Slang and uncoventional english part 89 docx

snapper noun 1 the vagina, especially one with exceptional muscular control US, 1975. 2 a girl or young woman US, 1971. 3 an infant IRELAND, 2003. 4 the foreskin US, 1941. 5 a photographer UK, 1910. 6 in blackjack, an ace and ten-point card dealt as the first two cards to a player US, 1980. 7 amyl nitrite; an ampoule of amyl nitrite US, 1967. 8 a small, fast-breaking wave AUSTRALIA, 1977. 9 in lobstering, a lobster that is not legal size US, 1978. 10 a wooden match US, 1970. 11 the mythical ingredient in baked beans that can be removed to prevent flatulence US, 1975 snapper-rigged adjective improvised; repaired in a makeshift fashion. Nautical terminology brought ashore in Nova Scotia CANADA, 2002 snappers noun the teeth, especially false teeth UK, 1924 snappy adjective 1 fashionably smart. Especially as ‘snappy dresser’ UK, 1881. 2 short-tempered; irritable US, 1834. < make it snappy; look snappy to be quick. Often used as an imperative UK, 1926 snaps noun 1 praise; recognition US, 1995. 2 money US, 1997. 3 handcuffs US, 1949. 4 snack food US, 1986 snard lumps noun snow and ice clumps that build up under the fender of the car. In eastern Canada, they have been called ‘snowbirds’ CANADA, 1987 snarf verb 1 to drink or to eat something, especially greedily. Possibly abbreviated and adapted from an affected UK pronunciation of SNAFFLE (to acquire) UK, 2002. 2 to take something; to grab something US, 1968 snark noun a caustic witticism US, 2003 snark verb to act grumpily or nastily US, 1997 snarky adjective snide, sarcastic; irritable. From the Scottish snark (to find fault, to nag) UK, 1906 snarler noun a sausage NEW ZEALAND, 1963 snarl-up noun a chaotic mess; often applied to a near-gridlock in a traffic system UK, 1960 snatch noun 1 the vagina; sex; a woman (or women) as a sexual object UK, 1904. 2 a kidnapping US, 1931. 3 something stolen UK, 2000. 4 an air rescue of ground troops or the crew of a downed aircraft US, 1988 snatch verb to kidnap someone US, 1932. < snatch it to quit work taking the wages due AUSTRALIA, 1911. < snatch your time to quit work taking the wages due AUSTRALIA, 1916 snatch 22 noun a woman who is considered so sexually unattractive that a man would have to be drunk to attempt sex with her, but too drunk to perform. A logical knot, formed on SNATCH (the vagina); after Catch 22, the novel by Joseph Heller, 1961, and the conventional usage it inspired UK, 2002 snatch box noun the vagina. An elaboration of SNATCH UK, 1961 snatch box decorated with red roses noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. Formed on SNATCH BO X (the vagina) with blood imagery US, 1999 snatcher noun 1 a thief US, 1965. 2 a police detective US, 1948 snatch fur noun female pubic hair US, 1972 snatch hair noun the pubic hair (of either gender) US, 1995 snatch hound noun a person who is obsessed with sex and women US, 1992 snatch man noun a press photographer UK, 2001 snatch patrol noun a combat mission in which the object is to capture enemy troops for interrogation US, 1977 snatch-plug noun a tampon US, 1972 snavel verb to steal something AUSTRALIA, 1892 snazzy adjective stylish; fashionable; smart US, 1932 sneak noun 1 a schoolchild who tells tales or informs on his or her fellows. School slang, from an earlier, more general sense as ‘a despicable person, or one who behaves in an underhand manner’ UK, 1840. 2 a soft-soled shoe; a running shoe, a trainer UK, 1862 sneak verb 1 to tell tales; to inform upon someone. School slang UK, 1897. 2 to break into a building US, 1949. < sneak a peak to take a look at something or someone US, 1999 sneak adjective < on the sneak tip in secret US, 1995 sneak-and-peak adjective 1 designed to be quiet US, 1973. 2 undertaken for the purpose of reconnaissance US, 1974 sneaker noun 1 a person engaged in an illegal enterprise who does not pay a regular bribe to the police but does when confronted US, 1973 . 2 a smuggler US, 1956. 3 a linear amplifier for a citizens’ band radio US, 1977. 4 in hot rodding or motor racing, an unusually large tyre US, 1992 sneaker bitch noun a person who is too focused on conspicuous consumption, such as high priced trainers US, 1989 sneakernet noun in computing, to carry a disk from one computer to another US, 1991 sneakers noun car wheel rims US, 2003 sneak go noun any secretive action AUSTRALIA, 1989 sneak-in noun a bar that surreptitiously remains open after the legal closing time US, 1951 sneak job noun housebreaking UK, 1996 sneaky adjective used of a recording device, easily hidden US, 1982 sneaky beaky noun a spy. Often used attributively as an adjective UK, 1995 sneaky man noun a married woman’s adulterous sexual partner BAHAMAS, 1982 sneaky Pete noun 1 any potent, potentially fatal, alcoholic concoction, favoured by those whose need outweighs their ability to pay US, 1947. 2 marijuana mixed in wine US, 1955. 3 a member of a US Army long-range reconnaissance patrol unit US, 1990. 4 an unannounced in-flight examination by a crew that boards the plane just before take-off US, 1963. 5 in pool, an expert player’s custom cue, designed to look like an ordinary cue US, 1993 sneeze noun pepper US, 1981 sneeze verb to arrest someone US, 1950 sneeze and squeeze noun cocaine and sex US, 1984 sneezed adjective arrested; kidnapped UK, 1996 sneeze out verb to confess UK, 1996 sneezer noun 1 the nose US, 1945. 2 in marketing, a person whose opinion the market listens to and trusts. A logical by-product of VIRAL MARKETING (word-of-mouth) US, 2000. 3 a jail or prison US, 1953 sneezing powder noun heroin US, 1958 snide noun 1 a cunning person; an untrustworthy person; a contemptible person; an informer. German aufschneiden (to boast, brag), reaching English via Yiddish. Also used in the variant ‘shnide’ UK, 1950. 2 a stolen pearl AUSTRALIA, 1933 snide adverb secretly; deceitfully UK, 2002 snide; shnide; snidey adjective false, counterfeit, sham, bogus; hence mean, contemptible; underhand UK, 1859 snidey adjective sneering; contemptuous; disdainful UK, 1964 snidey up verb to adulterate drugs, to prepare fake drugs for sale. Extended from SNIDE; SNIDEY (fake) UK, 1996 sniff noun 1 cocaine US, 1990. 2 any solvent that can be inhaled for its psychoactive effect US, 1974. 3 a sycophant. From an image of the sycophant’s brown nose being in the near proximity of an anus US, 1968. 4 a girlfriend UK, 2002. < the sniff a recreational hunt for sexually attractive company UK, 1998 sniff verb to ingest drugs by nasal inhalation UK, 1925 sniffed-up adjective under the influence of cocaine UK, 1999 sniffer noun 1 the nose UK, 1858. 2 an ampoule of amyl nitrite US, 1970. 3 a cocaine user US, 1988. 4 a device placed on a vehicle’s exhaust pipe to measure the pollutants in the emission US, 1993. 5 a claims investigator of unemployment and other benefit fraud UK, 1982. 6 a computer program that surreptitiously records user passwords and other log-in data US, 1994. 7 an outsider who tries to be part of the pornography industry US, 1995. 8 a handkerchief US, 1945 sniffer and snorter noun a reporter. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 sniffer bag noun a small bag of heroin intended for inhaling US, 2002 snapper | sniffer bag 598 sniffings noun any industrial solvent that is inhaled for its psychoactive effect US, 1984 sniffing snow noun cocaine. An instructive elaboration of SNOW (cocaine) UK, 2000 sniff queen noun a homosexual who is a heavy user of amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite during sex US, 1972 sniffy adjective scornful, disdainful UK, 1871 snifter noun 1 a small drink of alcoholic liquor; hence, specifically, a brandy glass; more generally, a glass for spirits. The difference between the senses is not always apparent US, 1844. 2 a single inhaled dose of cocaine US, 1930 snig verb to drag something heavy by means of ropes or chains AUSTRALIA, 1897 snip noun 1 abargainUK, 1926. 2 something that is easily achieved or done; a certainty UK, 1890. 3 a thing that is more fortunate, excellent or pleasing than might normally be expected. In the phrase ‘snip of a thing’ UK, 1952. 4 a ticket collector UK, 1970. < the snip any invasive medical procedure that sterilises a patient; a vasectomy, an orchidectomy, etc UK, 2001 snip verb to borrow money on short notice AUSTRALIA, 1989 snipe noun 1 the butt of a marijuana cigarette. In the late C19, a ‘snipe’ referred to the discarded stub of a cigar or cigarette. It briefly enjoyed standing in the vocabulary of marijuana users before falling victim to ROACH US, 1969. 2 the butt of a cigarette that can still be relit and smoked US, 1891. 3 the nose. From the long straight bill of the bird UK, 2002. 4 a sniper’s hide UK: NORTHERN IRELAND , 1979. 5 on board a ship, a crew member, especially an engineering officer UK, 1918. 6 a railway track worker US, 1946 snipe verb 1 to disparage someone US, 1980. 2 to snoop; to spy on someone US, 2002 sniper noun 1 a person who posts inflammatory attacks on the Internet US, 2001. 2 a sexually promiscuous girl of limited intellect BAHAMAS, 1982 snippy adjective impatient; argumentative. Originally used in the UK to mean ‘parsimonious’ (C18), and then in the US (C19) in the current sense. The term enjoyed a brief moment of fame in the early morning hours of 9th November 2000, when US Vice President Al Gore told future President George Bush, ‘You don’t have to get snippy with me’ as he retracted a concession made several minutes earlier US, 1848 snips noun any cutting tool, for example scissors or wire cutters US, 1962 snirt noun a stormy mixture of snow and dirt CANADA, 1987 snit noun 1 a mild temper tantrum US, 1939. 2 among Nova Scotians of German descent, an apple slice CANADA, 1999 snitch noun 1 an informer, especially a police informer. A high profile use of the term was in the motto of the television police drama Richard Diamond, Private Detective (1957–60) – ‘A detective is only as good as his snitch’ UK, 1785. 2 a piece of information supplied by a police informer UK, 2002 snitch verb 1 to inform upon someone UK, 1801. 2 to steal something US, 1904. 3 to shoot a marble NORFOLK ISLAND, 1992 snitchball noun any game played by prisoners in the protective unit reserved for informers US, 1992 snitch box noun an in-house prison post box US, 1992 snitcher noun 1 a metal detector US, 1950. 2 a dislike or grudge NEW ZEALAND , 1953 snitch jacket noun a reputation for being an informer US, 1973 snitch kite noun a note sent by a prisoner to prison authorities, informing on other prisoners US, 2000 snitty adjective bad-tempered US, 1978 snob mob noun a group of friends with a very high opinion of themselves US, 1955 snockered; schnockered; shnockered adjective drunk US, 1955 snodger adjective great; excellent AUSTRALIA, 1917 snog noun a passionate kiss; a short but intense period of kissing and cuddling UK, 1959 snog verb to kiss and cuddle UK, 1945 snog and fuck noun a public house called the ‘Dog and Duck’. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 snogger noun someone who kisses with passion. From SNOG UK, 2000 sno-go noun a snowmobile US, 1961 snogtastic adjective sexually attractive; kissable. Elision of SNOG (to kiss) and ‘fantastic’ UK, 1998 snooge noun in Newfoundland, a way of attaching sled dogs CANADA, 1957 snooker verb 1 to trick someone; to place someone in an impossible position. From the game played with balls on a billiard table UK, 1915 . 2 to conceal something or someone AUSTRALIA, 1950 snookered adjective placed in a deliberately difficult position. From thegameofsnooker UK, 1915 snookums noun used as an affectionate term of address. As the Oxford English Dictionary so gracefully puts it, ‘usually applied to children or lap-dogs’ US, 1919 snoop noun a detective. From SNOOP (to pry) US, 1942 snoop verb to pry US, 2001 snoop and pry; snoop verb to cry. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 snooper noun an investigator US, 1889 snoopers noun the flashing lights on top of a police car US, 1976 snoopy noun the vagina. A pet name; probably from the character Snoopy, a pet beagle, in Peanuts cartoon strip by Charles M. Schulz (1922–2000) US, 2001 snoose noun damp, grated, chewing snuff CANADA, 1951 snoot noun 1 the nose UK, 1861. 2 cocaine US, 1993. 3 aconceited, snobbish person AUSTRALIA, 1938. 4 in the television and film industries, a cone attachment that directs light to a specific area US, 1990. < give someone the snoot to treat someone in a condescending manner US, 1989 snootch noun the vagina CANADA, 2002 snootchie bootchie nootchies!; snootchie bootchies! used as an all-purpose, meaning-free catchphrase. The term was apparently coined by actor Jason Mewes in Kevin Smith’s films of the 1990s US, 1995 snooter noun a habitual drug user who ingests drugs by nasal inhalation UK, 1996 snoot full noun enough alcohol to make you drunk US, 1918 snooty adjective arrogant, unpleasant, supercilious, snobbish UK, 1919 snooze noun 1 a short sleep; a doze UK, 1793. 2 aboreUS, 1997 snooze verb to sleep; to doze UK, 1789. < snooze hard to sleep deeply US, 1995 snoozer noun 1 a Pullman sleeping carriage on a passenger train US, 1975. 2 in a poker game using the joker, the joker. Perhaps related to the earlier sense of the word as ‘a thief’ US, 1950 snoozing and snoring; snooze and snoring adjective boring. Rhyming slang. Sometimes shortened to ‘snoozing’ UK, 1992 snop noun marijuana US, 1969 snorbs noun thefemalebreastsUS, 1969 snore-off noun 1 a sleep; a nap AUSTRALIA, 1949. 2 a place to sleep AUSTRALIA, 1967 snore off verb to sleep or fall asleep AUSTRALIA, 1925 snore sack noun a sleeping bag US, 1945 snore shelf noun a bed; a sleeping compartment in an over-the-road truck US, 1976 snorker noun 1 a sausage AUSTRALIA, 1941. 2 the penis. From the pre- vious sense AUSTRALIA, 1971. 3 a contemptible fool. From the sense as ‘penis’, thus synonymous with PRICK US, 1977. 4 in poker, a player who berates the other players when he wins a hand US, 1988 599 sniffings | snorker snorrer; snorer noun a difficult customer, a scrounger. Derived from Yiddish shnorrer (a beggar) UK, 1977 snort noun 1 a drink of an alcoholic beverage US, 1889. 2 cocaine US, 1975 snort verb 1 to ingest drugs by nasal inhalation US, 1951. 2 to take a measure of alcohol nasally UK, 1999 snorter noun a tablespoonful of alcoholic spirit (tequila and vodka are popular) taken nasally UK, 2001 snortin’ Norton noun a Norton motorcyle. Biker (motorcycle) slang US, 2003 snort rag noun a piece of cloth holding a powdered drug US, 1969 snot noun 1 nasal mucus. Originally conventional English and in common usage; considered to be dialect or vulgar since the C19 UK, 1425. 2 the residue produced by smoking amphetamine US, 1993. 3 an arrogant, conceited and flippant person US, 1941. 4 a slut US, 2001 . < in a snot annoyed IRELAND, 2003 snot verb to blow nasal mucus from the nostrils UK, 2002 snot and tears noun maudlin misery. Also in Afrikaans snot en trane SOUTH AFRICA, 1969 snot nose noun 1 an arrogant person; a snob UK, 1964. 2 conceit US, 1984 snot rag noun 1 a handkerchief UK, 1886. 2 an insignificant or contemptible person UK, 1973 snotsicle noun frozen mucus hanging from the nose ANTARCTICA, 1997 snotter noun a gob of thick nasal mucus and phlegm UK: SCOTLAND, 1869 snotterybeak noun a person with a runny nose UK, 1988 snottie noun the hagfish. From its production of slime NEW ZEALAND, 1991 snottily adverb conceitedly, arrogantly, aloofly UK, 1864 snotty adjective 1 conceited, arrogant, aloof UK, 1870. 2 dirty with nasal mucus. While accepted in conventional usage, the root-word SNOT (nasal mucus) is considered vulgar UK, 1570. 3 used of a drag racing track surface, slippery US, 1965 snotty-nosed adjective contemptible, dirty UK, 1964 snout noun 1 tobacco; a cigarette. From ‘snout’ (the nose), mainly prison use. ‘The word originates from the days when smoking was prohibited in prison. When smoking, the lag cupped his hand and pretended to rub his nose[.]’ (Paul Tempest, Lag’s Lexicon, 1950) UK, 1885. 2 an informer, especially one who seeks a reward for giving information. Derives from a conventional ‘snout’ (the nose) which is poked into other people’s business UK, 1910. 3 a grudge against someone AUSTRALIA, 1919 snout-baron noun in prison, a trafficker in tobacco. SNOUT (tobacco) plus BARON (a powerful convict whose influence is built on illegal trading) UK, 1962 snoutery noun a tobacco warehouse UK, 1956 snow noun 1 a powdered drug, especially cocaine but at times heroin US, 1914. 2 silver; silver money UK, 1925. 3 passes for free admission to a performance; audience members who attend a performance using a free pass US, 1981. < no snow on your shoes in the context of a betting operation, trustworthy. From the belief that someone who has been inside the operation long enough for the snow to have melted off his shoes does not have advance infor- mation on a bet US, 1951 snow verb 1 to deceive someone; to flirt insincerely US, 1943. 2 in poker, to bluff or fake US, 1963 snow and ice noun a price; in gambling, a starting price. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 snowball noun 1 a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1996. 2 a mixture of cocaine and heroin UK, 2000. 3 a white person. Offensive US, 1980. 4 in hot rodding, a whitewall tyre US, 1958. < not a snowball’s chance in hell; not a snowball’s not a chance UK, 1962 snowball verb to pass semen to the donor through a kiss US, 1972 snowballing; snowdropping noun after oral sex, passing semen to the donor by kissing. Originally an exclusively homosexual use US, 1972 snowballs noun 1 crack cocaine US, 1995. 2 dice altered for cheating with only the numbers four, five and six on the faces US, 1993 snowbanker noun a big American car CANADA, 1999 snowbird noun 1 a person from the northern US or Canada who migrates to Florida or elsewhere in the southern US during winter. Originally applied to men who enlisted in the army just before winter, and then to workers who flocked south in the winter, and then to tourists US, 1979. 2 a cocaine user or addict. Building on SNOW (cocaine) and reaching to pun with the more conventional sense of the term ‘snowbird’ US, 1914. 3 cocaine UK, 2002. 4 a glob of snow that sticks under a fender CANADA, 1978 snowblind adjective impaired from excessive cocaine use UK, 1983 snow-bug noun a motor toboggan, predecessor to the snowmobile CANADA, 1964 snow bunny noun 1 a young woman who hangs around ski resorts in conspicuous dress CANADA, 1964. 2 a Royal Marine trained in arctic warfare. After the white camouflage suiting UK, 1978 snowcaine noun cocaine, or a related drug such as benzocaine or lidocaine US, 1993 snow cap noun cocaine combined and smoked with marijuana US, 1995 snow coke noun crack cocaine. A combination of two terms meaning ‘cocaine’ UK, 2003 snowcone; snowcones noun cocaine US, 1994 snowdrop noun a US military police officer. An allusion to the white helmets, gloves, belts and socks US, 1946 snow-eater noun in Colorado, warm, dry winds that can quickly melt snow US, 1997 snowed adjective cocaine-intoxicated US, 1949 snowed under adjective over-burdened with work US, 1984 snowflake noun 1 a white person. From racial tension situation comedy Love Thy Neighbour, 1972–76 UK, 2000. 2 cocaine. Also used in the plural US, 1997. 3 a military mail control record US, 1986 snowheart noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1996 snow hole noun among Nova Scotians living on the coast, the part of the sea from which wind and later snow comes CANADA, 1968 snow job noun deception by flattery US, 1943 snowman noun 1 a cocaine dealer US, 1988. 2 a handsome, popular boy. High school usage US, 1961 snowmen noun LSD UK, 2003 snow queen noun a black homosexual who is attracted to white men US, 1985 snow seal noun a combination of cocaine and amphetamines. From SNOW (cocaine) UK, 1998 snow storm noun < caught in a snow storm under the influence of cocaine US, 1949 snow tank noun an older, large car that is reliable in snow driving. The older and more worn out, the more likely that the car will get you to your destination when road conditions make driving difficult. Michigan Upper Peninsula usage US, 2003 snow time noun the infatuation stage of a relationship US, 1959 snowtubing noun a sporting recreation, racing across snow on an inflated inner-tube US, 1986 Snowturkey noun a member of the Canadian Forces Flying Demonstration Team, the ‘Snowbirds’ CANADA, 1995 snow white noun cocaine US, 1993 Snow Whites noun tights. Rhyming slang, formed on the fairytale character Snow White UK, 1992 snozzled adjective drunk US, 1947 snorrer; snorer | snozzled 600 snubby; snubbie adjective a short-barrelled pistol. From ‘snub-nosed’ UK, 1981 snuff noun amurderUS, 1994. < up to snuff enough, sufficient, good enough US, 1994 snuff; snuff out verb to kill someone. In C19 slang, ‘to die’, and then later the transitive ‘to kill’ UK, 1932 snuff-dipper noun a prostitute who works at truckstops US, 1976 snuffer noun 1 a film purporting to depict the actual killing of someone, usually a woman US, 1990. 2 the nose US, 1945 snuff film; snuff flick; snuff movie noun a film purporting to depict the actual killing of someone, usually a woman US, 1976 snuff it verb to die. An image of a candle being extinguished UK, 1885 snuff muff noun a dead woman used for sex. From SNUFF (to kill), in the adjectival sense found in SNUFF FILM, etc., and MUFF (the vulva; a woman as a sex object) UK, 2002 snuff-out noun a fast and violent loss of position on a surfboard, usually followed by a sudden trip below the ocean surface US, 1977 snuff powder noun adulterated heroin or a white powdered poison used to injure or kill someone using it in the belief it is heroin. Much better known as a HOTSHOT US, 1960 snuff stick noun a cigarette NEW ZEALAND, 1978 snuffy noun any low-ranking soldier in the US Army or Marines, performing a servile or degrading task US, 1991 Snuffy Smith noun in trucking, any driver for the Smith Transfer Company US, 1976 snug verb in horse racing, to rein the horse in to preserve energy for a sprint later in the race US, 1951 snuggle-bunny noun a girlfriend UK, 1963 snurgle verb to advance with caution; to crawl forward UK, 1983 snye noun in the Ottawa valley, a side channel bypassing falls or rapids CANADA, 1995 SO noun used as Internet discussion group shorthand to mean ‘significant other’ US, 1997 so adjective homosexual. Dating from the late C19, during the 1930s the pronunciation was affected with a lisp UK, 2002 so adverb very, extremely. Attitude and pronunciation separate the slang sense from the standard sense US, 1988. < so many women/books/etc, so little time used as a humorous expression of regret for lost opportunity. So many variations, so little dictionary space US, 1953 so used within a sentence as introduction to an intensifying rep- etition. Tautological. Originally recorded as a ‘proletarian colloquialism’, there appears to be a widespread usage in Northern Ireland UK, 1935 soak noun a drunk UK, 1820 soak verb to use something as collateral for a loan US, 1972 soaked adjective drunk. First recorded by Benjamin Franklin in 1737 US, 1737 soaker noun 1 a surfer who lingers in the water, rarely catching a wave US, 1991. 2 a pawnshop CANADA, 1976. 3 an extremely large halibut US, 1997 so-and-so noun 1 used as a substitute for a person’s name that is either forgotten or that is not important to the point being made UK, 1596. 2 used as a euphemism for any derogatory form of address UK, 1943 soap noun 1 a soap opera, either in the literal sense of a radio or television melodramatic series or in the figurative sense US, 1943. 2 the recreational drug GHB US, 1995. 3 ordinary soap used to fill cracks when using explosives to open a safe US, 1970. 4 a bribe US, 1972 soap and flannel noun the National Health Service. Rhyming slang for ‘panel’, a term that relates to healthcare under the system that preceded the advent of the NHS in 1946 UK, 1992 soap and lather noun a father. Rhyming slang. Ray Puxley, Cockney Rabbit, 1992, notes that this ‘makes the pope the "holy soap"’ UK, 1961 soap and water noun a daughter. Rhyming slang UK, 1925 soap bar; soap noun a small block of cannabis resin, often heavily adulterated, especially with animal tranquillizers; thus hashish, especially if adulterated. From the similarity to a conventional bar of soap UK, 1996 soap box noun a Mini car. Citizens’ band radio slang, from the shape and size UK, 1981 soap-box artist noun a skilled public speaker NEW ZEALAND, 1938 soapbox derby syndrome noun any rapidly progressing disease or medical condition. The Soap Box Derby is a downhill coasting race sponsored by the Cub Scouts US, 1983 soapdogger noun a person who always seems unwashed. From DOG (to dodge, to avoid) UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 soap opera noun a never-ending radio or televison drama series, designed to attract long-term audience loyalty and emotional involvement. The original of the genre, broadcast on US radio from 1932, was The Puddle Family sponsored by Procter & Gamble, a soap manufacturer; the product giving the entertainment its identity US, 1939 soapy noun the balance after a day of betting. Rhyming slang based on Soapy Vallance, a legendary Australian athlete of the 1930s AUSTRALIA, 1989 soapy adjective dirty; in a mess; in need of a wash UK, 1996 soapy bubble; soapy noun trouble. Rhyming slang, first recorded in Glasgow. Later used as Cockney rhyming slang UK, 1985 sob noun one pound sterling. Probably a mishearing of SOV(£1) UK, 1970 SOB noun 1 used as a term of abuse: son ofabitch US, 1918. 2 a sober old bastard. A term used with affection in twelve-step recovery programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous US, 1998 SOB adjective short of breath; dyspeptic US, 1989 sobriety coach noun someone who aids or mentors an alcoholic or a drug addict in the maintenance of a drink- or drug-free life US, 2002 sob sister noun a soft-hearted, naive person US, 1912 sob story noun a sentimental narrative that is told to arouse sympathy UK, 1913 sob-story artist noun a swindler whose method of operating includes a sentimental narrative of misfortune and an appeal to the emotions of the victim US, 1954 sociable adverb in poolroom betting, for a small wager US, 1967 social noun a government social worker US, 1995. < go social to stop fighting US, 1968 Social noun < on the Social receiving Social Security or other state benefits UK, 1996. < the Social the Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS), reformed as the Department of Social Security (DSS). In 2001 the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) replaced the DHSS UK, 1997 social lubricant noun alcohol US, 1986 socials noun alcoholic beverages UK, 1991 societ verb to associate with someone BARBADOS, 1965 society high noun cocaine. A neat reversal on ‘high society’ suggesting the social circles that can afford cocaine UK, 1998 sock noun 1 a blow, physical or figurative UK, 1700. 2 acondomUS, 1992. < put a sock in it to stop talking. Usually as an imperative UK, 1919 sock verb 1 to hit or thrash someone UK, 1700. 2 to place something somewhere; to hide something US, 1942. 3 used for conveying encouragement and support US, 1960s. 4 (of a male) to have sex US, 1969. < sock it to someone 1 to attack someone, literally or figuratively US, 1946. 2 to have sex with a woman US, 1969 socket noun the vagina UK, 2001 601 snubby; snubbie | socket sock hop noun a dance for teenagers. The term was coined on account of the practice of removing your shoes and dancing in your socks. The practice changed but the term did not US, 1975 socking great adjective very large UK, 1985 sock it to me! surprise me!; liven things up! Borrowed from the vocabulary of black jazz musicians. Between 1968 and 1970 it was Judy Carne’s catchphrase in television variety show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In US, 1967 socko adjective excellent; outstanding US, 1938 socko-boffo adjective absolutely excellent; in a showbusiness or film context, in a ‘knock-’em-dead’ style. A combination of SOCKO and BOFFO, intensifying either element US, 1981 socks noun a linear amplifier for a citizens’ band radio. From the term FOOTWARMER (a linear amplifier in a truck) US, 1976. < give socks to copulate IRELAND, 1984. < your socks off with great effect; with great commitment UK, 2001 So Co noun Southern Comfort™ whisky US, 1997 Socrates’ pleasure noun anal sex US, 1993 Socred noun a member of the Social Credit party CANADA, 1966 sod noun 1 a sodomite; generally used of a male homosexual UK,c. 1855. 2 a contemptible man. An abbreviation of ‘sodomite’ UK, 1818. 3 a difficult circumstance; an awkward thing. From the previous sense UK, 1936. 4 used as a general form of address UK, 1942. 5 a person of the stated characteristic, thus: lucky sod, jammy sod, miserable sod, etc UK, 1931 sod! used for dismissing, or registering exasperation with, whatever or whoever is the subject of this injunction UK, 1904 soda noun 1 cocaine. Playing on Coke™ as the most popular soda in the US US, 1993. 2 something easy to do AUSTRALIA, 1917 sod about verb to play the fool; to potter about; to waste time UK, 1961 soda jerk noun a person, usually a teenaged boy, who works at a counter at a soda fountain, mixing drinks for customers. An abbreviation of the earlier (1889) ‘soda jerker’ US, 1910 sod-all noun nothing, not a thing UK, 1958 sod buster noun a business that appears to be legitimate but is in fact a front for criminal activity US, 1982 sodding adjective used as an all-purpose intensifier, generally to nega- tive effect; interchangeable with bloody, fucking, etc UK, 1912 sodding Nora! used as a register of surprise, anger, amazement, etc UK, 1982 sodding well adverb used as an intensifier UK, 1962 sod it! used for registering resignation, exasperation, aggravation, etc UK, 1953 sod-off adjective very obvious UK, 2000 sod off! go away! UK, 1960 Sodom and Gomorrah; sodom verb to borrow; hence, an act of borrowing. Cockney rhyming slang, which gives rise to the phrase: ‘on the sodom’ UK, 1998 sod’s law noun a cynical ‘law’ of existence that decrees that ‘if something can go wrong it will’ and is therefore named or cited as explanation or justification whenever such circumstances conspire UK, 1970 sod this for a game of soldiers!; sod that for a game of soldiers! used as an emphatic dismissal of any activity or notion that you have no wish to subscribe to UK, 1979 sod this for a lark!; sod that for a lark! used as an emphatic dismissal of any activity or notion that you have no wish to subscribe to UK, 2004 sod you! used for registering antipathy or hostility towards or dismissal of the person(s) addressed UK, 1904 soft noun 1 cocaine US, 2002. 2 paper money US, 1950. 3 in the usage of telephone swindlers, a cash sale US, 1959 soft adjective 1 denotes all recreational drugs that are loosely categorised as less harmful or addictive UK, 2001. 2 stupid, dull, half- witted; ‘soft in the head’ UK, 1775. 3 in blackjack, said of a hand with an ace where the bettor has the option of treating the ace as 1 point or 11 points US, 1978 softarse noun a person who is easily imposed upon UK, 2002 soft-arsed adjective stupid, dull, half-witted UK, 2002 softball noun any barbiturate or central nervous system depressant US, 1977 soft cock noun a weak-willed or timid person; a wimp AUSTRALIA, 1999 soft- cock adjective weak; insipid AUSTRALIA, 1981 soft-cock rock noun rock music that lacks power and aggression. Blend of SOFT COCK and COCK ROCK AUSTRALIA, 1996 soft con noun a confidence swindle accomplished through charm and warmth US, 1977 softcor e noun sexual material that does not show insertion, pen- etration, an erect penis, spread labia or ejaculation US, 1977 soft cover noun the official government-issued armed forces baseball cap. Marine usage in the Vietnam war US, 1990 softly-softly adjective describing a circumspect approach to achieve an objective. An abbreviation of ‘softly softly catchee monkey’. Later use is probably influenced by Softly Softly, a BBC television police drama series, 1966–76 UK, 1959 soft-nose adjective easily learned. A term of derision applied to the ‘soft’ sciences, for example sociology US, 1974 soft-on noun a penis flaccid from being sexually turned off AUSTRALIA, 1995 soft one noun in necrophile usage, a corpse that has yet to stiffen with rigor mortis US, 1987 soft option noun an easier or the easiest choice in any given circumstances. Often in a disapproving or derogatory tone UK, 1923 soft parts noun in car repair, parts or equipment that can be expected to wear out and can normally be replaced at a car parts shop US, 1992 soft- pedal verb to proceed in a circumspect, less forceful or subdued manner. A figurative application of a piano or organ’s volume control UK, 1915 softplay verb in poker, to play less than ruthlessly against a friend UK, 1990 soft shoes noun sneakers, trainers BARBADOS, 1998 soft slugger noun a casino cheat who inserts counterfeit currency into a slot machine US, 1999 soft-soap noun flattery, especially as an act of deception or manipu- lation US, 1830 soft-soap verb to flatter or deceive someone UK, 1840 soft time noun a relatively short jail sentence, especially one served in an easy-going prison US, 1983 soft touch; easy touch noun a person who is easily manipulated or parted from a thing of value; a task that is easily done US, 1940 soft walkers noun sneakers, trainers ANGUILLA, 1992 software r ot noun in computing, an imaginary condition in which unused software or software features stop working if not used US, 1981 softy noun 1 aflaccidpenisUS, 1995. 2 an inexperienced and/or unskilled poker player US, 1988. 3 in computing, a programming expert who lacks any substantial understanding of computer hardware US, 1991 soggy adjective drunk AUSTRALIA, 1945 soggy Sao noun a game in which a group of men simultaneously masturbate onto a biscuit which is then eaten. From Sao™, the brand of dry cracker AUSTRALIA, 1992 so help me cripes good lord! AUSTRALIA, 1947 so help us Fort Knox used with humour as a pledge or oath. From the US television situation comedy How to Marry a Millionaire (1958–60), in which three young women seeking rich husbands pledge to help each other, sealing the pledge with ‘So sock hop | so help us Fort Knox 602 help us Fort Knox’, referring to the depository of gold held by the US government. Used with referential humour US, 1960 SOHF noun a sense of humour failure on the part of outsiders who fail to appreciate the graceless antics of the user’s social set. Upper-class society use UK, 1982 so I says used for effect in introducing a humorous statement. Made famous by Sophie Tucker in her onstage banter about her love life with a fictional Ernie US, 1998 soixante-neuf noun mutual and simultaneous oral sex. A direct translation into French of synonymous 69; perhaps with euphemistic intention, or to lend sophistication to the act UK, 1888 sol noun solitary confinement US, 1992 SOL noun ill temper. Initialism of ‘shit on liver’ AUSTRALIA, 1951 solarist noun a single-minded sunbather UK, 1979 solar-panel on a sex-machine noun a man’s bald-spot. Jocular UK, 1995 soldi noun a penny. From Italian soldi (money) UK, 2002 soldier noun 1 a regular, low-level member of a criminal organisation who can be counted on to follow orders US, 1963. 2 a male lookout for a criminal operation US, 1956. 3 a bottle of alcohol; a can of beer US, 1945. 4 a finger of bread or toast UK, 1977 soldier ants; soldiers noun underpants. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 soldier on verb to persevere against peril; to continue doggedly in thefaceofdifficultyorhardship UK, 1954 soldier’s farewell noun any abusive term of dismissal UK, 2004 soldier’s wash noun a method or act of washing in which cupped hands are used instead of a flannel UK, 1980 sold on adjective convinced by, or enthusiastic about, something US, 1928 soles noun shoes US, 1995 solicit verb (of a homosexual man) to walk in public dressed in female clothes – not necessarily for the purposes of prostitution. An ironic adoption of the stricter legal sense UK, 2002 solid noun 1 a trustworthy, dependable person US, 1997. 2 afavourUS, 1973 solid adjective 1 very good. A jazz term that arrived on the scene with ‘swing’ in 1935 US, 1935. 2 especially amongst criminals, loyal; staunch AUSTRALIA, 1950. 3 harsh; severe; unreasonable; unfair AUSTRALIA, 1915. 4 usually of time, continuously, uninterrupted; complete UK, 1718 solids noun in pool, the solid-coloured balls numbered 1 to 7 US, 1984 solid sender noun a person, particularly a musician, who is especially inspired or inspiring. From the jive vocabulary into the rock ’n’ roll lexicon US, 1946 solid six noun in Keno, a bet on a block of three numbers, two rows deep US, 1973 solid sweet! used as strong approval US, 1980 solo box noun a pornographic video cover showing photographs of only one performer US, 1977 Solomon Gundy noun salt herring in marinade CANADA, 1998 so long goodbye US, 1865 so long for now, and spaceman’s luck to all of you used as a humorous farewell. A catchphrase television sign-off on Tom Corbett, Space Cadet (1950–55), a children’s adventure programme. Repeated with referential humour US, 1955 solo sack time noun time spent sleeping alone US, 1946 solve noun a crime that has been solved US, 1992 Somali tea noun 1 leaves of catha edulis, a stimulant also called qat or qaadka. Originating in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian peninsula, legally available in the UK and similar to amphetamine in effect when chewed US, 2003. 2 methcathinone US, 2003 somatomax noun the recreational drug GHB. In Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, 1932, ‘soma’ is the drug of social conditioning US, 1990 some adjective exceptional, remarkable. Used in ironic understatement US, 1808 some adverb very US, 1981 somebody up there noun God; a higher power. Used in a jocular and secular vein in expressions such as ‘somebody up there likes me’ US, 1957 some cunt from Preston noun country and western music. Rhyming slang UK, 1988 some hope!; some hopes! used as an expression of hopelessness or extreme scepticism UK, 1940 some mothers do ’ave ’em used of someone who is clumsy, foolish or laughable. A slight variation on a saying from Lancashire: ‘don’t some mothers ‘ave ‘em?’. Widely popularised as the title of a BBC television comedy series, 1974, and still repeating UK, 1960 Somerset Maugham; somerset adjective warm. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the British author, 1874–1965 UK, 1998 something noun a remarkable thing UK, 1958. < do you want to make something out of it?; do you want to make something of it? do you want to fight about it?; do you want to argue about it? US, 1948. < have something on to have infor- mation about someone or something US, 1919 something adverb used for intensifying. Amends an adjective into an adverb: ’something cruel’, ’something horrible’, etc UK, 1964 something chronic adverb constantly; badly, objectionably, severely, unpleasantly UK, 1916 something else adjective beyond description; unbelievable US, 1968 something-something noun sex US, 2003 something strange noun sex with someone other than your regular partner BERMUDA, 1985 sometime noun a person who cannot be relied upon US, 1981 sometimesy; sometimey adjective moody; unstable; emotionally inconsistent US, 1972 sometimish adjective insincere; unreliable BARBADOS, 1965 sommat noun something. A phonetic distortion UK, 1978 son; my son noun used between contemporary, unrelated males as a familiar form of address. Occasionally patronising, used in order to establish social ascendancy UK, 1914 son-bitch noun used as a slightly jocular form of son of a bitch US, 1981 song noun < on song in good form, especially in a sporting context UK, 1974 song verb to advertise a delinquent debtor by putting his name and offence in a song CANADA, 1975 song and dance noun 1 an elaborate performance or presentation of a story, especially in an effort to persuade US, 1895. 2 a fuss, an outcry. Something trivial or of little account is ‘nothing to make a song and dance about’ US, 1895. 3 a strip search US, 1976. 4 a chance. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 song and dancer noun an opportunist. Glasgow rhyming slang for CHANCER UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 songbird noun 1 a female singer UK, 1886. 2 a police informer US, 1970 songplugger noun a person employed to promote a recorded song by any of a variety of means US, 1923 sonic noun a type of LSD identified by a picture of computer game hero ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ UK, 1996 sonk noun a foolish, feeble or otherwise objectionable person. Back- formation from SONKY AUSTRALIA, 1922 sonky adjective foolish, silly; feeble AUSTRALIA, 1917 sonno noun used generally for addressing a son, a boy or a man AUSTRALIA, 1910s sonny noun used for addressing a boy or younger man. Often patronising UK, 1870 sonny boy; sonny Jim; sunny Jim noun used to address a boy or younger man. An elaboration of SONNY; often patronising UK, 1959 603 SOHF | sonny boy; sonny Jim; sunny Jim son of a successor of something. A jocular derivation from the imaginative formula used to title some Hollywood film sequels (a fine example: Son of Paleface, 1952, in which Bob Hope played the son of the character he portrayed in The Paleface, 1948) UK, 1971 sonofabitch; sonuvabitch noun a fellow US, 1951 son of a bitch noun 1 a despicable person UK, 1605. 2 used in extreme comparisons US, 1953 son of a bitch! used as a mild expletive US, 1953 son-of-a-bitching adjective used as a somewhat profane intensifier US, 1930 son-of-a-bitch with slides noun an expert guest speaker at a medi- cal meeting US, 1985 son of a gun noun a fellow. Originally, ‘a soldier’s bastard’, now mildly disparaging or pejorative. Occasionally used as an exclamation of surprise UK, 1708 sook; sooky; sookie noun a person easily brought to tears; a crybaby AUSTRALIA, 1941 sooky adjective apt to burst into tears; weak; timid or cowardly. From British dialect (Clydesdale) sooky meaning ‘effeminate’, recorded in the English Dialect Dictionary under the word ‘soaky’ AUSTRALIA, 1901 sool verb 1 to incite someone to attack or go after someone; to spur someone on AUSTRALIA, 1924. 2 to set a dog onto someone AUSTRALIA, 1889. 3 (especially of a dog) to attack someone AUSTRALIA, 1849 sooner noun 1 a person or thing which fails to perform. Because ‘they would sooner do nothing than something’ AUSTRALIA, 1892. 2 a mixed-breed dog BARBADOS, 1965 sooty; soot noun a black person. A derogatory term US, 1838 sooty noun 1 a Maori. Offensive NEW ZEALAND, 1989. 2 an engine tradesman in the Royal Air Force. In Royal Air Force use, 2002 UK, 2002 sooty tunes noun reggae music UK, 1983 SOP noun in motor racing, seat ofthepants US, 1993 sope noun a tablet of the recreational drug methaqualone, best known as Quaaludes™ US, 1985 soph noun a second-year student in high school or college. An abbreviation of ‘sophomore’ US, 1778 Sophie noun a girlfriend. Teen slang US, 1951 sophisticated lady noun cocaine US, 1980 sop joint noun a Turkish bath US, 1968 sopor; soper; soaper noun a tablet of the recreational drug methaqualone, best known as Quaaludes™. From a brand name, ultimately from ‘soporific’ US, 1973 soppings noun gravy or sauce. From the act of sopping up with a piece of bread. Southern US US, 1984 soppy adjective foolishly sentimental; naive. A play on ‘sopping wet’ (excessively sentimental) UK, 1918 soppy date noun a fool; someone who is foolishly sentimental UK, 1959 soppy ha’p’orth; soppy ’a’p’orth; soppy apeth noun afool; someone who is foolishly sentimental. An elaboration of HA’P’ORTH, and a variation of SOPPY DATE; certainly in parental use during the 1950s UK, 1984 sore adjective angry; bitter; disappointed; disgruntled UK, 1694 sore as a boil adjective extremely upset AUSTRALIA, 1955 sore bitch noun a member of a college sorority US, 1968 sore-neck noun the sense of resentment arising from not being invited to a social event NORFOLK ISLAND, 1992 sore thumb verb the epitome of something that is patently obvious or conspicuous US, 1936 sorority noun 1 male homosexuals collectively as a group US, 1979. 2 a woman’s prison US, 1949. 3 a poker game or tournament limited to female players US, 1996 Sorority Sal noun a stereotypical sorority member who looks, dresses, talks and lives the part US, 1959 sorority sauce noun ketchup US, 1985 sorostitute noun a member of a college sorority. Derisive, suggesting sexual promiscuity US, 1998 sorrowful tale noun a sentence of three months’ imprisonment. Rhyming slang for ‘(three months in) jail’ UK, 1859 sorry about that used as a jaded response to something bad that has just happened, especially when caused by the speaker. A keystone of military vernacular during the conflict in Vietnam US, 1965 sorry and sad; sorry noun a father. Rhyming slang for ‘dad’ UK, 1998 sorry and sad; sorry adjective bad. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 sorry-ass adjective pathetic; despicable US, 1998 sort noun 1 in combination with an adjective (usually good or bad), a person of whatever character is indicated UK, 1869. 2 a woman; a companion of the opposite sex AUSTRALIA, 1933. 3 an attractive woman. Without a distinguishing epithet this word equates with GOOD SORT AUSTRALIA, 1933. 4 a woman considered in terms of sexual attraction. Concentrating on the physical aspect of a person, as opposed to their character. An attractive woman is described as a ‘beaut sort’, ‘great sort’, ‘grouse sort’, ‘not a bad sort’, ‘terrific sort,’ etc. An ugly woman can be described as a ‘rough sort’, ‘drack sort’, ‘awful sort’, etc AUSTRALIA, 1948 sort verb 1 to have sex with someone; to satisfy someone’s sexual requirements UK, 2001. 2 to provide someone with drugs UK, 2000. 3 to beat up a fellow prisoner UK, 1996 sorta adjective in a way; to some extent; somehow; one might say. ‘Sort of’ lazily pronounced US, 1980 sorted adjective provisioned with sufficient drugs UK, 1996 sort out verb to use violence to resolve a difference with someone UK, 1937 SOS noun 1 the same old stuff US, 1963. 2 a somewhat older student. Used by college students to describe, usually unkindly, students in their late twenties or older US, 2002 SOS adjective unable to learn; stuck on stupid US, 1994 SOS between schoolchildren, used as advice that a slip or petticoat can be seen below the hem of a skirt. An initialism of ‘slip on show’, playing on the emergency code ‘save our souls’ UK, 1979 sosh noun 1 a member of upper-class society US, 1993. 2 a student whose emphasis is on social activities US, 1968 soshe; the soshe noun the Social Security, a UK government agency responsible for welfare payments; the welfare (sickness, old-age, unemployment, etc) payments given by the UK government UK, 1999 soshing noun manipulating someone with criminal intent. Derived from social engineering US, 2000 so-so adjective mediocre UK, 1570 soss; sossy noun the penis. From an abbreviation of ‘sausage’ NEW ZEALAND , 1998 sosso noun a sausage AUSTRALIA, 1992 sosso roll noun a sausage roll AUSTRALIA, 1985 sot noun an alcoholic dulled by drinking UK, 1592 so there! used at the end of an argumentative or threatening prop- osition as the final stress. Abbreviates ‘so there you have it’, ‘so there you are’; often childish UK, 1982 so? throw party! used for dismissing the importance of what has just been said. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982 soul noun the essence of black culture US, 1965 soul adjective pertaining to the essence of black culture US, 1946 Soul Alley; Soul City; Soulsville noun an area in Saigon with bars and brothels patronised largely by black US soldiers US, 1970 soulboy noun a member of a mid-1970s youth fashion and music sub-culture UK, 2000 soul brother noun a black man US, 1970 son of | soul brother 604 . make a song and dance about’ US, 1895 . 3 a strip search US, 1976. 4 a chance. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 song and dancer noun an opportunist. Glasgow rhyming slang for CHANCER UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 songbird. benefits UK, 1996. < the Social the Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS), reformed as the Department of Social Security (DSS). In 2001 the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) replaced the. short but intense period of kissing and cuddling UK, 1959 snog verb to kiss and cuddle UK, 1945 snog and fuck noun a public house called the ‘Dog and Duck’. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 snogger noun someone