Subject
English language -- Slang -- Dictionaries Books
Best books
John Stephen Farmer
Slang and its analogues past and present, volume 2 [of 7] : $b A dictionary, historical and comparative of the heterodox speech of all classes of society for more than three hundred years. With synonyms in English, French, German, Italian, etc.
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John Stephen Farmer
Slang and its analogues past and present, volume 3 (of 7) : $b A dictionary, historical and comparative, of the heterodox speech of all classes of society for more than three hundred years. With synonyms in English, French, German, Italian, etc.
"Slang and its Analogues Past and Present, Volume 3" by John S. Farmer and W. E. Henley is a historical dictionary compiled to trace and document slang and colloquial language from various social classes over a span of more than three hundred years. Written in the late 19th century, this volume offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of informal English language, with entries detailing the meanings, origins, and usage of diverse slang terms and their equivalents in other languages. The opening of this dictionary introduces a wide range of slang words beginning with "F" and provides detailed definitions, etymologies, and historical references. For instance, it features words like "flabbergast," which means to astound and has been cited in various literary sources since the 18th century. It also highlights unique terms such as "flimsies" referring to banknotes and "flash," which encompasses the speech and behavior of thieves. This compilation not only educates readers about the quirky and often humorous aspects of slang but also preserves the linguistic history of society's undercurrents.
Francis Grose
1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue
"1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" by Francis Grose is a lexicon of slang and colloquial expressions compiled in the early 19th century. The book provides an extensive collection of terms used by various social classes, particularly focusing on the jargon of the lower orders of society, including thieves, pickpockets, and bawds, as well as terms from university slang. The work aims to document and make comprehensible the colorful and often bawdy language that characterized the period. At the start of this dictionary, we are introduced to the premise that Captain Grose’s original work has been revised and expanded with modern additions to better reflect the changing vernacular. The preface discusses the need for understanding the unique slang used by different social groups, emphasizing that the wealthy and fashionable were developing their own vulgarisms. Grose argues for the moral significance of understanding these terms, suggesting that the dictionary will help mitigate the influence of vulgar language in wider society, particularly among women. The opening also includes examples of terms from the dictionary, illustrating a diverse array of entries ranging from playful to risqué, showcasing the vibrant linguistic fabric of the time.
Arthur Guy Empey
"Over the Top," by an American Soldier Who Went Together with Tommy's Dictionary of the Trenches
"Over the Top" by Arthur Guy Empey is a historical account written during the early 20th century, specifically amidst World War I. The narrative chronicles Empey's personal experiences and observations as a soldier in the British Army, particularly focusing on the realities of trench warfare, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the stark contrast between the idealistic views of war and its brutal realities. The opening of the book introduces Empey as he reflects on his motivations for enlisting, amid a backdrop of American sentiments toward the war following the sinking of the Lusitania. He recounts his adventures as he transitions from a civilian in Jersey City to a machine gunner in the trenches of France, touching on the absurdities of military bureaucracy, the quest for comradeship, and the struggle of American soldiers to find their place within the British ranks. Empey’s distinctive voice illuminates the humorous yet sobering nuances of military life, setting the stage for the harrowing and often grim experiences that will follow as he goes "over the top" into battle.
B. E.
A new dictionary of the terms ancient and modern of the canting crew in its several tribes of gypsies, beggers, thieves, cheats, &c. : $b With an addition of some proverbs, phrases, figurative speeches, &c.
"A new dictionary of the terms ancient and modern of the canting crew" by B.E. Gent. is a historical lexicon written in the late 17th or early 18th century. This reference work focuses on the slang, jargon, and specialized vocabulary used by distinct social groups such as gypsies, beggars, thieves, and other marginalized or criminal "tribes." Designed not only as an informative resource but also as an entertaining and sometimes satirical read, the dictionary claims to be especially helpful for foreigners and the general public to safeguard themselves—offering insight into the language and practices of those who might deceive them. The opening of the dictionary provides both a preface and the start of the alphabetical entries. The preface briefly discusses the antiquity and wide cultural presence of beggars and gypsies across Europe, referencing their historical roots, universality, and evolving social roles. It also alludes to the connection between these groups and proverbial or witty speech, setting a context for the colorful language to follow. The main body immediately launches into concise definitions and explanations of canting terms, giving readers a vivid and comprehensive glimpse into the slang world of street life, criminality, and lower-class society. The entries include both purely criminal argot and contemporary colloquial phrases, creating an engaging and unusual window into everyday and illicit English speech of the time.
Louis E. Jackson
A vocabulary of criminal slang : $b with some examples of common usages
"A vocabulary of criminal slang : with some examples of common usages" by Louis E. Jackson is a glossary of criminal slang written in the early 20th century. It catalogs the underworld’s vocabulary for the benefit of law officers, the press, and other professionals, pairing definitions with usage notes and cross-references. The focus is practical: to strip secrecy from criminal jargon and improve detection, prosecution, and reform. The opening of this work sets a sober, reform-minded tone: a dedication to a sheriff, a statement that the book aims to aid public servants rather than sensationalize, and an argument that exposing slang diminishes its power. The preface explains how slang mutates, shows how meanings arise (such as “dope”), urges cooperation from readers to expand the list, and offers a brief survey of crime types and their economic and moral costs, criticizing prisons that idle rather than train. After this, the alphabetical vocabulary begins—dense with entries from ADMAN and ANGEL through early S-terms—each giving concise meanings, common contexts (e.g., pickpockets, yeggs, shoplifters), examples in sentences, and frequent cross-references that map the criminal subcultures’ speech.
Unknown
Sinks of London Laid Open A Pocket Companion for the Uninitiated, to Which is Added a Modern Flash Dictionary Containing all the Cant Words, Slang Terms, and Flash Phrases Now in Vogue, with a List of the Sixty Orders of Prime Coves
"Sinks of London Laid Open" by George Cruikshank is a socio-historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work provides an unflinching portrayal of the lives of London's poor, particularly focusing on common lodging houses and the individuals known as cadgers—those who beg or live off the charity of others. Through vivid descriptions and illustrations, the text aims to expose the stark realities of low life in London, giving readers insight into a world often overlooked by polite society. The opening of this work introduces the topics that will be explored in depth throughout its chapters. It begins by discusses the lack of accurate information about the common lodging houses and cadgers, marking them as subjects ripe for exploration. Cruikshank critiques existing literature for failing to depict the true nature of these places filled with human vice and poverty. By transitioning into a description of a specific lodging house in St. Giles's, he sets the stage for a detailed examination of the interactions, lifestyles, and struggles of both the inhabitants and those who manage these establishments. The narrative hints at the variety of characters—ranging from the desperate to the cunning—who populate this world, foreshadowing the rich tapestry of stories that follows.
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