Slang and uncoventional english part 99 pot

TRUMP (a fart) back to its origins UK, 1997. 4 in hot rodding, a tailpipe extension US, 1958. 5 cocaine UK, 1999 trumpets noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. Specifically used of any MDMA tablet stamped with the stylised image of a horn-player (possibly an angel) UK, 2004 trump of the dump noun the person in charge of an enterprise NEW ZEALAND , 1998 trunch noun a blow or a beating with a truncheon UK, 1980 trundling-cheat noun a car; originally any wheeled vehicle UK, 1630 trunk noun the human nose. Derisory, emphasising the size of someone’s nose or, figuratively, the intrusive quality of that person’s nosiness UK, 2000 trunk and tree noun the knee. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 trunk job noun a corpse, especially a badly decomposed corpse, found in a car boot (trunk) US, 1993 trupence bag noun marijuana UK, 2003 trust verb < I wouldn’t trust you as far as I can throw you used as an expression of deep mistrust in someone UK, 1961 trustafarian noun a young person who lives a counterculture life- style on the proceeds of a trust fund US, 1992 trust you! used as an ironic register of predictable behaviour. Also with other nouns or names UK, 1834 truth chamber noun a police interview room UK, 1971 try verb < try it on; try it on with to make an attempt to outwit or impose upon someone UK, 1811. < try this on for size; try this for size to consider a notion; to try something out; also used in horseplay as a battle-cry US, 1956 trying! you are trying too hard to be something you are not! Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981 try-on noun an attempt to deceive. From TRY IT ON UK, 1874 try-out noun a selective trial US, 1903 try walking across US airline company Trans World Airlines (TWA). An ironic play on the famous initials. Most airlines attract jocular variations of their names; TWA seems to have more than most, including: ‘Travel Without Arrival’; ‘Try Walking, Asshole’; ‘Try Walking Again’; ‘The Worst Airline’; ‘Took Wrong Airline’; ‘Take Weapons Aboard’; ‘Thieves, Whores and Alcoholics’; and so on US, 1995 TS too bad. An abbreviation of TOUGH SHIT US, 1957 T’s and blues noun a combination of Taluin™, a painkiller, and the antihistamine Pyribenzamine™, abused for non-medicinal purposes US, 1989 tsatske noun a pretty, sexy, brainless woman. Yiddish, with the Yiddish diminutive of tsatskeleh US, 1961 TS card noun a notional card that is punched when a person complains. An abbreviation of the sympathy-lacking TOUGH SHIT US, 1948 tsk tsk verb to express commiseration, or disappointment or irri- tation by making the sound ‘tsk tsk’ UK, 1966 tsk tsk used for expressing commiseration, or disappointment, or irritation. An attempted written representation of the sound of this non-verbal exclamation that is somewhere between ‘tut tut’ and a sucking of the teeth UK, 1947 tsotsies noun non-white adolescent criminals SOUTH AFRICA, 1968 tsuris; tzuris; tszoris noun troubles, problems, suffering. Yiddish US, 1970 TTFN goodbye. An initialism of ‘ta-ta for now’, which served as a catchphrase first in the BBC radio programme ITMA, 1941–49, and was picked-up by popular BBC radio broadcaster Jimmy Young (b.1921) who began broadcasting in 1949 UK, 1948 TTFO (in doctors’ shorthand) told to fuck off (go away). Medical slang UK, 2003 T-timers noun dark glasses worn by marijuana smokers US, 1952 tub noun 1 a drum US, 1958. 2 a seat on an amusement ride US, 1980. 3 a small crap table US, 1983 . 4 in electric line work, an overhead transformer US, 1980 tubby adjective 1 emphasising low frequencies, producing poorly defined sound. Used in describing a location’s sound quality in television and film-making US, 1987. 2 overweight UK, 1835 tubby; tubs noun an overweight person. Both variants serve as nickname and derogatory term; ‘tubs’ is the abbreviation of ‘tubby’ UK, 1999 tube noun 1 a fool, an idiot; a despicable or contemptible person. Probably from an earlier sense as ‘penis’, thus PRICK UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 . 2 apersonUK: SCOTLAND, 1988. 3 a marijuana cigarette US, 1937. 4 a telephone US, 1960. 5 a prison officer who listens to inmates’ conversation and for information from informers UK, 1950. 6 acan of beer AUSTRALIA, 1964 . 7 the concave face of a wave US, 1963. 8 a shotgun US, 1994. 9 in a casino, the rack where betting tokens are stored at a gambling table US, 1996. 10 a totally unnecessary breast examination UK, 1999. < down the tubes ruined with no chances left; done-for; lost; wasted. A variation of ‘down the drain’ or ‘down the pan’; literally ‘down the toilet’ US, 1963. < lay tube from the male point of view, to have sex US, 1983. < the tube a television; television. Originally applied to the telephone, but then much more widely to television US, 1959 Tube noun < the Tube the London Underground transport system. Originally, in this context, the tunnel in which an underground electric train runs (late C19), hence this abbreviation of ‘tube- railway’. The Central London Railway, which opened in 1900, was known as ‘The Twopenny Tube’ for its fixed-price fee. The cost of a journey has been going up ever since UK, 1902 tube verb 1 to watch television US, 1979. 2 to surf below and inside the crest of the wave US, 1979. 3 to insert an endotracheal tube into a patient. Medical use UK, 1980. 4 tofail,todopoorlyUS, 1966 tube lube noun oral sex on a man US, 1970 tuber noun a person who spends too much of the day on a sofa watching television. From the dominant term COUCH POTATO and punning on THE TUBE (television) US, 1986 tubes noun the London Underground transport system. A variation of THE TUBE UK, 1996 tube steak noun 1 a frankfurter, a hot dog US, 1963. 2 by visual extension, the penis US, 1980 tube top noun a woman’s garment, elasticised, stretching from the waist to under the arms US, 1974 tub of lard noun a fat person. A neat combination of a pun on TUBBY (fat) and ‘lard’ (a soft white fat). When Roy Hattersley MP, an overweight politician, declined to guest on the satirical BBC television quiz Have I Got News For You he was replaced, to great hilarity, with an actual tub of lard UK, 1993 tubs noun drums US, 1946. < the tubs a gay bath house; the gay bath house scene collectively US, 1964 tubular adjective 1 used of a wave, hollow as it breaks, creating a chamber which can be surfed through US, 1988. 2 spectacular US, 1982 tuck noun 1 food, especially snacks and delicacies. Mainly school slang UK, 1857. 2 a cosmetic operation to remove fat or skin US, 1993 tuck verb in transsexual usage, to tape your penis onto your groin to avoid any telltale bulge which might tip off someone as to your genetic sex US, 1987. < tuck in; tuck into; tuck away to eat heartily; to start eating. ‘Tuck away’ is first recorded in 1861 UK, 1810 tuck and roll; tucked and rolled adjective descriptive of a highly stylised car upholstery design, popular with hot rodders and low riders US, 1963 tucked and rolled adjective medically transformed from a male to a female US, 1990 tucked up adjective arrested UK, 1996 tucker noun food AUSTRALIA, 1850 tucker verb to provide someone with food; to feed someone AUSTRALIA, 1891 tuckerbag noun a bag for carrying food AUSTRALIA, 1885 trumpets | tuckerbag 668 tucker box noun a box used to store and transport food; a lunch box AUSTRALIA, 1897 tuckered; tuckered out adjective tired, exhausted US, 1840 tucker fucker noun acookAUSTRALIA, 1983 tuckerless adjective without food AUSTRALIA, 1910 tuckers noun a tuck shop UK, 1947 tucker time noun meal time AUSTRALIA, 1902 tuck in noun a meal AUSTRALIA, 1889 tuck shop noun a school’s purveyor of snacks UK, 1857 tud noun a totally unnecessary drink that causes you to vomit US, 2001 ’tude noun a bad attitude US, 1987 tudge boy noun a criminal hired to enforce criminal rules on other criminals US, 2002 tuft noun the female pubic hair UK, 1980 tug noun 1 an act of masturbation AUSTRALIA, 2001. 2 an arrest. A pun on PULL (an arrest) UK, 1999. 3 a warning of imminent danger given from one criminal to another, or beggar to beggar, etc. Often in the phrase ‘give you the tug’ AUSTRALIA, 1975. < give someone a tug to arrest someone UK, 2000 tug verb 1 (from criminal to criminal, or beggar to beggar, etc) to give a warning of imminent danger. Often in the phrase ‘tug your coat’ AUSTRALIA, 1975. 2 to masturbate NEW ZEALAND, 1998. < tug on 1 to inhale smoke from a cigarette UK, 2000. 2 to think about something. Figurative use of conventional ‘tug’ (to pull) UK, 2001 tug and rub noun an erotic massage CANADA, 2001 tug o’ war noun a whore. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 tules; toolies noun a remote rural area. An extension of the name of a type of cattail that grows in the very rural San Joaquin Valley of California US, 1974 tulip noun someone whose looks or behaviour mark them as abnormal IRELAND, 1991 tulips noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2001 tum noun the stomach. A shortening of TUMMY UK, 1869 tumble noun 1 an act of sexual intercourse; an invitation to engage in sexual intercourse UK, 1903. 2 recognition by the police or the interruption of a crime US, 1950. 3 a fight, especially a gang fight US, 1960. < come a tumble to be noticed US, 1958 tumble verb 1 to discover, to understand, to notice, to realise, to become aware of UK, 1846. 2 to have sex with someone. Found in Shakespeare and understood in context if not used heavily today UK, 1602. 3 to get married US, 1970 tumble and trip; tumble noun a collection from a group of people. Rhyming slang for WHIP-ROUND UK, 1992 tumble down the sink; tumble noun a drink. Rhyming slang; first recorded in Songs and Slang of the British Soldier: 1914–1918, John Brophy and Eric Partridge, 1930 UK, 1979 tumblers noun 1 the female breasts UK, 2003. 2 dice with rounded edges US, 1950 tummy noun the stomach UK, 1869 tummy banana noun the penis AUSTRALIA, 1968 tummy tuck noun cosmetic surgery designed to reduce the fat around a person’s waist US, 1977 tum-tum noun the stomach. A variation of TUMMY or, more likely, the first babyish variation of ‘stomach’ from which ‘tummy’ derives UK, 1864 tuna noun 1 the vagina. Fish, as an allusion to what some claim to be the natural odour of a woman US, 1986. 2 afemaleUS, 1971. 3 a young sailor as the object of desire of a homosexual man US, 1985 tunage noun music US, 1996 tuna party noun a party where girls far outnumber boys US, 2004 tuna snuffling noun the act of oral sex on a woman. Combines TUNA (the vagina) with a reasonably conventional usage of ‘snuffle’ US, 2001 tune noun 1 a recorded song. Deviating from the literal meaning to embrace not just the tune, but all that goes into the song US, 1993. 2 a tablet of Tuinal™, a branded barbiturate. An approximate abbreviation, usually in the plural; probably also as a pun on Tunes™, a branded medicated sweet UK, 1996 tune verb 1 to talk; to say something SOUTH AFRICA, 1976. 2 to beat somone physically. Also used with ‘up’ UK, 1788 tune-and-toe show noun a musical-theatre entertainment. A play on ‘song and dance’ UK, 1979 tune grief verb to verbally abuse someone SOUTH AFRICA, 1972 tuner noun in the television and film industries, a musical composer US, 1977 tune up verb to beat a better attitude into a fellow prisoner with a poor attitude US, 1989 tuning noun an instance of sexual intercourse which the female partner finds satisfying. Automotive imagery UK, 1959 tunnel of love noun the vagina US, 2001 tunnel rat noun 1 a US soldier who explored Viet Cong tunnels and underground networks US, 1977. 2 a police officer working for the New York Transit Bureau. New York police slang US, 1997 tunnel shot noun a photograph or shot in a film focusing on a woman’s vagina US, 1970 tuntun noun the vagina TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 tuppence noun two pence; hence, in later use, a notional sum of negligible value UK, 1857 tuppenceworth noun a small contribution. Literally, ‘two-penny- worth’ UK, 2000 tuppenny fuck noun a thing of no worth UK, 2003 tuppenny ha’penny; tuppenny halfpenny; twopenny- halfpenny adjective of little worth; insignificant UK, 1909 tupperware noun in electric line work, plastic protective covering for a conductor US, 1980 tuppy noun the vagina. Borrowed from an Aboriginal language AUSTRALIA, 1985 turbo noun 1 marijuana UK, 2003. 2 marijuana mixed with crack cocaine US, 1994. 3 a fast driver US, 1997 turbo-gobbed adjective describes someone who talks endlessly and without pause UK, 2002 turd noun 1 a piece of excrement. In conventional use since about the year 1000, it is described in the Oxford English Dictionary as not now in polite use UK, 1766. 2 a contemptible person, a shit. The earliest meaning (a length of excrement) redirected UK, 1936. 3 a negative comment in a personnel file US, 1967 turd bird noun a Ford Thunderbird US, 1992 turd burglar noun a male homosexual UK, 1983 turd-burgling adjective anal sex UK, 2002 turdcutter noun the buttocks. Imprecise and crude physiology US, 1977 turd-floater noun a heavy rain CANADA, 2002 turdhead noun a despicable person US, 1953 turd herder noun a plumber US, 1963 turdpacker noun in anal sex, the active partner US, 1940s turdtapper noun a male homosexual. An allusion to anal sex CANADA, 2003 turf noun 1 the territory controlled by a gang; a sphere of influence US, 1952. 2 a job, responsibility, obligation US, 1970. 3 the place where a whe-whe lottery game is operated TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1986. 4 the street US, 1978 turf verb in hospital usage, to transfer a patient to another’s responsibility US, 1994 turf consultant noun in horse racing, someone who makes a living selling tips to bettors US, 1947 turf dance noun a stylised dance developed and performed by an urban youth gang US, 2002 669 tucker box | turf dance turistas; touristas noun diarrhoea US, 1972 Turk noun 1 a homosexual man who assumes the active role in anal sex US, 1950. 2 a strong and aggressive young man US, 1949 Turk verb (of a male) to have sex, especially in a brutal fashion UK, 1966 turkey noun 1 in films and showbusiness, an absolute failure or disaster, critical or financial; hence, in wider usage, a failure or disaster. Why the turkey, a native of America, is the symbol of spectacular failure is a mystery US, 1927. 2 an incompetent, ineffective or disliked person. May be used with affection US, 1951. 3 a member of a youth gang who is reluctant or unwilling to join in gang fights US, 1949. 4 an Irishman or a person of Irish descent US, 1982. 5 a patient who has been mishandled medically US, 1961. 6 in hospital usage, a patient with a petty medical complaint US, 1978. 7 a planespotter who is new to the hobby, or does not have good equipment, or does not take the hobby seriously UK, 2003. 8 in motorcycle racing, an old and/or heavy and bulky motorcycle US, 1973 . 9 amphetamine UK, 1998. 10 cocaine UK, 1998. 11 poor quality, adulterated or counterfeit drugs US, 1958. 12 a tip of fifty cents US, 1977 . < the turkey an act of withdrawing from addictive drugs; the time period of that withdrawal (without direct reference to the symptoms). A variation of COLD TURKEY UK, 2002 turkey verb 1 to withdraw from a habit or addiction suddenly and without any tapering off. An abbreviation of ‘cold turkey’ UK, 1996. 2 to inhale marijuana smoke nasally US, 1970 turkeyhead noun a dolt US, 1955 turkey line noun in the language of hang gliding, a line used by an instructor to prevent the nose from dipping during landing or take-off US, 1977 turkey neck noun the penis. The similarity between a penis with shaved surround and a plucked turkey’s neck hanging down US, 1997 turkey shoot noun an overwhelming slaughter of helpless victims. From the C19 ‘sport’ of a shooting match in which the target was a live turkey US, 1970 Turkey trot noun diarrhoea suffered by tourists US, 1960 Turkish bath; Turkish noun a laugh, especially at someone else’s expense. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 Turkish culture noun anal sex US, 1972 Turkish delight noun in homosexual usage, anal sex US, 1987 Turkish delight; Turkish adjective 1 miserly. Rhyming slang for TIGHT; no racial slur is intended UK, 1998. 2 of poor quality. Rhyming slang for SHITE; here the racial slur seems deliberate UK, 2002 Turkish rope noun a heavy gold necklace US, 1995 Turk McGurk noun any unethical, vindictive person US, 1977 turn noun 1 a histrionic display AUSTRALIA, 1971. 2 a (theatrical) performer UK, 1715. 3 apartyAUSTRALIA, 1953. 4 in trucking, a return trip US, 1976. 5 a jail sentence US, 1995. < do a turn to have sex. A play on a theatrical act UK, 2002 turn verb 1 in trucking, to make a round trip to and from the speci- fied destination US, 1971. 2 to sell something, especially stolen goods US, 1972. 3 to convert a man to homosexuality US, 1991. 4 in drag racing, to register a speed US, 1960. < turn ’em and burn ’em to quickly service a fighter plane and return it to combat. Gulf war usage US, 1991. < turn a film in Quebec, to shoot a film. The French origin of this English phrase is tourner un film CANADA, 2001. < turn in to retire to bed UK, 1695. < turn into a pumpkin in transsexual usage, to dress in keeping with your genetic sex US, 1987. < turn it on 1 to make an all-out effort at some task AUSTRALIA, 1944. 2 (of a woman) to perform sexually AUSTRALIA, 1944. 3 to enliven something UK, 1983. 4 to provide for a party or celebration AUSTRALIA, 1941. < turn it up to consent to sex NEW ZEALAND, 1973. < turn Japanese to masturbate. From the perceived resemblance between a stereotypical Japanese face and the facial expression that accompanies a quest for orgasm UK, 1980. < turn over the covers to examine the other side of an issue US, 1974. < turn state to become a witness for the prosecuting authorities. From the term ‘state witness’ US, 1990. < turn the corner to begin to improve; to change your attitude for the better UK, 2003. < turn the duke in circus and carnival usage, to shortchange someone US, 1981. < turn the mit to shortchange US, 1980. < turn tricks to work as a prostitute , 1996. < turn turtle (of a surfer) to pass through a wave coming at them by rolling under their surfboard US, 1977. < turn up trumps to succeed, to turn out well UK, 1862. < turn up your nose to view or treat with contempt UK, 1818. < turn your key to make you angry. A variation of WOUND UP UK, 2001 turnaround noun 1 in trucking, a return trip US, 1976. 2 training time for navy pilots between aircraft carrier cruises US, 1990 turn around verb in criminal or police usage, to persuade someone to inform or otherwise betray US, 1975 turned on adjective 1 sexually aroused UK, 1977. 2 able to comprehend, especially as a result of drug use US, 1978. 3 stimulated and inspired by some music UK, 1977 turn it in! stop doing that!; stop talking! A variation of TURN IT UP! UK , 1999 turn it up! stop! Originally ‘turn up’ (to renounce), ‘turn it up’ (to move home or, otherwise, change your life), hence the current meaning AUSTRALIA, 1927 turn-off noun something that disgusts or creates antipathy US, 1983 turn-off verb 1 to create antipathy in someone, to disillusion someone US, 1970. 2 to disgust someone US, 1970 turn-on noun 1 something that excites or arouses someone sexually AUSTRALIA, 1969. 2 a sharing or gifting of drugs US, 1995. 3 a single instance of drug-intoxication. Also known as a ‘turning-on’ UK, 1978 turn on verb 1 to use a drug US, 1953. 2 to introduce someone to something, especially drugs US, 1961. 3 to arouse an interest, sexual or abstract in someone; to stimulate someone; to thrill someone US, 1965 turn on, tune in (and) drop out used as a slogan for, and invitation to join, the hippy counterculture. Credited to Timothy Leary (1920–96) the self-styled high priest of LSD, this pocket-phil- osophy combined TURN ON (to use drugs), ‘tune in’ (to become culturally aware) and DROP OUT (to cease to be part of a conven- tional society) in a catchphrase that seemed to be more than the sum of its parts US, 1968 turnout noun 1 a novice prostitute; a prostitute working in a particu- lar brothel for the first time US, 1973. 2 in the illegal production of alcohol, the yield of whisky compared to the amount of raw materials US, 1974 turn out verb 1 to recruit and convert someone to prostitution US, 1960. 2 to engage a woman in serial sex with multiple partners US, 1966. 3 to convert someone to homosexuality US, 1952 turnover noun 1 a robbery of stolen goods from a criminal accomplice UK, 1959. 2 a search of a prison cell. The abbreviated form ‘TO’ is also used UK, 1940 turn over verb 1 (of the police) to search a property or to stop and search a person; in criminal use, to burgle a property or rob a person UK, 1859. 2 to set upon someone and beat them up UK, 1962 turn round and used as an embellishment between to and do. An unnecessary formula used in north London UK, 1999 turntablism noun the creation of music and rhythmic patterns by manipulation of record turntables. A mid-1990s coinage credited to DJ Babu of the Beat Junkies US, 2002 turntablist noun a DJ who uses turntables as instruments to create and manipulate sound. From the turntable ‘decks’ the DJ manip- ulates US, 2002 turn-up noun an outcome, especially a surprise. An abbreviation, with a slightly narrower sense, of TURN-UP FOR THE BOOKS UK, 1964 turn-up for the books; turn-up noun an unexpected happening, usually positive. Originally racecourse and gambling use UK, 1873 turpentine; the turps noun the Serpentine (a lake in London’s Hyde Park). Rhyming slang UK, 1960 turps noun 1 turpentine UK, 1823. 2 alcohol. An abbreviation of ‘turpentine’ AUSTRALIA, 1865 8see: TERPS turtle noun 1 a variety of LSD. Named after, and identified by a depiction of, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a cult comic and television programme from the 1980s UK, 2001. 2 the replacement turistas; touristas | turtle 670 for a combat soldier who is due to return home. Like the turtle, the replacement seems never to get there quickly enough US, 1968 turtle verb (used of a boat) to turn over completely in the water, exposing the bottom of the hull to the sky US, 1966 turtle dove noun 1 love, as a term of address. Very old-fashioned rhyming slang UK, 1974. 2 a glove. The short form ‘turtle’ is also used UK, 1857 turtlehead; turtle’s head noun a piece of faeces semi-emerged from the rectum UK, 1997 turtleneck noun the foreskin on an uncircumsised penis US, 1983 tush; tushie; tushy noun the backside, the buttocks. Yiddish US, 1962 tush hog noun 1 a strong and powerful man who extorts money from others US, 1946. 2 a person with a short temper US, 1972 tusker noun an all-in-all unattractive girl US, 1968 tuskie; tuskee noun a marijuana cigarette US, 1977 tuss verb to abuse for non-medicinal purposes non-prescription medication containing dextromethorphan (DXM) US, 2003 tussin noun dextromethorphan (DXM), an active ingredient in non- prescription cold and cough medication, often abused for non- medicinal purposes. From the branded cough syrup Robitussin™ US, 2003 tustin noun marijuana originating, perhaps, in Tustin, California UK, 2003 tutae noun faeces. From the Maori NEW ZEALAND, 1985 tutti noun a latrine TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 tutti frutti noun lemon extract CANADA, 1999 tut-tuts noun the female breasts TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1956 tutty noun makeup UK, 1999 tutty adjective pathetic. British Indian (Hindi) urban youth slang UK, 2006 tutu noun 1 a tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003. 2 in craps, a roll of four. A homophonic pun – two, two US, 1999 tuxedo; tux noun a strait jacket US, 1949 TV noun a transvestite UK, 2003 TV parking noun the chance of finding a car parking space exactly where you need it US, 1998 TV rental noun a Ford ‘Granada’ car. A reference to high street business Granada Television Rentals UK, 1981 TV-style noun anal sex from behind a person on their hands and knees. An allusion to the fact that both participants are facing the same way and can watch television during sex US, 1979 TWA noun a t eeny-weeny aircraft or helicopter US, 1991 twack verb to go window-shopping, look, ask about cost, but buy nothing CANADA, 1955 twaddle noun nonsense UK, 1782 twak noun 1 rubbish SOUTH AFRICA, 1953. 2 tobacco SOUTH AFRICA, 1844 twally noun an idiot, a fool. Glasgow slang UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 twang verb < twang the wire (of a male) to masturbate AUSTRALIA, 1971 twanger noun 1 the penis FIJI, 1994. 2 a citizens’ band radio antenna US, 1976 twangie boy noun a young male prostitute. A term coined by novelist Robert Campbell US, 1987 twat noun 1 the vagina UK, 1656. 2 a woman UK, 1929. 3 a promiscuous homosexual man US, 1987. 4 used as an abusive epithet for someone you would otherwise call a cunt. From the sense as ‘the vagina’ UK, 1929. 5 an unfortunate or difficult situation; an unpleasant task; a problem. A logical extension of the previous sense TWAT UK, 2001 twat verb to hit someone UK, 1999 twat ‘there we are then’, used to (reluctantly) acknowledge an occurrence. Acronym in use by south Wales police UK, 2001 TWAT The War Against Terrorism. An unfortunate acronym, highlighted on BBC Radio 4 panel game The News Quiz, October 2001. Subsequently, some broadcasters began using ‘The War On Terrorism’, inviting TWOT. TWAT (the vagina) and ‘twot’ are synonymous UK, 2001 twat around verb to play the fool, to waste time; to make a mess of something; to inconvenience someone UK, 2002 twat bubble noun a contemptible person. Offensive and insulting UK, 2005 twatch verb to do emergency sewing repairs crudely CANADA, 1999 twat chat noun talking about sex from the female perspective; also used as a nickname for The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, 2001 UK, 2001 twat-hooks noun the fingers; the hands. From an image based on TWAT (the vagina). Heard by Partridge on the BBC, 18th January 1973 UK, 1973 twat mag noun a pornographic magazine that features naked women. A combination of TWAT (the vagina), probably not TWAT (a fool), with MAG (a magazine) UK, 1996 twat off! go away! UK, 2000 twatted adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated UK, 1999 twattery noun foolishness; nonsense UK, 2002 twatting adjective used as an intensifier UK, 2000 twattoo noun a tattoo on the female pubis; a tattoo of unfashionable design UK, 1995 twatty adjective 1 foolish, idiotic UK, 2000. 2 unpleasant UK, 2002 tweak noun in mountain biking, any low, destabilising contact with a rock, root or stump US, 1992 tweak verb 1 to bend US, 1990. 2 in computing or electronics, to make a minor adjustment US, 1983. 3 to use methamphetamines. The spelling ‘tweek’ is also used US, 1996 tweak and freak verb to engage in kinky sex after injecting meth- amphetamine US, 1989 tweaker; tweeker noun a user of methamphetamine or amphet- amines US, 1989 tweaks noun crack cocaine UK, 2003 twee adjective affectedly dainty, over-refined UK, 1905 tweed; tweeds noun marijuana. Contraction of ‘the WEED’, thus ‘t’weed’, ‘tweed’ US, 1995 Tweed Curtain noun an invisible barrier between Oak Bay and Greater Victoria, British Columbia CANADA, 1989 tweedle noun a confidence trick in which a counterfeit such as fake jewellery or, in the ‘whisky tweedle’, a 30-gallon barrel containing only a quart of alcohol is sold in the stead of a genuine purchase UK, 1890 tweedle verb to operate the tweedle confidence trick, exchanging a genuine purchase for a fake UK, 1956 tweedler noun 1 a stolen vehicle offered for an honest sale UK, 1977. 2 a very minor or petty confidence trickster UK, 1959 tweeds noun 1 trousers AUSTRALIA, 1954. 2 clothing, especially a suit US, 1968 tweek verb < to get tweeked to be knocked from your surfboard and then be pummelled by the ocean US, 1988 tweeker noun methcathinone US, 2003 tweetie noun an effeminate male. An imitation of a lisped ‘sweetie’ and an allusion to Tweetie Pie, a cartoon character of the 1950s and 60s US, 1968 Tweety Bird noun a tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy, identified by an embossed icon of Warner Bros’ animated character Tweety Pie UK, 2003 twelve noun in a deck of playing cards, any queen US, 1996 twelve inch rule noun a fool. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 twelve-ounce curls noun drinking beer US, 1985 twelver noun a twelve-pack of beer US, 1997 671 turtle | twelver twennie noun a twenty-dollar dose of crack cocaine US, 1989 twenties noun a swindle featuring a twenty-dollar note US, 1952 twenty; 20 noun 1 a twenty-pound note UK, 1999. 2 a location. Citizens’ band radio slang US, 1975 twenty-cent bag noun twenty dollars’ worth of a drug US, 1972 twenty-cent rock noun crack cocaine worth $20 US, 1991 twenty-five noun LSD. From the slightly more formal LSD-25, from the most formal D-Lysergic Acid Diethlamide US, 1966 twenty-four hours noun a homemade alcoholic beverage made with sugar, yeast, water and flavouring FIJI, 1997 twenty-four seven adverb 8see: 24/7 twenty-nine noun < she’s a twenty-nine this morning usually of a wife, very angry or upset CANADA, 1999 twenty-one days in the county jail noun in poker, a hand consisting of three sevens US, 1988 twenty rock noun crack cocaine UK, 2003 twenty spot; twenty spotter noun a twenty-pound note. Adopted directly from US currency UK, 1976 twenty stretch noun a twenty-year prison sentence UK, 2001 twenty-twenty adjective good-looking; attractive. Punning, leaping from ‘seeing well’ to ‘good-looking’ US, 1947 twenty-twenty hindsight noun the ability to see clearly what should have been done US, 1962 twenty-two carat; twenty-four carat adjective genuine, first-class. Figurative application of gold standards; ‘twenty-four carat’ from 1900, ‘twenty-two carat’ since 1962 UK, 1962 twerp; twirp noun an idiot, a fool, a despicable person UK, 1874 twerpy adjective idiotic, foolish US, 1971 twice-and-a-half truck noun a 2.5 ton truck US, 1968 twice as cold as zero adjective very cold. The arithmetic impossi- bility lends an ironic charm to the expression US, 1975 twice pipes noun in hot rodding, a dual exhaust system US, 1993 twicer noun a two-year prison sentence UK, 1974 twicicles-as-nicicles noun the testicles. Based on an advertising slogan and a vague aural similarity UK, 2002 twiddle noun 1 the tilde character (~) on a computer keyboard US, 1983. 2 in fencing, a circular parry UK, 1988 twig noun 1 a radio aerial. Probably of military origin UK, 1981. 2 a match (usually in the plural). Used by borstal boys UK, 1958. 3 marijuana US, 1970. 4 cocaine, amphetamines or any other central nervous system stimulant US, 1993. 5 in sports betting, a half-point increment in the pointspread US, 1984. < drop off the twig; fall off the twig to die AUSTRALIA, 1974 twig verb 1 to realise something. From the obsolete sense (to watch); ultimately from English dialect twick (to pinch), especially in the sense ‘to arrest’ UK, 1815. 2 to probe your eye or your anus to relieve an irritation UK, 1992 twilight verb to lose yourself in a daydream US, 1974 twilight zone noun 1 in drag racing, the state of travelling at extremely high speeds US, 1965. 2 in railway employment, the period of waiting for promotion from fireman to driver UK, 1970 twilly noun a woman, especially an attractive or promiscuous one US, 1934 twin noun in hot rodding, an engine with two cylinders US, 1965 twin caper noun a double date US, 1960 twin fin noun a surfboard with two fins AUSTRALIA, 1985 twin fins noun in craps, two fives US, 1983 twink noun 1 an effeminate, young, handsome homosexual male US, 1968 . 2 a new military recruit US, 1983 . 3 acowardUS, 1982. 4 a moment, the merest measure of time. Originally, ‘a wink of the eye’, a ‘twinkling’ UK, 1754 twinkie noun 1 an eccentric; someone who doesn’t conform to peer- group expectations US, 1998. 2 a person who is profoundly out of touch with reality US, 1982. 3 an Asian-American who embraces the dominant white culture in an attempt to curry favour. An allusion to a Hostess™ dessert cake that is yellow on the outside and white on the inside US, 1998. 4 a youthful, sexually inexperienced male who is the object of an older homosexual’s desire. The spelling ‘twinky’ is also used US, 1979 twinkies noun car wheel rims US, 2003 twinkles used as a verbal talisman when two people say the same thing at the same time US, 1993 twinkle star noun in trucking, an International Harvester Transtar model truck US, 1986 twinkle-toes noun 1 a dancer; often used as a nickname or term of endearment US, 1975. 2 a youthful, effeminate homosexual man US, 1979 twinkling noun silent applause: raising both hands and wiggling your fingers, with your open palms facing the recipient of the gesture UK, 2003 twins noun 1 two women having sex with one man or with each other for the pleasure of the man US, 1977. 2 a woman’s breasts US, 2001. 3 the fists US, 1998 twins adverb < go twins to go on a double date US, 1959 twirl noun 1 a key, especially a skeleton key. Because a burglar twirls it as he uses it UK, 1879. 2 a prison officer. From the sense as ‘a key’ UK, 1933 twirling noun the dishonest substitution of a winning betting slip for a losing one. In use among bookmakers UK, 1960 twirly noun an elderly bus passenger. An elision of ‘too early’, from the high incidence of such passengers wishing to use their free bus-passes too early UK, 1980 twist noun 1 agirlAUSTRALIA, 1924. 2 the passive, ‘feminine’ member of a lesbian relationship US, 1970. 3 a marijuana cigarette. The paper end is twisted to prevent the loss of its contents US, 1920. 4 asmall bag or paper wrap of heroin UK, 2002. 5 a turn to buy drinks in a group of people drinking IRELAND, 1991. 6 severe pressure or coercion to do something, 1996. 7 a multiple bet, gambling on three different horses in separate races in a total of seven bets. More popularly known as a PATENT UK, 2001. < around the twist eccentric, crazy NEW ZEALAND, 2002 twist verb 1 to cheat or swindle someone AUSTRALIA, 1956. 2 to arrest someone US, 1953. 3 to spend time in jail or prison US, 1971. 4 to roll a marijuana cigarette US, 1958. 5 in pool, to apply spin to a shot to affect the course of the object ball or the cue ball after it hits the object ball US, 1990. < twist a braid to say goodbye US, 1993. < twist a dream to roll a marijuana cigarette US, 1949. < twist her tail to start a car or to accelerate suddenly US, 1962. < twist your arm to persuade someone; strictly, to persuade someone by force or threat, but often jocular UK, 1953 twist! a derisive suggestion that accompanies the offensive gesture of a raised middle finger UK, 2001 twist ’n’ go adjective used of a motor-scooter. From the handlebar throttle on such machines UK, 2004 twist and twirl; twist noun a girl. Rhyming slang US, 1928 twisted adjective 1 perverted US, 1900. 2 drunk or drug-intoxicated US, 1958 twister noun 1 akeyUS, 1940. 2 an individual who prepares marijuana cigarettes US, 1936. 3 a strong drug injection, especially a combi- nation of heroin and cocaine US, 1959 twistie noun a bottle of beer with a screw top AUSTRALIA, 1993 twistum noun a marijuana cigarette. An elaboration of TWIST US, 1998 twist up verb to roll a marijuana cigarette US, 1997 twisty noun a devious, even dishonest, practice NEW ZEALAND, 1997 twisty adjective odd, strange UK, 1957 twit noun an inept and ineffectual person. Widely popularised by UK radio comedy The Goons (1951–60) and celebrated by Monty Python’s Flying Circus in ‘The Upper-Class Twit of the Year’ sketch (1970) UK, 1934 twit verb to tease or taunt someone UK, 1530 twennie | twit 672 twitch noun 1 a prostitute US, 1962. 2 a personal pleasure US, 1981. 3 a bird-watching trip. Bird-watchers’ slang, from the observation that many bird-watchers do twitch with excitement UK, 1977. 4 in hospital usage, a hypochondriac US, 1994 twitcher noun 1 a bird-watcher. Bird-watchers’ slang. Originally from the observation that many bird-watchers do twitch with excitement and applied only to excitable members of the bird- watching community, now well known and applied generally UK, 1977 . 2 anyone with a pedantic interest in, and an obsessive knowledge of, a specific topic. Extended from its sense in the bird- watching world UK, 2003 twitching; twitchin’ adjective excellent US, 1993 twitchy adjective 1 agitated, nervously restless, anxious UK, 1874. 2 in motor racing, moving in a jerky or sudden fashion US, 1980 twittering adjective experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. A schoolgirl term UK, 1958 twitting adjective inept; unfashionable US, 1959 twizzle; twizzle-about verb to rotate; to twirl; to twist something into a twirl shape UK, 1788 two noun an act of defecation. An abbreviation of NUMBER TWO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003 8see: TWO SHOT, TWO STRETCH. < giz a two used to request a two-way share UK, 1996. < in two in bar dice games, to make a hand in two rolls of the dice US, 1971. < in two-twos instantly TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1990 two; two up verb to share a cell with one other prisoner UK, 1996 two-0 noun a twenty-dollar note US, 1982 two and a juice noun two beers and a tomato juice CANADA, 1987 two and eight noun a confusion; an attack of nerves; an emotional state; drunk. Rhyming slang for STATE UK, 1938 two and two noun cocaine US, 1974 two bad boys from Illinois noun in craps, a roll of two US, 1985 two-bit adjective inconsequential; of no note. ‘Two bits’ represented a quarter of a dollar, a small sum; most younger speakers who use the term would not be familiar with its monetary roots US, 1932 two bits noun 1 a small amount US, 1989. 2 twenty-five dollars. An example of the ‘cent = dollar’ mechanism in drug slang US, 1968. 3 twenty-five thousand dollars US, 1986 two bob noun the sum of two shillings. After decimal currency was introduced in 1966, used for the sum of twenty cents AUSTRALIA, 1934. < have two bob each way to have all contingencies working for you; to hedge your bets AUSTRALIA, 1973 two bob adjective inferior, rubbishy, useless. Derives from Australian similes such as ‘as silly as a two bob watch’; explained by G.A. Wilkes in A Dictionary of Australian Colloquialisms, 1978, as the sum of money most often used in derogatory expressions of worth. A BOB is ‘a shilling’ in pre-decimal currency (5p for what it’s worth, 5c in Australia). It compares with US TWO BIT and UK ‘two penny’ AUSTRALIA, 1944 two bob bit noun a fart; as a plural, diarrhoea. Rhyming slang for THE SHITS UK, 1992 two-bob lair noun a person who dresses flashily but cheaply AUSTRALIA, 1944 two-bob piece; two-bob bit noun a two-shilling coin. After the introduction of decimal currency in 1966, used for a 20-cent piece AUSTRALIA, 1956 two-bob watch noun a cheap, poorly made watch. Used metaphorically AUSTRALIA, 1954. < go off like a two-bob watch (of a woman) to be an astoundingly good sexual partner AUSTRALIA, 1971 two-bottle jump; two-quart jump noun a relatively long move between performances US, 1973 two-bug noun in horse racing, an inexperienced jockey with a weight allowance of seven pounds US, 1990 two bulb noun a police squad car IRELAND, 2005 two-by-four noun a small house BARBADOS, 1965 two-carbon abuser noun a drunkard. Hospital usage. Alcohol has two carbon atoms US, 1978 two cents’ worth; two cents noun a personal opinion, advice or point of view US, 1970 twocker; twok; twoc noun a criminal who takes (usually a vehicle) without owner’s consent; occasionally, someone who is suspected of dishonesty UK, 1996 twocking noun the criminal act of taking (usually a vehicle) w ithout owner’s consent UK, 1996 two dots and a dash noun the male genitals US, 1964 two’d up adjective applied to two inmates in a prison cell UK, 1978 twoer noun 1 anything comprised by, or reckoned as, two UK, 1899. 2 two hundred pounds UK, 1970 twofer noun 1 any situation in which you obtain two of something when only one is expected or paid for. A shortening and corruption of ‘two-for-one’; originally applied to a pair of theatre tickets sold for the price of one, and then picked up in more general use US, 1936. 2 in American casinos, a chip worth $2.50 US, 1985 two-fingered adjective anti-social. A reference to the offensive V-SIGN gesture UK, 1999 two foot table eater noun an active participant in oral sex. West Indian and UK use, recorded in August 2002 JAMAICA, 2002 two-for-one noun 1 double credit for time served in prison by inmates with jobs or positions as prison trustees US, 1972. 2 100% interest UK, 1996 two-four noun a case of beer containing 24 bottles. This term is the universal Canadian designator for the item, though ‘case’ may sometimes mean ‘the box of 12’ US, 1993 two-f our-seven adverb at all times – twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A variation of 24/7 UK, 2000 TWOG noun someone who travels to underdeveloped countries and seeks to become a part of meanest level of local society. An imperfect acronym for ‘Third World Groupie’, used by white Zimbabweans ZIMBABWE, 2000 two-in-one noun cocaine and heroin mixed for injection together US, 1964 two in the glue noun in a car or truck, a two-speed automatic trans- mission US, 1993 two lamps burning and no ship at sea used for describing the ultimate in wastefulness US, 1963 two man noun second degree manslaughter US, 1982 two men and a dog a very small crowd NEW ZEALAND, 2002 two minutes noun a small amount of time UK, 2002 twomp noun twenty dollars US, 2001 twomp adjective costing twenty dollars US, 2001 twomping noun a beating, a thumping UK, 1998 twonk noun afoolUK, 2003 two-o noun a twenty-dollar chunk of crack cocaine US, 1989 two-o-eight noun a military discharge for mental unfitness US, 1968 twopenny-farthing adjective of little worth, unimportant. A devaluation of TUPPENNY HA’PENNY UK, 1959 two pennyworth; twopenneth noun an opinion. From conven- tional sense (a small amount, hence a small contribution) UK, 1965 two-percenter noun 8see: ONE-PERCENTER two pi noun the number of years consumed completing a doctoral thesis US, 1991 two-pipe noun a double-barrel shotgun US, 1949 two-pot screamer noun a person who gets drunk on very little alcohol AUSTRALIA, 1959 two-pump chump noun a male who ejaculates without much stimulation US, 2004 two rolls and no coffee noun in craps, a roll of seven on the first roll after establishing your point. A pun on ‘roll’, with the player here losing after two rolls US, 1949 twos noun 1 the second landing or floor level in a prison UK, 1996 . 2 a share UK, 1996. < all the twos twenty-two. In Bingo, House or 673 twitch | twos Housey-Housey calling, the formula ‘all the’ announces a double number UK, 1943 twos and blues noun a two-tone horn and flashing blue light used to signal a police vehicle travelling urgently UK, 2002 twos and fews noun small-denomination notes or loose change US, 1973 two-seater noun an outdoor privy which accomodates two people at once US, 1966 twosey noun an act of defecation AUSTRALIA, 1995 Two Shades of Soul noun the 173rd Airborne Brigade, US Army. So named because of the amicable relations between black and white soldiers in the unit, the first major US combat unit sent to Vietnam US, 1988 two shot; two noun in the television and film industries, a shot of two actors facing each other, each taking up half the screen US, 1977 twosky noun two hundred dollars. The ‘sky’ suffix is purely decorative US, 1994 two snaps up! used for expressing approval. A catchphrase from the television programme In Living Color US, 1990 two-spirited adjective applied to homosexual, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered Native Americans. First used among Native Americans of transgendered people only, it has also been offensively applied to half-breeds and those who have adopted white culture CANADA, 1996 two-step noun the highly venomous bamboo viper, found and feared in Vietnam. So named because of the belief – false but vivid – that the venom is so toxic that it kills a person before they can take two steps after being bitten US, 1991 two stretch; two noun a two-year sentence of imprisonment. A multiple of STRETCH (a year’s sentence) UK, 1950 two’s up adjective sharing, especially a cigarette. Used in borstals and detention centres UK, 1978 twot noun an abusive epithet for someone you would otherwise call a cunt. A variant spelling (originally pronunced in a similar manner) of TWAT (the vagina). As time has passed the pronunciations have separated UK, 1999 two-thirds of five-eighths of fuck all noun almost nothing. From the final line of ‘The young man of Bengal’ limerick. A recorded song based on the variation ‘two thirds of four fifths of fuck all’ was released in the UK in 2005 by Ivor Biggun NEW ZEALAND, 1998 two-thirty adjective grimy, dirty. Rhyming slang for ‘dirty’ UK, 1960 two-time verb to be seeing more than one sexual partner without the knowledge of the partner(s); to be unfaithful US, 1924 two-timer noun a person who is unfaithful to another person or a cause US, 1927 two-timing woman noun a type of bet in an illegal numbers game lottery US, 1957 two-toilet adjective used of an Irish immigrant, relatively well-off economically and straying from the Irish cultural ties that bind. A term coined in Boston and rarely used elsewhere US, 1990 two-two noun a prostitute CANADA, 1993 two-two adverb in pairs INDIA, 1979 two-up noun 1 a gesture that is used to insult or otherwise cause offence. The forefinger and the middle finger are extended to form a V shape, with the palm turned in towards the gesturer UK: SCOTLAND , 1985. 2 a gambling game in which two pennies are tossed from a small flat bat AUSTRALIA, 1884 two-up school noun a place at which a two-up game is held; a group of people playing two-up AUSTRALIA, 1897 two-way noun a position for mutual, simultaneous oral sex between two people, or the act itself, especially when advertised as a service offered by a prostitute UK, 2003 two-way adjective said of a carnival game or attraction that can be operated either legitimately or in a crooked fashion US, 1989 two-way bondage noun a restriction of movement to facilitate an erotic encounter or sexual intercourse, especially when advertised as a service offered and received by a prostitute UK, 2003 two-way man noun a male prostitute who is available for both anal and oral sex US, 1941 two-way watersports noun when used in a prostitute’s advertising, indicates that the prostitute is willing both to urinate over the client, and be urinated upon. A specification of WATER SPORTS (the practice of urophilia and uralgnia) UK, 2003 two-wire noun an electronic technician. US Navy usage US, 1998 two words, three effs fuck off. If the intention is euphemistic why spell it out? UK, 2000 twozee verb to defecate. Children’s vocabulary TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1986 twunt noun a despicable person, an idiot. A blend of CUNT and TWAT UK , 2005 TX in on-line poker playing, thanks UK, 2003 txt verb to send a text message. A new vocabulary of abbreviations, of which this is probably the most recognisable, has grown rapidly as texting becomes evermore popular and mobile phone companies limit the number of characters subscribers may use UK, 2000 tyke noun 1 a child, especially one who is disobedient, impudent or mischievous; a youth. Probably from the sense as ‘a dog’ UK, 1400. 2 a Yorkshireman. Originally pejorative, ultimately from the sense as ‘a dog’; now in general use, and adopted with pride by yorkshire people: Barnsley football club is nicknamed ‘The Tykes’ UK, a bout 1700 . 3 a rough, ill-mannered fellow UK: NORTHERN IRELAND, 1996. 4 a Roman Catholic. Probably Northern Ireland English Taig AUSTRALIA, 1902. 5 a scruffy dog; a mongrel. Now widely used as a pet name UK, about 1400 type noun a person, especially one of a stated or implied character. Colloquial UK, 1922 typer noun a typewriter US, 1982 typewriter noun 1 a machine gun UK, 1915. 2 afighter;aboxer. Rhyming slang UK, 1931. 3 the push-button automatic transmission on a Dodge car US, 1968 typewriter commando noun a soldier assigned to clerical support duty far from combat US, 1947 typewriter jockey noun a stenographer or typist US, 1960 typist noun in a deck of playing cards, a queen US, 1988 typo noun a typographical error UK, 1945 tyrannosaurus rex; tyrannosaurus noun sex. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 Tyrone noun a potent strain of marijuana US, 1995 twos and blues | Tyrone 674 . ZEALAND, 1985 tutti noun a latrine TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 tutti frutti noun lemon extract CANADA, 1999 tut-tuts noun the female breasts TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1956 tutty noun makeup UK, 1999 tutty. 1970 tumble and trip; tumble noun a collection from a group of people. Rhyming slang for WHIP-ROUND UK, 1992 tumble down the sink; tumble noun a drink. Rhyming slang; first recorded in Songs and Slang. Aboard’; ‘Thieves, Whores and Alcoholics’; and so on US, 1995 TS too bad. An abbreviation of TOUGH SHIT US, 1957 T’s and blues noun a combination of Taluin™, a painkiller, and the antihistamine Pyribenzamine™,