Slang and uncoventional english part 90 potx

soul-case noun heart and soul AUSTRALIA, 1901 soul food noun food associated with southern black culture US, 1964 soulie noun a member of a mid-1970s youth subculture identified by its dedication to soul music; a soulboy or a soulgirl UK, 1996 soul kiss noun a sustained, open-mouthed kiss US, 1948 soul kiss verb to give someone a deep and intimate kiss, usually involving tongue or tongues US, 1951 soul patch noun facial whiskers that are grown and worn beneath the lower lip and above the chin UK, 2006 soul sister noun a black woman US, 1967 soulville noun a part of a city inhabited largely by black people US, 1975 sound noun 1 a style of speech, including vocabulary, syntax and attitude US, 1958. 2 a taunt or tease; an insult US, 1967 sound verb 1 to speak or inform; to tease someone; to flirt; to insult someone in a semi-formal quasi-friendly competition US, 1959. 2 to glare at or intimidate someone with a look US, 1955 sound that’s good; used in a congratulatory sense to express praise for an action UK, 2002 sound as a pound adjective reliable; perfectly sound, good or healthy UK, 2001 sound as a trout adjective perfectly sound, good or healthy UK, 1635 soundbox noun the throat US, 1946 sound down verb to speak to someone in a probing or inquiring way US, 1990 sound off verb to complain angrily about a particular something; to speak your mind US, 1918 sounds noun 1 recorded music US, 1955. 2 a radio. From its use as a provider of ’sounds’ (music) UK, 1996 sounds lik e a personal problem used for silencing a complaint without sympathy US, 1968 soundtrack verb to supply the musical accompaniment to an activity UK, 2002 soup noun 1 nitroglycerin, or any explosive used for opening a safe US, 1902. 2 in the television and film industries, the chemicals used to develop film US, 1990. 3 in hot rodding and drag racing, race fuel US, 1954. 4 cocaine US, 1995. 5 foaming water left after a wave breaks US, 1963. 6 rain US, 1945. 7 in shuffleboard, the scoring area of the court US, 1967. < in the soup in grave trouble US, 2001 soup and gravy; soup noun anavyUK, 1960 soup can noun a gas grenade US, 1978 souped adjective of a car, power-enhanced UK, 1951 souped-up adjective usually of a standard model car, supercharged, performance-enhanced US, 1931 soup job noun a car with many performance-enhancing features US, 1993 soup jockey noun a cook for a railway work crew US, 1975 soup out verb to ride a wave into the foaming water produced by the breaking wave US, 1963 soup-plate feet noun large hooves on a horse UK, 1948 soup-strainer noun a moustache US, 1946 soup suit noun a dinner-jacket US, 1954 soup up verb to make modifications which increase a car’s perform- ance US, 1933 sourball noun a person with a sour disposition US, 1900 sourdough noun 1 a person with considerable experience in Alaska US, 1898. 2 in Alaska, homebrew alcohol US, 1915 sour grape noun rape. Prison slang. NEW ZEALAND, 1999 sourpuss noun a grumbler: a misery: a killjoy. From the ‘sour’ look on his or her PUSS (face) US, 1937 soused adjective drunk US, 1932 south noun < go south to palm and hide something, usually dice or cards US, 1962 South noun < the South Antarctica ANTARCTICA, 1901 south 48; south 49 noun in Alaska, all states except Alaska US, 1984 South American snowflakes noun cocaine UK, 1999 South Austin suitcase noun a brown paper bag used to conceal a beer you want to drink on the street US, 2001 South County Indian noun a Portuguese immigrant or Portuguese- American. Rhode Island usage, alluding to the large Portuguese population US, 1989 Southend-on-Sea noun urine; an act of urination. Rhyming slang for PEE OR WEE, formed from the stereotypical Cockney’s traditional seaside resort UK, 1992 Southend Pier noun the ear. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 southerly buster noun on the east coast, a sudden strong and cooling wind from the south arriving towards evening after a hot day and often bringing rain AUSTRALIA, 1850 Southern and Seven noun an alcoholic drink consisting of Southern Comfort™ whisky mixed with Seven-Up™ soda US, 1989 Southern engineering noun a sloppy job of design or manufacture US, 1984 Southern love noun mouth-to-penis contact immediately after the penis is withdrawn from a rectum US, 1995 Southie nickname an Irish-American enclave in south Boston. An area famous for its support of the Irish Republican Army, its opposition to school busing to achieve racial integration and its anti-homosexual stance US, 1984 South of France noun a dance. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 south of the border adjective unacceptable. Glasgow rhyming slang for OUT OF ORDER. Not a reference to England but (thanks to Hollywood) Mexico UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 south of the border adverb in or to the area of the genitals, especially a woman’s US, 1945 south of the border; south noun order; an orderly condition. Glasgow rhyming slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 southpaw noun a left-handed person, especially a left-handed athlete US, 1891 South Pole noun the anus. Rhyming slang for HOLE UK, 1992 souvenir verb to take an object as a souvenir. Originally World War 1 military slang AUSTRALIA, 1918 sov noun one pound sterling (£1). An abbreviation of ‘sovereign’, which, at one time, was a coin valued at £1; since the departure of the coin as currency it has denoted first a one-pound note, and then a one-pound coin UK, 1850 sovvy noun a gold sovereign; a sovereign ring UK, 2005 sow belly noun on the railways, a coal tender with a drop bottom US, 1946 so what? used for registering dismissal of, or disinterest in, what has gone before US, 1934 sox noun socks UK, 1905 so you feel that is your opinion, that is what you think. Recorded in use among young urban blacks UK, 1999 sozzled adjective drunk. From dialect word sozzle (to mix messily) UK, 1886 SP noun 1 the latest information. Bookmakers abbreviation of jargon ‘starting price’ UK, 1974. 2 starting price bookmaking AUSTRALIA, 1941. 3 a starting price bookmaker AUSTRALIA, 1949. 4 an establishment operating starting price bookmaking AUSTRALIA, 1965. 5 the US Navy’s Shore Patrol, or internal police US, 1951 SP adjective relating to horse race betting at starting price odds AUSTRALIA, 1932 SP adverb at starting price odds AUSTRALIA, 1949 spa noun a small, privately owned convenience/grocery shop US, 1997 Spa noun the Saratoga race track, Saratoga Springs, New York US, 1960 spac adjective stupid; awful AUSTRALIA, 1988. < go spac to lose control in anger AUSTRALIA, 1988 605 soul-case | spac spac adverb dreadfully AUSTRALIA, 1988 spac; spack; s pak noun 1 a stupid or unfashionable person. Alteration of SPASTIC. Used by schoolchildren AUSTRALIA, 1988. 2 a person with spastic paralysis; a person who has any disability UK, 1996 spac attack; spack attack noun an instance of idiotic behaviour. From SPAC UK, 2003 spacbrain noun a stupid or unfashionable person AUSTRALIA, 1988 spacco adjective < go spacco to behave in an idiotic, erratic or hyperactive manner. From SPAC UK, 2003 space noun 1 a mental attitude or position UK, 1971. 2 a year, especially a year in prison US, 1950 space verb to daydream; to wander off mentally US, 1995 spacebase noun a cigar wrapper filled with phencyclidine and crack cocaine US, 1992 space cadet noun 1 a drug user UK, 2002. 2 a heavily drugged hospital patient US, 1989 space case; space cadet; space head noun a person who is completely out of touch with their surroundings US, 1974 space cookie; space cake noun a sweet confection with marijuana in the recipe UK, 1998 space cowboy noun a disoriented, distracted person US, 1977 spaced adjective 1 in a state of drug intoxication, especially as a result of hallucinogen use but loosely of any drug US, 1967. 2 unaware; unfocused; highly distracted US, 1967 spacedancing noun in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, the freeform dancing practised by band followers US, 1994 spaced out adjective 1 drug-intoxicated; disoriented. Conventionally ‘space’ is beyond the frontiers of normality US, 1970. 2 stupefied from anaesthetic US, 1973 space pill noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2000 spacer noun 1 a hallucinogenic recreational drug UK, 1971. 2 a mace cigarette US, 1967. 3 someone who is capable of crazy actions IRELAND, 2003 space shake noun a milk-based drink which has marijuana as an important ingredient UK, 2003 space suit noun untearable prison-issue pyjamas UK, 1996 spacies noun computerised arcade games. From Space Invaders , one of the earliest popular games of this type. Modelled on POKIE AUSTRALIA , 1986 spacker; spacka; spack noun a stupid person. A later variation of SPASTIC as a general derogative, in juvenile use in the UK UK, 2001 spacy; spacey adjective in a state of confusion; denoting an unbalanced normality or a dazed condition; similar to or of a hallucinogenic experience. Compares a perception of reality to that of being SPACED (drug-intoxicated) but does not always describe a drugged state US, 1970 spad nickname a Douglas aircraft A-1 Skyraider, used for close air support of ground troops US, 1989 spade noun a black person US, 1928. < in spades to a great degree US, 1929 spades noun shoes with pointed toes. Teen slang US, 1955 spaff verb to ejaculate semen UK, 2003. < spaff your load to ejaculate semen. An elaboration of SPAFF UK, 2003 spag noun spaghetti UK, 1948 Spag noun an Italian. From ‘spaghetti’ AUSTRALIA, 1967 spag bol; spag bog noun spaghetti bolognese UK, 1970 spag fag noun a gay man attracted to Italians. Combines SPAG (an Italian) and FAG (a gay man) UK, 1998 spaghetti noun 1 in hot rodding, a surfeit of chrome US, 1958. 2 in oil drilling, small-diameter piping US, 1954 spaghetti adjective Italian US, 1969 spaghetti and macaroni noun sado-masochism. Disguising the initialism S AND M US, 1989 spaghetti-bender noun an Italian or Italian-American US, 1967 spaghetti-eater noun an Italian or Italian-American US, 1958 Spaghetti Junction nickname 1 junction 6 of the M6 motorway, the interchange at Gravelly Hill, near Birmingham. So-called for the complicated pattern of roads; it opened for use in 1972, but was already known by this name in late 1971 UK, 1972. 2 a motorway overpass 10 kilometres from Durban SOUTH AFRICA, 1999 spaghetti str ap noun very thin shoulder straps on a woman’s garment; the garment itself US, 1972 spaghetti western noun a cowboy film about the American ‘wild west’ produced by the Italian film industry US, 1973 spaginzy noun a black person US, 1973 Spahn and Sain and then, dear Lord, two days of rain used as a humorous entreaty for a bit of luck to accompany a bit of skill or hard work. Coined by sports writer Gerald Hern in 1948 to describe the strategy of the Boston Braves baseball team – win games pitched by the skilled pitchers Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain and then hope for the best US, 1948 spak noun 8see: SPAC spam noun unsolicited, unwanted, often fraudulent advertising mess- ages sent by e-mail US, 1994 spam verb 1 to post e-mail in unwanted quantities, especially advertising matter to people who don’t want it. Ultimately from branded tinned meat Spam™ (a compound of spiced ham); popular etymology insists that this usage is inspired by the Monty Python sketch, 1970, set in a café in which nothing but unwanted Spam is served US, 1994. 2 to assign an unpleasant task to someone. Gulf war usage UK, 1991 spam can noun 1 a Southern Region 4–6–2 passenger locomotive of the ‘West Country’ class; a class Q freight locomotive also known as a ‘biscuit box’. Railway slang with a derogatory edge; an allusion to the shape UK, 1979. 2 any metal-skinned light aeroplane. A derogatory term used by flying club pilots of veteran, fabric- covered aircraft UK, 1979 spam fritter noun the anus. Rhyming slang for SHITTER UK, 2003 spam fritters noun the vaginal labia. A pink highlight of UK cuisine UK, 2002 spam javelin noun the erect penis. A meat weapon UK, 1997 spam lanc e noun the penis, especially when erect UK, 2001 spam medal noun the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, given to all Canadian servicemen during World War 2 who volunteered rather than being conscripted CANADA, 1995 spamouflage noun software designed to mask the fact that an e- mail is an unsolicited mass advertisement US, 2002 Spandau Ballet noun an alley. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a 1980s UK pop group UK, 2004 spang verb to beg on the streets. Etymology is uncertain, possibly a compound of ‘Spare any change?’ or, less likely, an abbreviation of ‘spangle‘ (something that glitters, hence a coin) UK, 1998 spangled adjective drunk UK, 2002 Spanic noun in Toronto, a person of South American descent CANADA, 2001 Spanish archer noun dismissal; a rejection. An excruciating pun: ELBOW (dismissal, a rejection) and ‘El Bow’ UK, 2000 Spanish curse noun in dominoes, the 3–3 piece US, 1959 Spanish football noun a sexually transmitted infection. Navy ‘lower decks’ usage; possibly a pun on ‘dribbling’ UK, 1961 Spanish guitar; spanish noun a cigar. Rhyming slang UK, 1952 Spanish Main; spanish noun a drain. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 Spanish onion noun a bunion. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 Spanish radio station noun used as the epitome of something that is always in the way TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1984 spac | Spanish radio station 606 Spanish surrealist noun cocaine. A discreet reference to SALVADOR DALI UK , 2002 Spanish waiter noun a potato. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 spank noun abeatingUK, 1984 spank verb 1 to beat someone with violent intent. Extends from ‘spank’ (to beat with an open hand) UK, 1999. 2 to rob someone US, 1976. 3 to fraudulently amend financial accounts US, 1999. 4 (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1994. 5 to slap the inside of the arm to draw out veins for a drug injection US, 1997. < spank the monkey (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1999. < spank the plank 1 (of a male) to masturbate UK, 1998. 2 to play an electric guitar UK, 2004 spankadocious adjective 8see: SPOKADOCIOUS spanked adjective worn out; over-used US, 1992 spanking noun a serious beating. From ‘spank’ (to hit with the open hand); a blackly humorous understatement of violent intent UK, 1999 spank off verb (of a male) to masturbate UK, 2002 spanner noun 1 a promiscuous female; a sexually provocative woman. From the name of the tool used to tighten nuts UK, 1983. 2 in prison, a key UK, 1996. 3 a fool; an idiot IRELAND, 2003 spannered adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated UK, 2000 spansula noun a combination of central nervous system depressants and stimulants US, 1971 Span-yard noun a Spaniard UK, 2000 spar noun 1 a friend; a companion. Shortening of SPARRING PARTNER BARBADOS , 1965. 2 a close male friend JAMAICA, 2003. 3 a man. From the meaning as ‘a friend’. Mainly black usage. The variant ‘spa’ is also used UK, 1998 spare noun 1 in a social context, any or all unattached members of the opposite sex UK: SCOTLAND, 1985. 2 a friend US, 1947 spare adjective distraught, distracted or distressed; angry; crazy UK, 1964. < go spar e to become very angry UK, 1958 spare me days! heavens above! With ME for ‘my’ AUSTRALIA, 1915 spare prick noun a useless fellow; someone who is surplus to requirements. A shortening of ‘spare prick at a wedding’, from the phrase ‘standing about like a spare prick at a wedding’ UK, 1982 spare r ib noun a trivial lie. Rhyming slang for ‘fib’ UK, 1998 spare time noun the possession of marijuana. The implication is that you must have spare time if you are to use the marijuana US, 1999 spare t ire; spare tyre noun a roll of fat around the waist US, 1961 spark verb 1 to light a cigarette or a marijuana cigarette. Also variant ‘spark up’ US, 1995. 2 to hit someone hard; to knock someone out UK, 2002. 3 to see something or someone. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1972. 4 in horse racing, to use an electrical device to shock a horse during a race US, 1951. < spark it up to smoke marijuana UK, 1998 sparked adjective knocked out, unconscious UK, 1996 sparkers adjective unconscious or deeply asleep. A variation of SPARK OUT UK , 1977 sparkle noun strong and pure methamphetamine with a crystalline appearance US, 1989 sparkle plenty noun an amphetamine tablet. Named after a character in the Dick Tracy comic strip US, 1969 sparkler noun 1 a diamond UK, 1822. 2 a tablet of amphetamine US, 1994 sparklers noun clean white socks. Michigan Upper Peninsula usage US, 2003 sparkly adjective dishonest; criminal. An opposite to dull, STRAIGHT (honest) UK, 1999 sparko adjective 1 in a state of unconsciousness. Abbreviated from SPARK OUT UK, 1999. 2 psychotic; deranged UK, 1983 spark out verb to become unconscious; to faint; to die. The spark of life goes out, to some degree UK, 1936 spark-out adjective unconscious. The spark of life has (temporarily) gone out UK, 1958 sparkplug noun a tampon US, 1999 sparks; sparky; sparkie noun an electrician UK, 1914 spark scene noun a sexual fantasy; the imagined or remembered scene that sparks or enhances a sexual reaction UK, 2001 sparky noun a fool; a mentally handicapped person. Probably derived as a variation of SPAC; SPACK UK, 2003 sparky adjective lively. Electric, giving off sparks UK, 2000 sparring partner noun a friend; a companion; a husband or wife. From boxing jargon UK, 1961 sparrow noun an attractive, single female BERMUDA, 1985 Sparrow noun in Canada, an Englishman, particularly a Cockney CANADA, 1966 sparrow-fart; sparrow’s f art noun dawn UK, 1886 sparrow grass noun asparagus CANADA, 2001 sparrow’s kneecaps noun undeveloped or non-existent arm muscles. Parodic, jocular, derisive UK, 1984 spastic noun a stupid or uncoordinated person. A general term of abuse commonly used by schoolchildren AUSTRALIA, 1981 spastic adjective incompetent; uncoordinated; unfashionable. A cruel allusion to spastic paralysis US, 1973 spat noun a short, sharp quarrel; a tiff US, 1804 spatmobile noun the Toronto airport’s Special Assistant Team vehicle CANADA, 1994 spawgee noun a poor white person BARBADOS, 1965 spaz noun 1 a person with spastic paralysis; a person who has any disability UK, 2003. 2 an uncoordinated or incompetent individual; a fool. Contemptuous and derogatory use of ‘spastic’ (a person with spastic paralysis). Also used in the variants ‘spazz’ and ‘spas’ US, 1964 spaz; spazzo adjective crazy; foolish AUSTRALIA, 1966 spaz chariot noun a wheelchair. From SPAZ (a person who has any disability) UK, 2003 spaz cut noun any hairstyle that is alleged to make the wearer look mentally or physically handicapped. From SPAZ (a person with a disability) UK, 2003 spazmo noun an uncoordinated or incompetent individual; a fool. A variation of SPASTIC UK, 1984 spaz out; spazz out verb to act in a very awkward or uncoordinated manner; to lose emotional control US, 1984 spazzed adjective drunk UK, 2002 spazzer noun a spastic (a person with spastic paralysis) UK, 2003 SP betting noun illegal betting at starting price odds AUSTRALIA, 1936 SP book noun a starting price bookmaker’s ledger AU STRALIA, 1948 SP bookie; SP bookmaker noun an illegal off-course bookmaker who offers starting price odds AUSTRALIA, 1938 SP’d up adjective informed UK, 1999 speak noun a bar where alcohol is served illegally. A shortened form of SPEAKEASY US, 1930 speak verb < speak the real to speak the truth, unpleasant as it might be US, 1998. < speak the same language to share a way of thinking about something UK, 1948. < speak white to speak English. Anglophone Canadian usage US, 1978 -speak suffix vocabulary or jargon. ‘Newspeak’ is the language of Oceania in George Orwell’s 1948 novel 1984. This coinage seeped into the language and, post-1984, provides a neat formula for book titles and media headlines concerned with jargon and slang. ‘Jackspeak’ 1989, ‘Low Speak’ 1989, ‘Artspeak’ 1990, ‘Eurospeak’ 1992, ‘Rockspeak’ 1996, ‘Freshspeak’ 1997, ‘Double Speak’ 1999, ‘Teen Speak’ 2001 among others UK, 1949 speak! tell me what’s on your mind! US, 1975 speakeasy noun a bar that sells alcohol illegally US, 1889 speaker noun a gun US, 1970 speak to the hand 8see: TALK TO THE HAND 607 Spanish surrealist | speak to the hand speak up verb < speak u p Brown – you’re through!; speak up Ginger – you’re almost through! said, as if on a telephone, as a comment on an audible fart. Occasionally heard as ‘come on Brown’, etc UK, 1961 spear noun 1 a hypodermic needle US, 1961. 2 a firefighter’s hook US, 1954. < take the spear to accept responsibility. Colonel Oliver North popularised the phrase during the moral collapse of the Reagan presidency in 1986 and 87, explaining that while he had said that he would ‘take the spear’ for the administration’s misdeeds in Iran and Nicaragua, he did not mean that he would accept responsibility if criminal prosecution became a possibility US, 1989. < the spear dismissal from work AUSTRALIA, 1941 spear verb 1 to dismiss someone from employment AU STRALIA, 1911. 2 to eject someone from a shop, pub, etc AUSTRALIA, 1975. < spear the bearded clam (from a male perspective) to have sex. Formed on BEARDED CLAM (the vagina) AUSTRALIA, 1971. < spear the keg to broach a keg of beer AUSTRALIA, 1994 spear-carrier noun a non-speaking role in a play; an actor who appears in the background or only plays minor roles UK, 1984 spear-chucker noun 1 a black person. Offensive. An allusion to the jungles of Africa US, 1969. 2 a vocal, aggressive advocate US, 1997 spec noun 1 an operational specification; a detailed description of something UK, 1956. 2 a position, a view-point. Probably abbreviated from ‘spectate’ UK, 1999. 3 a pair of eye-glasses BAHAMAS, 1982. < on spec on the off chance; speculatively UK, 1832 speccy; speckie noun in Australian Rules football, a spectacular catching of the ball AUSTRALIA, 1989 special noun a potent marijuana cigarette US, 1938 special adjective applied to a disabled person. More patronising than euphemistic UK, 2003 special a la coke noun the recreational drug ketamine in powder, capsule or tablet form US, 1998 special friend noun a woman’s menstrual period US, 2001 Special K noun ketamine hydrochloride, an anaesthetic used as a recreational drug, in powder, capsule or tablet form. Kellogg’s Special K™, a well-known breakfast cereal, is the inspiration for this variation on K (ketamine) US, 1993 specimen noun a person of a stated character. Generally derogatory UK, 1854 speck noun a black person. Offensive US, 1980 Speck noun < the Speck Tasmania. A reference to the shape and size of Tasmania on a map; shortened from obsolete the ‘Fly-speck Isle’ AUSTRALIA, 1916 speck verb 1 to search for gold or opal on the surface of the ground AUSTRALIA, 1888. 2 to place a highly speculative bet on a horse AUSTRALIA, 1960 specker noun 1 a speculative bettor. Agent noun of SPECK AUSTRALIA, 1960. 2 one year of a prison sentence. Used in numeric constructions such as ‘three-specker’ or ‘five-specker’ US, 1950 specking noun an act of randomly searching for houses to burgle. From ON SPEC (speculatively) UK, 1996 specky adjective bespectacled UK, 1956 specs noun 1 eye-glasses. A shortened form of ‘spectacles’ UK, 1807. 2 a person with poor eyesight and thick glasses US, 1997. 3 in horse racing, blinkers on a horse US, 1951 spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch the positions of the hand when making the sign of the cross. Part Catholic mnemonic, part joke UK, 1999 sped noun a social outcast US, 1997 speed noun 1 an amphetamine, especially Dexedrine™, which is a central nervous system stimulant US, 1966. 2 crack cocaine UK, 2003. 3 ability in pool US, 1967 speed verb 1 to be under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant US, 1995. 2 in poker, to bet heavily and to bluff often US, 1983 speedball noun 1 a mixture of a central nervous system stimulant (especially cocaine) and a narcotic (especially heroin) US, 1936. 2 an alcoholic beverage fortified with a drug US, 1962. 3 a rissole AUSTRALIA, 1965 speedball verb to inject or smoke a mixture of cocaine and heroin. After the noun sense UK, 2002 speedboat noun marijuana UK, 1998 speedbomb noun amphetamine powder rolled in a cigarette paper (for the purpose of swallowing) UK, 2000 speed bump noun 1 a red bump on the skin sometimes suffered after injecting impure amphetamines US, 1989. 2 a non-military obstacle that is likely to hinder an army’s progress, especially civilians but also used of geographic features. Military jargon US, 2003 speed bumps noun 1 small female breasts US, 2003. 2 Saudi Arabian troops. Gulf war usage US, 1991 speed-dating noun an intensive method of meeting a number of prospective partners, organised so that each meets each for a short period before moving on to ‘date’ the next US, 2003 speed for lovers noun 8see: LOVER’S SPEED speedfreak noun a person who is addicted to or compulsively uses amphetamines or methamphetamine US, 1967 Speed Gordon noun used as the epitome of trouble or strife AUSTRALIA, 1961 speed hump noun a skindiver AUSTRALIA, 1996 speed jaw noun an aching jaw which is a symptomatic after-effect of amphetamine use UK, 2002 speed merchant noun in American football, a fast runner US, 1962 speed money noun a bribe that purchases official cooperation of bureaucratic machinery INDIA, 2002 speedo noun a speedometer UK, 1934 speed of heat noun a high speed. US naval aviator usage US, 1986 speedometer noun in computing, a graphic depiction of a computer’s current operating speed US, 1991 speedy adjective of drugs, displaying stimulant qualities; of a person, under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. From SPEED (amphetamines) UK, 1995 speedy dog nickname a Greyhound bus; the Greyhound corporation US, 1988 speedy squib noun in horse racing, a horse that runs well for most of the race but does not finish well AUSTRALIA, 1989 Speewah; Speewa noun an imaginary remote country property or locale used as a setting for tall tales. Named after an actual place in northwest Victoria AUS TRALIA, 1890 speiler noun a swindler AUSTRALIA, 1879 spell noun a sentence of three months’ imprisonment UK, 1996 spell verb < spell it out to explain something that should be apparent and make it absolutely clear UK, 1968 spelling flame noun an inflammatory Internet posting attacking another’s spelling US, 1995 spell-o noun a rest period, a break ANTARCTICA, 1916 spelunk verb < spelunk without a partner (of a female) to masturbate. Figurative sense of ‘spelunking’ (caving as a sport), hence this solo exploration of a ‘grotto’ (the vagina) US, 2001 spelunker noun a caver. Ultimately from Latin spelunca (a cave) US, 1942 Spenard divorce noun a shooting of one spouse by the other US, 1965 spend verb < spend a p enny to urinate. This derives from the charge made for use of a public convenience. The first to charge a penny was opened outside the Royal Exchange, London, in 1855; however, a euphemistic use is not recorded until 1945. Since then prices have risen to beyond a point where the term has any practical meaning UK, 2003 spends noun spending money UK, 2002 spendy adjective expensive US, 1993 speak up | spendy 608 speng noun afoolUK, 1996 spent up adjective having no more money UK, 1996 sperm wail noun an involuntary cry from a male experiencing an orgasm UK, 2002 spesh noun Carlsberg Special Brew™ lager. Phonetic abbreviation of ‘special’ UK, 1997 spesh adjective special AUSTRALIA, 1996 spew noun 1 vomit US, 1997. 2 semen US, 1989. 3 a temper tantrum NEW ZEALAND , 1998 spew verb 1 to vomit US, 1988. 2 to ejaculate. Adopted from the more common sense ‘to vomit’, suggesting a more than generous ejaculation US, 1989. 3 to reject an agreement or responsibility. Possibly a play on synonymous BLOW OUT UK, 2002. 4 to be extremely angry AUSTRALIA, 1987. 5 to post an excessive number of messages to an Internet discussion group US, 1995. < spew your guts to inform on your friends to the police UK, 1961. < spew your guts up to vomit violently UK, 1984. < spew your ring; spew your ring up to vomit violently UK, 1963 spewing! used for expressing anger AUSTRALIA, 1988 spewsome adjective dreadful; awful. That is, ‘enough to make you vomit’ AUSTRALIA, 1996 sphynx noun the removal by wax of all of a woman’s pubic hair; the results thereof US, 2001 spic noun 1 a Spanish-speaking person. Derogatory and offensive US, 1913. 2 a Spaniard. This usage reflects the fact that Spain is the closest Spanish-speaking community to the UK UK, 2000. 3 the Spanish language US, 1946. 4 a West Indian US, 1945. 5 a railway track worker. Many track workers in the American southwest were Mexican; the racial epithet was applied to Mexican and non- Mexican alike US, 1977 spico noun a Spanish-speaking person. A modestly embellished SPIC US , 1967 Spictown noun a Spanish-speaking neighbourhood US, 1969 spide noun a member of a Belfast subcultural urban adolescent grouping that seems to be defined by a hip-hop dress and jewellery sense UK: NORTHERN IRELAND, 2003 spider noun 1 in the television and film industries, a device used to support the legs of a tripod on a slippery or uneven surface UK, 1960. 2 in harness racing, a sulky AUSTRALIA, 1989. 3 a tall glass of carbonated soft drink with a dollop of ice-cream in the top AUSTRALIA, 1941 spider blue noun heroin. Referring probably to the web of blue veins into which heroin users inject the drug US, 1994 spider box noun in the television and film industries, an electrical junction box US, 1990 spider hole noun a sniper’s lair in a cave. Korean war usage US, 1957 spider’s legs noun the pubic hair that can be seen outside the con- fines of a girl’s bikini or underwear UK, 2003 spiel noun 1 a long-winded explanation US, 1896. 2 a speech intended to attract customers US, 1966. 3 an illegal gambling operation UK, 1996. 4 a drinking club. Probably a shortening of SPIELER UK, 1981 spiel verb to talk, especially at length; to patter US, 1894 spieler noun 1 a facile and smooth speaker US, 1894. 2 a person who stands at the door of a business calling out to people passing by, trying to lure them into the business US, 1894. 3 an (illegal) gambling or drinking club UK, 1931 spiff noun 1 a loner. An articulation of the initials SBF (surrounded by friends), used with irony US, 1987. 2 a tip, gratuity or commission US, 1997. 3 a bonus paid by a record company to a promoter who has succeeded in getting a record played US, 1980 spiff verb to dress up. Coined in the UK in the 1870s, obsolete by the 1930s, and then resurfaced in the US in the 1970s, used with ‘up’ US, 1979 spiffed adjective drunk US, 1987 spiffing; spiffin’ adjective excellent, first-rate; fashionable or smart. Often seen to be dated, redolent of the C19 to mid-C20 upper- and middle-class society, hence current usage tends towards irony. However, it is also current in its original unambiguous sense UK, 1872 spifflicated; spiflicated adjective drunk US, 1906 spiffy adjective well-dressed, elegant, sharp UK, 1853 spiflicate verb to deal with someone in a way that confounds, silences, dumbfounds or defeats. A humorous colloquialism that by mid-C20 survived mainly as a vague threat to children. Recorded as a form of intimidation used among Yorkshire schoolchildren by Iona and Peter Opie, The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren, 1959 UK, 1785 spig noun a Spanish-speaking person. A corruption of the prevalent SPIC US, 1969 spike noun 1 a syringe and needle; a hypodermic needle US, 1936. 2 a mixture of heroin and scopolamine or strychnine UK, 2002. 3 in a deck of playing cards, an ace US, 1988. 4 in volleyball, hitting the ball downward with great force from the top of a jump US, 1972. 5 a casual ward (a temporary accommodation facility for vagrants) UK, 1866. < the spike the hypodermic syringe as a symbol of drug addiction UK, 1973 spike verb 1 to adulterate a drink or ply a person with alcohol or drugs US, 1909. 2 to inject a drug US, 1935. 3 in American football, to slam the football to the ground in a ritualistic celebration after scoring a touchdown US, 1975. 4 to attach electrical tape on a stage floor to mark positions for props and sets US, 1991 spiked adjective in a state of intoxication as the unwitting victim of an adulterated drink or drug UK, 1996 spiker noun a (branded antidepressant) Prozac™ tablet UK, 2001 spikes noun 1 sports shoes with cleats US, 1997. 2 woman’s shoes with narrow high heels that taper into a point, formally known as spike- heel shoes US, 1996 spikey; spikie noun an anti-globalisation activist with a philosophy of violent protest UK, 2001 spiky adjective uncompromising in Anglican faith or practice UK, 1881 spill verb 1 to fall off a surfboard US, 1957. 2 to talk with energy and no clear agenda US, 1970. < spill the beans to tell that which one is not supposed to tell US, 1993. < spill your guts (out) to confess your secrets; to tell all you know US, 1927 spin noun 1 a tactical, revisionist interpretation of an event for public consumption. Although the term came to the forefront during the Reagan presidency, it is an ancient practice that was simply taken to new heights by Reagan’s handlers US, 1986. 2 an excursion in a car. Originally applied to horse training, meaning ‘a run of some duration’, then to a bicycle ride, and now the present sense UK, 1907. 3 a period of time considered in terms of how you fared during it; an experience; a time of it AU STRALIA, 1917. 4 five years’ imprisonment AUSTRALIA, 1950. 5 a five-pound note; the sum of £5. An abbreviation of SPINNAKER. After decimalisation in 1966 also briefly used for $5 AUSTRALIA, 1941. 6 a single playing of a song by a radio station US, 1999. 7 a turn at spinning the coins in the gambling game two-up AUSTRALIA, 1919. 8 a Separation Program Number. The numbers corresponded to several hundred reasons for discharge from the service. Also known as ‘spin number’ US, 1984 spin verb 1 to manipulate, edit and present information in such a way that it suits political needs or a political agenda UK, 2003. 2 in circus and carnival usage, to speak a language or dialect fluently US, 1981. 3 to search UK, 1972. 4 to play a record, especially on the radio US, 1965. 5 in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, to tape a concert US, 1994. 6 to turn back a car’s odometer (mileometer) US, 1980. 7 to deceive US, 1952. 8 to leave US, 1989. < spin a dit in nautical use, to tell a story, especially a tall story. From DIT (a tale) AUSTRALIA, 1943. < spin a drum; spin to search a private premises UK, 1977. < spin the shit to discuss something UK, 1995 spinal noun a paraplegic US, 1998 spinal tap noun falling over backwards while snowboarding US, 1990 spinbin noun a residential facility for psychiatric treatment UK: SCOTLAND , 1988 609 speng | spinbin spindle-man noun a game operator in a carnival US, 1969 spinebash noun a period resting rather than working AUSTRALIA, 1968 spine-bash verb to loaf AUS TRALIA, 1958 spinebasher noun aloaferAUSTRALIA, 1945 spinebashing noun loafing AUSTRALIA, 1941 spinmeister noun an acknowledged expert in the art of spin. A com- bination of SPIN and German meister (master) US, 1986 spinnable adjective open to persuasion by manipulated information; also, used of information that is suitable for biased interpretation UK, 2003 spinnaker noun a five-pound note; the sum of £5 AUSTRALIA, 1898 spinner noun 1 in the used car business, a person who is adept at reducing the mileage on a car’s odometer (mileometer) US, 1975. 2 in hot rodding, a showy hubcap US, 1958. 3 a radio disc jockey US, 1950. 4 a person who is mentally unstable after extensive medi- cation US, 1989. 5 in the gambling game two-up, the person who tosses the coins AUSTRALIA, 1911. 6 in air-traffic control, a shift of employment covering absent workers’ responsibilities UK, 1981. 7 in dominoes, a double that may be played on both ends US, 1959. 8 in poker, a streak of good luck US, 1988 spinny adjective crazy, insane CANADA, 1992 spin on it!; spi n! a derisive invitation that accompanies the offensive gesture of a raised middle finger UK, 2003 spin out verb in the gambling game two-up, to throw a pair of tails and hence lose the right to continue spinning AUSTRALIA, 1951 spins noun the heightened state of dizziness you feel when you lie down very drunk US, 1993 spin up verb to roll a cigarette with tobacco or marijuana UK, 2003 spit noun 1 an exact, or near-exact, likeness of someone UK, 1825. 2 something of no value US, 1987. 3 a small sum of money US, 1985. 4 the payout in coins from a computer poker game AUSTRALIA, 1989. 5 in some games of poker, a card turned face-up in the centre of the table which may be used by all players’ hands. Also called a ‘spit in the ocean’ US, 1961 spit verb to perform a rap lyric US, 2001. < spit beef to vomit US, 1978. < spit blood to be very angry, especially in the phrase ‘could spit blood’ UK, 1963. < spit bricks to be furious UK, 2002. < spit chips to vent anger verbally AUSTRALIA, 1947. < spit cotton to salivate while under the influence of heroin US, 1953. < spit lead to fire a gun US, 1949. < spit the dummy; spit the dummy out to become furious; to throw a tantrum. From the image of an upset baby spitting out its dummy and crying AUSTRALIA, 1984 spit! be quiet! US, 1950 spit and drag; spit and a drag noun a cigarette; a cigarette being smoked, especially when the act of smoking is clandestine. Rhyming slang for FAG UK, 1960 spit and git verb to accomplish a task quickly US, 1972 spit and image noun an exact likeness of someone or something. The surviving form of ‘spit and fetch’ (image, picture), in which ‘spit’ is surely the substance of a body, or perhaps its corrupted ’spirit’ and the noun with which it is combined represents an outer-appearance, (‘fetch’ is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘the apparition, double or wraith of a living person’); ‘spit and’ has varied in dialect use to spitten leading, ultimately, to the conventional synonym: ‘spitting image’ UK, 1895 spit-back noun a technique of spitting a drink back into a glass to give the appearance of consuming more alcohol than you are US, 1964 spitball verb in the entertainment industry, to offer up a suggestion for discussion; to brainstorm US, 1955 spit black noun mascara. Because water is needed to apply UK, 1952 spit box noun in horse racing, the barn where horses are taken after a race to have their saliva tested for the presence of illegal drugs or their metabolites US, 1997 spit fuck verb to penetrate a rectum or vagina using only saliva as a lubricant US, 1979 spit kit noun in the US submarine corps, an anti-submarine vessel US, 1948 spit out verb to say something that is emotionally difficult to say UK, 1855 spit-roast noun a sexual position in which a woman (or a man) performs oral sex on one man whilst being penetrated by another from behind; the woman (or man) receiving such attention. The two erect penises necessary for this activity create the illusory image of a single spit going in one end and out the other. Mainly heterosexual usage UK, 1998 spit-roast verb to have sex as an active participant in the spit-roast position UK, 2003 spits noun sunflower seeds CANADA, 1987 spit spiders verb to be furious UK, 2001 spitter noun 1 a person who spits out semen after oral sex AUS TRALIA, 1987. 2 a killer US, 1975. 3 a wave that sprays from its end as it collapses US, 1964 spitting feathers adjective 1 very thirsty UK, 1997. 2 furiously angry UK, 2003 spittin’ time noun the bleed period of a woman’s menstrual cycle US, 1954 spiv noun a sharply dressed individual who lives by his wits – within the law for preference, and not too far outside the law whenever possible. Several possible etymologies vie for credence: an acronym from police records ‘Suspected Persons and Itinerant Vagrants’; back slang of the acronym for ‘Very Important Persons’ (VIPs); dialect spif or spiff (neat, smart, dandified), which also leads to SPIFFING (excellent); spivic, an apparently obsolete Romany word for ‘sparrow’, used to describe those who followed the gypsies and picked up their leavings UK, 1934 spivias noun amphetamines; MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 spivvery noun petty crime and other behaviour associated with a spiv UK, 1956 spizz noun a hypodermic needle US, 1961 SP joint noun an establishment operating starting price bookmaking AUSTRALIA, 1945 splack noun sex US, 1994 splack verb 1 to steal a car, especially by shattering the steering column US, 1993. 2 to ejaculate in sexual climax US, 2001 splaff noun a marijuana cigarette laced with LSD. ‘A’ for ACID substitutes the ‘i’ in SPLIFF (a marijuana cigarette) UK, 2003 splash noun 1 an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimulant US, 1966. 2 a small amount of water added to an alcoholic drink US, 1996. 3 tea (the beverage) UK, 1960. 4 abathUS, 1972 splash verb 1 to take a bath US, 1972. 2 to ejaculate US, 1970. < splash the boots to urinate AUSTRALIA, 1968. < splash the pot in a game of poker, to throw betting tokens directly into the pile of chips in the centre of the table instead of lining them up for other players to see before adding them to the pot US, 1961 splashing noun in a prostitute’s advertising, semen, urine and other fluids secreted at orgasm UK, 2003 splash move noun in cheating at dice, a switch of the dice US, 1997 splash out verb to spend money extravagantly UK, 1934 splashover noun a signal leaking from one citizens’ band radio channel to another US, 1976 splash shot noun a scene in a pornographic film or photograph depicting a man ejaculating US, 1997 splat noun 1 any food not subject to ready identification. From the sound made when it hits the mess kit US, 1968. 2 the * character on acomputerkeyboardUS, 1983 splat verb to be killed bungee jumping US, 1992 splat hat noun a motorcycle crash helmet UK, 1981 splendifer ous; splendacious; splendidious; spledidous adjective excellent; very splendid US, 1843 spindle-man | splendiferous; splendacious; splendidious; spledidous 610 splib noun a black person. Offensive. US, 1964 splice verb to marry someone UK, 1710 spliced adjective married US, 1997 spliff noun 1 a marijuana cigarette JAMAICA, 1936. 2 marijuana. Also used in the variant ‘splif’ UK, 1967. 3 a cigarette adulterated with crack cocaine UK, 2002. 4 a hand-rolled cigarette UK, 1984. < on the spliff a state of marijuana intoxication UK, 2001 spliff verb to smoke marijuana and be under its influence UK, 1977 spliffed; spliffed out; spliffed up adjective in a state of intoxi- cation as a result of smoking marijuana UK, 1994 spliff up verb to prepare a marijuana cigarette; to smoke marijuana in cigarette form UK, 2000 spliff wine noun marijuana wine UK, 2002 spliffy noun a marijuana cigarette UK, 2000 spliffy adjective in a state of gentle intoxication as a result of smoking marijuana; in a manner that suggests the smoking of marijuana. Playing on SQUIFFY (drunk) UK, 2001 splifted adjective marijuana-intoxicated; exhilarated US, 1995 splim noun marijuana. A misreading or simple variation of SPLIFF US, 1982 splinky noun the penis. A term apparently coined by the writers of Mad About You, a US situation comedy (NBC, 1992–99); repeated with referential humour US, 1999 splint noun a marijuana cigarette US, 1992 splinters noun adversity US, 1954 split noun 1 the vagina US, 1967. 2 a share of mutual property or profits UK, 1889. 3 a tranquillizer or other central nervous system depressant US, 1969. 4 a decongestant tablet sold as MDMA, the rec- reational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1996 split verb 1 to leave. Each night, during the 1960s, Philadelphia rock ’n’ roll disc jockey Hy Lit ended his broadcast with the mantra, ‘Nuff said Ted, solid ahead, time to split the scene and leave it clean’ US, 1956. 2 from a male perspective, to have sex. Probably more to do with bragging than as a considered threat of violence UK, 1937. < split a gut to exert yourself to the extreme, especially laughing US, 1958. < split on someone to inform on or betray someone UK, 1795. < split the breeze to drive fast US, 1976. < split the difference from a male perspective, to have sex. A punning elaboration of SPLIT UK, 1974. < split the sc ene to leave US, 1990. < split the sheets to divorce US, 1976. < split the whiskers (of a woman) to urinate AUSTRALIA, 1992. < split your sides to laugh heartily UK, 1704 split-arse noun a woman. Noted as current in the northeast of England by Chris Lewis, The Dictionary of Playground Slang, 2003 UK, 1998 split beaver; spread beaver noun the vagina displayed with lips parted. A familiar cliché of pornography US, 1969 split C-note noun a fifty-dollar note US, 1954 splith noun marijuana prepared and smoked in the fashion of a ciga- rette. A jocular variation of SPLIFF US, 2000 split knish noun the vagina. A conventional ‘knish’ is a baked or fried turnover of Russian Jewish origins; ‘split’ describes the nature of the vagina and exposes the savoury filling US, 1998 split-tail noun afemaleUS, 1950 split-whisker noun a woman AU S TRALIA, 1945 splivins noun amphetamines US, 1970 splo noun inexpensive, low quality whisky US, 1974 splonk noun in horse race betting, the favourite UK, 1967 splooge noun semen US, 1989 splooge verb to ejaculate US, 1989 splosher noun a drunk UK, 2000 splow noun palms slapped in greeting US, 1976 splurge verb to spend money extravagantly; to recklessly use an expensive resource US, 1934 SP man noun a starting price bookmaker AUSTRALIA, 1932 Spock noun used as a term of address for anyone who is coming across as intellectual or superior. From the intellectual and superior character on Star Trek US, 1978 spock verb to examine something or someone US, 1991 spod noun a student whose devotion to study excludes all other interests or society, hence an unpopular student; someone who is considered too studious; someone obsessed with computers UK, 1998 spoddy adjective obsessively studious and unstylish UK, 2001 spodiodi noun 1 a mixture of cheap port and whisky. Used (and drunk) by jazz-lovers and musicians CANADA, 1959. 2 wine US, 1975 spoggie; spoggy noun (chiefly in south Australia) the common house sparrow, passer domesticus AUSTRALIA, 1975 spoiled water noun any non-alcoholic beverage US, 1962 spoiler noun a team that has no chance of winning a championship but which takes pride if not pleasure in defeating teams that are vying for a championship US, 1962 spokadocious; spankadocious adjective attractive; fashionable BAHAMAS, 1982 spoke adjective spoken. Especially of language, in the construction ‘as she is spoke’ UK, 1937 spon verb to tell a lie UK, 1999 spondonicles; spondonicals; spongs noun a pair of metal tongs for lifting a hot cooking utensil off a fire AUSTRALIA, 2003 spondooli noun money. Variation of SPONDULICS UK, 1997 spondulics; spondulix; sponds; spondos noun money US, 1857 sponge noun 1 a group, notional or real, opposed to the gains of the civil rights movement. The vocalised abbreviation stood for ‘Society for the Prevention of Negroes Getting Everything’. The group was more notional than real, but, for example, in 1965 the Student Council of the University of Virginia was petitioned by an organisation calling itself SPONGE for status as an independent organisation eligible to receive Student Council funds US, 1965. 2 a boogie boarder, who rides waves on a small foam board. Used in a disparaging manner by surfers US, 1991 sponge verb 1 to obtain something in a parasitic manner UK, 1673. 2 in horse racing, to insert a sponge into a horse’s nostril just before a race, impeding its breathing during the race US, 1951 spongelled adjective drunk UK, 2002 sponger noun a person who obtains things in a parasitic manner UK, 1677 sponge-worthy adjective used of a man, so sexually desirable as to warrant the use of a contraceptive sponge. Coined and popularised on an episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s television comedy show (‘The Sponge’) that first aired on 7th December 1995 US, 1995 spongies noun in the usage of youthful model road racers (slot car racers), smooth, soft tyres US, 1997 sponk noun semen. A variation of SPUNK UK, 2001 spoo noun semen. Variant pronunciation of SPEW (semen), from SPEW/SPOO (to ejaculate) US, 1989 spoo verb to ejaculate. Variant pronunciation of SP EW (to ejaculate), from conventional ‘spew’ (to vomit), the suggestion therefore is of a copious quantity of semen US, 2005 spoof noun 1 a hoax, a bluff; an act of hoaxing UK, 1889. 2 aparodyUK, 1958. 3 semen. Rhymes with ‘hoof’ AUSTRALIA, 1916 spoof verb 1 to hoax; to fool UK, 1889. 2 to make a parodic version of something UK, 1927. 3 to ejaculate AUSTRALIA, 1992 spoof adjective parodic; fake; bogus UK, 1884 spoofed adjective used of an electronic message, of a suspect origin US, 1997 spoofer noun 1 in carnival usage, a large stuffed dog offered as a game prize US, 1985. 2 a hoaxer; a bluffer UK, 2001 spoofing noun 1 the sending of e-mail that claims to come from one organisation but in fact comes from another. Known more 611 splib | spoofing . condition. Glasgow rhyming slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 southpaw noun a left-handed person, especially a left-handed athlete US, 1891 South Pole noun the anus. Rhyming slang for HOLE UK, 1992 souvenir. seeped into the language and, post-1984, provides a neat formula for book titles and media headlines concerned with jargon and slang. ‘Jackspeak’ 1989, ‘Low Speak’ 1989, ‘Artspeak’ 1 990, ‘Eurospeak’ 1992,. dummy and crying AUSTRALIA, 1984 spit! be quiet! US, 1950 spit and drag; spit and a drag noun a cigarette; a cigarette being smoked, especially when the act of smoking is clandestine. Rhyming slang