He who, in a garroting gang, does the critical work; or he who, for a cracksman on a desperate job, acts as a garroter. (1840)
from A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, Seventh Edition. by Eric Partridge
Category Archives: Vulgar Argot
Vulgar Argot: “Join a brick wall”
To crash into a wall (1925-). In 1939-45, young fellows thinking of volunteering for the Forces were sometimes told they would do better to join a brick wall.
from A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, Seventh Edition. by Eric Partridge
Vulgar Argot: Whiffmagig
A trifler; a shifty or contemptible fellow. (1871)
from A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, Seventh Edition. by Eric Partridge
Vulgar Argot: Deuce
- Bad luck, especially in exclamations [e.g. the deuce!] (1650); Hence, perdition, the devil, especially in exclamations [e.g. the deuce take it!] (1690); an emphatic negative [e.g. the deuce a bit] (1710).
- Whence also the two at dice or a cards [mostly amongst gamesters] (1680).
- Twopence [mostly amongst vagrants and Dublin newsboys] (1680).
from A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, Seventh Edition. by Eric Partridge
Vulgar Argot: Crow
- A fluke; unexpected luck. [Ex. billards] (1850)
- A confederate on watch; if female, often canary. (early 1820′s)
- A clergyman. (late 18th – 20th)
from A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, Seventh Edition. by Eric Partridge
