bullets. From the pre- vious sense UK, 2001. 3 an inferior, lowly person UK, 1845 grub verb 1 to kiss with passion US, 1963. 2 to engage in sexual foreplay US, 1976 grubber noun 1 a disgusting person US, 1941. 2 in cricket, a ball bowled underarm. Also variant ‘grub’ UK, 1837 grubbies noun old, worn, comfortable clothes US, 1966 grubby noun a young male summer resident of a camp on a Canadian lake CANADA, 1997 grubby adjective not neat, not clean US, 1965 grubs noun old, worn and comfortable clothes US, 1966 grudge-fuck verb to have sex out of spite or anger US, 1990 gruesome and gory noun the penis. Rhyming slang for COREY UK, 1992 gruesome twosome noun a couple who date steadily US, 1941 Grumann Greyhound noun the C-2A aircraft. Manufactured by Grumann, a twin engine, prop-driven plane used by the US Navy to transport troops (hence the ‘Greyhound’ as an allusion to the bus company) or cargo US, 1991 grumble and grunt; grumble noun the vagina; hence women objectified sexually. Rhyming slang for CUNT UK, 1938 grumble and mutter noun a bet. Rhyming slang for FLUTTER UK, 1992 grume noun a filthy, decrepit patient in a hospital casualty department US, 1978 grummet noun a woman, or women, objectified sexually. From earlier senses, now lost, as ‘the vagina’ and ‘sexual intercourse’ UK, 1960 grump noun an ill-tempered person UK, 1900 grumpus-back noun a gruff, churlish person BARBADOS, 1965 grundies; grunds noun underpants. Short for REG GRUNDIES AUSTRALIA, 1984 grundy adjective mediocre US, 1959 grunge noun 1 unpleasant dirt or filth US, 1965. 2 a rock music genre. From the previous sense, abstractly applied to the ‘dirty’ guitar sound; it is occasionally recorded from the mid-1960s but until Nirvana and other Seattle-based US groups came to prominence in the early 90s ‘grunge’ was not a genre US, 1972. 3 a style of loose- fitting, layered clothes favoured by fans of the grunge music scene US, 1998. 4 an obnoxious, graceless person US, 1968 grungejumper noun used as a euphemism for ‘motherfucker’ US, 1958 grungie noun 1 a filthy or disgusting person UK, 2000. 2 a post-hippie youth in rebellion. Also spelt ‘grungy’ US, 1982 grungy adjective filthy, dirty, unpleasant, untidy. Of GRUNGE (an unpleasant substance); however contemporary use also refers to the deliberately messy fashion associated with GRUNGE music US, 1965 grunt noun 1 a member of the US Marine Corps US, 1968. 2 An infantry soldier, especially but not necessarily a marine. An import- ant piece of slang in the Vietnam war US, 1962. 3 a menial, unskilled worker US, 1970. 4 an electrician or electrical lineman’s assistant. Some power companies in the US have tried to prohibit use of the term to describe the helper position; in general, linemen have perceived this attempt as political correctness carried to an absurd extreme and have continued calling their helpers ‘grunts’ US, 1926. 5 a railway engineer US, 1939. 6 in mountain biking, a steep and challenging incline US, 1996. 7 power NEW ZEALAND, 1998. 8 marijuana US, 1993 8see: GASP AND GRUNT grunt verb to eat US, 1968 grunt-and-squeal jockey noun a truck driver who hauls cattle or pigs US, 1971 grunter noun 1 abedNEW ZEALAND, 1984. 2 a foghorn with two tones US, 1997 grunts noun food US, 1968 grunt-tight adjective (used of a bolt) tightened by feel rather than by measured torque US, 1992 grush noun a mad scramble of boys to get a coin or some similar gift thrown at them; a present given to people outside a church after a wedding IRELAND, 1976 gruts noun underpants NEW ZEALAND, 1998 gry; gryer noun a horse. Romany UK, 1978 GS noun a shared act of urine fetishism; the act of urination by one person on another for sexual gratification. Used in personal advertising; an abbreviation of GOLDEN SHOWER US, 1979 GSD noun an Alsatian. Initialism of German Shepherd Dog, the orig- inal breed name, which was changed by the UK Kennel Club after World War 1 for reasons of political sensitivity UK, 2002 G shot noun an injection of a small amount of a drug while in search of a larger amount US, 1992 G-star noun a youth gang member US, 1995 G-string noun 1 a small patch of cloth passed between a woman’s legs and supported by a waist cord, providing a snatch of modesty for a dancer. A slight variation on the word ‘gee-string’ used in the late C19 to describe the loin cloth worn by various indigenous peoples US, 1936. 2 a BMW Series 3 car. Scamto youth street slang (South African townships) SOUTH AFRICA, 2005 GTA noun the criminal charge of grand theft, auto. The punch-line of an oft-repeated joke: ‘What do you call four [ethnic minority of choice at the moment] in a brand new Cadillac?’ US, 1993 GTG used as shorthand in Internet discussion groups and text mess- ages to mean ‘got to go’ US, 2002 G thing noun a subject matter best understood by young urban gangsters US, 1994 G-top noun a tent or trailer in a carnival reserved exclusively for carnival employees. Employees can drink and gamble out of sight of the public and police US, 1980 Guardianista noun a liberal, politically-correct person. Intended as derogatory; from the stereotype that such a person is a reader of the Guardian newspaper and combined with left-wing Nicaraguan revolutionaries the Sandinistas UK, 2003 Guat noun a Guatemalan UK, 1995 Guatemala dirt dobbers noun sandals US, 1970 guava noun 1 an upwardly mobile young adult. An acronym for ‘grown up and very ambitious’ or ‘growing up and very ambitious’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1989. 2 the buttocks, the backside. Especially in the phrase ‘on your guava’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1975 guava adjective very good, superlative US, 1991 guava days; gauva season; guava times noun difficult times TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1979 gub verb to hit in the mouth; to defeat. From ‘gub’ (the mouth) UK: SCOTLAND , 1985 gubbins noun used as a replacement for any singular or plural noun that the user cannot or does not wish to specify UK, 1944 gubbish noun in computing, nonsense. A blend of ‘garbage’ and ‘rubbish’ US, 1983 grow | gubbish 310 . 1949 green and black noun a capsule of Librium, a central nervous system depressant US, 1992 green and brussel; greens and brussels noun a muscle; muscles. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 green and friendly. smuggle contraband within the body UK, 1996 greasies noun take-away food, especially fish and chips NEW ZEALAND, 1979 greasy noun a shearer AUSTRALIA, 1939 greasy adjective having an insincere and ingratiating. lyrics and relentlessly loud and distorted guitars. Also known as ‘grindcore’ US, 1994 grind verb 1 to have sex UK, 1 647. 2 in a striptease or other sexual dance, to rotate the hips, pelvis, and