George W. (George Washington) Matsell
Vocabulum; or The Rogue's Lexicon
Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources
"Vocabulum; or The Rogue's Lexicon" by George W. Matsell is a lexicon-like reference work written in the mid-19th century. The book serves as a compilation of the unique language and slang used by criminals and the rogue community, providing insights into a subculture that communicates through a specialized dialect. It is not only to aid law enforcement but also to educate readers on how this language has permeated society, becoming part of mainstream lexicon over time. The opening of this work introduces Matsell's motivation for compiling this lexicon. As a Special Justice and Chief of Police in New York, he realized the importance of understanding the language of the criminal underworld to perform his duties effectively. He recounts how the rogue community possesses a distinct dialect that evolves and infiltrates everyday language, thereby bridging the worlds of law enforcement and criminality. The preface explains the challenges he faced in gathering this slang, much of which had previously only existed in oral form. Matsell emphasizes that knowledge of this vocabulary is valuable not only for police officers but also for the general public, as it is used in various forms of communication, including official messages and daily discourse.