screech noun 1 the mouth, the throat, the face UK, 1984. 2 dark, strong Jamaican rum imported into Newfoundland CANADA, 2001. 3 powdered lime juice. Military UK, 1995 screechie noun in circus and carnival usage, an audio technician US, 1981 screech-in noun in Newfoundland, an event in which a newcomer is given screech to drink and then asked to sample the ocean tem- perature with a foot or kiss a cod CANADA, 2002 screel verb to complain loudly TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1971 screeve noun acarUK, 1979 screw noun 1 a prison officer. Possibly from an obsolete sense of ‘screw’ (a skeleton key), hence a ‘turnkey’ or ‘warder’, or perhaps from ‘thumbscrew’ (an instrument of torture used in C17 prisons) UK, 1812. 2 an act of sexual intercourse US, 1929. 3 a sexual partner, potential or actual, of either gender, objectified UK, 1937. 4 a wage UK, 1858. 5 asalaryNEW ZEALAND, 1984. 6 a mischievous scheme TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1935. 7 alookAUSTRALIA, 1907. < have a screw loose to be or become eccentric, crazy or insane UK, 1833 screw verb 1 to have sex UK, 1725. 2 used dismissively as a synonym for ‘fuck’ in exclamations and curses UK, 1949. 3 to burgle. A C20 usage from the earlier senses (a skeleton key; and to break into a building using a skeleton key) UK, 1812. 4 to swindle or cheat someone UK, 1900. 5 to ruin something. Probably a shortening of SCREW UP UK, 1976. 6 to stare at someone; to look at someone accusingly AUSTRALIA, 1917. 7 to leave US, 1985. 8 in pool, to apply spin to the cue ball to affect the course of the object ball or the cue ball after striking the object ball US, 1990. < don’t screw the crew a catchphrase injunction: do not have sex with your workmates. A corporate updating of NOT ON YOUR OWN DOORSTEP UK, 2003. < screw daft to have sex to the point of insensibility. Generally something of a boast UK, 2000. < screw the arse off someone to have vigorous sex with someone UK, 1967. < screw the pooch to bungle or to ruin something. < screw your brains out to have sex with great regularity and force US, 1971 screwage noun a computer malfunction due to design error US, 1991 screw around noun to fool around; to waste time US, 1939 screwball noun an odd, eccentric, or crazy person US, 1933 screwball adjective odd, eccentric US, 1936 screwdriver noun 1 a principal prison officer. An elaboration of SCREW (a prison officer) UK, 1950. 2 a person who evades work or duty. Rhyming slang for SKIVER UK, 1992 screwed adjective drunk UK, 2002 screwed, blued and tattooed adjective in such misfortune or trouble that there is no likely escape CANADA, 1969 screwed up adjective 1 troubled, disturbed UK, 1907. 2 spoilt; wrecked; fouled up. A euphemism for FUCKED UP US, 1943. 3 being locked in a prison cell. A pun on BANGED UP, via BANG (to have sex) and SCREW (to have sex) UK, 1977 screwface noun the look presented by a person who is staring UK, 2006 screwhead noun a crazy person. What you are when you HAVE A SCREW LOOSE UK , 1997 screw-hole noun an unpleasant location UK, 2001 screwing adjective anxious, unhappy. Probably from the Jamaican patois verb ‘screw’ (to frown) UK, 1996 screw job noun an exploitation or other maltreatment US, 1987 screw over verb to treat another person with contempt or cruelty in any way; to betray someone, to victimise someone, to cheat someone. A variation of SCREW UK, 2000 screws noun < put the screws on; put the screws to to put pressure on someone, especially in relation to economic oper- ations or debt recovery US, 1834 screwsman noun a housebreaker, a burglar, a thief. Originally ‘a thief using a skeleton key’ UK, 1812 screw-up noun 1 an action or circumstance that has been handled badly US, 1960. 2 an awkward person an incompetent, a blunderer; an inadequate person US, 1960 screw up verb to bungle; to fail in a task; to perform something poorly US, 1942 screwy adjective crazy; (very) eccentric US, 1887 screw you! used as contemptuous dismissal. Substituting SCREW for FUCK in FUCK YOU! with the same senses US, 2000 screw your buddy noun in pool, a three-player game in which all players play against all other players US, 1993 scribble verb in computing, to inadvertently and detrimentally mod- ify a data structure US, 1991 scribe noun a letter US, 1970 scriber noun in the television and film industries, a writer US, 1977 scrid noun a very small amount BARBADOS, 1965 scrilla; skrilla noun money US, 1998 scrimy adjective despicable; lowdown US, 1952 script noun 1 a prescription for a narcotic, especially a forged pre- scription US, 1936. 2 in prison, a letter. Possibly from a (medical) pre- scription seen as a piece of writing with the intention of making you feel better UK, 1996. 3 a forged cheque US, 1950 script jockey noun a screenwriter US, 1964 scroat; scro te noun a despicable man. Probably from an abbrevi- ation of ‘scrotum’ US, 1975 scrod noun 1 an ageing motorcyclist who still looks the part but for whom the motorcyle is a stage prop, not a way of life US, 2003. 2 any small fish, usually haddock or cod. This word is part of an old joke: ‘Did you get scrod in Boston?’-‘It’s the first time I’ve been asked in the pluperfect subjunctive!’ Boston is a usual destination for Nova Scotia fish CANADA, 1841 scrog verb to have sex US, 1983 scroggin noun a mixture of dried fruits, chocolate, nuts, and grains NEW ZEALAND, 1991 scromp verb to have sex US, 1993 scronies noun pepperoni US, 1996 scroogie noun ascrewdriverUS, 1991 scrot rot noun general discomfort, itchiness or sweatiness of the scrotum and surrounding areas UK, 2003 scrotty adjective dirty; unattractive. A variation of GROTTY, probably by elision of ‘it’s grotty’; in teenage use UK, 1982 scrotum noun < on the scrotum alert, prepared. A play on the more common ‘on the ball’ US, 1949 scrounge noun a habitual borrower; a freeloader UK, 1937 scrounge verb to rummage; to search UK, 1909. < scrounge off someone to freeload; to sponge off someone UK, 1959 scrounger noun a person known for their ability to beg, borrow, buy or steal what is needed. Respected and valued US, 1918 scroungy adjective cheap, always in search of help US, 1959 scrub noun 1 a contemptible or insignificant person, especially one who does not share your high standards of morality, style or per- sonal hygiene UK, 1900. 2 a person attending a dance who is not asked to dance for long periods of time TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1971. 3 a first-year college student US, 1989. 4 a substitute player on a sports team US, 1892. 5 in hip-hop culture, a performer of little or no talent US, 1992 scrub verb to cancel something; to forget something; to reject something. A figurative application of the conventional sense ‘to erase’; originally recorded in 1828, current use dates from military use in World War 2 UK, 1943. < scrub round to cancel something; to forget something, especially by agreement UK, 1943 scrub-bash noun a journey through thick bushland AUSTRALIA, 1972 scrub bash verb to make a path through thick bushland; to drive a vehicle through bushland AUSTRALIA, 1964 scrub-bashing noun the clearing of bushland AUSTRALIA, 1959 scrubber noun 1 a sexually promiscuous woman UK, 1959. 2 an unattractive woman AUSTRALIA, 1977. 3 an inferior horse bred in the country AUSTRALIA, 1874 563 screech | scrubber scrubout noun a weekly mass cleaning ANTARCTICA, 2003 scrubs noun loose-fitting, sterilised clothing worn in hospital operating rooms US, 1991 Scrubs noun < the Scrubs Her Majesty’s Prison Wormwood Scrubs in west London UK, 1999 scrub up verb to appear after grooming. Always followed by a posi- tive adjective or adverb AUSTRALIA, 1985 scruffbag noun a scruffy person. Originally, ‘a down-and-out’ UK, 1973 scruff puppy noun a girl as the object of social and sexual desire US, 1988 scruffy and dirty noun in betting, odds of 100–30. Rhyming slang UK, 1991 scrum noun something of little or no value. Obsolete rhyming slang for a ‘threepenny bit’, rhymes on synonymous ‘thrums’; back in circulation as the perceived worth of the old coin AUSTRALIA, 1998 scrumdiddliumptious adjective extremely delicious or delightful. An elaboration of SCRUMPTIOUS UK, 2000 scrummy; scrummie adjective excellent; delicious. An abbreviation of SCRUMPTIOUS; often used as an exclamation of delight UK, 1915 scrump verb to steal apples from orchards. From an old dialect word for a ‘withered apple’ UK, 1866 scrumper noun a stealer of apples from orchards UK, 1946 scrumping noun an act of stealing apples from an orchard. From the verb SCRUMP UK, 1999 scrumptious adjective delicious. Often used as an exclamation of delight UK, 1881 scrumpy noun an alcoholic drink of fermented apples; an (often illicitly made or homemade) rough cider. West country dialect, now widely known UK, 1904 scruncheons noun in Newfoundland, cut-up pork fat, fried and used to garnish fish and brewis CANADA, 1966 scrunch up verb to squeeze in; to huddle US, 1902 scrungies noun swimming trunks worn for surfing AUSTRALIA, 1991 scrunt verb to live at an absolute minimum standard of living TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1976 scruples noun crack cocaine US, 1994 scuba diver; scuba noun a five-pound note. Rhyming slang for FIVER UK, 1998 scud noun 1 wine UK: SCOTLAND, 1996. 2 crack cocaine UK, 1996. 3 astate of nudity. Variant elaborations include ‘scuddy’ and ‘scuderoony’ UK: SCOTLAND, 1911 scud verb to slap someone or deliver someone a glancing blow UK: SCOTLAND , 1985 scudded adjective drunk. Used by US troops during the 1991 war against Iraq, playing on the missile US, 1991 scudder noun a disagreeable, unlikeable person US, 1972 scuddy adjective naked UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 scuddy-book noun a pornographic magazine UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 scuds noun the female breasts. A comparison with Scud missiles US, 2001 scuff noun in motor racing, a new racing tyre that has not been broken in US, 1993 scuff verb 1 in circus and carnival usage, to barely make a living US, 1981. 2 to prepare new racing tyres for a race US, 1993 scuffer noun 1 a police officer UK, 1860. 2 a prostitute US, 1971 scuffle noun life, perceived as a struggle US, 1946 scuffle verb 1 to survive by your ingenuity, not by working US, 1961. 2 to weed a patch of potatoes without disturbing the plants CANADA, 1990 scuffler noun a person who scrounges to earn a living on the fringes of legality US, 1965 scuffs noun 1 bedroom slippers. So named because of the scuffing sound they make when you walk US, 1985. 2 shoes US, 1987 scuff up verb to engage in a fist fight US, 1992 scugly adjective very ugly US, 1975 scull verb to quaff or down a drink in one draught. Variant spelling of SKOAL; SKOL AUSTRALIA, 1984 scum noun 1 a despicable, unlikeable person US, 1971. 2 in prison, a sex offender; a convicted paedophile UK, 1996. 3 semen US, 1965 scumbag noun 1 a low, despicable person. The highest profile use of the term in recent years was in late April 1998, when US Congressman Dan Burton publicly called then-President Clinton ‘a scumbag’. This was shortly before the revelation that Burton was the father of a child born out of wedlock, a revelation that silenced his public judgments on President Clinton’s morality. In May 2004, the word got another 15 minutes of fame when it was used in the family-friendly Blondie comic strip, provoking serious outrage among some readers US, 1957. 2 acondom.CombinesSCUM (semen) with a conventional container; however it is not until the 1960s that ‘scum’ stands apart from this usage US, 1960. 3 a prostitute US, 1973 scumball noun a despicable person US, 1991 scumbucket noun a despised person US, 1983 scumff verb to massage the genitals through clothing. Etymology uncertain UK, 2001 scumhead noun acontemptiblepersonUS, 1995 scummer noun a despicable lowlife whose services are for hire. Perhaps from the C14 sense of the word as ‘a pirate’ US, 1985 scummy adjective unpleasant; despicable. Figurative use of the con- ventional sense (polluted) US, 1932 scum of the earth noun an extremely unappealing, unattractive or despicable person US, 1986 scum out verb to live in filth US, 1993 scumpig noun a low, despicable person UK, 1997 scumpteen noun a vague, large number US, 1946 scum-scrubber noun an employee of a pornography arcade whose job is to clean up the semen left by customers US, 1986 scumsucker noun a low, despicable person US, 1971 scum-sucking adjective despicable US, 1982 scunds noun a second helping US, 1966 scunge noun 1 filth AUSTRALIA, 1966. 2 a stingy person; a miser AUSTRALIA, 1988. 3 a habitual cadger AUSTRALIA, 2003 scunge verb to cadge something NEW ZEALAND, 1995 scungeel noun a low-life, a disreputable person. From the Italian scungili, (squid) US, 1977 scungies noun a pair of men’s close-fitting and revealing nylon swimming trunks AUSTRALIA, 2003 scungy adjective sordid; dirty AUSTRALIA, 1983 scunner noun a nuisance. First recorded of persons in 1796, and of things in 1865 UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 scup verb to swing. Rarely heard US, 1951 scupper noun a promiscuous woman. From an earlier sense as ‘a prostitute’, in turn deriving from ‘a hole in a ship’s side’ UK, 1970 scupper verb to put an end to something; to thwart someone; to destroy something UK, 1918 scurb noun a suburban skateboarder who confines his skateboarding to streets and sidewalks US, 1984 scurve noun a graceless person; someone who is disliked US, 1951 scurvy adjective 1 unkempt; sloppy; ugly US, 1965. 2 very thin US, 2001 scuse; ’scuse verb to excuse someone; especially in, or as an abbreviation of, the phrases: excuse me, please excuse me. In con- ventional use from C15, and considered a colloquial slovening since C19 UK, 1967 scut noun 1 the end of a cigarette IRELAND, 1984. 2 acontemptible person; someone of bad character IRELAND, 1975. 3 any menial medi- cal procedure US, 1978 scut verb to ride on the back of a truck or van IRELAND, 1991 scut duty; scut work noun tedious, menial work US, 1960 scrubout | scut duty; scut work 564 scuttered adjective drunk IRELAND, 2002 scuttlebutt noun gossip, rumours. From the name of the drinking- water cask found on board a ship, around which sailors gathered to gossip US, 1901 scutty adjective filthy; decrepit IRELAND, 1992 scuz noun a dirty, disreputable person US, 1973 scuzbag; scuzzbag noun a despicable, undesirable person. A vari- ation on SCUMBAG US, 1980 scuz rag noun during the Vietnam war, a rag used to wipe floors US, 1991 scuzz verb to be involved in sleazy activities; to keep unpleasant company; to move in low circles UK, 1997 scuzzball noun a despicable person US, 1986 scuzzhead noun a despicable person UK, 1997 scuzzy adjective disgusting US, 1968 scwhag adjective inferior; shoddy US, 1998 seaboard adjective used of an order for take-away food at a restaurant US, 1952 sea daddy noun in the US Navy, a mentor US, 1992 seafood noun a sailor as an object of homosexual desire US, 1963 seafood breakfast noun oral sex performed on a woman in the morning AUSTRALIA, 1985 seafood plate please. An intentionally butchered French s’il vous plaît US, 1984 sea-going bellhop noun a member of the US Marine Corps. Derisive, used by other branches of the armed services to mock the USMC dress uniform US, 1960 seagull noun 1 a person who constantly complains US, 1968. 2 a casual wharfside worker AUSTRALIA, 1965. 3 a person who watches what bets are being made by big spenders and then makes a small bet on the horses favoured by the big spenders US, 1966. 4 a combat pilot who has become reluctant to fly US, 1990. 5 a rugby union player who remains outside tight play in the chance that the ball will break loose NEW ZEALAND, 1975. 6 chicken US, 1945 seam shooter noun a criminal who specialises in blowing up safes by placing small amounts of explosives in the safe’s seams US, 1949 seam squirrels noun in circus and carnival usage, body lice US, 1981 Seamus Heaney noun a bikini. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the Irish poet (b.1939) UK, 2003 Sea of Green noun a marijuana growing technique from British Columbia CANADA, 2002 sea pie noun in the Ottawa valley, a Sunday meat dish CANADA, 1998 sea pig noun a fat surfer US, 1988 sea pussy noun the sea anemone. Based on a visual comparison with the vagina BAHAMAS, 1982 sea queen noun a homosexual sailor or ship’s steward; a homosex- ual man with a taste for seamen UK, 2002 sea rat noun a seagull US, 1991 search verb to try to buy illegal drugs US, 1997 search and avoid; search and evade verb used by US forces to describe the activities of the South Vietnamese Army. Not praise US, 1972 searcher noun a prisoner who intimidates other prison inmates who are suspected of carrying drugs UK, 1996 search me I don’t know US, 1947 sea stack noun a tall column of granite, created by erosion, just off the shore in the ocean near Newfoundland CANADA, 2002 sea story noun a tale about the teller’s exploits, real and imagined US, 1961 seat noun a police officer assigned to ride as a passenger with another officer US, 1970 seat verb to perform anal sex on someone AUSTRALIA, 1950 seat back! used to reserve your seat as you briefly leave the room US, 1996 seat cover noun an attractive woman. Citizens’ band radio slang US, 1976 Sea Thing noun the Sea King helicopter, acquired for the Canadian Navy from Sikorsky in 1963 CANADA, 1995 seatman noun 1 in prison, a male homosexual who takes the active role in anal sex AUSTRALIA, 1983. 2 in circus and carnival usage, a paid customer, employed to show enthusiasm US, 1981 seat-surf verb to move from empty seat to empty seat in a stadium or auditorium, gradually improving your position US, 1994 Seattle tuxedo noun a clean flannel shirt US, 1997 seaweed muncher noun a surfer AUSTRALIA, 1987 Sebastian Coe; sebastian; seb noun the toe. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of a celebrated British athlete (b.1956) who went into politics UK, 1992 sec noun 1 a second UK, 1909. 2 a capsule of secobarbital sodium (trade name Seconal™), a central nervous system depressant UK, 1996 seccy noun 1 a second. An elaboration of SEC rather than an abbrevi- ation of ‘second’ AUSTRALIA, 1971. 2 a capsule of secobarbital sodium (trade name Seconal™), a central nervous system depressant US, 1969 secko; secoo; sekko noun a sexual deviant; a sex offender AUSTRALIA, 1949 seco noun Seconal™, a barbiturate US, 1972 second noun a close friend BARBADOS, 1965 second balloon noun a second lieutenant US, 1956 second banana noun a person in a supporting role. Originally applied to a supporting comedian US, 1953 second base noun 1 in a teenage categorisation of sexual activity, a level of foreplay, most usually referring to touching a girl’s breasts. The exact degree varies by region or even school US, 1977. 2 in casino games of blackjack, the seat or player in the centre of the table directly across from the dealer US, 1980. 3 in a deck of playing cards, the card second from the bottom of the deck US, 1988 Second Chance University noun Sir George Williams University CANADA, 2002 second-generation joint noun a marijuana cigarette made with the remains of other marijuana cigarettes US, 1977 second hat noun an assisant drill instructor, US Marine Corps. Usually the most verbally abusive of the three drill instructors who work together as a team US, 1991 second John noun a second lieutenant US, 1956 second nuts noun in poker, a good hand that is beaten by a better hand US, 1976 seconds noun 1 sex with someone who has just had sex with someone else. Often preceded by the adjective ‘sloppy’ US, 1966. 2 a second helping of food US, 1792. 3 playing cards that have been altered for cheating US, 1950. < the seconds; touch of the seconds second thoughts; a fear of consequences. Metropolitan Police slang UK, 1954 second second noun in the television and film industries, an additional second assistant director US, 1990 second-story man noun 1 a burglar US, 1886. 2 a skilled card cheat who deals the second card in a deck US, 1988 second to none noun heroin UK, 2003 secret squirrel noun an intelligence operative. In military use in Northern Ireland during the 1970s; from the animated cartoon hero created by Hanna Barbera and first seen in his own television show in 1965 UK, 1979 seducing vampires adjective experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle CANADA, 2001 see noun a visual inspection US, 1973 see verb 1 to understand something; to believe something. Elaborated in the wordplay: ‘“I see,” said the blind man, as he put down his hammer and saw.’ US, 1850. 2 to have the ability to read music UK, 1955. < see a brown friend out to the coast to 565 scuttered | see defecate UK, 2002. < see a man about a dog to go to the toilet. Jocular and euphemistic UK, 1885. < see it coming a mile off to predict an obvious event, often only with the benefit of hindsight. An elaboration and intensification of ‘see it coming’ UK, 1966. < see red to be angry UK, 1901. < see Steve to use cocaine US, 1952. < see the colour of your money to see your money; to be paid UK, 1718. < see you coming to take advantage of your gullibility UK, 1937 seed noun 1 a child US, 1998. 2 a person who is hopelessly out of touch with current fashions and trends. A shortened form of HAYSEED US, 1968. 3 in a deck of playing cards, an ace US, 1988. 4 in private poker games, a one-dollar betting chip US, 1971. 5 a dollar US, 1961 . 6 the butt of a marijuana cigarette US, 1982 seed money noun money needed to start a business US, 1943 seeds noun marijuana; a marijuana cigarette. Usage is generally as a singular noun US, 1969 seeds and stems noun the detritus of marijuana, unsmokeable but a reminder of what was US, 1971 seed spitter noun the penis US, 2001 seedy adjective 1 ill, unwell UK, 1858. 2 in car repair, rusty US, 1992 seedy rom noun a compact disc (CD-ROM) which is sexually explicit CANADA, 1995 seeing red adjective experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 1999 seeing-to noun 1 the act of sexual intercourse, generally considered as the man doing it to the woman. A sense of aggression is implied; consider the contemporaneous ‘seeing-to’ (a beating) UK, 1985. 2 a beating. Often as ‘a proper seeing-to’ UK, 1968 seek verb < seek the sheets to crawl into bed US, 1967 seek and search noun a church. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 seen! used for registering agreement or approval. Originally West Indian JAMAICA, 1967 seen? understood? Originally West Indian UK, 1994 see off verb to attend to something; to defeat someone UK, 1915 see seven stars noun strong, illegally manufactured whisky US, 1999 see the Chaplain! used for silencing a soldier who complains excessively US, 1941 see ya round like a P olo goodbye. A variation on SEE YOU ROUND LIKE A RECORD , playing on the shape of a Polo™ mint UK, 1996 see ya, wouldn’t want to be ya goodbye US, 1993 see you around campus goodbye. Jocular US, 1972 see you, Jimmy used as an aggressive or threatening address to a male stranger. A cliché in the stereotypical drunken Scotsman’s vocabulary. Tartan hats with a wild fringe of ginger hair, intended as a comic representation of the generic JOCK, are marketed as ‘See You Jimmy hats’ UK, 2001 see you later, alligator goodbye. From the use of GATOR as an all- purpose form of male address. A catchphrase to which the auto- matic response was ‘in a while, crocodile’; in vogue around 1956, when Bill Haley and His Comets had great success with the song ‘See You Later Alligator’ (although the actual call and response in the lyric was a slight variation: ‘See you later alligator, after a while crocodile’) US, 1956 see you next Tuesday used as an insider’s code for ‘cunt’. The ‘see you’ make the ‘cu’ and the initials ‘nt’ follow. See You Next Tuesday is the title of Ronald Harwood’s 2002 adaptation and translation of Francis Veber’s 1993 play Le Diner De Cons UK, 1978 see you r ound like a record noun goodbye UK, 1978 seg; seggie noun in prison, segregation; a segregation unit US, 1967 seggy noun a capsule of secobarbital sodium (trade name Seconal™), a central nervous system depressant US, 1967 sei-cordi box noun a six-string guitar. Polari; a combination of Italian sei; SEY; SEI (six) and corda with BOX (a guitar) UK, 1984 seized verb < seized of in Quebec, gripped by, seized by (an idea or project, for example) CANADA, 2002 seizure! used as a cry of triumph, no matter how petty the success. Reported as a children’s usage, Hay-on-Wye, May 2003 UK, 2003 seldom seen noun a queen; the Queen. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 selecta! used as an expression of approval or pleasure. Deriving from a dance music term for a DJ, via BO SELECTA! (expressing approval of a DJ’s performance). Partly popularised in the UK in the late 1990s by Ali G (comedian Sacha Baron-Cohen) UK, 2003 selector; selecta noun a DJ. A shortening of ‘music selector’, used in modern dance culture, especially in the term BO SELECTA! UK, 1999 self-love noun masturbation UK, 2003 self-propelled sandbag noun a US Marine. US Army Gulf war usage US, 1991 self-toast verb to incriminate yourself. Office jargon UK, 2005 Selina Scott; selina noun a spot (a skin blemish). Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a UK television presenter and newspaper columnist UK, 1992 sell verb 1 to convince someone of something; to trick someone US, 1996 . 2 to gamble on a result lower than the bookmaker’s favoured spread UK, 2001. < sell a hog to scare someone by bluffing US, 1990. < sell a pup to swindle someone UK, 1901. < sell backside to prostitute yourself, literally or figuratively SINGAPORE, 2002. < sell Buicks to vomit US, 1978. < sell someone down the river to betray someone US, 1927. < sell tickets to engage in ritualistic, competitive insulting US, 2001 seller noun a gambler who bets on a result lower than the bookmaker’s favoured spread UK, 2001 sell-out noun 1 an act of betraying principle or loyalty US, 2001. 2 in pool, a missed shot that leaves your opponent with a good shot US, 1978 sell out verb 1 to betray a cause of conviction, especially for financial reward. Around long before the 1960s, but promoted and glorified in the idealistic haze of the 60s US, 1888. 2 to vomit after drinking to excess NEW ZEALAND, 2002 selohssa noun used as a nonce name for a person or company. ‘Assholes’ spelled backwards. Peter Tamony collected examples from the San Francisco telephone directory in 1965, 1966 and 1967. In 1953, Welsh playwright Dylan Thomas introduced the village of ‘Llareggub’ (‘bugger all’ backwards) in the play Under Milkwood US, 1965 semi noun 1 a semi-detached house UK, 1912. 2 a semi-final US, 1942. 3 a semi-trailer AUSTRALIA, 1956. 4 the penis in a state between flaccid and erect US, 1994 semi-retired adjective unable to find work US, 1995 semolina noun a professional cleaner. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 semolina pilchard nickname Detective Sergeant Norman Pilcher of the Metropolitan Police. Probably coined by the Beatles. Pilcher secured a small celebrity and lasting notoriety in the late 1960s, by arresting, or attempting to arrest, pop stars such as Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, and John Lennon and George Harrison of the Beatles, for drug offences, and was himself later imprisoned for corruption UK, 2001 semper fi used as a shortened version of the US Marine Corps creed – semper fidelis (always faithful). Used as a greeting, an affirmation, and in practically any situation to mean practically anything US, 1986 semper Gumby adjective flexible US, 1991 sen; sens noun marijuana. A clipping of SENSIMILLIA UK, 1998 senator noun in a game of poker, a dealer who does not play US, 1988 send noun the phase of a confidence swindle when the victim is sent to retrieve money US, 1940. < put on the send in a confi- dence swindle, to send the victim off to retrieve the money that will pass to the swindlers US, 1972 send verb 1 to excite someone; to please someone US, 1935. 2 to produce a drug intoxication US, 1950. < send a boy to do a man’s work in poker, to make a small bet with a good hand in the hope of luring players with inferior hands to continue betting US, 1951. < send out a salesman in gin, to discard in a manner that is designed to lure a desired card from an opponent US, 1965. seed | send 566 < send someone packing to dismiss someone; to reject someone with immediate effect UK, 1594. < send the little sailor to sea to have sex US, 2001. < send to Long Beach to flush a toilet. Long Beach is a community to the south of Los Angeles US, 1968 send down verb to commit someone to prison US, 1840 sender noun something or someone that arouses or excites. Originally (mid 1930s) a jazz term referring to a musician who excites and inspires a jazz band; in the early 1940s extended to general usage. Often emphasised as SOLID SENDER US, 1935 send-off noun 1 a funeral. A specialised use of the sense relating more generally to any journey US, 1876. 2 an occasion at which friendly good wishes are offered to someone leaving a current situ- ation (for a journey or different employment, etc) US, 1841 send off verb 1 to apprehend or arrest someone AUSTRALIA, 1956. 2 to steal something AUSTRALIA, 1950 send-up noun a satirical act; a parody. From the phrasal verb SEND UP UK , 1958 send up verb 1 to mock someone or something satirically or parodically UK, 1931. 2 to sentence someone to prison US, 1852 senile street noun an area in a hospital or nursing home frequented by senile patients AUSTRALIA, 1987 senior moment noun a short interval in which an older person succumbs to a mental or physical lack of energy or consistency US, 1996 sense; sens noun marijuana. An abbreviation of SENSIMILLIA US, 1984 sensi; sensee noun marijuana. Clipped from SENSIMILLIA JAMAICA, 1983 sensimillia; sinsemilla; sinse noun a very potent marijuana harvested from a hybrid cannabis plant with seedless buds. From the Spanish sin se milla (seedless). Celebrated in song by ‘Cocaine will blow your brain, but sinsemilla is IR-IE!’ by Yellowman, quoted in Waiting For The Man, Harry Shapiro, 1999 JAMAICA, 1982 seppo noun an American. From SEPTIC AUSTRALIA, 1985 Sept. 10 adjective petty; inconsequential. Teen slang, post 11th September 2001 US, 2002 September morn noun the erect penis. Rhyming slang for HORN UK, 1998 septic noun an American. Short for SEPTIC TANK AUSTRALIA, 1970 septic tank noun an American. Rhyming slang for YANK. Certainly derogatory in origin, and demonstrating a general low-level anti- American sentiment prevalent in Australia. In the same way that POM demonstrates an anti-English sentiment it is always more joking than serious AUSTRALIA, 1967 serenity, tranquility and peace noun STP, a synthetic hallucinogen that appeared on the drug scene in 1967. Because of its claimed psychedlic powers, the drug was named STP after the engine oil additive (scientifically treated petroleum), with this trinity of virtues produced through back-formation US, 1972 sergeant from K company noun in a deck of playing cards, a king US, 1988 sergeant-major noun in the dice game crown and anchor, a crown. From ‘crown’, an army colloquialism for ‘sergeant-major’ UK, 1961 serial speedball verb to use cocaine, cough syrup and heroin in a continual cycle over a 1–2 day period UK, 1998 serio adverb in a serious manner. This corruption of ‘seriously’, making use of the familiarising suffix, especially common in Dublin colloquial speech IRELAND, 1996 serious adjective 1 used to enhance or intensify UK, 1982. 2 seriously ill. Indian English INDIA, 1979 serious chep noun intimate sexual contact; sexual intercourse. An intensified CHEP (a kiss) IRELAND, 2001 serious headache noun a gunshot wound to the head US, 1982 seriously adverb used to intensify or enhance US, 1981 serpent noun a railway pointsman. From the snake-like ‘S’ on the pointsman’s union pin US, 1977 Serpico; Serpico 21 noun cocaine; crack cocaine. From the film Serpico, 1973 UK, 1998 serve verb 1 to insult someone in a semi-formal quasi-friendly com- petition. After ‘serve’ (a criticism) AUSTRALIA, 2000. 2 to humiliate someone; to hit someone US, 1989. 3 to sell drugs to someone US, 1990 . 4 in card games, to deal US, 1988. < serve you right; serves you right used as an expression of satisfaction that you have got your just deserts UK, 1837 server noun a person who hands crack cocaine to a buyer as part of a multi-layered selling operation US, 1994 service stripes noun bruises, punctures and sores visible on the skin of an intravenous drug user US, 1973 serving noun abeatingAUSTRALIA, 2002 servo noun a service station AUSTRALIA, 1994 sesh noun 1 a period of sustained drinking. A shortening of SESSION UK , 1985. 2 a session US, 1982 sess; sces; sezz noun potent marijuana. Variations on SENSIMILLIA US, 1982 session noun 1 a prolonged period of steady drinking AUSTRALIA, 1949. 2 an instance of sexual intercourse US, 1997. 3 any period of time spent scooter-riding with friends UK, 2000. 4 a series of waves US, 1963 session; s esh verb to concentrate effort on a single objective US, 1995 set noun 1 a neighbourhood; a specific place in a neighbourhood where friends congregate US, 1965. 2 a neighbourhood faction of a gang US, 2001. 3 a party, especially a party with music US, 1966. 4 a group of breaking waves AUSTRALIA, 1963. 5 a woman’s breasts AUSTRALIA, 1967. 6 in horse or dog racing, a wager or the cumulative amount of wagers taken against a particular contestant AUSTRALIA, 1988. 7 a still used in the illegal production of alcohol US, 1974. 8 in prison usage, a continuance of a parole hearing US, 1981. < have a set on to be hostile towards someone AUSTRALIA, 1866 set verb to make a bet with someone AUSTRALIA, 1915. < set (her) down in trucking, to make a sudden stop US, 1971. < set in the woods in lobstering, to set traps close to the shore US, 1978. < set the centre in the gambling game two-up, to ensure that the spinner’s wager is covered by the other players AUSTRALIA, 1930. < set them up to organise a round of drinks UK, 1959 set adjective having a wager settled upon AUSTRALIA, 1915 set about verb to attack or assault someone UK, 1879 set back verb to cost, especially to cost a great deal UK, 1856 set in concrete adjective immutable; unalterable. A variation of SET IN STONE UK , 2002 set in stone adjective immutable; unalterable. A figurative appli- cation of the conventional sense UK, 2003 set joint noun a carnival game which is rigged to prevent players from winning US, 1968 setter; setta adjective seven; seven (pre-decimal) pence UK, 1859 settle verb < settle your hash to subdue you; to silence you; to defeat you; to kill you UK, 1803 settler noun in an illegal betting operation, the person who determines the final odds on an event after all bets are taken US, 1964 settlers noun dice that have been weighted and are thrown with an altered cup with great effect by a skilled cheat US, 1963 set-up noun 1 an organisation or establishment UK, 1959. 2 an arrangement, organisation or situation US, 1890. 3 a scheme for the entrapment of a criminal or the incrimination of an innocent US, 1968. 4 the equipment used to inject a drug US, 1952. 5 a place setting at a dining table US, 1934 set up verb especially of criminals, to arrange circumstances in such a way that the target of this arrangement is rendered vulnerable; to create a victim; to incriminate someone US, 1928 set-up man noun a criminal who identifies, plans and organises crimes US, 1953 seven noun 1 a telephone number. From the seven digits used in US telephone numbers US, 1998. 2 in eastern Australia, a seven-fluid- ounce glass of beer AUSTRALIA, 1972 567 send down | seven seven and seven noun 1 a drink made by mixing equal parts of Seven-Up™ soda and Seagrams Seven Whiskey™ US, 1976. 2 after 1971 in the Vietnam war, seven days of rest and recuperation, followed by seven days of leave US, 1991 seven and six noun 1 a fix (a difficult position). Rhyming slang UK, 1992 . 2 a young Mod. Apparently the MOD favoured tee-shirts from Woolworths costing seven shillings and sixpence UK, 1983 seven and six verb to fix something. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 seven and six er noun a married person. From the cost of a 1960s’ wedding licence, seven shillings and sixpence UK, 1998 Seven Dials noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang for PILES,formedon a once notorious area of central London UK, 1998 seven-eleven noun a small amount of money given to a gambler who has lost all their money, either by a casino or his fellow gamblers US, 1950 seven-o noun seventy; 70th Street US, 1972 seven out verb in craps, to roll a seven before making your point, thus losing US, 1974 seven-ply gasser noun the very best thing US, 1968 sevens noun < all the sevens seventy-seven. In Bingo, House or Housey-Housey calling, the formula ‘all the’ announces a double number UK, 1943 seventeen-wheeler noun an eighteen-wheel truck with a flat tyre US, 1976 seventh cavalry noun any agency that promises or effects an eleventh-hour rescue or last-minute relief from an awkward situ- ation UK, 2000 seventh wave noun the difficulty that follows many others and proves to be climactic disaster. From the belief that every seventh wave is larger than the six before or after US, 1975 seven-up noun crack cocaine. A pun on ‘coke’ as a soft drink and drug US, 1993 seven-year itch noun a (notional) need to be unfaithful to your spouse after seven years of marriage UK, 1936 severe clear adjective of the weather, perfect for flying CANADA, 1989 severe like noun a strong desire for something US, 1984 severely adverb very much UK, 1854 sew verb < sew the button on in oil drilling, to finish a job US, 1954 sewer noun 1 a vein, especially a prominent vein suitable for drug injection US, 1994. 2 in pool, a pocket that is receptive to shots dropping US, 1990. 3 a person who cannot keep a secret US, 1955 sewer hog noun a ditch digger US, 1962 sewer trout noun white fish of unknown origin US, 1945 sewing machine noun a small, foreign-made car. Drag racing usage, heard before the great influx of foreign cars into the US US, 1970 sewn-up adjective finished UK, 1966 sew up verb to organise or achieve a satisfactory conclusion; to ensure a favourable outcome UK, 1904 sex noun the genitals. A literary nicety UK, 1938 sex verb to have sex with someone US, 1966 sex appeal noun false breasts US, 1981 sexational; sexsational adjective very sexy; very sexually attractive US, 1928 sex-bomb noun a sexually alluring person, especially a woman, par- ticularly one with exaggerated but stereotypical sexuality UK, 1963 sexcapade noun a sexual adventure. A combination of ‘sex’ and ‘escapade’ US, 1955 sex case noun a sex offender UK, 1996 sex changer noun a computer cable with either two male or two female connectors US, 1991 sex down verb to make a thing less appealing. Derived as an antonym for SEX UP UK, 2003 sexed up adjective sexually aroused UK, 1942 sexile verb to force your roommate from your shared housing while you have sex US, 2000 sex kitten noun an especially attractive young woman who exploits her appeal. Coinage apparently inspired by film actress Brigitte Bardot (b.1933) UK, 1958 sexo; sex-oh noun 1 a sex offender NEW ZEALAND, 1963. 2 a person who is preoccupied with sex NEW ZEALAND, 1959 sexpert noun an expert on sexual behaviour. Mix ‘sex’ with an ‘expert’ US, 1924 sexploitation noun the exploitation of sexual imagery for commercial gain. A combination of ‘sex’ and ‘exploitation’ US, 1998 sexpot noun a sexually exciting woman US, 1957 sexstasy; sextasy noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy, taken with the erection enhancing drug Viagra™ US, 1999 sex tank noun a holding cell reserved for homosexual prisonersUS, 1963 Sexton Blake; sexton noun 1 a fake; a forgery. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of a fictional detective who first appeared in 1893 and continued in print well into the 1960s. British artist Tom Keating, 1917–84, famously forged works attributed to Gainsborough, Degas, Boucher, Fragonard, Renoir and Modigliani; in 1976 he confessed to having painted 2,000 Sexton Blakes UK, 1984. 2 a cake. Rhyming slang, formed on the fictional detective. Considered obsolete by Julian Franklyn, A Dictionary of Rhyming Slang, 1960; however, Ray Puxley, Cockney Rabbit, 1992, records it as ‘long established’ UK, 1960. 3 a ‘take’ in television and films. Rhyming slang, formed on the fictional detective UK, 1972 sex up verb to present a thing in a manner designed to make it more attractive and appealing. Recorded in 1984 as ‘to render a manuscript (more) sexually exciting’ UK, 1984 sex wagon noun a car that appeals to girls US, 1954 sexy adjective used to describe anything considered to be desirable, very interesting or influential. A figurative application of the sense as ‘sexually attractive’ UK, 1980 sey; sei; sa; say adjective six. Polari, from Italian sei UK, 1996 sez verb says UK, 1844 shack noun 1 a house that exudes wealth and invites burglary US, 1950. 2 especially in Tasmania, and south and west Australia, a holiday house of any size or quality AUSTRALIA, 1998. 3 a room, apartment or house US, 1955. 4 any room where a citizens’ band radio set is housed US, 1976. 5 a direct hit on the target by a bomb US, 1991. 6 a sexual episode US, 1995. 7 a rear brakeman on a train US, 1977 8see: CHIAC shack verb 1 to live together as an unmarried couple. Very often used in the variant ‘shack up’ US, 1935. 2 to spend the night with someone, sex almost always included. Not the ongoing relation- ship suggested by the older term SHACK UP US, 1996 shacker noun a sexual partner who spends the night but does not live with you US, 2002 shack house noun a brakevan (caboose) US, 1977 shacking noun a party or social gathering US, 1972 shack job noun a person with whom you are living and enjoying sex without the burdens or blessings of marriage; the arrangement US, 1960 shack rat noun a soldier who has moved in together with a woman US, 1947 shack-up noun a person with whom you are living and enjoying sex without the burdens or blessings of marriage US, 1960 shack up verb 1 to take up residence, usually of a temporary nature US, 1942. 2 to provide living quarters for a lover US, 1960 shaddup! be quiet! A slurring of SHUT UP! UK, 1959 shade noun 1 a black person. Offensive US, 1865. 2 a suntan US, 1997. 3 a legitimate business that acts as a cover for an illegal enterprise US, 1978. 4 detached superiority US, 1994 shade verb 1 to reduce something slightly and gradually US, 1997. 2 to mark the backs of cards with a subtle shading of the existing colour US, 1979 seven and seven | shade 568 shades noun 1 sunglasses US, 1958. 2 police IRELAND, 1997 shade spade noun an Arab. Offensive US, 2000 shade-tree mechanic noun an amateur car mechanic of dubious skill, questionable honour and the best of intentions US, 1992 shadie noun a man, especially a young man, who spends his life on the edges of crime US, 1976 shadow noun 1 a collector for an illegal money lender US, 1950. 2 a truck that is not equipped with a citizens’ band radio following one that is US, 1976 shadows noun dark glasses US, 1955 shady adjective 1 giving an impression of dishonesty; disreputable; not quite honourable UK, 1862. 2 detached, aloof US, 1994 shady lady noun a prostitute US, 1976 shaft noun 1 the penis UK, 1772. 2 an act of sexual intercourse; hence, a woman objectified sexually. From the verb UK, 1984. 3 poor treatment US, 1959. 4 a crankshaft. Hot rodder usage US, 1948. 5 the leg US, 1970 shaft verb 1 from a male perspective, to have sex. After SHAFT (the penis) UK, 1962. 2 to mistreat or abuse US, 1959 shaft artist noun a person who is prone to cheat or behave unfairly US, 1977 shafted adjective in deep trouble; in such deep trouble that your pre- vious position is unrecoverable. Synonymous with FUCKED UK, 1994 shafter noun a single ox in an ox-pull contest or for work CANADA, 1985 shafting noun trouble; unfair treatment UK, 2000 shaftsman noun a person who is prone to cheat or behave unfairly US, 1977 shafty adjective (used of a thing) fashionable, popular US, 1951 shag noun 1 an act of sexual intercourse UK, 1999. 2 a sexual partner UK, 1788. 3 a friend NEW ZEALAND, 1984. 4 in trucking, a small trailer used for city driving US, 1971. < like a shag on a rock all alone AUSTRALIA, 1845 shag verb 1 to have sex. Possibly from obsolete ‘shag’ (to shake); usage is not gender-specific UK, 1788. 2 to leave US, 1851. 3 to run someone down; to arrest someone US, 1911. < shag ass to leave US, 1964. < shag senseless to have sex to the point of exhaus- tion. Generally used as a boast UK, 2000 shagadelic adjective exciting; great. Combining two clichés of ‘swinging sixties London’ (from a Hollywood perspective): SHAG (to have sex) and ‘psychedelic’ (of mind-expanding drugs). Usage has added sexual overtones to this comic coinage which appears just once in the film Austin Powers, The Spy Who Shagged Me: ‘New case? Very shagadelic, Basil!’ (Mike Myers, 1998) US, 1998 shaganappi adjective worthless CANADA, 1961 shagbox noun the vagina UK, 2001 shagbucket noun a worthless or despicable person. Related to obsolete synonym ‘shag-bag’ UK, 1997 shagged; shagged out adjective exhausted. From SHAG (to have sex); compares with FUCKED (exhausted) UK, 1932 shagger noun a person, especially a male, who has sex UK, 2002 shagger’s back noun any backache, whether or not produced by over-exertion in sex AUSTRALIA, 1988 shagging adjective used as an intensifier. A direct replacement of FUCKING UK, 2000 -shagging- infix used as an intensifier UK, 2002 shagging Nora! used as a register of surprise, anger, amazement, etc UK, 1982 shagging pad noun a room kept for sexual encounters AUSTRALIA, 1995 shagging room noun in a brothel, a room or cubicle set aside for the business of sex UK, 2002 shag-happy adjective obsessed with sex AUSTRALIA, 1994 shag me! used for expressing surprise NEW ZEALAND, 1998 shag-merchant noun a man who is only interested in having sex (and not a relationship) UK, 2002 shag-nasty noun an unpopular person UK, 1961 shag pad noun a premises used for sexual liaisons UK, 2003 shag-rag noun a tabloid newspaper that relies on sexual content for a healthy circulation. Combines SHAG (the sex act) with RAG (a newspaper) UK, 2000 shagspot noun a pimple (to which adolescents are prey); hence, also used as a nickname (not necessarily for the afflicted) UK, 1968 shagtastic adjective wonderful, especially in a sexual context UK, 2002 shag wagon; shaggin wagon; shaggin’-wagon noun a panel van, station wagon or the like used for sexual encounters AUSTRALIA, 1966 shag-worthy adjective sexually attractive; sexy AUSTRALIA, 1985 shaka adjective excellent. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981 shaka used as a greeting or to signify fraternity. Spoken in conjunction with a hand signal that emphasizes the little finger and thumb. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981 shake noun 1 a moment, an instant of time. Most often used in all manner of elaborations: ‘in a shake’ (C19), ‘in the shake of a hand’ (C19, probably obsolete), ‘in a brace of shakes’ (mid-C19), ‘in a couple of shakes’ (mid-C19), ‘in two shakes’ (late C19); later C20 variations are more whimsical: ‘in the shake of a lamb’s tail’, ‘in the shake of a dead lamb’s tail’, ‘in two shakes of a lamb’s whiff- whoff’ (mid-C20), ‘two shakes of a donkey’s tail’ and ‘two shakes of a monkey’s tail’ UK, 1962. 2 marijuana, especially the resinous matter that is shaken to the bottom during transit or what remains after the buds have been removed US, 1978. 3 any adulterant added to cocaine powder US, 1989. 4 aparty;arentparty US, 1946. 5 a blunt demand for money supported by the threat of physical force. A shortened form of SHAKEDOWN US, 1953 8see: SHAKE AND SHIVER shake verb 1 to search a person’s clothing and body US, 1972. 2 to get rid of someone or something US, 1872. < shake a leg to hurry, to get a move on. Extends from the sense ‘to dance’; generally used in the imperative US, 1904. < shake hands (of a male) to urinate. The indirect object has been euphemistically omitted AUSTRALIA, 1962. < shake hands with an old friend 1 used by a male as a jocular euphemism when excusing himself to go and urinate US, 1994. 2 (of a male) to masturbate. After the previous sense UK, 1984. < shake hands with him 1 (of a male) to urinate. An allusion to the penis UK, 1984. 2 (of a male) to masturbate UK, 1984. < shake hands with Mr Right (of a male) to urinate. Mr Right is what every woman is searching for, hence this humorous reference to the penis UK, 1960. < shake hands with my friend (of a male) to urinate. A humorous allusion to the penis; a variation of SHAKE HANDS WITH AN OLD FRIEND UK , 2000. < shake hands with the Devil (of either sex) to masturbate US, 1975. < shake hands with the unemployed (of a male) to urinate. The notion behind ‘unemployed’ is a wry admission that the man in question has not been getting any sex of late AUSTRALIA, 1972. < shake hands with the wif e’s best friend (of a male) to urinate; to masturbate AUSTRALIA, 1968. < shake leg to idle SINGAPORE, 2002. < shake the bushes; shake the leaves; shake the trees to look for the police, especially so as to warn other drivers. Citizens’ band radio slang US, 1976. < shake the leaves in a group of trucks travelling down the motorway together, to drive in the lead position, risking first contact with police watching for speeders US, 1976. < shake the trees to drive in the lead position in a group of trucks travelling on a motorway together in a group effort to avoid speeding tickets while driving fast US, 1976. < shake them up on the railways, to switch wagons or trains US, 1946. < shake white coconuts from the veiny love tree (of a male) to masturbate. Coinage credited to surreal BBC comedy The League of Gentlemen UK, 2001. < shake your booty to dance in a lively manner. Literally, ‘to shake your buttocks’ US, 1978. < shake your skirt (of a woman) to go dancing US, 1989 shake ’n’ vac noun an act of male masturbation, especially when performed by one sexual partner upon another. Shake ’n’ Vac™ is a household cleaning product that achieved cult status as the result of a 1970s television commercial. During the all-singing and dancing demonstration, ‘Do the Shake ’n’ Vac / and put the freshness back’ an attractive actress shook the tube-shaped packaging and white powder was scattered – the perfect metaphor UK, 2001 569 shades | shake ’n’ vac . US, 1929. 3 a sexual partner, potential or actual, of either gender, objectified UK, 1937. 4 a wage UK, 1858. 5 asalaryNEW ZEALAND, 1 984. 6 a mischievous scheme TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1935. 7 alookAUSTRALIA,. through thick bushland AUSTRALIA, 1972 scrub bash verb to make a path through thick bushland; to drive a vehicle through bushland AUSTRALIA, 1964 scrub-bashing noun the clearing of bushland AUSTRALIA,. Originally, ‘a down -and- out’ UK, 1973 scruff puppy noun a girl as the object of social and sexual desire US, 1988 scruffy and dirty noun in betting, odds of 100–30. Rhyming slang UK, 1991 scrum