on ‘green’, the colour of the cucumber and a slang term for ‘inex- perienced’. Often shortened to ‘cuke’ US, 1962 cucumbers noun < the cucumbers in prison, Rule 43, which allows a prisoner to be kept apart from the main prison community for ‘safety of self or others’. Rhyming slang (‘numbers’) UK, 2003 cuda noun 1 abarracudaUS, 1949. 2 a Plymouth Barracuda car US, 1965 cuddle and kiss noun 1 an act of urination. Rhyming slang for PISS. Sometimes shortened to ‘cuddie’ UK, 1992. 2 a girl; a girlfriend. Rhyming slang for ‘miss’; formed in a time when a cuddle and kiss were the only realistic objectives for a young man with love on his mind UK, 1938. 3 piss, in the phrase ‘take the piss’ (to make a fool of). Rhyming slang UK, 1992 cuddle bunny noun an attractive girl US, 1946 cuddled and kissed; cuddled adj ective drunk. Rhyming slang for PISSED UK, 1998 cuddle puddle noun a group of people lying together, especially after taking the type of recreational drugs that enhance feelings of togetherness; a communal jacuzzi UK, 2003 cuddle seat noun in a cinema, a double seat provided for a couple’s convenience. Probably adopted from the brand name Cuddleseat™ (a baby carrier) introduced in 1947 AUSTRALIA, 1984 cuddy noun a horse. From British dialect cuddy (a donkey) AUSTRALIA, 1897 cudja? could you? Apparently coined by television production company Brighter Pictures but rapidly gained wider use UK, 2002 cuds noun the countryside UK, 1995 cue noun 1 barbecued meat US, 1992. 2 barbecue US, 1908. 3 a tip or gratuity US, 1970. < put your cue in the rack to die; to retire AUSTRALIA, 1989 cueball noun 1 a bald person US, 1941. 2 a crew-cut haircut US, 1955. 3 one-eighth of an ounce of cocaine US, 1993 cue biter noun an actor who proceeds with his lines without letting the audience react appropriately to the cue line US, 1973 cue-bow noun a charge of ‘conduct unbecoming an officer’ filed against a police officer US, 1975 cues noun headphones worn by musicians overdubbing a tape US, 1979 cuff noun < off the cuff unrehearsed, improvised. From the discreet aide-memoire some performers or speakers jot on their cuffs US, 1938. < on the cuff 1 on credit US, 1927 . 2 admitted to a theatre without paying for a ticket US, 1973 cuff verb 1 to handcuff someone UK, 1851. 2 to shine something, to polish something US, 1973. 3 to drink to excess TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1956. 4 to admit someone to an entertainment without charge US, 1951. 5 in an illegal betting operation, to accept bets at odds and in a proportion guaranteed to produce a loss for the bookmaker US, 1951 cuff down; cuff up verb to assault someone; to beat someone TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1966 cuff link faggot; cuff link queen noun a wealthy, ostentatious homosexual male US, 1965 cuff links noun handcuffs US, 1982 cuffs noun handcuffs. Originally used of C17 iron fetters, now used as a shortening of ‘handcuffs’ UK, 1861 cuke noun a cucumber. A domestic colloquialism US, 1903 CUL used in computer message shorthand to mean ‘see you later’ US, 1991 culchie noun a person from rural Ireland. A derogatory term coined during the 1940s at University College Galway for students of agriculture; probably from Irish Coillte Mach (County Mayo), regarded (wrongly) as a remote place. Other possible etymologies: coillte (woods) and cúl and tÍ (a rear entrance to an important house, used by social inferiors) IRELAND, 1958 cull noun 1 a prisoner re-assigned to an undemanding job after failing at a more challenging one US, 1990. 2 in horse racing, a horse that is cast off by a stable because it has failed to perform well US, 1947 . < on the cull list unmarried US, 1933 cully; cull; cul noun a man, a fellow, a companion UK, 1661 cultural jammer; jammer noun a cultural activist who creatively subverts advertising material US, 1990 culture fruit noun watermelon US, 1973 culture jam; jam noun a message subverted by anticorporate activists US, 2001 culture jamming; jamming noun the act of inverting and subverting advertising matter by anticorporate activists. Derives from the conventional sense of ‘jam’ (to disrupt a signal) US, 1995 culture vulture noun an enthusiast for intellectual and artistic culture and cultural events US, 1947 cultus adjective worthless, bad, useless, insignificant. From the Chinook trading jargon US, 1851 cultus coulee noun a stroll or ride for pleasure CANADA, 1963 cultus potlatch noun a present for which nothing is expected in return, especially one of little value CANADA, 1940 cum noun amyl nitrite. A drug associated with sex US, 1992 8see: COME and variants cumbucket noun a despised person US, 1975 cum catcher noun a condom. Uses COME; CUM (semen) to describe a condom’s purpose UK, 1998 cum drum noun a condom; especially a condom with a bulbous extension to collect semen. Phonetically similar to ‘condom’ US, 1987 cummy face noun in a pornographic film or photograph, a close-up shot of a man’s face as he ejaculates US, 1995 cum shaw noun anything procurred through other than legitimate channels. From the Chinese for a ‘present’ or ‘bonus’, originally applied to a payment made by ships entering the port of Canton UK, 1925 cung noun marijuana US, 1995 cunkerer noun a blundering, poorly trained technician. From ‘cunk’, imitative of the metallic sound of a clumsily handled tool GUYANA, 1998 cunning as a Maori dog adjective very cunning; sly. ‘Maori dog’ is now usually replaced by less objectionable epithets like ‘shithouse rat’ NEW ZEALAND, 1947 cunning as an outhouse rat adjective very cunning indeed NEW ZEALAND , 1996 cunning as a shithouse rat adjective extremely crafty N EW ZEALAND, 1917 cunning kick noun a place for secreting money AUSTRALIA, 1979 cunny noun the vagina. A play on CUNT (the vagina) and ‘con(e)y’ (a rabbit) UK, 1615 cunny fingers; cunny thumbs noun an awkward, clumsy person. A term originally applied to a weak shooter US, 1892 cunt noun 1 the vagina. The most carefully avoided, heavily tabooed word in the English language UK, 1230 . 2 a woman, especially as an object of sexual desire UK, 1674. 3 sex with a woman UK, 1670. 4 a despicable person, female or male. When used as a reductive term of abuse, ‘cunt’ is usually more offensive than the male equivalents UK, 1860. 5 among homosexuals, a boy or young man as a sexual object US, 2004. 6 among homosexuals, the buttocks, anus and rectum US, 1972. 7 among homosexuals, the mouth US, 1972. 8 a person you admire or pretend to grudgingly admire; a form of address between friends. Mainly jocular usage UK, 2001. 9 an idiot, a fool UK, 1922. 10 to a drug addict, a vein used for injecting a drug, especially the vein found on the inside of the elbow US, 1960. 11 an unfortunate or difficult situation; an unpleasant task; a problem. A logical extension of earlier, still current senses (an irritating person or object) UK, 1931 cunt and a half noun an extremely unpleasant person. This intensification of CUNT (an unpleasant person) was originally used exclusively of males UK, 1984 cucumbers | cunt and a half 178 cunt book noun a pornographic book, especially one with photo- graphs or illustrations US, 1969 cunt breath noun a despicable person US, 1992 cunt cap noun a narrow green garrison cap worn by enlisted men. Probably of World War 1 vintage. The Chinese Army refer to the same article as a ‘cow’s-cunt-cap’. Soldiers learn the term in the first few days of training. They now learn not to use the term in the presence of women UK, 1923 cunt collar noun a desire for sex US, 1965 cunt eater noun any person who performs oral sex on a woman US, 1998 cunted adjective drunk UK, 2003 cunt-eyed adjective squinting UK, 1916 cunt face noun a despicable person US, 1948 cunt-faced adjective despicable US, 1974 cunt fart noun a despicable person US, 1996 cuntfuck noun an extremely unpleasant individual. Both CUNT and FUCK are synonymous here, each serving to intensify the other UK, 2002 cunt hair noun a very small distance US, 1957 cunt hair grass noun an oatgrass or spike rush US, 1945 cunt hat noun a felt hat. Probably from the shape of the crease in the crown UK, 1923 cunthead noun a despised fool US, 1971 cunt-holes! used for registering frustration, annoyance or anger UK, 2000 cunt hook noun the hand. Usually in the plural US, 1994 cunt-hooks noun 1 a gesture that is used to insult or otherwise cause offense, in which the forefinger and middle-finger are extended to form a V-shape, the palm turned in towards the gesturer. An alternative name for a V-SIGN UK, 1984. 2 an unpleasant person UK, 2001 cunt hound noun a man obsessed with the seduction of women US, 1960 cuntie noun a contemptible person. A patronising elaboration of CUNT UK: NORTHERN IRELAND, 2001 cuntiness noun unpleasant or stupid characteristics of a person UK, 2001 cunting adjective used as an intensifier, generally denoting disapproval UK, 2000 -cunting- infix used as an intensifier, generally negative UK, 2000 cuntish adjective 1 unpleasant; stupid UK, 2000. 2 weak, cowardly US, 1975 cunt juice noun vaginal secretions US, 1990 cunt-lapper noun a person who performs oral sex on a woman US, 1916 cunt-lapping noun oral sex on a woman US, 1970 cunt-lapping adjective despised US, 1923 cunt-licking noun oral sex on a woman US, 1996 cunt-licking adjective despised US, 1985 cunt light noun in the pornography industry, a light used to illuminate the genitals of the performers US, 1995 cunt like a Grimsby welly noun an unusually large and pungent vagina. Grimsby is a fishing port on the north east coast of England; the comparison to a ‘welly’ (Wellington boot) is obvious UK, 2002 cunt man noun a heterosexual man; a womaniser. Uses CUNT in the generalised sense as ‘women’ UK, 1999 cunt off verb to make someone angry; to annoy someone UK, 2001 cunt pie noun the vagina, especially as an object of oral sex US, 1980 cunt prick noun a despicable person. A compound of two terms of abuse that may need strengthening after overuse UK, 1997 cunt racket noun prostitution US, 1977 cunt rag noun 1 a sanitary towel US, 1968. 2 a despicable person or thing US, 1971 cunt’s act noun a major deception AUSTRALIA, 1985 cunt screen noun a strip of canvas stretched between the open rungs of the accommodation ladder up which lady guests would ascend above the heads of the boat’s crew. Similar in purpose and effect to a VIRGINITY CURTAIN UK, 1984 cunt-simple adjective obsessed with sex; easily distracted by women US, 1982 cunt sniff noun a contemptible or loathesome individual. As usage of CUNT (a contemptible person) becomes evermore mainstream, elaborations are necessary to maintain the derogatory effect. ‘Cunt sniff’ contrives CUNT (vagina) and conventional ‘sniff’ (to inhale, to smell) to suggest something of no more worth than the odour of a woman’s genitals UK, 2001 cunt splice noun any improvised splice US, 1956 cunt starver noun a prisoner serving time for not making mainten- ance payments AUSTRALIA, 1950 cunt stretcher noun the penis US, 2001 cunt-struck adjective obsessed with sex with a woman or women UK, 1866 cunt-sucker noun 1 a person who performs oral sex on women UK, 1868. 2 a despised person US, 1964 cunt-sucking noun oral sex on a woman US, 1998 cunt-sucking adjective despised US, 1964 cunt tease noun a woman who signals an interest in sex with another woman but does not have sex with her US, 1971 cunt-tickler noun a moustache US, 1967 Cunt Town nickname Norfolk, Virginia. A major naval base, and hence a hotbed of prostitution US, 1982 cunt wagon noun a car perceived to attract women US, 1974 cunty adjective unpleasant US, 1972 cup noun 1 the vagina US, 1973. 2 a cup of tea. Both figurative and practical UK, 1952 cup and saucer noun the fifth wheel on a tractor trailer US, 1961 cupcake noun 1 acutegirlUS, 1939. 2 a male homosexual, especially if young US, 1996. 3 a haircut shaped like a box US, 1989 cupcakes noun 1 the female breasts. Possibly informed, if not inspired, by a brassiere’s ‘cups’ UK, 2002. 2 well-defined, well-rounded buttocks US, 1972. 3 LSD UK, 2003 Cup Day noun the day on which the Melbourne Cup horse race is run AUSTRALIA, 1876 cupful of cold sick noun the epitome of worthlessness NEW ZEALAND, 1998 cupid’s itch noun any sexually transmitted infection US, 1930 cupid’s measles noun syphilis; any sexually transmitted infection US, 1970 cupla focal noun a paltry knowledge of Irish, literally a few words, enough for a display of national pride but not nearly enough for a conversation IRELAND, 1996 cup of chino; cup of cheeno noun a cappuccino AUSTRALIA, 1987 cup of tea noun 1 something that is to your taste. Variants are ‘cup of char’ and ‘cuppa’ UK, 1932. 2 an act of urination. Rhyming slang for PEE or WEE UK, 1992 cup of tea verb to see. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 cuppa; cupper noun a cup of tea or coffee UK, 1934 cuppie noun a female hanger-on at a World Cup sailing competition US, 1996 cups noun sleep US, 1948. < in your cups drinking; drunk UK, 1406 Cup week noun the week during which the Melbourne Cup horse race is run AUSTRALIA, 1882 cura noun heroin; specifically an injection of heroin at a moment of great need. From Spanish for ‘cure’ US, 1969 179 cunt book | cura curate’s egg noun something that is good in parts. From the phrase ‘good in parts – like a curate’s egg’ UK, 1961 curb noun < against the curb without money US, 1995. < to the curb 1 destitute; suffering from hard times US, 1989. 2 rejected in romance US, 1993. 3 vomiting US, 1989 curb verb to stop or slow down US, 1953 curb hop noun a person who takes orders and serves food to customers seated in their cars US, 1937 curb serve verb to sell crack cocaine on a street corner US, 1995 curbstoner noun in the used car business, a dealer who operates with low overheads and a small inventory US, 1968 cure noun 1 treatment for drug addiction. Generally after ‘the’ US, 1953 . 2 suicide US, 1949 cured adjective < get cured to get rich US, 1957 Curehead noun someone who dresses in black similar to members of the band the Cure or other goth-rock bands, wears makeup and has the specific hairstyle of the lead singer IRELAND, 1991 curer noun an alcoholic drink taken to alleviate the symptoms of a hangover UK: SCOTLAND, 1996 cure-the-plague noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. From the C14 belief that drinking menstrual blood was a remedy for bubonic plague US, 2000 curfuffle; gefuffle; kerfuffle noun a disturbance or disorder of any kind UK: SCOTLAND, 1813 curl noun the concave face of a wave as it breaks US, 1963 Curl noun used of a bald man, or one with curlyhair,asaformof address. A barely abbreviated form of CURLY AUSTRALIA, 1984 curlies noun pubic hair. Used both literally and figuratively to suggest complete control over someone US, 1973 curl the mo; curl a mo adjective great; terrific; excellent AUSTRALIA, 1941 curl the mo!; curl a mo! terrific! AUSTRALIA, 1954 curly noun a challenging situation NEW ZEALAND, 1998 Curly noun used of a bald-headed man. Ironic or, perhaps, the man so-dubbed began with curly hair and, like the word itself, evolved into this sense UK, 1961 curly adjective 1 (mainly of decisions, questions, etc) difficult AUSTRALIA, 1963. 2 excellent, attractive. Possibly a shortened variation of CURL THE MO UK, 1981. < to give someone the curly lip to say something displeasing US, 1989 curly do noun a curly hair style popular with black men and women in the mid-1970s US, 1975 curly wolf noun an aggressive, belligerent man. A term from the American west US, 1910 curp noun the penis. Back slang, ‘kcirp’ for PRICK (the penis). Only ever in limited use, by 2003 completely redundant UK, 1981 currant bread adjective dead. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 currant bun noun 1 a nun. Glasgow rhyming slang UK, 1996. 2 the sun. Rhyming slang. Sometimes shortened to ‘currant’ UK, 1938. < on the currant bun on the run. Rhyming slang, in underworld and police use UK, 1959 Currant B un nickname The Sun, a daily newspaper. Rhyming slang, acquired from the solar original UK, 1979 currant cake adjective awake. Prison rhyming slang NEW ZEALAND, 1999 currant-cakes noun delirium tremens. Rhyming slang for SHAKES;a back-formation from CURRANT-CAKEY (shakey) UK, 1992 currant-cakey; currant-cakie adjective shakey. Rhyming slang UK, 1932 currants and plums noun the gums. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 curry noun verbal support on the emphatic end of the scale NEW ZEALAND , 1998. < give someone curry 1 to attack someone. That is, make it ‘hot’ for them AUSTRALIA, 1936. 2 to make someone’s life difficult, to reprove someone. Possibly from the hot nature of curry AUSTRALIA, 1936. < the Curry Cloncurry, generally called ‘The Curry’, is the western Queensland base of the Flying Doctor Service UK, 1962 curry city nickname Bradford, West Yorkshire. Citizens’ band radio slang, reflecting the large immigrant population UK, 1981 curry-mouth adjective fond of Indian food TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 curry muncher noun a person from the Indian subcontinent. Derogatory NEW ZEALAND, 1991 curse noun 1 the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. Used with ‘the’ US, 1930. 2 a swagman’s bundle of personal effects, a swag. Variants are ‘curse of Cain’ and ‘curse of God’ AU STRALIA, 1921. < carry the curse; hump the curse to go on the tramp. After CURSE (a swag) AUSTRALIA, 1959 curse verb < curse stink; cuss stink to use a great deal of profanity TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1960 curse of Eve noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. Adopted from poetic and literary use UK, 1929 curse of Mexico noun in a deck of playing cards, the two of spades US, 1949 curse of Scotland noun in a deck of playing cards, the nine of dia- monds UK, 1715 curse rag noun a sanitary towel. Formed on CURSE (the bleed period of the menstrual cycle) UK, 1961 curtain noun used in conjunction with a precedent noun, indicating isolation, hostility, aggression and/or danger US, 1955 curtain-climber noun a small child US, 1973 curtain-raiser noun the first game of a season US, 1950 curtains noun 1 the end, implying death or dismissal. Theatrical origin (the final curtain of a play) US, 1901. 2 the labia majora US, 1982. < curtains and carpet that match; matching curtains and carpet said when a person’s hair colour matches the colour of their pubic hair US, 2003 curtain-twitcher noun a person who spies on the comings and goings of the world from behind a curtained window UK, 2002 curve noun < ahead of the curve anticipating events or trends; on the cutting edge US, 1980. < behind the curve lagging behind trends or developments US, 1989 curve-breaker noun a diligent, smart student. A student whose per- formance upsets the grading curve US, 1955 curved adjective corrupt, crooked, criminal. A variation of BENT UK, 1999 curve-killer noun a student who excels. A reference to the grading curve US, 1959 curvy crawler noun a prostitute, a streetwalker. A play on KERB CRAWLING (soliciting prostitutes from a vehicle) UK, 1984 cush noun 1 the vagina; sex; a woman as a sexual object US, 1960. 2 loose tobacco US, 1950. 3 money US, 1900 cush adjective comfortable, unstrained. A shortened form of CUSHY US, 1931 cushion noun a passenger railway carriage US, 1913 cushty adjective excellent, great. A roughly contemporaneous vari- ation of CUSHY (easy, comfortable); attributed to market traders since the late 1910s; much more widespread since 1981 through usage in BBC television comedy series Only Fools and Horses UK, 1985 cushy adjective easy, comfortable, unstrained. From Hindu khush (pleasant) or Romany kushto (good) UK, 1915 cuspy adjective (used of a computer program) well-designed, highly functional US, 1981 cuss noun 1 a person; a creature. Usually, slightly contemptuous, reproachful or humorous; probably derived as a shortening of CUSTOMER, pehaps influenced in later usage by CUSS (a curse) US, 1775. 2 a curse. A dated euphemism that survives in the term TINKER’S CUSS (a thing of little value) US, 1848 cussbud noun a person who uses a great deal of profanity TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1977 cuss-cuss noun insults, profanity BAHAMAS, 1982 curate’s egg | cuss-cuss 180 cussedness noun cantankerousness, contrariness US, 1866 cuss f ight noun a loud, angry argument US, 1923 cussie noun an HM Customs & Excise official UK, 2002 cuss out verb to reprimand someone with a heavy reliance on profanity US, 1863 cuss word noun a profanity. After CUSS (a curse) US, 1872 custard and jelly; custard noun television; a television. Rhyming slang for TELLY UK, 1974 custard cream; custard verb to dream. Rhyming slang, formed on a biscuit. UK, 1992 custards noun acne, pimples, spots. From the colour of the swelling or the pus AU STRALIA, 1942 custard tart noun a traffic warden UK, 1981 custer noun a person who poses as a member of a youth gang but is not accepted as a gang member US, 1995 custie noun a buyer of illegal drugs. Simply put, an abbreviation of ‘customer’ US, 1997 customer noun 1 a person, or any creature, generally qualified as a type, as in ‘an ugly customer’ or ‘an awkward customer’ UK, 1589. 2 any person who is subject to a social worker’s professional or charitable attention. A patronising categorisation, now replaced with the equally dishonest ‘client’ UK, 1966. 3 a motorist being stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation US, 1962. 4 apoten- tial shop-lifter. In UK Disney Stores in the mid-1990s staff were instructed to refer to customers as ‘guests’ – anyone referred to as a ‘customer’ was instantly the subject of an unwelcome attention UK, 1995. 5 a prisoner US, 1949 cut noun 1 an adulterant used to dilute a drug; a dilution of a drug US, 1966. 2 a share, usually of profits, often of ill-gotten gains AUSTRALIA, 1911. 3 a reduction of a prison sentence US, 2002. 4 any district where goods are bought and sold with a minimum of questions asked UK, 1950. 5 any place where young people congregate to socialise US, 1953. 6 someone’s appearance. Usually derogatory IRELAND, 1997. 7 a stage or a degree UK, 1818 . 8 of music, a recording or a special part of one. From the verb sense US, 1975. 9 in hip-hop music, a sample or part of a tune that is played repeatedly US, 2000. 10 the vagina US, 1967. 11 a press cutting UK, 2003. 12 a hitting of the open hand with a cane for corporal punishment. Formally common in the Australian school system, now the practice is obsolete. The term is commonly found in the plural as the punishment was generally so given AUSTRALIA, 1915 cut verb 1 in the drug trade, to dilute drugs US, 1937. 2 to dilute anything by the addition of a secondary ingredient. Extended from the previous sense (to dilute drugs) US, 1985. 3 (of a drug) to take effect UK, 1998. 4 to fart US, 1967. 5 to engage in an informal musical competition in which musicians attempt to better each other in extended jazz solos US, 1937. 6 to record a song US, 1937. 7 to skip something, to fail to attend something UK, 1794. 8 to leave quickly UK, 1790. 9 to ignore a person, either as a single act or as continuing behaviour UK, 1634. 10 to tease or disparage someone US, 1975. 11 to divide or share out legal profits or criminal gains UK, 1928. 12 to perform surgery US, 1970 . < be cut out for something to have the appropriate qualities for something UK, 1645. < be cut out to be a gentleman to be circumcised UK, 1961. < cut a chogie to leave quickly. Korea and Vietnam war usage US, 1981. < cut a fat one in drag racing and hot rodding, to drive at top speed US, 1968. < cut a hus to do someone a favour. Marine slang in Vietnam US, 1991. < cut a melon to fart UK, 1998. < cut a rat to fart US, 1995 . < cut a rug to dance expertly US, 1942. < cut a rusty to show off US, 1838. < cut ass; cut arse 1 to leave, especially in a hurry US, 1972. 2 to assault someone TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1980. < cut brush to drive off the road into brush US, 1962 . < cut cake; cut the strawberry cake to short-change someone US, 1949. < cut card straight to deal in a direct and honest manner TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. < cut fine; cut it fine to narrow something down to a minimum UK, 1891. < cut it to perform sat- isfactorily and so meet a requirement. From CUT THE MUSTARD US, 1987. < cut loose 1 to leave someone alone US, 1974. 2 to enjoy yourself unrestrained by any sense of moderation US, 1808. < cut no ice to make no difference US, 1896. < cut one off in the police, to salute a superior officer. Usually in the form ‘cut someone one off’ UK, 1948. < cut skin; cut tail to physically assault someone; to beat someone TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1959. < cut some slack to relax the pressure US, 1968. < cut someone dead to ignore someone completely. An emphasised use of CUT (to ignore) UK, 1826. < cut someone down to size to reduce someone to a true understanding of his or her status or worth US, 1927 . < cut someone’s lunch to cuckold someone; to steal someone’s partner; to move in on another’s potential pick-up AUSTRALIA, 1996. < cut ten to sit with your legs crossed as others work JAMAICA, 1977. < cu t the cheese to fart US, 1959. < cut the coax to turn off a citizens’ band radio US, 1976. < cut the gas to stop talking. Teen slang US, 1951. < cut the mustard 1 to perform satisfactorily and so meet a requirement US, 1902. 2 to fart with especially noxious effect UK, 1998. 3 to have sex UK, 1977. < cut throat to have sex with a female virgin TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. < cut to the chase to get on with it. Cinematic imagery; ‘to jump to the next exciting sequence’ US, 1983. < cut up jackies in the circus or carnival, to tell stories about the past US, 1980. < cut up jackpots (used of carnival workers) to engage in carnival insider conversation US, 1985. < cut up pipes in circus and carnival usage, to gossip, brag or disparage someone US, 1981. < cut up rough 1 to be, or become, quarrelsome or difficult UK, 1837. 2 to resist or show resentment with violence AUSTRALIA, 1944. < cut your eyes to look at someone or something with disdain BARBADOS, 1965. < cut your own hair to be extremely frugal AUSTRALIA, 1989. < cut your water off in shuffleboard, to hold an oponent to a scoreless half round US, 1967. < cut Z’s to sleep US, 1991 cut adjective 1 circumcised US, 1998. 2 physically fit, conditioned, well- toned US, 1998 cut!; cut it!; cut it out! adjective stop!, cease! UK, 1859 cut along verb to depart. Often as an imperative UK, 1902 cut and carried adjective married. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 cut and paste noun cosmetic surgery US, 1997 cut and paste verb to open a patient’s body in surgery only to discover an inoperable condition, and then to close the patient back up US, 1994 cut and run verb to depart promptly; to decamp hurriedly. Of nautical origin UK, 1811 cut and scratch noun a match, safety or non-safety. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 cut and shut adjective used to describe a secondhand car that has been illegally contrived from the best parts of two damaged cars. Often hyphenated as a noun UK, 1968 cut and tuck noun a male transsexual who has had his penis removed and an artificial vagina surgically constructed AUSTRALIA, 1985 cut-ass noun abeatingTRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1959 cutback noun in surfing, a turn back into the wave US, 1979 cut buddy noun a close friend US, 1954 cutchie noun 8see: KOUTCHIE cut-down noun a half bottle of rum BARBADOS, 1965 cute adjective acute, sharp-witted, clever, shrewd UK, 1731 cute hoor noun any person, female or male, who is corrupt. May be used affectionately as well as pejoratively. The present Hiberno- English pronunciation was common in England in C16 and C17, and lasted in common use into C19 IRELAND, 2001 cutemup noun a prison doctor US, 1962 cuter verb a twenty-five cent piece. A corruption of ‘quarter’ US, 1927 cuteration noun the zenith of cuteness US, 1963 cutesy adjective cloying, annoyingly cute US, 1914 cut-eye noun a disapproving look TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1960 cut from timber to bramble adjective (used of a man) sexually active and indiscriminate TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1987 cut-glass sledgehammer noun a notional tool that a young, inex- perienced novice is sent to fetch US, 1960 cut-hip noun a physical beating; a thrashing BAHAMAS, 1998 181 cussedness | cut-hip cutie noun an attractive or clever young woman. Originally (UK, C18) a ‘clever but shallow person’; this sense is an early example of US term moved into wider usage by Hollywood films US, 1911 cutie-pie noun an attractive woman US, 1970 cut-in noun the initial contact with the intended victim in a confi- dence swindle US, 1977 cut in verb 1 to attempt a romantic relationship with someone already romantically involved US, 1950. 2 to seize a share of a business or enterprise US, 1980 cut into verb to approach someone and draw them into a swindle; to introduce someone to something US, 1940 cutlass carpenter noun an unskilled carpenter TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 cut lunch noun a circumcised penis as an object of oral sex AUSTRALIA, 1985 cut -lunch commando noun a soldier who does not see active service, especially a reservist. A contemptuous term implying that they get a prepared lunch rather than real army rations AUSTRALIA, 1952 cut man noun the member of a boxer’s entourage responsible for treating cuts between rounds US, 1975 cut off verb to lay someone off due to lack of work US, 1990 cut off the joint noun from the male perspective, an act of sexual intercourse UK, 1961 cut of your jib noun your general appearance, hence, nature, character and temperament UK, 1825 cutor noun a prosecuting attorney US, 1962 cut out verb 1 to leave US, 1827. 2 to die US, 1955. 3 to take goods in payment instead of money AUSTRALIA, 1984. 4 to pay for something by having sexual intercourse rather than using money AUSTRALIA, 1971. 5 (of a power-source controlled by automatic technology) to switch off; to break (electrical) contact UK, 1984. 6 to serve time in prison rather than paying a fine AUSTRALIA, 1939 cuts noun 1 the definition of body muscle from spaces between the muscle that have no fat US, 1984. 2 any remote location US, 1985. 3 permission from a friend to step into a queue at their place US, 1989. 4 clothing US, 1978 cutter noun 1 a surgeon US, 1970. 2 an illegal abortionist FIJI, 1994. 3 a person who is proficient with the use of a knife or of a weapon US, 1947. 4 a pistol US, 1908. 5 a musician who betters another in a com- petition of solos US, 1956. 6 any substance used to dilute a drug, thereby expanding volume while reducing potency US, 1995. 7 in American casinos, twenty-five cents. Playing on the sound of ‘quarter’ US, 1985. 8 money UK, 2000 cut the cackle! stop talking! From CACKLE (to chatter inconsequentially). When extended to: ‘cut the cackle and come to the ‘osses [Horses]’, the meaning is ‘stop the preliminaries and get down to business’ UK, 1889 cut the crap! stop talking nonsense! US, 1956 cutting noun the preparation of cocaine for inhalation by chopping lines of powder with a razor blade or credit card, 2002 cutting adjective good, excellent UK, 2003 cutting gear noun oxyacetylene apparatus used to break into safes UK, 1977 cutting house noun a place where drugs are diluted for resale US, 1974 cutting man noun a best friend US, 1970 cutting plant noun a shop where stolen cars are dismantled or altered US, 1978 cuttings merchant noun in prison, a prisoner who wields power by collecting newspaper cuttings of reported crimes UK, 2000 cutty noun 1 acousinUS, 2002. 2 a playful girl IRELAND, 1999 cut-up noun a dishonestly fixed outcome of any event, e.g. a compe- tition, an election, a lottery, a job application, etc UK, 1985 cut up verb 1 to behave without restraint US, 1846 . 2 (when driving) to overtake in such a manner that other vehicles are adversely affected UK, 1964 cut-up adjective upset, emotionally distressed UK, 1844 cut war noun in lobstering, a rivalry that has escalated to the point where lobstermen are cutting each other’s buoys US, 1978 cuyabunga! 8see: COWABUNGAI cuz noun a friend US, 1979. 8see: ’CAUSE cuzz noun a term of address used by one member of the Crips youth gang to another US, 1990 cuzzies noun HM Customs & Excise UK, 2002 cuzzy-bro noun a close and loyal friend NEW ZEALAND, 1991 cwazy adjective used as a jocular substitute for ‘crazy’ US, 1952 c-word noun the word cunt. Usually after ‘the’ UK, 1986 CYA verb to protect yourself from future criticism for actions being taken now. An abbreviation of ‘cover your ass’ US, 1959 c-ya used in computer messages as shorthand to mean ‘see you’ US, 1995 cyber adjective denoting an on-line, Internet or digital state or exist- ence. A back-formation from ‘cybernetics’ (scientific and mechan- ical systems of control and communication), coined in 1948 by Norbert Wiener (1894–1964) from the Greek kybernan (to steer, to govern). Mainly used in unhyphenated combinations as a prefix, but can stand alone US, 1966 cyberspace noun the notional locus where on-line communication takes place and from where a digital existence is supposed. Coined by science fiction author William Gibson (b.1948) to describe ‘the hallucinatory world existing between computers’ in Neuromancer,1984 US, 1984 cycle noun anabolic steroids. Steroids are taken for a fixed time period – a ‘cycle’ – and then not taken for the same time period. Professional wrestling usage US, 2003. < having your cycle experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 2001 cycle -lifter noun a bicycle thief INDIA, 1979 cyclo noun a rickshaw pulled by a bicycle US, 1972 cyclone noun phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as PCP or angel dust US, 1994 Cyclops sausage dog noun the penis. Probably jocular imagery of a mythical one-eyed giant crossed with a dachshund UK, 2003 cylinder noun the vagina. A mechanics’ simile AUSTRALIA, 1984 Cyp noun a Cypriot. Pronounced ‘sip’ UK, 1984 Cyril Lord adjective bald. Rhyming slang; an imperfect rhyme formed on the name of a British carpet manufacturer (now Carpets International) probably best remembered for an incredibly annoying advertising jingle that haunted the 1960s and 70s. Cyril Lord made rugs and, appropriately, a RUG is a ‘hair piece’ UK, 1992 Cyril Sneer; cyril noun a male homosexual. Rhyming slang for QUEER formed from a character in the Canadian cartoon series The Raccoons from the 1980s UK, 2003 cyring call noun in poker, a bet equal to the last bet made in a hesitating fashion US, 1982 cutie | cyring call 182 Dd D noun 1 LSD US, 1971. 2 Dilaudid™, a synthetic opiate US, 1954. 3 narcotics US, 1976. 4 used as a term of address, young man to young man. An abbreviation of DUDE US, 1997 . 5 a police detective AUSTRALIA, 1882. 6 a (pre-decimalisation, 1971) penny. From Latin denarius, a rough equivalent of an old penny and used in the standard abbreviation for pre-decimal Sterling: £sd or lsd UK, 1387. 7 in poker, the fourth player to the left of the dealer US, 1988. 8 a demilitarised zone. A shortening of DMZ, the official abbreviation US, 1991 D&D noun dungeons and dragons (a genre of fantasy roleplay games) UK, 2001 D-5 noun a Sony TCD-5M analogue recording tape deck. Favoured by tapers of Grateful Dead concerts until the advent of digital audio tape in the early 1990s US, 1994 da noun father, a father. An abbreviation of affectionate, informal or childish ‘dad’ or ‘dada’, especially in Scotland UK, 1851 DA noun 1 a hair-style popular in the early 1950s; the hair was tapered and curled on the nape of the neck like the feathers of a duck’s tail. Abbreviated from DUCK’S ARSE/ASS US, 1951. 2 a drug addict US, 1946 . 3 a dumb ass US, 2003 da 1 the. Fashionable respelling of phonetic slovening; an essential element in Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981. 2 so; very. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981 dab noun 1 a fingerprint. Police jargon, in everyday use, usually in the plural UK, 1926. 2 a moistened finger-tip covered in powdered amphetamine. Possibly as, and then only partly-inspired by, a nostalgic reference to a children’s sweet, the Sherbert Dib Dab™, a lolly dipped into a powdered sugar confection UK, 2000. 3 in rugby, a short, darting run with the ball NEW ZEALAND, 1970. 4 in cricket, a batsman’s stroke that deflects the ball gently behind the wicket UK, 1969. 5 a criminal charge; a prison disciplinary charge UK, 1996 dab verb 1 to ingest a powdered drug by sucking or licking the powder collected on a moistened finger UK, 2001. 2 in mountain biking, to touch the ground unintentionally with any part of the body US, 1992. 3 of a batsman in cricket, to play a tentative stroke that gently deflects the ball behind the wicket UK, 1985 dabble noun stolen property UK, 1981 dabble verb 1 to use addictive drugs without succumbing to the addiction US, 1949. 2 to experiment with homsexuality UK, 1996. 3 to operate an (occasional) trade in stolen or illegal goods, especially antiques or drugs UK, 1996 dab-dab noun to participate in homosexual sex. Prison usage US, 1990 dacha; daiture; deger adjective ten. From Italian dieci , via lingua franca into polari UK, 1996 Dachau noun any military stockade. Vietnam war usage US, 1968 dachs noun a dachshund UK, 1886 dachsie; dachsy noun a dachshund. An affectionate elaboration of DACHS UK, 1961 dack up verb to light or smoke (a marijuana cigarette) NEW Z EALAND, 1991 dad noun 1 used as a term of address for a man, especially an older man. Often patronizing US, 1928. 2 a homosexual prisoner’s ‘owner’ (protector and lover) US, 1992. < be like Dad to keep quiet; to say nothing. From the World War 2 slogan ‘be like Dad: keep Mum’, playing on MUM (quiet) UK, 1996 -dad suffix used as a nonce suffix attached to a friend’s name US, 1995 da-dah! used as a mock fanfare UK, 2000 Dad and Dave noun 1 a shave. Rhyming slang, after the characters Dad and Dave, the subject of well-known and well-loved humorous sketches concerning pioneering life by ‘Steele Rudd’ (Arthur Hoey Davis, 1868–1935) AUSTRALIA, 1944. 2 a grave. Rhyming slang AUSTRALIA, 1971 dad-blamed adjective used as a euphemism for ‘damned’. ‘Dad’ is a euphemism for God US, 1844 dad-blasted adjective damned, confounded. ‘Dad’ is a euphemism for God US, 1840 daddy noun 1 the very best US, 1865. 2 the most powerful inmate in a borstal (a juvenile offenders penal institution); in prison, the most powerful or very strong inmate, or the prisoner who runs a racket UK, 1978. 3 a leader. Originally prison slang, especially of a forceful personality among borstal inmates; now in wider use UK, 2001. 4 the dominant partner in a male homosexual relationship US, 1932. 5 an aggressive, predatory male homosexual US, 1996. 6 the woman who plays the active, masculine role in a lesbian relationship US, 1940s. 7 in the US Army, your supervising officer US, 1968. 8 used as a term of address to a man UK, 1681. 9 a marijuana cigarette UK, 2001 daddy-come-to-church noun an unusual event US, 1953 daddy mac noun an attractive young man US, 1997 daddy-o noun 1 a term of address for a man. Also variant ‘daddio’. US, 1947. 2 the US Federal Communications Commission US, 1977 daddypoo noun used as an embellishment of ‘daddy’, usually from a woman to a man US, 1966 daddy’s yacht noun used rhetorically as a representation of the privileges of civilian life. Military sarcasm, in several variations, most commonly ‘Where do you think you are? On your daddy’s yacht’; directed mainly at National Service recruits (1945–62) UK, 1962 daddy tank noun a jail cell reserved for lesbian prisoners US, 1971 dadger noun the penis. Variation of TAD G ER (the penis) UK, 1997 dadrock noun 1990s rock music that sounds like music from a gen- eration earlier, e.g. Oasis play dadrock that bears obvious simi- larities to the Beatles UK, 1999 dads noun a father, or in general address, a man. A variation of ‘dad’ UK, 1984 Dad’s Army nickname the Home Guard (1940–45); hence, any grouping of older men with a united purpose. Gently derogatory. The term survives essentially as a piece of familiar nostalgia mainly because of the popularity of BBC television comedy series Dad’s Army (1968–77, and which is still being repeated today). The modern sense is therefore informed by the nature of the characters in the programme; variously bumptious and bumbling, etc UK, 1968 dad’s army adjective barmy, foolish. Rhyming slang, after the 1970s television comedy of the UK’s World War 2 Home Guard UK, 1992 daff noun excrement IRELAND, 1989 daffies noun strong liquor UK, 1979 daffodil noun a homosexual man US, 1935 daffy noun a skiing stunt in which one ski is swung up in front of the skier while the other is brought up behind and parallel to the first, the whole being a form of mid-air splits. ‘Daffy’ is listed under the heading Freestyle skiing in the official lexicon for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games UK, 1984 daffy adjective odd, eccentric, silly. The original meaning of ‘slightly mad’ has softened over the years UK, 1884 daffydowndilly; daffadowndilly adj ective silly. Rhyming slang, formed on an informal name for the ‘daffodil’, or perhaps it is simply an elaboration of DAFFY (silly, daft) UK, 1960 daffy-headed adjective feather-brained, daft UK, 1981 daft nickname Nova Scotia’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans CANADA, 2002 daft and barmy noun an army. Rhyming slang, Note also the reversed rhyme: DAD’S ARMY for ‘barmy’ UK, 1979 daft as a brush; mad as a brush adjective crazy; stupid UK, 1945 daft Doris noun a foolish woman UK, 2000 daftie noun a daft person UK, 1872 dag noun 1 a matted lock of wool and excrement on a sheep’s behind. From British dialect AUSTRALIA, 1891. 2 a person who is eccentric and humorous; a real character; a wag. Formerly common, now obsolete (but see sense 3). Some have suggested that the origin of this term lies in the British dialect term ‘a feat set as a dare’, but the examples given are less than convincing AUSTRALIA, 1875. 3 a person who is dull and conservative; a person who has no sense of fashion; an uncool or unhip person. Now the commonest meaning. It is widely believed that it derives from sense 1, but this is not the case. Probably partially from sense 2 and partially a backformation from DAGGY sense 2. Formerly and still to some extent quite an insult, equivalent to GEEK and NERD, but recently also used in an affectionate manner, and jocularly ‘reclaimed’ as a term of approval. This reclamation has led to a semantic shift where the meaning can be ‘uncool in an amusing or eccentric way’, and thus this sense now overlaps with that of sense 2 AUSTRALIA, 1966. 4 a daring act NEW ZEALAND, 1984 dag verb 1 to engage in anal sex US, 2001. 2 to participate in serial, reciprocal, homosexual oral sex US, 1990 dag! used for expressing surprise US, 1987 dagdom noun the notional realm of dags AUSTRALIA, 1990 dage noun a foreigner, an immigrant. From DAGO (a foreigner, an immigrant, etc.) AUSTRALIA, 1955 Dagenham dustbin noun a Ford car. Citizens’ band radio slang. Dagenham in Essex is the best-known as the major manufacturing base for Ford cars UK, 1981 dagga noun 1 marijuana. Dagga is the common name in South Africa for a relatively non-toxic herb (genus: Leonotis. varieties: Cape, red and wilde) which is smoked like tobacco; however, for a slang user one herb predominates SOUTH AFRICA, 1955. 2 a marijuana cigarette US, 1955 dagga rooker noun a marijuana smoker. Combines DAGGA with Afrikaans rooker (a smoker). In respectable circles a ‘dagga rooker’ is recorded as ‘a scoundrel; a wastrel’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1998 dagger noun a lesbian. An abbreviation of the full BULLDAGGER US, 1980 dagger of desire noun the erect penis. Jocular UK, 2003 daggers noun < thr ow daggers; give the daggers to look angrily at someone. Variations of the conventional form ‘look daggers’ UK, 2002 daggily adv erb in a daggy manner AUS TRALIA, 1972 dagginess noun the state of being daggy AUSTRALIA, 1990 daggy adjective 1 unfashionable; uncool AUSTRALIA, 1981. 2 (of clothes, personal appearance, etc.) dirty, filthy AUSTRALIA, 1967. 3 cheap or trashy looking in a sexually promiscuous way US, 1997. 4 (of sheep) having dags; (of wool) soiled with excrement AUSTRALIA, 1895 dago noun 1 an Italian or Italian-American. A slur, originally applied to Spaniards, then to Spaniards, Portuguese and Italians, and now only to Italians US, 1857. 2 any foreigner. Liverpool use UK, 1968. 3 in hot rodding, a dropped front axle, especially on older Fords US, 1965 Dago nickname San Diego, California US, 1931. < the Dago Frank Sinatra, American singer (1915–1998) US, 1963 dago adjective foreign AUSTRALIA, 1900 dago bomb noun a type of firework US, 1960 dago red noun inexpensive, inferior red wine US, 1906 dagotown noun a neighbourhood dominated by Italian-Americans US, 1960 Dagwood noun a large and elaborate sandwich. Named after the sandwiches made by the Dagwood Bumstead character in the Blondie comic strip US, 1948 Dagwood dog noun a deep-fried battered frankfurter on a stick AUSTRALIA, 2003 daikon legs noun short, pale and fat legs. Hawaiian youth usage. The ‘daikon’ is also known as an Asian, Oriental or Chinese radish; it is stubby and white US, 1981 dailies noun film scenes filmed one day, rush processed and delivered for viewing by the director and others the same or next day US, 1970s daily noun a regular (daily) bet with a bookmaker UK, 1984 daily-daily noun during the Vietnam war, anti-malaria pills taken daily, in addition to a second medication taken once a week US, 1982 daily double noun in poker, two consecutive winning hands. A borrowing from horse racing US, 1996 daily dozen noun physical exercises, performed on rising; hence, a limited group (or the measure thereof) of anything (voluntarily) experienced on a daily basis. It is unlikely that the ‘dozen’ was ever a precise sum UK, 1919 Daily Express noun a dress. Rhyming slang, formed on the title of a leading national newspaper UK, 1992 Daily Express verb to dress. Rhyming slang, formed on the title of a leading national newspaper UK, 1992 Daily Getsmuchworse nickname the Daily Express. Coined in the 1970s by satirical magazine Private Eye UK, 1975 Daily Liar nickname the Daily Mail. Jocular UK, 1984 Daily Mail; daily noun 1 a tail; hence, rectum, arse. Rhyming slang, based on the title of a major newspaper UK, 1956. 2 a tale, especially ‘glib patter’ or the story told by an informer; a confidence- trickster’s patter. Rhyming slang, formed on the title of a leading national newspaper UK, 1960. 3 a prostitute; a sexually available woman. Rhyming slang for TAIL (a woman objectified sexually) or BRASS NAIL (a prostitute), formed on the title of a leading national newspaper UK, 1977. 4 bail. Rhyming slang, formed on the title of a leading national newspaper UK, 1977. 5 a nail. Rhyming slang, formed on the title of a leading national newspaper; used by carpenters UK, 1961. 6 ale. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 Daily-Tell-the-Tale nickname the Daily Mail UK, 1960 Daily Torygraph nickname the Daily Telegraph. From the paper’s political bias UK, 2003 dainties noun underwear, especially women’s underwear worn by transvestites US, 1972 dairy; dairies noun the female breast(s). Elaborated as ‘dairy arrangements’ in 1923; most later use tends towards ‘dairy’ for ‘a breast’, with ‘dairies’ as a natural plural; however, ‘dairy’ is orig- inally recorded as both singular and plural (in the context of a single female); it is current in the plural sense in Scamto (urban youth slang in South African townships) UK, 2005. < the dairy the best. A play on conventional ‘cream’ UK, 2003 dairy box noun a sexually transmitted infection. Rhyming slang, formed on a branded chocolate assortment manufactured by Nestlé UK, 1992 daisy noun 1 an excellent thing or person US, 1757. 2 an attractive young woman US, 1876. 3 a male homosexual. Often used in Peter O’Donnell’s Modesty Blaise stories, 1962–2001 US, 1944 daisy bell! hell! Rhyming slang, formed on the name of a music hall song (‘Daisy Bell’ also known as ‘A Bicycle Made for Two’, by Harry Dacre, 1892) UK, 1992 daisy chain noun 1 a group of people, arranged roughly in a circle, in which each person is both actively and passively engaged in oral, anal, or vaginal sex with the person in front of and behind them in the circle. A term that is much more common than the practice US, 1927. 2 an abstract grouping of people who have had sex with the same person at different times US, 1990 . 3 figuratively and by extension, a series of events that return to the beginning US, 1954. 4 in computing, a network architecture in which a single cable connects all nodes US, 1995. 5 a confidence swindle where funds from successive victims are used to keep the swindle alive with the earlier victims US, 1985. 6 a series of (Claymore) mines attached to each other and rigged for sequential detonation. From the general appearance UK, 1950 daft and barmy | daisy chain 184 . 1859 cut along verb to depart. Often as an imperative UK, 1902 cut and carried adjective married. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 cut and paste noun cosmetic surgery US, 1997 cut and paste verb to open. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 cut and shut adjective used to describe a secondhand car that has been illegally contrived from the best parts of two damaged cars. Often hyphenated as a noun UK, 1968 cut and. as well as pejoratively. The present Hiberno- English pronunciation was common in England in C16 and C17, and lasted in common use into C19 IRELAND, 2001 cutemup noun a prison doctor US, 1962 cuter