Slang and uncoventional english part 64 pdf

mastermind noun a railway official US, 1946 master of your domain noun a person who can refrain from masturbation for a prolonged period. Coined and popularised by Jerry Seinfeld in an episode of his television comedy The Contest that first aired on 18th November 1992 US, 1992 masturbation noun self-indulgent nonsense. Used in a euphemistic attempt to avoid WANK UK, 2001 masturbation mansion noun a cinema theatre showing pornographic films US, 1972 mat noun < go to the mat to engage in a full-scale struggle. From wrestling US, 1908 mataby noun marijuana grown in Zaire, 1980 matador adjective a stylish, fashionable, independent woman TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1956 Matapedia screwdriver noun a hammer. Matapedia is a small town in Quebec, poised on the border with New Brunswick CANADA, 2002 match noun approximately half an ounce of marijuana. An abbrevi- ation of ‘matchbox’, which contains approximately the same amount US, 1980 match verb < match dials the railways, to synchronise watches US, 1977 match bash noun a drag racing event built around a series of races between two types of vehicles US, 1965 matchbox noun 1 an approximate measure, &half; ounce, 5–10 grams, of marijuana. Derives from the capacity of a matchbox, a convenient measure US, 1996. 2 a small house IRELAND, 1920 matchbox Jimmy noun a cab over truck built by General Motors Corporation US, 1971 match head; match-head noun 1 a small single dose of heroin sold individually US, 1993. 2 a football fan, especially one who goes to the game. Those interested in a specific football fixture refer to ‘the match’; this combines with -HEAD (an aficionado). A derisory term punning on the small size of a matchhead UK, 2001 mate noun 1 a good friend; a buddy or chum. This word is used to the near exclusion of its various synonyms in Australia. Originally used only by men, but since the 1980s increasingly by women UK, 1380. 2 used as a form of address to a stranger. Generally used in a friendly manner, but also used when being confrontational UK, 1450. 3 in poker, a card that forms a pair US, 1988 maternity blouse noun a large, loose shirt worn untucked by a heavy man US, 1981 mateship noun masculine friendship. In 1999 Prime Minister John Howard tried to introduce this word into a ‘preamble’ to the Australian Constitution and came under much criticism and ridicule since it was seen to exclude women – the referendum on the matter was not passed AUSTRALIA, 1864 mate’s rates; mate rates noun especially cheap prices applied to one’s friends AUSTRALIA, 1996 matey noun a man; a companion; a comrade. Used as an affectionate form of address; in a friendly way for someone whose name is not known; in a pseudo-friendly manner for patronising effect US, 1841 matey adjective friendly. Whereas ‘matey’ as a form of address is gen- erally used of a man, this usage ignores gender UK, 1915 matey boy noun used dismissively, a man UK, 2002 math out verb to render a presentation beyond comprehension by virtue of dense mathematical content US, 1991 ’matic noun an automatic pistol UK, 1994 matinee noun 1 a sexual encounter in the mid-afternoon US, 1944. 2 a repeat robbery of a victim US, 1950 matlock noun a tooth. Hence ‘matlock mender’ (a dentist) UK, 2002 matrimonial peacemaker noun the penis US, 1967 matsakaw; matsakow noun heroin US, 1977 mattie noun a woman’s very close female friend BARBADOS, 1965 mattress noun a sexually active, promiscuous girl from a nearby village CANADA, 1992 mattresses noun < go to the mattresses; hit the mattresses during gang warfare, to retreat in an armed group to a fortified room, apartment or house US, 1964 mattress fall noun uterine prolapse TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 mattress joint noun a hotel catering to prostitutes US, 1956 Mattress Mary noun used as a personification of the stereotypical sexually loose female US, 1955 Matty Mattel; Matty Mattel mouse gun noun the M-16 rifle. Named after the toy manufacturer because many soldiers in Vietnam found the M-16 to be a seriously flawed rifle US, 1978 matzoh ball; matzo ball noun a Jewish dance or party held at Christmas. From a pun on a staple of Jewish cuisine, adopted commercially for a series of events, and from there into wider usage US, 2002 Maud; Maude noun a male prostitute. From the female name. Also used amongst male homosexuals as an adopted name. Probably since the 1940s UK, 1984 Maud and Ruth noun the truth. Rhyming slang UK, 1977 Maugerville slippers noun hip waders. Maugerville is a town on the St John River near Fredericton, New Brunswick CANADA, 1991 Maui wowie; Maui wauie; Maui wowee; Maui noun apotent marijuana cultivated in Hawaii. The island of Maui plus WOW (a thing of wonder) US, 1977 Maui-zowie noun a strain of marijuana. A variation of MAUI WOWIE UK , 2000 mauler noun a set of brass knuckles US, 1953 maulsprigging noun a beating BARBADOS, 1965 Mau-Mau noun a black person who uses the fact that he is black to get his way with guilty white people US, 1965 mau-mau verb to bully, especially using confrontational political arguments that play on racial guilt. Coined as a verb by Tom Wolfe based on the name of a secret society organised to expel European settlers from Kenya US, 1970 mauve noun a person who appears to be homosexual UK, 2002 mauzy adjective in Newfoundland, a foggy, misty day with a gentle ocean breeze CANADA, 1969 maverick noun a stolen, or ‘reappropriated’, military vehicle. From the western US sense of the word as ‘stolen cattle’ US, 1990 mavis noun a male homosexual. Gay slang, formed on the name Mavis and originating among Cape coloureds SOUTH AFRICA, 2000 Mavis Fritter noun the anus. Rhyming slang UK, 2003 maw noun amotherUS, 1826 MAW noun an attractive woman who is highly visible at fashionable events. An acronym of ‘model, actress, whatever’ UK, 1998 max noun 1 maximum; a maximum US, 1851. 2 a maximum security prison US, 1961. < to the max as far as possible, to the limit US, 1971 max verb to wear UK, 2003 max adjective maximum security US, 1976 max and relax verb to take things easy, to take leisure with pleasure US, 1994 max BBs noun a tactic in aerial combat of using the highest rate of fire and filling the air with rounds US, 1991 maxed to the onions adjective extremely large. US military usage during the Vietnam war US, 1982 Max Factor noun an actor. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a cosmetics company UK, 1992 maximum brilliant adjective extremely good US, 1982 maxi taxi; maxi noun a van used as a taxi TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1979 Max Miller noun a pillow. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of one of the greats of British stand-up comedy, 1895–1963 UK, 1992 423 mastermind | Max Miller max out; max verb 1 to reach a limit US, 1977. 2 to complete a maxi- mum prison sentence US, 1972. 3 to relax US, 1984 Max Walls; maxies noun the testicles. Rhyming slang for BALLS from the name of Max Wall (1908–90), a great British comedian UK, 1992 Maxwell House noun a mouse. Rhyming slang, formed on an instant-coffee brand UK, 1992 may all your consequences by happy ones used as a humorous farewell. A catchphrase television sign-off on Tr uth or Consequences (1950–1987), a game show. Repeated with referential humour US, 1962 Mayflower noun a Plymouth car US, 1965 Mayne Nickless job noun in horse racing, an extremely large bet. The amount bet is so staggering that it must have been stolen from a payroll van of Mayne Nickless, Australia’s largest corporate provider of health care AUSTRALIA, 1989 mayo noun 1 cocaine, heroin, morphine US, 1949 . 2 mayonnaise US, 1960 Mayor Hunna; Mayor John noun marijuana US, 1968 maypop noun in the used car business, a tyre that is not guaranteed. Because it may pop at any moment US, 1980 May snow noun on Prince Edward Island, a late spring snow, supposed to help cure blindness and sore feet CANADA, 1988 maytag noun a weak prisoner, especially one who does laundry for others as a sign of submission US, 1987 may you live in interesting times used as a curse. Generally jocular. In a speech given in South Africa in 1966, US President John F. Kennedy introduced this allegedly ancient Chinese curse to the world US, 1998 Mazatlans noun beach sandals made with tyre treads for soles US, 1965 mazawatee adjective crazy, foolish. Rhyming slang for POTTY,formed from Mazawatee Tea, an old brand name for tea, perhaps also punning on ‘(tea)pot’ UK, 1992 Mazola party noun group sex, enhanced by the application of veg- etable oil to the participants’ bodies. An allusion and tribute to Mazola Corn Oil™ US, 1968 mazoola noun money US, 1951 mazuma noun 1 money. From Hebrew to Yiddish to English US, 1901. 2 a female professor US, 1947 MB verb to return a carnival customer’s money. From ‘money back’ US, 1985 MBNWA noun < Management By Not Walking Around the extensive use of e-mail to keep in touch with subordinates in business CANADA, 2002 Mc- prefix used in combination with the noun that follows for expressing a cheap, mass-produced product. From the McDonald’s™ hamburger chain US, 1984 MC; emcee noun 1 a master of ceremonies US, 1790. 2 a rap artist. From ‘microphone controller’ US, 1996 MC; emcee verb 1 to serve as a master of ceremonies US, 1937. 2 to perform US, 2000 McFired adjective fired from a low-skill, low-wage menial job US, 2003 McFly noun used as a term of address to someone who does not think often or well. From a character in the Back to the Future films US, 1989 McGimper noun a pimp US, 1949 McJob noun a temporary job; a job with little or no future prospects. Characterised as the sort of work available at McDonald’s™, the multinational fast food brand. A term coined and trademark- registered by McDonald’s itself in 1983 as a positive expression of an affirmative hiring program aimed at those with disabilities; by the late 1980s a derisive term for the low-skill, low-wage jobs that were proliferating in the US during the presidency of Ronald Reagan US, 1991 McJobber noun a person in temporary employment or employment with little or no prospects. After MCJOB UK, 2003 McLean lane noun in trucking, the right hand or slow lane on a motorway US, 1976 McMudhole nickname McMurdo Station, Antarctica ANTARCTICA, 2003 McNamara Special noun a transport plane specially equipped for flying dignitaries to Vietnam during the war US, 1988 McNamara’s War noun the Vietnam war. Robert Strange McNamara was US Secretary of Defense from 1961 until 1967, much of the Vietnam war US, 1990 8see: MIS TER TRUMAN’S WAR MCP noun a male chauvinist pig. In common usage by those involved in the cause of women’s liberation UK, 1971 McPaper noun a poorly researched, poorly thought out, and poorly written term paper or essay. From McDonald’s™, the ubiquitous purveyor of fast-food US, 1991 McPhillips Str eet Station nickname the intersection of McPhillips Street (Winnipeg) and the Canadian Pacific Railway main line CANADA, 1987 McShit noun < go for a McShit to use a fast-food outlet’s toilet facilities without purchasing from the restaurant’s menu. Based on McDonalds™ but available at Burger King™, etc. UK, 2002 McTheatre noun a derisory categorisation of heavily marketed, big- budget, low-brow musical theatre US, 1996 MD noun 1 Dr. Pepper™ soda US, 1967. 2 a managing director. Only when spoken as ‘em dee’ UK, 1963 MDA noun a synthetic hallucinogen (methylenedioxy-amphetamine) that also contains a central nervous system stimulant. Used as a technical term in the late 1950s, in a slang sense later when the drug became popular, largely with gays US, 1978 MDB noun a hospital patient with an appalling lack of hygiene. A ‘mega dirtball’ US, 1989 MDO noun a day missed at work due to a feigned illness. An abbrevi- ation of ‘Maori day off’ NEW ZEALAND, 1998 me adjective my UK, 1947 meal noun a socially inept person. Youth usage US, 1949 meal-a-mat noun a vending machine dispensing food US, 1977 meals rejected by Ethiopians; meals refused by Ethiopians noun military MREs (meals ready to eat) US, 1988 meal ticket noun a source of support, especially a person US, 1899 mealymouth noun a person who speaks insincerely or with a complete lack of conviction UK, 1600 mean adjective excellent US, 1919. < so mean he wouldn’t pay a dime to see the Statue of Liberty piss very stingy CANADA, 1988. < so mean he wouldn’t shit away from home used for expressing a high degree of stinginess and bad temper CANADA, 1988 mean adverb very US, 1998 mean as black cat shit adjective used for expressing a high degree of stinginess CANADA, 1988 me and the devil, pretty soon just the devil in poker, said when all players but two have withdrawn from a hand US, 1951 me and you noun 1 a menu. Rhyming slang, or merely a play on words UK, 1932. 2 in Bingo, the number two. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 meanest adjective best, fastest US, 1965 mean green noun phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust. The ‘green’ is from the parsley or mint on which the drug is at times sprinkled; the ‘mean’ is reduplicative yet accurately describes the behaviour of most users US, 1981 meanie noun copelandia cyancens or panaeolus cyanescens:a mushroom with potent psychactive properties. A shortening of ‘blue meanie’ UK, 1999 meanies noun the police or other authorities of enforcement; specifically those opposed to citizens’ band radio. Abbreviated from ‘blue meanies’ US, 1981 mean mugging noun hateful glances US, 2004 mean out adjective good; bad. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 mean reds noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 1961 max out; max | mean reds 424 meanwhile, back at the ranch used as a humorous indication that a story is about to change to another thread. From a clichéd device used in cowboy films US, 1956 meany noun an exceedingly mean person. The Beatles, in the cartoon film The Yellow Submarine, 1968, popularised the term ‘the blue meanies’ as an intensification for those that cast a blight on joyfulness UK, 1927 me an’ you noun in Bingo (also House and Tombola), the number two UK, 1981 measle sheet noun a military map with a large number of small circled numbers indicating checkpoints US, 1966 measly adjective contemptible, of little value, petty UK, 1864 meat noun 1 the penis UK, 1595. 2 the vagina US, 1973 . 3 the human body US, 1834. 4 acorpseUS, 1949. 5 in a hospital, tissue taken for a biopsy US, 1994. 6 in motor racing, a large racing tyre US, 1993. 7 in hot rodding, structural metal in the engine block US, 1965. 8 a musical instrument’s sound before any electronic alteration UK, 1983 . < the meat athletes; in the entertainment industry, the actors, the performers US, 1967 meat verb < be on a meat-free diet to be a lesbian. A euphemism formed on MEAT (the penis) UK, 1995 meat and two veg; meat noun used for Reg, a diminutive of the name Reginald. Rhyming slang; an apparently teasing application of the non-rhyming sense as ‘the male genitals’ UK, 1992 meat and two veg; meat with two vegetables noun the penis and testicles US, 1964 meat axe noun in television and film-making, a rod used on scaffolding to hold light screens US, 1990. < as a meat axe as hell AUSTRALIA, 1949 meatball noun 1 a dim-witted, gullible person US, 1939 . 2 afalseor petty criminal charge US, 1944. 3 a coloured light that serves as a visual aid in an optical landing system for an aeroplane landing on an aircraft carrier US, 1957. 4 in horse racing, a combination of cathartics administered to a horse US, 1951 meat book noun at a college or university, a book with the names and photographs of all incoming students US, 1996 meat box noun a prison service van for transporting prisoners UK, 1996 meat curtains noun the vagina UK, 2001 meat cutter noun a surgeon US, 1980 meat district noun an area where sex is available US, 1984 meat drapes noun the condition that exists when a tight-fitting pair of trousers, shorts, bathing suit or other garment forms a wedge between a woman’s labia, accentuating their shape US, 2004 meat eater noun a corrupt police officer who aggressively seeks out bribes and other personal advantages US, 1972 meat factory noun a college or university that recruits athletes solely for their athletic ability and without any real expectation that they will graduate US, 1978 meat fleet noun a military hospital ship. Gulf war usage US, 1991 meat hangers noun a pair of men’s close-fitting and revealing nylon swimming trunks AUSTRALIA, 2003 meathead noun a stupid person; hence a general derogative implying stupidity. No brains between the ears, just meat US, 1928 meat hook noun in electric line work, a handline hook US, 1980 meat injection noun the sexual insertion of the erect penis AUSTRALIA, 1942 meat mag noun a homoerotic, often pornographic, magazine US, 1979 meat market noun 1 a bar or other public place where people congregate in search of sexual companionship UK, 1957. 2 a modelling agency US, 1972 meat parlour noun an establishment where sex is the most import- ant commodity US, 1969 meat-pie adjective of average quality AUSTRALIA, 1988 meat puppet noun 1 the penis UK, 2003. 2 a prostitute US, 1997 meat rack noun 1 a restaurant, bar or other public place where people gather in search of sexual partners US, 1962. 2 Piccadilly in London’s West End, an area where homosexuals and homosexual prostitutes offer their services. Like so much meat displayed in a butchers UK, 1972. 3 agymnasiumUS, 1976 meat seat noun the vagina UK, 2001 meat shot noun 1 a photograph or scene in a pornographic film focusing on a penis US, 1974. 2 a bullet wound in a muscle, not involving a bone or organ damage US, 1992 meat show noun a striptease act or other performance featuring naked or near-naked women US, 1943 Meat Street nickname West 14th Street, New York. An allusion both to the meatpacking industry in the area and the transvestite prostitutes who work there at night US, 1997 meat wagon noun 1 an ambulance US, 1925. 2 a coroner’s ambulance US, 1942. 3 medical evacuation equipment, especially a helicopter US, 1991. 4 a prison-service or police vehicle used for confining and transporting prisoners UK, 1954 meat whistle noun the penis US, 1965 meaty adjective (used of a wave) powerful US, 1991 mebbe adverb maybe. From North Country dialect UK, 1825 mech noun a mechanic UK, 1918 mechanic noun 1 in the underworld, a specialist for hire US, 1949 . 2 a hired killer US, 1989. 3 in gambling, a cheat who manipulates the cards or dice US, 1909 . 4 any safety device worn by a circus performer US, 1980. 5 an accomplished, skilled lover US, 1985 mechanical digger; mechanical noun a black person. Rhyming slang for ‘nigger’ UK, 1992 mechanic’s grip noun in card trickery, a method of holding the deck that favours cheating US, 2003 Med noun < the Med the Mediterranean sea; the lands generally known as the Mediterranean UK, 1943 med adjective medical US, 1933 med head noun a member of the military police NEW ZEALAND, 1998 media flu noun a runny nose and consequent sniffing as symptoms of cocaine use. Some symptoms of influenza translated to a pro- fession noted for cocaine use, on the model of ‘Asian flu’, etc UK, 2002 media whore; meeja whore noun someone prepared to do anything for publicity UK, 1999 8see: MEEJA medic; medico noun a medical doctor, whether physician or surgeon; someone who uses medical skills in a professional capacity UK, 1659 medical shot noun in a pornographic film, an extreme close-up of genitals US, 1977 medicate verb to use an illegal drug US, 2003 medicine noun 1 alcohol; liquor US, 1847. 2 illegal drugs or narcotics US, 1976 medicine line noun the border between Canada and the US, especially in the west CANADA, 1987 meditation noun solitary confinement in prison US, 1990 meditation manor noun a prison cell used for solitary confinement US, 1962 Mediterranean back noun a phoney injured back used as an excuse for taking leave from work. A racial slur referring to New Australians, many of whom were from a Greek, Italian or Lebanese background AUSTRALIA, 1972 medzers noun money. Parleyaree, theatrical and polari. Variants include ‘medzies’, ‘metzers’, ‘metzes’, ‘metties’, ‘metzies’, ‘measures’ and ‘mezsh’ UK, 1933 meeces noun mice. From the Huckleberry Hound television cartoon series of the late 1950s, in which Mr Jinx the beatnik cat regularly described his feelings towards Pixie and Dixie, two mice, as ‘I hate those meeces to pieces’ US, 1991 425 meanwhile, back at the ranch | meeces meeja; meejah; meejer noun media. A phonetic slurring in fashionable currency; slightly derogatory and generally used with ‘the’ UK, 1983 mee-maws noun the police. Echoic of a two-tone siren UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 meemies noun a feeling of anxiety and fear. A shortened form of the SCREAMING MEEMIES US, 1946 meese adjective plain. Recorded in contemporary gay use UK, 2003 meet noun 1 a meeting, especially one convened to discuss illegal matters UK, 1865. 2 a session in which musicians collectively improvise; a jam session US, 1957 meet verb in poker, to make a bet equal to the previous bet US, 1990 meeting noun < take a meeting to attend a business meeting. Entertainment industry terminology, used outside the industry in a mocking, pretentious tone US, 1977 meff’d adjective drunk UK, 2002 mega adjective great, successful, excellent, special. A multi-purpose superlative, from Greek prefix mega- (great) UK, 1969 mega- prefix used for intensifying US, 1966 megablast noun a dose of crack cocaine US, 1993 megabuck adjective very expensive US, 1992 mega dirtball noun a hospital patient with an appalling lack of hygiene US, 1989 megapenny noun ten thousand dollars (one cent times ten to the sixth power) US, 1991 megg noun a marijuana cigarette US, 1942 megger noun in the television and film industries, a director. From the long-gone practice of directors’ using megaphones US, 1977 megillah noun all of something. For observant Jews on Purim, the reading of the entire Megillas Esther is deemed an obligation US, 1954 MEGO my eyes glaze over US, 1977 Meg Ryan noun a homosexual male. Rhyming slang for ‘iron’ (IRON HOOF ), POOF formed from the name of the US film actress (b.1961) UK, 1998 meig noun a penny; a five-cent piece US, 1962 Mekong Delta nickname a neigbourhood with a large number of Vietnamese immigrants and businesses US, 1979 mel noun in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, a conven- tional, law-abiding citizen US, 1994 melana cream noun a powerful variety of hashish from the Kulu Valley in Himachel Pradesh UK, 2003 Melba noun < do a Melba (especially of an entertainer) to retire and then come out of retirement over and over again. Referring to Dame Nellie Melba, 1861–1931, Australian opera singer AUSTRALIA, 1971 Meldrew noun a middle-aged or elderly man who is a complainer or a moaner, or is characteristically intolerant, pessimistic or curmudgeonly. Named after Victor Meldrew, the central character in BBC situation comedy, One Foot in the Grave (from 1990), written by David Renwick and played by Scottish character actor Richard Wilson UK, 1990 mellow noun a good friend US, 1976 mellow verb to calm US, 1974 mellow adjective 1 pleasing, relaxed, good US, 1938. 2 mildly and pleasantly drunk or drug-intoxicated UK, 1699. 3 (used of a friend) close US, 1941 mellow d adjective relaxed, enjoyable. A glorious pun on ‘melody’ US, 1973 mellow man noun an attractive male US, 1945 mellow yellow noun 1 fried banana skin scrapings, sold for their nonexistent psychoactive effect US, 1966. 2 LSD US, 1971 melon noun 1 the head AUSTRALIA, 1907. 2 a fool. Probably a shortening of melonhead AUSTRALIA, 1937. < bust your melon to confuse. Combines ‘bust’ (to break) with MELON (the head) US, 2002. < twist your melon to confuse, to scramble your thoughts. Combines ‘twist’ (to derange) with MELON (the head). Survives as a catchphrase with the meaning barely understood UK, 1990 melon gear noun a crash helmet US, 2003 melon hut; melon noun a prefabricated red field hut ANTARCTICA, 2000 melons noun large female breasts US, 1957 meltdown noun the complete and total malfunctioning of a casino slot machine US, 1999 melted butter noun semen US, 1980 melted out adjective broke; without funds US, 1948 melton adjective hot. A pun on ‘melting’ originally recorded in 1885, however current use is probably freshly coined. Recorded in contemporary gay use UK, 2003 Melvin noun the condition that exists when someone pulls your trousers or underpants forcefully upwards, forming a wedge between buttock cheeks US, 1989 Melvin verb 1 to seize someone’s testicles and twist them, especially as a girl’s revenge for sexual harassment. Obviously extends from the senses that convey a painful and forceful adjustment to someone’s underwear UK, 2003. 2 to dupe US, 1991 Melvyn Bragg; melvyn noun 1 a cigarette. Rhyming slang for FAG, based on the name of author and television presenter Lord Bragg of Wigton (b.1939) UK, 1998 . 2 an act of sexual intercourse. Rhyming slang for SHAG, based on the name of author and television presenter Lord Bragg of Wigton (b.1939); this term came into use shortly after the explicitly sexual television adaptation of his 1990 novel A Time to Dance was first broadcast in 1992 UK, 1992. 3 a contemptible person. Rhyming slang for SLAG,basedonthename of author and television presenter Lord Bragg of Wigton (b.1939) UK, 1998. 4 a sexually promiscuous woman, a slut. Rhyming slang for SLAG UK, 1998 member noun a fellow homosexual US, 1970s Memphis dominoes noun dice US, 1942 ménage à moi noun an act of female masturbation UK, 2004 menali noun potent hashish originating in the Himalayas, 1999 mender noun in circus and carnival usage, a claims adjuster US, 1981 men in white coats noun 1 medical or laboratory personnel UK, 1967. 2 psychiatric staff. Usually humorous, and in a context that questions a person’s sanity UK, 1968 menopause manor noun in the Canadian Forces, the Sergeants and Warrant Officers’ Mess CANADA, 1995 mensch; mensh; mench noun an honourable person. German mensch (a person) into Yiddish US, 1953 mensh noun a mention; also, as a verb, to mention UK, 1984 mental noun an outburst of anger or madness AUSTRALIA, 1979 mental adjective 1 insane, crazy UK, 1927. 2 wonderful, amazing, mind- blowing UK, 1998. < go mental to become very enraged, to have a fit of ill-temper UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 mental blooter noun a spree of any kind of excessive behaviour UK, 1988 mentalist noun a crazy person; a lunatic; an eccentric UK, 1997 mentaller noun a mad or crazy person UK, 2001 mentalness noun a state of madness UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 mental pygmy noun a dolt US, 1968 menu noun 1 the list of services available in a brothel US, 1993. 2 grafitti describing sex preferences and telephone numbers US, 1972 merc noun a mercenary. With the official US use of the term ‘private civilian contractor’ instead of ‘mercenary’ in the invasion and occupation of Iraq, use of the term ‘merc’ in the future is doubtful ZIMBABWE, 1967 Merc noun 1 a Mercedes car US, 1970. 2 a Mercury car US, 1951 Mercedes noun 1 in horse racing, odds of 10–1. Rhyming slang, formed from Mercedes Benz AUSTRALIA, 1989. 2 a variety of MDMA, meeja; meejah; meejer | Mercedes 426 the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. After the luxury car; describing the logo stamped on the pill UK, 1999 merch noun merchandise US, 1995 merchant noun a prisoner who sells goods to other prisoners US, 1958 merchant banker; merchant; banker noun a contemptible person. Rhyming slang for WANKER (a contemptible person), coined in response to YUPPIE (a young upwardly mobile professional), many of whom were merchant bankers, moving into the East End of London during the 1980s UK, 1992 merck; merk noun cocaine. From the name of a pharmaceutical company US, 1969 mercy! used for expressing mild surprise US, 1992 mercy buckets! thank you. An intentional butchering of the French UK, 1960 mercy Mary! used for expressing surprise in a melodramatic fashion US, 1970 mercy Miss Percy! used for embellishing any exclamation US, 1953 mercy sakes!; mercy’s sakes alive! used euphemistically in citizens’ band transmissions to register anger, shock, surprise, etc US, 1976 mere gook rule noun a belief during the Vietnam war that a crime committed against a Vietnamese person was not a crime US, 1976 Merlin the magician; merlin noun a pigeon. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 merry noun marijuana. A play on the name Mary, featured in many slang terms for ‘marijuana’ US, 1938 merry and bright noun light, a light. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 merry dancers noun the northern lights CANADA, 1946 merry-go-round noun 1 the visits to many different prison offices the day before a prisoner is released US, 1996. 2 a railway turntable US, 1946. 3 a pound (£1). Rhyming slang; often reduced to ‘merry’ UK, 1961 merry hell noun < play merry hell; raise merry hell to make a disturbance, to complain or quarrel noisily and angrily, to make a din US, 1911 merry laird noun a beard. Glasgow rhyming slang (a good rhyme in the local accent) UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 merry old soul noun 1 a hole. Rhyming slang UK, 1992. 2 the anus. Rhyming slang for ARSEHOLE; a specialism of the previous sense. Logically, this will be applied with irony to any ARSEHOLE (a contemptible person) UK, 2003 merry syphilis and a happy gonorrhoea used as a humorous replacement for ’Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’ AUSTRALIA, 1985 merry widow noun 1 a bust-emphasising corset US, 1957. 2 in pool, a cue stick with a butt made with a single, unspliced piece of wood US, 1983 mersh noun marijuana that is commercially produced for a mass- market US, 2004 Meryl Str eep; meryl noun sleep. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the US film actress (b.1949) UK, 1998 mesc; mezc noun mescaline US, 1970 meself pronoun myself. Representing a common Australian pronunciation AUSTRALIA, 1898 mesh noun on a computer keyboard, the # character US, 1983 meshugge; meshuga; meshuggener; meshigener adjective crazy. Yiddish US, 1888 mesmeric adjective used for expressing approval UK, 2003 mess noun 1 a person who is dirty or untidy; a person who is disorganised or incapable of being organised UK, 1891. 2 excrement UK, 1903. 3 a large amount US, 1826. 4 drugs US, 1978. 5 in poker, a draw of replacement cards that fails to improve the hand US, 1979 mess; mess with verb to confront; to mess with; to interfere; to bother; to fight US, 1935 messages noun shopping; hence, message bag, shopping bag. Dialect UK: SCOTLAND, 1911. < d o the messages to go on a small local shopping trip AUSTRALIA, 1902 mess around verb to engage in sexual foreplay; to have sex UK, 1896 messed up adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated US, 1963 messenger noun a bullet US, 1962 messer noun ajokerIRELAND, 1998 mess up verb to beat someone up US, 1914 messy adjective good. Another example of BAD meaning ‘good’ UK, 2002 met noun methamphetamine US, 1993 Met noun < the Met London’s Metropolitan Police, established in 1829 UK, 1962 meta- prefix used for indicating a higher level than super- or hyper- UK, 2003 metabolic clinic noun a hospital tea-room. Medical humour UK, 2002 metalhead noun a lover of heavy metal music and the attendant lifestyle US, 1982 metal jacket noun acondomUS, 1993 metal mouth noun any person with orthodontia US, 1978 meter noun twenty-five cents US, 1945 -meter; -ometer suff ix the conventional suffix that creates a means of measuring, when used to make a flippant or nonce-word, especially as a measurer of sexual arousal. In 2003 a brief search of the Internet revealed ‘shagometer’, from SHAG (to have sex), ‘hornometer’, from HORN (an erection) and ‘pain-in-the-assometer’ UK, 1837 meter maid noun a policewoman who checks cars on city streets for parking infractions CANADA, 1965 meter reader noun in the US Air Force, a co-pilot US, 1946 meth noun 1 methamphetamine hydrochloride, a powerful central nervous system stimulant, brand name Methedrine™ US, 1966. 2 methadone (a drug prescribed as a substitute for heroin) US, 1980. 3 marijuana. An abbreviation of METHOD (marijuana) US, 1994 mether noun a methylated spirits addict UK, 1995 meth head noun a habitual user of methamphetamine US, 1966 methical noun marijuana. A combination of METHOD and TICAL, slang terms for ‘marijuana’ adopted as aliases by rap artist Methical/Method Man US, 1994 meth monster noun 1 an amphetamine addict US, 1967. 2 any paranoid delusion suffered after sustained methamphetamine use US, 1989 metho noun 1 methylated spirits AUSTRALIA, 1933. 2 a habitual drinker of methylated spirits AUSTRALIA, 1933 Metho noun a Methodist AUSTRALIA, 1940 method; method murder noun marijuana US, 1995 Methodist hell noun the epitome of heat US, 1975 meths noun methylated spirits AUSTRALIA, 1981 meth speedball noun methamphetamine mixed with heroin. A combination of METH (methamphetamine) and SPEEDBALL (cocaine and heroin mixed, or an UPPER and DOWNER mixed), 2002 metric miles noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang for ‘piles’ UK, 2003 metrosexual noun an urban, heterosexual male who, in matters of style or recreation, has similar tastes to those stereotypically associ- ated with women or homosexual men UK, 1994 Metro Tux noun in Los Angeles, the police officer’s uniform except for his shirt, which is replaced by a white t-shirt. With this slight modification, policemen may drink at a bar without violating the department rule against drinking in uniform US, 1994 Mex noun 1 a Mexican or Mexican-American. Offensive US, 1847. 2 the Spanish language US, 1858 Mex adjective Mexican. Offensive US, 1854 Mexi noun low quality marijuana, claimed to be from Mexico US, 2001 427 merch | Mexi Mexican noun in eastern Australia, a person from a state south of one’s own. In Queensland it refers to either New South Welshmen or Victorians, whereas in New South Wales it refers to Victorians AUSTRALIA, 1991 Mexican breakfast noun any combination of a glass of water, a cigarette and the chance to urinate US, 1960 Mexican brown noun inferior heroin that originates in Mexico. The adjective ‘Mexican’ has a negative value US, 1975 Mexican Buick noun a Chevrolet US, 1979 Mexican Cadillac noun a Chevrolet US, 1962 Mexican carwash noun a rainstorm US, 1950 Mexican cashmer e noun acottonsweatshirtUS, 1957 Mexican chrome noun aluminium paint US, 1955 Mexican cigarette noun a poorly made marijuana cigarette US, 1987 Mexican compromise noun a decision in which you lose property but save your life US, 1954 Mexican credit card; Mexican filling station noun a siphon used for stealing petrol from a parked car US, 1979 Mexican diamond noun a stone cut and polished to look like a dia- mond US, 1950 Mexican fox-trot noun diarrhoea US, 1979 Mexican green noun an inferior marijuana cultivated in Mexico US, 1961 Mexican hayride noun a car overloaded with passengers US, 1962 Mexican horse noun brown heroin originating in Mexico. The source plus HORSE (heroin) US, 1979 Mexican jumping bean; Mexican red noun a capsule of barbitu- rate, especially Seconal™, manufactured in Mexico. Named for the capsule’s appearance, not its effect, which is sedative US, 1971 Mexican locoweed; Mexican tumbleweed noun marijuana US, 1969 Mexican mud noun brown heroin that originates in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico; heroin US, 1977 Mexican muffler noun a tin can stuffed with steel wool functioning as a car silencer US, 1953 Mexican mushroom noun psylocybin or psylocin, powerful psychedelic drugs extracted from Psilocybe mexicana and Stropharia cubensis mushrooms which are native to Mexico US, 1969 Mexican nose guard noun a jock strap (an athletic support). An unkind linkage of the penis and nose US, 1979 Mexican overdrive noun while driving, coasting down a hill in neutral gear US, 1955 Mexican paint noun silver paint US, 1954 Mexican red noun 1 a potent variety of marijuana with a red-brown colour cultivated in Mexico US, 1971. 2 a capsule of secobarbitral sodium (trade name Seconal™), a central nervous system depress- ant US, 1977 Mexican retread noun a tyre that has been hastily and superficially repaired US, 1962 Mexican shower noun a hurried washing of the face and armpits US, 2004 Mexican sidewalls noun blackwall tyres that have been painted white US, 1979 Mexican standoff noun 1 a situation in which nobody clearly has the advantage or emerges a clear winner US, 1891. 2 the quitting of a poker game when a player is slightly ahead, slightly behind, or even US, 1958 Mexican straight noun in poker, any hand, a knife and a threat to use the knife. Reminiscent of the simple announcement, ‘My Smith and Wesson beats your full house’ US, 1979 Mexican strawberries noun dried beans CANADA, 2002 Mexican time noun used for denoting a lack of punctuality US, 1967 Mexican toothache noun dysentery US, 1960 Mexican traffic light noun a speed bump US, 1992 Mexican Valium noun Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’ US, 1995 Mextown noun a neighbourhood with a large population of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans US, 1957 mezz noun marijuana, a marijuana cigarette. An eponym honouring Milton ‘Mezz’ Mezzrow, a jazz musician who was better known for his missionary work on behalf of marijuana than his jazz, and who is better remembered for his writing than his jazz US, 1937 mezzony; mizzony noun the money required for a purchase of marijuana. A combination of MEZZ (marijuana) and ‘money’ US, 1936s mezzroll; mezz roll; Mezz’s roll; meserole; messorole; mezzrow noun an extra-large marijuana cigarette US, 1944 MF; em ef noun a motherfucker US, 1959 MFI noun 1 MI5, the UK’s security intelligence agency. From the name of the retail chain that pioneered self-assembly furniture in the UK, and became the butt of many jokes UK, 2002. 2 a very large myocardial infarction; a major heart attack. Medical slang, elaborating the conventional abbreviation for the condition, MI, with F for, presumably, -FUCKING MFI is also a well-known flat-pack furniture retailer UK, 2002 MFIC; MFWIC noun the person in charge of a situation. An abbrevi- ation of motherfucker (who’s) in charge US, 1968 mf-word noun the word motherfuck, motherfucker or motherfucking US, 1992 MIA adjective difficult to locate. From the military label for ‘missing in action’ US, 2002 miaow!; mee-ow! used of a malicious gossiper, or as a commentary on the gossip itself. Intended as an impression of a cat’s mew, from CATTY (spiteful) UK, 1984 mic noun a microphone. Pronounced ‘mike’ US, 1927 8see: MICRODOT michael noun the vagina NEW ZEALAND, 1998 Michael noun an alcoholic beverage that has been adulterated with a strong tranquilliser; the narcotic that is so used. An abbreviation of MICKEY FINN US, 1942 Michael Caine; michael noun a pain. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the London-born film actor (b.1933) UK, 1992 Michael Miles; michaels noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang, ‘piles’, formed from the name of a popular television ‘quiz inquisitor’, host of Take Your Pick, 1955–68; or, less likely, from a US banjo player UK, 2003 michael-muncher noun a person who enjoys performing oral sex on a woman NEW ZEALAND, 1998 Michael Schumacher noun tobacco. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the German-born world champion Formula 1 racing driver (b.1969); the rhyme, while not perfect, is informed with irony – Michael Schumacher has long been associated with Marlboro cigarettes UK, 1998 Michael Winner noun dinner. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the British film director (b.1935) perhaps better known, in this context, as The Sunday Times restaurant critic (with his column: ‘Winner’s Dinners’) UK, 1998 Michelle noun in cricket, a score of five wickets taken in an innings. Rhyming slang, on the imperfect rhyme of the name of film actress Michelle Pfeiffer (b.1958), with ‘five for ’ UK, 2001 Michigan bankroll noun a single large-denomination note wrapped around small-denomination notes, giving the impression of a great deal of money US, 1914 Michigan handshake noun a firm handshake that imparts a farewell. Newspaper advice columnist Ann Landers used the term in a column on 27th June 1996, in which she urged ‘Embarrassed in Pittsburgh’ to give her friend Fred ‘a Michigan handshake’ ‘and tell him to hit the bricks’ because he had taken a picture of her sleeping in the nude. Landers’ use of the term generated a number of inquiries as to its meaning, and placed the term into the public lexicon. Landers herself pointed to Traverse City, Michigan, in the 1960s as the source of the term US, 1996 Mexican | Michigan handshake 428 Michoacan; Michoacan green noun a powerful grade of marijuana, claimed to have been grown in the Mexican state of Michoacan US, 1973 mick noun 1 an Irish person or Irish-American US, 1850. 2 a car that is used in Ireland before being imported into, and reregistered in, England – the documentation on such a vehicle gives the impression of a much newer car. Car dealers’ term UK, 1968. 3 a prisoner US, 1950. 4 the vagina NEW ZEALAND, 1998. 5 a young bull, especially if unbranded. A shortening of MICKEY AUSTRALIA, 1894 Mick noun a Catholic. From Mick, hypocoristic form of Michael, a common name amongst Catholics in Australia AUSTRALIA, 1902 mick adjective (used of a school or college course) easy UK, 1972 Mick adjective 1 Irish US, 1849. 2 Catholic AUSTRALIA, 1985 mickey noun 1 the vagina. Earlier also ‘michael’ (1950) and ‘mick’ (1930s) AUSTRALIA, 1969. 2 the penis IRELAND, 1909. 3 a young bull, especially if unbranded AUSTRALIA, 1876. 4 an ordinary fellow US, 1949. 5 a potato US, 1936. 6 an alcoholic drink adulterated with knock-out drops. A shortened form of MICKEY FINN US, 1936. < throw a mickey to throw a tantrum. Perhaps related to MICKEY (a young bull) AUSTRALIA, 1952 mickey; mickey out verb to drug someone’s drink US, 1946 mickey-dick verb to cheat, to engage in petty thievery UK, 2005 Mickey D’s noun a McDonald’s™ fast-food restaurant US, 1977 Mickey-Finn verb to incapacitate someone with a drink that has been adulterated with a tranquillizer. From the noun US, 2002 Mickey Finn; Mickey Flynn; Mickey’s noun an alcoholic beverage that has been adulterated with a strong tranquillizer; the narcotic that is so used US, 1928 Mickey House noun in poker, an unplayable hand US, 1988 mickey juice noun sexual vaginal secretions AUSTRALIA, 1996 Mickey man noun a radar operator US, 1946 Mickey Mouse noun 1 a house. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 . 2 a Liverpudlian. Rhyming slang for SCOUSE, no doubt informed by the use of ‘Mickey Mouse’ to mean ‘inferior’. Noted in mocking use among London football supporters UK, 1992. 3 Famous Grouse™ whisky. Glasgow rhyming slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1988. 4 a wrist watch. From the watches with the face of Mickey Mouse first popular in the 1930s US, 1959. 5 a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy, identified by the embossed motif UK, 2002. 6 in American casinos, a $2.50 chip US, 1985. 7 an ultra-shortwave radar used for aircraft spotting. From a distance, the apparatus may be said to resemble a mouse US, 1947 Mickey Mouse adjective 1 inferior, trivial, cheap. Originally coined to describe inferior dance music, then given a broader sense US, 1947. 2 outmoded, old-fashioned or unnecessarily conventional US, 1971. 3 excellent. Rhyming slang for GROUSE AUSTRALIA, 1973 Mickey Mouse around verb to fool around. School usage US, 1961 Mickey Mouse boots noun heavy rubber boots issued to soldiers during the Korean war US, 1952 Mickey Mouse mission noun a simple, undemanding, relatively safe military task US, 1990 Mickey Mouse money noun 1 any unfamiliar or foreign currency; an unfeasible amount of any money. Originally used by the US military for Japanese currency; contemporary usage may be applied to, for instance, the Euro or Scottish banknotes US, 1945. 2 military scrip issued to soldiers in the Korean war US, 1957 Mickey Mouse movie noun a pornographic film that shows little or no detailed activity UK, 1976 Mickey Mouser; mickey noun a person from Liverpool, a Liverpudlian. Rhyming slang for SCOUSER UK, 2000 Mickey Rooney noun a madman, a crazy person. Rhyming slang for LOONY formed from the name of US film actor and entertainer (b.1920) UK, 1988 mickey’s noun LSD UK, 2003 mickey-take; micky-take verb to make fun of someone; to pull someone’s leg; to jeer at, to deride. From TAKE THE MICKY (to mock). Also used as a noun UK, 1959 mickey-taking; micky-taking noun an act of derisive taunting UK, 1959 mickie noun a bottled alcoholic drink US, 1914 Mick Jagger noun lager. Glasgow rhyming slang (a good rhyme in the local accent), formed from the singer with The Rolling Stones (b.1943) UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 micks noun Michelin™ tyres US, 1971 Mick’s blood noun Guinness™ stout. The quintessential Irish beer UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 Mick-takers nickname Scotland Yard’s anti-IRA Intelligence Unit. A play on MICKEY-TAKE (to make fun) UK, 1974 Micky Duff; Mickey Duff noun unwell, rough. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a boxing manager and matchmaker (b.1929) UK, 1998 micky muncher noun a cunnilinguist AUSTRALIA, 1988 microbod noun in caving and pot-holing, a small adult or child with the ability to fit into narrow passages and around difficult corners UK, 2004 microchip noun a Japanese person. Rhyming slang for NIP UK, 1992 microdot; mic; micro; mike noun a small tablet of LSD UK, 1996 Microsloth Windows nickname Microsoft Windows™ US, 1991 mid-air noun in the language of hang gliding, a collision involving two fliers US, 1992 middle noun 1 in sports betting, a combination of bets that produce a win no matter what the outcome of the game US, 1975. 2 the waist. From Old English middel and middil UK, 2002 middle comb noun hair parted in the centre. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 middle leg noun the penis. Still in popular use UK, 1896 middle name noun anything which is your passion or speciality or outstanding characteristic may be claimed as your middle name US, 1905 Middlesex adjective homosexual. A pun on the place US, 1948 middle-sexed adj ective homosexual US, 1950 middle stump noun the penis. From cricket UK, 1937 middlings noun in the illegal production of alcohol, livestock feed used instead of grain US, 1974 middy; middie noun a ten ounce glass of beer; a serving of beer in such a glass AUSTRALIA, 1945 midget noun 1 a very young member of a youth gang US, 1981. 2 in motor racing, a small, single-seat, open race car US, 1980 midgy adjective small. Probably derived from ‘midget’ UK, 1999 Midland Bank noun an act of masturbation. Rhyming slang for WANK, formed from the name of a high street bank UK, 1998 midnight noun in dice games, a roll of 12 US, 1919 midnight auto parts; midnight auto service; midnight auto supply noun stolen car parts; their notional source US, 1966 midnight cowboy noun a homosexual prostitute, originally one who wears cowboy clothes; hence a homosexual man. Brought from gay subculture into wider use by the flim Midnight Cowboy, 1969. The less subtle, general sense resulted from the film’s success US, 1972 midnight lab noun a laboratory where illegal drugs are manufactured US, 1970 midnight mass noun an informer. Rhyming slang (probably from the north of England by the accent required for the rhyme) for GRASS (an informer) UK, 1996 midnight oil noun opium US, 1949 midnight overdrive noun coasting down a hill with the car or truck in neutral gear US, 1971 midnight revue noun serial consecutive sex between one person and multiple partners, usually consensual US, 1949 midnights noun the midnight shift, a work schedule beginning at midnight and ending at 8am US, 1994 429 Michoacan; Michoacan green | midnights . players but two have withdrawn from a hand US, 1951 me and you noun 1 a menu. Rhyming slang, or merely a play on words UK, 1932. 2 in Bingo, the number two. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 meanest adjective. pigeon. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 merry noun marijuana. A play on the name Mary, featured in many slang terms for ‘marijuana’ US, 1938 merry and bright noun light, a light. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 merry. noun a beard. Glasgow rhyming slang (a good rhyme in the local accent) UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 merry old soul noun 1 a hole. Rhyming slang UK, 1992. 2 the anus. Rhyming slang for ARSEHOLE; a specialism