Uu Ubangi noun a black person. Offensive US, 1979 U-barrel noun a large steel drum used for collecting urine where there is no plumbing ANTARCTICA, 2003 über-; uber- prefix super-high in quality or degree. Adopted directly from German preposition über (over, above), combines to form words that exceed the norm US, 1992 UBI doctors’ shorthand for the facetious diagnosis: unexplained beer injury. Medical slang UK, 2003 uc dai loi; ouc-dai-loi noun (during the Vietnam conflict) an Australian soldier. From Vietnamese. Spelt with much variation AUSTRALIA, 1975 ucuntnickname Uncut magazine (since 1997). Originally a cut and paste by disgruntled employees, then adopted by the magazine’s competition UK, 2001 udder noun 1 the female breast. Originally (about 1708) in conven- tional or poetic use UK, 1933. 2 a despised, disrespected or foolish woman. Possibly a variation of COW; more likely to derive from ‘udder’ (the female breast) hence used here as a synonym for TIT UK , 2001. 3 a protruding paunch produced by too much beer drinking. Recorded as a contemporary gay usage UK, 2003 u-ey; u-ee; yewie; you-ee noun au-turnUS, 1969 uggies noun a pair of Ugg™ boots AUSTRALIA, 2003 ughly adjective uglier than ugly US, 1966 ugly as a hatful of arseholes adjective especially ugly AUSTRALIA, 1971 ugly as fuck adjective very ugly US, 1989 ugly Australian noun a rough, loutish Australian; an Australian yobbo AUSTRALIA, 1974 ugly sister noun a blister. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 ugly stick noun a notional stick with which a person has been beaten in order to make them ugly US, 1969 ugs noun 8see: HUGS AND KISSES uh-oh used in recognition of trouble US, 2001 uh-uh adverb no US, 1924 UIC ski team noun unemployed winter skiers CANADA, 1989 uke noun a ukulele US, 1915 ukelele noun on the railways, a short-handled shovel US, 1977 UKG noun British gangsta music and culture. An abbreviation of United Kingdom Gangsta UK, 2002 Ukrainian peanut noun a sunflower seed CANADA, 1987 ultimate noun in the coded terminology used in advertising for sex- ual contact, full sexual intercourse UK, 2006 ultimate xphoria noun MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 ulysses noun au-turnUS, 1968 -um suffix added to words to give the impression of English as spoken by an American Indian US, 1946 um and ah verb to hesitate; to be uncertain. From the vocal sounds that may accompany hesitation UK, 2000 umbrella noun 1 a fellow, especially a husband or boyfriend. Rhyming slang for FELLAH; FELLA UK, 1998. 2 in the television and film industries, a reflector used to bounce light onto a subject US, 1990 umpteen noun an imprecise, large number UK, 1918 umpteenhundred noun a point in the yet-to-be-determined, indefinite future US, 1988 umpteenth; unteenth adjective used of a great but unspecific number or amount UK, 1918 una adjective one. From Italian uno UK, 1996 unass verb 1 to stand up; to remove yourself from your immediate location US, 1967. 2 to knock someone out of a sitting position US, 1991 unbling noun cheap, shoddy, unimpressive jewellery. The opposite of BLING UK, 2005 unbutton verb to force or rip open a safe US, 1949. < unbutton the mutton to undo clothing and liberate the penis AUSTRALIA, 1971 unc noun an uncle, especially as a term of address AUSTRALIA, 1946 uncle noun 1 apawnbrokerUK, 1756. 2 a person who buys stolen goods from criminals US, 1950. < cry uncle; say uncle; holler uncle to admit defeat; to beg for mercy. From Irish anacol (mercy) US, 1918 uncle verb to act in a passive or subservient fashion. From UNCLE TOM US , 1969 uncle and aunt noun a plant. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 unclear on the concept adjective completely and dramatically ignor- ant about a particular subject US, 1988 Uncle Bert noun a shirt. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 Uncle Bertie adjective angry, especially if only temporarily; character- istically ill-tempered. Rhyming slang for SHIRTY; extended from UNCLE BERT (a shirt) UK, 1992 Uncle Bill noun the police. A variation of ‘old Bill’ UK, 1962 Uncle Bloody noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 2001 Uncle Bob noun 1 a police officer UK, 1965. 2 the penis. Rhyming slang for KNOB UK, 1992 Uncle Charles; Uncle C noun cocaine UK, 2002 Uncle Charlie noun 1 used as a representation of the dominant white culture in the US US, 1963. 2 among truckers using citizens’ band radio, the Federal Communications Commission US, 1976. 3 the Viet Cong US, 1985 Uncle Charlie is visiting; my Uncle Charlie is visiting Iam experiencing menstruation US, 2001 Uncle Daniel noun in hot rodding, a deceptively normal-looking car that has been modified and enhanced for speed US, 1958 Uncle Dick noun the penis. Rhyming slang for PRICK UK, 1960 Uncle Dick; dickey; dickie adjective sick. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 Uncle Fred noun bread. Rhyming slang, generally childish UK, 1932 Uncle Ho noun Ho Chi Minh US, 1976 Uncle Joe noun Joseph Stalin UK, 1943 Uncle Junk noun heroin. Elaboration of JUNK (heroin) US, 1985 Uncle Lester noun a child molester. Rhyming slang UK, 2002 Uncle Mac noun 1 a smack. Rhyming slang, formed from ‘Children’s Favourites’ radio presenter Uncle Mac (Derek McCulloch), BBC Light Programme, 1954–67 UK, 1992. 2 heroin. Rhyming slang for SMACK, extended from the earlier, more innocent use as ‘a smack’ UK, 1992 Uncle Miltie nickname Milton Berle, US comedian of vaudeville, radio and television (1908–2002). Berle was also known as Mr Television US, 1968 Uncle Milty noun Miltown™, a branded tranquillizer US, 1998 Uncle Ned noun a bed. Rhyming slang UK, 1925 Uncle Sam noun the US federal government US, 1950 Uncle Sid noun LSD. A play on the second syllable of ACID (LSD) UK, 2003 Uncle Tom noun a black person who curries favour from whites through obsequious, fawning behaviour. In recent US history, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has attracted the ‘Uncle Tom’ label more than any other black American, in part due to the irresistible Tom-Thomas pun US, 1922 Uncle Tom verb (used of a black person) to try to curry favour with white people by obsequious behaviour US, 1937 Uncle Willie adjective 1 silly. Rhyming slang UK, 1932. 2 chilly. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 unco adjective 1 clumsy; awkward. Short for ‘uncoordinated’ AUSTRALIA, 1996 . 2 weird AUSTRALIA, 1996 uncommon horn noun an unusually urgent sexual appetite UK, 2001 uncool adjective unpleasant, aggressive, dangerous; excitable; tending to show your feelings more than is prudent or advisable US, 1953 un-cred adjective unfashionable. The antonym of CRED (acceptible to your peers) UK, 2001 uncunt verb to withdraw the penis from a woman’s vagina US, 1961 uncut adjective not circumcised US, 1957 under noun sexual intercourse. The location of the sexual organs: ‘under a body’ or, perhaps, ‘under a skirt’ UK, 1936 under adjective a state of sobriety when measured against drug- intoxication UK, 2003 underage adjective in snowboarding, used to describe the not-yet- perfected performance of a trick or manoeuvre US, 1995 under-arm adjective pornographic UK, 1979 underchunders noun underpants. From ‘underwear’ and CHUNDER (vomit), because they are revolting AUS TRALIA, 1966 underc o ver adjective used of a racehorse, trained in secret US, 1951 undercrackers noun underpants UK, 1997 underdaks noun underpants AU STRALIA, 1966 underdungers noun underpants NEW ZEALAND, 1981 under four eyes; under two eyes adjective face to face TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1990 undergr ound noun a hidden counter culture. Usually in a political context, although in the 1960s also in a cultural context US, 1935 undergr ound mutton noun rabbit meat AUSTRALIA, 1919 undergunned adjective having too small a surfboard for the surf conditions AUSTRALIA, 1989 underlook verb to look at someone or something with grave doubt BARBADOS, 1965 underpass noun the posterior; the buttocks, the anus. Rhyming slang for ARSE and appropriate imagery UK, 2003 under-stain noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle. A euphemism UK, 1980 under starter’s orders adjective arrested. Criminal and police slang, from horse racing UK, 1959 undertaker noun a bookmaker who will only accept bets at odds under those offered by his competition AUSTRALIA, 1989 under the affluence of incohol drunk. A deliberate spoonerism, probably Australian but post-war UK comedians are worthy of con- sideration AUSTRALIA, 1984 under-the-arm adjective no good, inferior; loathsome. Implies that the object described is a STINKER UK, 1930s to 1960s underwhelm verb to arouse little or no interest in someone. Jocular. Now included in the Oxford English Dictionary UK, 1956 under yonder noun the anus US, 1972 undies noun underwear. Abbreviated ‘underwear’. In the UK, applied most commonly to women’s underwear; in Australia to men’s; in the US to children’s UK, 1906 undressed adjective used of a citizens’ band radio operated without a linear amplifier US, 1976 unemployed noun the penis. Especially in the phrase SHAKE HANDS WITH THE UNEMPLOYED AUSTRALIA , 1971 unfor gettable noun a combination of cocaine, heroin and valium US, 1993 unfragged adjective not listed on the daily frag order specifying the military objectives of the day. Vietnam war usage US, 1986 unfuckable adjective too ugly to be considered as a sexual partner AUSTRALIA, 1979 unfucked adjective re-ordered; having order brought out of chaos US, 1997 unglue verb in drag racing and hot rodding, to blow up an engine US, 1968 unglued adjective out of control US, 1962 ungodly adjective 1 of time, unpleasantly early in the day UK, 1889. 2 superlative US, 1974 ungowa; ungowa bwana yes, affirmative, OK. Citizens’ band radio slang US, 1976 ungrateful adjective said of a hospital patient who dies after heroic efforts to save his life US, 1989 unhinged adjective angry; emotionally unsettled UK, 1719 unholy adjective awful; outrageous UK, 1842 unhook verb to remove handcuffs US, 1982 unhook the U-haul! ‘hurry up!’. The image is of unhooking a rental trailer that is slowing you down US, 1993 uni noun 1 university; a university AUSTRALIA, 1898. 2 a school uniform. Pronounced ‘unny’ UK, 1947 uniboob noun a woman’s chest clothed in a manner that presents the two breasts as a single entity US, 2001 uniform noun 1 a uniformed police officer, as distinguished from a detective in street clothes US, 1969. 2 a member of the armed forces US, 1941 uniform tango noun an UNCLE TOM. From the military phonetic alphabet, UT US, 1991 uninteresting adjective used of a computer problem, subject to being solved with enough time, not requiring creative problem- solving skills US, 1991 Union Jack noun 1 a multiple bet on 9 selections. Named after the Union Jack flag which a schemata of the wager resembles UK, 2001. 2 the back. Rhyming slang. The short form ‘union’ is also used UK, 1992 Union Pacific noun in poker, a hand consisting of three sixes and a pair. The sixes are known as ‘boxcars’, hence the railway company name US, 1988 unit noun 1 the penis. The slang sense of the word gives special meaning to the nickname ‘The Big Unit’ given to baseball pitcher Randy Johnson US, 1985. 2 the vagina US, 1978 United Parcel Service noun any amphetamine, methamphetamine or other central nervous system stimulant. A forced formation: the initials UPS represent stimulants as ‘ups’ (see UPPER) US, 1976 units noun parents. An abbreviation of ‘parental units’ US, 1987 University of a Billion Chinks nickname the University of British Columbia, in racist reference to the large student population of immigrants from South Asia CANADA, 2001 University of Freebies noun the University of Florida. Back-for- mation from the initials FU, playing on the role of athletics at the university US, 2004 university of hard knocks noun experience, especially when valued against a university education. An admixture of the clichés UNIVERSITY OF LIFE and SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS UK, 1984 university of life noun experience, especially when valued against a university education UK, 1959 unk -unk noun an unknown that is unknown or not even suspected. Aerospace usage US, 1974 unleaded adjective caffeine-free. Borrowing from the language of car fuel for application to the world of coffee drinks and, to a lesser extent, soft drinks US, 1996 unload verb 1 (of a male) to ejaculate. Originally in gay use US, 1995. 2 to punch someone; to beat someone. Probably from an earlier sense (to drop bombs) UK, 1998. 3 in air combat, to accelerate US, 1990. Uncle Tom | unload 676 4 on the railways, to end a work shift or to jump off a moving train US, 1977 unotque noun marijuana UK, 2003 unpack verb to vomit UK, 1983 unprofessional, that’s what you are used as a humorous if pointed insult. Coined by ESPN’s Keith Olberman to describe the level of play of strike-breaking, ‘replacement’ baseball players in 1995 US, 1997 unreal adjective excellent; exceptionally bad. Depends on context and tone US, 1965 unrool adjective great; terrific. Representing a pronunciation of UNREAL AUSTRALIA, 1990 unscrewed adjective out of control US, 1962 unsliced adjective not circumcised US, 1988 unteenth adjective 8see: UMPTEENTH until the wheels fall off adjective until a prison clique disbands; ultimately loyal. Back-formation from a CAR (a clique) US, 1989 untogether adjective not in control of your personal condition; unable to get your mind and emotions under control; disorganised UK, 1969 untold adjective excellent; terrific; wonderful AUSTRALIA, 1979 untolds noun lots; heaps AUSTRALIA, 1987 unwind verb to relax after a period of tension or stress UK, 1958 up noun 1 a tablet of amphetamine, methamphetamine or other central nervous system stimulant US, 1979. 2 an inspiration; an elev- ated mood US, 1966. 3 in the used car business, a potential customer who has walked on to the sales forecourt US, 1975. < on the up and up legitimate, honest US, 1863 up verb 1 to start suddenly or boldly; to rise abruptly UK, 1831. 2 to arouse or aggravate someone UK, 2000. 3 to increase a bet in cards US, 1942. < up it to pay off a debt US, 1980. < up sticks to pack up and go; to move. Originally nautical, from raising the mast prior to setting sail UK, 1877 up adjective 1 happening; going on UK, 1838. 2 wrong; amiss UK, 1849. 3 successful US, 1990. 4 under the influence of a drug, especially LSD and, later, MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy US, 1966. 5 pregnant TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1991. 6 used of waves, large. Giving rise to the cry, ‘Surf’s up!’ US, 1964. 7 imprisoned US, 1975. 8 of food or drink, made, cooked, ready, served UK, 1961. 9 in the used car business, next on the salesmen’s rotation list to approach a potential customer who has walked onto the sales forecourt US, 1975. 10 used of an actor in the television and film industries, unable to remember lines US, 1977. 11 of a male, having sexual intercourse with someone UK, 1937 up adverb 1 each; equal in quantity UK, 1809 . 2 up to or up at AUSTRALIA, 1884 -up suffix 1 used to form adjectives and verbs with the meaning ‘to be under, or put someone under, the influence of a drug’, 2000. 2 having adopted a stated style or characteristic. Formed in combi- nation with a participial adjective UK, 2004 up against adjective confronted by a difficulty US, 1896 up against it in a difficult position, in trouble US, 1896 up against the wall helpless, dominated by another; used for expressing power over others. A catch-phrase of the politically active in the US 1960s, echoing a police command US, 1960s up-and-down noun 1 an order of Kessler ale and Stroh’s beer US, 1981. 2 sex US, 1993 . 3 in gambling, a type of conditional bet: a single- stakes-about or a double-stakes-about UK, 2001 up and down adjective brown, especially applied to brown ale. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 up-and-downer; upper-and-downer noun a violent quarrel; a fight UK, 1927 up and down of it noun the gist of something; the whole thing; the outcome of a situation UK, 1994 up and under noun thunder. Rhyming slang, formed from a rugby manoeuvre that became a popular catchphrase for BBC rugby league commentator Eddie Waring, 1910–86 UK, 1998 upchuck noun ground beef. Playing on ‘ground chuck’ for the beef as well as the slang for ‘vomit’ US, 1996 upchuck verb to vomit US, 1936 up country adjective South Vietnam north of Saigon US, 1977 up for it adjective ready to party UK, 1999 upfront adjective honest, open, frank US, 1970 upful adjective happy, positive. Mainly West Indian and UK black usage UK, 1997 uphill gardening noun anal intercourse UK, 1997 uphills noun dice that have been altered in a fashion that produces high numbers when rolled US, 1962 upholstered adjective suffering from a sexually transmitted infection US, 1949 Upjohn noun a tablet of Dexedrine™, Benzedrine™ or other central nervous system stimulant US, 1971 up jumped the devil! used for expressing dismay at the toss of a seven by a craps player trying to make his point US, 1950 up north adverb to prison US, 1989 up on one adjective of a police officer, on a charge, standing accused UK, 1974 upper noun an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimu- lant US, 1973 upper-class snob noun an act of oral sex, especially performed on a man. Rhyming slang for BLOW JOB UK, 2003 upper-crust noun the upper classes; the higher circles of society UK, 1843 upper deck noun the female breasts US, 1967 upper persuasion for lower invasion noun foreplay US, 1968 uppie noun an amphetamine or other central nervous system stimu- lant. A variation of UPPER US, 1982 Uppie noun a student of the University of Port Elizabeth. Formed on the initialism, by which the university is known, UPE; Radio Uppie is the UPE student radio station SOUTH AFRICA, 1972 uppity; uppidy adjective brash; arrogant; refusing to accept one’s place in society. Originally coined by southern blacks, now widely used US, 1880 uprights noun the legs US, 1970 upsidaisy!; upsadaisy!; oops-a-daisy! used to comfort a child who has fallen over and to lightly encourage a recovery UK, 1862 upside preposition against US, 1959 upskirt noun a type of voyeurism devoted to seeing what is beneath a woman’s skirt US, 1995 upslice noun the vagina; a disagreeable woman US, 2001 upstairs adverb in poker, in the form of a raised bet US, 1996. < not right upstairs; short of a few rooms upstairs not completely sane UK, 1931 upstate adjective 1 in prison US, 1934. 2 murdered US, 2003 upta adjective no good; hopeless; worthless. Originally short for UP TO PUTTY , but now conceived of as short for UP T O SHIT AUSTRALIA, 1918 up the aisle noun a sexual position in which the woman kneels and the man enters her from behind. Rhyming slang for DOG-STYLE, combining a pun on ‘a narrow passage’ with an implication of marriage UK, 2003 up the in and out adjective ruined; pregnant. Rhyming slang for UP THE SPOUT UK , 1998 up the Irons! used as a greeting, especially between Iron Maiden fans. Collected from fans of heavy metal music by Seamus O’Reilly, January 1995 US, 1995 up there Cazaly come on! Used as a cry of encouragement. Originally a cry of support for Ron Cazaly (1893–1963), Australian Rules football player AUSTRALIA, 1943 up there for thinking, down there for dancing; up here for thinking, down there for dancing a catchphrase used as a jocular demonstration of the speaker’s grasp on anatomy UK, 1999 677 unotque | up there for thinking, down there for dancing; up here for thinking, down there for dancing uptight adjective 1 nervous, anxious US, 1934. 2 inhibited; narrow- minded; very correct and straightlaced US, 1968 up top noun 1 a person’s intelligence UK, 1961. 2 a woman’s breasts, or the area of the breasts UK, 2003 uptown noun 1 cocaine. Uptown is expensive and glamorous, as is cocaine US, 1980. 2 in pool, the area at the head of the table US, 1993 uptown adjective upscale, prosperous US, 1946 up west; up West noun the West End of London. Originally as viewed from the East End, subsequently used throughout suburbia regardless of the compass UK, 1979 up you! used as an exclamation of contempt, derision or defiance; a euphemism for ‘fuck you!’. Often accompanied by, or used instead of, the raised middle finger gesture which carries the same meaning. Apparently not recorded before 1984 but, surely, much earlier UK, 1984 up you for the rent! damn you! AUSTRALIA, 1955 up your alley! used as a dismissive retort. A euphemism for UP YOUR ASS/ARSE ! UK, 1976 up your giggy! used as an expression of contemptuous rejection. After GIGGY (the anus) CANADA, 1961 up your nose with a rubber hose used as a general-purpose, nonsensical insult. A signature line of Vinnie Barbarino, played by John Travolta, on the television comedy Welcome Back, Kotter (ABC, 1975–79). Repeated with referential humour US, 1979 up yours! used as an expression of contempt, rejection, or derision. A shortening of UP YOUR ASS/AR SE! UK, 1956 urban surfing verb 8see: TRAIN-SURFING urger noun a racecourse tipster AUSTRALIA, 1919 Uriah Heep noun an objectionable or unpleasant person; a dull or insignificant person. Rhyming slang for CREEP, formed from a character in Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, 1849 UK, 1992 urine express noun an elevator in a public housing development. New York police slang US, 1997 urine-stained adjective not good enough; not socially acceptable US, 1996 us adjective my. Too widely used to be simply a dialect of northern England UK, 1999 US adjective not in working order. A military abbreviation of ‘unserviceable’, ‘useless’, and/or UP TO SHIT UK, 1942 us pronoun me. Queen Elizabeth II is often derided for referring to herself as ‘we’ (known as the ‘royal we’); this is the ‘working-class us’ UK, 1828 use verb 1 to use drugs, especially addictive drugs such as heroin. Used without an object. A euphemism, but one which is crystal clear in slang context US, 1971. 2 to enjoy something (if only you could get the something that is wished for) UK, 1956. < use your loaf to act intelligently, think. Often as an imperative UK, 1997. < use yourself 1 to masturbate BAHAMAS, 1982. 2 to use physical violence; to fight. By elision from ‘use yourself as a weapon’ UK, 1962 used beer department noun a toilet. Modified to ‘used coffee department’ and the like for office settings US, 1995 useful adjective 1 good; capable; effective; satisfactory UK, 1955. 2 competitive IRELAND, 1991 useful as an ashtray on a motorbike adjective useless AUSTRALIA, 1986 useless as tits on a boar; useless as tits on a boar hog; useless as tits on a bull adjective ineffectual, serving no useful purpose CANADA, 1981 useless smile noun used for describing the happy, vacant facial expression of someone under the influence of LSD US, 1994 user noun 1 a drug addict UK, 1935. 2 a person who exploits others for their own gain AUSTRALIA, 1978 ush verb to work as an usher in a theatre US, 1981 US of A noun the United States of America. A variation of the con- ventional abbreviations US and USA US, 1973 USP noun amphetamines; MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 UTA adjective in abundance US, 1986 ute noun a utility truck AUSTRALIA, 1943 utensil noun a chamberpot TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1909 utilities noun US Marines’ combat fatigues US, 1991 U-turn noun a reversal of political policy. From motorists’ jargon UK, 1984 UVs noun sun rays. An abbreviation of ‘ultra-violet sun rays’ US, 1968 UYB noun an uppity yankee bitch. The southern US view of some northern US women US, 1986 Uzi noun a pipe used for smoking crack cocaine US, 1994 uzzfay noun a police officer. Pig Latin for FUZZ US, 1955 uptight | uzzf ay 678 Vv V noun 1 Valium™ US, 1984. 2 sildenafil citrate marketed as Viagra™, an anti-impotence drug taken recreationally for performance enhancement, in combination with other chemicals that stimulate the sexual appetites UK, 2000. 3 a V-sign UK, 2002. 4 a visit US, 2002. 5 a five year prison sentence. From the Roman numeral for five US, 1945 . 6 five dollars US, 1962. 7 marijuana US, 1979 v adjective very. Upper-class society origins (perhaps from abbreviation use in school) into wider middle-class usage UK, 1982 V-8 gang noun a youth gang that uses large American cars NEW ZEALAND , 1984 V-8s noun men’s shorts US, 1972 VA noun the vagina. Adopted from the standard abbreviation for the state of Virginia, punning the phonetic similarity US, 1998 Vaalie; Valie noun an inhabitant of the region formerly known as Transvaal. Often derogatory or patronising SOUTH AFRICA, 1976 vac noun a vacation UK, 1709 vacation noun time spent in jail or prison US, 1971 vacaya noun 1 any mechanical or electrical device that produces sound; a jukebox; a record player UK, 2002. 2 a mobile phone. From the earlier, more general sense (a device that produces sound) UK, 2002 vada; varda; vardi; vardo; vardy verb to see; to look; to observe. Polari UK, 1859 vadavision; vardavision noun a television UK, 2002 VAF! (when first noticing an attractive person) ‘look!’. Polari; an acronym for ‘VADA absolutely FANTABULOSA!’ UK, 2002 vag noun 1 a vagrant US, 1868. 2 vagrancy; a criminal charge of vagrancy US, 1859 vag verb to charge someone with vagrancy US, 1859 vage; vag; vadge; vaj noun the vagina US, 1986 vaggerie; vagary; vagarie verb to go; to leave; to travel. Probably from Italian vagare (to roam) UK, 2002 vagina vandal noun a rapist US, 1962 val noun 1 a tablet of diazepam (trade name Valium™), an anti- anxiety agent US, 1986. 2 value UK, 2000. 3 a resident of the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, California US, 1982 valentine noun a very short jail sentence US, 1949 Valentine noun in college, a notification of academic deficiency US, 1968 Valentine Dyalls; valentines noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang for PILES, formed on the actor Valentine Dyall, 1908–85 UK, 1998 valet noun in a deck of playing cards, a jack or knave US, 1988 vali; vallie; vally noun Valium™, a branded tranquillizer UK, 1996 valley noun the antecubital vein at the inside of the elbow, a prime site for intravenous drug injections US, 1970 Valley noun < the Valley 1 the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, California US, 1994. 2 a low-lying area east of Seventh Avenue in Harlem, New York US, 1966 valley dolls noun LSD UK, 2003 Valleyite noun a resident of the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles US, 1985 valve job noun sex in a car US, 1997 vamoose verb to go; to leave. Spanish vamanos (let us go) US, 1834 vamp noun a woman that makes it her habit or business to captivate men by an unscrupulous employment of her sexual charms UK, 1911 vamp verb 1 (of a woman) to flirt, and otherwise employ an obvious sexuality to attract a mate UK, 1927. 2 to smell bad TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO , 1973 vampire noun a medical operative who draws off a patient’s or donor’s blood; a member of any National Blood Transfusion collecting team. Jocular and affectionate, usually UK, 1961. < take the vampire’s kiss; take the vampires to tease someone, to pull someone’s leg. Rhyming slang for TAKE THE PISS UK, 1998 van noun a brakevan (caboose) US, 1977 Van nickname the city of Vancouver, British Columbia CANADA, 2002 V and A nickname Victoria and Albert Museum UK, 1937 vandoo noun in the Canadian Forces, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment, the francophone army unit CANADA, 1995 V and T noun vodka and tonic UK, 1997 V and X noun in carnival usage, a five-and-ten cent store US, 1981 Van Gogh noun a trucker operating with a citizens’ band radio. A trucker without a citizens’ band radio is said to be driving ‘without ears’, and hence the artistic allusion US, 1976 Vangroovy noun Vancouver, British Columbia CANADA, 2002 vanilla adjective 1 white-skinned, Caucasian. Originally black usage, now widespread US, 1994 . 2 ordinary, simple, basic. Derives from the plainest ice-cream variety US, 1977. 3 of sex, conventional; of homo- sexual sex, gentle, traditional, emotional US, 1984. 4 used of pornography, relatively high-brow, designed for couples and first- time viewers US, 2000 vanilla fudge noun a judge. Rhyming slang UK, 2004 Vanity Fair noun a chair. Rhyming slang, formed from the title of Thackeray’s novel UK, 1961 Vanna noun used as a term of address between homosexual males. From Vanna White, of television game show fame US, 1990 Vanouver noun any vacuum cleaner. Rhyming slang for HOOVER UK, 1992 vap verb when throwing dice, to snap your fingers BARBADOS, 1965 vap; vaps noun an impulse; a sudden urge TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1957 vapour lock noun a temporary loss of common sense or memory. An allusion to a mechanical problem with the carburettor of an internal combustion engine US, 1996 vapourware noun in computing, a program that is announced well before it is completed and released US, 1991 varda d’amour noun the look of love. A combination of polari and French UK, 1992 varder; varda noun a look. Polari UK, 1996 vardo noun in gypsy or traveller use, a trailer, a wagon, a caravan UK, 1934 varicose alley noun the platform that extends from a stage used by strippers out into the audience US, 1945 varicose vein noun a baby; a child. Glasgow rhyming slang on Scottish dialect wean (pronounced ‘wayne’) UK: SCO TLAND, 1996 vark noun used as a term of abuse, especially applied to a police officer. A contemptuous term, from Afrikaans vark (pig) SOUTH AFRICA , 1975 varnish noun on the railways, a passenger train US, 1946 varnish verb < varnish the cane (from the male perspective) to have sex US, 1968 vasso noun vaseline AUSTRALIA, 1998 VAT noun vodka and tonic. Initialism, punning on value added tax; made popular by 1980s television series Minder UK, 1994 Vatican roulette noun birth control by the rhythm method US, 1979 vato; bato noun a guy. Border Spanish used in English conversation by Mexican-Americans US, 1950 vato loco; bato loco noun a wild guy US, 1965 vault noun a hotel baggage checkroom US, 1954 va va voom noun style; a powerful or seductive style. Used as a song title by Cinerama ‘Va Va Voom’, 1998, and as an advertising strap line for Renault’s Clio™ (2001+) US, 1996 VC noun the Viet Cong; a member of the Viet Cong US, 1966 8see: VICTORIA CROSS V-card noun a person’s virginity US, 2001 VCR noun a vicious campus rumour US, 1966 VD bonnet noun a condom. A reference to the prevention of venereal d isease US, 1972 V-Dub; Vee-Dub noun a Volkswagen motor vehicle. Shortening of vee double-u,thatis,Volkswagen AUSTRALIA, 1970 veal cutlet noun in gambling cheating schemes, a victim US, 1962 veal of the sea noun the green sea turtle BAHAMAS, 1982 veddy adverb very. A jocular pronunciation, approximating a child’s, or an American’s (attempting a ‘British’ accent), rendering of ‘very’ UK, 1859 vee noun sex involving three people, two of whom are focused on the pleasure of the third US, 1995 veeblefetzer noun a corporate manager. Not a term of endearment US, 1997 vee dub noun a completely depillated female pubis. Also as a verb and, thus, an adjectival participle. From a similarity in shape and finish to the bonnet of a Volkswagen Beetle US, 2003 veep noun a vice president US, 1949 8see: VIP vee wee noun a Volkswagen motor vehicle UK, 1984 veg noun vegetables UK, 1898 Vegemite-driller noun a male homosexual AUSTRALIA, 1985 Vegemite valley noun the anus and rectal passage. Use is often suggestive of homosexual activity. Vegemite™ is a dark brown foodstuff AUSTRALIA, 2003 vegetable noun 1 a person who is mentally and physically incapaci- tated to a degree that renders the comparison with a plant organism fair if cruel UK, 1921. 2 a person with an inactive, undemanding lifestyle. A derogatory use arising from the semi- conventional medical sense above UK, 2001 vegetable garden noun a group of neurologically depressed hospital patients US, 1978 vegetation noun relaxation US, 1986 vegged out adjective relaxed and inactive US, 2001 veggie noun 1 a vegetable US, 1955 . 2 a vegetarian. The variant spelling ‘veggy’ is also used UK, 1975 vegie adjective of school subjects, of the easiest grade AUSTRALIA, 1992 vego noun a vegetarian AUSTRALIA, 1996 vego adjective vegetarian AUSTRALIA, 1988 veg out verb to relax and do nothing US, 1995 veins noun < get veins in bodybuilding, to achieve definition, or well-developed and sculpted muscles US, 1984 velcro noun a lesbian. Figurative use of Velcro™, from the French velours croché (hooked velvet), a branded material fastener UK, 2000 velvet noun 1 gambling winnings US, 1974. 2 a passenger train carriage US, 1977. < on velvet in good shape US, 1997 velvet fog nickname singer Mel Tormé (1925–99) US, 2000 vendor noun ajukeboxUS, 1965 vendor’s noun a commercial bottled beer, even when obtained from a bootlegger CANADA, 1999 vengeance noun < with a vengeance to a great degree, very much UK, 1568 vent verb to express frustrations in larger-than-life dimensions. What an earlier generation would have called ‘let off some steam’ US, 1996 vent; vent act noun a ventriloquist UK, 1893. < take it to the vent to commit suicide US, 1989 ventilate verb to shoot someone. From the image of bullet holes ventilating the body US, 1947. < ventilate the block in hot rodding and drag racing, to blow a rod out through the engine US, 1960s ventilator noun a machine gun US, 1962 Vera Lynn; Vera noun 1 gin. Rhyming slang, based on the name of singer Vera Lynn (b.1917) known from World War 2 as ‘the forces’ sweetheart’ UK, 1952. 2 a cigarette paper. Rhyming slang for SKIN (a cigarette paper) UK, 1992 verandah over the toy shop noun a paunch or beer-belly AUSTRALIA, 1987 vera vice; victoria vice; veras noun the police vice squad. A CAMP elaboration UK, 1996 verbal; verbals noun 1 a conversation, a talk UK, 1997. 2 a verbal statement given to the police, often self-incriminatory UK, 1963 verbal; verbal up verb to fake a confession of criminal guilt UK, 1979 verbal diarrhoea noun unwarranted verbosity UK, 1823 verballing noun the act of faking a criminal confession UK, 1974 vergla noun freezing rain. The word is borrowed, modified but pronounced fairly correctly, from the French verglas, which means the same thing CANADA, 2002 Veronica Lake noun steak. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the US film actress, 1919–73 UK, 1992 verrrry in-ter-est-ing; very interesting, but stupid used as a humorous comment on a remark or event; used for humorously dismissing what has just been said. A signature line on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In (NBC, 1968–73), uttered by Arte Johnson while playing a wacky Nazi soldier. Repeated with referential humour US, 1969 versatile adjective bisexual UK, 2002 versing preposition < be versing to compete against. A corruption of the preposition ‘versus’, almost always heard in the progressive form US, 1984 versioning noun a technique in hip-hop music of blending different periods and styles of recorded music US, 2000 vert noun in skateboarding, an almost vertical ramp UK, 2003 vertical bacon sandwich noun the vagina. From the resemblance UK, 2002 vertical jockey noun an elevator operator US, 1953 very adjective excellent US, 1989 very adverb very much, absolutely UK, 2002 very à la adjective absolutely in fashion. Generally contemptuous, disparaging or ironic in tone UK, 1984 vest noun a show-off US, 1965 vestibules noun the testicles UK, 2003 vestige noun a brassiere. Recorded as a contemporary gay usage UK, 2003 vest out verb to retire from police service after vesting in the pension plan with 15 years of service. New York police slang US, 1997 vet noun 1 an ex-member of the military US, 1848. 2 a prison doctor SOUTH AFRICA, 1974 veterano noun an experienced, respected gang member. Spanish used by English-speakers US, 1975 veterinarian noun a physician who regards his patients as of animal intelligence US, 1978 Vette noun aCorvettecarUS, 1994 vex verb to engage someone in an abusive verbal attack UK, 2001 VG adjective very good. Abbreviation UK, 1982 Vatican roulette | VG 680 Vgirlnoun a woman who is attracted to men in military uniform US, 1960 Viaggy noun a Viagra™ tablet UK, 2002 vibe verb to create and enjoy a good atmosphere UK, 2001 vibe; vibes noun the atmosphere generated by any event; mood; nuances intimately related to all senses. An abbreviation of ‘vibration’, which has the same meaning US, 1960 vibed up adjective excited; in the mood UK, 1983 vibe off verb to take inspiration from someone or something UK, 1999 vibe out verb to intimidate someone UK, 1983 vibes noun a vibraphone UK, 1940 vibey adjective fashionably atmospheric; in tune with the zeitgeist. From the 1990s; a positive sense of VIBE (the atmosphere of an event) UK, 1999 vibrations noun the atmosphere generated by any event; mood; nuances intimately related to all senses US, 1966 vibrator noun a motorcyle US, 1962 vic noun 1 a victim US, 1968. 2 a sucker or an easy target for crime US, 1969 Vic nickname Victoria, a southern state of Australia AUSTRALIA, 1902 Vicar of Bray noun 1 a tray. Rhyming slang, formed from a C18 song UK, 1960. 2 the number three; three. Rhyming slang for TREY UK , 1960 vice noun a police vice squad. Usually used with ‘the’ UK, 1966 vice president noun in poker, the player with the second best hand US, 1988 vice versa noun reciprocal oral sex between two lesbians. The earliest known lesbian periodical in the US (1947) was named Vice Versa US, 1963 vicey adjective sinful; depraved TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1993 vicious adjective handsome US, 1982 vick verb to steal. Probably an evolution from ‘victim’ US, 1993 Vicky noun a Ford Victoria sedan, first built in the 1930s and then revived in the 1950s US, 1965 vicky; vick noun a two-fingered gesture that is used to insult or otherwise cause offence. Glasgow slang; the forefinger and the middle finger are extended to form a V shape, with the palm turned in towards the gesturer UK: SCOTLAND, 1985 vicky-verky vice-versa. Used as a song title by Squeeze, 1981 UK, 1961 Victor Charlie nickname the Viet Cong US, 1966 Victoria noun used of a person otherwise described as nouveau riche. After singer and footballer’s wife Victoria Beckham (b.1975); recorded as a contemporary gay usage UK, 2003 Victoria Cross; VC noun something of little or no value. Rhyming slang for TOSS, formed from the highest military honour for valour UK, 1992 Victoria Monk noun semen. Rhyming slang for SPUNK, after the music hall singer, best remembered for ‘Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey?’, Victoria Monks, 1884–1972 UK, 1960 Victory V noun 1 urine; an act of urination. Rhyming slang for PEE or WEE, formed from the Churchillian gesture or Victory V branded medicinal-confectionery UK, 1998. 2 a Triumph car. Citizens’ band radio slang; ‘victory’ as a synonym for ‘triumph’ UK, 1981 vid noun 1 a video cassette, a video recording UK, 2000. 2 amusic video US, 1985 video-nasty noun an exceptionally unpleasant horror film, available on video UK, 1982 vidrio noun heroin. The Spanish for GLASS (heroin) UK, 2003 Viet noun a Vietnamese person US, 1966 Vietnam rose noun any sexually transmitted infection AUSTRALIA, 1988 Viet shits noun diarrhoea US, 1991 vig noun 1 interest owed on an illegal loan. A shortened form of VIGORISH US, 1990. 2 profit. Freely adapted from VIGORISH (interest on a loan) UK, 2001 vigorish noun the interest owed on an illegal loan. Yiddish slang from the Russian vyigrysh (winnings-out-to-pay) US, 1966 vikes noun the prescription drug Vicodin™ US, 1996 Viking queen noun in homosexual usage, a muscular, blonde man US, 1987 vill noun a village or town. Found in the poetry of the early C18, but not particularly thereafter until the war in Vietnam US, 1976 village noun a notional community of racecourse bookmakers UK, 1991 Village noun < the Village Greenwich Village, New York, a small neighbourhood below 14th Street and west of Broadway, haven to Bohemians US, 1952 village adjective unsophisticated, out of touch with trends US, 2002 village bike noun 1 a promiscuous woman. As with the TOWN BIKE, ‘everyone has ridden her’ UK, 1995. 2 a lesbian. Rhyming slang for DYKE UK, 2003 village pump noun a girl who is free and easy sexually CANADA, 1992 village ram noun a sexually aggressive male TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1964 villain noun a professional criminal; someone with a criminal record UK, 1945 Ville noun < the Ville Pentonville prison, London UK, 1903 -ville suffix used for making or emphasising an adjective; used in combination with a characteristic to describe a place or a con- dition. Modern usage began with the US beats and travelled back to the UK. By the mid-1970s the US form was presumed obsolete having been replaced by ‘-city’. It survives in the UK without obvious irony US, 1891 Vincent nickname the Viet Cong; a member of the Viet Cong US, 1965 Vincent Price; vincent noun ice. Rhyming slang, formed from the US actor, 1911–93, particularly famed for his roles in horror films UK, 1992 Vincent Van Gogh; vincent noun a cough. Rhyming slang, based on the predominant UK pronunciation of impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh (1853–90) UK, 2002 vine noun 1 a men’s suit; clothing US, 1932. 2 the penis US, 1972 vine down verb to dress up US, 1969 vinegar stroke; vinegar noun the final penile thrust culminating in ejaculation when copulating or masturbating. Alluding to the facial expression of the male. Also, in the plural, ‘the final thrusts pre- ceding ejaculation’. UK comedian Phill Jupitus, who uses this term to describe the closing moments of his act, explains: ‘Just before a bloke comes he looks like you’ve popped a teaspoon of vinegar into his mouth’ AUSTRALIA, 1961 viney bones noun rubber bands. Used by motorcyclists. Douglas Dunford, of the Beaulieu Motor Museum, gives the following etymology: ‘Originated with the famous [motorcycle] trials rider Hugh Viney of the ‘30s who used to cut up old inner-tubes and supply his mates with bands to fix their riding numbers.’ UK, 1984 Vinnies; St Vinnies nickname a St Vincent de Paul charity store AUSTRALIA, 1970 vino noun 1 wine, especially cheap wine. From Spanish and Italian vino (wine) AUSTRALIA, 1919. 2 a drinker of doctored cheap wine UK, 1966 vinyl noun used generically for musical recordings produced on such material UK, 1976 violet noun < come up smelling of violets to emerge unscathed from a difficult or troublesome situation, used especially of someone who is consistently and remarkably lucky. Probably somewhat dated by the time it was recorded. The form survives as ‘come up smelling of roses’ UK, 1981 violin cases noun large, heavy shoes US, 1946 vip; veep noun a very important person US, 1945 681 V girl | vip; veep . 1969 uncle and aunt noun a plant. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 unclear on the concept adjective completely and dramatically ignor- ant about a particular subject US, 1988 Uncle Bert noun a shirt. Rhyming slang. double-stakes-about UK, 2001 up and down adjective brown, especially applied to brown ale. Rhyming slang UK, 1992 up -and- downer; upper -and- downer noun a violent quarrel; a fight UK, 1927 up and down of it noun. 2002 V and A nickname Victoria and Albert Museum UK, 1937 vandoo noun in the Canadian Forces, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment, the francophone army unit CANADA, 1995 V and T noun vodka and tonic