high-ass adjective haughty; arrogant US, 1931 highball noun 1 in the used car business, a knowingly inflated price US, 1975. 2 a signal to a train engineer to increase speed US, 1897. 3 a glass of milk US, 1946 highball verb 1 to travel fast US, 1912. 2 to see. Probably playing on EYEBALL US, 1965 high beams noun 1 erect nipples on a woman’s breasts seen through a garment US, 1986. 2 the wide open eyes of a person under the influence of crack cocaine US, 1994 high bountious adjective very bad-smelling TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 highboy noun in hot rodding, a coupe, sedan or roadster that sits on top of the frame rails at stock height, that has not been lowered US, 1968 highbrow noun a person of superior intellectual quality or interests; a person who affects interests that imply an intellectual superiority US, 1907 highbrow adjective of superior intellectual quality or interest UK, 1884 high-brown adjective of mixed black and white heritage. Originally white usage, then adopted by African-Americans US, 1915 high camp noun an ostentatious, highly mannered style. A refined variation of CAMP US, 1966 high cap verb to brag, to banter, to gossip US, 1990 high diver noun a person who enjoys or excels at performing oral sex on women. A construction built on the image of going down US, 1981 high drag noun elaborate female clothing worn by a man US, 1963 higher-higher noun the upper echelons of military command US, 1991 highfalutin; hifalutin adjective absurdly pompous, snobbish. Probably an elaboration of ‘high-flown’ or similar; ‘highfaluting’ (the ‘g’ is optional) was originally hyphenated which lends strength to this etymology. Yiddish hifelufelem (ostentatious, self-glorifying) is also possible US, 1839 high five noun 1 a greeting or sign of approval accomplished by slapping open palms with arms extended above head-level. The greeting and term originated in sport but quickly spread US, 1980. 2 HIV. A construction based on an abbreviation of ‘high’ to ‘hi’ and conversion of ‘V’ to the Roman numeral five US, 2003 high five verb to raise your open hand above your head and slap it against the open hand of someone else US, 1981 high fur noun the refuelling of a hovering helicopter US, 1991 high grade noun marijuana. Recorded by a Jamaican inmate of a UK prison, August 2002 UK, 2002 high hard one noun forceful sex US, 1986 high hat noun opium. From an earlier sense (a large opium pill) US, 1896 high-hat; high-hatted adjective snobbish, superior, supercilious US, 1924 high-heel boy noun a paratrooper US, 1948 high holy noun in the usage of counterculturalists associated with the Rainbow Nation gatherings, an older, experienced member of the counterculture. Often used with a degree of irony and lack of reverence US, 1997 high horse noun a position of arrogant superiority US, 1947 high iron noun the main line of a railway US, 1930 high-jive verb to tease, to taunt, to belittle US, 1938 high jump noun a court higher than a local magistrate’s AUS TRALIA, 1944. < be for the high jump 1 to be faced with a severe official reprimand or punishment. Of military origin. With variations ‘be up for the high jump’ and ‘be in for the high jump’ UK, 1919. 2 to be engaged to be married IRELAND, 1992 highland fling noun to sing. Rhyming slang, credited to a 1950s recording by Billy Cotton and Alan Breeze UK, 1992 highlighter noun a political leader or spokesman among prisoners US, 1976 highly adverb used as an intensifier with an attitude US, 1991 highly illogical adjective illogical. A signature line of the Vulcan Mr Spock on the first incarnation of Star Trek (NBC, 1966–69). Repeated with referential humour US, 1968 high maintenance adjective (used of a person) requiring a great deal of attention and/or money; needy US, 1989 highness noun < her highness; his highness your spouse. Affectionately ironic UK, 1961 high noon noun 1 in craps, a roll of twelve US, 1982. 2 a spoon. Rhyming slang, formed from the title of the 1952 film UK, 1992 high-nose verb to snub; to ignore US, 1954 high number noun an especially fashionable member of the Mod youth fashion movement UK, 1986 high octane adjective caffeinated. Borrowing from the language of car fuel for application to the world of coffee drinks and, to a lesser extent, soft drinks US, 1995 high off the hog adverb prosperously US, 1970 high play noun showy spending designed to impress US, 1972 high pockets noun the stature of a tall, thin man US, 1912 high puller noun a devoted player of casino slot machines, especially those with higher bets and higher payouts. A play on the term HIGH ROLLER US, 1985 high-rider noun a car or truck that has been structurally altered to ride very high; a person who drives such a car or truck US, 1982 high-riders noun trousers worn above the waist US, 1975 highroll verb to spend freely and to live fast US, 1975 high roller noun 1 a gambler who makes large bets and spends freely US, 1881. 2 in television and film-making, a large, tall, three- legged light stand US, 1990 high r olling adjective materially successful. From HIGH ROLLER (a big spender) US, 1890 highs noun in pool, the striped balls numbered 9 to 15 US, 1990 high-school Harriet noun a high-school girl who is dating a college boy US, 1966 high-school Harry noun an immature college male; a typical high- school student US, 1959 high-school horse noun in horse racing, a racehorse that seems to win only when the odds are very high. Based on the humorous suggestion that the horse is so smart it can read the posted odds US, 1951 high shots noun in the illegal production of alcohol, liquor that exceeds 100 proof US, 1974 high side noun 1 the outside of a curve in a road US, 1966. 2 in craps, the numbers over 7 US, 1950 high-side verb to show off US, 1965 high speed, low drag adjective competent, reliable, dependable. Vietnam war usage US, 1991 high sphincter tone noun said of a person with a high degree of inhibition and a conservative nature US, 1994 high spot noun the outstanding part or feature of something UK, 1926 high stepper noun pepper. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 hightail verb to move very quickly. Almost always used with ‘it’ US, 1919 high tea noun a social gathering of male homosexuals US, 1981 high tide noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 1970 high-up noun a person of high rank or importance UK, 1929 high waist noun vigorous sex. The ‘high’ suggests the woman’s ability to lift the man up from below during sex TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003 high-waist adjective (used of a woman) skilled at sex TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003 high wall job noun a burglary that requires climbing UK, 1996 high-waters noun long trousers that are too short or short trousers that are too long US, 1971 high-ass | high-waters 332 highway princess noun a prostitute, especially one who works at truck stops US, 1976 highway salute noun a gesture with the middle finger meaning ‘fuck you’ US, 1977 highway surfer noun a person who adopts the mannerisms of surfers, buys the equipment, but never seems to get out of the car into the water US, 1963 high, wide and handsome; high, wide and fancy adjective excellent; first-rate. The title of a 1937 musical/romance film starring James Burke US, 1947 high wine noun a mixture of alcohol and flavoured water CANADA, 1957 high yellow; high yaller; high yella noun a light-skinned black person, especially female; a Creole; a mulatto. ‘Objectionable when referring to lighter-colored black persons’ according to Dictionary of Cautionary Words and Phrases, 1989 US, 1923 high yellow; high yaller; high yella adjective light-skinned US, 1958 hijinks; hijinx noun an act or acts of self-indulgent frivolity. An altered spelling of conventional ‘high jinks’ US, 1995 hijo de la chingada noun son of a fucked woman. Border Spanish used in English conversation by Mexican-Americans; highly insulting US, 1974 hike verb to insult in a competitive, quasi-friendly spirit, especially by reference to your opponent’s family US, 2000 hiker noun a prison officer whose duty is to be anywhere in the prison when required UK, 1996 hike up verb 1 of clothes, to work out of position or to drag into place US, 1873. 2 to raise prices US, 2003 Hilda Handcuffs; Hilda noun apoliceofficer;thepolice.An example of CAMP trans-gender assignment, in this case an assonant play on handcuffs as stereotypical police equipment UK, 1992 hill noun < go over the hill to desert military duty; to escape from prison US, 1912. < on the hill in pool, needing only one more score to win US, 1993. < over the hill past your prime US, 1950 Hill noun < the Hill Parliament Hill in Ottawa CANADA, 1965 hill and dale noun a tale, of the type told by a confidence trickster. Rhyming slang UK, 1953 hillbilly adjective chilly. Glasgow rhyming slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 hillbilly chrome noun aluminium paint US, 1971 hillbilly craps noun craps played on the sidewalk or otherwise as a private game US, 1950 hillbilly hell noun used as an embellished, intensified ‘hell’ US, 1970 hillbilly heroin noun the synthetic opiate oxycodone used recreationally. When dissolved in water and injected, or crushed and inhaled, it has a similar effect to heroin. The drug’s popularity in the rural Appalachian Mountains region led to the ‘hillbilly’ reference. It came to the forefront of the American national conscious in late 2003 when radio entertainer Rush Limbaugh was reported to be addicted to OxyContin™ US, 2001 hillbilly operahouse noun a truck with a radio US, 1971 hillbilly special noun a truck manufactured by General Motors Corporation US, 1971 Hill Fights noun a series of battles in the vicinity of Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, in April and May 1967 US, 1988 hill game noun in pool, a situation where either player can win with a single pocket US, 1993 hillman hunter; hillman noun a client or customer of any service that has little respect for the clients and customers. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a 1970s car UK, 1992 hillybin noun a lesbian NEW ZEALAND, 1973 Hilton noun a camp where firefighters fighting a forest fire sleep US, 1991 him noun heroin US, 1969 8see: HE Himalaya gold; Himalaya noun a potent marijuana with yellow hairs on a pale green bud. A hybrid plant cultivated in the 1990s, not in the Himalayas but with genetic antecedents in Nepal and South India; the naming is, perhaps, also an ironic reference to the highest physical location on planet earth UK, 2003 himbo noun a man objectified by his good looks and presumed lack of intellectual qualities; a man who trades on this image; a gigolo. Plays on contemporary use of BIMBO (a beautiful and available young woman – if you are a rich older man) US, 1988 Hinckley; Hinkley noun phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust US, 1984 hincty adjective conceited, vain, arrogant US, 1924 hind claw noun a means of support secondary to your job BARBADOS, 1965 hind hook noun the rear brakeman on a freight train US, 1946 hind tit noun < on the hind tit; suck the hind tit to be last in order or standing US, 1940 Hindu shuffle noun in card trickery, a technique that will keep a card or several cards on the bottom of the deck UK, 2003 hiney; heiny; heinie noun the buttocks US, 1921 hinge noun the elbow US, 1945 hinges noun < off your hinges mentally unhinged, crazy. Word play; as ‘off the hinges’ from 1611 to mid-C19 UK, 1986 Hinglish noun a hybrid language formed of Hindi and English; also applied to an informal blending of Punjabi andEnglish UK, 2001 hinked up adjective suspicious, afraid US, 2000 hinky adjective 1 nervous, anxious US, 1956. 2 suspicious US, 1975 hinky-dee noun a form of comedic song US, 1949 hinky-dinky adjective small-time, second class, outmoded. A cousin of the more famous RINKY-DINK US, 1967 hip noun 1 a member of the 1960s counterculture US, 1967. 2 a heroin addict US, 1953. 3 the buttocks BAHAMAS, 1982 hip verb 1 to explain, to bring up to date, to inform US, 1932. 2 to figure out, to become aware US, 1975. < hip your ship to let you know US, 1953 hip adjective 1 knowing, understanding US, 1902. 2 in style, fashionable, admired US, 1944. < hip to all happenings profoundly aware of the latest trends and happenings US, 1964 hip cat noun a fan of jazz or swing music; a stylish and fashionable man US, 1947 hipe verb in a cheating scheme in a game of cards, to restore a deck to its original position after a cheating move US, 1962 hip-flinger noun a dancer in any type of overtly sexual dance US, 1981 hip-hop noun used as a loose categorisation of (initially) black urban youth culture, encompassing breakdancing, graffiti art, DJing and rap music; used as an umbrella for any music, especially dance and rap-music, that falls within the general style; any fashion or style that is defined by association with the culture. Combining HIP (fashionable) and HOP (dance); like ROCK ‘N’ ROLL before it, ‘hip- hop’ is an American phenomenon that has had a worldwide impact US, 1982 hip hop daisy age noun an early 1990s fashion in hip-hop culture that approximated the ‘peace and love’ attitudes of the hippie movement UK, 2003 hip kick noun the rear pocket on a pair of trousers US, 1981 hipky-dripk y noun mischief US, 1959 hi-po adjective in motor racing, high performance US, 1993 hipped adjective 1 aware of, knowledgeable of US, 1920. 2 carrying a gun US, 1920 hipped to the tip adjective aware of everything US, 1947 hipper noun a large, swollen bruise on the hip. Noted as a sports injury suffered by foot-propelled scooter-riders UK, 2000 hippie; hippy noun a follower of jazz and the jazz scene who strives to be hip US, 1952 hippie crack noun nitrous oxide. A substance of abuse favoured by hippies and neo-hippies, seductive if not addictive US, 1992 333 highway princess | hippie crack hipping noun a nappy (diaper) or sanitary towel TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 hippo noun an armoured personnel carrier used by the South African police SOUTH AFRICA, 1996 Hippo noun any theatre called the Hippodrome. An affectionate shortening of an actor’s place of work, such as, in Britain, the Birmingham Hippo, the Bristol Hippo, and, in the US, the Baltimore Hippo UK, 1937 hip pocket noun a truck’s glove compartment US, 1976 hippy adjective 1 full-hipped US, 1963. 2 mentally dulled by years of imprisonment US, 1950 hippy-dippy noun a hippy or hippie, in either sense. Derogatory US, 1969 hippy-dippy adjective used to describe the ‘peace and love’ philos- ophy of the hippy movement US, 1960 hippy hill nickname a hill in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, between the Stanyan Street entrance and Dinosaur Valley US, 1967 hippytitis noun hepatitis UK, 1970 hippy-trippy adjective psychedelic. A rhyming combination of the counterculture and the effects of drugs UK, 2001 hippy witch noun a girl who 30 years later still dresses in the styles popular with the late 1960s counterculture US, 1997 hip-square noun a conventional person who at moments adopts the drapings of the jazz lifestyle without fully embracing it US, 1961 hipster noun 1 a devotee of jazz and the jazz lifestyle US, 1940. 2 a person at the stylish edge of fashionable. A contemporary variation US, 2002 hipsway noun dismissal UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 hir used as a gender-neutral third-person singular pronoun US, 1997 hirsute adjective in computing, complicated. Used as a jocular synonym for ‘hairy’ US, 1983 hi-si noun high society US, 1957 his lordship noun used ironically of a male who is perceived to behave in a manner that is somehow above his status. Derisive UK, 1961 hiss noun to hike rapidly NEW ZEALAND, 1958 hissy-fit; hissy noun a tantrum US, 1997 history noun 1 the condition of being doomed or finished US, 1978. 2 in a swindle, the background on a victim, people likely to be encountered, a location or event US, 1977 history sheeter noun a person with a criminal record INDIA, 2003 hit noun 1 a single inhalation of marijuana, hashish, crack cocaine, or any drug’s smoke US, 1952. 2 a dose of a drug US, 1952. 3 an intravenous injection of a drug, usually heroin UK, 1996. 4 a meeting with a drug dealer and a drug user US, 1952. 5 in the eastern US in the early 1990s, prescription medication with codeine US, 1993. 6 a marijuana cigarette UK, 2001. 7 a tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003. 8 a deliberate inhalation of solvent fumes, such as glue sniffing UK, 1982. 9 a blast of euphoria, joy, excitement. Figurative use of a drug term US, 1971. 10 the elec- tronic registration of a visit to a website US, 1995. 11 a planned murder US, 1950. 12 an arrest US, 1973. 13 a winning bet in an illegal lottery UK, 1818. 14 in blackjack, a card that a player requests from the dealer to add to his hand US, 1980. 15 in snowboarding, a snow jump CANADA, 1996. < on hit excellent US, 1997 hit verb 1 to inject drugs into a vein US, 1949. 2 to take an inhalation of marijuana smoke US, 1952. 3 to smoke (marijuana) US, 1949. 4 to guess correctly the day’s number in an illegal lottery US, 1947. 5 to kill in a planned, professional manner US, 1949. 6 to rob US, 1970. 7 to cover with graffiti US, 1997. 8 to visit, to go to a place US, 1995. 9 to serve a drink US, 1932. 10 to ask for something, especially money US, 1894 . 11 to telephone someone with a mobile phone US, 2002. 12 to win. From cricket TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. 13 to have sex US, 2004. < be hit with a bit to be sentenced to prison. From BIT (a prison sentence) US, 1962. < can’t hit the bull in the arse with a scoop shovel to be physically or mentally useless. ‘This expression describes someone who is totally uncoordinated. As this involves both a broad weapon and a broad target it refers not to poor marksmanship, but rather to a total inability to act in a coordinated manner.’ Chris Thain, Cold as a Bay Street Banker’s Heart, 1987 CANADA, 1987. < hit a hurdle to die; to suffer a severe setback AUSTRALIA, 1989. < hit a lick to commit a robbery US, 2001. < hit daylight to be released from prison US, 1988. < hit for six to demolish another’s argument, proposal or plan. A figurative use of a cricketing term UK, 1937. < hit in the seat an act of anal intercourse US, 1976. < hit it to leave US, 1930. < hit it a lick; hit it in poker, to raise a bet US, 1988. < hititoffto take a mutual liking to someone UK, 1780. < hit it up to strike up an acquaintance US, 1934. < hit on the hip to page electronically US, 1996. < hit the books to study hard US, 1968. < hit the bottle to bleach your hair blonde. Teen slang, punning on a term associated with drinking US, 1955. < hit the breeze to leave NEW ZEALAND, 1974. < hit the bricks to work on the street US, 1973. < hit the bucket to drink very heavily. A humorous variation on ‘hit the bottle’ (to drink heavily) UK: SCOTLAND, 1988. < hit the burner to draw upon all of your inner resources and stamina. US naval aviator usage US, 1986. < hit the ceiling to become very angry US, 1914. < hit the cinders to jump or fall from a moving train US, 1977. < hit the deck 1 to fall or throw yourself to the ground US, 1925. 2 to land a plane UK, 1943. 3 to get out of bed. Often as an imperative UK, 1918. 4 to go to bed UK, 1935. < hit the dex to work as a DJ. Fashionable spelling for (record) ‘decks’, combined with a vague play on other senses of HIT THE DECK UK, 2002. < hit the Dixie to stop idling and start doing something BAHAMAS, 1982. < hit the gravel; hit the grit to fall from a moving train US, 1946. < hit the hay to go to bed. Originally used by tramps; anglicised in 1929 by Conan Doyle US, 1912. < hit the hop to use drugs, especially heroin or opium US, 1963. < hit the jackpot to have great success or good fortune, especially when unexpected or beyond your expectations. A figurative application of ‘jackpot’, a poker term applied generally to any gambling prize. Known worldwide in its variant forms: ‘crack’ (favoured in Australia), ‘hit’, ‘strike’ or ‘win’ US, 2001. < hit the mainline to inject a drug intravenously. A combination of HIT (to inject) and MAINLINE (a vein) US, 1950. < hit the moon to reach the highest plateau of a drug experience US, 1971. < hit the needle to inject a drug intravenously. A combination of HIT (to inject) and the means of delivery US, 1950. < hit the pipe to smoke crack cocaine US, 1992. < hit the pit 1 to inject a drug into the armpit. A combination of HIT (to inject) and PIT (the armpit) UK, 1998. 2 to be incarcerated US, 1992. < hit the post in the language of radio disc jockeys, to talk during the introduction of a song, completing your thought just before the song’s vocal begins US, 1997. < hit the prone to throw yourself to the ground US, 1977. < hit the road; hit the trail to go; to commence or recommence a journey US, 1899. < hit the roof to be, or to become very angry; to exhibit that anger UK, 1925. < hit the sack to go to bed, to go to sleep US, 1912. < hit the sauce to drink alcohol US, 1997. < hit the sewer to inject heroin or another drug intravenously US, 1973. < hit the silk in card games, to withdraw from or end a game or hand. From the military slang for bailing out of an aircraft by parachute (silk) US, 1972. < hit the skids to deteriorate US, 1958. < hit the slab to be killed US, 1950. < hit the toe to depart; to decamp AUSTRALIA, 1983. < hit the wall to reach a point of exhaustion beyond which lesser athletes will fail to continue, especially of long-distance and marathon runners US, 1982. < hit with a check to discharge from employment and pay off owed wages US, 1954. < hit your marks in television and film-making, to move to the proper place at the proper time in a scene US, 1990 hit and get verb to rob one place and then hurry to rob somewhere else UK, 1996 hit and miss; hit or miss noun 1 a kiss. Rhyming slang, ‘hit me’, which evolves to ‘kiss me’, to ‘kiss’. Sometimes abbreviated to ‘hit’ UK, 1933. 2 urine; alcoholic drink or (when used with ‘the’), drinking or a session of drinking. Rhyming slang for PISS (and ON THE PISS) AUSTRALIA, 1960 hit and run noun 1 a betting technique in which a player places a single bet and withdraws from the game if he wins US, 1950. 2 the sun. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 hit and run verb 1 in casino blackjack, to enter a game when the count is advantageous to the players, to play a few games and hipping | hit and run 334 then to move to another table US, 1991. 2 in poker, to play for a short time, win heavily and quit the game US, 1982 hit and run adjective 1 (used of entertainment engagements) in one city one night, another city the next US, 1976. 2 swindled. Rhyming slang for ‘done’ ( DO) UK, 1992 hit-and-split noun a quick air attack followed by a quick retreat US, 1991 hitch noun 1 a period of duty or service US, 1905. 2 a jail sentence US, 1964 Hitch nickname Alfred Hitchcock (1899–1980), television and film director US, 1976 hitch verb to hitchhike. A colloquial shortening US, 1929. < hitch up the reindeers; hitch up the reindeer to inhale powdered cocaine. Punning variously on SNOW (cocaine) and SLEIGH RIDE (the use of cocaine) US, 1986 hitched adjective married US, 1857 hitchhiker noun a commerical message played at the end of a radio programme US, 1980 hitch up verb to marry, to partner. Figurative application of a con- ventional ‘hitch’ (a knot) US, 1902 hit kiss noun the exchange of crack cocaine smoke from one user to another through a kiss US, 1989 Hitler’s drug noun paramethoxyamphetamine, PMA. The drug was originally created during World War 2 by Hitler’s chemists with the intention of enabling Nazi soldiers to fight around the clock. In 1999 the Observer reported fears of the drug’s arrival in UK clubs , 1999 hit list noun a list of targets for retaliation, either physical or otherwise US, 1972 hit man noun a professional killer US, 1963 hit on verb to flirt; to proposition US, 1954 hit or sit verb used for describing a player’s two choices in blackjack or twenty-one–draw another card or not US, 1962 hits noun 1 LSD UK, 1998. 2 a pair of dice that have been altered so that they will not roll a total of seven US, 1962 hitsville noun success. Used on the normally staid BBC Light Programme, 30th June 1963 UK, 1963 hit team noun during the Vietnam conflict, a small unit of trained scouts sent on a mission to kill the enemy US, 1987 hitter noun 1 a hired killer US, 1959. 2 a crack cocaine pipe designed for a single inhalation US, 2001 hit the hay verb to smoke marijuana US, 1942 hittin’ adjective excellent US, 1991 hitting; hittin’ adjective tasty US, 1993 hitting fluid noun heroin US, 1973 hit up verb 1 to inject a drug intravenously US, 1969. 2 to ask for something US, 1988. 3 to go to US, 2002 hiya used as a casual greeting UK, 1940 hiya-butty-bay; hiya-butt-bay noun Trecco Bay, Porthcawl in south Wales. In 1947 mining was nationalised and subsequent working practices meant that entire communities relocated to the seaside resort of Porthcawl for ‘miners’ fortnight’. The friendly greeting ‘hiya, butty’ (hello, friend) filled the air. The style of holidays changed in the 1960s but the term is still in limited circulation UK: WALES , 2001 hiya kids used as a humorous greeting. The signature greeting used on the children’s television programme Ed’s Gang (later Andy’s Gang) (1951–58). Repeated with referential humour US, 1955 hizzie nickname the room, apartment or house where someone lives US, 2002 Hizzoner nickname used as a jocular reference to a mayor, especially Richard J. Daley, mayor of Chicago from 1955 until his death in 1976. A slurred ‘his honor’ US, 1882 HK nickname Hong Kong. Current among the UK Chinese population UK, 1998 HMCS how my companion snores. A jocular back-formation from HCMS (Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship) CANADA, 2002 HMFIC noun a commanding officer, or head motherfucker in charge US, 1993 HNIC noun the leader of an enterprise, the head nigger in charge US, 1972 HO verb to withhold more than your share of something. An initialism of ‘hold out’ US, 1950 ho; hoe noun 1 a sexually available woman; a woman who may be considered sexually available; a prostitute. Originally black usage, from the southern US pronunciation of ‘whore’; now widespread through the influence of rap music US, 1959. 2 a woman. A weakened variation of the previous sense US, 1959. 3 a weak or effeminate man US, 1996 ho; hoe verb to work as a prostitute US, 1972 hoaching; hotchin adjective full, teeming, crowded UK: SCOTLAND, 1911 hoachy adjective exceedingly lucky, fortunate UK: SCOTL AND, 1985 hoagons noun the female breasts US, 1968 ho, babe used as a student-to-student greeting US, 1959 hobber de hoy; hibber de hoy noun an adolescent boy, especially a hooligan. Recorded as rhyming slang by Ray Puxley, Cockney Rabbit, 1992; but probably directly from ‘hobbledehoy’, first recorded in 1540, which, excepting the nuance of hooliganism, is synonymous; ‘hobbledehoy’, however, is unlikely to be rhyming slang as the earliest explicit reference to rhyming slang does not appear until about 300 years later in John Camden Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary, 1859 UK, 1992 hobby bobby noun a special constable, a part-time uniformed police officer UK, 2005 ho-bitch noun a female who has earned a complete lack of respect. Used on those special occasions when just BITCH or just HO is just not enough US, 1997 hobnail verb to walk NEW ZEALAND, 2000 hobnail express noun travel by walking US, 1918 hobo noun 1 a vagrant. Uncertainly derived from ‘hoeboy’ (a migrant agricultural labourer) or the exclamation ‘Ho boy!’ (used by mail carriers) US, 1885. 2 in trucking, a tractor trailer that is moved from one terminal to another US, 1971. 3 a homing bomb, one with a targeting capability US, 1975 hobo bet noun in craps, a bet on the number twelve. From the number’s association with boxcars US, 1985 hobo cocktail noun a glass of water US, 1947 hobosexual noun a person who is sexually active with several partners in a short period of time US, 1985 Hobo Woods noun an area in South Vietnam which was a major staging area for the North Vietnamese to launch attacks on Saigon or Cu Chi City US, 1986 Hobson’s choice; hobsons noun 1 the only option that is offered and, therefore, no choice at all. Widely claimed, since 1712, to derive from Tobias Hobson, who hired out horses, and is reputed to have compelled his customers to take whichever horse happened to be next in line, or go without; however, ‘Hodgson’s choise’ is recorded in 1617 UK, 1649. 2 the voice. Rhyming slang UK, 1937 Ho Chi Minh Motel noun a rest house used by the Viet Cong along a trail or route US, 1967 Ho Chi Minh sandals noun slip-on sandals made from the treads of discarded tyres, designed and worn by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war US, 1977 Ho Chi Minh’s curse noun diarrhoea. An existing formation of ‘somebody’s curse’ adapted in Vietnam US, 1991 Ho Chi Minh Trail noun Route 209 in northeast Pennsylvania US, 1977 hock noun 1 the male who takes the active role in homosexual intercourse. Origin unknown. Ted Hartley in his glossary of prison slang (1944) says that ‘hocks’ can mean ‘feet’, and is therefore in 335 hit and run | hock some way related to the term HORSE’S HOOF. Simes, in his Dictionary of Australian Underworld Slang (1993), suggests that ‘ hock’ is ‘feeble’ and rhyming slang for ‘cock’. Neither of these is overwhelmingly convincing AUSTRALIA, 1944. 2 the foot UK, 1785. < in hock 1 in debt, especially to a pawnbroker US, 1883. 2 in prison US, 1859 hock verb 1 to pawn US, 1878. 2 to clear the throat of phlegm. From a confusion with conventional ‘hawk’ US, 1992. 3 to nag. From the Yiddish US, 1961 hockey box; hock noun a male homosexual prostitute AUSTRALIA, 1985 hockey hair a hair style: the hair is worn short at the front and long at the back. Better known, perhaps, as a MULLET CANADA, 2000 hockeystick noun a mutton chop NEW ZEALAND, 1990 hock shop noun a pawnbroker’s shop UK, 1871 hocus noun a solution of heroin that has been heated and is ready to inject US, 1967 hocus verb to alter legitimate dice for cheating purposes US, 1950 hocus pocus; hocus noun cocaine, heroine, morphine or opium; also marijuana. Best remembered as a stage magician’s incantation, but claimed to be a mocking corruption of hoc est corpus (this is the body); originally, 1650–1720, ‘a juggler/a conjuror’; it was in circulation during C19 and into C20 in the sense of ‘criminal deception/shady trickery’; in 1821 as ‘to stupefy with alcohol’ (for the purposes of robbery) and hence ‘hocus’ became ‘a drugged liquor’ from as early as 1725 and well into C19 served as an adjective meaning ‘intoxicated’. All these meanings condensed into a catalogue of hard drugs during C20; ‘marijuana’ joined the list in the 1980s UK, 1938 hodad noun a non-surfer who associates with surfers and poses as a surfer US, 1961 hoddie noun a labourer working for a bricklayer AUSTRALIA, 1952 hod of shit noun a great deal of trouble US, 1981 hoe noun a fellow black man, usually in context of sexual bragging. From HOMEBOY (close friend), punning on ‘hero’ US, 1987 8see: HO hoedown noun a street fight between youth gangs US, 1993 hoe in verb to attack physically and with vigour NEW ZEALAND, 2002 hoe into verb to attack a task with vigour, especially the eating of a meal AUSTRALIA, 1935 hoffing noun a fight, especially between youth gangs US, 1971 hog noun 1 a powerful motorcyle, especially a large Harley-Davidson motorcyle US, 1965. 2 a utility helicopter equipped with rockets and machine guns US, 1991. 3 a Cadillac or other large luxury car US, 1960. 4 the penis US, 1968. 5 a police officer. A variation on PIG (a police officer) US, 1970. 6 a US Marine Corps recruit during basic training. Contemptuous US, 1968. 7 a leader; a strong personality US, 1989. 8 a drug addict who requires large doses to sustain his habit US, 1952. 9 heroin US, 2000. 10 marijuana. A term apparently coined by US soliders during the conflict in Vietnam, drawn from ‘hash, o, grass’ US, 1968. 11 phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust US, 1971. 12 a strong sedative, trade name Benaceyzine™ US, 1977. 13 a computer program that uses a high degree of a computer’s resources US, 1991. < beat the hog (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1971. < hog is pork there is no difference between the two alternatives being discussed TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. < on the hog homosexual US, 1976 hog verb 1 to speak rudely TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. 2 to rape US, 1972. 3 in high-low poker, to declare for both high and low US, 1996 Hog-60 noun an M-60 machine gun. Each squad in Vietnam was assigned an M-60, the army’s general purpose machine gun which entered the service in the 1950s. It was designed to be lightweight (23 pounds) and easy to carry. It produced a low ’grunting’ sound and thus the porcine allusions US, 1987 Hogan’s Alley nickname the Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California. Hogan enjoyed great success there, especially in 1947 and 48 US, 1997 hog board noun a bulletin board where soldiers post pictures of their families and girlfriends. Marine usage in Vietnam US, 1974 hog eye; hogger; hoghead; hogineer; hog jerk; hog jockey noun a railway engineer US, 1977 hog fuel noun sawdust and bark produced by sawmills, burnt to generate steam for electricity CANADA, 1989 hogging noun a romantic interest in heavy people US, 2004 hog jaws noun a special plough blade fitted to a D7E bulldozer, or Rome Plow, for use in land clearing operations in Vietnam US, 1991 hog-leg; hog leg noun 1 an oversized handgun US, 1919. 2 a large marijuana cigarette US, 1997 hog liver noun in electric line work, a flat porcelain guy strain insulator US, 1980 hogman noun a criminal who silences alarms while a crime is committed UK, 1996 hogmaster; hogmauler noun a railway engineer US, 1977 hog out verb in motor mechanics, to enlarge an engine’s openings or passages US, 1993 hog pen noun a prison guards’ control room US, 1984 hog-tie verb to bind the hands and feet US, 1894 Hogtown nickname Toronto. Nicknamed for the early C20 growth of farmer’s markets and slaughterhouses, Toronto has also continued to be known as TORONTO THE GOOD CANADA, 1985 hog up verb to address with a lack of respect BARBADOS, 1965 hog wallow noun the slot used as a sighting plane on the topstrap of a Colt or Smith and Wesson pistol US, 1957 hogwash noun nonsense US, 1882 hog whimpering adjective very drunk UK, 1983 hoha noun a fuss NEW ZEALAND, 1983 hoha adjective weary NEW ZEALAND, 2003 ho-ho noun a fat teenage girl US, 1982 hoick verb 1 to spit AUSTRALIA, 1941. 2 to throw or chuck; to loft AUSTRALIA, 1972. 3 to raise, to hoist. Sometimes spelt ‘hoik’ UK, 1898 hoicked-up adjective raised, especially artificially lifted UK, 2003 hoi polloi noun the common people; the unwashed masses UK, 1822 hoist noun < on the hoist engaged in shoplifting UK, 1958 hoist verb 1 to drink (an alcoholic beverage) UK, 1983. 2 to rob with guns US, 1928. 3 to shoplift UK, 2000 hoister noun 1 a shoplifter; a pickpocket UK, 1790. 2 in circus and carnival usage, a ferris wheel US, 1981 hoisting noun shoplifting UK, 1936 hoisting bloomers noun a capacious undergarment used by shoplifters UK, 1956 hoity-toity adjective snobbish, haughty, assuming, uppish. Directly from the earlier form ‘highty-tighty’ UK, 1720 Ho Jo’s nickname a Howard Johnson restaurant. A fixture along US motorways in the 1950s and 60s US, 1965 hokey; hoky; hokie adjective sentimental; mawkish; in poor taste US, 1927 hokey cokey noun karaoke. Rhyming slang for a modern singalong entertainment enjoyed after a few drinks formed from the name of a song and dance that used to be enjoyed after a few drinks UK, 1998 hokey-pokey noun 1 sexual intercourse. A play both on POKE (to have sex) and the childrens’ song and dance, the ‘hokey cokey’ UK, 1983. 2 in circus and carnival usage, any shoddy, inexpensive merchandise US, 1981 hokum noun nonsense US, 1921 hold noun in casino gambling, the amount of money bet that is retained by the casino US, 1977. < in the hold hidden in a pocket or elsewhere on the body US, 1961 hold verb 1 to be in possession of drugs US, 1935. 2 to be in possession of money US, 1967. < get hold of to have sex with someone UK, 2003. < hold court to get in a shoot-out with police US, 1974. < hold feet to the fire to apply great pressure and demand results UK, 1995. < hold no brief for not to support or actively sympathise with someone UK, 1918. < hold the bag to take the blame US, 1985. < hold the fort; mind the fort to hock | hold 336 manage temporarily in an absentee’s stead UK, 1870. < hold your dick to do nothing; to wait idly UK, 2001. < hold your mud to stand up to pressure and adversity US, 1966. < hold your mug to keep a secret US, 1970 hold down verb 1 to maintain (a position of employment) US, 1896. 2 to control (a block or neighbourhood). Youth gang usage US, 1985 holder noun a prisoner, usually not a gang member, entrusted with storing drugs controlled by a prison gang US, 1992 holding adjective in possession of ready cash AUSTRALIA, 1922 holding ground noun a position, literally or figuratively, where you can weather adversity. From the nautical term for an area where the sea bottom provides a firm hold for anchors US, 1963 holding pen noun 1 a cell in a local jail where prisoners are held when they first arrive, pending a decision on whether criminal charges will be filed against them or not US, 1981. 2 aboarding school NEW ZEALAND, 2001 holding tank noun a cell at a local jail where the recently arrested are held before being processed US, 1994 hold-it noun a gratuitous television view of a pretty girl or woman, usually a spectator at a sporting event US, 1986 hold out on verb to refuse to give something, often information US, 1907 hold paddock noun a retirement home NEW ZEALAND, 1994 hold the bus!; haud the bus! slow down!; wait a minute! UK: SCOTLAND , 1988 hold the phone! wait a minute! US, 1975 hold with verb to agree with or approve of something or someone UK, 1895 hold your horses verb used imperatively to urge inaction US, 1844 hole noun 1 the vagina; sex with a woman; a woman; women UK, 1592. 2 the anus UK, 1607. 3 the mouth US, 1865. 4 a passive, promiscu- ous, unattached lesbian US, 1992. 5 in prison, a cell designed for solitary confinement. Always with ‘the’ UK, 1535. 6 an undesirable place; a place that is dirty or disordered UK, 1876. 7 any place where a supply of illegal drugs is hidden US, 1993. 8 a monetary or social difficulty, a mess, a scrape UK, 1760. 9 the subway (underground) US, 1933. 10 a mine US, 1977. 11 on the railways, a passing track US, 1946. 12 in trucking, a position in the gear box US, 1971. 13 a tobacco ciga- rette US, 1971. 14 in drag racing, the starting line US, 1970. < after his hole; after his end of a man, seeking sex with a woman. From HOLE (the vagina) or END (the penis) UK, 1961. < get your hole to have sexual intercourse IRELAND, 1991. < go in the hole to fall from a pole, tower, rig or building under construction US, 1989. < in the hole in police usage, hiding and avoiding work US, 1973 hole bit noun while in prison, a sentence to solitary confinement US, 1967 hole card noun 1 in stud poker, a card dealt face-down US, 1967. 2 a resource in reserve US, 1926. 3 the key to a person’s character. From the game of stud poker, in which a ‘hole card’ is a card dealt face- down US, 1968 hole-in-one noun sexual intercourse on a first date. A puerile golf metaphor US, 1972 hole in the ground; hole noun a pound. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 hole in the head noun the epitome of something that is not needed at all. From Yiddish US, 1951 hole in the wall noun 1 an automated cash machine UK, 1985. 2 in trucking, a tunnel US, 1976 hole olie noun in stud poker, a card dealt face-down. A jocular embellishment of HOLE CARD US, 1967 holes noun < the holes a location, such as a public lavatory, where men may have anonymous sex with each other by means of holes bored between private cubicles UK, 1996 hole shot noun in drag racing, the art of starting at the first possible moment without incurring a foul for starting too soon US, 1970 holetime noun solitary confinement in prison US, 1967 hole to bowl noun the path taken during defecation on a toilet US, 1969 hole up verb to hide UK, 1875 holey dollar noun a Spanish dollar with a hole punched in the centre CANADA, 1963 holiday noun in horse racing, the term of a suspension from competing AUSTRALIA, 1989 Holiday Inn noun any large US base camp in Vietnam where field troops would stand down for several days before returning to combat in the field US, 1986 HOLLAND written on an envelope, or at the foot of a lover’s letter as lovers’ code for ‘here our love lies and never dies’ or ‘hope our love lasts and never dies’. Widely known, and well used by servicemen; now a part of the coded vocabulary of texting UK, 1984 holler verb to talk US, 2001 holler adjective stylish US, 1961 holler and hoot verb to engage in an abusive verbal attack UK, 2001 holler and shout noun a German. Rhyming slang for KRAUT UK, 1992 holler boys holler; holler boys noun a collar. Old rhyming slang, originally ‘holloa boys’, ‘holloa’, from a chant used on Guy Fawkes night, with a use dating back to the time of the detachable collar. Modern use is reduced to the first two elements and often without the ‘h’ UK, 1960 holli noun a marijuana cigarette which is placed in a pipe for smoking US, 2001 holliers; hollyers noun holidays, vacation IRELAND, 1991 hollow leg noun a characteristic ascribed to someone who is able to eat or drink in great quantities US, 1992 Hollyweird nickname Hollywood, California US, 1953 Hollywood noun 1 used as a teasing term of address for someone whose clothes and mannerisms suggest a high level of showmanship US, 1973. 2 a dramatic outburst NEW ZEALAND, 1983. 3 a feigned injury NEW ZEALAND, 1972. 4 in hot rodding, an extravagant, ostentatious exhaust system US, 1958 Hollywood glider noun the B-17 Flying Fortress. The B-17 appeared frequently in films US, 1946 Hollywood no noun an answer of ‘no’ implicit in the failure to return a phone call US, 1992 Hollywoods noun dark glasses US, 1966 Hollywood shower noun in Antarctica, a shower that exceeds the two-minute showers permitted by military authorities ANTAR CTICA, 2003 Hollywood stop noun a rolling stop at a traffic signal or a stop sign US, 1986 Holmes noun used as a term of address from male-to-male. Playing on the term ‘homes’ US, 1975 hols noun holidays (both singular and plural), a vacation UK, 1905 Holstein noun a police car. An allusion to the black and white markings of the cow and a police car US, 1961 holy adjective great, extreme, 1978 holy cats! used for registering surprise, shock or alarm US, 2001 holy chain lightning! used as a mild oath in Nova Scotia CANADA, 1988 holy city noun in poker, a high-value hand US, 1988 holy cow! used as a mild oath, expressing surprise. Popularised by baseball radio announcers Harry Caray and Phil Rizzuto US, 1927 holy crap! used for registering surprise. A variation of HOLY SHIT US, 2001 Holyfield noun fine quality marijuana. A neat pun using the name of three-time world heavyweight champion boxer Evander ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield (b.1962); here ‘holy’ implies ‘the purest’ and com- bines with a ‘field (of grass)’, and Holyfield’s nickname ‘Real Deal’ guarantees the quality UK, 2000 Holyfield’s ear; ‘olyfields noun a year. Rhyming slang, formed in honour of boxer Evander Holyfield, whose ear was bitten by his opponent Mike Tyson during a 1997 world heavyweight title fight UK, 1998 holy fuck! used for registering shock or surprise US, 1982 337 hold down | holy fuck! holy ghost noun 1 the corpse of a person who has died from gunshot wounds US, 1987. 2 a coast. Glasgow rhyming slang UK: SCOTLAND , 1988. 3 in racing, the starting post or the winning post. Rhyming slang UK, 1932. 4 toast. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 holy guacamole! used satirically as a register of shock or surprise. ‘Guacamole’ is pronounced to rhyme with ‘holy’ UK, 2003 Holy Joe noun any religious leader. The term suggests a lack of sincerity US, 1864 Holy Lands noun an area of central Belfast. Named for its principal arteries: Damascus Street, Jerusulam Street and Canterbury Street UK: NORTHERN IRELAND, 2001 holy man! used as a powerful exclamation. Michigan Upper Peninsula usage US, 2003 holy moo cow! used as an expression of complete surprise. A jocular embellishment of the more common HOLY COW! US, 1968 holy nail noun bail. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 holy of holies noun 1 the vagina. A crude pun on HOLE US, 1994. 2 any inner sanctum US, 1995 holy oil noun an oil applied to the skin or clothing in the belief that it will bring the bettor luck in an illegal number gambling lottery US, 1949 holy old mackinaw! used as a curse CANADA, 1988 holy old snappin’ arseholes! used as an oath in Nova Scotia with allusions to both the lobster and fear CANADA, 1988 holy olie noun in stud poker, the hole card US, 1951 holy shit! used for registering astonishment US, 1986 holy show noun an embarrassment, a ridiculous sight IRELAND, 1984 holy smoke noun branded soft drink Coca-Cola™, Coke™. Rhyming slang, originally used of the solid fuel UK, 1992 holy smoke! used as a exclamation of surprise and wonder UK, 1892 holy snappin’! used as a curse or oath CANADA, 1982 holy Toledo! used for registering surprise. A little bit of Holy Toledo goes a long way. A trademark of Milo Hamilton, radio broadcaster for the Houston Astros baseball team, and often used by Skipper, the son of Jungle Jim on Jungle Jim (1955) US, 1951 holy war noun a debate among computer enthusiasts about a question which has no objective answer US, 1991 holy water noun 1 official approval. US naval aviator usage; to give such approval is to ‘sprinkle holy water’ US, 1986. 2 a daughter. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 holy weed noun marijuana US, 2001 holy week noun the bleed period of a woman’s menstrual cycle US, 1964 holy whistlin’ frig! used as a curse in Nova Scotia CANADA, 1988 hom verb < hom it up to flaunt your homosexuality. Substitutes an abbreviation of ‘homosexual’ for CAMP (affected) in ‘camp it up’ (to flaunt affectation) UK, 2001 hombre noun 1 a man. Spanish hombre (a man), spread worldwide by Hollywood Westerns such as Hombre, 1967, starring Paul Newman US, 1846. 2 a male friend. Adapted from the previous sense; this usage possibly informed by a phonetic similarity to HOMEBOY (a close friend) UK, 2001. 3 heroin. From Spanish hombre (a man) US, 1998 home noun 1 a very close male friend. An abbreviation of HOMEBOY US, 1944. 2 the vein into which an intravenous drug user injects a drug US, 1973. < at home in the going in horse racing, said of a horse that is running a track that complements the horse’s skills and preferences US, 1951. < send home to sentence to prison US, 1990 Home nickname England or Great Britain. As used by C18–19 colonists this is par for the course, and that their direct descendants would use this also is hardly surprising, however, this locution remained in common use (in speech, if not by self- conscious writers) well into C20 and only began to die out in the 1970s. Now it is very much a thing of the past AUSTRALIA, 1808 home and dry adjective safe and sound; having accomplished an arduous task UK, 1930 home and hosed adjective 1 (of a racehorse) expected to win AUSTRALIA, 1975. 2 all finished and done with. Said of a task that is easily accomplished AUSTRALIA, 1945 homebake noun morphine or heroin extracted from codeine compounds NEW ZEALAND, 2002 homebaker noun a person who illegally manufactures drugs NEW ZEALAND , 1986 home base; home run noun in the teenage categorisation of sexual activity, sexual intercourse US, 1963 home box noun a computer enthusiast’s own computer US, 1991 homeboy noun a very close male friend, often but not always from the same neighbourhood US, 1899 home cooking noun sex with your spouse US, 1964 homee noun 8see: OMEE home ec noun home economics, in which the theory and practice of homemaking are studied US, 1899 home-ec-y adjective (used of a girl) conventional, out of touch with current fashions, styles and trends US, 1970 homee-palone noun 8see: OMEE-PALONE homegirl noun a very close female friend, usually from the same neighbourhood, gang or faction of a gang; usually applied to a black girl US, 1934 homegrown noun marijuana, cultivated locally US, 1974 homeguard noun a local worker, as contrasted with a travelling or migratory worker; a local resident US, 1903 homemade noun 1 a cigarette rolled by hand from loose tobacco US, 1954 . 2 a home-made pistol US, 1949 home on the range noun change. Rhyming slang AUSTRALIA, 1989 home on the range adjective strange. Rhyming slang, formed from the title of a well-known cowboy anthem (actually, the official song of the state of Kansas) UK, 1998 home plate noun an aeroplane’s home base or carrier US, 1991 home port noun a trucker’s residence. Jocular use US, 1976 homer noun 1 a job done privately by a tradesman outside of his regular employment. Glasgow slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1996. 2 a wound sufficiently serious to require treatment away from the theatre of war AUSTRALIA, 1945. 3 a referee or sports official who favours the home team US, 1888 Homer noun any Iraqi soldier. Gulf war usage; an allusion to the doltish Homer Simpson of television cartoon fame US, 1991 homers noun home-brewed beer. A gift to the slang of the South Pole from its Australian visitors AUSTRALIA, 1970 home run noun the journey of a circus from the final engagement of the season to the winter quarters US, 1980 8see: HOME BASE. < hit a home run to have sex US, 2001 homerunner noun an artillery shell that hits its target directly US, 1991 homes noun used as a term of address, usually establishing comrade status US, 1971 home skillet noun a close friend US, 1993 homeslice noun 1 a close friend US, 1984. 2 a prisoner from your home city US, 1992 homesteader noun 1 an American who had been in Vietnam for more than a few years US, 1991. 2 a person who is dating one person steadily. High school usage US, 1961 Homesteader’s Bible noun the Eaton department store catalogue CANADA, 1987 homesteader’s fiddle noun a cross-cut saw CANADA, 1954 home sweet home noun in circus and carnival usage, the final per- formance of a season US, 1981 hometown honey noun a college student’s date from their hometown US, 1968 holy ghost | hometown honey 338 . high degree of inhibition and a conservative nature US, 1994 high spot noun the outstanding part or feature of something UK, 1926 high stepper noun pepper. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 hightail verb. spend freely and to live fast US, 1975 high roller noun 1 a gambler who makes large bets and spends freely US, 1881. 2 in television and film-making, a large, tall, three- legged light stand US, 1990 high. official reprimand or punishment. Of military origin. With variations ‘be up for the high jump’ and ‘be in for the high jump’ UK, 1919. 2 to be engaged to be married IRELAND, 1992 highland fling noun