[!!!] WORK IN PROGRESS [!!!]
This is a pre-publication work-in-progress version of the Mercurius Fumigosus slang lexicon; some definitions are incomplete or have yet to be finalised.
Introduction
This is a lexicon of slang terms found in Mercurius Fumigosus, a newsbook published in 1654-1655 by Royalist journalist John Crouch.
The lexicon is sorted according to six broad semantic categories:
- Sex and prostitution
- Alcohol
- People and professions
- Crime and Punishment
- Relationships
- Other/miscellaneous
Click here for an alphabetical index. Words are flagged as follows:
|
New slang term, not previously recorded in the major slang dictionaries |
|
This term was not previously known to be in use as early as 1654/1655 |
Each definition is supported by actual examples from MF showing how it was used in the newsbook.
Where published slang dictionaries have mentioned a term listed here, a reference is given as follows:
| JG | Jonathan Green’s The Cassell Dictionary of Slang (1998) |
| EP | Eric Partridge’s A Dictionary Of Slang and Unconventional English, 8th edition edited by Paul Beale (2000) |
Sex and Prostitution
-Baggage(s). 1 relevant occurrence of
the singular and one of the plural
(MF#4; and MF#50 respectively).
A woman of poor repute.
1)...where
the kind Cuckolds dandle and play with them, till the Proud Baggages
are courting their Friends in the next room or Arbour...(MF#50).
(JG 16C+; EP 1596).
-Bantling. Two occurrences
(MF#57 and MF#67).
An illegitimate child.
1) if those Children's Mothers do not find out Fathers for their Bantlings, which will be as hard a matter for them to do...(MF#57).
2) , being quick with Bantling, so powerful was the Operation of his Physic; but as he was watching his Patient...
( EP: Late 16C-17C).
-Bauble(s). One
occurrence of baubles (MF#27), one of bauble (MF#66).
Testicles.
1)...For shame Old-cooks destroy not Eggs in baubles, When the good souls do need them to make Caudles...(MF#27).
2) ...to infect young teeming
Women with his great Fool's-Bauble...(MF#66).
(JG:
late 18C-19C; EP: late 18C-early 19C).
-Beard. Two relevant
occurrences (MF#32 and MF#41).
The female pubic hair.
1) fell down with his Nose just into an Apple-Woman's Codpiece, whereupon taking her by the beard, he flung her...(MF#32).
2) ...and would have felt for her beard; and had she not resisted, he had doubtless shaved her, and powdered her with a P—x...(MF#41)
(JG: late 18C).
-Big Bellied. One relevant
occurrence (MF#63).
Pregnant.
1) and many times makes the big-bellied Mobs commit such unnatural Murders as they do upon their own flesh, because they know no fathers for their Children
(EP: 1711).
-Burnt. Five relevant
occurrences (MF#6; MF#18; MF#31 and MF#67 x 2)
Infected with venereal disease.
1) in the open streets she will open her implacable clack against him, saying, Are you come home from your whores you Rogue? Have not you given me the Pox you Rogue? ...Thou burnt-breeched Rogue?...(MF#31).
2) ...something bluish underneath, and most of them burnt about their docks...(MF#67).
(EP:
late 16C-20C).
-Clicketts, to play (a game) at. Two
occurrences (MF#24 and MF#28).
Sexual
intercourse.
1)...A yellow-stockinged Hostess
at stony-hearted Ale-house being Jealous that her Husband played at Clicketts with a merry Wagtail of the Town...(MF#28)
2)...pitiful ugly immodest impudent, vicious and confident
Piece of She-Mortality,
doth usually lurk near or about the Waterside,
to play a game at Clicketts with the Watermen (MF#24).
(JG entry for
(at) clicket 17C-early 19C; EP clicket 16C (or
earlier) – 18C).
-Coney1 Three
definitely relevant occurrences + one probable occurrence. (MF#40; MF#58 and MF#70 + MF#41).
The vagina.
1)...and said, he did not only kiss and feel...If he did plough under her Petticoats...'Cause she oft dungs her Coney-field. (MF#58).
2) a mad Shaver to his
Tenant, having a better Instrument to tickle a Coney
(JG:
early 17C+).
-Cooler. One relevant occurrence (MF#59).
A woman
who cools the passions of a man.
1) ...and so hot in the Codpiece, that wanting a Cooler,
he must needs employ a Pedagogue near St. Giles's to learn the horn-book Lesson
of getting a Wife...(MF#59).
(JG:
late 17C-18C; EP: late 17C-early 19C).
-Cuddle me cuddle. One occurrence (MF#68).
Sexual intercourse.
1) her Husband in a suspicious rage, a little after, flinging open the door, run upstairs, and found her at cuddle me cuddle with a young Gallant, he being with the Instrument of Generation fathoming the well...(MF#68).
-Cull. Three occurrences (MF#6 and
MF#13).
A prostitute’s clientele.
1) ...and been Lecturers to Lewdness for many years together, that they can afford such amorous
smiles, delusive glances, enticing phrases, sweet language; that no Cull
can have the Power to withstand their embraces...(MF#13).
2)... Where she soon ventured on her prey, And wormed her Cull
at Billiard play...(MF#6).
(JG: late 17C-early 19C).
-Cunny. Two
occurrences (MF#23 & MF#24. In the
MF#24 occurrence the word is edited to C—y, though it is
used in a poem to rhyme with money, making it extremely likely that the intended
reference of the word is cunny).
The vagina.
Used as an insult too. See also coney.
1) And 'cause he shot, and hit her C—y, She made a shift to change his Money. (MF#23).
2) Yet who underprizes a Clerk for a Cunny, Deserves to lose Pen and Ink, Breeches and Money. (MF#24).
(EP: 17C-20C).
-Drabs Two occurrences (MF#8 and MF#51).
A
“drab” is unwholesome, unpleasant woman.
1) Avaunt ye creeping Sea-crabs, sons of Lant and Ale, I dread not any She-Drabs, nor Bonser's
idle Tale.
2) Of Sharking Knaves, and scolding Drabs
(JG:
early 16C-19C).
-Duty. Three relevant
occurrences (MF#10 and MF#26 x 2).
Refers to a male’s responsibility to sexually satisfy a woman.
1) With Feeble Brethren that scarce can Perform the duty of a man...(MF#10)
2) my Husband's timbersome enough too, and hath a Trap-stick more like a Constable's staff than a watch bill, yet will do no duty at all...(MF#26).
-Fort. Three definitely
relevant occurrences (MF#8; MF#27 and MF#51).
The female chastity.
1) that not being able to hold out any longer, she was forced to
render up the Fort,
he making entry at her wicked Door...
2) received by the Lady, who with a modest blush, gave a silent consent, and without any more Dispute, willingly surrendered the Fort of Pleasure. (MF#51).
-French Disease. One occurrence (MF#19).
Venereal Disease, esp. syphilis. Clear from the context of the one occurrence of the terms as it is directly equated with morbus gallicus, a standard synonym for this type of ailment.
1)... no other Hospital shall be troubled to cure the
Morbus Gallicus
or French Disease
(JG: late 16C-late 18C).
-Fumbler’s Hall. Four occurrences (MF#3;
MF#23; MF#55 and MF#61).
1) ...The Masters and Wardens of
Fumblers' Hall, finding their Yeomandry
wonderfully to increase...(MF#3).
2)... and though they were the week before counted barren
fig trees, and their husbands ready to be warned into Fumblers'
hall...(MF#61).
Metaphorical place for impotent
and sexually inept men.
(JG: late 17C-18C; EP: late
17C-18C).
-Gatehouse. Two relevant occurrences (MF#62 and MF#64).
The vagina.
1) and the she-mortal showing him her Gatehouse open, made him have so soft a Place in his Noddle...(MF#62).
2) That if his Master's bald Crown did want Hair to
cover it, she would spare as much from the noddle
of her Gatehouse to make him a Nightcap against Winter...(MF#64).
-Gravel Carriers/Gravel Pit. Four occurrences of gravel-carriers (MF65#2 x 2;
MF#66 and MF#69) & two of Gravel Pit(s) (MF#67 and MF#68).
Men submissive to woman/the mythical dwelling
of such men.
1) Our fleet of land Frigates
are so lusty in this Road, that they Henpeck all their men, making
them Gravel-carriers, insomuch that Night and morning
they crow over them
whilst the poor henpecked wretches lie sprawling in the Hole...(MF#65).
2) That they may Peck
their Husbands into Wit, And make them travel to the Gravel Pit...(MF#68).
-Hay (to make) Five
occurrences (MF#3; MF#28; MF#53; MF#57; MF#63).
To have sexual intercourse.
1) To wrong your Wives and Children so; Retire them to some pleasant shade, Then Mow your fill, their Hay's soon made..(MF#3).
2) by reason all the Females that have made hay
there ever since have Conceived with Child shortly after...(MF#57).
-In(n) and In(n). Six occurrences (MF#22;
MF#29 MF#32 x 2; MF#34; MF#35).
Sexual intercourse.
1)...But give her in, and in, both Prick and praise (MF#22).
2) sending their Husbands upon the New Expedition, have in their absence practised that Old Game of playing at In and In; and if Luck be but propitious to them, that they win, they intend to erect a New Vaulting-School about the place aforesaid.(MF#35).
(JG: 17C; EP: 17C-early 19C).
-Instrument of Generation. One occurrence
(MF#68).
The Penis.
1)...her Husband in a suspicious rage, a little after, flinging open the door, run upstairs, and found her at cuddle me cuddle with a young Gallant, he being with the Instrument of Generation fathoming the well...(MF#68).
-Job(e)’s Ward. Three occurrences
(MF#50; MF#51 and MF#65).
Venue for the treatment of venereal disease.
1) But if they stumble, then their riders fall Into Job's Ward, or Thomas' Hospital...(MF#50).
2) ... the chief Matron of Jobs
Ward being to view their tackling, to see if it all be right
and straight, and that their Pumps be in repair...(MF#65).
(JG: late 18C-early 19C; EP: mid-18C-mid-19C).
-Knockers. Eight
occurrences (MF#16; MF#20; MF#22; MF#23; MF#31; MF#37; MF#51; MF#62).
Promiscuous males.
1) A lusty Book-binder (being one of the City Knockers) ambitious of doing good Work...(MF#22).
2) This Week the City Knockers met in More fields, to consult about the ploughing of Long Acre...and to plant it with Mandrakes, that the teeming Ladies of Covent Garden may no longer pine away (MF#37).
(JG: 17C; EP: 17C-early 20C).
-Moss. Two relevant
occurrences (MF#68 and MF#69).
The female pubic hair.
1)...is something hot, and Brackish, with a kind of black Moss growing round the same...(MF#68).
2) ...Where in the Moss, they stick so thick, They make the Women scratch and kick...(MF#69).
(JG: 19C+).
-Mustard Pot. Four occurrences
(MF#22 x 2; MF#53 and MF#58).
Vagina.
1)... holding a Conference one morning which had the best Mustard-pot, the one alleging that her Pot was Coal black, which Colour of every one was accounted the best...(MF#22).
2) ...she being so civil, as to cover her Mustard pot with one hand...(MF#58).
(JG: late 19C+; EP: 19C-20C).
-Nag(s). Five occurrences
(MF#16; MF#27; MF#36; MF#46 and MF#50).
The penis.
1) and put his Nag
to grass in her Coppice,
which she watering at pleasure, found him to pace
so well... that she resolved to take Mr. Parson and his Nag to livery...(MF#36).
2) But had this Ostler done so by a stranger, His Nag might yet have
stood at Rack and manger...(MF#46).
(JG: late 17C-mid-18C; EP: ca. 1670-1750).
-A Three occurrences (MF#4; MF#21 and MF#27).
A penis and testicles.
1) One Mr. Squirt an Apothecary, having his she-sinner following him home for some Suckitts, which he has often given her before, and begging of him a Naples Biscuit and a pair of Macaroons, which the Clown denying her...(MF#4).
2) The She-Piscarrions
for their second Mess had Fresh-Cod and Jacks, with every
Lady of the Fry a Naples Biscuit and two Macaroons
for digestion...(MF#21).
-Picked/Pickt Hatch. Three
occurrences (MF#6; MF#44 and MF#64).
Brothel/Red Light Area.
1)...Inhabitants
of the County of Long-acre, Sodom, Bloomsbury, Picked Hatch, with Our
Town of Turnball, and all other Boroughs, Wappentakes, Hundreds, etc
(JG: 17C; EP: late 16C-mid-17C).
-Pinnace. Instances: MF#14; MF#25; MF#28; MF#37; MF#41;
MF#43; MF51; MF#66.
Prostitute; whore.
1) ..when the Pinnace began first to grapple with them; had not Clubs been Trumps, and the rest Shuffled away; much more mischief had been done among the Courtiers... (MF#25)
2) ...the third The Fire-Pinnace, that played so Pocky hot...(MF#66).
(JG: 17C).
-Pizzles. One occurrence (MF#16).
(Human) Penises.
1)...City
Knockers... advancing their pizzles...as far as
Placket Well
(EP 17C-20C)
-Placket Well. Five occurrences (MF#16; MF#27; MF#46; MF#60
and MF#69).
1) leave
to water his Nag at the Queen Mother's Ducking-pond, if the springs
should chance to be dry in Plackett-well...
2) but what was most strange a
Lady that in washing
herself in Placket-well, she surreverence
having dropped some quantity of Amber-grease...(MF#60).
-Put To Squeak. Two occurrences (MF#16 and MF#29).
To sexually excite a woman.
1) he accidentally run his hands just between his Wife's legs, and put her to the Squeak, and himself to the start...(MF#16).
2) ..some thrusts were made on both sides, but no great mischief done by
either Party as we can yet hear of; in his Service only two were put to the
squeak, the rest were allowed Quarter...(MF#29).
-Quean(s). Four
occurrences (MF#35; MF#36 and MF#37 x
2).
A woman of disrepute; a whore.
1) Out ugly Quean,
what did she mean, her husband thus to smother. But hang her Jade, it was her
trade, 'cause she did love another.
(MF#35).
2) There
is such an impudent Quean above, that an honest Woman would not only be
melancholy, but blush to keep her company...(MF#37).
(JG late 16C-19C).
-Swarm of bees that lighted (on the fancies/codpiece). Three occurrences
(MF#3; MF#6 and MF#9).
A cause of increased male fertility.
1) The Swarm of BEES
that lately lighted on the Doctor's man's fancies of his Breeches,
have every day since produced such an infinite increase of English Honey...(MF#6).
2) ...man that had the swarm of Bees
that light on his Fancies, and ever after voiced Honey...(MF#9).
-Taphole. One occurrence
(MF#64).
The vagina.
1) ...and
gave account to the Lady, who demanding if all were well in their Tapholes,
Mother Punch made little
answer, but shaking her Hoary Head, said, Madam I much mistrust your
Chambermaid hath been new broached...(MF#64).
-Timbersome. Two occurrences
(MF#26 x 2).
Well endowed.
1) I thank God my Husband is as timbersome a man as can lie by a woman's side, and as willing to do Duty as any man can be...(MF#26).
2) ...My Husband’s timbersome enough too, and hath a Trap-stick more like a Constable's staff than a watch bill, yet will do no duty at all...(MF#26).
-Touch-hole. Two occurrences (MF#4 and MF#9).
Vagina.
1) being troubled with a standing ague in her touch-hole; which rising he must and should allay (MF#4).
2) ... he weighed 120 pound, as he was giving Fire to the Lady's Touch-hole, she awaked, and crying out, was heard of the Watch (MF#9).
(JG 17C-19C; EP: 17C-early 20C).
-Trap-stick.
Eight
occurrences (MF#5; MF#8; MF#17; MF#19 x 2; MF#26; MF#64 and MF#67).
Penis.
1) and a Citizen's wife in
looking on the Boys as they were swimming in the Pond, longed for one of their Trap-sticks,
insomuch that she told her Husband, That if she had it not, she thought verily
she should miscarry...(MF#5).
2)... and his Trap-stick
burnt at the upper end of
(JG: late 17C-19C; EP: ca. 1670-1900).
-Trull(s). Four
occurrences (MF#3; MF#4, MF#11 and MF#66).
A whore.
1) Each new-made
2) ...when every Trull, and greasy Kitchen Maid, with gold and silver lace is overlaid...(MF#4).
(JG: late 17C-18C).
-Vaulting School(s). Three occurrences
(MF#5; MF#8; MF#35).
A brothel.
1) ...what flocking is there to Taverns
and Vaulting-Schools, to feast and revel with painted Jezebels...(MF#5).
2) ...they intend to erect a New
Vaulting-School about the place aforesaid. Where all that trade, may
come and see, And kiss, and knock, and welcome be. (MF#35).
(JG: late 16C-late 18C; EP: ca. 1605-1830).
-Wagtail. Three occurrences
(MF#8; MF#25 and MF#28).
A prostitute.
1) whither such Wag-tails
constantly resort, many of them transforming themselves into Europa,
and seek out such private places to go a Bulling
with their silken Tails on one side after Jupiter...
2) A yellow-stockinged Hostess at stony-hearted Ale-house being Jealous that her Husband played at Clicketts with a merry Wagtail of the Town...(MF#28).
( EP: early 17C+).
-Wicked Door. Two occurrences (MF#8 and MF#43).
The vagina.
1)...he hit her such a blow with his
Trap-stick, that he so stunned her, that not being able to
hold out any longer, she was forced to render up the Fort,
he making entry at her wicked Door...(MF#8).
2)...
but one Rat more drunk
than the rest, afraid the Design
was too dangerous,
smelling strong Ale, and some She-Rats that were busy about it in a Cellar, was (as he thought the next
day) plundered of the Key of his Wife's Wicked door...(MF#43).
-Wild Mare, (to hunt/horse/catch the). Three occurrences (MF#10; MF#16 and MF#29).
Sex, used in puns on nightmares.
1)...coming into the Chamber,
perceived one abed with his Wife; whereupon demanded of him, What he made
there? Truly Neighbour (quoth the pitiful Dick) no harm at all; only your Wife
called me out of my Bed to help her catch the wild Mare...(MF#10).
2)
Two Maids the last night playing Christmas Gambols
abed, were spied by a young Man, who having admittance into them, fell so hard
to the sport of horsing the Wild-Mare,
that he got their Maidenheads for his pains...(MF#29).
-
Venereal
disease.
1)...which Running
Nags shall be so fleet, that they shall run faster then a Winchester Goose can fly, But if
they stumble, then their riders fall Into Job's Ward, or Thomas' Hospital. (MF#50).
(JG:
16C+; EP: 17C).
Alcohol
-Brewer’s Dog/Spaniel (to be bitten by).. Four occurrences
(MF#13; MF#14; MF#21 and MF#43).
To be drunk.
1) some say he had drunk too
much of the juice of Barley, others say he was bit by a
brewer's Spaniel...(MF#13).
2) A Citt last Night going to Bartholomew Fair, the Brewer's Dog having bitten him by the brain, instead of buying a Pennyworth of Pears for his Wife's fairing, bought her great Onions instead of Pears...(MF#14).
-Bubb(-s)(-ed)(-ing). Five collective
occurrences (MF#6; MF#35; MF#37; MF#50 and MF#61).
To drink alcohol.
1) : the other she-drinker,
is since converted from Ale, and now bubbs
nothing but strong Beer...(MF#6).
2) and spinning Charcoal against winter, in Bubbing the said Ale, they swell very much...(MF#50).
(JG: 18C-19C; EP: 18C-19C).
-Bubby. Three occurrences
(MF#35; MF#61 x 2).
To be
“bubby” is to be drunk.
1) Two Bubby Mobs...they drank two Tubbs of Ale. (MF#61).
2) the Goose
having been a dabbling in a Brewer’s Malt Pond, and coming home a
little Bubby (MF#61).
-Crack(ing) a Pot. Two occurrences
(MF#25 and MF#36).
To have a
drink.
1) and so pulling him into a
Tupping-School, proved himself a
true Catch-poll, where in cracking a Pot,
and spicing it with his Mace...(MF#25).
2) The next day he would not fail but bring his Lass to be married, and then we will crack a Pot, if not a dozen...(MF#36).
-Creature, the. Four relevant occurrences (MF#5; MF#16; MF#35 and MF#52).
Alcohol.
1) A Toping Shoemaker the last Monday, being
overburdened with the Creature, in Barnaby-by street, drank
his Last...(MF#35).
2) ...having lately swallowed too much of the Creature, and gaged herself so much with blessed Lull... (MF#5).
(JG: mid-17C+; EP: 16C-18C).
-Cup Shot. Five occurrences (MF#13; MF#41; MF#47 x2; MF#65).
Adjective describing the state
of drunkenness.
1) whilst their Husbands were disputing with Bacchus... tumbled over a Chair,
and fell backwards upon her, but being worse wounded with the fall, than with
the Cup-shot in his brain.
(MF#47).
2) Tobacco Water and strong Beer,With
which they wisely armed their guts,And so returned
headed with Nuts... To
(JG: late 16C-18C; EP: late
16C-19C)
-Cut In The Leg. One occurrence (MF#13).
Drunk.
1) who in the whole
(JG: late 17C-early 18C; EP: late 17C-mid-18C).
-Elevated. Two relevant occurrences (MF#36 and MF#38).
Under the effects of alcohol;
drunk.
1) ...and when the Parson and he were well elevated with
Ale...(MF#36).
2) and so raised up about two dozen of Bottles of Strong
Ale which so Elevated their wits, that the Rant grew so
high between them in singing, roaring & tearing the ground...(MF#38).
(JG: early 17C-late 19C).
-Fuddle. Three MF occurrences of
fuddle (MF#61; MF#64 and MF#67)
Related to drink.
1) whose dog (called Fuddle) is to have three
first courses for a Bottle of the Tapster's English Canary...(MF#64).
2) Where there is sand for Sugar sold, To tuddle and Fuddle to their degree...(MF#67).
(JG: late 17C-18C; EP:
ca.1680-1830).
-Good-fellow(s). 8 relevant occurrences (MF#28; MF#29; MF#30; MF#31; MF#36;
MF#45 and MF#66 x 2).
A drinking man.
1) There were a Company of good fellows the last week as they were sadly merry, in their Cups...(MF#28).
2) I give and bequeath my Rump to all those good-Fellows
that will learn the Witt to keep their
money from the rocking Ale-house...(MF#30).
(EP: 16C-20C).
-Grannum (to bite one’s). Two occurrences (MF#13 and MF#23).
To become hopelessly drunk.
1) carried to the stocks for biting his Grannum,
some say he had drunk too much of the juice of Barley, others say he was bit by
a brewer's Spaniel...(MF#13)
2) A Fish-Woman at Cow-Cross is next Week to be Burnt for Pissing out her Husband's Eyes through a strainer, she had the same Night
bit her Grannum...(MF#23).
(JG: 17C; EP: 17C).
-Gunpowder Ale. Two Occurrences.
Strong ale.
1) , where it had like to have fired 2 Barrels of
strong Gunpowder
Ale, had not a legless Water-Woman came with her empty Tankard...(MF#30).
(Equates to entries for gunpowder in JG: mid-18C and EP:
ca.1755-1800).
-Legless. One occurrence (MF#30).
Drunk.
1)
had not a legless Water-Woman
came with her empty Tankard and
quenched the same... (MF#30).
-Lull. One occurrence (MF#5).
Ale.
1) ...and
gaged herself so much with blessed Lull, by some called Ale,
or Plusb...(MF#5).
(JG: mid-17C).
-Pot Shot. Two occurrences (MF#31 and MF#38).
Drunk.
1) ...That within a year or two
you'll be Like Pot-shot K--s, and twice as poor as we.
2) ...My little Ale-man seeing a Challenge...
And so this pot-shot Combat ends,
(JG: early 17C-mid-19C).
-Ride cut, to. Three
occurrences (MF#4; MF#16 and MF#62)
To be fined for drunken behaviour.
1) and the next day made him pay for his kindness five Shillings to the Constable, besides his groat for riding out of CUT, which he did for quietness' sake...(MF#16).
2) the Vintners are become so
quarrelsome, that the last week, two of them being drinking on the back-side
of the Shambles, to pay their groats apiece
for riding Cut the Night before...(MF#62).
-Sixes. Two
relevant occurrences (MF#30 and MF#45).
A type of alcoholic drink.
1) ...mixed with three pints of Sixes;
the Ale being stolen the Night before from a Wassail
Wench...
2)... his shroud by the heels in the Cellar, which mine Host (as soon as he had cleared his eyes with sixes)...
(EP: late 18C-early 19C).
-Super-naculum. One occurrence (MF#36).
High quality alcohol.
1) let me never drink Ale super naculum again...(MF#36).
(JG: late 16C-18C; EP: from ca.1640).
-Tooping School/Tooping
Crew. Two occurrences of "tooping-school"
(MF#6 and MF#25); one of "tooping-crew"
(MF#6).
Alehouse/Group of drinkers.
1) ...the other she-drinker, is since converted from Ale... and now bubbs nothing but strong Beer. If Women be once of the Tooping crew, They may bid Peace and honesty adieu...(MF#6).
2)...and so pulling him into a Tooping-School, proved himself a true Catch-poll, where in cracking a Pot, and spicing it with his Mace, he to pass away time, up and told him...(MF#26).
-Wind Up (One’s) Bottom. Three occurrences (MF#34; MF#40 and MF#44).
To drink.
1)...being sore troubled with a Hunting Wife that would neither let him ...wind up his Bottom in quiet, but would follow him open-mouthed, calling him drunken Rogue
(EP entry refers to the inclusion of the phrase in a pamphlet which included some Tavern Terms (1650).)
People and Professions
-Bum. One relevant
occurrence (MF#56).
A bailiff, as related to other terms such as “catch-poll” and “caterpillars” in MF#56.
1) ... Solicitors, Sergeants, Bailiffs, Bums, Varlets, and other Caterpillars and Catch-poles, the true sons of their Father the Devil...(MF#56).
(JG: late 17C-early 18C; EP: ca. 1660-1880).
-Brazen Face/Faced. One occurrence of brazen-face (MF#11) and 1 of brazen-faced
(MF#62).
To either “have a brazen-face”
or be “brazen-faced” is to be unpleasantly impudent or rude.
1)...When
every Trug, with brazen-face, Must
have Gold-Lace to fringe her A—se (MF#11).
2)...
the one a brazen-faced
Droll, whose wit dropped out at his nose...(MF#62).
(EP: late 16C-20C for brazen-face; 16C-20C for brazen faced).
-Catchpoll. Three occurrences
(MF#16; MF#25 and MF#56).
A bailiff.
1) insomuch that mercer
shall have so many debtors, that catch--poles
shall be all Gentlemen...(MF#16).
2) ...and so pulling him into a Tupping-School, proved himself a true Catch-poll...(MF#25).
(JG: late 17C-18C; EP: early 18C).
-Caterpillars
1 occurrence (MF#56) linked to various other words: catchpoll, setter, bum.
A duper. Linked in MF to the bailiff profession.
1)... Solicitors, Sergeants, Bailiffs, Bums, Varlets, and other Caterpillars and Catch-poles,
the true sons of their Father
the Devil...(MF#56).
(JG: late 16C-17C; EP; late
16C-17C).
-Cit/Citt/Citts. 25 occurrences (MF#1 x 2; MF#3; MF#4 x 2;
MF#14, MF#20; MF#22; MF#25; MF#28 x 2; MF#29; MF#31; MF#32; MF#34; MF#37;
MF#44; MF#55; MF#57; MF#59 x 3; MF#61; MF#65; MF#67)
A
citizen(s), often contrasted against a country dweller. Slang dictionaries suggest a special link
between the term and citizens of
1) A Company of young Citts, being the other day rehearsing of a Comedy they intended to Act in the Holidays...
2) ...therefore it is desired, that no young Citt presume to bring his seeming Wife that way...(MF#65).
(JG:
mid-17C-late 19C; EP: from ca. 1640).
-Coney2 Three
relevant occurrences (MF#41; MF#59; MF#66).
A fool, a dupe.
1) ...that do hunt for game May light of Coneys that are Black and tame (MF#41).
2)... A Coney-catching Lawyer, having the subtlety of a Fox, the cunning of a Whore...(MF#66).
(JG late 16C-early 18C EP from ca 1590).
-Dick. 19 occurrences (MF#10; MF#12; MF#24; MF#26 x 8; MF#27;
MF#29; MF#32; MF#38 x 2; MF#57; MF#65 and MF#66).
Generic term for a man.
1) Truly Neighbour (quoth the pitiful
Dick) no harm at all...(MF#10).
2) clothes then themselves, the
pitiful Dicks their husbands...(MF#57).
(JG: mid-16C+; EP late
16C-20C).
-Dun(n)(s) Three
relevant occurrences (MF#20; MF#31 and MF#64).
A demanding creditor.
1) so they went home, and by
persuasion of a third man, the Debt was freely forgiven...Would but my Dunns prove half so kind, I then should
sleep with a contented mind...(MF#20).
2) For violent Duns, that swear they will not
stay, I give them Patience, till I have 't to pay.
( EP:
from ca. 1628).
-Four
Eyes. Three occurrences (MF#43 and
MF#60 x 2).
A person who wears glasses.
1)...the Covetous muck-worm her Master, with his four
Eyes...(MF#60).
2) ... but after her had erected his Four Eyes at that
beautiful Object...(MF#60).
(JG: mid-19C+; EP: from
ca.1870).
-Gripe/Griped/Griping. One occurrence of
"gripe" (MF#60); 1 for "griped" (MF#52) and 2 for griping
(both MF#20).
A “gripe” is a miser. The verb forms “griped” and “griping” refer
to the act of being miserly.
1) All Farmers, Tenants and Others that have
racking or griping
Landlords, that will not for all this great time of Plenty and cheapness, bate
anything of their dear Rents...(MF#20).
2) ...usurer...That he (poor Gripe) did run in weeping,
(MF#60).
(EP:
17C-18C).
-Hector(s). Fourteen occurrences (MF#3; MF#22; MF#17; MF#22; MF#23; MF#29;
MF#40; MF#44; MF#53; MF#61; MF#62 MF#67; MF#68 and MF#70).
A thuggish male.
1) ...A great Battle was fought the
last Night in Bedford bury, between an Amazonian Virago, and
a Welsh Hector; many Blows and Thrusts were
made on both sides, and yet no blood spilt...(MF#62).
2) ... One Captain Puff, a Hugging-lane Hector, was the last week taken in Whore and Bacon-lane teaching a Glazier's Wife her horn-book...(MF#70).
(JG: mid-17C-mid-19C; EP: ca.1640).
-Hob(b)(s). Two relevant occurrences (MF#9; and MF#59).
A fool, typically from the
countryside.
1) If Country
2) one of them got upon a Jayne-stool, and made poor Hob
kiss her blind cheeks
(JG: late 17C-19C; EP: 14C-19C)
-Hoopetdehoyes. One occurrence (MF#51).
Youthful, boisterous males.
1) A great Fight will be this week (as Mr. Lilly
Prophesies) between the City Knockers, and the Hoopetdehoyes...where
many a lad and hardy boy will rue the rancour of that day...(MF#51).
(Fits with entries for hobbledehoy in both JG: mid-17C-late 19C
and EP: 1540+. Both refer to a male who
is between boyhood and manhood).
-Hopper-arsed. One occurrence
(MF#3).
Large bottomed.
1) she was Beetle-browed, Monkey-proud, Leathern-Eared, Hawk's-nosed, Wry-mouthed, Crump-backed, Hopper-arsed, Splay-footed...
(JG: late 17C-18C; EP: late 17C-early 19C).
-Horse-leech.
One relevant occurrence (MF#56).
A
money pincher, a miser.
1) Extortionate Fees of corrupt Lawyers,
Knavish Attorneys [Guild-Hall Horse-leeches]...(MF#56).
(EP:
mid-16C-17C).
-Long-tail. Two occurrences
(MF#26 and MF#35).
A person from
1) who being accompanied with a Kentish
Long-tail...(MF#26).
2) which she hath since sold to a Long-tail
for a Kentish Pippin...(MF#35).
(EP: from ca. 1620).
-Maunded/Maunder. One occurrence of
each (MF#43 and MF#67 respectively).
Maunded = begged. A maunder is thus a beggar.
1) ...A sturdy beggar, having maunded some Quid...(MF#43).
2) ... A Young Mumper in the City of
(JG (16C) and EP (ca. 1565-1800) both have entries for maund and maunder (JG 17C-mid-19C; EP 17C-19C).
-Muck-worm: two occurrences
(MF#52 and MF#60).
A miser.
1)... his Neighbours coming to her burial, the miserable Muck-worm would not so much as make them eat or drink...(MF#52).
2)... the Covetous muck-worm her Master, with his four Eyes, had been telling every Day since May...(MF#60).
(JG: late 16C-early 19C).
-Prick-louse. Two occurrences
(MF#34 and MF#42).
A Tailor.
1)... A one-eyed Tool-man, called a Tailor, being sore troubled with a Hunting Wife... would follow him open-mouthed, calling him...Prick-louse Rogue...(MF#34).
2)... Endymion the Prick-louse was mending the Mantle of the Moon...(MF#42).
(JG: early 16C-19C; EP: 16C-20C).
-Rum
Cullee. Two occurrences (MF#29 and MF#64).
A man easily duped by a woman, typically with the involvement of sexual interest.
1) his Wife in seeking her Head, by chance picked up a Rum Cullee, and happened into the same Room...(MF#64).
(JG has an entry for rum cull/cully late 17C-mid-19C and EP for rum cull ca. 1670-1840 and rum cully 1676).
-Smug. 8 occurrences (MF#25
and MF#34 x 7).
A blacksmith.
1) ...a lusty Smith
in
2) ... A merry conceited Smug in Middlesex, being beloved of most Gentlemen not only for his skill in drenching, curing and shoeing their Horses...(MF#34).
(JG: early 17C-early 18C; EP: 17C-18C).
-Stone Priest. Two occurrences (MF#45 and MF#66).
A dishonourable Priest.
1) So the Stone Priest did Preach such sense, As best was liked by his Audience...(MF#45).
2) And now is gone in earnest, not in jest, Which makes all People say, Farewell stone-Priest...(MF#46).
-Trappaned/Trappaners/Trappans: 6
occurrences collectively (1 trappaned; 2 trappans and 3 trappaners:
MF#34/MF#4; MF#44; MF#61/MF#14; MF22).
Trappans are people who “trap” people; swindlers. Often with specific reference to men who recruit prostitutes (pimps).
1)... Of
2)... the Matrons of Dog-yard Petitioned the Trappanners and Hectors to make a privy search through all their honest Houses...(MF#61).
(JG: mid-17C-18C; EP: 1640-1830).
-Tub +
man/men/women/preacher. Four relevant occurrences (MF#35; MF#56;
MF#68 and MF#69).
Priests and preachers.
1) a zealous Tub-woman, that is commonly bubbed overnight, and going a Lecturing a mornings...(MF#35).
2) a young Tub-man that cannot preach Nonsense...(MF#68).
(JG entry for tub-man 17C; EP for tub-man (ca. 1640-70) and tub-preacher (1643), both derived from tub meaning “pulpit” (from ca.1640)).
-Whipster. One occurrence
(MF#64).
A cunning person.
1) A crafty Whipster
in the
(JG: late 17C-early 19C).
-Widgeon. Two occurrences (MF#17 and MF#53).
A fool.
1)...he have three kicks on the arse, two fillips on the Nose, and be counted but a Widgeon for his pains...(MF#17).
2)... Proving themselves such simple Widgeons, They knew not Rooks from Daws, nor owls from Pigeons . (MF#53).
(JG: early 17C-mid-18C).
Crime and Punishment
-Cutpurses. Three occurrences (MF#11; MF#22 and MF#25).
Pickpockets,
petty thieves.
(JG:
17C-19C)
1)...so that it be locked up, from all but Thieves and Cut-purses. (MF#11).
2)...
brained Heirs, Thieves, Bawds, Cutpurses,
and the scum and Rascality of the People, who rob to support...(MF#25).
-Gregory/Gregory’s/Greg
Hangman One occurrence of each
(MF#29/MF#24/MF#8).
The executioner at a hanging.
1)...let them bring word to honest
Mr. Gregory’s, at his Office at Tyburn...(MF#24)
2)...Tyburn the 25th of July, 1654. Yours as you see, GREG. HANGMAN. (MF#8).
(JG: early 17C).
-Halter. Five occurrences (MF#8; MF#32; MF#48; MF#51 and MF#68).
The hangman’s noose.
1) ...Let this Liar beware the death of a Dog, and fear a Halter rather than a Chain...(MF#51
2)
...he being a very low man, slipped his head out of the halter, and leaping down among
the crowd of People...(MF#68).
(JG: mid-16C-mid-19C).
-Nubbing. Two occurrences
(MF#29 and MF#31).
Hanging.
1) Three Thieves were the last Week robbed of their livelihoods near Paddington, many went along with them to learn the art of Nubbing, intending not long after to practise that Art...(MF#29).
2) Persecutors, that sometimes would doe them the courtesy as to help them to a run flogging, a luzzing, or perhaps a nubbing, to reclaim, or destroy them...(MF#31).
(JG: late 17C-19C; EP: ca. 1670-1840).
-Paddington (Fair) (Day). Five occurrences
(MF#4; MF#29 x 2; MF#62 and MF#68).
Execution day.
1) to hunt Squirrels upon the Scaffold on Tower Hill the next Paddington Fair day, falling out on Christmas Eve, 1653...(MF#29).
2) and so to ride a Processioning to Paddington Fair. Where Squire Dun may them embrace, And noose them in a hempen lace...(MF#62).
(JG: late 17C-early 19C; EP: late 17C-early 19C).
Relationships
-Buckle and Thong, to tie as fast as. One occurrence
(MF#36).
To marry.
1) Aye marry will I quoth the Priest...Let her be what she will...bring her, and if I do no tie you as fast as Buckle and thong let me never drink Ale super naculum again...(MF#36).
-Butcher’s Dog. Two relevant
occurrences (MF#13 and MF#22).
A married man.
1) ...they preying upon all comers, from the shopkeeper's Boy, to the Butcher's Dog, none can escape them...
2) If Butcher's Dogs are grown so bold, What will their Bitches do when they grow old?...(MF#22).
(JG: late 18C-early 19C; EP: late 18C-early 19C).
-Cuckold’s Haven. Twelve occurrences (MF#3;
MF#35 x 2; MF#48 x 2; MF#50; MF#53; MF#58; MF#62; MF#65; MF#69 and MF#70).
Mythical dwelling of cuckolds.
1) they
agreed on Cuckolds' Haven Badge, and that it should be set on
their Nightcaps...(MF#58).
2) ...was
brought this Day before the she-Commons, and
after Examination by the Committee of Cuckolds' Haven, It
was Ordered...
(EP: 16C-17C).
-Cuckoldshire. Two
occurrences (MF#18 and MF#59).
Mythical dwelling of cuckolds.
1) News
from Cuckold-shire...(MF#18).
2) News from the Parish of Cowhorn
in the
(JG: 16C-17C; EP 16C-17C).
-Fubbs. Two occurrences (MF#8 and MF#25).
A female lover.
1) Sweet Mrs. Fubbs.If you were but a little Snout fair, you would certainly be extraordinary proud...(MF#8).
2) This they did do, that Sister
Wagtail Fubbs, Might be spectator how they act
in Tubbs. (MF#25).
(JG: early 17C-18C; EP: 17C-18C).
-Hedge Sparrow. Two occurrences
(MF#14 and MF#28).
A man who is father to a child or children who, unbeknownst to him, has or have a different biological father.
1) she broke into two Pieces, to the great joy of all her Neighbours; though not without some grief to the Hedge sparrow her Husband...(MF#14).
2) for coaxing their Wives, and giving them their own ways in all things, and yet like Hedge-Sparrows keep other men's Brats...(MF#28).
-Henpeck/Henpecked/Henpecking. One occurrence of henpeck (MF#65); four of henpecked
(MF#65 x 3 and MF#69) and two of henpecking
(MF#65 and MF#66).
Refers to the actions of a domineering woman over a submissive man.
1) Our fleet of land Frigates
are so lusty in this Road, that they Henpeck all their men,
making them Gravel-carriers...(MF#65).
2) ...are to drive the Wagon, those that are Henpecked by their Wives, are to go in the Thills, the City Horn-pipes before them...(MF#69).
(JG: henpeck late 17C-mid 19C and henpecked late 17C+; EP: henpeck 1688; henpecked 1680).
Other/Miscellaneous
-Billingsgate
(with reference to language). Seven relevant occurrences (MF#30; MF#37;
MF#45; MF#50; MF#51; MF#67 and MF#70).
Foul, common language, often
associated with drinking.
1) ...is
next monday to scold with a Billingsgate Fishwoman
for a wager...(MF#37).
2)... Lecture of Nonsense read to them by the Minificator in the Billingsgate Language, tending to
the mending of their sinful souls...(MF#50).
(EP: 1654)
-Black
Guard. One occurrence (MF#44).
The devil’s bodyguard, made up
in MF of various immoral figures (pimps, prostitutes etc).
1) ... where are to meet the Devil's Black Guard of Pimps,
Panders, Hectors, Trappanners, Bawds, Whores, Punks,
Pimping-Drawers, blind Fiddlers and Hackney Coachmen...(MF#44).
(EP 17C)
-Blind Cheeks. Four occurrences in
MF (MF#35; MF#44; MF#59 and MF#60).
The anus (or “bum cheeks”). Hence, when a group of women attacks a man’s “Posterior”, they leave blood on his “blind cheeks” (MF#44).
1) ...and to have a danderly Buss from the blind cheeks of the Pie-woman's Daughter...(MF#44).
2) but after her had erected his Four Eyes at that beautiful Object, her blind Cheeks, he was much amazed at the sight...(MF#60).
(JG: 18C; EP: late 17C-early 20C).
-Bonsing/Bonser(s). One occurrence of bonsing, one of bonsers and one
of bonser(‘s) (All in MF#51).
To bonse is to talk idly and without foundation. A bonser is one who bonses.
1) Avaunt ye creeping Sea-crabs, sons of Lant and Ale, I dread not any She-Drabs, nor Bonser's idle Tale... (MF#51).
2) some of these new Children of Light intend to convert Grubstreet, concerning the Art of Lying, which the Grubs, Bonsers and Poetical Rapture makers do by the help of Pluto challenge all their dear Brethren...(MF#51).
-Callow Bearded. One
occurrence (MF#29).
Morning stubbled.
1) A
Callow-bearded young Man, the other night after Supper, going fasting to bed,
was so troubled in his sleep with Old
Cooks' Dreams, that his Chaps watered all the day after
(MF#29).
-Carbanadoed/Carbonadoed. One occurrence of each
(MF#24/MF#70).
The act of cutting.
1) ... but took his knife, and carbanadoed
it, for which he now Is Committed to Newgate...(MF#24).
2) ... Fame carbonadoed is a dish for JOVE...(MF#70).
(JG: late 16C-19C entry for carbonado; EP
16C-17C entry, again for carbonado).
-Cartloads. 3 occurrences (MF#3; MF#21;
MF#64).
A great quantity.
1)...who
in searching him, found three Cartloads of Money in one of his Pockets...(MF#3).
2) ... besides
three Hackney Cartloads of Musicians to play upon new-River
Water Instruments...(MF#21).
(JG: late 16C-19C)
-Chink. One occurrence (MF#21).
Money.
1)
...Of rules to eat and Rules to drink, Of
rules to spend and save your chink....(MF#21).
(JG:
late 16C-early 19C; EP: 16C-20C)
-Clack. 5 occurrences
(MF#30; MF#31; MF#45; MF#51; MF#65)
The
tongue.
1) she will open her implacable clack against him, saying,
Are you come home from your whores you Rogue?...(MF#30).
2) Shall be called Lady of the Brawl, And have her Clack
new tipped with evil...(MF#45).
(JG:
late 16C-mid-19C; EP: late 16C-20C)
-Crack of the/her Nail. Two occurrences
(MF#36 and MF#46).
Alluding to death.
1) and descended of creat Cadwallader, ap Evan, ap Rice, that kill all her enemy with crack on her nail.(MF#36).
2) This to his praise, his Courage ne'er did quailed, Nor doth he fear that mortal crack o' th' Nail...(MF#46).
-Crump-backed. One occurrence (MF#3).
Hump
backed.
1) she was Beetle-browed, Monkey-proud, Leathern-Eared,
Hawk's-nosed, Wry-mouthed, Crump-backed, Hopper-arsed, Splay-footed
(JG:
late 18C).
-Crupper. Three occurrences (MF#11; MF#14
and MF#23).
The buttocks.
1) ... Her legs fast girt about my waist, my hand under her Crupper...(MF#11).
2)... but when Pride in the Saddle
rides, Destruction's on the Crupper...(MF#23)
(JG: 16C+; EP from late 16C+).
-Cut/Shaved of the simples. Four occurrences (MF#20; MF#25; MF#62 x 2).
To be
cured of folly.
1) after he had washed them well in nigget
Water, and shaved them of
the Simples, they paying the reckoning,
thankfully departed home...(MF#20).
2) made him have so soft a Place in his Noddle,
that he is to be cut of the Simples in the heat of the Dog Days...(MF#62).
(EP:
17C-early 18C).
-Dog’s Tricks. One occurrence (MF#41).
1)...Fie Bawdy Barber, leave such Dog-tricks, fie...(MF#41).
(JG: mid-16C-late 17C; EP:
16C-19C).
-Drop A Tail Of Green Fish. Two occurrences
(MF#26 and MF#44).
To defecate.
1) coming to the eldest sister who had newly this cold weather dropped a tail of Green-fish in the Chimney-corner...(MF#26).
2) Good
Night Sweet Mistress, down drops a tail of Green-fish, off goes his furred
Cap
-Gizzard,
grumbling in her. One occurrence (MF#70).
To be annoyed.
1) she is much troubled with a grumbling in
her Gizzard, and a Frenzy in the brain...(MF#70).
(JG: late 18C-1900s; EP:
18C-early 20C).
-Goose. Eight
relevant occurrences (MF#31; MF#34; MF#61 x 3; MF#63; MF#64 and MF#65).
A Tailor’s Iron
1) Item, For firing for my Goose, -- 00 -- 2 d – ob...(MF#31).
2) ...that an honest Tailor's Goose swam
in strong Water...(MF#65).
(JG
late 16C-mid 19C; EP 17C-18C).
-Grub
Street. Six occurrences (MF#11;
MF#18; MF#45; MF#50; MF#51; MF#55).
Refers to news of questionable
repute.
1) some of these new Children of Light intend to
convert Grubstreet, concerning the Art of Lying...(MF#51).
2)
Mr. Lilly's chief Secretary of Grub-street is more
able to tell you, than myself...(MF#55).
(JG:
entry for Grub Street News late
17C-18C; EP likewise: late 17C-18C).
-Long-winded. Two occurrences (MF#3
and MF#35).
Slow in doing something.
1) ...well stuffed with Arsenic and salted with Gunpowder, that they may be the more violent, and long-winded, and Foulmouthed...(MF#35).
(JG: late 19C+; EP: late 19C-20C).
-Moss’s Mare, to be caught napping like. Four occurrences (MF#03; MF#45; MF#50 and MF#64).
To take by surprise; used idiomatically.
1) But sure of rising there was little fear, Being caught napping even like Moss's Mare...(MF#64).
2)... they are so pampered and lusty, that sometimes twenty men
are too few to take one of them, unless it be napping, as Moss took his
Mare...(MF#03).
(EP entry for napping like Moss’s
Mare – caught meaning “by
surprise” ca.1569-1870).
-Muck-sweat. One occurrence
(MF#6).
Sweat bought on by panic.
1) ...insomuch that he put the she-Trout into a muck sweat, yet for all his art of tickling, could not catch her...
(JG: early 19C+; EP: since
ca.1830).
-Nigget Water. Two
occurrences (MF#20 and MF#62).
Cures one of folly.
1) after he had washed them well in nigget Water, and shaved them of the Simples, they paying the reckoning, thankfully departed home...(MF#20).
2) who after he hath drank himself about half a Pint of Nigget Water, is to give them the like quantity, and then after they are all three washed (surreverence) shaved, and cut of the Simples...(MF#62).
-Rack and Manger, to lie/stand at. Two occurrences (MF#36 and MF#46).
To live a reckless life.
1) would no more take tithe abroad, but lay at rack and manger at home..(MF#36).
2) But had this Ostler
done so by a stranger, His Nag might yet have stood at Rack and manger.
(MF#46).
(JG: late 17C-18C).
-Snuff, to take. Three
occurrences. (MF#37 and MF#44 x 2).
To take offence.
1)...the more lovely beast, presently taking snuff, had the yellows so strong upon her, that the Staggers were in her head...(MF#37).
2) ... put her so to the snuff; that after her venom was spit out...(MF#44).
(JG: late 16C-early 19C).
-Worm. Two relevant occurrences (MF#6 and MF#26).
Faeces.
1) a Lady of Pleasure voiding a Worm in the Coach-box, bigger than a Polony Sausage, which the Coachman seeing smoking hot, with the butt end of his whip removed it away, to the shame as well great discredit of the Lady...(MF#6).
2) whereat Bess to make Dick more merry, pulled out a long Worm from her breech, and flung among them, that set them to pulling one one way, and another another; which sight made him curse all nasty Sluts; and forswear ever marrying...(MF#26).