kickdown noun 1 an object or commodity that has been donated US, 1997 . 2 the automatic shift into the next lower gear that occurs with an automatic transmission when applying full throttle US, 1993 kick down verb to give, to provide US, 1992 kickdown gear noun in a car, a gear designed for sudden bursts of acceleration US, 1965 kicker noun 1 an unforeseen complication US, 1941. 2 in poker, an unmatched card held in the hand while drawing US, 1963. 3 in the illegal production of alcohol, any nitrate added to the mash US, 1974 . 4 a small, yeast-rich amount of an alcoholic beverage used to start the fermentation process in a homemade alcohol-making venture US, 1992. 5 in television and film-making, a small light used to outline objects in the foreground US, 1990. 6 in dominoes, the 6–1 piece or any piece with a 5 US, 1959. 7 a member of a civilian air crew dropping supplies by parachute to troops in remote areas. The handlers literally kicked the supply crates with parachutes out of the plane doors US, 1990. 8 a member of the Mountjoy prison riot squad IRELAND, 1996. 9 on the railways, a jammed air brake valve US, 1975. 10 a linear amplifier for a citizens’ band radio US, 1976 kick in verb to contribute, to share an expense US, 1906 kicking; kickin’ adjective excellent, wonderful, etc US, 1988 kick in the ass; kick in the pants noun in horse racing, a horse heavily favoured to win a race US, 1951 kick in the balls; kick in the arse; kick in the ass; kick in the pants; kick in the head noun a grave disappointment; a serious setback UK, 1989 kick-off noun 1 a start; a beginning; the time something begins. A figurative use of a sporting actuality UK, 1875. 2 a rough-house fight UK, 2001 kick off verb 1 to begin; to get going AUSTRALIA, 1924. 2 to sleep off the effects of an illegal drug US, 1951. 3 to die US, 1908. 4 to make a fuss, to raise an objection UK, 2000 kick on verb 1 to commence AUSTRALIA, 1949. 2 to keep on; to persevere, to continue, especially against adversity AUSTRALIA, 1949 kick out verb 1 while surfing, to step on the rear of the surfboard while raising the lead foot and then to pivot the board to end a ride US, 1962. 2 to leave a gang UK, 1996 kickout hole noun in pinball, a hole in the playfield that registers a score and then ejects the ball back into play US, 1977 kick pad noun a drug rehabiliation facility US, 1973 kick pots verb to work mess hall duty US, 1991 kick rocks! go away! US, 2001 kicks noun shoes US, 1897 kicks race noun a drag race with no prize, entered for the fun of competing and winning US, 2003 kick-start verb to give a good start to something; to get something working well AUSTRALIA, 1992 kick stick noun a marijuana cigarette. A combination of KICK (an intoxicating effect) and STICK (a cigarette) US, 1967 kick up verb 1 to complain vigorously, to respond unfavourably and therefore cause problems or trouble. Usually in phrases such as ‘kick up a row’, ‘kick up a fuss’, ‘kick up trouble’, etc UK, 1789. 2 (of a jockey) to urge a horse on to a burst of speed AUSTRALIA, 1960 kicky adjective amusing, entertaining US, 1942 kid noun 1 a child UK, 1618. 2 used as a form of address, usually affectionate UK, 1959. 3 the passive member of a male homosexual relationship, especially in prison US, 1893. 4 a (young) follower of a stated music style. A UK rock band called the Heavy Metal Kids was formed in 1973 UK, 2003. < our kid the eldest boy in the family. A colloquial term from the north of England UK, 1984 kid verb to fool, to pretend UK, 1811 Kid Creole noun unemployment benefit; the local offices from which unemployment benefit is managed. Rhyming slang for THE DOLE UK , 2000 kidder noun 1 a teaser, a mocker UK, 1888. 2 used as an affectionate form of address to a friend or child. An elaboration of KID UK, 1982 kiddie noun the boss. A variation of THE MAN; ‘kiddy’ (late C18) is a mainly obsolete term for ‘man’, surviving here and as ‘Kid’ when applied to a boxer UK, 2000 kiddie can; kiddie car noun a school bus US, 1976 kiddie fiddler noun a paedophile UK, 2003 kiddie stroll noun a street in Vancouver where under-age prostitutes work CANADA, 2002 kiddiwink; kiddywink; kiddiewinkie noun a child. An elaboration of KID; also recorded as ‘kiddywinkle’, ‘kiddywinky’ and ‘kiddlywink’ UK, 1957 kiddles noun a young woman US, 1947 kiddo noun 1 used as a term of address, often affectionately US, 1905. 2 a youngster, a teenager. An elaboration of KID US, 1942 kiddy; kiddie noun a small child UK, 1858 kiddyana noun antique toys. The conventional suffix ‘-ana’ combined with KIDDY (a child) UK, 2003 kiddy cop noun a police officer assigned to juvenile crime US, 1975 kiddy kingdom noun bliss BARBADOS, 1965 kiddy porn noun child pornography US, 1977 kid fruit noun a male homosexual who achieves gratification from performing oral sex on young men or boys US, 1961 kid gloves noun < with kid gloves delicately, gently, circumspectly, in such a manner so as to avoid upset US, 1888 kid in the khaki shirt noun in horse racing, an imaginary jockey who wins races on horses not favoured to win AUSTRALIA, 1989 kidney noun the brain; by extension, intelligence TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 kidney-buster noun a truck, especially a military truck, that rides roughly US, 1938 kidney punch; kidney noun a lunch. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 kidney-wiper; kidney-scraper noun the penis. A ribald celebration of a penis of heroic dimensions US, 1888 kidology; kiddology noun a notional science of teasing or deceiving; a notional science of dealing with children UK, 1964 kids noun a group of homosexual men friends US, 1972 Kids noun < The Kids All My Children, a popular television daytime drama US, 1987 kid show noun a circus or carnival side show US, 1980 kid-simple noun a male homosexual who is obsessively attracted to young men and boys US, 1962 kidstake noun a fake. Rhyming slang, from KIDSTAKES (a pretence) UK, 1992 kidstakes noun childish behaviour, especially childish pretence or kidding around; joking. From ‘kid’ (to trick) and ‘stakes’ (games, competitive undertaking). This unusual sense for the word ‘stakes’ is also found in the obsolete Australian World War 1 slang term ‘bluff-stakes’ (a deceitful attempt to coerce someone by bluffing) AUSTRALIA, 1912 kid-stuff; kid’s stuff; kids’ stuff noun any activity characteristic of, or suitable for, children; hence, something easy to do US, 1929 kielbasa noun the penis. From kielbasa (a red-skinned Polish sausage) US, 1978 kife verb in circus and carnival usage, to swindle US, 1931 kiff noun a marijuana cigaratte UK, 2003 kiff-kiff noun a modest, suppressed laugh TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 kike noun a Jewish person. Not much room for anything but hate with this word. It is believed that the term originated at the Ellis Island immigration facility in New York harbour, where Jewish immigrants who could not write were instructed to make a circle, or kikel in Yiddish US, 1904 kike; kike it verb to walk US, 1979 kike killer noun a club or bludgeon US, 1982 kiki noun a homosexual male. A derisive, short-lived insider term; sometimes spelt ‘kai-kai’ US, 1935 381 kickdown | kiki kiki adjective 1 in a homosexual relationship, comfortable with playing both roles in sex US, 1941. 2 bisexual US, 1970 Kilburn priory; Kilburn noun a diary, especially a police diary. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 kill noun 1 in roller derby, an extended attack on the other team’s jammer (a skater who is eligible to score) US, 1999. 2 semen US, 1998. < the kill the moment when a sale is confirmed. A hunting image with the salesperson as the hunter and the customer as prey; a variation of the sense ‘to win’ UK, 1999 kill verb 1 to cause someone to laugh uproariously UK, 1856. 2 to cause pain to someone UK, 1800. 3 to excite, to please, to thrill US, 1844. 4 to excel US, 1900. 5 to cover with graffiti US, 1997. 6 in the sport of clayshooting, to hit the target accurately UK, 1983. 7 in handball, racquetball and squash, to hit the ball so low on the front wall that it cannot be returned US, 1970. 8 in pool, to strike the cue ball such that it stops immediately upon hitting the object ball US, 1984. 9 in volleyball, to hit the ball downward with great force from the top of a jump US, 1972. 10 in bar dice games, to declare that a formerly wild point is no longer wild US, 1976. 11 to finish consuming something US, 1995. < kill big six to play dominoes US, 1990. < kill brain cells to get drunk US, 1983. < kill the change keep the change UK, 2000. < kill the clock in a game governed by time, to delay the game near the end when winning US, 1970. < kill the sin to relieve all the blame of something BAHAMAS, 1982. < would kill a brown dog to be lethal; (of food) dreadful, disgusting, inedible AUSTRALIA, 1966 kill adjective excellent US, 1985 Killarney carr ot noun a large marijuana cigarette. A regional vari- ation of the CAMBERWELL CARRO T IRELAND, 2000 kill button noun the switch button under a motorcyle hand grip that turns the engine off US, 1962 Kill City noun a ‘branded’ variety of heroin UK, 2002 killed end noun in bowls, an end (a stage of play) that has to be replayed when the jack is driven out of bounds UK, 1900 kill ’em and co unt ’em used as a creed by US troops in Vietnam, referring to the importance attached to body counts of enemy dead US, 1984 killer noun 1 an extraordinary example of something UK, 1835. 2 a marijuana cigarette US, 1943. 3 paramethoxyamphetamine, PMA UK, 2004. 4 an animal ready to be killed for meat AUSTRALIA, 1897. 5 hair pomade US, 1945 Killer nickname Jerry Lee Lewis, an early US rocker (b.1935) US, 1982 killer adjective 1 very good US, 1951. 2 extremely difficult US, 1982 killer B’s nickname on a sports team, a group of skilled, spirited second stringers US, 1991 killer -diller noun a remarkably attractive or successful thing; a wildly good time or thrill US, 1938 killer green bud noun a potent strain of marijuana US, 1980s killer Kane noun used as a generic name for a scouting and assassination specialist in the US armed forces US, 1991 killer rim noun a gold-plated or chrome-plated spoked car wheel US, 1994 killer stick noun a marijuana cigarette US, 1982 killer weed noun 1 marijuana US, 1967. 2 phencyclidine mixed with marijuana or another substance in a cigarette US, 1978 killer whiffer! used for acknowledging an especially bad-smelling fart. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 kill fee noun a fee paid when a creative project is cancelled US, 1982 kill-fire noun an aggregation of Claymore land mines US, 1986 kill game! used as warning to end a conversation US, 2000 killick noun a leading hand AUSTRALIA, 1960 killing noun a great financial success US, 1888 killing adjective extremely funny. From the notion encompassed in the phrase ‘to die laughing’ UK, 1874 killing box noun a strategic situation in which it is relatively easy to kill a group of enemy soldiers US, 1988 kill rag noun a cloth used by a male to clean up after masturbating US, 1998 kills noun in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, the very best concert tapes. Always with ‘the’ US, 1994 kill switch noun in a racing car, a switch that deactivates the car’s electric system, used in an emergency US, 1993 kill team; killer team noun a small unit of highly trained scouts sent on a mission to kill enemy US, 1984 kill-time joint noun in circus and carnival usage, a cocktail lounge or bar US, 1981 kilo man noun a drug dealer who deals at the wholesale level, buying and selling kilograms US, 1992 kilos noun unwanted body weight AUSTRALIA, 1989 kilter noun marijuana; a marijuana cigarette US, 1969 kiltie kiltie cauld bum a childish chant directed at any male wearing a kilt. An elaboration of ‘kilt’, repeated, then ‘cold’ (spelt phonetically in a Glasgow accent) and BUM (the buttocks) UK: SCOTLAND , 1996 Kimberley adjective used derogatorily or jocularly to denigrate by association something as better than it is. From Kimberley, Western Australia; in such uses as ‘Kimberley mutton’ (goat meat) and ‘Kimberley oyster’ (a meat fritter) AUSTRALIA, 1945 kimchi noun trouble. ‘Kimchi’ is used as a euphemism for SHIT, with the comparison between excrement and the Korean dish made with salted and fermented cabbage not particularly favourable to the dish US, 1979 ’kin; ’king adjective used as an intensifier. A shortening of FUCKING UK , 2000 ’kin’ arse’oles used as an exclamation of surprise, anger, amazement. Lazily or deliberately abbreviated from FUCKING ARSEHOLES! UK , 1984 kind noun marijuana, especially high quality marijuana. As is the case with many drug slang terms, ‘kind’ is a bit amorphous, at times referring to a marijuana cigarette, at times to the smoker, at times to the drug itself US, 1997 kinda adjective approximately, sort of. A ubiquitously contracted ‘kind of’ US, 1963 kinda sorta adjective almost US, 1995 kind bud noun potent marijuana. A combination of KIND (marijuana) and BUD (marijuana) that suggests twice the normal potency UK, 1997 kinder noun 1 high quality marijuana US, 2002. 2 (especially in New South Wales) kindergarten; a kindergarten AUSTRALIA, 1955. 3 a child in kindergarten AUSTRALIA, 1985 kindergarten noun a reformatory for juvenile offenders US, 1949 kinderwhore noun a young woman whose dress suggests both youthful innocence and sexual abandon US, 1994 Kindest Cut noun a vasectomy CANADA, 2002 Kindly Call Me God noun a KCMG (Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George). A pun elaborated on the initials; used by civil servants demonstrating a jocular familiarity with the honour UK, 1961 kindy; kindie noun kindergarten; a kindergarten AUSTRALIA, 1969 kineahora! God forbid! From the German (not one) and Hebrew (evil eye) US, 1968 kinell!; ’kin’ ’ell!; kinnel! used as a register of shock or amazement. A contraction of FUCKING HELL! UK, 1982 king noun 1 an aggressive, ‘mannish’ lesbian US, 1964. 2 a male leader of a group of Australian Aboriginals AUSTRALIA, 1830. 3 a skilled person (at a specified thing); an adept AUSTRALIA, 1919. 4 in Keno, any single number that a player circles to bet on US, 1972. 5 an outstanding piece of graffiti art US, 1997. 6 cocaine UK, 2002 king adjective great; excellent AUSTRALIA, 1964 king and queen; king noun a bean, a baked bean. Rhyming slang, usually in the plural UK, 1992 kiki | king and queen; king 382 king brown noun (especially in Western Australia) a 750 ml bottle of beer. Named after a large venomous Australian snake; such beer bottles are typically of brown glass AUSTRALIA, 2003 king bud noun marijuana UK, 2003 king crab noun in hold ’em poker, a king and a three as the first two cards dealt to a particular player. In the game of craps, a three is sometimes referred to as a ‘crab’ US, 1981 King Dick noun a brick. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 King Dickie; King Dicky noun a bricklayer. Rhyming slang for ‘brickie’ UK, 1961 kingdom-come noun 1 the after-life; a notional point in the far- distant future UK, 1785. 2 the buttocks. Rhyming slang for BUM UK, 1979 King Farouk noun a book. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the Egyptian king, 1920–65 UK, 1998 kingfish noun a powerful or political figure. Predates but influenced by the adoption as a nickname for the governor of Louisiana, Huey P. Long (1893–1935) US, 1926 king george noun a gambler who tips generously US, 1979 King Hassan noun a variety of hashish from Morocco. Named to honour the Moroccan King who gave official permission for the cultivation of a marijuana crop UK, 2003 king-hit noun a powerful punch; a punch or blow that drops a person; the winning blow in a fight; now, a cowardly and unfair punch given to someone unawares or from behind AUSTRALIA, 1917 king-hit verb to deliver a powerful punch to someone, especially from behind or when they are unawares AUSTRALIA, 1949 king-hit merchant noun a person who king-hits others; a cowardly thug AUSTRALIA, 1944 kingie noun a kingfish AUSTRALIA, 1936 king james version noun the most authoritative and best in its class SINGAPORE, 2002 King Kong noun 1 cheap and potent alcohol, usually illegally manufactured US, 1940. 2 the penis. A pet name from the legendary (fictional) beast UK, 2001. 3 in motor racing, a Dodge or Plymouth with a cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers, built for stock car racing US, 1965. 4 a powerful drug addiction US, 1970 King Kong pill noun any barbiturate or central nervous system depressant US, 1977 King Lear noun the ear. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a Shakespeare character UK, 1932. < on the King Lear on the scrounge. Rhyming slang KING LEAR, for ‘the ear’, extended into a variation of ON THE EARHOLE UK, 1992 King Lear adjective homosexual. Rhyming slang for QUEER. UK, 1960 King Muhammed noun a variety of hashish from Morocco UK, 2003 king of the hill noun an important man in a limited circumstance. From the adult cartoon series King of the Hill, 1997 US, 1977 king of the ring noun a leading bookmaker AUSTRALIA, 1966 king of the trough noun in the Maritime Provinces, used as a nonsense reply to ‘how are you?’ CANADA, 1998 kingpin noun an indispensable leader US, 1867 king’s elevator noun monumental mistreatment. A back-formation from ‘the royal shaft’ US, 1969 king’s habit noun cocaine. Surely not a reference to the British royal family. UK, 1986 king’s head noun a shed. Rhyming slang, formed ironically from the name of a pub UK, 1992 kingshit nigger noun a black person who is in charge of an enterprise or event US, 1978 king snipe noun a foreman of a railway track crew US, 1916 King Spliff nickname Bob Marley (Robert Nesta Marley, 1947–81), rastafarian, reggae singer UK, 1999 king’s ransom noun an enormous amount of money; an exorbitant price AUSTRALIA, 1936 King Tut noun a book that translates dreams into ‘lucky’ lottery numbers BAHAMAS, 1982 ’kin hell! used for registering anger, amazement, despair, surprise, etc UK, 1993 kink noun 1 a criminal US, 1962. 2 a thief US, 1950. 3 non-conventional sexuality, especially when fetishistic or sado-masochistic UK, 1959. 4 in a deck of playing cards, a king US, 1951 kinker noun a circus performer, especially an acrobat or contortionist. Not praise US, 1909 kink pie noun a pizza with sausage and mushroom toppings. From the initials for the toppings: S & M. Limited usage, but clever US, 1996 kinky adjective 1 used for describing any sexual activity that deviates from the speaker’s sense of sexually ‘normal’; also of any article, enhancement or manner of dress that may be used in such activity US, 1942. 2 eccentric, bizarre US, 1847. 3 illegal; dishonest. In prison, used without a sense of perversion US, 1903. 4 stolen US, 1950 kinky blaggard noun a persuasive talker who gets the desired result. There seems to be an element of envy in ‘a blagger who gets away with it’. Probably a variation on ‘lucky bastard ’ UK, 2001 kinnikinik noun tobacco of mixed leaves and bark and some real tobacco CANADA, 1987 kip noun 1 sleep; a period of sleep. Following the sense as ‘bed’ UK, 1893. 2 abedUS, 1859. 3 an undesirable place; a place that is dirty or disordered IRELAND, 1991. 4 a small, narrow bat of wood used to toss the coins in a game of two-up. Origin unknown. May be connected to the dialect word kep (to throw up into the air, to throw up a ball and catch it) AUSTRALIA, 1887. < on the kip asleep US, 1950 kip verb to sleep UK, 1889 kip bag noun a bedroll or sleeping bag US, 1949 kip dough noun money to be spent on lodging US, 1950 kip down verb to go to bed, to prepare for bed, to sleep. Mainly services usage, a variation of kip UK, 1959 kipe; kype verb to steal US, 1934 kipper noun 1 someone with red hair IRELAND, 2001. 2 the vagina UK, 1984. 3 a Royal Navy sailor; hence, a English person. Derogatory AUSTRALIA, 1943. 4 a doss-house; a bed; anywhere to sleep. Used by down-and-outs UK, 1984. < do someone up like a kipper to ruin a person’s chances. A variation of KIPPER UK, 1984 kipper verb to ruin a person’s chances UK, 1961 kipper and bloater noun 1 a motor vehicle, a motor. Rhyming slang UK, 1979. 2 a photograph. Rhyming slang on a London pronunciation of ‘photo’. Can be shortened to ‘kipper’ UK, 1992 kipper and plaice; kipper noun a face, especially one that is not particularly attractive. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 kipper feast noun oral sex performed on a woman. From the tired comparison between the smell of fish and the smell of the vagina UK, 1983 kipper’s knickers noun the acme of perfection, the best. Always used ‘with’ the; this is a Glasgow variation on such constructions as BEE’S KNEES and CAT’S PAJAMAS UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 kipps noun a brakevan (caboose) US, 1977 kippy adjective (of a woman) attractive, well-dressed CANADA, 1988 kipsy noun a house or dwelling. From ‘kip’ (a doss house) and the diminutive suffix ‘-sy’ AUSTRALIA, 1905 kishkes noun the intestines. Yiddish, from the Russian US, 1902 kismet noun fate, luck, predestination. From Turkish, Farsi and/or Arabic US, 1849 kiss noun 1 in games such as pool and marbles, a shot that barely touches another US, 1973. 2 a student who curries favour with the teacher. An amelioration of KISS ASS US, 1963 kiss verb 1 in games such as pool and marbles, to cause one object to barely touch another US, 1978. 2 in pool, to try to make a shot by bouncing the object ball off another ball US, 1990. 3 to perform oral sex US, 1941. < kiss and tell to reveal personal and confidential infor- mation, usually of a sexual nature US, 1970. < kiss arse; kiss ass 383 king brown | kiss to behave subserviently. A figurative use of perhaps the most demeaning act that one human can demand another to perform. Mediaeval engravings show devil-worshippers pledging their utter subservience to Satan by lifting his goat-tail and kissing his backside; at that time both ‘kiss’ and ‘arse’ were conventionally available to describe such an activity UK, 1968. < kiss butt to behave subserviently. A variation of KISS ARSE US, 2001. < kiss goodbye to concede defeat; to accept an involuntary loss US, 1906. < kiss Mary to smoke marijuana US, 1968. < kiss the couch to die AUSTRALIA, 1989. < kiss the eighth pole in horse racing, to finish far behind the leader US, 1976. < kiss the fish to smoke hashish US, 1971. < kiss the porcelain to vomit US, 1984. < kiss the toe to drink a shot of Yukon Jack™ whisky in a single gulp, in a glass containing a pickled human toe CANADA, 2002. < kiss your ass goodbye to concede defeat, to lose all hope of success or survival US, 1995. < kiss your sister in poker, to come out even in agameUS, 1996. < kiss your teeth to make a scornful sound JAMAICA, 2003 KISS simple enough to be easily understood, even by the slowest person. Acronym for ‘keep it simple, stupid!’ US, 1960 kiss and cry noun the part of Canadian figure skating championship rinks where contestants wait for their results CANADA, 2002 kiss and cuddle noun a muddle. Rhyming slang that is never reduced to its first element UK, 1992 kiss-and-ride adjective pertaining to areas at transport interchanges designated for dropping off and picking up motor vehicle passengers without parking AUSTRALIA, 1974 kiss-ass; kiss-arse noun a sycophant; one who curries favour in a self-demeaning fashion US, 1973 kisser noun 1 the mouth. Originally boxing slang UK, 1860. 2 the face US, 1904. 3 a sycophant. Shortened ‘ass-kisser’ US, 1951 kissing Mrs noun the act of rubbing the clitoris with the penis. Elaborated on THE MRS (vagina) UK, 2001 kiss it! used as contemptuous expression of dismissal. A shortening of KISS MY ARSE! UK, 1999 kiss kiss goodbye US, 1991 kiss-me-arse noun in British Columbia ocean waters, the marbled murrelet CANADA, 1989 kiss-me-ass; kiss-me-tail adjective inconsequential; petty TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1972 kiss me Hardy; kiss me noun Bacardi™ (a branded white rum). Rhyming slang, formed from Lord Nelson’s legendary last words UK, 1992 kiss me quick; kiss me noun the penis; a fool. Rhyming slang for PRICK, reflecting, to some degree, the type of person who will wear a ‘comical’ novelty hat bearing the legend ‘kiss me quick’ when the opportunity arises UK, 1992 kiss-me-quick; kiss-me-kwik adjective describes a seaside resort given to cheap, dated commercialism. A kiss-me-quick hat is, in many ways, a cultural touchstone UK, 2003 kiss-me-quick hat noun any novelty hat sold at a funfair or seaside resort, especially one bearing a slogan. The predominant legend writ large on such hats was ‘kiss me quick’ UK, 1963 kiss my arse!; kiss my ass! used as a contemptuous expression of dismissal UK, 1996 kiss my chuddies! used as an expression of disdain or rejection. Formed on CHUDDIES (underpants), possibly coined and certainly popularised as a catchphrase by Goodness Gracious Me, a BBC comedy sketch programme scripted and performed by four British Asian comedians, first heard on Radio 4 in 1996 but better known from television, since 1999 UK, 2003 kiss my grits! used for humorously expressing defiance. A signature line of Polly Holiday’s character Florence Jean ‘Flo’ Casteleberry on the television comedies Alice (CBS, 1976–85) and Flo (CBS, 1980–81). Repeated with referential humour US, 1980 kiss my tits! used for showing disdain or reject ion US, 1995 kiss of death noun a generally innocent or well-meant action or contact that results (often predictably) in disastrous consequences. By association with the kiss by which Judas betrayed Jesus UK, 1948 kiss-off noun 1 a complete rejection US, 1926. 2 any form of compen- sation paid to someone who has been dismissed or rejected UK, 2002 kiss off verb to dismiss, to reject US, 1904 kiss up verb to curry favour US, 1965 kissy noun an effeminate male US, 1964 kissy adjective in homosexual usage, exciting, worthy of enthusiasm (usually of an inanimate object) US, 1949 kissy-face noun prolonged kissing. Introduces a childish tone US, 1958 kit noun 1 clothes. Conventionally used for sports clothing UK, 2001. 2 in prison, contraband goods UK, 1996. 3 the equipment needed to prepare and inject heroin or another drug US, 1959. 4 in prison, a letter UK, 1996 kit and caboodle noun all of something US, 1888 Kit Carson noun a former Viet Cong who has become a scout or translator for the US Army. The allusion is to the scouting abilities of Kit Carson (1809–68), a legend of the US West US, 1970 kitchema noun a pub, a club or a bar. English gypsy use, from Romany kitshima (a tavern) UK, 1979 kitchen noun 1 an illicit methamphetamine laboratory US, 1989. 2 in pool, the end of the table where the cue ball is placed at the start of the game. Technically, it is the area between the head string and the head rail of the table US, 1990. 3 thehairsonthebackof the neck US, 1987. 4 in shuffleboard, the scoring area of the court US, 1967. 5 a brakevan (caboose) US, 1977. 6 the cab of a railway engine US, 1946. < down in the kitchen in trucking, in the truck’s lowest gear US, 1971 kitchen bait noun in shuffleboard, a shot made to entice the opponent to try to go after the disc US, 1967 kitchen door noun the fly on a pair of trousers TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 kitchen lab noun a laboratory where illegal drugs are manufactured, whether or not it is located in a kitchen US, 1970 kitchen rackets noun in Cape Breton, a ceilidh or house dance CANADA, 2000 kitchen range noun 1 a change (of scene or costume). Theatrical rhyming slang UK, 1960. 2 change (small coins). Sometimes abbreviated to ‘kitchen’ UK, 1992 kitchen sink noun a stink. Rhyming slang, also used as a verb UK, 1992 kitchen sink adjective of a piece of dramatic fiction, grittily realistic in a domestic setting UK, 1960 kite noun 1 a letter, note or message. Largely prison usage US, 1859. 2 a cheque, especially a blank or worthless cheque; a stolen credit card or cards UK, 1805. 3 a criminal who deals in cheque and credit card fraud. Variation of KITER US, 2001. 4 a hand-rolled tobacco ciga- rette US, 1992. 5 afoolAUSTRALIA, 1961. 6 a Christian. Prison usage NEW ZEALAND , 1997. 7 the face US, 2001. 8 an ounce of drugs US, 1958. 9 a bus UK, 1954. 10 any type of aircraft. Modern use has a mainly ironic tone UK, 1917. 11 a glider used in hang-gliding; a hang-glider AUSTRALIA, 1996. 12 a newspaper AUSTRALIA, 1919. < fly a kite; lay a kite to fraudulently issue or pass a worthless cheque. Based on KITE (a cheque); probably criminal in intent but possibly issued in hope IRELAND, 1805 kite verb 1 to obtain money or credit from a cheque that is drawn against uncollected funds in a bank account US, 1839. 2 to send a note or letter US, 1924 kite blue noun a worthless cheque. An elaboration of KITE AUSTRALIA, 1975 kite-flying verb passing worthless cheques UK, 1956 kite-man noun a criminal specialising in cheques and bills of exchange; an issuer of worthless cheques UK, 1950 kiter noun a criminal who issues worthless and fraudulent cheques UK, 1970 KISS | kiter 384 kiting-book noun a cheque book UK, 1962 kit kat noun 1 a fool. Rhyming slang for PRATT formed from a popular branded chocolate confectionery bar UK, 1998. 2 the rec- reational drug ketamine AUSTRALIA, 1996 kitsch noun in any of the arts, a work considered to be inferior or pretentious or in dubious taste. From German kitschen (to throw together, especially if hastily) UK, 1926 kitschy adjective vulgarly sentimental US, 1967 kitten noun a young girl US, 1923 kittens noun < have kittens to become overly excited US, 1900 kittle noun the collection of empty beer containers that accumulate on a table during a drinking session AUSTRALIA, 2003 kitty noun 1 a pool of money. Originally a poker term US, 1887. 2 the vagina. A diminutive of PUSSY US, 2000. 3 a woman US, 1936. 4 a guy, a young man. An extension of CAT US, 1952. 5 a jail or prison US, 1950. 6 a Cadillac car US, 1970 kitty litter noun any mixture of sand and salt or other compounds sprinkled on a snowy road or an oil spill on a road US, 1976 kiwi noun a person who shirks work US, 1991 Kiwi noun a New Zealander. Named after the national bird of New Zealand. The kiwi is a flightless bird native to New Zealand NEW ZEALAND , 1918 Kiwi adjective of or relating to New Zealand or New Zealanders AUSTRALIA, 1935 Kiwi Ferns nickname the New Zealand women’s international Rugby League team. From the logo of New Zealand Rugby League: a pictogram of a kiwi and a fern NEW ZEALAND, 1998 Kiwi green noun a variety of marijuana grown in New Zealand NEW ZEALAND , 1976 KJ noun 1 high quality marijuana. From ‘kind joint’ US, 1997. 2 a marijuana cigarette enhanced by phencylidine US, 2001. 3 phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust US, 1972 klahowya(h) used as a greeting. A word from the Chinook jargon CANADA, 1964 K land noun the catatonic intoxication experienced when taking the recreational drug ketamine US, 1995 klap verb to slap, to smack. From Afrikaans klop SOUTH AFRICA, 1960 klatawa noun ajourneyCANADA, 1963 klebbies noun small denominations in any foreign currency. Royal Navy slang has ICKIE as the generic unit of foreign money, which then subdivides into one hundred ‘klebbies’ UK, 2003 kleenex noun 1 a youthful, sexually inexperienced male who is tem- porarily the object of an older homosexual’s desire US, 1987. 2 MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy US, 1994 klep; klepper noun a kleptomaniac; a thief UK, 1889 klepto noun a kleptomaniac US, 1953 klim noun any powdered milk. From the branded product manufactured by Borden TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 klingon noun a crack cocaine addict. A play on ‘cling on’, describing an addict’s behaviour; based on the Klingons, creatures from outer space in television science fiction series Star Trek US, 2003 Klondike noun 1 a prison cell used for solitary confinement. An allusion to Klondike, Alaska, the epitome of remoteness US, 1982. 2 brass or copper, often stolen, sold for scrap US, 1980 klooch; klootch noun a wife, an Indian woman. The term comes from Chinook jargon for ‘female/wife’ CANADA, 1963 klotsick adjective (among Nova Scotians of German descent) said of a cake that has fallen, failed to rise, or rose and then fell CANADA, 1975 kluge; kludge noun in computing, a makeshift solution to a hardware or software problem US, 1962 klutz; clutz noun a clumsy, awkward person. Yiddish, from German US, 1956 klutzy; clutzy adjective clumsy, awkward US, 1965 KMAG noun during the Korean war, the US advisors assigned to Republic of Korea troops – the Korean Military Advisory Group. The Korean troops performed so poorly early in the war that the initials took on a new meaning – Kiss My Ass Goodbye US, 1952 knacked adjective exhausted. Used by teenagers too exhausted to manage every syllable of KNACKERED (exhausted) UK, 1982 knacker noun an unfit or useless individual, especially if overweight. Royal Navy slang: any food with a high calorie count may be called ‘fat knacker pie’ UK, 1987 knacker verb 1 to ruin; to kill. From the conventional sense (to slaughter a horse) UK, 1887. 2 to steal IRELAND, 1998 knacker drinking noun drinking alcohol outside IRELAND, 1991 knackered adjective tired, worn-out, exhausted. Derives from the obsolete ‘knacker’ (a worn-out horse) UK, 1949 knacker out; knack er verb to tire out UK, 1946 knackers noun 1 the testicles. From an earlier sense (castanets) UK, 1866. 2 nonsense. Identical in use to all senses of BALLS or BOLLOCKS UK , 1984. < off your knackers drunk or drug-intoxicated UK, 2001 knackers! used for registering anger, frustration, dismissal, etc. Identical in use to BALLS! or BOLLOCKS! UK, 1984 knead verb < knead the noodle (of a male) to masturbate US, 2001 knee-bangers noun long shorts US, 1991 kneecap verb to break someone’s kneecap or shoot them in the kneecap, almost always as a planned act of retribution US, 1974 kneehigh to a grasshopper adjective very young. Many variations on this theme have been recorded since ‘knee-high to a toad’, 1814, and continue to be coined US, 1914 kneel verb < kneel at the altar 1 to engage in anal sex US, 1962. 2 to kneel while performing oral sex on a man US, 1965 kneelo noun a surfer who rides kneeling AUSTRALIA, 1985 knee machine noun a short surfboard, a kneeboard or bellyboard US, 1977 kneesies noun knee-to-knee contact, usually out of sight such as under a restaurant table US, 1947 knee-slapper noun a small, white-water wave US, 1991 knees-up noun an energetic dance party, a lively gathering. From the song ‘Knees up Mother Brown!’ by Weston and Lee, 1939 UK, 1963 knee-tremble verb performing sexual intercourse while standing AUSTRALIA, 1985 knee-trembler noun 1 sex while standing AUSTRALIA, 1896. 2 a sexually attractive woman UK, 1999 knicker-nicker noun a stealer of clothes (especially underwear) from a clothesline UK, 1984 knickers noun < keep your knickers on! stay calm!, don’t get excited!; don’t lose your temper! UK, 1973 knickers! used as an expression of dismissal, contempt or annoyance. A children’s ‘naughty’ word, now in adult hands UK, 1971 knickers in a twist; knickers in a knot noun an agitated or flustered condition; a state of panic. A figurative sense of an uncomfortable condition AUSTRALIA, 1978 knick-knack noun 1 a trinket; a small trivial article pleasing for ornament UK, 1682. 2 asmallpenisUS, 1981 knife and fork noun 1 a meal, especially in a restaurant UK, 2001. 2 pork. Rhyming slang UK, 1992. 3 the money that a betting pool player leaves in reserve for living expenses US, 1990. < do you need a knife and fork?; do you want a knife and fork? a catchphrase jibe directed at a driver struggling to find the right gear UK, 1975 knife and gun club noun a hospital casualty department US, 1994 knife-happy adjective (used of a surgeon) over-eager to treat with surgery US, 1961 Knifepoint nickname HM Prison Highpoint in Suffolk UK, 2000 knight noun in homosexual usage, a person with syphilis US, 1981 knight of the asphalt noun an long-distance trucker US, 1977 385 kiting-book | knight of the asphalt knit noun a shirt or sweater US, 1972 knit verb < like knitting fo g impossible UK, 2003 knitting circle noun in homosexual usage, a group of men who are too engaged in conversation to seek sex US, 1981 knitting needle noun in oil drilling, a tool used to splice wire cable US, 1954 knitting needles noun a rapid movement of blades and series of clicks produced when two fencers are practising. From the simi- larity in sound and action to that of knitting needles, not the earlier, obsolete ‘knitting needle’ (a sword) UK, 1988 knives noun < at it like knives very sexually active UK, 1985 knob noun 1 the head UK, 1673. 2 the penis UK, 1660. 3 afool;an obnoxious, despised person UK, 1997. 4 the knee US, 1970. 5 a sexually transmitted infection UK, 1966. < polish a knob to perform oral sex on a man US, 1947 knob verb to have sex with someone. Derives from KNOB (the penis) but usage is not gender-specific UK, 1988 knobber noun 1 oral sex performed on a male US, 1989. 2 a fool, used as a general term of contempt. An elaboration of KNOB US, 1990 knobbing adjective used as an intensifier. Substitutes for FUCKING UK, 2000 knobbly knee noun a key. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 knobby noun a motorcyle tyre with large treads, used for riding on dirt and trails US, 1973 knob-cheese noun smegma collected under the foreskin. A variation of COCK CHEESE UK, 1997 knob-end noun a despised person UK, 1998 knob gag noun ajokeaboutapenisUK, 2003 knob-gobbling noun oral sex on a man US, 1980 knobhead; nobhead noun a despised person; a fool. From KNOB (the penis) US, 1926 knob job noun oral sex performed on a man US, 1968 knob-jock ey noun a homosexual male; a promiscuous heterosexual female. A rider of the KNOB (the penis) UK, 1998 knob off verb go away UK, 2001 knobs noun the female breasts, especially the nipples US, 1968. < with knobs on with interest, intensified, with embellishments UK, 1930 knob throb noun (of a male) an intense desire for sex UK, 1998 knock noun 1 a setback, especially a monetary loss UK, 1889. 2 a bite (that moment when a fish takes the bait). Used by anglers UK, 1969. 3 a promiscuous woman AUSTRALIA, 1965. < do a knock 1 to partake in an amorous outing; to go on a date AUSTRALIA, 1934. 2 to have sex. From ‘knock’ (an act of sexual intercourse) AUSTRALIA, 1933. < on the knock 1 on credit; engaged in hire purchase UK, 1968. 2 to be working as a prostitute UK, 1969. < take a knock to suffer a setback or a financial loss UK, 1649. < take the knock to fail to meet your debts AUSTRALIA, 1966 knock verb 1 to criticise, to disparage US, 1865. 2 to defraud, to cheat, especially by passing a fraudulent cheque or by obtaining and dishonouring a credit arrangement UK, 1962. 3 to steal; to rob UK, 1919 . 4 to arrest US, 1987. 5 to kill AUSTRALIA, 1911. 6 to wound AUSTRALIA, 1917. 7 to exhaust; to debilitate AUSTRALIA, 1957. 8 to have sexual intercourse with someone UK, 1598. 9 to make an amorous approach to (a person) AUSTRALIA, 1934. 10 to be unable to make a move in a game, such as dominoes. Almost certainly derived from the player’s action of knocking on the table to signal an inability to move UK, 1984. 11 to disclose that a pool player is a professional US, 1990. 12 to post (a letter) US, 1947. < couldn’t knock the skin off a rice pudding weak, impotent; used contemptuously of an inferior fighter UK, 1946. < knock ’em cold; knock ’em dead to amaze an audience, to have a sensational success. From boxing UK, 1961. < knock a chunk off to have sex from the male perspective US, 1973. < knock a fade to leave US, 1973. < knock a scarf to eat a meal US, 1947. < knock at the door in horse racing, to have nearly won several recent races US, 1960. < knock boots to have sex, especially anal sex US, 1994. < knock dog to be for sale at a low price TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. < knock for six 1 to utterly overcome, to inconvenience gravely. Cricketing imagery, where a ‘six’ or ‘sixer’ is a shot that clears the boundary UK, 1902. 2 to astound UK, 1949. < knock into a cocked hat to damage someone or something very considerably. By late C20 other violent verbs often replace ‘knock’ US, 1833. < knock into the middle of next week; knock into next week to hit violently, even fatally; especially, to deliver a blow that causes insensibility. Originally used of boxers UK, 1821. < knock it off to have sexual intercourse AUSTRALIA, 1983. < knock it on the head to stop talking; to stop doing something. Often as an imperative AUSTRALIA, 1965. < knock it out to have sex US, 1980. < knock one off to have sex, especially in a perfunctory manner US, 1924. < knock one out to masturbate to orgasm. Possibly related to KNOCK OUT (to manufacture or supply cheaply) UK, 1990. < knock out tongue to kiss with open mouths US, 1993. < knock seven bells out of someone to physically beat someone very severely UK, 1929. < knock someone rotten to punch or strike fiercely; to daze (a person) by hitting them; to stun AUSTRALIA, 1965. < knock someone’s eyes out to astound someone AUSTRALIA, 1940. < knock something on the head to finish an activity, to stop doing something or stop something happening. Often as the exclamatory injunction (knock it on the head!). Obviously derives from a final blow that renders someone unconscious, or kills a snake, or drives a nail home UK, 1871. < knock spots off to surpass US, 1856. < knock the drawing room out of someone to condition or toughen someone physically NEW ZEALAND, 1952. < knock the slack out to accelerate (a truck or car) US, 1976. < knock your wig to comb your hair US, 1947 knockabout noun an itinerant AUSTRALIA, 1889 knock about verb 1 to be around AUSTRALIA, 1889. 2 to wander without purpose and without a home TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1904. 3 to beat someone UK, 1926 knockabout adjective 1 experienced, well-travelled AUSTRALIA, 1965. 2 of theatrical entertainment, noisy and violent, slapstick UK, 1892 knock around verb 1 to spend time with no fixed abode; to travel about as an itinerant AUSTRALIA, 1901. 2 to spend time (with someone); to idle US, 1846 knockaround adjective experienced in the ways of the world, especially the underworld US, 1949 knockback noun 1 a refusal; a rejection AUSTRALIA, 1918. 2 an ‘offer by a bookmaker to accept a wager at lower odds or for a lesser stake, in part at full odds with the balance at reduced odds, or at SP (starting price) terms only’ UK, 2001 knock back verb 1 to reject, especially sexual advances AUSTRALIA, 1918. 2 to drink UK, 1931. 3 to cost a person a specified amount. For example the phrase ‘that knocked him back a fiver’ UK, 1961. < knock back with a stick to get more than enough casual sex. A jocular boast of sexual prowess AUSTRALIA, 1950 knockdown noun an introduction (to someone) US, 1959 knock down verb 1 to earn US, 1929. 2 to make a sale at auction. From the significant action of an auctioneer’s gavel in marking the conclusion of a sale UK, 1760. 3 to steal CANADA, 1976. 4 to rob US, 1976. 5 to spend the entire sum of money earned for seasonal work in a drinking spree. Once a veritable institution this practice was especially common amongst shearers and sailors AUSTRALIA, 1845. 6 to drink. A variation of KNOCK BACK (to drink) UK, 1960. 7 to introduce US, 1953 knock-down drag-out adjective (of a fight) vicious US, 1827 knocked adjective drunk US, 1974 knock ’em down rains noun in tropical Australia, seasonal torrential rain AUSTRALIA, 1946 knocker noun 1 an inveterate critic; a person addicted to finding faults and making criticisms US, 1898. 2 a person who defaults (deliberately) on a hire-purchase agreement. A narrowing of an earlier use applied to a person who contracts a debt with no intention of repaying it UK, 1968. 3 a thief or confidence trickster posing as a door-to-door salesman UK, 1996. 4 in circus and carnival usage, a member of the audience who warns others that something is a fraud US, 1981. 5 someone who discloses that a pool player is in fact a professional US, 1990. 6 in pinball, a sound effect knit | knocker 386 when an additional ball is won US, 1977. < on the knocker 1 exactly, precisely AUSTRALIA, 1960. 2 right away; promptly AUSTRALIA, 1962. 3 used of a door-to-door canvasser or salesman UK, 1934. < up to the knocker thoroughly, perfectly, entirely AUSTRALIA, 1911 knocker and knob noun a job. Rhyming slang, probably formed of door furniture (rather than body parts) UK, 1992 knockers noun 1 the female breasts, especially large ones US, 1934. 2 dice that have been loaded with mercury that shifts when the dice are tapped US, 1950 knocker shop noun a brothel AUSTRALIA, 1985 knockin’ adjective great US, 2004 knocking noun criticism; fault-finding AUSTRALIA, 1978 knockings noun the facts or details, an explanation UK, 1999 knocking shop noun a brothel UK, 1860 knock it off!; knock off! stop it!, shut up! UK, 1883 knock, knock! 1 used as the verbal equivalent of an actual knock on the door when entering another’s room, office, etc UK, 1984. 2 in a game of dominoes or such, used as a signal (often accompanied by the action of knocking on the games’ table) that the game- player is unable to make a move UK, 1984 knocko noun a narcotics police officer US, 1992 knock-off noun 1 a product that is designed to be mistaken for an expensive, brand name product US, 1963. 2 the end of a work shift; quitting time AUSTRALIA, 1916. 3 amurderUS, 1928. 4 in hot rodding and drag racing, a wheel lug that is easily removed US, 1960 knock off verb 1 to cease; to stop UK, 1649. 2 to finish a work shift, job, etc. UK, 1649. 3 to kill US, 1879. 4 to defeat; to despatch US, 1927. 5 (of police) to arrest; to raid US, 1925. 6 to rob, to steal US, 1917. 7 to reproduce a branded item, less expensively and usually illegally US, 1963. 8 to sell or dispose of NEW ZEALAND, 1985. 9 of a male, to have sex AUSTRALIA, 1965. 10 to have sexual intercourse with someone US, 1943. 11 to seduce AUSTRALIA, 1950. < knock off a piece to have sex US, 1921 knock-off gear noun an item or items of stolen property UK, 2000 knock-off time noun the end of a work shift; quitting time AUSTRALIA, 1867 knock out verb 1 to have a very powerful effect on, to impress profoundly US, 1890. 2 to manufacture or supply cheaply. The currency of market-traders and sweat-shops, ‘knock it out cheap’, ‘knock them out’, adopted into wider use UK, 1876. 3 to produce AUSTRALIA, 1946. 4 to go to sleep US, 2003. 5 to burgle in such a thorough manner that nothing of any value remains UK, 1950 knockout adjective excellent, impressive US, 1920 knockout; knock-out noun 1 an outstanding, beautiful or outrageous person UK, 1892. 2 an excellent thing. Literally, ‘a thing so excellent that it will render you insensible’ UK, 1892 knock out drops noun a sedative added to a drink to cause unconciousness, especially with criminal intent US, 1876 knock over verb 1 to rob US, 1925. 2 to raid an establishment US, 1929. 3 to kill; to slaughter US, 1823. 4 to arrest US, 1924. 5 to drink AUSTRALIA, 1924 knockround noun a period spent wandering about idling AUSTRALIA, 1934 knock round verb to spend time (with someone); to accompany AUSTRALIA, 1955 knock shop noun a brothel AUSTRALIA, 1968 knock sideways verb to astound UK, 1925 knock together verb to prepare a marijuana cigarette. A specialis- ation of the conventional sense UK, 2000 knock-up noun a fraudulent system operated to rig the bidding at an auction UK, 1966 knock up verb 1 to impregnate US, 1813. 2 to hammer on the door of a cell to attract the attention of a warder AUSTRALIA, 1944 knolly bike noun any low-powered motorcycle used by probationary taxi-drivers in the process of learning the geography of London’s streets ( DO THE KNOWLEDGE). Formed on a shortening of ‘the knowledge’ UK, 1998 knot noun 1 the head US, 1954. 2 a large sum of money US, 1993 knot-flashing noun public self-exposure by a male for sexual thrills. Police slang, formed on an otherwise obsolete use of ‘knot’ (the [head of the] penis) UK, 1968 knotty adjective (of hair) in tight curls BAHAMAS, 1982 Knotty Ash noun cash. Rhyming slang, from the name of a Liverpool suburb; probably inspired by comedian Ken Dodd, a famous resident of the area, and in particular by his clash with the taxman UK, 1992 know noun < in the know trendy, fashionable US, 1958 know verb < know b from bull foot to know anything at all. Usually used in the negative TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. < know backwards to have a thorough knowledge of something UK, 1904. < know how many beans make five to be not easily fooled UK, 1830. < know inside out to have a thorough knowledge of something UK, 1921. < know like the back of your hand to have a thorough knowledge of something. A simile that is easier said than done UK, 1943. < know someone who knows someone to be able to obtain an article for less than its retail price, referring to either wholesale rates or the acquisition of stolen property UK, 1984. < know the score to understand what is going on. Referring to a musical score, not the score of a sports contest US, 1946. < know your onions having knowledge that comes from experience. Also in the variations: ‘know your apples’ (since 1945); ‘oats’ (since 1926); ‘oil’ (since 1925). The formula is also used to describe a specified field of knowledge, e.g. ‘know your hockey’ (about 1929) US, 1922. < know your shit to have knowledge that comes from experience US, 1984. < not know from a bar of soap to not know at all AUSTRALIA, 1918. < not know from the hole in your arse to be ignorant of UK, 1999. < not know whether you are Arthur or Martha to be in a state of confusion AUSTRALIA, 1966. < not know whether you are coming or going to be in a state of confusion, befuddlement or perplexity UK, 1924 know-all noun a person who displays their knowledge in a conceited manner AUSTRALIA, 1934 know-all adjective conceitedly knowledgeable AUSTRALIA, 1965 knowed-up adjective lucky, and believing that skill not luck produced success US, 1954 know-it-all noun a person who knows less than he thinks US, 1895 know-it-all adjective conceitedly knowledgeable UK, 1935 knowledge noun skill at performing oral sex; a person who is skilled at performing oral sex. An elaboration and play on HEAD (oral sex) US, 2002. < do the knowledge of probationary taxi drivers, to learn the geography of London’s streets (especially by driving around on a low-powered motorcycle); to take a written examin- ation that tests the newly acquired knowledge UK, 1978 knowledge box noun 1 the head; the brain UK, 1785. 2 in railway terminology, the yardmaster’s office US, 1926 knowmean?; na mean? do you know what I mean? Used either as a question or as a stress at the end of a statement UK, 1997 knuckle noun physical violence; the act of punching. From the verb sense UK, 2001. < go the knuckle to attack with the fists; to take part in a fist fight AUSTRALIA, 1944 knuckle verb to punch with a bare fist AUSTRALIA, 1983 knuckle-buster noun 1 in car repair, a nut that is tightly fastened, guaranteeing a difficult and painful removal process US, 1992. 2 a crescent wrench US, 1941 knuckle down verb to make an effort and apply yourself to a task UK, 1864 knuckleduster noun a large, heavy or over-gaudy ring which may, or may not, be worn for violent purposes. An extension of the sense as ‘a weapon’ UK, 1896 knuckledusters noun a pair of brass knuckles. The derivation is as blunt as the practical usage: where it’s worn, on the knuckles; what it does, DUST (to thrash). Abbreviates as ‘duster’ US, 1858 387 knocker and knob | knuckledusters . New Zealand. The kiwi is a flightless bird native to New Zealand NEW ZEALAND , 1918 Kiwi adjective of or relating to New Zealand or New Zealanders AUSTRALIA, 1935 Kiwi Ferns nickname the New Zealand. team. From the logo of New Zealand Rugby League: a pictogram of a kiwi and a fern NEW ZEALAND, 1998 Kiwi green noun a variety of marijuana grown in New Zealand NEW ZEALAND , 1976 KJ noun 1 high quality. stupid!’ US, 1960 kiss and cry noun the part of Canadian figure skating championship rinks where contestants wait for their results CANADA, 2002 kiss and cuddle noun a muddle. Rhyming slang that is never reduced