Slang and uncoventional english part 76 potx

rhyming pronunciation. Although this word carries a definite nega- tive connotation, it also can be used as a term of affectionate abuse (see POMMY BASTARD and WHINGEING POM). The suggestion that Pommy is actually a respelling of P. O.M.E., standing for the reputed term Prisoner Of Mother England, or P. O.H.M.I.E, standing for Prisoner Of Her Majesty In Exile, and other variations on this theme, are implausible on phonetic grounds and are in themselves anachronistic as acronyms were not a common feature of English in the early part of C20 AUSTRALIA, 1912 Pommy; Pommie adjective English, or more loosely, British AUSTRALIA, 1915 Pommy bastard noun an English person (stereotypically viewed as noisome to the Australian) AUSTRALIA, 1951 pommy cock noun an uncircumcised penis AUSTRALIA, 1985 Pommyland nickname England or the British Isles AUSTRALIA, 1915 po-mo; postie noun a postmodernist philosopher UK, 2003 pomosexual noun a person who will not be defined by his or her sexuality. A contrived play on ‘post-modern’ and ‘homosexual’. ‘Pomosexuality’ is first recorded in 1995 US, 1997 pom-pom noun sex. Used by US soldiers in Japan and the Phillipines US, 1947 ponce noun 1 a pimp UK, 1872. 2 a despised or unpleasant person UK, 1953. 3 an effeminate male AUSTRALIA, 1971 ponce verb 1 to obtain something by poncing, usually money UK, 1938. 2 to live on the earnings of another’s prostitution; to act as a pimp (a prostitute’s manager) UK, 1932. 3 to scrounge; to sponge. A general sense of acquiring something for nothing extended from the previous sense UK, 1915. < go out poncing (of the police) to search for pimps UK, 1996. < ponce off; ponce on to live on the earnings of another’s prostitution, but not taking any active part in the trade UK, 1936 ponce about; ponce ar ound verb 1 to behave in an exaggeratedly camp manner AUSTRALIA, 1978 . 2 to act the fool; to show off UK, 1996 ponce up verb to dress up smartly; to decorate something. Originally military UK, 1965 poncey adjective 1 affectedly stylish UK, 1964. 2 blatantly, affectedly homosexual NEW ZEALAND, 1984 Poncho nickname aPontiaccarUS, 1965 poncified adjective affectedly stylish; effeminate. From PONCE UK, 2001 pond noun < the pond a sea, especially the Atlantic Ocean. An ironic understatement of the distance between the UK and the US, shortened from earlier ‘great pond’ which it replaces UK, 1780 pond life noun an unintelligent person or people UK, 1998 pond scum noun a person with no redeeming features US, 1997 pone noun in a card game, the player immediately to the right of the dealer UK, 1901 pong noun an unpleasant smell AUSTRALIA, 1919 pong verb 1 to stink UK, 1927. 2 in the theatre, to substitute lines when the correct lines are forgotten UK, 1952 ponga noun the vagina BAHAMAS, 1982 Pongo; P ercy Pongo; Perce noun a member of the British Army. The Royal Navy perpetuate the wicked myth that this derives from PONG (a smell) suggesting that soldiers smell and sailors don’t. ‘Percy’ appears to be merely alliterative UK, 1987 Pongo Pete nickname General Sir Peter de la Billiere (b.1934), commander of British armoured forces during the Gulf war UK, 1991 pongy adjective smelly UK, 1936 ponies noun 1 horse races held for ponies AUSTRALIA, 1950. 2 horsepower US, 1993. < push ponies to work as a pimp US, 1987. < the ponies horse racing UK, 1961 Ponsford odds noun in horse racing, odds of 100–1 or greater. An allusion to Bill Ponsford, a high scoring cricket legend AUSTRALIA, 1989 pont verb in the harsh climate of Antarctica, to pose for a photo- graph, especially in an uncomfortable position. Eponym from Herbert George Ponting, photographer on Scott’s 1910–13 expedition ANTARCTICA, 1911 PONTI; ponti noun in military terms, a person of no tactical import- ance. An acronym UK, 2002 pontoon noun a period of twenty-one months’ imprisonment; also twenty-one years in prison or in military service. From the card game ‘pontoon’ in which the winning hand scores twenty-one UK, 1950 Ponty nickname Pontypridd, Pontypool, Pontefract in West Yorkshire, or any town so constructed. From Welsh pont y (bridge of) UK: WALES , 1937 pony noun 1 twenty-five pounds UK, 1797. 2 in betting, odds of 25–1. Adapted from the previous sense UK, 1991. 3 a racehorse. Used especially in the phrase ‘play the ponies’ US, 1907. 4 achorusgirlor dancer, especially a small one UK, 1908. 5 a female who moves quickly from sexual relationship to sexual relationship, manipulating and using her partners US, 1999. 6 crack cocaine US, 1994. 7 a Pontiac car US, 1967. 8 in Western Australia, a small glass of beer. Now generally 5 fluid ounces, though formerly 4 , or even 2 fluid ounces. Obsolescent AUSTRALIA, 1895. 9 dried nose mucus BAHAMAS, 1982. 10 a literal, line-by-line translation of a work in a foreign (usually classical) language US, 1827 pony verb in horse racing, to send a stable pony out with a racehorse to limber up US, 1947 pony and trap; pony noun an act of defecation; hence excreta; rubbish, nonsense. Rhyming slang for CRAP (excrement); it can substitute for any sense of ‘crap’ UK, 1960 pony and trap; pony verb to defecate. Rhyming slang for CRAP; usually reduced to ‘pony’ UK, 1984 pony and trap; pony adjective rubbishy, trashy, valueless. Rhyming slang for CRAP UK, 1979 pony pecker noun sausage; unidentified pressed meat US, 1968 ponyplay noun an animal transformation sexual fetish, in which the dominants train, ride and groom people who dress and act like ponies US, 2000 pony up verb to contribute your share of a bet or collection US, 1979 poo noun 1 faeces, excrement; the act of defecation. Childish or jocular. Many variant forms, including ‘pooh’, ‘poo poo’ and ‘pooh pooh’ UK, 1960. 2 the buttocks; the anus BAHAMAS, 1982. < in the poo in trouble. Euphemistic for IN THE SHIT AUSTRALIA, 1961 poo; pooh verb to defecate UK, 1963 -poo; -poos suffix used for creating an informal elaboration of a person’s name UK, 2000 poo and spew syndrome noun amoebic dysentery or similar complaint AUSTRALIA, 1988 poo butt noun a coward. Black street gang terminology US, 1995 pooch noun 1 a dog. Also used as a term of address for an unknown dog US, 1924. 2 the buttocks BARBADOS, 1965 Pooch noun aPorschecarUS, 1965 poochi noun the vagina. Sounds more like a dog – (a POOCH) – than the traditional PUSSY (the vagina); probably a play on Poochi™, an electronic toy dog promoted with such phrases as: ‘The more you play with me the happier I will be!’ and ‘Feed me my special dog bone whenever I get hungry’ US, 1998 pooch out verb to purse your lips US, 1989 poodle; pootle verb to travel or move forward without urgency UK, 1999 poof adjective of a male homosexual AUSTRALIA, 1992 poof; pouf; pouff noun a male homosexual. In origin probably connected with French slang poufiasser, which Barrère (Argot and Slang ,1889) defines as a person ‘of either sex whose fondness for the opposite sex leads them into a life of questionable description’, that is, presumably, a life of prostitution including homosexual prostitution, and pouffiace or pouffiasse ‘a low prostitute’ AUSTRALIA, 1833 poof-juice noun after-shave lotion, eau-de-cologne for men UK, 1997 poofster noun a homosexual man; an effeminate man. Variation of POOFTER US, 1995 507 Pommy; Pommie | poofster poofteenth noun a very small amount; an umpteenth AUSTRALIA, 1996 poofter noun 1 a homosexual male. Variants include ‘pooftah’ and ‘poofdah’ AUSTRALIA, 1903. 2 an effeminate looking man, not necess- arily homosexual. Also variant ‘poofta’ AUSTRALIA, 1903. 3 a contemptible person. Used as a general term of abuse AUSTRALIA, 1986. 4 a braggart NEW ZEALAND, 1990 poofter adjective 1 (of a male) homosexual AUSTRALIA, 1964. 2 befitting or suitable for an effeminate homosexual man AUSTRALIA, 1984 poofter bash verb to beat up a male homosexual AUSTRALIA, 1983 poofter basher noun a man, usually as part of a group, who beats up homosexual men AUSTRALIA, 1974 poofter bashing; poofter-bashing noun the practice of physically assaulting male homosexuals AUSTRALIA, 1978 poofterism noun male homosexuality AUSTRALIA, 1971 poofter rorter noun 1 in a men’s prison, a prisoner who induces another inmate into homosexual relations AUSTRALIA, 1945. 2 a person who entices a male homosexual, especially a prostitute, to a secluded place and then robs them AUSTRALIA, 1938 poofy adjective overtly homosexual. Also variant ‘poufy’ AUSTRALIA, 1962 pooh noun an act of defecation. Children’s vocabulary NEW ZEALAND, 1984 pooh bah noun an important person. The name of a character in the Gilbert and Sullivan light opera The Mikado UK, 1888 pooh-bum noun a female fan of a rock band who is willing to have sex with band members UK, 1985 pooh-butt noun a despicable person US, 1994 pooh-pooh verb to belittle someone or something; to dismiss someone or something as inconsequential UK, 1827 poo-jabber noun 1 a male homosexual AUSTRALIA, 1994. 2 a contemptible person. Used as a mild insult, especially amongst children AUSTRALIA, 1996 pooker noun a signpost. English gypsy use from Romany pûkinger (to tell) UK, 2000 pookey; pookie noun used as a term of contempt IRELAND, 1989 pooki noun the vagina US, 1998 pooky noun marijuana US, 2001 pool noun in horse racing, the total amount bet in the win, place and show bets for a race US, 1947 Pool noun < the Pool Liverpool UK, 1962 pooley noun urine IRELAND, 1995 poolhall cowboy noun a pool player who has perfected a reckless manner US, 1976 pool harpy noun a pool player who plays for money, relying on a combination of skill and deceptive behaviour US, 1966 pool shark noun an expert pool player who makes a living by feigning a lack of expertise and convincing strangers to play against him US, 1908 poom verb to fart TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1992 pooma noun a delapidated car BARBADOS, 1965 poom bag noun large buttocks TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 poomp noun to fart BAHAMAS, 1982 poon noun 1 the vagina; a woman; a woman as a sex object; sex with a woman. A shortened form of POONTANG US, 1957. 2 afool;a contemptible person. Used as a mild insult AUSTRALIA, 1940 poonce noun an effeminate male AUSTRALIA, 1941 pooner a male with sexual experience and apparent expertise US, 1968 poon light noun in the pornography industry, a light used to illuminate the genitals of the performers US, 1995 poontang noun the vagina; sex; a woman regarded as a sexual object. Suggestions that the term comes from an American Indian language, Chinese, Bantu, Peruvian or a Filipinio dialect notwithstanding, it almost certainly comes from the French putain (prostitute) US, 1929 poon up verb to dress in a flashy manner in order to impress AUSTRALIA, 1972 poony noun the vagina; women as sexual objects. A variation of PUNANI UK, 1994 poop noun 1 information, news. Probably from the sense as ‘nonsense’ ( SHIT) US, 1942. 2 the buttocks BAHAMAS, 1982. 3 faeces; an act of defecation. Children’s toilet vocabulary US, 1948. 4 rubbish, nonsense UK, 2003. 5 a pledge to a college fraternity US, 1955. < in the poop in trouble AUSTRALIA, 1971 poop verb 1 to defecate UK, 1927. 2 in poker, to raise a bet US, 1951 poopadoop noun the rectum US, 1977 poop-butt noun a lazy person US, 1972 poop chute; poop shute; poop shooter noun the rectum and anus US, 1970 pooped adjective exhausted US, 1932 poopelu noun the vagina US, 1998 pooper noun the rectum and anus. From POOP (excrement) US, 1997 pooper-scooper noun an implement for gathering canine excrement, designed to meet the social responsibilities or legal requirements placed upon dog owners. Combines POOP (faeces) with a conventional tool. Also shortened forms ‘pooper-scoop’ and ‘poop-scoop’ US, 1972 poop file noun a collection of (school, college, university) examin- ations given in the past US, 1976 poophead noun a boring, conventional person US, 1955 poopi noun the vagina US, 1998 poo-poo head noun an objectionable person. A variation of SHITHEAD, perhaps more insulting by the use of childish, ‘poo-poo’, (excrement) US, 1995 poop-poop noun a slow motorboat BAHAMAS, 1982 poop pusher noun a male homosexual UK, 1983 poops verb to fart TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 poop sheet noun a bulletin or other document containing news and information US, 1964 poopy adjective 1 filthy with excrement. From POOP (faeces) US, 2003. 2 bad, awful; of poor quality. A euphemistic synonym for SHITTY US, 2002. 3 in a bad mood. A euphemistic form of SHITTY US, 1990. 4 afraid SOUTH AFRICA, 1963 poopy suit noun in the Canadian military, any bulky official garment CANADA, 1995 poor adjective cruel, heartless; lacking good taste US, 2003 poor-ass adjective wretched, unimportant US, 1998 poorboy noun a small bottle of alcohol US, 1952 poor-donkey noun a sandal of plaited rope or one cut from a piece of tyre or wood BARBADOS, 1996 poor-great adjective foolishly pompous GUYANA, 1996 poor-man blanket noun the sun BAHAMAS, 1982 poor man’s adjective describes the lesser status or inferior quality of someone by comparison and reference to the greater name with which it is combined. Only colloquial when applied to people UK, 1984 poor man’s roulette noun thegameofcrapsUS, 1953 poor man’s velvet noun a drink of mixed stout and cider. An econ- omic variation of BLACK VELVET (stout and champagne); remembered from the 1970s, notwithstanding the drink’s amnesiac effects UK, 2001 poor man’s weather glass noun seaweed, especially kelp CANADA, 1974 poor pearl noun an unpopular girl US, 1960 poor-rakey noun thin, gaunt BARBADOS, 1965 poot noun 1 faeces. Children’s vocabulary; a variation of poop US, 1981. 2 anything which is considered to be contemptible US, 1989. 3 a very small thing; anything at all. Usually heard in the negative, as ‘that ain’t poot’ US, 1978 poofteenth | poot 508 poot verb 1 to defecate US, 1945. 2 to fart US, 1972. 3 (used of a hospital patient) to become suddenly more ill, especially without hope of reversing the course US, 1989 poot-butt noun a lazy fool US, 1972 pootenanny; pooties noun the female buttocks. Probably derived from Jamaican PUNANI (the vagina) US, 1997 pootie noun the vagina US, 1999 pootle verb 8see: POODLE poov; poove noun food, especially grass for grazing. Circus and English gypsy use UK, 1933 poov; poove verb < poov the gry; poov the grey to graze a horse, especially without permission from the land’s owner. English gypsy use; a combination of POOV (grass) – thus ‘pooving’ (grazing) – and GRY (a horse) UK, 1968 poove; pouve noun a homosexual. Variations of POOF UK, 1967 pooze noun the vagina US, 1975 poozle noun a scavenged object NEW ZEALAND, 1971 poozle verb to strip fixtures from buildings scheduled for demolition NEW ZEALAND, 1984 pop noun 1 an instance or occurrence US, 1868. 2 an attempt, a try UK, 1929. 3 an arrest US, 1972. 4 an attack. Combination and variation of the senses ‘attempt’ and ‘go’ UK, 2001. 5 an ejaculation US, 1986. 6 one event of sexual intercourse US, 1982. 7 in prison, an escape attempt UK, 1996. 8 a father, especially as a term of address US, 1838. 9 the ‘masculine’ or ‘active’ member of a lesbian relationship US, 1957. 10 a musical genre, characterised as trivial and without serious artistic intent. Originally widely used to cover the opposite of ‘classical music’, now denotes just a particular type of popular music: carefully crafted, packaged or manufactured for mass- market appeal US, 1935. 11 any non-alcoholic sparkling drink. From the sound of a bottle being opened UK, 1812. 12 champagne UK, 2000. 13 a drink, usually at a bar US, 1977. 14 cough syrup containing codeine US, 1970. 15 an injection of a drug US, 1952. 16 a strong crowd reaction. Professional wrestling usage US, 2000 8see: POP GOES THE WEASEL . < go off pop to lose your temper NEW ZEALAND, 1946. < have a pop at to attack verbally UK, 1999. < on the pop drinking alcohol UK, 2000 pop nickname used as a nickname for any male stagedoor manager US, 1952 pop verb 1 to ejaculate; to experience orgasm US, 1961. 2 to have sex with someone US, 1965. 3 (used of a male) to have sex with a virgin BAHAMAS, 1982. 4 to give birth US, 1990. 5 to fart. Childish; used in the US, UK and Australia. Also phrased as ‘pop off’ and ‘pop a whiff’ UK, 1998. 6 to administer medication UK, 1991. 7 to inject a drug US, 1952. 8 to take a pill US, 1968. 9 when using amyl nitrate, to break the glass ampoules containing the gas US, 1995. 10 to inhale a powdered drug UK, 1998. 11 to steal something. Originally in black use US, 1994. 12 to obtain confidential or classified information about someone as part of an investigation US, 1997. 13 to arrest someone US, 1975. 14 to fire a gun UK, 1725. 15 to hit someone US, 1980. 16 to kill someone US, 1952. 17 to pay for something US, 1958. 18 to praise or promote someone or something US, 1984. 19 to applaud and cheer enthusiastically. Professional wrestling usage US, 2000. 20 to send an e-mail to someone UK, 2004. 21 to go to or from somewhere, especially swiftly or suddenly. Usually used with ‘up’, ‘down’, ‘in’, ‘out’, ‘over’, ‘about’, ‘off’, ‘between’, etc UK, 1530. 22 in pinball, to win a replay or additional ball, activating the sound effect known as a knocker US, 1977. 23 (of a car boot or bonnet) to open remotely US, 2000. < pop a cap to shoot a gun US, 1965. < pop a top to open a can of beer. An inevitable reduplication with the advent of aluminium cans with pull-tabs in the early 1970s US, 1967. < pop corn to engage in a swindle or dishonest scheme US, 1995 . < pop junk to gossip US, 1990. < pop smoke to detonate a smoke grenade US, 1982. < pop the chute in sailing, to release the spinnaker US, 1990. < pop ya collar to respect yourself UK, 2003. < pop your clogs to die. Literally, ‘to put your shoes in the pawnbroker’s’ (because you have no further use for them) UK, 2000. < pop your nuts to ejaculate US, 1970. < pop your pumpkin to lose your temper US, 1954. < pop your r ocks to ejaculate US, 1977. < pop your water to ejaculate BAHAMAS, 1971 pop bumper noun in pinball, a bumper that scores and kicks the ball on contact US, 1977 popcorn; poppy noun an erect penis. Rhyming slang for HORN UK, 1992 popcorn pimp noun a small-time pimp; a pimp who fails to live up to pimp standards US, 1972 pope noun < for the pope used of work without pay US, 1963 Pope noun < The Pope Frank Sinatra, US singer (1915–98) US, 1963 Pope’s phone number noun VAT 69™ Scotch whisky. Dating from a time when telephone exchanges were given as the first three letters of the area name UK, 1961 popeye noun a car or truck with only one headlight working US, 1977 Popeye the sailor noun a tailor. Rhyming slang, formed on the cartoon character UK, 1992 pop goes the weasel; pop noun diesel. Rhyming slang, formed, possibly with an ironic regard to the high costs of motoring, on the traditional rhyme: ‘That’s the way the money goes, / Pop goes the weasel’ UK, 1992 popla noun beer SOUTH AFRICA, 1977 po-po noun the police; a police officer US, 1995 pop-off noun someone who talks too much US, 1951 pop off verb 1 to die UK, 1764. 2 to brag, to boast; to speak out when discretion would suggest silence US, 1940. 3 to kill someone UK, 1824. 4 to ejaculate US, 1969 pop-out noun a mass-produced surfboard with little or no handwork involved in the making US, 1964 poppa noun in prison, a lesbian US, 1953 poppa-lopper noun used as a euphemism for ’motherfucker’ US, 1977 pop party noun a party where drug users inject drugs US, 1971 popped out adjective drug-intoxicated US, 1954 popper noun 1 afingerUS, 1947. 2 a pistol US, 1976. 3 a popcorn wagon US, 1985. 4 a pneumatic drill. Mining slang NEW ZEALAND, 1986. 5 afart UK. Childish, descriptive. Also called ‘multipopper’, 1998. 6 acapsule containing vapours of amyl nitrate or (iso)butyl nitrate inhaled as a stimulant. Often used in the plural form US, 1967. 7 any drug addict. A very loosely defined, or understood, usage UK, 1967 poppet noun 1 used as an endearment. A ‘puppet’, hence a ‘doll’ UK, 1729. 2 the object of ridicule BARBADOS, 1965 popplin noun kindling wood, used to start a fire CANADA, 1984 poppy noun 1 opium. Earlier pharmaceutical usage into slang UK, 1935. 2 heroin UK, 1998. 3 money UK, 1977 8see: POPCORN poppy verb to pay UK, 1979 poppycock noun nonsense US, 1857 poppy love noun an older Jewish man US, 1987 poppy pad noun a room or apartment where heroin users congregate US, 1959 pops noun 1 used as a term of address for a man, especially an older man US, 1844. 2 father US, 1989 pop shop noun a place where criminals sell stolen goods US, 1949 pop shot noun a scene in a pornographic film or photograph depicting a man ejaculating US, 1991 popsicle noun used as a term of abuse US, 1984 popsie noun an ampoule of amyl nitrite US, 1971 popskull noun strong, homemade whisky US, 1999 popsy; popsie noun a young woman who is the object of a romantic or sexual attraction UK, 1862 poptastic adjective fantastic. Created for the BBC television programme Harry Enfield’s Television Programme, 1990, written by Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse for the comedy characters Smashie and Nicey UK, 2003 pop top noun a truck carrying bottled soft drinks. Citizens’ band radio slang, elaborated on POP (a carbonated drink) UK, 1981 population noun the general population in a prison US, 1975 509 poot | population pop-up noun 1 an electronic advertisement delivered to a computer via the Internet that is superimposed over the original browser window US, 1996. 2 any mushroom with an hallucinogenic effect UK, 2000 pop-up hell noun an unfriendly web-surfing environment character- ised by multiple console advertisements in pop-up windows. A term used frequently on the web but not in conventional print sources US, 2004 porcelain god noun a toilet US, 1986 porcelain king; porcelain queen noun someone who habitually drinks alcohol to the point of vomiting US, 1993 porch climber noun homemade alcohol or cheap British Columbia wines CANADA, 1989 porch monkey noun a black person. Offensive, slurring the stereotype of laziness (porch) and the African jungle (monkey) US, 1981 porcupine head noun in hot rodding and motor racing, the cylinder head on the big-block engines manufactured by Chevrolet. John Edwards, Auto Dictionary, 1993, gives a neat etymology: ‘When the valve covers are removed, the valve stems appear to stick out at odd angles, like the needles on a porcupine’ US, 1993 Po’ Rican noun Puerto Rican US, 1975 pork noun 1 flesh, especially in a sexual context UK, 1996. 2 the genitals, male or female BAHAMAS, 1982 pork verb to have sex with someone US, 1968 pork and bean noun a male homosexual. Rhyming slang for QUEEN AUSTRALIA , 1944 pork chop noun in electric line work, a wire grip used for holding a conductor under tension US, 1980 Pork Chop Hill noun a hill which was the site of extensive fighting in the final months of the Korean war, from 16th April to 18th April and again from 6th July to 10th July, 1953 US, 1964 pork chop in a synagogue used as a simile for anything that is badly, especially embarrassingly, out of place or unwelcome UK, 1984 pork-dodger noun a Jewish person. From the dietary restrictions of observant Jews US, 1997 porker noun 1 afatpersonUS, 1959. 2 a police officer. An extension of PIG US, 1998 pork-man noun a white man UK, 2000 pork patrol noun a police car US, 1993 pork pie noun 1 a lie. Rhyming slang. Now stands alone in the reduced form PORKY UK, 1984. 2 a serious bruise NEW ZEALAND, 1998 pork pies; porkie pies; porkies noun the eyes. Rhyming slang UK, 1999 pork scratch noun a match. Rhyming slang, contrived from the savoury snack pork scratchings UK, 1996 pork sword noun the penis US, 1966 porky noun 1 a lie. Abbreviated from rhyming slang PORK PIE UK, 1992. 2 the vagina BAHAMAS, 1982. 3 a police officer US, 1973 porky adjective obese UK, 1852 Porky Pig adjective big; generous. Rhyming slang, from the name of a Warner Bros’ cartoon character. The sense of ‘big’ is often heavily ironic UK, 1992 porn; porno noun pornography UK, 1962 porn and prawn adjective of a party, arranged for the purpose of showing pornographic films and catered for with epicurean food including prawns AUSTRALIA, 1996 pornbroker noun a seller of pornographic literature. A pun on ‘pawnbroker’ UK, 1967 pornflakes noun crusty, dried semen. A pun on the branded name of a popular breakfast cereal, Corn Flakes™ AUSTRALIA, 2003 porn flick noun a pornographic film UK, 1970 porn mag; porno mag noun a pornographic magazine UK, 1972 porno noun a pornographic film or video UK, 1997 porno adjective pornographic US, 1952 pornographically adverb used in a sexual context for more than averagely UK, 2002 pornshop noun a shop where pornography is sold. A pun on ‘pawnshop’ UK, 1984 porn weed; horny weed noun marijuana with, allegedly, aphrodisiac properties. Combines WEED (marijuana) with sexual possibilities, HORNY (sexually stimulating), PORN (pornography) and ‘love’ UK, 1999 porny adjective pornographic US, 1969 porpoise noun a landing by an aeroplane in which the plane bounces from the main gear to the nose gear US, 1963 porpoise verb in mountain biking, to ride responding to, instead of controlling, the bike US, 1992 Porra; porra noun a person of Portuguese descent SOUTH AFRICA, 1975 porridge noun 1 a sentence of imprisonment; the time served in prison. Possibly puns on STIR (prison) and the staple prison diet of porridge. The term settled in the wider public conciousness during the 1970s with BBC television prison situation comedy Porridge UK, 1955. 2 the brain. A visual link between varying consistencies of grey matter UK, 1997. 3 sludge removed from drains UK, 1970 porridge gun noun the penis UK, 2003 porridge pot noun in motor racing, a crash helmet that covers only thetopofthehead US, 1965 porridge wog noun aScot.CombinesWOG (a foreigner) with a stereotypical Scottish dish UK, 2002 port noun 1 in New South Wales and Queensland, a suitcase or schoolbag. From ‘portmanteau’ AUSTRALIA, 1898. 2 a railway porter US, 1977 portable noun a foot-patrol police officer US, 1987 Portagee noun a person from Portugal, or of Portuguese heritage US, 1978. < go P ortagee on me to back out of an agreement. Portuguese immigrants, mostly fishermen, fishbuyers and sailors, settled near where this phrase is current CANADA, 1999 Portagee beer noun any beer in a quart bottle BERMUDA, 1985 Portagee chrome noun aluminium paint US, 1961 Portagee lawnmower noun agoatUS, 1989 Portagee lift noun in manual labour, said when one worker does not carry his fair share US, 1960 Portagee overdrive noun to coast down a hill while driving US, 1961 port and brandy adjective sexually aroused; feeling lecherous. Rhyming slang for RANDY UK, 1992 portapotty noun a portable toilet, transported to construction sites, campgrounds, outdoor concerts, etc. US, 1993 porthole duff noun homosexual anal sex. A naval use – another dish on the NAVY CAKE menu; the ‘porthole’ may refer to the anus or, in specialised use, mean that the passive partner has his ‘head out of a porthole’ UK, 1961 portion noun an act of sexual intercourse as something given to a woman UK, 2000 portnoy noun a male masturbator. A reference to Portnoy’s Complaint, a novel by Philip Roth, 1969 UK, 1970 Port of Spaniard noun a resident of Port of Spain, Trinidad TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1990 portrait painter noun speed radar; a police officer operating a speed camera US, 1976 port-sider noun a left-handed person US, 1971 Portuguese parliament noun a meeting where everybody talks and nobody listens US, 1951 Portuguese shop noun a small grocery shop attached to a rum shop, whether or not it is owned by Portuguese people TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1989 Portuguese straight noun in poker, a straight formed with different suits, thus without value. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 pop-up | Portuguese straight 510 porty noun a portable telephone US, 1996 pos noun position US, 1986 8see: POSS POS noun a patient regarded by hospital personnel as a piece of shit US, 1978 pose verb to pretend a station in life that has yet to be achieved US, 1946 poser noun a person who imitates that which he is not US, 1990 posh adjective 1 being stylish, smart; of the best class; elegant and sophisticated. In popular folk etymology, reinforced by the song ‘Posh’ in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,‘posh’isan acronym of port out starboard home, supposedly the location of the ‘best’ cabins on an England to India P&O line cruise; unfortunately P&O has no record of such a phrase ever being used. Other suggested derivations: a contraction of ‘polished’, an earlier sense as ‘money’, and a corruption of Scottish tosh (smart). However, this is slang and ‘port out starboard home’ is the more entertaining etymolology and therefore likely to continue as the popular favourite UK, 1918. 2 being in possession of drugs UK, 2002 Posh and Becks; Posh ’n’ Becks noun sex UK, 2003 Posh and Becks; Posh ’n’ Becks nickname singer Victoria Beckham and her husband, footballer David Beckham, considered as a single celebrity icon UK, 2000 poshie noun aposhpersonIRELAND, 1997 posho noun a member of the middle- or upper-classes UK, 2001 posh totty noun a sexually attractive upper-class woman UK, 2001 posh wank noun 1 an act of male masturbation while the penis is sheathed in a condom. Combines POSH (upper-class) with WANK (to masturbate) UK, 1999. 2 used as abuse of a contemptible person, especially one you consider to be of a superior status. A combi- nation of POSH (upper-class) with WANK (an act of masturbation); informed by contemporaneous ‘posh wank’ (the act of masturbation in a condom) UK, 1999 poshy adjective elegant and sophisticated. Later variation of POSH UK, 2000 poshy-poshy adjective extremely elegant and stylish. Reduplication of POSHY for emphasis UK, 2002 pository yes, affirmative. Citizens’ band radio slang US, 1976 poss; pos adjective possible UK, 1886 poss; pos noun a possibility UK, 1964 posse noun 1 a group of close friends US, 1985. 2 agangUS, 1994 possible noun 1 the vagina. A probably Freudian etymology US, 1998. 2 in target shooting, a perfect score US, 1957. 3 in poker, any hand that can be completed with the draw of one card. Variant ‘possibulletee’ US, 1951 possie; possy; pozzie; pozzy noun a position. Originally in World War 1 a soldier’s chosen position from which to snipe, observe, etc AUSTRALIA, 1915 possum noun darling. A term of affectionate address AUSTRALIA, 1894 Possum; Ole Possum nickname George Jones, a country singer and songwriter (b.1931) US, 1995 possum belly noun the tool box located on the underside of a brakevan (caboose). US, 1946 post noun an autopsy. From the more formal ‘post mortem’ US, 1942. < left at the post (of a horse in a race) to lose badly AUSTRALIA, 1895 post verb to leave someone in the lurch, especially during the commission of a crime AUSTRALIA, 1975. < post a flyer to use coded language in a conversation to advertise your homosexuality and sexual availability UK, 1987. < post a letter to go to the toilet TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 postage stamp noun 1 a woman. Citizens’ band radio slang, etymology unknown, although licking is almost certainly a com- ponent US, 1976. 2 a public house bar counter. Rhyming slang for RAMP. Shortened to ‘postage’ UK, 1992. 3 in horse racing, a very small weight allowance in a weight-handicapped event AUSTRALIA, 1989 postal adjective extremely angry; furious to the point of violence. From a series of highly publicised workplace shootings by frustrated and furious employees of the US Postal Service US, 1994 postcode adjective used for describing any matter in which dom- estic, economic or political status may be defined by geographic location; where your postal address affects the provision of medi- cal care, education and publicly funded services, or insurance, or credit rating; especially as ‘postcode lottery’, ‘postcode prescribing’ and ‘postcode discrimination’ UK, 1999 poster boy noun a very good example of an attitude or condition. Used facetiously US, 1993 posteriors noun the penis and testicles BAHAMAS, 1982 postie noun 1 a postman or postwoman UK, 1887. 2 The Royal Mail, the Post Office UK, 2001 8see: PO-MO postman noun in horse racing, someone who can be counted on for inside tips on horses and races. A term built on MAIL as ‘inside information’ AUSTRALIA, 1989 postman’s knock noun 1 a lock. Rhyming slang, ascribed to burglars when used by lockmakers Chubb’s in an advertisement UK, 1962. 2 a clock. Rhyming slang, sometimes seen in an abbreviated form as ‘postman’s’ UK, 1992. 3 in pool, a shot in which the cue ball hits the object ball twice in rapid succession, producing a knock-like sound US, 1993 post-mortem noun in poker, an analysis of a hand after it has been played US, 1988 postop noun a transsexual who has undergone all surgery necessary to complete a sex change US, 1995 post up verb to idle US, 1998 pot noun 1 marijuana. The most popular slang term for marijuana in the 1950s. No agreement on the etymology, with competing conjectures and little supporting evidence US, 1938. 2 heroin us, 1999. 3 in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania, a 10 fluid ounce glass of beer AUSTRALIA, 1915. 4 a tooth. Polari; usually in the plural UK, 1992. 5 in poker, all of the chips or money bet on a single hand US, 1947. 6 the jack in a game of bowls. In Midlands’ use. The southern equivalent is ‘kitty’ UK, 1979. 7 in electric line work, a transformer. An abbreviation of ‘potential transformer’ US, 1980. 8 acarburettor US, 1941. 9 a hospital patient with many trivial complaints US, 1980. < not have a pot to piss in; not have a pot to pee in to be extremely poor CANADA, 1961 pot verb 1 to shoot or kill someone US, 1860. 2 to put a baby on a potty (a chamber pot) UK, 1961. < pot the white to have sex. An allusion to billiards UK, 1955 -pot suffix a person of a type defined or suggested by the word to which it is joined. The best known current forms are FUSSPOT and SEXPOT UK, 1880 pot A noun a prisoner who has received a minimum of ten years is regarded as a potential Category A prisoner UK, 1996 potable noun drinking water US, 1968 pot and pan; old pot and pan; old pot noun a man; a husband; a father. Rhyming slang AUSTRALIA, 1905 potater juice; potato juice; potata juice noun vodka US, 1976 potato noun 1 marijuana. An elaboration of POT UK, 1999. 2 LSD UK, 1998. 3 a woman. Short for POTATO PEELER AUSTRALIA, 1959 potato digger noun an amphibious tracked personnel carrier fitted with a dozer blade used for clearing mines during the Vietnam war US, 1991 potatoed adjective sluggish; in a non-responsive state (possibly as a result of drug use) UK, 1999 potatoes noun money. One of life’s basics US, 2001 potato hook noun in electric line work, an insulated line tool for- mally known as a fixed prong tie stick US, 1980 potato-masher noun a German fragmentation hand grenade. Korean war usage US, 1982 potato patch noun a group of neurologically depressed patients US, 1978 511 porty | potato patch potato peeler noun a woman. Rhyming slang for SHEILA AUSTRALIA, 1971 potato soup noun vodka US, 1970 potato wagon noun a police van US, 1970 pot belly noun in trucking, a trailer with a dropped frame middle used for hauling cattle or hogs US, 1971 potch verb to spank or smack someone US, 1969 potchkeh verb to dawdle; to spend time inefficiently. Yiddish from German. Also variants ‘potchee’ and ‘potchky’ US, 1954 pot head noun a user of marijuana US, 1959 pot hook noun in a deck of playing cards, a nine US, 1967 pot hound noun a despised, inferior person TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1956 pot house noun a mad or psychotic person UK, 2000 Pot. Kettle. Black. used as Internet shorthand to criticise someone for engaging in precisely the same conduct or reasoning that they are attacking in another US, 1995 potless adjective without money UK, 1984 pot-licker noun an older dog NEW ZEALAND, 1981 pot likker; pot liquor noun 1 tea brewed with marijuana leaves. The intentional spelling error gives a rustic, moonshining feel to the term US, 1967. 2 strong, homemade whisky US, 1972 pot lot noun a used car business specialising in old, inexpensive cars US, 1975 pot of glue noun 1 a Jew. Rhyming slang. Also shortened form ‘potter’ UK, 1992. 2 a clue. Glasgow rhyming slang. Shortened forms include ‘pot‘ and ‘potter‘ UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 pot of honey; honey noun money. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 pot pig noun a marijuana user who takes more than a fair share UK, 2001 pots noun a large amount of money UK, 1871 POTS noun plain old telephone service US, 1997 pots and dishes noun wishes. Rhyming slang UK, 1979 pot shot noun in poker, an early and aggressive bet designed to drive other players from the field of play. Borrowed from hunting and punning on ‘pot’ as the collective bets US, 1951 potsy noun a firefighter’s or police officer’s badge US, 1954 potted adjective 1 tipsy, drunk US, 1924. 2 in a state of marijuana intoxication US, 1955 potten bush noun hashish US, 1977 pottit heid adjective dead. Glasgow rhyming slang, ‘deid’ in the local accent, formed from local dialect for ‘potted meat’ UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 pottsville noun a notional location or state of consciousness imagined by marijuana smokers. Compared to Utopia, Nirvana and Xanadu US, 2001 potty noun < go potty to use a toilet. Children’s toilet vocabulary US, 1942 potty adjective crazy; silly; eccentric. From ‘pot’ (a tankard), hence to be inebriated and to have the characteristics of drunken logic UK, 1920 potty about in love, infatuated or obsessed (to some degree) with something or someone UK, 1923 potty mouth noun a person prone to use profanity; profanity US, 1968 potty talk noun speech that is considered obscenely offensive. From childish ‘potty’ (a chamber pot or toilet); an almost euphemistic variation of TOILET T ALK US, 2002 pot-walloper noun a person employed to wash dishes US, 1975 pot-wrestler noun a restaurant cook or dishwasher US, 1860 poultice noun a large sum of money, especially a large wager AUSTRALIA, 1904 pound noun 1 a five-dollar note US, 1935. 2 a five-year jail sentence US, 1967. 3 an ‘s’ unit (five decibels) in measuring the level of a citizens’ band radio signal US, 1976. 4 an amount of heroin worth five dollars US, 1982. 5 a prison cell used for solitary confinement AUSTRALIA, 1950. 6 a jail or prison US, 1977. 7 in poker, a heavy bet US, 1988. < have a pound on yourself to be conceited; to think very well of yourself. From betting terminology UK, 1959 pound verb to drink (alcohol) US, 1995. < pound cotton to strain the residue of a narcotic from a bit of cotton used to strain the drug for a previous injection US, 1990. < pound ground to march US, 1977. < pound her pee-hole from the male perspective, to have energetic sex US, 1994. < pound sand to engage in futile behaviour. Usually used as a command, where the term takes on a meaning not unlike ‘go fuck yourself’ US, 1981. < pound the bishop (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1977. < to get pounded while surfing, to be knocked from your surfboard and thrashed by the wave US, 1988 poundage noun weight that should be lost US, 1972 pound and crown noun a lot of money TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1993 pounder noun 1 a police officer assigned to foot patrol US, 1945. 2 a powerful, hard-breaking wave US, 1964. 3 a 16-ounce can of beer US, 1997 pound note noun a coat. Rhyming slang, now fallen into disuse, a victim of the pound coin introduced in 1983 UK, 1992 pound of butter noun a crazy person; a lunatic; an eccentric. Rhyming slang for NUTTER UK, 1998 pound off verb (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1969 pounds noun money US, 1971 pounds and pence noun sense. Rhyming slang, an updated form of SHILLINGS AND PENCE UK, 1992 pound to a penny a certainty, a sure thing. A ludicrously confident wager UK, 2001 pour verb to move or place a drunk UK, 1948. < pour on the coal to throttle up an engine. A borrowing from steam-powered train engines US, 1956. < pour on the coals in trucking, to drive fast US, 1971 . < pour the pork (from the male point of view) to have sex US, 1973 poured into adjective said of someone wearing very tight clothing, usually of a woman, and generally complimentary UK, 1960 pour (it) out verb to urinate US, 1990 pouve noun 8see: POOVE pov noun a person who is judged to be less well off than the speaker. Shortened from poverty or impoverished UK, 2006 poverty pimp noun a person who makes their living from the poverty of others, especially by working for government-funded programmes for the poor. The Coalition on Homelessness in San Francisco presents a Poverty Pimp Award each year US, 1979 poverty poker noun a style of poker in which a player who loses their bankroll may play for free until they win a hand US, 1988 povo adjective cheaply produced for a poor marketplace. Derives from ‘poverty’ UK, 2001 pow! used as a register of instant excitement UK, 1881 powder noun a powdered narcotic, usually heroin or cocaine US, 1975. < take a powder 1 to leave US, 1934 . 2 to inhale or ingest powdered drugs US, 1982 powder verb < powder your nose 1 to sniff cocaine US, 1983. 2 to use the lavatory. A euphemism UK, 1984. < powder your schnoz to inhale cocaine. Variation of POWDER YOUR NOSE with SHNOZ; SCHNOZ (the nose) UK, 2000 powderbox noun the vagina US, 1998 powder diamonds; powdered diamonds noun cocaine. From the crystalline appearance, and the cost US, 1977 powdered adjective under the influence of cocaine US, 1986 powdered chalk noun a walk. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 powder monkey noun 1 an explosives expert on a work crew US, 1949. 2 a cocaine user. Plays on POWDER (cocaine) UK, 2002 powder puff noun 1 an effeminate homosexual male US, 1997. 2 in trucking, a small convex mirror mounted on the outside of the cab US, 1971 potato peeler | powder puff 512 powder puff adjective in various sports, describing an event limited to female competitors US, 1973 powder train noun a US Navy SEALS diver with expertise in underwater explosives US, 1991 power noun a charge of explosives US, 1949 power adjective in a concentrated, intense manner. Almost always used mockingly US, 1989 powerdyke noun a militant feminist, whether she is a lesbian or not US, 2003 power hit noun the act of inhaling marijuana smoke and then exhaling it into another’s mouth as they inhale US, 1970 power lunch noun a lunch meeting where business or deals, not eating, is the central focus US, 1986 power pill noun a tablet of any variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1996 powerplant noun a variety of marijuana SOUTH AFRICA, 2003 power rangers noun a variety of LSD. Named after the fantasy television programme UK, 1996 power table noun a prominent table at a restaurant, seating at which is a recognition of fame or power. Used in the entertainment industry US, 1984 power trip noun any activity that is motivated by a desire for power US, 1967 pow-pow noun powder snow. Snowboarders, usage US, 1995 pow-wow noun a meeting. Originally an Algonquin word for an ‘Indian priest’ or ‘ceremony’ US, 1812 pox noun 1 syphilis; hence any sexually transmitted infection. Altered spelling of ‘pocks’, originally applied to the pustules of any eruptive disease UK, 1503. 2 marijuana; hashish UK, 1996. 3 opium; heroin US, 1942 pox verb to spoil something. From an earlier sense, ‘to infect with syphilis’ UK, 1802 poxbottle noun a despicable person IRELAND, 1991 pox docs noun doctors at a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. A happy rhyme enjoyed in the medical profession UK, 2002 pox doctor’s clerk noun used as the epitome of someone dressed in a flashy manner AUSTRALIA, 1950 poxy adjective loathsome, objectionable, disgusting. From POX (syphilis), equating the target of the adjective with venereal diseases UK, 1922 pozzie noun a location NEW ZEALAND, 1984 pozzle noun the vagina US, 1962 pozzy noun 8see: POSSIE PP noun 1 a person whose regular apperance in a hospital casualty department has earned him the label professional patient US, 1978. 2 influence within a prison. A shortened form of ‘penitentiary pull’ US, 1985 PP nine verb to attack someone with a weapon improvised with a PP9 battery, often by concealing the battery in a sock UK, 1996 PPP noun a severely debilitated hospital patient, with piss-poor protoplasm US, 1978 PQ noun a half-pint of rum. An abbreviation of ‘petit quart’ TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1987 PR noun 1 Puerto Rico US, 1909. 2 a Puerto Rican. Also attributed as an adjective US, 1957. 3 panama red, a variety of marijuana cultivated in Panama US, 1969 practice bleeding noun engaging in night-training flights off an aircraft carrier US, 1986 prad noun a horse. From Dutch paard (a horse). Not recorded separ- ately before 1799 but implied in ‘prad-lay’ (to steal property from horses), now obsolete, noted in Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongu e , 2nd edition, 1788 UK, 1953 prairie chicken noun a grouse, or a newcomer to the prairies CANADA, 1961 prairie nigger noun a native American Indian US, 1989 prairie oyster noun an anti-hangover tonic: an unbroken raw egg in a glass of dry red wine, or an unbroken raw egg in Worcestershire Sauce and sherry US, 1883 praise verb < praise the porcelain god to vomit US, 1986 pram noun < get out of your pram to become very angry or over- excited UK, 1970. < throw your toys out of the pram to become angry; to lose your temper; to become over-excited UK, 2002 prang noun car accident or collision US, 1959 prang verb 1 in aviation, to crash-land an aircraft UK, 1941. 2 to crash a car UK, 1952. 3 to make a short call to a mobile telephone with the sole purpose of registering yourself on the receiving phone’s ‘caller ID’ (thus delivering a private signal but avoiding the cost of a connection) UK, 2003 prang adjective scared. Urban youth slang UK, 2005 prannet; prannie; pranny noun a fool; a general term of contempt. After an obsolete sense of ‘prannie’ (female genitals, hence CUNT) UK, 1977 prat noun 1 used as a general insult with no particular meaning beyond the derogatory tone; a fool. Variant ‘pratt’. From the earlier use as ‘buttocks’ UK, 1968. 2 the buttocks UK, 1567. 3 the vagina. From the earlier sense as ‘buttocks’ UK, 1937. 4 in horse racing, interference during a race AUSTRALIA, 1989 prat verb to engage in coy or fawning behaviour US, 1969 prat about verb to mess about; to play the fool. From PRAT (a fool) UK, 1961 pratfall noun in the theatre, a comedy fall, especially one that lands buttocks-first. Often applied figuratively: UK, 1939 prat in verb in pickpocket usage, to back into the potential victim, getting him into position for a confederate US, 1981 prat powder noun powdered amphetamine. From the power of the powder to make you behave like a PRAT (a fool) UK, 2002 pratt noun a woman objectified sexually. Extended from the sense as ‘vagina’ UK, 1977 pratt boy noun a weak or effeminate person; an outcast US, 1952 pratty adjective stupid, foolish. From PRAT (a fool) UK, 1998 prawn noun 1 a fool; a worthless individual AUSTRALIA, 1893. 2 an ugly person with an attractive body UK, 2004 prawnhead noun a fool; a worthless individual AUSTRALIA, 1961 prawn-headed adjective stupid AUSTRALIA, 1962 pray verb < pray to the porcelain god; pray to the enamel god to vomit into a toilet US, 1980 prayer bones noun the knees US, 1946 prayer meeting noun 1 a private dice game US, 1949. 2 a propaganda session conducted by Viet Cong with South Vietnamese villagers US, 1990 praying John noun a gambler who believes that he can influence the fall of the dice by uttering the right, magical words US, 1950 pre; pre-game; pre-party verb to drink before going to an event where there will be drinking US, 2001 preach verb < preach to the choir to talk to those who are already convinced US, 1986 preacher noun 1 a traffic police officer who is too kind-hearted to issue citations US, 1962. 2 a log that is partially submerged in a river US, 1974 preacher’s car noun in the used car business, a car with no accessories at all US, 1968 preacher’s pasttime noun the shell game US, 1966 preciou s adjective egregious, arrant; very, exceedingly; especially as an intensifier of something bad or worthless UK, 1430 pre-cum noun penile secretions prior to orgasm. A refinement of COME (orgasm/semen) UK, 1995 predator noun heroin UK, 1998 preemie noun a premature baby US, 1927 513 powder puff | preemie . Rhyming slang. Also shortened form ‘potter’ UK, 1992. 2 a clue. Glasgow rhyming slang. Shortened forms include ‘pot‘ and ‘potter‘ UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 pot of honey; honey noun money. Rhyming slang. In Exile, and other variations on this theme, are implausible on phonetic grounds and are in themselves anachronistic as acronyms were not a common feature of English in the early part of C20 AUSTRALIA,. for grazing. Circus and English gypsy use UK, 1933 poov; poove verb < poov the gry; poov the grey to graze a horse, especially without permission from the land’s owner. English gypsy use; a