I love slang and strange turns-of-phrase, especially when it comes to swears and name calling. Now, courtesy of Mr. Southey and “Letters from England,” I have a fun post for today with some English Regency slang. Can’t be sure how much he’s just having fun, and how much truth there was in it, but hey, it’s all good. 🙂
“horse” (see Southey, p314): “employed in combination to signify any thing large and coarse, as in horse-beans, horse-chestnut, horse-radish.”
Horse godmother – a woman of masculine appearance
Jolly dog – great compliment and name for a man from his companions
honest dog – name for a man when he adds other good qualities to good naturedness
sad dog – a male reprobate
dog – a term of endearment by an Englishman for his child; also what he calls a misbehaving servant
puppy – term of contempt for a coxcomb or vain, flighty man
bitch – the worst name for a woman
spaniel – flatterer
bull-dog – a ruffian
ugly hound – an man who looks terrible
whelp, cur, mongrel – terms of contempt and reproach for young men
pug – a young woman with an upturned nose
So, know any “spaniels” or “honest dogs”? 🙂
What are some of your favorite slang terms that would appear very unusual to an outsider – perhaps indecipherable? Historical or current, it’s all good. Do share. 🙂
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Have a good one!
