1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue
A few weeks ago, I was looking on the internet for some terms in thieves’ cant that I found in a novel I was reading.
I came across a reference to the Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. This book was first published around 1785. It a dictionary of words and phrases used by criminals and others outside of upper class English society. The main reason for adopting these terms may have been to confuse eavesdroppers. They may have just been the slang of the streets. It is alleged that the contents were created in large part by interviewing prisoners.
The book became popular among young men. Many of the phrases have made it into modern speech. Some of which have been slightly changed over time.
Many terms are amusing or revealing. I will be twittering examples that I enjoyed along with a link to a short post here revealing the documented meaning from the 1811 edition. I will skip (occasionally paraphrase) those where the definition contains words that are not safe for work. I will use packthread (indecent language well wrapped up). Sometimes the definition will allude to subjects that will only be understandable to adults. I believe the definitions will be enjoyed by almost all readers.
Much of the book is not suitable for family reading (not safe for work). It is not for the weak at heart. There are slang expressions for every word you are not allowed to say on TV in the United States. There are descriptions of animal cruelty and other unpleasant topics. You can legally download a copy from here: http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/5402. You have been warned.