Slang and uncoventional english part 103 ppsx

whinge bag noun a complainer. Formed on WHINGE (a moaning complaint) UK, 2003 whingeing pom noun an English person viewed as a habitual complainer. A stock Australian stereotype AUSTRALIA, 1962 whinger noun a person who whinges; a habitual complainer AUSTRALIA, 1934 whip noun 1 a car. Used by urban black youths UK, 2004. 2 a long radio antenna US, 1976. 3 a boss or supervisor US, 1984. 4 a close friend BAHAMAS, 1982. 5 rum AUSTRALIA, 1953 8see: WHIP-ROUND whip verb to arrest someone US, 1971. < whip it in, whip it out a catchphrase that celebrates a male approach to sexual relations. From the lyric of a rugby song: ‘Whip it in, whip it out, quit fucking about Yo ho, yo ho, yo ho’. Sometimes further extended with: ‘wipe it off, walk away’ UK, 1998. < whip it out to release the penis from the confines of the trousers, a bold genital display US, 1997. < whip the cat to feel remorse; to regret something AUSTRALIA, 1847. < whip up o n ski ppy (used of a male) to masturbate , 2001. < whip your wang (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1969 whip and lash; whip noun a moustache. Rhyming slang for TA SH UK , 1992 whip and top; whip verb to masturbate. Rhyming slang for STROP UK , 1992 whiplash noun a rash. Rhyming slang; perhaps, also, a sexual innuendo UK, 1998 whip off verb (used of a male) to masturbate US, 1975 whip-out noun 1 a bankroll designed to impress when whipped out of the pocket US, 1972. 2 a regular payment US, 1981 whip o’will noun an act of vomiting; vomit. Possibly rhyming slang for ‘spill your guts’ AUSTRALIA, 1967 whipped adj ective dominated by a girlfriend or wife. A shortened form of PUSSY-WHIPPED US, 1965 whipper noun 1 a small cartridge of nitrous oxide. Designed for use in making whipped cream, but often abused for the psychoactive effects of the gas US, 1986. 2 a person who enjoys being whipped in a sado-masochistic encounter US, 1970 whippersnapper; snapper noun a young, impertinent person unmindful of his station in life. Still heard, but used with the effect of dating the speaker UK, 1700 whippet noun a shotgun with both barrel and stock sawn off for hiding on the body US, 1982 whippets; whippits noun capsules of nitrous oxide used as a rec- reational drug US, 1980 Whippins and Lashins noun the Irish Girl Guides IRELAND, 1995 whippy noun 1 a place used for the home base in children’s game hide-and-seek AUSTRALIA, 1964. 2 a pocket in which money is kept; hence, the money kept there AUSTRALIA, 1973 whippy adjective clever US, 1969 whip-r ound; whip-around; whip noun an informal fund collected from a group of people. Originally military ‘whip’ (a collection for more wine in the mess) UK, 1874 whips noun a great deal of. A play on LASHINGS AUSTRALIA, 1890 whips and jingles noun symptoms of heroin withdrawal. Referring to the physical pain and frayed nerves suffered US, 1973 whipsaw verb 1 in poker, to surround a player with two confederates whose collusive betting tactics relieve the middle player of his bankroll and drive him from the game US, 1949. 2 in horse racing, to correctly pick both the winner and second-place finisher in a race US, 1947 whip shot noun a type of controlled toss of the dice, effective by a skilled cheat US, 1963 whipster noun an untrustworthy individual IRELAND, 1997 whip-whap adverb quickly, without second thought TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003 whirl noun an attempt US, 1884 whirl bet noun in craps, a one-roll bet on 2, 3, 7, 11 and 12 US, 1961 whirlies noun extreme dizziness experienced when drunk US, 1966 whirligig noun arevolverUS, 1957 whirlpooling; whirlpool noun the assault of a girl by a group of males in a swimming pool who grope her while churning water around her US, 1993 whirly noun 1 in the television and film industries, a hydraulic lift used for shooting scenes from above US, 1990. 2 a small, localised whirlwind. The variant spelling ‘whirlie’ is sometimes used AUSTRALIA, 1894 whirlybird noun a helicopter US, 1951 whirlygigs noun < having the whirlygigs drunk UK, 2002 whirly pig noun a helicopter-borne police officer. Quoted as a term used by residents of Berkeley, California, to describe police in helicopters US, 1970 whirly-whirly noun a small, localised whirlwind. From ‘whirl’, but modelled on WILLY-WILLY AUSTRALIA, 1926 whirly wind noun especially in Queensland, a small, localised whirlwind AUSTRALIA, 1969 whisker noun usually in comparisons, a narrow margin, a small amount US, 1913 whiskers noun 1 seniority or tenure on a job US, 1973. 2 pubic hair US, 1967 whiskey noun a type of bet in an illegal numbers game lottery US, 1957 whiskey dent noun a dent on your car that you don’t remember incurring while driving drunk US, 1984 whiskeyleg noun a drunkard US, 1957 whiskey papa noun a white phosphorous flare or grenade. From the military phonetic alphabet – WP US, 1990 whiskey-rot noun any unspecified illness US, 1970 whisper noun 1 a rumour UK, 1596. 2 the very end of a prison sentence US, 1976 whistle noun in the sport of polo, energy UK, 2003 . < wet your whistle to take a drink; to quench a thirst UK, 1530 whistle verb < whistle in the dark to perform oral sex on a woman US, 1967. < whistle through the wheatfield to engage in oral sex on a woman, especially a blonde woman US, 2001 whistle and flute; whistle noun 1 a suit (of clothes). Rhyming slang UK, 1931. 2 cocaine. Rhyming slang for TOOT UK, 2000 whistle and flute; whistle verb to inhale drugs or drug smoke. Rhyming slang for TOOT UK, 1996 whistle and toot; whistle and flute; toot noun money. Rhyming slang for LOOT; used mainly in the reduced form UK, 1950 whistlebait noun an attractive woman or girl US, 1947 whistlecock noun amongst Australian Aboriginals, a penis that has had a small slit made in the base of the urethra as a means of birth control; a man who has had this operation AUSTRALIA, 1945 whistle for verb to wait for, or expect, something in vain UK, 1882 whistler noun apolicecarUS, 1971 whistlers noun pieces of metal scrap packed in an artillery shell that makes a screaming sound as the shell moves through the air US, 1990 whistlestop noun a small town. From the image of a train making a brief stop at the town US, 1947 whistling gear noun in trucking, the highest gear. May have been named for the whistling sound older tractors made when in overdrive gear, or for the possibility that a rig travelling in this gear could attract the attention of a ‘whistler’ – a police car US, 1971 white noun 1 a capsule of Benzedrine™ (amphetamine sulphate) or any other central nervous system stimulant US, 1966. 2 heroin, cocaine or morphine. From the colour of the powdered drug US, 1914. 3 crack cocaine. A derivative of the previous sense US, 1995. 4 a five-pound note. From the colour of the large five-pound notes, which were withdrawn from circulation in 1957 UK, 1946. 5 platinum jewellery UK, 1950. 6 in American casinos, a white betting token whinge bag | white 696 worth one dollar US, 1985. 7 in American casinos, a white betting token worth $500 US, 1961. 8 a day; daytime US, 1975. 9 ‘silver’ coins. Variants include ‘whites’ and ‘white money’ UK, 1887. < like whi te on rice entirely, utterly, completely US, 1987. < the white surgical spirit as an alcoholic drink. The liquid is clear but ‘white’ differen- tiates this from BLUE (methylated spirits) UK, 2000. < white-boy shuffle an uncoordinated, ungraceful, counter-rhythmic dancing style US, 1993 white adjective decent. Usually used sarcastically and as a conscious rejection of the racism that once would have inspired the saying US, 1913 white-ant verb to undermine someone or something. From ‘white ant’ (a termite) AUSTRALIA, 1922 white-ass; white-assed adjective bland; insipid; lacking creativity. A reciprocal in formation to the common ‘black-ass’; not praise US, 1995 white ball noun crack cocaine UK, 1998 white boy noun heroin. An embellishment of BOY (heroin), from the colour of the powdered drug US, 1986 white-bread adjective everyday, unexciting, respectable; representing the epitome of white middle-class values and style US, 1991 white burger noun a tablet of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1996 white Cali; white Cally noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy; an antihistamine tablet sold as MDMA. From the colour combined with an abbreviation of California, the presumed place of origin UK, 1996 white cliffs of Dover; white cliffs adjective over. Rhyming slang, formed from the famous landmark, celebrated in song and geogra- phy UK, 1998 white cloud noun crack cocaine US, 1989 white cockroach noun a white person TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1838 white crinkle noun a five-pound note. A combination of CRINKLE (paper money) and the colour of five pound notes, which were withdrawn from circulation in 1957 UK, 1957 white cr oss noun an amphetamine or methamphetamine tablet, sectioned with an X US, 1965 white cylinder week noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. Refers to a tampon applicator US, 1999 white devil noun cocaine US, 1972 white drugs noun heroin, cocaine, morphine, etc. From the colour of the refined powder US, 1961 white dust noun powdered amphetamine UK, 1996 white eye noun illegal alcohol smuggled from the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. This term appears in Tom Dalzell’s The Slang of Sin to mean ‘whisky’ CANADA, 1998 white-eyes noun a white person US, 1978 whitefellow; whitefella noun a white person as opposed to a native Australian Aboriginal AUSTRALIA, 1826 white fever noun used of people of colour, a strong attraction towards white people. The opposite of JUNGLE FEVER US, 1969 white fingers noun cocaine US, 2002 white fluff noun LSD UK, 2003 white ghost noun crack cocaine UK, 1998 white girl noun 1 cocaine US, 1971. 2 heroin UK, 1998 white goods noun cocaine. From the colour; adopts the retailing term for ‘large white electrical goods’ (refrigerators etc.) UK, 2001 white-haired lady noun marijuana. Possibly derives as a simile for something considered to be as dangerous as marijuana UK, 1998 white hat noun 1 an officer in a firefighting company US, 1954. 2 a computer hacker who acts with a legal or moral justification US, 2001 white horse noun 1 heroin. An elaboration of HORSE (heroin) UK, 2003. 2 cocaine. A play on HORSE (heroin) which is mostly brown US, 1977 white junk noun heroin, possibly of the finest quality. An embellishment of JUNK (heroin) from the colour of the powdered drug US, 1977 white kaffir noun a white person who associates with black people. Racist and abusive SOUTH AFRICA, 1846 white knight noun a night spent under the influence of cocaine. The colour of cocaine and a pun on ‘night’ UK, 2001 white-knuckle verb to persevere on courage alone, especially in the quitting of an addictive drug US, 1974 white-knuckle adjective anxiety-making; frightening; thrilling. From the effect of holding-on tightly UK, 1988 white lady noun 1 any strong white spirit such as gin or methylated spirits AUSTRALIA, 1935. 2 a powdered narcotic, especially cocaine or heroin. The shortened form ‘lady’ is also used US, 1968 white light noun LSD. Possibly a reference to The Velvet Underground’s 1967 album ‘White Light/White Heat’ UK, 1969 white lightning noun 1 strong, if inferior, homemade whisky US, 1921. 2 LSD; LSD mixed with methamphetamine or similar US, 1970 whiteline fever noun an addiction to cocaine. The white powder is shaped in a LINE for inhalation UK, 1996 white man noun an honourable man US, 1865 white man’s time noun used for denoting punctuality US, 1963 white meat noun a white person as a sex object; the genitals of a white person; sex with a white person US, 1957 white mice noun 1 during the conflict in Vietnam, the South Vietnamese civilian police. From their white helmets and gloves US, 1977. 2 dice. Rhyming slang UK, 1954 white missy noun a glass of cheap white rum BARBADOS, 1965 white money noun in prison, actual currency. Required for major purchases, such as drugs US, 1976 white mosquitoes; white mosquito noun cocaine. Probably from the ‘sting’ of an injection US, 1949 white mule noun an illegally manufactured whisky, colourless and powerful US, 1921 white nigger noun a French-Canadian. Offensive CANADA, 1971 white nurse; nurse noun powdered drugs; cocaine; heroin; morphine US, 1936 white-on-white noun a white shirt that was deemed fashionable in the 1940s US, 1976 white-out; whitey noun an instance of paling as a symptom of imminent faintness, dizziness or vomiting. From the draining of colour from the face UK: SCOTLAND, 1988 White Owl noun a branded White Owl™ cigar re-made to contain marijuana US, 2003 white Owsley noun a type of high quality LSD. From the name of legendary LSD manufacturer Augustus Owsley Stanley III US, 1974 white pipe noun a mixture of marijuana and crushed Mandrax™ (a branded tranquillizer in tablet form) smoked or ingested orally. A tablet of Mandrax, also known as a ‘white’, enhances the effect of the marijuana. When ‘white pipe’ is smoked it is usually in a pipe improvised with a broken bottle SOUTH AFRICA, 1998 white policeman’s roll noun in an illegal numbers gambling lottery, a bet on 13, 37 and 70 US, 1949 white powder noun a narcotic in white powder form, that is, heroin, cocaine or morphine US, 1908 white-powder bar noun lawyers who defend drug dealers UK, 1998 white robin noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. From the colour of the tablet and the embossed motif UK, 2002 white rock noun high quality methamphetamine in rock form US, 1989 white Russian noun in homosexual usage, the passing of semen from one mouth to another US, 1987 697 white | white Russian white shirt noun in roller derby, a skater who plays honourably and is seen as the ’good guy’, usually from the team designated as the home team US, 1999 whiteshirt noun a senior prison officer. From the uniform UK, 1996 white shit noun cocaine UK, 1996 white shoes noun white-wall tyres US, 1978 white sidewalls noun the visible scalp on the side of the head after a short haircut, especially a military haircut US, 1968 whiteskin noun in poker, any card ranked ten or lower US, 1943 white slave noun a woman engaged in enforced prostitution UK, 1857 whitesocks noun a ferocious if tiny mosquito US, 1965 white stuff noun any powdered drug – morphine, heroin or cocaine US, 1914 white sugar noun crack cocaine. From the appearance UK, 1998 white telephone noun < speak on the great white telephone; talk into the big whi te telephone; talk to God on the big white telephone to vomit into a lavatory bowl. From the image of a sick person leaning over a white lavatory bowl and crying ‘God!’ in despair US, 1978 white tornado noun freebase cocaine US, 1979 white tr ash noun an impoverished or anti-social white person or persons; originally, and still, the poverty-stricken white population of the southern US. Originally black usage; derogatory; abbreviates to ‘trash’ (rubbish) US, 1831 white turtle-neck brigade noun male homosexuals. From a type of jumper that was in vogue, and, perhaps intended as a discreet signal between gay men UK, 1969 white van man noun the average tabloid-reader-in-the-street, the man-in-the-street. It is a statistical probability that the driver constructively criticising your driving is behind the wheel of a white van. Coined in 1997 by BBC Radio 2 DJ Sarah Kennedy UK, 1997 whitewash noun in sports, a victory in which the opponent does not score at all US, 1867 whitewash verb to win a game without your opponent scoring US, 1971 white widow noun a variety of marijuana, 2002 white wog noun a Welsh person. Usually jocular, from WOG (any person of non-white ethnicity) and a recognition of the Welsh as a race apart within the British Isles; it is, perhaps, interesting to note that a Welsh accent attempted by an English person has a pronounced tendency to sound Indian UK, 1984 white worm noun an uninfected appendix removed in surgery based on an incorrect diagnosis US, 1994 whitey noun 1 a white person or white people collectively. Insulting; a gesture of resistance US, 1942. 2 an amphetamine pill US, 1982. 3 in pool, the cue ball US, 1983 8see: WHITE-OUT Whitney dressed as Britney applied to an older person dressed in a younger fashion. A modern variation of the popular idiom, ‘mutton dressed as lamb’; formed on the US entertainers Whitney Houston (b.1963) and Britney Spears (b.1981) UK, 2004 whittle verb < whittle the gut stick (of a male) to masturbate UK, 2003 whiz noun < the whiz pick pocketing UK, 1937 whiz verb to urinate US, 1971 whiz; whizz noun 1 a genius; somebody who is extremely proficient at a given activity. An abbreviation of ‘wizard’ US, 1914. 2 an act of urinating. Often in a construction such as ‘take a whiz’ US, 1971. 3 whisky US, 1953. 4 on the railways, the pressurised air that operates the brake system US, 1977. < on the whiz operating as a pickpocket US, 1950 whizbang verb to travel fast US, 1966 whizbang; whizz-bang noun an injected mixture of cocaine and heroin; cocaine; heroin US, 1933 whizbox noun a global positioning system device. Gulf war usage US, 1991 whiz-kid; whizz-kid noun a precociously bright child; hence a young person advancing in business faster than expectations US, 1960 whizo noun a weapons system officer US, 1991 whizz verb to use amphetamines UK, 2000 whizz; wizz; whiz noun amphetamine. A pun on SPEED UK, 1993 whizzbang noun a pretty girl US, 1947 whizzer noun 1 an excellent thing; also used as a nickname for a person who excels UK, 1888. 2 the penis US, 1999. 3 a pickpocket. Variants include ‘whiz’ and ‘whizz’ US, 1925. 4 in poker, a successful play of an inferior hand, or the person playing it US, 1988. 5 a drinking bout CANADA, 1975 8see: WYSSA whizzhead noun a habitual amphetamine user UK, 2000 whizz kid noun a habitual amphetamine user UK, 1999 whizz-kids noun in police use, forensic scientists or a forensic science department. Usually used with ‘the’. Formed on ‘whizz- kid’ (a precociously bright child) UK, 1971 whizz mob noun a gang of pickpockets UK, 1929 whizzo; wizzo noun in the US military, a weapons system operator or officer. From a vocalisation of the abbreviation WSO US, 1993 whizzo!; wizzo! splendid! UK, 1905 whizzo; wizzo adjective excellent. After WHIZZO! (an exclamation of delight) UK, 1948 whizzy adjective used of a computer program, well-designed and attractive US, 1991 whoa! used for urging a serious reconsideration of the direction that the conversation is taking. From the C19 command to a horse or ox to stop, and still evocative of a simple, rural world US, 1981 whoady noun a close friend or family member US, 2004 who are you looking at? used aggressively as an offensive challenge UK, 1999 Who ate all the pies? You fat bastard, You fat bastard acall and response chant used to taunt anyone who is overweight. A chant from the football terraces that has spread wider UK, 2001 who-began-it noun an admonishment or a threatened beating IRELAND, 2000 who cares? expresses a dismissive lack of concern or interest US, 1844 whodunnit; whodunit noun 1 a murder mystery novel, film or other entertainment; a detective novel. Adopted in the UK in 1942 from the US US, 1930. 2 in prison, a meat pie. A body has been discovered under the pastry! UK, 1950 who he? usually used for jocular or dismissive effect UK, 1981 who knows it? used as a ritualistic questioning of the veracity of a statement US, 1963 whole ball of wax noun everything US, 1953 whole box and dice noun everything AUSTRALIA, 1888 whole hog noun < go the whole hog to do something in a thorough way US, 1828 whole lot; whole lotta adverb a great deal; very much US, 1907 who loves ya, baby? used for expressing affection in a humorous fashion. The signature line of the police captain played by Telly Savalas on the television police drama Kojak (CBS, 1973–78). Repeated with referential humour US, 1978 whomp back verb to drink. A play on KNOCK BACK (to drink) US, 1973 whomper noun a powerful, hard-breaking wave US, 1964 whoof verb to fart UK, 1966 whoof back verb to eat or drink greedily UK, 2000 whoo-hoo! used as a humorous expression of happiness, usually ironic. From the television cartoon The Simpsons US, 1996 whoop; woop noun a bit; a small amount US, 1904 white shirt | whoop; woop 698 whoop verb < whoop it up to make a great deal of rowdy noise US, 1884 whoop; woop noun < give a whoop in hell to care, generally in a negative context US, 1970 whoop and holler noun an indeterminate, relatively small distance US, 1964 whoop and holler verb to shout; to carry on loudly US, 1969 whoop-de-do noun 1 in horse racing, a style of racing based on the premise of establishing an early lead and then running as fast as possible with maximum whip and heel encouragement US, 1959. 2 in motorcycle racing, a closely spaced sequence of hills or rises US, 1973. 3 a loud and rowdy event or gathering US, 1929 whoop-de-do adjective 1 in horse racing, employing the strategy of riding all-out from the start of the race US, 1948. 2 celebratory, uproarious. Variants include ‘whoop-de-doodle’ and ‘whoopidy-do’ US, 1932 whoop-de-doo!; woop-tee-doo! used as an expression of strong support or celebration. Often ironic US, 2000 whoopee noun < make whoopee 1 to have sex. A forced and silly euphemism, but one sanctioned by television censors; it was used with annoying regularity by Bob Eubanks, host of The Newlywed Game television programme (ABC, 1966–90) US, 1928. 2 to indulge in, and take pleasure in, boisterous or rowdy merry-making UK, 1933 whoopee! used for expressing great excitement UK, 1862 whoopee card noun a computer punch card with all the holes punched out US, 1991 whoopeedoo! used as an, often ironic, expression of celebration. An elaboration of WHOOPEE! UK, 2001 whoops! used as a hurried expression of regret US, 1937 whoopsie noun a male homosexual US, 1961 whoopsie-daisy!; whoops-a-daisy! used for registering dismay or surprise, often implying clumsiness US, 1925 whoop-up trail noun the terrain over which men and boys ride horses fast CANADA, 1987 Whoor’s melt noun 8see: HOOR’S MELT whop verb to strike someone with heavy blows UK, 1575 whopper noun 1 something that is extremely and unusually large. The best known Whopper in the US is a hamburger sandwich introduced by the original Burger King™ restaurant in Miami in 1957 UK, 1785. 2 a big lie US, 1984 whopper with cheese noun a fat woman with thrush. Medical slang, punning on a well-advertised burger UK, 2002 whopping adjective enormous, powerful UK, 1706 whop stick noun ahammerUS, 1992 who pulled your chain? who asked for your opinion?; what has upset you? UK, 1937 who rattled your cage? who asked for your opinion?; what has upset you? UK, 1985 whore noun 1 a girl. Used with sarcasm in reference to a girl who is definitely neither a prostitute nor even apparently promiscuous US, 1981. 2 in a deck of playing cards, a queen US, 1967. 3 used as a semi- affectionate term for a man IRELAND, 1959 whore verb to work as a prostitute UK, 1583 whore-dog noun a promiscuous woman US, 1980 whore-hopper noun a frequent customer of prostitutes US, 1977 whore house cu t noun cutting a deck of cards by removing a section from the middle of the deck and moving it to the top or bottom US, 1951 whore note noun a two-dollar note US, 1970 whore of B abylon noun an extremely promiscuous woman. Originally a disparaging sobriquet for the Church of Rome, in allusion to the Book of Revelations, Chapter XVII, where she is one of several mysterious Christian allegorical figures of evil US, 1992 whore’s bath; whore splash noun an impromptu and quick cleaning of the body at a sink, with special attention to cleaning the genitals US, 1950 whore scars noun puncture wounds and bruises from needle use US, 1970 whore’s egg noun in lobstering, a sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus drobachiensis) CANADA, 1829 whoreshop noun a brothel UK, 1938 whore’s melt noun 8see: HOOR’S MELT whore-style adverb said when a woman has sex with her underpants stillaroundoneleg US, 1973 whoretel noun a hotel or motel that caters for prostitutes US, 1973 whore wagon noun a police van used for sweeps to arrest prostitutes US, 1970 Whorez nickname Juarez, Mexico. The phonics work and Juarez has something of a reputation for its prostitutes US, 1970 who-shot -John noun a reproach or interrogation US, 1969 whosis noun used in place of a person’s name which the speaker cannot remember or doesn’t think is important US, 1953 whosit; whoosit; whozit; whoozit noun used to refer to a name (usually of a person, sometimes a thing) that is unknown, forgotten, to be avoided or hardly worth mentioning UK, 1948 who smelt it dealt it used for attributing the source of a fart. A childish rhyme, sometimes with formulaic responses UK, 1998 who’s robbing this coach? mind your own business. This comes from an old joke about Ned Kelly (a famous Australian bushranger) robbing a coach. He declares he’s going to ‘rob all the men and rape all the women’. A gentlemen attempts to intervene on behalf of the women, when one of the ladies pipes up and says ‘Who’s robbing this coach, you or Mr Kelly?’ AUSTRALIA, 1945 who’s up who who is in charge?; what’s going on here? Supplied to Baker in a notebook of World War 2 slang. Sometimes used literally as regards the interpersonal relationships of a group of people, but often metaphorically. Also elaborated to ‘who’s up who and who’s paying the rent’ AUSTRALIA, 1966 who’s your daddy?; who’s the daddy? who is in charge (of this situation)? US, 2001 who thr ew you nuts? who excited your interest?; who asked for your opinion? By implication the person addressed is being called amonkeyUK, 1999 Whovian noun a dedicated fan of BBC cult science fiction television programme Dr Who UK, 1998 whup verb to beat someone US, 1945 why-for noun the reason or cause US, 1954 Whykickamoocow noun a notional remote town NEW ZEALAND, 1984 wibbly-wobbly adjective very wobbly; unsteady UK, 1984 wick noun 1 the penis. A reduced form of HAMPTON WICK (PRICK) UK, 1960. 2 an irritating or bad-tempered person U K: SCOTLAND, 1988. 3 in bowls, a glancing blow which (generally more by luck than judgement) brings a bowl into contention. Not a very polite term UK, 1990. < get on your wick to get on your nerves; to exasperate you. Based on rhyming slang for PRICK (the penis) UK, 1945 wick! used for registering firm approval. Abbreviated from WICKED! but extended to two syllables as spoken ‘wee-ick!’ by 10-year-old children in Cardiff, south Wales, 16th October 2001 UK, 2001 wick-dipper noun a man objectified sexually. From WICK (the penis) and DIP YOUR WICK (to have sex) UK, 1994 wicked noun especially pure heroin UK, 2002 wicked adjective excellent US, 1920 wicked adverb extremely. A rare instance of late C20 American slang that has stayed regional; a common term in New England (‘wicked hot’, ‘wicked cold’ etc.) rarely heard elsewhere US, 1984 wicked witch noun a woman, especially a malicious or contemptible woman. Rhyming slang for BITCH UK, 1998 699 whoop | wicked witch wicker-head noun a Vietnamese peasant. From their straw hats US, 1991 wick off verb to exasperate or aggravate someone. A variation of GET ON YOUR WICK UK , 2002 wicky noun the buttocks BAHAMAS, 1982 wid preposition with. Colloquial pronunciation UK, 1869 widder; widda; widdy noun a widow UK, 1837 widdle verb to urinate UK, 1961 wide noun < give a wide to avoid something or someone UK, 2000 wide adjective 1 immoral UK, 1594. 2 knowing, informed, aware IRELAND, 1991 wide boy noun a man living by his wits, often a petty criminal UK, 1937 wide brown land noun Australia. Made famous by the poem My Country by Dorothea Mackellar, 1914 AUSTRALIA, 1908 wide girl noun a woman living by her wits, often a petty criminal UK, 1956 wide load noun someone with a broad backside. From a common road sign indicating that ahead of the escorting vehicle is a truck with a wide load US, 1990 wide-on noun a state of sexual excitement in a woman. A jocular riposte to HARD-ON (an erect penis) AUSTRALIA, 1987 wide open adjective unrestrained by authority; unrestricted by the police; wild US, 1950 wide ride noun a heavy woman US, 1994 widger noun 1 a small boy. Noted originally as a Royal Navy usage, probably from the late 1950s; an elaboration of ‘wee’ (small) UK, 1984. 2 the penis, especially a relatively small penis. Probably direct from the sense as ‘a small boy’ on the model of LITTLE MAN (the penis) UK, 1997 widget noun used generally for a small gadget; specifically a small device for making beer foam as the can is opened. In the 1990s, UK brewers John Smith’s advertisers sold canned beer with a ‘widget’ – an easier option than to explain the chemistry and technology that creates the beery froth US, 1931 widgie noun a female teenage delinquent of the ‘bodgie and widgie’ subculture of the 1950s and 60s. Noted for their promiscuity, wild behaviour and revealing clothing. Perhaps a blend of BODGIE with ‘wi-’, the first syllable of ‘women’ AUSTRALIA, 1950 wido; wide-oh noun a villain, a petty criminal, a rogue. Probably a variation of WIDE BOY (a petty criminal) U K: SCOTLAND, 1988 widow noun 1 a single word, or two, set on a new line at the end of a paragraph, especially when set on a new page UK, 1925. 2 in some poker games, an extra card dealt to the table for all players to use in their hands US, 1967. 3 in electric line work, a cable grip US, 1980. < the widow Veuve Clicquot™ champagne; champagne. From French veuve (widow) UK, 1781 widow Jones noun a toilet US, 1949 widow-maker noun 1 the M-16 rifle, introduced as the standard US Army infantry rifle in 1967. Early versions of the rifle were prone to jamming, thus ‘making widows’ US, 1990. 2 in Vietnam, a Viet Cong booby trap US, 1990. 3 in trucking, any long haul truck US, 1971 widow’s mite; widow’s noun a light, especially of the type required by a smoker. Rhyming slang UK, 1931 widow’s wink; widow’s noun a Chinese person. Rhyming slang for CHINK (a Chinese person) UK, 1979 Widow Twankey; widow noun 1 a handkerchief. Rhyming slang for HANKY, formed on the pantomime ‘dame’ who is Aladdin’s mother UK, 1992. 2 an American. Rhyming slang for YANKEE UK, 1992 wiener; weiner noun the penis. The phallic connotations of the food item lead to this usage US, 1960 wiener roast noun a picnic featuring hot dogs US, 1920 wienie noun in drag racing, a slick racing tyre US, 1965 8see: WEENIE, WEENY wienie roaster noun in drag racing, a jet-powered car US, 1993 wife noun 1 in a homosexual relationship, the more passive or ‘feminine’ partner US, 1883 8see: WEENIE, WEENY. 2 in law enforcement, a work partner US, 1988. < the wife your wife. Folksy, potentially annoying, and almost inevitably patronising US, 1989 wife-beater noun 1 a sleeveless tee-shirt or undershirt US, 1994. 2 any alcoholic drink, especially beer UK: WALES, 2004 wifed up adjective of a male, in a serious relationship with a female who appears to dominate him US, 2004 wife duty noun a promise or obligation to spend time with your wife or girlfriend US, 2000 wife-in-law noun one prostitute in relation to another prostitute working for the same pimp US, 1957 wife’s best friend noun the penis AUSTRALIA, 1971 wife starver noun a man who defaults on maintenance payments AUSTRALIA, 1950 wifey; wifie noun a wife. A slightly patronising term UK, 1996 wifey adjective used of a female, dowdy, mature and proper US, 2001 wifie noun an old woman UK, 2002 wig noun 1 the head; the mind US, 1944. 2 ajudge;abarristerUK, 1956. < tighten your wig to use drugs and become intoxicated US, 1986. < with a wig owing; to pay. A shameless pun on ‘toupee’ and ‘to pay’ AUSTRALIA, 1989 wig; wig out verb to lose control of your emotions; to become angry US, 1955 wig-chop noun a haircut. Teen slang US, 1955 wig city noun a medical institution for the mentally ill. Extended from the adjective sense US, 2001 wig city adjective mentally unbalanced, eccentric (usually when the latter is thought to be the former) US, 1998 wigged adjective confused, disoriented, especially as a result of drug use; drug-intoxicated US, 1951 wigged out adjective in an extreme state of drug intoxication, excitement or rage; dissociated from reality US, 1968 wigger; wigga; whigger noun a white youth who affects the speech patterns, fashion and other mannerisms of black youth. An elision of ‘white NIGGER’ US, 1988 wiggle noun in electric line work, a secondary voltage tester with a glow-light indicator US, 1980. < get a wiggle on to hurry US, 1896 wiggle verb to wriggle; to walk with a sinuous swaying of the hips. A colloquial variation; in conventional use from the C13 to C19 UK, 2002 wiggle room noun scope for freedom of thought or action; room for political manoeuvring and compromise US, 1941 wigglers noun the fingers US, 1970 wiggly; wiggly-waggly adjective of movement, wriggly; of form, irregularly undulated UK, 1907 wiggy adjective crazy; outstanding; wild; creative US, 1961 wigit noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 wig-out noun aperiodofcontrolledcrazinessUK, 2001 wig out verb to become angry, to lose your temper UK, 1955 wig-out adjective crazed UK, 2001 wig picker noun a psychiatrist US, 1961 wig-trig noun an idea US, 1946 wigwag noun in the television and film industries, a light outside a sound stage indicating that shooting is in process US, 1990 wigwam noun in a deck of cards, an ace. From the visual similarity between an ‘A’ and a wigwam US, 1988 wigwam for a goose’s bridle noun used as a nonsense answer to a question AUSTRALIA, 1960 Wilbur Wright; wilbur noun a flight (air travel). Rhyming slang, formed from the elder of the US aviation pioneers, the Wright Brothers UK, 1992 wicker-head | Wilbur Wright; wilbur 700 Wilcannia shower noun a dust storm. Wilcannia is an inland town in New South Wales. Other locations similarly used by nature, weather and irony: Bedourie, Bogan, Bourke, Cobar, Darling and Wimmera AUS TRALIA, 1945 wilco; willco (I) will comply!; generally, used as a signal of assent. Originally used as military communications, often to complement ROGER (message understood). UK, 1946 wild adjective 1 used of film in the television and film industries, shot without sound US, 1990. 2 of prison sentences, served consecutively US, 1972. < go wild in the bush (used of a white person) to have sex with a black person BAHAMAS, 1982 wild about adjective enthusiastic about; having a strong liking for; sexually infatuated with UK, 1868 wild card noun 1 an unpredictable factor; an unknown. From card playing jargon where it represents a card of no predetermined value US, 2002. 2 a dangerously unpredictable person UK, 2001. 3 an enemy fighter plane US, 1986 wildcat noun 1 strong, illegally manufactured whisky US, 1999. 2 methcathinone mixed with cocaine. An elaboration of CAT (methcathinone) US, 1998. 3 in oil drilling, a well drilled in unproven land US, 1954 wildcat adjective 1 unauthorised, unlicensed, unsanctioned US, 1870. 2 characterised by high risk and unsound business planning US, 1877 wildcatter noun 1 an independent, risk-taking oil driller who drills wildcat wells US, 1883. 2 in trucking, an owner-operator who works independently US, 1946 wild colonial boy noun an uninhibited, free-living man. Originally meaning ‘a bushranger’. From the title of a popular folk song and still often used allusively AU STRALIA, 1881 wild duck noun a person who has failed to pay a debt and is not seen as likely to do so AUS TRALIA, 1989 wild flower noun a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2002 wild hair noun an impulsive notion. A shortened form of WILD HAIR UP YOUR ASS without the full connotation of annoyance US, 1989 wild hair up your ass; wild hair up your butt noun the notional cause of irrational, obsessive behaviour US, 1981 wild horse noun a Ford ‘Mustang’ car. Citizens’ band radio slang UK, 1981 wilding noun violent youth gang activity directed towards random victims. A term popularised by the ‘Central Park Jogger’ case in 1989 US, 1989 wildo noun a person behaving in a wild or crazy manner UK, 1966 wild-out noun a gang fight US, 1999 wild thing noun < do the wild thing to have sex US, 1990 wild up verb to agitate someone; to make someone nervous US, 2003 Wilfred noun the penis. A variation of WILLY (the penis) UK, 2001 Wilhemina noun a female customer, especially of discreet or illegal services. A feminisation of BILLY BUNTER (a customer) UK, 2002 Wilkie Bard noun a card; a business card; a playing card; a race card, etc. Rhyming slang, formed from a music hall comedian, 1874–1944 UK, 1960 Wilkinson Sword noun bald. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of a razor manufacturer UK, 1998 will do used as an expression of assent to carry out an action. By ellipsis of the personal pronoun, possibly influenced by WILCO UK, 1955 willets noun the female breasts UK, 1998 william noun a piece of currency. A pun on ‘bill’ US, 1983 William Hague adjective vague. Rhyming slang, formed from the politician who led the Conservative party, 1997–2001 UK, 1998 William Pitt noun excrement. Rhyming slang for SHIT,formedfrom the British Prime Minister known, historically, as ‘Pitt the Elder’, 1708–78, or his son, also Prime Minister, ‘Pitt the Younger’, 1759–1806 UK, 1998 William P owell noun a towel. Rhyming slang, formed from the US film actor, 1874–1944 UK, 1961 William Tell verb to give off an unpleasant smell. Rhyming slang, formed from a legendary Swiss hero UK, 1992 William the Third noun a piece of excrement. Rhyming slang for ‘turd’ AUSTRALIA, 1968 willie noun 1 a piece of currency. A pun on ‘bill’ US, 1983. 2 a gambler’s wallet or financial resources AUSTRALIA, 1949 Willie Peter; Wilie Peter grenade noun an M-34 white phosphorous anti-personnel hand grenade. Another use of the military phonetic alphabet US, 1977 willies noun a condition of fear or nervousness US, 1896 Willie the Shit Burner noun used as a generic term for the poor soul assigned to collect and burn solid human waste collected in latrines at US military bases in Vietnam US, 1990 willie weaver noun a drunk driver US, 1976 willing adjective gutsy; courageous; unwavering; aggressive AUSTRALIA, 1899 will o’ the wisp; willer noun a potato crisp. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 Will’s Whiff noun syphilis. Rhyming slang, formed from a brand of small cigar UK, 1992 willy noun 1 the penis. Originally northern English, not dialect, for ‘a child’s penis’ or a childish name for any penis. Adopted by adults as a jocular reference, now widely used as a non-offensive and broadcastable term. The spelling ‘willie’ is also used UK, 1905. 2 a tantrum. Generally in the phrases ‘chuck’ or ‘throw a willy’ AUSTRALIA, 1941. 3 a supply of money for gambling AUSTRALIA, 1949. 4 a wallet AUSTRALIA, 1967 willy-nilly adverb here and there, haphazardly. Not particularly related to the C17 sense of the phrase meaning ‘willingly or unwillingly’ US, 1934 willy warmer noun the vagina UK, 2001 willy-waving noun macho behaviour that is especially unnecessary or foolish. Formed on WILLY (the penis) UK, 1997 willy-willy noun a small, localised whirlwind. From the Australian Aboriginal language Yindjibarndi AUSTRALIA, 1894 Willy Wonka noun a fool. Rhyming slang for PLONKER (a fool and the penis), that may be an elaborate play on WILLY (the penis) UK, 1998 willy woofter noun a homosexual man. Elaboration of WOOFTER (a male homosexual) UK, 2000 Wilma noun a Protestant female, especially one who is a supporter of Glasgow Rangers football club. A female form of William, and the female equivalent of BILLY-BOY UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 wilma adjective meek. A personification of uncertain pedigree, recorded as a contemporary gay usage UK, 2003 Wilson noun in skateboarding, a fall producing serious injury US, 1984 Wilson Pickett noun 1 a white phosphorous flare or grenade. From the initials WP; Pickett was a popular American rhythm and blues singer US, 1991. 2 a ticket. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the US soul singer (b.1941) UK, 1992 Wimmera shower noun a dust storm. Wimmera is an inland town in Victoria. Other locations similarly used by nature, weather and irony: Bedourie, Bogan, Bourke, Cobar, Darling and Wilcannia AUSTRALIA, 1945 wimmin; wimmen noun women. The first variation was adopted and promoted by politically aware feminists to avoid ending with ‘men’; the second variation is a phonetic accident UK, 1910 wimmos noun women. A variation of pronounced ‘wimmin’, used by cricketers UK, 2003 wimp noun a weak and timid person. A thorough treatment of the word may be found in ‘Wimp’, Reinhold Aman, Maledicta, Volume VIII, p. 43–56, 1984–1985. The word played a major role in the US presidential election of 1988, in which President George H.W. Bush had to overcome a widely held perception that he was ‘a wimp’ US, 1920 wimpish adjective weak, ineffectual US, 1925 701 Wilcannia shower | wimpish wimp out verb to give way to timidity or fear US, 1981 wimpy adjective feeble; afraid. From WIMP (a weak and timid person). Although the adjective was not recorded until the late 1960s, the Popeye the Sailor radio programme gave the US J. Wellington Wimpy, known simply as Wimpy, in 1936 US, 1967 win verb < are you winning? used as a rhetorical greeting UK, 1984. < win hands down to win with great ease. From horse racing, when a jockey may relax the hold on the reins when victory seems certain UK, 1882. < would win doing hand-springs; would win with its head in its chest; would win shelling peas of a racehorse, certain to win. Also used as ‘could win’ UK, 1994 . < you can’t win used for expressing the futility of action, or the inevitability of failure UK, 1926 winch verb 1 to date a member of the opposite sex; to court; to go steady. Probably from ‘wench’ (a girl) UK: SCOTLAND, 1985. 2 to kiss and cuddle. Extends from the sense ‘to date, to court’ UK: SCOTLAND , 1985 winchell noun a trusting, unsophisticated person US, 1972 winco noun a wing commander in the Royal Air Force UK, 1941 wind noun < a wind s o sharp it cuts the whiskers right off your face a cold, hard wind CANADA, 1988. < get in the wi nd to run quickly; to depart US, 1965. < get the wind to smoke marijuana UK, 1998. < get the wind up; have the wind up to be nervous or scared UK, 1916. < in the wind free from prison US, 1992. < put the wind up someone to make someone afraid UK, 1916. < take someone’s wind to kill someone US, 1974 wind verb 8see: WINE wind and kite noun a website. Rhyming slang UK, 2002 windbag noun a habitually verbose talker UK, 1827 windball noun intestinal pain US, 2003 winded adjective hungover US, 1992 winder noun a drug addict who regularly enters and leaves treatment programmes US, 1970 windie noun a wind surfer NEW ZEALAND, 1994 Windies nickname the West Indies international cricket team AUSTRALIA, 1964 windjammer noun 1 a person who talks too much US, 1949. 2 a citizens’ band radio user who monopolises conversation US, 1976. 3 in drag racing and hot rodding, a supercharger US, 1968. 4 a railway air brake US, 1946. 5 a hammer. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 windmill noun in hot rodding and drag racing, a supercharger US, 1965 window noun 1 in card games, the card at the end of a player’s hand US, 1967. 2 in American casinos, the space through which the careful observer can see the blackjack dealer’s down-card as he deals US, 1985. < out the window; out of the window out of the question US, 1983. < pick a window – you’re leaving! used as a jocular threat of violence UK, 1995. < window’s open used for describing obvious and inept cheating US, 1979 window dress verb in poker, accidentally on purpose to let other players see the end card in your hand US, 1967 window hop verb to move from window to window inside a house at night, waiting for a substance-addicted spouse to come home US, 1998 window-licker noun a severely disabled person. Offensive. Derived, apparently, from the attitude of such a person when seen travelling on a bus UK, 2003 window music noun on the railways, scenery US, 1977 windowpane; window noun a dose of LSD on a tiny, clear piece of gelatin US, 1975 window party noun an act of vengeful vandalism, in which the aggrieved party breaks all the glass in his victim’s boat CANADA, 1999 window rattler noun someone who snores with great resonance UK, 1964 window washer noun a heavy rain storm US, 1976 Windoze noun Microsoft Windows™. Not praise US, 1997 wind pie noun nothing to eat FIJI, 1994 windshield time noun time spent driving; paid travel time between a reporting location and the job site, or between job sites US, 1978 wind, skin and ice noun as specifications for a car, air conditioning, leather upholstery and in-car entertainment. Motor trade slang UK, 2004 Windsor ballet nickname collectively, the strip and sex clubs in Windsor, Ontario, Canada US, 1997 Windsor Castle; windsor; brown windsor noun the anus. Rhyming slang for ARSEHOLE, formed from a royal residence; shortened to ‘windsor’ and then punningly elaborated to ‘brown windsor’ as a type of soup UK, 1992 windsucker noun in horse racing, a horse that swallows air when running US, 1947 wind tr ap noun strands of hair that a semi-bald man may cultivate and style to lay over his naked pate. Rhyming slang for FLAP UK, 1992 wind tunnel noun in homosexual usage, a loose anus and rectum US, 1981 wind-up noun 1 a practical joke; a send-up UK, 1984. 2 a person who teases UK, 1977 wind up verb 1 to make fun of someone; to play a practical joke on someone. The image of the mainspring in a clockwork motor getting more and more tightly wound UK, 1979. 2 to arrive; to arrive eventually; to settle in a final position US, 1918 windy noun 1 a windproof jacket and over-trousers ANTARCTICA, 2003. 2 in pool, a shot that passes the object ball without touching it. Based on the image of the cue ball breezing by the object ball US, 1993 Windy noun < the Windy Chicago, Illinois. From the winds that sweep the city; a short form of WINDY CITY US, 1969 windy adjective afraid; very nervous; ill at ease UK, 1916 Windy City nickname 1 Chicago, Illinois. New York slang lexicographer Barry Popik has relentlessly worked to debunk the myth that the term was coined in conjunction with the 1893 World’s Fair. Popik has traced the term to Cincinnati newspapers in 1876. Wide usage still US, 1876. 2 Port Elizabeth SOUTH AFRICA, 1989. 3 Wellington, New Zealand NEW ZEALAND, 2004 wind your neck in! ‘be quiet!’ UK, 1943 Windypeg nickname Winnipeg, Manitoba CANADA, 2002 wine; wind verb while dancing, to gyrate the pelvis in a sexual manner TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1916 wine and dine verb to entertain someone with wine and food. Earlier as ‘dine and wine’ UK, 1916 wine grape noun a Roman Catholic. Glasgow rhyming slang for PAPE UK: SCOTLAND , 1985 wine head noun a drunkard who favours wine US, 1962 wine shed noun abarUS, 1984 winfly noun a flight made during winter from New Zealand to Antarctica ANTARCTICA, 1969 wing noun 1 the arm UK, 1823. 2 a winning streak in poker US, 1988 wing verb 1 to shoot at someone and wound them but not seriously UK, 1802. 2 to discipline someone UK, 1996. < wing it to improvise; to do something with little preparation. Originally from the theatre, indicating the necessity of learning a part at short notice, standing in the wings of a stage US, 1970 wing and a prayer noun a very narrow margin of automotive power or control; hence, a slender hope or chance. Originally applied to the minimum requirement for an aircraft’s emergency landing UK, 1943 wingding; wing-ding noun 1 a party, a celebration US, 1949. 3 in motorcyle racing, a brief loss of control for which the rider compensates US, 1965. 2 a fit, especially one feigned by a drug addict; a person feigning such a fit US, 1927 winge verb 8see: WHINGE winging adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated US, 1970 wimp out | winging 702 . TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1916 wine and dine verb to entertain someone with wine and food. Earlier as ‘dine and wine’ UK, 1916 wine grape noun a Roman Catholic. Glasgow rhyming slang for PAPE UK: SCOTLAND ,. 2001 whistle and flute; whistle noun 1 a suit (of clothes). Rhyming slang UK, 1931. 2 cocaine. Rhyming slang for TOOT UK, 2000 whistle and flute; whistle verb to inhale drugs or drug smoke. Rhyming slang. 1969 whip and lash; whip noun a moustache. Rhyming slang for TA SH UK , 1992 whip and top; whip verb to masturbate. Rhyming slang for STROP UK , 1992 whiplash noun a rash. Rhyming slang; perhaps,