round eye noun 1 the anus; by extension, a male homosexual who plays the passive role in anal sex US, 1950. 2 an American or European. From the Southeast Asian perspective, adopted by US soldiers in Vietnam to describe themselves US, 1960 round-eyed adjective American or European, Caucasian US, 1966 round file noun a wastebasket US, 1975 roundhead noun the circumcised penis. A visual joke, probably of Royal Navy origin, then polari, or juvenile UK, 2002 roundheel noun a woman who is easily talked into sexual relations. Boxing slang from the 1920s for a poor fighter – a ‘push-over’ – applied later to women of easy virtue US, 1943 round-heeled adjective easily seduced US, 1957 round heels noun a promiscuous or sexually compliant woman. Derogatory; from the anatomical notion that a woman with round heels is more easily put on her back US, 1926 roundhouse noun a punch that swings round to hit your opponent side-on US, 1920 roundie; roundy noun a factory-made cigarette. Prison usage NEW ZEALAND , 1948 round of drinks noun a small bet relative to the bettor’s wealth AUSTRALIA, 1989 round robin noun 1 a story begun by one writer and completed by another or multiple writers US, 1982. 2 a wager of ten conditional bets on three selections UK, 2001 round robin shift noun a work schedule in which the worker rotates between several different shifts US, 1984 rounds noun an ejaculation BAHAMAS, 1982 round sound noun a fashionable, current song. ‘Round’ means nothing, but contrasts with SQUARE US, 1955 roundtable noun in organised crime, a meeting of leaders convened to discuss and decide with finality pressing business issues US, 1975 round the bend; around the bend adjective mad, crazy; eccentric. Probably a naval coinage, widespread by the mid-C20 UK, 1929 round-the-clock noun an elaborate conditional wager on a mini- mum of three selections UK, 2001 round the houses; round me’s; rounds; rounders noun trousers. Rhyming slang on the Cockney pronunciation of ‘trousers’. The abbreviation ‘round me’s’ suggests a variation as ‘round me houses’ – this is not so. In the US the abbreviation ‘rounds’ was not recorded until 1944 UK, 1857 round the twist adjective crazy. A variation of ROUND THE BEND UK, 1960 round-up noun in college, a notification of academic deficiency US, 1968 roundy-round adjective used of a motor race track or course oval US, 1993 rouse verb < rouse on to castigate someone verbally AUSTRALIA, 1896 rouseabout verb a general assistant on a rural property. Hence, also, any general assistant AUSTRALIA, 1881 roust verb 1 to harass someone, especially when done deliberately by the police or other authorities UK, 1995. 2 to upbraid someone AUSTRALIA, 1916 roustabout noun 1 in oil drilling, an unskilled oil field worker US, 1948. 2 a general assistant on a rural property. Variant of ROUSEABOUT AUSTRALIA , 1940 rouster noun a rough and ready western Canadian man. This expression is likely derived from ROUSTABOUT (an oil field worker), but adapted to describe any rough-hewn male CANADA, 1987 rousting noun 1 a vigorous act of sexual intercourse UK, 1999. 2 an act of deliberate (police) harassment UK, 1980 rout noun a wild, rowdy party US, 1968 8see: ROTE router noun in horse racing, a horse that performs well in longer races US, 1965 rover noun in a casino, a gambler who moves from game to game, never staying at any one game very long US, 1987 row noun < go for a row to get into trouble AUSTRALIA, 1965 row verb to fight; to battle. An exaggeration of the sense as ‘to argue’ UK, 1999. < row down the red river to experience the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 2001 rowbottom noun a student disturbance, started in fun but not always ending as such. Specific to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, claimed to have been named for J.T. Rowbottom, a rowdy member of Penn’s Class of 1913 US, 1940 row dog noun in prison, another prisoner whose cell is on the same tier US, 1995 rowdy noun a person who inhales glue for the psychoactive effect US, 1971 rowdy dowdy noun in pickpocketing, the seemingly accidental jostling of victims or potential victims by members of the gang US, 1962 rowed out adjective excluded UK, 2000 rower noun an argument UK, 1996 rowers’ revenge noun the ritual of throwing the coxswain into the water after a rowing team wins an event US, 2001 row in verb to implicate someone in a crime UK, 1970 row out verb 1 to contrive the innocence of someone in relation to a particular crime UK, 1970. 2 to distance yourself from something or someone UK, 1974 rox noun crack cocaine. A phonetic play on ROCK(S) US, 1994 Roxanne noun cocaine; crack cocaine. A ROCK personification US, 1994 Roy noun a refined and cultured Australian male. Counterpart to the ALF AUSTRALIA, 1960 royal adjective effeminately homosexual. ‘Queenly’ UK, 2002 royal blue noun a blue tablet variety of LSD US, 1971 ro yal crown noun a British Leyland ‘Princess’ car UK, 1981 Royal Docks noun syphilis; hence any sexually transmitted infection; hence an irritated condition. Rhyming slang for POX UK, 1992 royally adverb greatly, extremely US, 2002 royal mail; royal noun bail. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 Royal Navy noun gravy. Rhyming slang. Presumably served in a ‘Royal Navy boat’ UK, 1992 Royal Navy situation noun a need for money. A pun on SUB (a loan) UK, 1994 ro yal shaft noun monumental mistreatment US, 1983 royal temple ball noun hashish and LSD formed into a ball US, 1978 royal wedding noun in hold ’em poker, a king and queen, especially of diamonds US, 1996 Roy Castle noun the anus. Rhyming slang for ARSEHOLE, used here in its anatomical, non-figurative sense; formed from the name of the multi-talented entertainer, 1932–94 UK, 1998 Roy Rog ers noun building tradesmen who are not as skilled as may reasonably be expected. Rhyming slang on the plural form of BODGER. Formed on the name of a famous film cowboy, 1911–98, and thus a play on COWBOY (any tradesman who is unreliable, irresponsible and, perhaps, unqualified) UK, 1992 roz noun crack cocaine. Possibly a misspelling of ROX UK, 1998 rozzer; roz noun a police officer. Possibly from Yiddish khazer (a pig). ‘Roz’ is first recorded in 1971 UK, 1893 RPG noun a role-playing game US, 1986 RSN used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘real soon now’ US, 1995 RT A verb to return to Australia; to be returned to Australia AUSTRALIA, 1963 RT Aer noun a person returning to Australia after expeditioning in Antarctica. From RT A AUSTRALIA, 1996 RTFM read the fucking manual US, 1997 ru noun a member of the Piru youth gang US, 1994 rub verb < rub in; rub it in to emphasise something annoyingly; to continue to insist, especially in an unkindly or vexing manner 549 round eye | rub UK, 1870. < rub off on someone (of abstract qualitities, such as luck or enthusiasm) to transfer from one person to another US, 1959. < rub someone up the wrong way to annoy someone UK, 1862 . < rub someone’s nose in it to humiliate someone by reminding them of a mistake UK, 1963. < rub the magic lamp (of a male) to masturbate US, 2001 rub-a-dub; rub-a-dub-dub; rubberdy; rubbidy; rubba noun a public house. Rhyming slang for PUB; from the nursery rhyme ‘Rub-a-dub-dub, / Three men in a tub’ UK, 1932 rub-a-dub-dubs nickname HMP Wormwood Scrubs (a prison in north London). Rhyming slang, in current prison use February 2002 UK, 2002 rubber noun 1 a condom. The most common, and almost only, slang term for a condom in the US US, 1947. 2 balloons US, 1966. 3 collectively, a car’s tyres. A car might be said to have ‘good rubber’ US, 1882. 4 acarUS, 1964. 5 a rubber bullet US, 1982. < burn rubber to spin a car’s wheels in a fast start, leaving rubber tracks on the road US, 1957. < chirp rubber to shift gears in a car in a manner that produces a chirping sound of tyre meeting road US, 1965 . < on rubber driving a car US, 1945. < peel rubber to spin a car’s wheels in a fast start, leaving rubber tracks on the road US, 1971 rubber adjective used of a cheque, unfunded. A back-formation from the metaphor of an unfunded cheque bouncing US, 1991 rubber and rocks noun bacon and eggs. Collected during an extensive survey of New Zealand prison slang, 1996–2000 NEW ZEALAND , 2000 rubber arms noun the sensation experienced by a surfer paddling into a large wave that might be a little larger than the surfer cares to tackle US, 1964 rubberband noun a vehicle manufactured by DAF. Citizens’ band radio slang; a slur on DAF technology UK, 1981 rubber bitch noun the inflatable rubber air mattress given to US troops in the field in Vietnam US, 1991 rubber bum noun a derelict hitchhiker CANADA, 1961 rubber cheque; rubber kite noun a worthless cheque. An unfunded cheque bounces back from the bank US, 1931 rubber chicken circuit noun the tour made by an after-dinner speaker, with reference to tough chicken as the usual main course CANADA, 1959 rubber cow noun in circus usage, an elephant, male or female US, 1981 rubber duck noun 1 a trifle; something of no value. Rhyming slang for FUCK UK, 1992. 2 an inflatable rubber dinghy SOUTH AFRICA, 1986 rubber ducker noun a rubber duck (an inflatable rubber dinghy) enthusiast SOUTH AFRICA, 1994 rubber duckie noun a short, flexible, rubber-coated vehicle-mounted radio aerial. A jokey reference to ‘Rubber Duck’ as referring to the HANDLE (a citizens’ band radio identity) of the hero of the film Convoy, 1975 UK, 1981 rubbered adjective drunk UK, 2002 rubber heels; rubber heelers noun the Metropolitan Police internal affairs division at New Scotland Yard. From the silence and secrecy of its methods UK, 1964 rubber johnny; rubber johnnie; rubber johney noun acondom. An elaboration of JOHNNY UK, 1980 rubber lip noun a citizens’ band radio user who monopolises conversation US, 1976 rubber man noun in circus and carnival usage, a balloon seller US, 1981 rubberneck verb to stare with undue interest US, 1896 rubberneck bus noun a tour bus US, 1958 rubberneck car noun on the railways, an observation carriage US, 1946 rubbernecker; rubberneck noun a person who stares with curiousity, especially a motorist who slows to view an accident US, 1934 rubber numbers noun very approximate statistics US, 2003 rubbers noun 1 a wet suit; a garment made of rubber or synthetic neoprene worn next to the skin while in cold water CANADA, 1977. 2 sneakers, trainers VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH, 1996 rubber vag noun in circus and carnival usage, someone who lives in a mobile trailer US, 1981 rubber walls adjective crazy. In gay use, especially in the phrase ‘I’ll go rubber walls’ US, 1972 rubbins; rubbings noun rubbing alcohol. A drink of desperation US, 1980 rubbish noun 1 anything of poor quality or little or no worth; nonsense. From the sense as ‘refuse’ UK, 1601. 2 a contemptible person or persons SOUTH AFRICA, 1941 rubbish verb to criticise someone or something unfavourably; to disparage someone or something; to discard someone or something AUSTRALIA, 1953 rubbish adjective bad; inferior UK, 2001 rubbisher noun a person given to detraction AUSTRALIA, 1972 rubbishing noun an act of denigration. From RUBBISH (little or no worth) AUSTRALIA, 1971 rubbishy adjective of inferior quality UK, 1824 rubbity-dub; rubbity; rubbitty; rubbidy noun a public hotel. Rhyming slang for PUB AUSTRALIA, 1898 rubby noun a derelict who drinks rubbing alcohol. The word is not to be confused with ‘rummy’ US, 1962 rubby-dub noun an ignorant soldier from a rural mountain area, a poor candidate to be a good soldier US, 1946 rub down noun a cursory search of a prisoner by running hands over clothes and body UK, 1887 rub down verb to search a prisoner UK, 1887 rube; reub noun an unsophisticated, naive, inexperienced person. From the older, UK ‘reuben’ (a country bumpkin) US, 1896 rubia de la costa; rubia noun a light-coloured marijuana originat- ing in Columbia. Directly from Spanish, rubia (fair-haired) is used by the Spanish to describe Virginian tobacco, plus de la costa (of the coast) US, 1976 rubies noun the lips US, 1947 Rubik’s cubes; rubik’s noun pubic hair. Rhyming slang for PUBES, formed from a puzzling toy UK, 2003 rub joint noun a dance hall where men can, for a small price, dance intimately with women US, 1981 rub ’n’ tug noun a massage that includes masturbation US, 2000 rub of the brush noun a beverage made from the remnants of drinks in a bar US, 1950 rub-out noun a killing US, 1927 rub out verb 1 to kill someone US, 1848. 2 to disqualify a competitor AUSTRALIA, 1902 rub up verb to assault someone US, 1952 rubyfruit noun the vagina US, 1982 Ruby Murray; ruby noun a curry. Rhyming slang, based on popular singer Ruby Murray, 1935–96. In Cardiff, a local variant is Don Murray, named after the Cardiff City footballer UK, 1992 ruby rose; ruby noun the nose. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 ruck noun 1 a heated argument; a fight. Possibly derives from obsolete ‘rux’ (bad temper, anger, passion, noise) or conventional ‘ruckus’ UK, 1958. 2 a rucksack or backpack US, 1982 ruck verb 1 to fight, especially as part of a gang UK, 1999. 2 to masturbate. Prison slang UK, 1974 ruck and row; ruck noun a cow, especially in the sense a contemptible woman. Rhyming slang, formed from a combination of RUCK (a fight) and ‘row’ (a disturbance, a violent quarrel) UK, 1992 rucker noun 1 afighterUK, 1968. 2 a customer given to complaining and making a fuss. A barely euphemistic variation of FUCKER,poss- ibly influenced by ‘ruckus’. Used by second-hand car dealers UK, 1968 rub-a-dub; rub-a-dub-dub; rubberdy; rubbidy; rubba | rucker 550 rucking noun a severe reprimand. Mostly in prison use UK, 1958 ruck up verb to pick up your rucksack and other combat gear and proceed with a march. Used as a modernised SADDLE UP, which has definite overtones of cavalry days US, 1990 ruckus juice noun strong, homemade whisky US, 1999 ruco noun a boyfriend or husband. Border Spanish used in English conversation by Mexican-Americans; also used in the feminine ‘ruca‘ (a girlfriend or wife) US, 1950 ruction noun a disturbance; agitation; disorderly behaviour UK, 1890 ruddy adjective used as an intensifier. A rhyming euphemism for BLOODY that also puns on the colour red UK, 1914 ruddy well adverb certainly, definitely UK, 1933 rude noun a youth who steals by mugging. Adapted from RUDE BOY (a Jamaican youth/gangster) UK, 2002. < in the rude naked. Light- hearted rhyming euphemism for ‘in the nude’ UK, 1974 rude adjective 1 sexual; sexy. Upper-class society use. Not to be confused with IN THE RUDE (naked); one condition does not necess- arily lead to the next UK, 1982. 2 attractive UK, 2003. 3 intense; superior. Collected from fans of heavy metal music US, 1995. 4 used of a computer program, poorly designed US, 1983 rude!; rudeness!; how rude!; how rudeness! used for suggesting that the speaker has crossed an etiquette line that is better not breached US, 1989 rude bits noun genitals AUSTRALIA, 1994 rude boy; rude bwoy; rudebwai; rudie noun a Jamaican youth associated with gang activities. West Indian and UK black patois JAMAICA, 1967 rudeness noun sex TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1973 rude parts noun the most obvious erogenous zones: male and female genitals and posteriors, and female breasts. Upper-class society use; combines RUDE (sexual) with ‘private parts’ UK, 1982 ruderalis skunk noun an extremely potent hydroponic marijuana which is a hybrid of ruderalis (a variety of marijuana from Russia) and skunk UK, 1999 rudery noun rudeness, impolite or risqué speech or conversation; sexually implicit or explicit gestures or behaviour UK, 1932 Rudolph Hess; rudolph noun a mess (a failure). Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the high-ranking Nazi officer, 1894–1987 UK, 1998 ruff noun a twenty-five cent piece US, 1945 ruff adjective acceptable, good, cool US, 1985 ruffie noun Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known as the ‘date-rape drug’ US, 1995 ruffle noun the passive participant in lesbian sex or a lesbian relationship US, 1970 ruffneck noun a male or female gangster; a non-conformist or rebellious youth;. A misspelling of ‘roughneck’ (a thug). West Indian and UK black use into the US via hip-hop culture UK, 1994 ruff-puff noun a South Vietnamese local defence force. RFs were regional forces, PFs were platoon-size village forces. Quick American minds took RF with PF to form ‘ruff-puff’ US, 1977 rug noun 1 a hairpiece, especially a poorly executed one US, 1940. 2 pubic hair, especially on a female US, 1964. 3 in horse racing, a heavy horse blanket US, 1976 rugby ball noun a capsule of Temazepam™, a branded tranquillizer. From the shape UK, 1990s rug-cutter noun a great time US, 1951 rug-eater noun a lesbian US, 1997 rugger bugger noun an enthusiastic sportsman whose character is formed by the aggressive pursuit of masculinity and frequently demonstrated by his boorish behaviour and drunken socialising. From ‘rugger’ (rugby football) but encompassing a wider field of endeavours SOUTH AFRICA, 1970 rug joint noun a well-appointed, even luxurious gambling operation US, 1964 rug munch noun an instance of oral sex on a woman US, 1995 rug-muncher noun a lesbian. From the image of oral sex as ‘munching a hairpiece’ US, 1997 rug out verb to endure a difficult situation. An awkward attempt to render ‘rugged’ as a verb US, 2002 rug rat noun a young child. A bit derisive US, 1970 rug up verb in horse racing, to cover the horse with a blanket after a workout or race UK, 1948 ruined adjective drunk UK, 2002 rule noun < on the rule of a prisoner, segregated from the general prison population for that prisoner’s protection. A reference to rule 43 which is, according to HM Prison Service in 2003: ‘A now defunct rule that allowed the segregation of prisoners’ UK, 2000 rule verb used as an expression of supremacy for the preceding collective or plural noun(s) US, 1968 rule forty-three; rule 43; the rule noun in prison, a sex offender, or other prisoner, kept apart from the main prison community for ‘safety of self or others’ UK, 1996 rule of five noun a piece of (unofficial) medical lore: if more than five orifices are obscured by plastic tubing then a patient’s con- dition is critical UK, 2002 rum noun 1 an unsophisticated, unaware person US, 1972. 2 a prisoner deemed inferior or too odd by other prisoners US, 1972. 3 a drunkard US, 1960 rum adjective strange; eccentric; disreputable; questionable UK, 1774 rumble noun 1 a fight, especially between teenage gangs US, 1948. 2 a wild party US, 1968 . 3 a difficult encounter with law enforcement US, 1972. 4 a concerted police search for narcotics US, 1958 rumble verb 1 to fight US, 1946. 2 in circus and carnival usage, to spoil something US, 1981. 3 to come to an understanding or realisation of something that has been concealed UK, 1886 Rumble in the Jungle nickname the October 1974 heavyweight championship fight between Muhammed Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, in which Ali knocked Foreman out in the 8th round US, 1974 rumbleseat noun a truck that is not equipped with a citizens’ band radio following a truck that is US, 1976 rumble-tumble noun scrambled eggs. Originally military UK, 2003 rum blossom noun a red welt produced from excessive consumption of alcohol US, 1976 rum boy noun a drunk BAHAMAS, 1982 rum, bum and bacca; rum, bum and baccy noun the mythic three graces of a sailor’s life. A (presumed) later variation of ‘beer, bum and bacca’. Rum, Bum and Concertina, a pun on ‘wine, women and song’, is the title of the second part of George Melly’s autobiography published in 1977. In 1992, the Pogues, reflecting an earlier view of naval life, released an album entitled Rum, Sodomy and the Lash UK, 1973 rumdum; rum-dumb noun a drunk US, 1891 rumdummed adjective extremely drunk US, 1891 rum goblet; rum goggles noun a large Adam’s apple TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 2003 rummy noun an alcoholic US, 1851 rummy adjective 1 prone to drink too much, if not alcoholic US, 1834. 2 poor; inferior; bad US, 1947 rumoured adjective married. English gypsy use, from Romany romer (to marry) UK, 2000 rump verb to cheat someone UK, 1998 rump bump noun in a sexual dance, a pelvic thrust that emphasises the buttocks moving backwards US, 1956 rumper noun in hot rodding, a powerful engine US, 1965 rumpo noun sexual intercourse. Possibly influenced by (or vice versa) Rambling Syd Rumpo, an innuendo-laden character played by Kenneth Williams in Round the Horne, BBC radio, 1965–69 UK, 1986 551 rucking | rumpo rump-ordained adjective used for describing a preacher who has no formal theological training or denominational affiliation US, 1974 rumpty adjective in poor repair; below standard NEW ZEALAND, 1995 rumpty pumpty; rumpty noun intimate sexual activity. A variation of RUMPY-PUMPY with a nursery rhyme feel thanks to Humpty Dumpty UK, 1998 rumpus noun a brawl; a riot UK, 1764 rumpy-pumpy noun sexual intercourse UK, 1983 rum-runner noun an importer, transporter and/or purveyor of illegal alcohol, especially rum US, 1920 rum-sucker noun a heavy drinker TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1845 rumty noun an admirable or excellent person or thing NEW ZEALAND, 1998 rum’un; rumun; rumin noun especially in Tasmania, an eccentric person; a character; a scallywag AUSTRALIA, 1967 run noun 1 a group motorcyle excursion US, 1966. 2 aperiodof extended amphetamine use US, 1967. < on the run escaping from justice; being a fugitive UK, 1887 run verb 1 to associate; to socialise US, 1946. 2 to smuggle something UK, 1706. < run a pot in poker, to make a sustained, pre-planned bluff on a hand US, 1967. < run blues to use blue lights in a car’s tail lights US, 1985. < run hot to drive with sirens and flashing lights activated US, 2002. < run like a hairy goat (of a racehorse) to run poorly in a race AUSTRALIA, 1941. < run rings round someone to defeat someone with absolute ease UK, 1891. < run speed limit to do something with great speed. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982. < run to seed with age or lack of care, to become ill-kempt, shabby or undesirable. The imagery of the garden UK, 1837. < run your mouth to talk too much US, 1977. < run your neck to make threats or boasts which you are not prepared to back up with actions US, 2001 runabout noun asmallcarUK, 1900 run along verb to depart; often used as a gentle imperative UK, 1902 run-around noun < give someone the run-around; get the run-around to treat someone, or be treated, with contempt, or so as to serve a mere whim; to cause someone trouble, or be caused trouble US, 1924 run, chicken, run noun the Royal Canadian Regiment. Formed from the initials RCR. Note that ‘chicken’ does not insinuate cowardice. Rather this insult alludes to a story which alleges that a member of the regiment was found, in flagrante delicto, with a chicken. Members of the RCR counter that he was a cook CANADA, 1995 rundown noun a complete explanation US, 1969 runes noun in computing, any esoteric display character or computer language US, 1991 run-fast noun on the railways, oil US, 1946 rung-in adjective substituted; phoney AUSTRALIA, 1969 run-in noun 1 an argumentative or violent encounter UK, 1999. 2 a concealed location used by criminals for the division or transfer of recently stolen goods UK, 1959 run in verb to arrest someone US, 1973 run, Johnny, run noun inexpensive loose cigarette tobacco. Formed from the initials of the R.J. Reynolds tobacco company US, 1962 run letter noun a final deportation letter from the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service US, 2002 runner noun 1 in an illegal betting operation, a person who physically collects and pays off bets placed with sheet writers US, 1947. 2 a prison inmate who collects dues for a baron (a powerful criminal whose influence is built on illegal trading) UK, 1978. 3 someone who carries illegal drugs between dealer and purchaser US, 1972. 4 a clerk or collector for a street bookmaker UK, 1934. 5 somebody sent to buy alcohol for others US, 1963. 6 in the television and film industries, an errand-running production assist- ant US, 1990. 7 a deserter from the armed services; an escapee from prison or borstal UK, 1959. 8 in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, a fan who queues before a show and then quickly claims space for friends who will follow US, 1994. < do a runner to escape by running away; to abscond; to leave hastily UK, 1981 runner and rider noun cider. Rhyming slang, from the vocabulary of horse racing UK, 1992 runners noun 1 sneakers, trainers AUSTRALIA, 1988. 2 any shoes US, 1995. < the runners diarrhoea US, 1948 running noun 1 diarrhoea BAHAMAS, 1982. 2 MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1998 running buddy noun a close friend and confederate in crime US, 1970 running dog noun a servant of the ruling class, subservient to counter-revolutionary powers. From Chinese communist terminology originally applied to the Kuomintang US, 1937 running partner noun a close friend joined for criminal and social activities US, 1965 runnings noun 1 diarrhoea ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, 1996. 2 a sexually transmitted infection with discharge TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003. 3 whatever is happening or is planned to happen UK, 1994 run-off noun a prostitute who has attempted to break off from her pimp US, 1993 run of outs noun a succession of losses or failures AUSTRALIA, 1953 run-out noun a well-worn tyre US, 1961 run out verb < run out of road to fail to keep control of a motor vehicle, especially on a bend, and consequently be involved in an accident UK, 1981. < run out of steam to lose vigour UK, 1961 run-out powder noun the departure of a gambler who has not paid off his gambling debts US, 1979 run-over days noun the first three days of the bleed period of the menstrual cycle BAHAMAS, 1982 runs noun a sexually transmitted infection with discharge TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1951. < the runs a case of diarrhoea US, 1962 Runs Empty Only noun a truck manufactured by REO. A back-form- ation US, 1971 runt noun 1 in circus and carnival usage, a dwarf or midget US, 1980. 2 in poker, a pairless hand US, 1963 runts and cunts noun used for expressing disapproval of the com- position of the US armed forces in the decades after Vietnam US, 1993 runty adjective delicate; sickly IRELAND, 1989 runway noun a generous dose of powdered cocaine arranged in a line for snorting. A clever play on a conventional ‘runway’, (a long straight path used to achieve lift-off) UK, 1999 run-what-you-brung noun a drag race between amateur drivers driving their own cars US, 1970 ruof; rofe; roaf; rouf noun four. Back slang UK, 1863 rupert noun 1 an army officer; any young upper-class type. A generic based on the perception that Rupert is a popular name in ‘quality’ families, but note another military use of ‘rupert’ as ‘the penis’. Current usage seems to date from the 1970s UK, 1996. 2 the penis. Military; possibly related to the sense as officer UK, 1961 ruptured duck noun the US armed forces insignia designating honourable discharge US, 1946 rush noun 1 a sudden and powerful sense of euphoria or energy. Figurative use of the drug term US, 1971. 2 the sudden onset of drug intoxication US, 1966. 3 amyl, butyl or isobutyl nitrite. From the sudden effects of the drug UK, 1996. 4 cocaine UK, 2003. 5 in poker, an unusual streak of good cards US, 1982 rush verb 1 to charge an amount of money UK, 1887. 2 to charge for goods or services, especially to overcharge or cheat UK, 1887. 3 to be infatuated with someone BARBADOS, 1965. 4 to make sexual advances TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1934. < rush the knocks in drug sales, to ignore the order of customers and make a sale US, 2002 rush-and-snatch job noun a search and rescue mission without the complications of enemy fire US, 1991 Rushina noun in homosexual usage, a personification of amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite. From RUSH, a popular name for amyl nitrite US, 1980 rump-ordained | Rushina 552 rushy adjective descriptive of an energetic and euphoric reaction to MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 1997 Russell Crowe noun an attack. Rhyming slang for GO,formedfrom the name of the notoriously pugnacious New Zealand-born film actor (b.1964) UK, 2003 Russell Harty noun a party. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the television presenter (1934–88) UK, 1992 Russian boots noun leg irons US, 1949 Russian duck noun an act of sexual intercourse. Rhyming slang for FUCK UK, 1992 Russian jack noun a homemade alcoholic beverage made from sugar, yeast, water and flavouring FIJI, 1984 Russian roast noun a sexual act in which a woman performs oral sex on a man who is, at the same time, being sodomised by another man UK, 2004 Russian roulette noun LSD UK, 1996 Russki adjective Russian UK, 1859 Russki; Russky; Rusky noun a Russian UK, 1858 rust noun faecal stains in the underwear or on a toilet bowl CANADA, 2002 rust belt noun the northern central US, highly industrialised prior to the economic decline in the US in the 1980s US, 1987 rust bucket noun an old, dilapidated vehicle AUSTRALIA, 1965 rustle up verb to obtain something; to organise the supply of something US, 1891 rusty adjective of a skill, having deteriorated as a result of lack of practice UK, 1796 rusty bullet wound; rusty bullet hole; rusty sheriff’s badge; rusty washer noun the anus. ‘Rusty’ (brown, the colour associated with the anus) plus a visual metaphor UK, 1997 rusty dusty noun the buttocks US, 1942 rusty fuck noun a notional object of no value whatsoever US, 1969 rusty trombone noun a sexual technique in which a man receives oral stimulation of his anus and manual stimulation of his penis at the same time and from the same person. Imagery which becomes apparent if you picture the penis as a trombone’s slide and the anus as its mouthpiece US, 2002 Ruud Gullit noun dismissal from employment. Rhyming slang for BULLET, formed from the name of the Dutch footballer (b.1962) when he was given ‘the bullet’ as player-manager of Chelsea football club in 1998 UK, 1998 RV; r.v . noun a recreational vehicle or large motor home US, 1967 Ryan Giggs noun lodgings. Rhyming slang for DIGS,formedfromthe name of the Welsh footballer (b.1973) UK, 1998 553 rushy | Ryan Giggs Ss s- prefix it’s, especially preceding a word spelt with an ’n’, such as not snot and nice snice. A slovening that allows the childish to say SNOT UK, 1917 Sa noun a Samoan NEW ZEALAND, 1992 sab verb to act as a hunt saboteur UK, 1996 saccharine lips noun a glib talker. Not quite as glib as ‘sugar’ AUSTRALIA, 1989 sachie noun Versace™ clothing US, 1998 sack noun 1 a bed. Probably related to the C19 sailor’s use of ‘sack’ as a ‘hammock’ US, 1942. 2 a bag of heroin; hence, heroin UK, 1998. 3 the scrotum. Originally dialect UK, 1928. 4 courage. A testicular reference US, 1984. 5 a coat or jacket US, 1972. < in the sack used for suggesting sexual activity. Literally ‘in bed’ US, 1995. < the sack dismissal from employment UK, 1841 sack verb 1 to dismiss someone from employment; to jilt someone UK, 1841. 2 to abruptly stop any activity UK, 2001. 3 to dispose of something UK, 2001. 4 to sleep; to spend the night US, 1966. < sack it to receive an accidental blow to the scrotum UK, 2000 sack, back and crack noun a treatment for removing a man’s body hair by waxing it and stripping it off UK, 2003 sack drill noun sleep US, 1963 sack duty noun sleep US, 1963 sack hound noun a lazy person, overly fond of sleep US, 1959 sack off verb to reject something UK, 2002 sack of garbage noun in bar dice games, a roll that produces no points for the player US, 1971 sack of sauce noun a used condom US, 1997 sack of shit noun used abusively of an unpleasant person. A con- ventional ‘sack’ full of SHIT (excrement); probably a revision of SAD SACK OF SHIT US , 2001 sack out verb to go to bed US, 1946 sack rat noun a lazy person, overly fond of sleep US, 1947 sack ship noun a big ship used to carry supplies from Europe to the East Coast fisheries CANADA, 1965 sack weather noun inclement weather during which air missions cannot be flown US, 1949 sacky dacky noun a depressed misfit US, 1946 sacrament noun LSD. An arguably pretentious euphemism US, 1990 sacré bleu! used for registering shock, frustration, anger, anguish, etc; especially in a context of Frenchness. Directly from the French euphemism sacré Dieu! (sacred God!) UK, 1869 sacred adjective excellent US, 1991 sacred cow; sacred ox noun on the railways, an extra engine used on a mountain US, 1977 sacred site noun a place one holds in reverence. From the meaning as ‘a place sacred to Australian Aboriginals’ AUSTRALIA, 1987 sad adjective terrible US, 1945 sad and sorry noun a lorry. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 sad-ass; sad-assed adjective contemptible US, 1971 sad bastard noun a contemptible person; an ineffectual person UK, 2003 Saddam Hussein noun a pain; an irritation; an annoying person. Rhyming slang for conventional ‘pain’, also on a shortened PAIN IN THE ASS/AR SE ; formed, with all due respect, from the name of the former Iraqi leader UK, 1998 sad day! used for expressing commiseration with another person’s troubles US, 1989 saddle noun 1 in trucking, the driver’s seat US, 1971. 2 in a group of trucks travelling down the motorway together, the truck in the middle US, 1976. 3 a two-part bet in an illegal numbers gambling lottery US, 1949. < in the saddle 1 engaged in sexual intercourse. The term enjoyed widespread popularity in the US during discussions of the 1979 death of former Vice President and New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller US, 1979. 2 in control US, 1950 saddle-fuck verb to have sex, the woman astride the prone man US, 1972 saddler noun a ride on a bicycle’s saddle while another person pedals UK, 1979 saddles noun the testicles hanging in the scrotum. Probably from JOHN WAYNE’S HAIRY SADDLE BAGS UK, 2004 saddle tramp noun 1 a person who rides horseback through the countryside US, 1942. 2 a motorcyle gang member US, 1989 saddle up verb 1 to pick up your gear and resume a combat patrol US, 1976. 2 to engage in mutual oral sex simultaneously US, 1985 saddo noun a pathetic or contemptible individual. Jocular if not derogatory UK, 2000 sadfuck noun a contemptible person UK, 1997 Sadie Masie noun sado-masochism. A jocular personification US, 1965 Sadie the Office Secretary noun used as a personification of the stereotypical female office worker US, 1953 Sadie Thompson verb to rape (a man) US, 1985 sad kecks noun a killjoy. Pejorative; conventional ‘sad’ combined with KECKS (trousers) UK, 1999 sadlands noun the suburbs of a city UK, 2002 sad-on noun a bad mood. Royal Navy slang UK, 1989 sad sack noun a miserable and depressing individual; an inept misfit. Originally US military US, 1942 sad sack of shit noun a miserable and depressing individual. Abbreviates as SAD SACK US, 1978 safe noun 1 the rectum. Referring to the rectum as a depository for drugs to be smuggled into prison US, 1992. 2 acondomUK, 1965. 3 in a pickpocketing team, the thief who takes the wallet or object stolen by the wire and leaves the scene with it US, 1954. < in the safe concealed in the anus UK, 1996 safe adjective 1 worthy of approval SOUTH AFRICA, 1970. 2 hopelessly out of style. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982. 3 all right; used as an expression of approval or agreement SOUTH AFRICA, 1981 safe and sound; safe noun the ground UK, 1992 safe house noun a room, apartment or house where it is safe to stay, work and hide from the authorities, rival criminals or rival spies US, 1963 safe screw noun a corrupt prison officer UK, 1996 safety noun 1 acondomUS, 1973. 2 a safety pin used for an improvised injection of an illegal drug US, 1952 safe word noun a code word, agreed between a sexual dominant and submissive masochistic partner, for use by the masochist as a signal that the current activity should stop US, 1987 safey noun in horse racing, a riding assignment for a jockey on a horse that stands little chance of winning AUSTRALIA, 1989 sag verb to wear trousers that are too big and which consequently ride very low on or below the hips US, 1991 saga lout noun an elderly person who behaves badly. Saga is a UK company that supplies a wide range of services to the over-50s; a pun on LAGER LOUT (a hooligan fuelled by lager) UK, 2004 sage noun a hybrid marijuana. An initialism of ‘Sativa Afghani gen- etic equilibrium’, contrived, perhaps, as a reference to the herb UK, 2003 saggie noun a central nervous system depressant such as Seconal™ US, 1960 sag off; sag verb to truant from school or work UK, 1959 Saigon cowboy noun a rear-echelon troop or civilian who dressed the part of a combat soldier but did not experience combat US, 1977 Saigon quickstep noun diarrhoea US, 1991 Saigon Suzie noun used for describing a stereotypical Vietnamese sex worker during the Vietnam war US, 1990 Saigon tea noun a whisky-coloured drink served to bar girls in Vietnam, passing for expensive whisky bought by US servicemen US, 1966 Saigon Tech noun the war in Vietnam; military service in Vietnam US, 1969 sailing adjective 1 drunk US, 1968. 2 marijuana-intoxicated US, 1993 sailor’s elbow noun an act of ending a relationship with a lover. An elaboration, perhaps a specialisation, of ELBOW (an act of dismissal) UK, 2003 sailors on the sea; sailors noun tea UK, 1961 saint noun an incorruptible prison officer or police officer UK, 1996 saint and sinner noun dinner. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 Saint Loo nickname St. Louis, Missouri US, 1961 Saint Moritz noun diarrhoea. Rhyming slang for THE SHITS,basedon the Swiss resort UK, 1998 Saint Peter noun thepenis.Perhapsbecausehe‘opensthegateto heaven’ UK, 2003 saints preserve us! used for expressing fear. A signature line of the chief of police on Batman (ABC, 1966–68), Chief O’Hara. Repeated with referential humour US, 1966 Saint Vitus dance verb to move in a fidgety, jerking manner UK, 1621 sais a ching noun in betting, odds of 6–5. A slurring of ‘six’ combined with CHING (five pounds) UK, 1991 sal noun a friend or pal BARBADOS, 1965 8see: SAL’TING sala noun an idiot. Adopted into hip-hop, urban usage from subtly insulting Hindi sala – the literal sense of which is ‘a man’s wife’s brother’; the abusive sense is ‘to someone who is not the speaker’s wife’s brother: the insult lies in the implication that the sister of the person abused is available to the speaker as a wife’ (Nigel Hankin, Hanklyn Janklyn, 2003) US, 2003 salad noun 1 marijuana US, 1997. 2 a mixture of two or more drugs US, 1970 salad bowl noun a serendipitous mixture of inferior (and, hence, uncommercial) bud and leaf remains of varying marijuana var- ieties UK, 2003 salad days noun a period of youthful inexperience and innocence UK, 1606 salad dodger noun a person who is overweight UK, 1999 salad parade noun a group of ballet dancers UK, 1952 salad toss noun any of several sexual practices involving oral-anal stimulation CANADA, 2002 salad wagon noun a dustcart US, 1962 salami noun the penis. The image of a large, dark sausage US, 2000 salaud noun a contemptible person, mainly applied to a French person. From French salaud, ultimately from French sale (dirty) UK, 1962 saleslady noun a prostitute US, 1962 salesman noun 1 a professional wrestler who does a good job of feigning pain, anger or fear US, 1999. 2 in gin, a card discarded to lure a desired card from an opponent US, 1965 Sally noun a chilled, twelve ounce can of beer US, 2002 Sally Army; Sally Ann; Sally noun the Salvation Army; a Salvation Army hostel US, 1915 Sally Gunnell; sally noun a tunnel, especially the Blackwall Tunnel. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of the British Olympic athlete (b.1966) UK, 1998 salmon noun a twenty-dollar note. From the orange-red colour AUSTRALIA, 1983 salmon and trout; salmon noun 1 tobacco; a cigarette. Rhyming slang for SNOUT UK, 1974. 2 gout. Rhyming slang. Sometimes varied as ‘salmon trout’ UK, 1932. 3 the nose. Rhyming slang for ‘snout’ UK, 1974. 4 an informer. Rhyming slang for SNOUT UK, 1992. 5 a ticket tout. Rhyming slang, originally applied to a racecourse tout UK, 1932. 6 stout (beer). Rhyming slang UK, 1960 salon noun a semi-private area created by shrubs and trees where homosexual liaisons take place. For example, Coco Chanel’s salon was found in a large grove of trees at Land’s End in San Francisco US, 1972 saloon noun 1 in poker, a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank and a pair. Known conventionally as a ‘full house’ US, 1988. 2 a brakevan (caboose) US, 1977 salt noun 1 a sailor, especially an experienced sailor. Often in the phrase ‘old salt’ UK, 1840. 2 an experienced veteran in any calling UK, 1970. 3 a woman. Possibly by extension from obsolete (mid-C17 to mid-C18) ‘salt’ (the sex act); possibly by abbreviation from obsolete (C19) ‘salt-cellar’ (the vagina); most likely of unknown etymology UK, 1969. 4 a drunkard BARBADOS, 1965. 5 heroin. From the appearance of the powdered drug US, 1971. 6 plain tobacco mixed with marijuana SOUTH AFRICA, 1946 salt verb 1 to make something appear to be worth more than it is. Originally mining slang US, 1852. 2 to swindle someone by baiting them US, 1950. 3 to plant or place something to be found US, 1981 salt and pepper noun 1 marijuana, especially if of poor quality; marijuana adulterated with oregano US, 1946. 2 apolicecar.From the black and white colour scheme of many police cars US, 1976 salt and pepper adjective white and black US, 1915 salt and rob noun assault and robbery SOUTH AFRICA, 1946 salt away verb to save money; to hide money and valuables UK, 1902 salt-banker noun a fishing boat on the Grand Banks carrying enough salt to preserve fish caught, allowing a longer stay on the water CANADA, 1961 salt beef noun an attractive woman married to someone else BAHAMAS, 1982 saltee; salter; salty; saulty noun a penny. From Italian soldi (money) UK, 1859 saltie noun a saltwater crocodile AUSTRALIA, 1951 sal’ting; saltfish; sal noun the vagina JAMAICA, 1991 salt junk; salted adjective drunk. Rhyming slang, from a military and nautical name for ‘salted beef’ UK, 1909 saltmine noun a workplace US, 1976 salt-rising adjective sourdough retained as leavening for future baking CA NADA, 1951 Salt River noun < go up Salt River to die US, 1945 salt shaker noun a road-gritting or -salting vehicle US, 1976 salt struck adjective of cod, dressed with enough salt to be pickled CANADA, 1957 salt water noun a US police officer born in Ireland US, 1982 saltwater taffy noun an attractive woman on the beach. An allusion to a brightly coloured sweet sold at US beaches US, 1990 salty adjective 1 angry, hostile US, 1938. 2 uncouth; unpleasant US, 1985 salty dog noun during the Vietnam war, a piece of equipment lost in combat US, 1991 salty water noun the recreational drug GHB. Caustic soda mixed with industrial cleaner gamma butyrolactone produces a salt which is dissolved in water to produce the clear solution GHB US, 1997 salute verb < salute the judge to win a horse race AUSTRALIA, 1977 Salvador Dali; salvador noun 1 cocaine. Rhyming slang for CHARLIE (cocaine) UK, 2000. 2 a drink. Glasgow rhyming slang for SWALLY UK: SCOTLAND , 2002 555 sage | Salvador Dali; salvador . West Indian and UK black patois JAMAICA, 1967 rudeness noun sex TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1973 rude parts noun the most obvious erogenous zones: male and female genitals and posteriors, and female. 1 982 ruck verb 1 to fight, especially as part of a gang UK, 1999. 2 to masturbate. Prison slang UK, 1974 ruck and row; ruck noun a cow, especially in the sense a contemptible woman. Rhyming slang, . unfunded cheque bouncing US, 1991 rubber and rocks noun bacon and eggs. Collected during an extensive survey of New Zealand prison slang, 1996–2000 NEW ZEALAND , 2000 rubber arms noun the sensation