Ii I noun < the I an interstate highway US, 2003 I ain’t even tryin’ to hear you! I am not listening US, 1993 I ain’t here to brag used for demonstrating that the speaker understands that he is bragging. A paralipsis of the first order. Many grammatical variants exist, as well as the simpler, ‘Not to brag’ US, 2004 I am a Ranger. We live for the One, we die for the One. used with humour as an affirmation of support. The motto of the interplanetary police on the US science fiction television programme Babylon (1994–98) US, 1994 IamCanadiannoun a drink made with fruit juice, Quebec maple syrup and whisky or Molson Canadian beer CANADA, 2002 I am so sure! used for expressing strong doubt about what has just been said US, 1982 I and I noun used in the military as a jocular substitute for the official ‘R and R’ (rest and recreation). An abbreviation of ‘intercourse and intoxication’, the main activities during rest and recreation US, 1960 I believe you but thousands wouldn’t a catchphrase retort that is used to express doubt or, at best, reserve judgement about the veracity of the person being addressed. This phrase exists in a number of minor variations, and is so well known that ‘I believe you but!’ carries the full sense UK, 1927 I bet!; I’ll bet! I am certain. Elliptical for ‘I bet you did’ or ‘do’ or ‘did’; often derisive or ironic UK, 1939 Ibiza Hilton noun the police station of the Guardia Civil Ibiza. An ironic reference to the international Hilton hotel chain SPAIN, 1999 IBM noun 1 a smart, diligent student US, 1960. 2 a member of an organized crime family; an Italian businessman US, 1997 IBM discount noun a price increase US, 1991 iboga noun 1 amphetamines. A reference to the African shrub tabernathe iboga and ibogaine, a natural stimulant that is compounded therefrom UK, 2003. 2 MDMA, the recreational drug best known as ecstasy UK, 2003 IC noun during the Vietnam war, an innocent civilian US, 1985 Icancatchnoun the US Interstate Commerce Commission. A back formation from the agency initials: ICC US, 1971 I can read his lips, and he’s not praying used as a humorous comment on a profanity. Popularised by ESPN’s Keith Olberman US, 1997 I can’t fight that! used by a clever boy for expressing approval of a girl who has just passed by US, 1955 I can’t HEAR you! used as a humorous soliticitation of more enthusiastic support. A signature line of marine drill instructor Vince Carter on the television situation comedy Gomer Pyle, USMC (CBS, 1964–69). Repeated with referential humour US, 1966 I can’t take you anywhere used as a humorous, if stock, tease of someone who has commited a faux pas US, 1994 ice noun 1 diamonds UK, 1905. 2 cocaine, especially in blocks US, 1971. 3 smokeable amphetamine or methamphetamine US, 1989. 4 heroin US, 1987. 5 protection money paid by a business to criminals or by criminals to the police US, 1887. 6 a pay-off, a bribe; an added charge US, 1968. 7 the difference between the listed price and the price actually paid for theatre tickets for a very popular show US, 1973. 8 in poker, a stacked deck US, 1967. 9 solitary confinement in prison US, 1990. 10 any computer program designed as a system security scheme US, 1995. < on ice incarcerated US, 1931. < on the ice (of a racehorse) being secretly, and illicitly, kept from running to win AUSTRALIA, 1966 Ice noun in-car entertainment, especially audio equipment UK, 2003. < the Ice Antarctica ANTARCTICA, 1834 ice verb 1 to kill US, 1941. 2 to place in solitary confinement US, 1933. 3 to ignore with a vengeance US, 1932. 4 to give up; to stop US, 1962. 5 to reject; to stand up US, 1997. < ice it 1 to stop doing something US, 1974. 2 to forget something US, 1960 iceberg noun 1 an emotionally cold person, especially a woman UK, 1840 . 2 a sexually frigid woman US, 1949 iceberg act noun unfriendly treatment US, 1953 ice blink noun a whitish glow on the horizon or on clouds caused by light reflecting off ice CANADA, 1995 ice-block noun an ice confection on a stick AUSTRALIA, 1948 icebox noun 1 amorgueUS, 1928. 2 a jail or prison. An extension of themorecommon COOLER (jail) US, 1938 ice cold noun a chilled beer AUSTRALIA, 1968 ice cold adjective rude US, 1990 ice cream noun a white child; white children. Used defensively by children of different hues UK, 1979 ice-cream freezer; ice-cream noun a man. Rhyming slang for GEEZER UK, 1962 ice-cream habit noun the irregular consumption of drugs by an occasional user. ‘Ice-cream eater’ and ‘ice-creamer’ are obsolete slang terms for an irregular user of opium, an earlier application (late C19 to the 1930s) based on the notion that ice-cream is an occasional pleasure and not an every day diet US, 1970 ice-cream man noun a drug dealer, especially one selling opiates US, 1952 ice-cream truck noun < and the ice-cream truck you rode in on! used to extend and emphasise an absolute rejection US, 2001 ice cube noun crack cocaine US, 1994 iced adjective drunk, drug-intoxicated US, 1953 iced down adjective wearing many diamonds US, 1998 iced out noun wearing a great deal of diamond-bearing jewellery US, 2000 ice down verb to completely cover with graffiti US, 1997 icehouse noun a jewellery store. From ICE (a diamond) US, 1949 Icelandic Air Force noun (around Gimli, Manitoba) flocks of pelicans CANADA, 1987 ice luge noun a block of ice used in a drinking game in which a shot of vodka, tequila or other alcoholic drink is poured down the ice into the drinker’s mouth US, 2001 iceman noun 1 a person who bribes a government official or otherwise ‘fixes’ difficult situations. From ICE (a bribe) US, 1981. 2 in horse racing, a jockey who rides without using the whip or vigorous kicks AUSTRALIA, 1989. 3 a mechanic who works on truck refrigeration units US, 1971 ice money noun money used to bribe US, 1993 ice pack noun high quality marijuana US, 1971 ice palace noun 1 a jewellery store US, 1956. 2 a hockey rink CA NADA, 1955 ice widow noun a woman whose husband is in Antarctica NEW ZEALAND , 1971 icing noun cocaine US, 1984 ick noun 1 any unpleasant sticky substance UK, 2002. 2 in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, a bacterial or viral infection that quickly spreads among those following the band on tour. Always with ‘the’ US, 1994. 3 a social outcast US, 1942 ick adjective mawkishly sentimental, hence unpalatable. An abbrevi- ation of ICKY US, 2001 ickies noun foreign money of any type. Royal Navy usage, possibly a variation of ACKER (money). One ‘ickie’ equals one hundred KLEBBIES UK, 1989 ickle adjective little. A small child’s pronunciation employed archly by those old enough to know better UK, 1864 icky noun a rich person US, 1953 icky adjective 1 unattractive, distasteful. First found in jazz to describe oversweet music other than jazz, then migrated into general use with the more general meaning US, 1929. 2 unwell. Probably from baby-talk variations of ‘sick’ or ‘sickly’ UK, 1939. 3 overly sentimental, especially of music or of a taste in music. Originally from jazz US, 1929 icky-poo adjective unwell. Baby-talk variation of ‘sick’ or ‘sickly’ UK, 1920 ICL used as shorthand in Internet discussion groups and text messaging to mean ‘in Christian love’ US, 2002 I could cure the plague used by a woman to describe her con- dition when experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 2000 I could just scream! used as an expression of frustration. A signature line of Captain Wallace B. Binghamton on the television comedy McCahle’s Navy (ABC, 1962–66). Repeated with referential humour US, 1962 icy-pole noun an ice confection on a stick. Generic use of a trademark term AU S TRALIA, 1932 ID noun an identity card or other means of identification US, 1941 ID verb to identify someone. Derives from the noun uses as ‘identification/identity’ US, 1944 idea hamster; ideas hamster noun a person who is employed to generate new ideas UK, 2001 identity noun a noted person; an odd or interesting person AUSTRALIA, 1874 idi adjective cruel. Probably after Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, 1925(?)- 2003; recorded in use in contemporary gay society UK, 2003 idiot blocks noun options placed at the end of a staffing paper designed to allow the reader simply to tick the option which describes his decision US, 1986 idiot board noun in television, an out-of-camera board on which a performer’s lines are displayed UK, 1952 idiot box noun 1 the television US, 1955. 2 an automatic car trans- mission US, 1993 idiot card noun in the television and film industries, a poster board with the dialogue written in large letters for actors to read US, 1957 idiot-head noun a stupid person. Used by young children AUSTRALIA, 1988 idiot juice noun any alcoholic beverage brewed in prison, especially a nutmeg/water mixture US, 1974 idiot light noun in a car, a warning light on the dashboard in place of a gauge US, 1968 idiot pill noun a barbiturate or central nervous system depressant US, 1953 idiot’s delight noun in dominoes, the 5-0 piece US, 1959 idiot spoon noun a shovel US, 1947 idiot stick noun 1 a small carved copy of a totem pole CANADA, 1989. 2 a shovel US, 1930. 3 a digging bar US, 1980 idjit noun 8see: EEJIT I don’t think so used as a humorous rejection of the sentiment that has been expressed US, 1969 I don’t want to know used as refusal to accept unwelcome news or facts UK, 1946 idren noun friend; friends. West Indian, Rastafarian and UK black patois for ‘brethren’ (brothers), with religious and political overtones UK, 1994 idyat bwai noun a fool. West Indian patois (idiot boy) UK, 1997 if bet noun in horse racing, a bet that is made contingent upon winning a bet in an earlier race US, 1947 if cash noun in gambling, a type of conditional bet: an instruction to re-invest all or part of a winning return on another bet UK, 2001 iffiness noun a quality of unreliability, subject to doubt. From IFFY UK , 2001 iffy adjective 1 tenuous, uncertain US, 1937. 2 dangerous, risky. Extends from the previous sense UK, 2001 if I’m lying, I’m dying I am telling the truth. There are multiple reduplicative variations US, 1981 If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it used as a humorous suggestion to leave well enough alone US, 1961 if it isn’t (used as an acknowledgement of someone) it is that person US, 1951 if it’s too loud, you’re too old used for dismissing complaints of loudness at rock concerts. A saying attributed to Kiss. US, 1995 if-lose; if-win noun in gambling, a type of conditional bet: a bet is required only if the prior selection loses/wins or is a non-runner UK, 2001 ifs, ands or buts noun conditions, contingencies, exceptions US, 1982 if they back up the truck used in the entertainment industry for expressing a recognition that if the offer is lucrative enough, the actor speaking will accept the role despite its dramatic limitations. The phrase conjures up the image of a truck full of bags of money backing up the driveway to be emptied. US, 2001 if ya wonders, then ya is used in twelve-step recovery programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous as a judgment on those who stop to wonder if they might be an addict US, 1998 if you say so used for indicating (grudgingly, or to placate) acceptance of what has been said UK, 1956 ig verb to ignore US, 1946 iggie noun a feigned ignorance. Circus and carnival usage. Often used in the phrase ‘give them the iggie’ US, 1961 igloo noun a one-hundred-dollar note. From the resemblance between ‘100’ and ‘loo’ AUSTRALIA, 1989 ign’ant adjective ignorant US, 2002 ignorant adjective < make ignor ant to make angry. A south London term UK, 1977 ignorant end noun in poker, the low card in a five-card sequence US, 1990 ignorant oil noun alcohol, especially cheap and potent alcohol US, 1954 ignorant spoon noun in oil drilling, a shovel US, 1954 ignuts noun an ignorant fool US, 1934 I-guy noun a member of a team who thinks of himself – the individ- ual – more than the team. Related to the sports adage: ‘There is no "I" in "team"’ US, 1997 I hate it! used for expressing solidarity with the misfortune just described by another US, 1984 I hate it when that happens used for introducing humour, usually after someone else has described an extremely unlikely situation US, 1987 I have nothing more to say about this that is either relevant or true used as a humorous comment when there is nothing worthwhile to say. Popularised by ESPN’s Keith Olberman, paraphrasing Winston Churchill’s claimed reaction when confronting an entrance essay at Eton US, 1997 I heard it on the marl road used for expressing rumour as the source of information CAYMAN ISLANDS, 1985 I heard that! I agree with you! US, 1992 I heard ya used for expressing assent US, 1992 ike noun a feeling of displeasure, a bad mood UK, 1998 ick | ike 352 Ikey noun 1 a Jewish person. Derogatory; an abbreviation of the name Isaac UK, 1835. 2 a student of the University of Cape Town, especially a member of one of the University’s sports teams SOUTH AFRICA , 1921 Ikey Mo noun a Jewish person UK, 1922 I kid you not used for humorously assuring the truth of the matter asserted. The signature line of Jack Parr, host of the late-night Jack Parr Show (NBC, 1957–62). Repeated with referential humour US, 1967 Ilie Nastase noun a lavatory. Rhyming slang for KARZY,formedfrom the name of the Romanian tennis player (b.1946) UK, 1998 I liiiiike it! used for expressing approval. A catchphrase from the film The Rocketeer, 1991 US, 1991 ill verb 1 to perform excellently; to do anything superbly. Originally black usage, generally ‘to be illin’ rather than ‘to ill’; became widespread with hip-hop culture US, 1992. 2 to undergo severe mental stress US, 1989 ill adjective 1 good, pleasing, desirable, admirable US, 1991. 2 wild or crazy. Originally black usage, from the verb sense; spread through hip-hop culture US, 1979. 3 wrong. Originally black usage, probably a variation on ‘sick’; widespread with hip-hop culture US, 1994 ill-ass adjective excellent, superb US, 2001 I’ll be buggered!; I’m buggered! used for registering surprise UK, 1966 I’ll be damned!; well, I’m damned! used as a general-purpose exclamation; also as an intensification of a personal opinion UK, 1925 ill-behaved adjective said of a computer program that becomes dysfunctional because of repeated error US, 1991 I’ll bet! 8see: I BET! I’ll be there noun a chair. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 I’ll bet you a fat man used for expressing supreme confidence US, 1963 illegal tegel noun any native or game bird taken illegally for food. Tegel™ is a brand of dressed poultry NEW ZEALAND, 1989 illegit noun a person or thing of questionable legality US, 1954 illegits noun dice that have been altered for cheating US, 1977 iller adjective worse US, 1979 illest adjective best US, 2002 I’ll holla used as a farewell US, 1998 illies noun marijuana UK, 2003 illin’; ill verb to behave in a wild or crazy manner. Originally black usage, generally ‘to be illin’ rather than ‘to ill’; became widespread with hip-hop culture US, 1986 illing noun marijuana UK, 2003 illing adjective bad, troubling US, 1980 illo noun an illustration US, 1982 ill piece noun a male homosexual despised by his peers US, 1970 I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do used as a humorous, self- explanatory if nonce announcement of intent. Popularised by Sid Stone, announcer on the Texaco Star Theater, hosted by Milton Berle (1948–1951). One of the very first television-spawned catchphrases to become part of the national vocabulary US, 1948 illy noun 1 a cigarette infused with embalming fluid US, 2001. 2 marijuana, especially sensimillia (a very potent marijuana from a plant with seedless buds) US, 1995 illywhacker noun a confidence trickster. Agent noun from the obsolete phrase ‘whack the illy’ (to swindle; to perform confidence tricks). ‘Illy’ may possibly be a variant of obsolete ‘eelie’ (a confi- dence trick) which in turn is possibly from ‘eeler-spee’, a Pig Latin variant of SPIELER. This word was all but dead prior to gaining new life due to Peter Carey’s 1985 novel Illywhacker AUSTRALIA, 1941 I’ma used to preface an intention. A slurred elision of ‘I am going to’, or ‘I’m LIKE’ US, 2001 I’m about it! I agree with your plan of action! US, 1999 imaginitis noun an overactive imagination AUSTRALIA, 1944 I’m all right, Jack! a smug declaration of self-satisfaction. Used as the title of a 1959 film UK, 2002 I-man noun an investigator from the Interstate Commerce Commission US, 1938 I’m Audi; I’m Audi 5000 I’m leaving now US, 1995 imbo noun a fool; an imbecile AUSTRALIA, 1953 I’m deep enough I quit, pay me US, 1954 I mean used for emphasis on that which follows US, 1967 I mean that! I agree with what you just said! US, 1977 I mean to say! used as an emphasis of the speaker’s sincerity UK, 1843 I’m gone used as a farewell US, 1993 I’m history used as a farewell US, 1984 IMHO in my humble opinion. A ubiquitous piece of computer shorthand US, 1991 immo adjective imitation US, 1994 immortal noun in stud poker, any hand that is certain to win; the best possible hand US, 1947 IMNSHO used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘in my not so humble opinion’ US, 1995 IMO used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘in my opinion’ US, 1995 Imp noun a Chrysler Imperial car US, 1961 impact zone noun an area where the waves are breaking. Surfer usage SOUTH AFRICA, 2003 import noun a date who comes from out of town US, 1926 impressionist noun a person who is more interested in the impression they are making than they are in their substance TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1989 improve noun < on the im prove improving AUSTRALIA, 1959 Improved Scot noun in Hudson Bay, a person of mixed Scottish and Indian blood CANADA, 1987 imps file noun a journalists’ dossier on an important person or persons UK, 1976 I’m serious! used for expressing strong agreement with what has just been said US, 1981 I’m sideways used as a farewell US, 1993 I’m sure!; I’m so sure! used for expressing great doubt US, 1982 I’m there! I agree! I approve! US, 1977 in noun 1 an inside connection US, 1929. 2 an introduction US, 1945. 3 in a casino, the amount of cash collected at a table in exchange for chips. An abbreviation of ‘buy-in’ US, 1980. < the in exclusive and positive access to something UK, 2003 in adjective 1 fashionable UK, 1960. 2 socially accepted; popular US, 1929. 3 assured of having amatory success AUSTRALIA, 1960. 4 experiencing good luck or the like AUSTRALIA, 1960. 5 incarcerated US, 1903 in preposition < be in it to be actively and ethusiastically involved AUSTRALIA, 1928 -in suffix used in combination with a simple verb to create a communal activity as a means of protest, as in ’love-in’ or ’teach- in’ US, 1937 in a minute used as a farewell US, 1992 in-and-out noun 1 sex at its most basic US, 1996. 2 the nose. Rhyming slang for ‘snout’ UK, 1960. 3 a tout; a ticket tout. Rhyming slang UK, 1998. 4 a cigarette; tobacco. Rhyming slang for SNOUT UK, 1998 in-and-out-man noun an opportunist thief or burglar UK, 1957 in a pig’s vali se! used for expressing how very unlikely something is. The title of a late-1990s play by Eric Overmyer US, 1957 in betweens noun amphetamine tablets; depressant tablets; a mixture of amphetamines and barbiturates US, 1975 inbred noun a doctor with doctor parents. Medical slang UK, 2002 353 Ikey | inbred Inca message noun cocaine. A specific allusion to Peru, but gener- ally a reference to South America as a source of cocaine US, 1984 incandescent adjective furiously angry UK, 2004 incantation noun in computing, an esoteric command US, 1991 incense noun 1 amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite. The pungent vapours are inhaled, hence the term US, 1980. 2 heroin UK, 2003 incest noun sex between two similar homosexual types, such as two effeminate men US, 1972 inch-and-a-half noun overtime pay at the standard overtime rate of one and a half the regular rate US, 1984 inch boy noun a male who has or is thought to have a small penis US, 1997 include me out! leave me out! A catchphrase coined by film mogul Samuel Goldwyn, 1882–1974 US, 1938 include war noun a prolonged inflammatory debate in an Internet discussion group in which the mass of former postings and counterpostings included make it impossible to follow who is saying what and when US, 1995 income tax noun fines paid by prostitutes UK, 1947 incoming noun enemy fire, especially artillery or mortar fire that is about to land US, 1977 incoming! used as a warning of impending enemy mortar or rocket fire US, 1976 increase the peace! used as a call for an end to violence US, 1990 indeedy adverb indeed. An intentionally folksy and intensifying addition of a syllable US, 1856 In Deep Shit nickname Iain Duncan Smith, Conservative Party leader (2001–2003). Back-formation from Smith’s initials: IDS UK, 2001 index noun the face US, 1945 India noun marijuana. Variations of INDIAN HAY or INDIAN HEMP. Also known as ‘Indian’ UK, 1978 Indian noun 1 an Indian meal, especially in, or prepared by, a restaurant UK, 1998. 2 an active firefighter, as distinguished from a Chief and other officers US, 1954 Indiana gr een noun green marijuana claimed to have been grown in the state of Indiana US, 1965 Indiana pants noun boots US, 1964 Indian boy marijuana UK, 2001 Indian charm noun the arm. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 Indian cocktail; Indian tea; Indian tonic noun liquid poison as a means of suicide TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1985 Indian Country; Injun Country noun during war, any area with a strong enemy presence US, 1945 Indian hand-rubbed noun a powerful hashish from Himachel Pradesh in Northern India, 2003 Indian hay noun marijuana US, 1936 Indian Heads noun the Second Infantry Division, US Army. So named because of the Division’s insignia US, 1991 Indian hemp noun marijuana. From ‘East Indian hemp’, the familiar name for Cannabis indica US, 1986 Indian ice cream noun a bitter confection made from soopolallie berries, water, and white sugar CANADA, 1989 Indian Indian noun an American Indian who has retained his indigenous culture and language US, 1963 Indian list noun the Interdict list, a law forbidding a person from buying, selling or consuming alcohol; by extension any list of those who may not buy alcohol CANADA, 1958 Indian nigga noun a member of a British Indian (Hindi) urban youth gang or subculture UK, 2006 Indian rope noun marijuana. A play on ‘hemp’ as a material used in the making of ropes, HEMP (marijuana) and, perhaps, the Indian rope trick as a magical method of getting high US, 1986 Indian steak noun bologna US, 1963 Indian talk noun in trucking, smoke rising from a diesel smoke stack. An allusion to smoke signals used by American Indians to communicate over long distances US, 1971 Indian time noun used for denoting a lack of punctuality US, 1963 Indian weed noun marijuana. A variation of INDIAN HAY or INDIAN HEMP US , 1986 indie noun a vague categorisation within rock music, familiar since the 1980s and identified as ‘serious’ music that is marketed as independent and non-commercial, in its bid for commercial success. Also used as an adjective UK, 1993. < the Indie the Independent (the youngest of the UK’s national daily newspapers) first published in October 1986. The Sunday edition is less well- known as ‘the Sindie’ UK, 2003 indie; indy adjective independent US, 1928 Indo noun 1 Indonesia AUSTRALIA, 1991. 2 an Indonesian AUSTRALIA, 1966. 3 marijuana cultivated in Indonesia US, 1993 Indon noun an Indonesian. This has for the most part died out in favour of INDO AUSTRALIA, 1966 Indonesian bud noun 1 marijuana cultivated in Indonesia UK, 1998. 2 heroin UK, 2003 industrial language noun swearing, profanity US, 1984 Indy nickname the Indianapolis Speedway, home to a 500-mile race every May US, 1965 inexplicable mob noun a large crowd that materialises in a public place to perform a scripted action for several minutes before dissolving US, 2003 infant killer noun a paedophile. Prison use UK, 2002 infant mortality noun the tendency of computer components to fail within the first few weeks of operation US, 1991 infernal adjective execrable, detestable, annoying UK, 1764 infernally adverb detestably, execrably, annoyingly UK, 1638 infil verb (of military troops or spies) to infiltrate. Military UK, 1995 infinitely fine adjective in computing, used as the ultimate praise US, 1990 in flaggers noun in flagrante delicto (in the commission of a crime; red-handed). The first syllable elaborated by application of the Oxford -ER AUSTRALIA, 1973 influence noun < under the influence drunk or drug-intoxicated UK, 1937 info noun information US, 1907 Ingerland noun England, especially the England football team. A phonetic representation of the word England as chanted by a sports crowd UK: ENGLAND, 2005 Ingersol Willie noun in horse racing, the track’s official timer of morning workouts US, 1951 In Hock Constantly noun the owner of an International Harvester Company truck. A back-formation from the company’s initials: IHC US, 1971 ink noun 1 space or coverage in a newspaper US, 1953. 2 oil US, 1976. 3 inexpensive wine US, 1917. 4 alcoholic drink. Probably a back-form- ation from INKED which appears from C19 AUSTRALIA, 1977. < ink in the pen the ability to achieve erection and to ejaculate US, 1967 ink verb in the production of comics books, to draw over pencil art with a pen US, 1997 ink-and-paper man noun a counterfeiter who uses a printing press US, 1985 inked; inked up adjective drunk AUSTRALIA, 1898 inked in adjective planned UK, 1994 inkie noun in the television and film industries, an incandescent light bulb UK, 1960 inkie-dinkie noun in the television and film industries, a 250-watt light source UK, 1960 ink-slinger noun a clerical employee US, 1889 ink stick noun afountainpenUS, 1942 Inca message | ink stick 354 inky noun 1 a newspaper, especially one dedicated to music journalism UK, 2003. 2 a felt-tipped pen. Used in Glasgow schools UK: SCOTLAND , 1988 inland squid noun a surfer who does not live at or near the beach US, 1987 inmate noun used as a term of derision, applied to a prisoner who follows prison rules and curries favour with the prison adminis- tration US, 1984 innards noun 1 the entrails, the stomach, the guts. A dialect and vulgar alteration of ‘inwards’ UK, 1825. 2 the inner workings of a car’s engine or transmission US, 1993 inner space noun a person’s deepest psychological being US, 1967 innie noun an inward-turned navel US, 1966 innit isn’t it?; also used as a general purpose tag regardless of grammatical context. Originally, and still, a lazily pronounced inter- rogative referring back to the verb ‘is’ in the preceding sentence, e.g. ‘It’s raining, innit?’ UK, 1959 in on preposition being a part of something; participating in or sharing in something UK, 1923 ins-and-outs noun < want to know the ins-and-outs of a cat’s arse; want to know the ins-and-outs of a duck’s arse to be very inquisitive. Generally in catchphrase form as ‘you want to know’, ‘he’d want to know’, etc. Variations include ‘the ins-and- outs of a nag’s arse’, also ‘of a duck’s backside’ and ‘of a duck’s bum’ UK, 1984 insane adjective 1 excellent US, 1955. 2 fearless; willing to try anything for fun US, 1997. 3 ridiculous, in either a good or bad way US, 1997 insanely great adjective in computing, magnificent to a degree that can be fully grasped by only the most proficient practitioners US, 1991 insaniac noun a lunatic. A compound of ‘insane’ and ‘maniac’ UK, 1999 insanity stripe noun in the US armed forces, the insignia designating a three-year enlistment US, 1946 insects and ants noun men’s underpants. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 insensitive care unit noun a hospital’s intensive care unit US, 1989 inside adverb imprisoned UK, 1888 inside job noun a crime committed by, or with the assistance of, someone who lives or works in the place where it occurs UK, 1908 inside man noun in a big con swindle, a confederate to whom the victim is turned over once he has been lured into the enterprise US, 1940 inside oil noun inside information AUSTRALIA, 1966 insider noun a pocket US, 1945 inside the Beltway noun literally, the area of Washington D.C. surrounded by a motorway known as the Capital Beltway; figuratively, the Washington political and journalistic establishment US, 1977 inside track noun a position of advantage; information which provides such an advantage. A figurative use of racing wisdom US, 1857 inside work noun any internal alteration of dice for cheating US, 1963 instaga; instagu noun marijuana UK, 2003 Instamatic noun a police radar unit used for measuring vehicle speed. A brand name extrapolation from CA MER A (a generic term for radar) US, 1976 Instant Dictator Kit noun in the Canadian military, items of brass and braid that transform an ordinary uniform into a ceremonial one CANADA, 1995 instant LZ noun a 10,000- to 15,000-pound bomb used to clear jungle and create an instant landing zone in Vietnam. The bomb was designed to create a wide but shallow crater in the jungle, literally creating an instant landing zone US, 1981 instant zen noun LSD US, 1972 insurance cheater noun in oil drilling, a safety belt US, 1954 intel noun military intelligence AUSTRALIA, 1961 intellectual noun in the army, a member of the intelligence section UK, 1993 intellectual hour noun all time spent watching cartoons on television US, 1980 intelligence centre noun a field latrine. Gulf war usage US, 1991 intense adjective extreme, wild. A conventional adjective rendered slang by attitude and pronunciation, emphasis on the second syllable US, 1982 Inter nickname the intermediate examination taken after completing the first three years of secondary school in Ireland IRELAND, 1998 Interc ourse 80 nickname Interstate 80, a major east–west motorway in the US US, 1977 intercoursed adjective exhausted. Archly euphemistic for FUCKED UK, 1979 interesting adjective in computing, annoying or difficult US, 1991 interesting, yes – provocative used for expressing possible interest in what has just been said. A catchphrase from the film Tommy Boy US, 1997 interior decorating noun the act of having sex during the day. Upper-class society usage UK, 1982 Interlake potato noun arockCANADA, 1987 internal noun a person who smuggles drugs inside their bodies US, 1997 internals noun intrusive medical examinations as part of sexual role- play, especially when advertised as a service offered by a prostitute UK, 2003 International House of Pancakes noun a hospital ward for severe stroke victims, who lie in bed muttering in their own language US, 1978 international milk thief noun a petty thief. An example of police humour; heavily ironic UK, 1977 interrogation by altitude noun the reported practice by US troops of interrogating a group of suspected Viet Cong in a helicopter, throwing those who refused to answer to their death below and thus encouraging cooperation from those left US, 1990 in the nude noun food. Rhyming slang UK, 1979 in there; in thar adjective excellent. An allusion to surfing inside the hollow of a breaking wave US, 1991 into preposition 1 in debt to US, 1893. 2 in organised crime, in control of US, 1985. 3 interested in; participating in US, 1965 intro noun an introduction UK, 1923 intro verb to introduce US, 1986 invertebrated adjective very drunk US, 1982 investment noun a bet, especially on a horse race NEW ZEALAND, 1944 invitation noun a speeding ticket. A humorous euphemism US, 1976 invite noun an invitation. A verb-as-noun that began as standard English and then evolved into slang UK, 1659 in with preposition in a friendly or social relationship with someone UK, 1677 in you go, says Bob Munro used as a toast. If a real Bob Munro gave his name to this toast, he is lost in the alcohol fog of history NEW ZEALAND, 1999 in-your-chops adjective direct, provocative UK, 2004 in-your-face; in-yo-face adjective aggressive, provocative US, 1988 in your oils adjective delighted; in your element. From Welsh hwyl (mood) UK: WALES, 1985 IOW used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘in other words’ US, 1997 I owe you money or what? why are you looking at me that way? Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981 IQ anniversary noun the anniversary of a person’s quitting smoking. The ‘IQ’ stems from ‘IQuit’, punning on the more commonly understood sense of the abbreviation US, 1998 355 inky | IQ anniversary IQ Charley noun a half-wit. Teen slang; unkind US, 1955 irie; irey adjective good, great, wonderful JAMAICA, 1994 iris noun an Indian homosexual male. Gay slang, formed on the name Iris, probably elaborating the initial ‘I’ for ‘Indian’, and orig- inating among Cape coloureds SOUTH AFRICA, 2000 Irish noun Irish imports, such as snuff, whisky, linen, tea, etc. Linen from 1784, snuff from 1834 and whisky from 1889 UK, 1982 Irish nickname any athletic team from Notre Dame University. An abbreviation of the fuller FIGHTING IRISH US, 1975 Irish apple noun apotatoUK, 1896 Irish baby buggy noun a wheelbarrow US, 1919 Irish banjo noun a shovel US, 1941 Irish clubhouse noun a police stationhouse US, 1904 Irish confetti noun 1 semen spilled on a woman’s body US, 1987. 2 stones, bricks, etc, when used as offensive missiles US, 1913. 3 small stones kept in a pocket for disciplining sheepdogs NEW ZEALAND , 1961 Irish curtain noun on Prince Edward Island, a cobweb inside the house CANADA, 1988 Irisher noun a person of Irish descent US, 1807 Irish horse noun 1 salted beef UK, 1748. 2 a flaccid or impotent penis US, 1987 Irish hurricane noun a flat calm sea US, 1803 Irish jig; Irish noun a wig. Rhyming slang UK, 1972 Irish lace; Irish lace curtains noun a spider’s cobweb US, 1950 Irish linen noun in pool, the cloth used as a grip on the end of a cue stick US, 1993 Irishman’s gate noun any makeshift gate NEW ZEALAND, 1977 Irish pennant noun a dangling thread on a recruit’s uniform. Marine humour, marine usage US, 1941 Irish picnic wagon noun a police van US, 1996 Irish pop noun a shot of whisky and glass of beer US, 1982 Irish rose noun the nose. Rhyming slang UK, 1961 Irish shave noun an act of defecation US, 1979 Irish steak noun cheese. An allusion to Irish poverty UK: SCOTL AND, 1988 Irish sulk noun a fit of depression after being spirited and happy CANADA, 1982 Irish toothache noun 1 an erection UK, 1882. 2 pregnancy US, 1972 Irish turkey noun corned beef US, 1915 Irish waterfall noun a manner of cigarette smoking in which smoke is drawn into the mouth and then allowed to drift out and upwards for inhalation through the nose UK, 2003 Irish wedding noun masturbation US, 1987 Irish whip noun in handball, a stroke hitting the ball close to the body US, 1972 iron noun 1 a gun, especially a handgun US, 1838. 2 the penis UK, 1706. 3 money UK, 1705. 4 in the used car business, collectively the worst cars on the sales lot US, 1975. 5 an old, dilapidated truck US, 1971. 6 in hot rodding, a custom-built chrome bumper US, 1956. 7 an older mainframe computer US, 1991. 8 a railway track US, 1977. < push iron; bump iron; drive iron; pump iron to lift weights. Prison use US, 1965 Iron Age noun in computing, the period approximately between 1961 (the first PDP-1) and 1971 (the first commercial microprocessor) US, 1991 iron ass noun a stern, demanding, unrelenting person US, 1942 iron ben noun a bullet-proof vest US, 1949 ironbender noun a severe foreman, a strict disciplinarian CANADA, 1956 iron bomb noun a conventional aerial bomb that is simply dropped from the sky without any targeting capability in the bomb US, 1962 iron box noun a domestic iron INDIA, 1979 iron cure noun the sudden and complete deprivation of a drug to an addict in jail who suffers intensely US, 1973 iron curtain noun agirdleUS, 1968 iron dog noun a snowmobile US, 1961 iron do or noun < behind the iron door in prison US, 1992 iron duke noun in poker, a hand that is either certain to win or at least played as if it is certain to win US, 1967 iron girder noun a murder. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 iron God noun the Burroughs B-550 computer US, 1968 iron hat noun a safety helmet. Most commonly known as a ‘hard hat’ US, 1954 iron hoof; iron noun a male homosexual. Rhyming slang for POOF UK , 1936 iron horse noun a tank or other armoured vehicle US, 1918 iron idiot noun an imprecise but easily manoeuvred manual sight on a tank’s main gun US, 1986 Iron Lady nickname British Prime Mininster (1979–90) Margaret Hilda Thatcher (b.1925). Coined by the Soviet media for Thatcher’s unyielding anti-communist sentiments; always used with ‘the’ UK, 1976 iron lot noun a used car business specialising in old, inexpensive cars US, 1975 iron lung noun a tip, a gratuity. Glasgow rhyming slang for BUNG UK, 1985 iron man noun one US silver dollar ($1). From the metal coin US, 1908 Iron Mike noun 1 a bicycle. Rhyming slang for ‘bike’, formed from the nickname of US boxer Mike Tyson (b.1966) UK, 1998. 2 a pair of brass knuckles US, 1949 iron mouth noun any person with orthodontia US, 1979 iron nose noun in British Columbia, a steelhead trout CANADA, 1963 iron out verb 1 to correct a misunderstanding, to negotiate differ- ences and achieve agreement, to put right UK, 1930. 2 to knock a person down; to flatten AUSTRALIA, 1953 iron pile noun the area in a prison recreation yard where the weightlifting equipment is kept US, 1962 iron pony noun a motorcyle US, 1945 irons noun 1 handcuffs. Also used in the singular US, 1929. 2 in horse racing, stirrups US, 1951. 3 tyre chains used for winter driving US, 1971 iron skull noun on the railways, a boilermaker US, 1946 iron tank noun a bank. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 Iron Triangle noun 1 a major North Korean industrial complex between Pyongyang to the north, Chorwon to the west and Kumhwa to the east US, 1968. 2 a dense jungle area near the Cu Chi District of South Vietnam, about 20 miles northwest of Saigon, dominated by the Viet Cong and the scene of heavy fighting US, 1966 iron undies noun the notional underwear worn by a woman who is not willing to have sex NEW ZEALAND, 2002 iron worker noun a criminal who specialises in breaking into safes US, 1949 iron yard noun the area where weight lifting equipment is left and used, especially in prison US, 1995 I say! used for attracting attention or for registering surprise or pleasure UK, 1909 I say, I say, I say! used as a catchphrase introduction to a corny joke. From music hall comedy routines UK, 1927 isda noun heroin US, 1977 I see nothing used as a humorous expression of complicity. A catchphrase from the unlikely wacky-Nazi-POW-camp-comedy television programme Hogan’s Heroes (CBS, 1965–71). Uttered frequently by Sergeant Hans Schultz, the full phrase was ‘I see nothing. I hear nothing. I know nothing!’. Repeated with referential humour US, 1965 IQ Charley | I see nothing 356 I see, said the blind man (and he saw) used for expressing sudden comprehension in a teasing and humorous way US, 1991 ish noun an issue (of a magazine, especially a single-interest fan magazine) US, 1967. < the ish a Royal Marine issued with all poss- ible kit; or a full complement of equipment. Derives from ‘issue’ UK, 1987 -ish suffix 1 added to an adjective or phrase to form a less precise adjective, or to suggest a vaguer, often wider, interpretation of the proceeding adjective or phrase UK, 1815. 2 added to a proper name to form an adjective UK, 1845 I shit them I am superior UK, 1979 I shit you not I am very serious US, 1986 I should cocoa!; I should coco! I should say so. Rhyming slang, ‘coffee and cocoa’, unusually reduced to its second element. Derisive and sarcastic UK, 1936 I shouldn’t wonder! I should not be surprised UK, 1836 ishy adjective disgusting, unappealing US, 1968 is it? 1 used for registering a mild disbelief UK, 1994. 2 used for indi- cating polite interest, astonishment, incredulity, etc. Used rhetorically without regard to gender, subject or number. Sometimes spelt ‘izzit’ SOUTH AFRICA, 1970 Island noun < the Island the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England; in particular the prisons: HMP Camp Hill, HMP Albany or HMP Parkhurst UK, 1956 Isle of Man noun a pan. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of the island off the north west of England UK, 1992 Isle of Wight noun a light. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 Isle of Wight adjective 1 right; both as an expression of approval and indicative of direction. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of the island off the south coast of England UK, 1960. 2 tight (in a state of drunkenness or mean with money). Rhyming slang UK, 1992 I smell bacon! there are police nearby! A catchphrase from Wayne’s World, heard before but popularised by it US, 1993 isn’t it? used rhetorically, without regard to gender, subject or number: is that not so? SOUTH AFRICA, 1956 isn’t that special? used for expressing sarcastic disdain. From Dana Carvey’s ‘Church Lady’ skit on Saturday Night Live US, 1987 Israelite noun someone who is temporarily without money JAMAICA, 1969 issue noun a problem. Often used in a mocking way, borrowing from the lexicon of self-improvement and popular psychotherapy. Most often heard in the plural US, 1999 issues noun crack cocaine UK, 2003 -ista suffix when combined with a subject-noun, a follower or aficionado of something or someone. From Spanish. An example is FASHIONISTA UK, 2003 is the Pope (a) Catholic? yes; a nonsense retort used as an affirmative answer to a silly question, often sarcastic. Often mixed with the synonymous DO BEARS SHIT IN THE WOODS? to achieve DOES THE POPE SHIT IN THE WOODS? Used in the UK since the 1970s US, 1977 I suppose noun a nose. Rhyming slang UK, 1859 I swallow! used as a cry of submission UK, 2000 iswas noun a contemptible, very much disliked person. This appears to be a compound of ‘is’ and ‘was’ and is therefore perhaps implying that the person so described is (soon to be) in the past tense. Noted in connection with a legal dispute over rap lyrics by BBC News, 6th June 2003 UK, 2003 is your father a glass maker? used to suggest that somebody in front of you at a public event sit down and stop blocking your view TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003 it noun 1 sex UK, 1599. 2 the penis US, 1846. 3 a short-term sexual partner, a casual pick-up UK, 2002. 4 in male homosexual usage, a heterosexual male or a homosexual male who is not part of the speaker’s inner circle US, 1981 It noun sweet vermouth. Originally Italian vermouth as used in ‘gin and it’ UK, 1937 it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings used as a humorous aphorism meaning that something is not over until it is over. The battle cry of those who are about to lose US, 1992 ital adjective natural, unadulterated; (of food) organic, salt-free; (of sex) without a condom JAMAICA, 1994 Italian airlines noun walking US, 1987 Italian mausoleum noun a car boot (trunk). From the stereotype of the corpses of Mafia murder victims being stuffed in car boots US, 1982 Italian shower noun a liberal application of aftershave or scent UK, 1997 ITALY written on an envelope, or at the foot of a lover’s letter, as lovers’ code for ‘I trust and love you’. Widely-known, and well-used by servicemen but, apparently, has not transferred to the coded vocabulary of texting UK, 1960 itch noun < he (she) wouldn’t gi ve you the itch said of a person with a reputation for meanness. In Glasgow use UK, 1988 itch verb to have a desire to do something UK, 1225 itch and scratch; itch noun a match (a vesta) UK, 1931 itchy backside noun said of a restless person SINGAPORE, 2002 itchy feet noun 1 attributed to a person who is restless UK, 1984. 2 attributed to a prison inmate who is considered to be a potential absconder. A specialisation of ‘have itchy feet’ (to be restless) UK, 1978 itchy pussy noun a Mitsubishi car US, 1992 ite all right (as an adjective, or a greeting). A shortening of ‘all right’. Teen slang UK, 2003 item noun a romantically-linked couple. Expressing a commitment that the two individuals be considered as a single item US, 1981 Itie noun an Italian. Variation of EYETIE UK, 1941 Itie adjective Italian AUSTRALIA, 1988 -itis suffix used to create imaginary medical conditions, such as lazyitis (congenital laziness) and cobitis (an aversion to prison food) US, 1912 it’s all good used for expressing optimism or a sense that all is well in the world US, 1995 it’s been great used as a farewell US, 1969 it’s been real used as a farewell, suggesting that the time spent together has been enjoyable US, 1982 it’s better to give than receive used as a declaration that it is better to be the active rather than passive partner in homosexual anal intercourse. A charitable philosophy UK, 2000 it’s br eakfast! used by firefighters in the woods to mean that the fire is out and their work is finished US, 1991 it’s dead the issue being discussed need not be discussed any further US, 2002 it’s hard to feel good about that used as an intentionally laconic expression of sympathy or commiseration US, 1987 it’s not my job used for expressing a lack of interest in helping to do something. A signature line of comedian Freddie Prinze on the television comedy Chico and the Man (NBC, 1974–78). Repeated with referential humour US, 1974 it’s not the end of the world! offered as consolation to someone who has suffered a mishap UK, 1984 it’s on! used for announcing the start of hostilities between youth gangs US, 1953 it’s the oil that counts in oil drilling, used for expressing doubt about any new process, equipment or idea US, 1954 it’s there used as a stock answer about something that is acceptable but not great CANADA, 1993 itsy bitsy noun the vagina. Childish euphemism US, 1998 itsy-bitsy adjective tiny US, 1938 it’s you used as a greeting US, 1973 it takes all sorts an elliptical variation of the homespun philos- ophy: it takes all sorts to make a world (or a universe) UK, 1951 357 I see, said the blind man (and he saw) | it takes all sorts it takes one to know one you are as bad as the person you are criticising UK, 1984 itty adjective tiny. A childish form of ‘little’ UK, 1798 itty-bitty adjective tiny. A reduplicated variation of ITTY, perhaps by combination with BITTY UK, 1938 Ivan noun a Russian, especially a soldier; the nation of Russia; sometimes used in the plural to represent Russians in general. Originally military; the popular male forename is the Russian equivalent to John US, 1944 ivories noun 1 the teeth UK, 1782. 2 the keys of a piano or a similar instrument UK, 1818. 3 dice US, 1962. 4 billiard or pool balls UK, 1875. < spank the ivories play the piano in a jazz-style US, 1944. < tickle the ivories to play the piano UK, 1930 ivory flake noun cocaine US, 1983 ivory soap noun in dominoes, the double blank piece US, 1959 ivory tower noun used as a metaphor for an attitude that is elitist, intellectual and removed from the real world US, 1911 I wonder! I doubt it!, I can’t believe it!; I think it may be so UK, 1922 I wouldn’t fuck her with your dick used as a jocular disparagement of a woman’s sexual attractiveness US, 1974 I wouldn’t kick her out of bed; I wouldn’t kick that out of bed used as an expression of general sexual interest. Sometimes elaborated as ‘I wouldn’t kick her out of bed for farting’ or ‘ for eating crackers’ UK, 1984 ixnay no. Pig Latin for ‘nix’ US, 1929 -iz- infix used as an infix to hide the meaning of a word. Used in prison and other fields with a tentative relationship to the law. ‘Dope’ becomes ‘dizope’ US, 1976 -iz-i infix an embellishment that adds no meaning to a word. Popularised by Frankie Smith in the 1999 song ‘Double Dutch Bus’ US, 1999 IZM; ism; izm noun marijuana US, 1992 Izzy noun any Jewish male US, 1949 it takes one to know one | Izzy 358 . preceding sentence, e.g. ‘It’s raining, innit?’ UK, 1959 in on preposition being a part of something; participating in or sharing in something UK, 1923 ins -and- outs noun < want to know the ins -and- outs. breaking wave US, 1991 into preposition 1 in debt to US, 1893. 2 in organised crime, in control of US, 1985. 3 interested in; participating in US, 1965 intro noun an introduction UK, 1923 intro. name of the island off the north west of England UK, 1992 Isle of Wight noun a light. Rhyming slang UK, 1998 Isle of Wight adjective 1 right; both as an expression of approval and indicative of