@TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us cover
@TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

TheVulgarTongue Bot

@[email protected]

Bot account posting selections from Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue”

CW: 18th-century levels of racism, homophobia, sexism, slut-shaming and negative attitudes to sex workers.

But on the other hand, someone non-judgmentally recorded the speech and codes of people on the outside of polite society, people in the demi-monde and otherwise forgotten by history.

Let me know of any problems.

#books #literature #dictionaries #history #society #crime #language #slang #18thCentury

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. View on remote instance

TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
@TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

TROOPER. You will die the death of a trooper's horse, that is, with your shoes-on; a jocular method of telling any one he will be hanged.

A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

--
@histodons

GIF
ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    MISS LAYCOCK. The monosyllable.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    BRAN-FACED. Freckled. He was christened by a baker, he carries the bran in his face.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    JACOBITES. Sham or collar shirts. Also partizans for the Stuart family: from the name of the abdicated king, i.e. James or Jacobus. It is said by the whigs, that God changed Jacob's name to Israel, lest the descendants of that patriarch should be called Jacobites.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    DEMURE. As demure as an old whore at a christening.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    DEATH'S HEAD UPON A MOP-STICK. A poor miserable, emaciated fellow; one quite an otomy. See OTOMY.--He looked as pleasant as the pains of death.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @histodons
    The funny thing is, I've searched my database and also the original text from which I built this bot and I can't find “otomy”.

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @histodons
    The OED has "Otomi" but the definition is a native tribe from central America so I don't think that can be it.

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @AdrianRiskin @histodons
    Thank you!

    That's helped me find it with a double T: “The vulgar word for a skeleton.” and also a verb:
    “ To be ottomised; to be dissected. You'll be scragged, ottomised, and grin in a glass case: you'll be hanged, anatomised, and your skeleton kept in a glass case at Surgeons' Hall.’

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @JPK_elmediat @histodons
    Thanks. No idea why I didn't look for it with double T, double M etc. Spelling with very fluid back then.

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    CLICK. A blow. A click in the muns; a blow or knock in the face. CANT.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    DOVE-TAIL. A species of regular answer, which fits into the subject, like the contrivance whence it takes its name: Ex. Who owns this? The dovetail is, Not you by your asking.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    RIG. Fun, game, diversion, or trick. To run one's rig upon any particular person; to make him a butt. I am up to your rig; I am a match for your tricks.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    FOREFOOT, or PAW. Give us your fore foot; give us your hand.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    BERMUDAS. A cant name for certain places in London, privileged against arrests, like the Mint in Southwark, Ben. Jonson. These privileges are abolished.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    TO BUBBLE. To cheat.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    CHOP-STICK. A fork.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    BOLT. A blunt arrow.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    UNTRUSS. To untruss a point; to let down one's breeches in order to ease one's self. Breeches were formerly tied with points; these tags were worsteds of different colours twisted up to a size somewhat thicker than packthread, and tagged at both ends with tin.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    HOB, or HOBBINOL, a clown.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    HEEL TAP. A peg in the heel of a shoe, taken out when it is finished. A person leaving any liquor in his glass, is frequently called upon by the toast-master to take off his heel-tap.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    TAG-RAG AND BOBTAIL. An expression meaning an assemblage of low people, the mobility of all sorts. To tag after one like a tantony pig: to follow one wherever one goes, just as St. Anthony is followed by his pig.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    BLEACHED MORT. A fair-complexioned wench.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    FAT. The last landed, inned, or stowed, of any sort of merchandise: so called by the water-side porters, carmen, &c. All the fat is in the fire; that is, it is all over with us: a saying used in case of any miscarriage or disappointment in an undertaking.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    DEW BEATERS. Feet. Cant.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    GREY PARSON. A farmer who rents the tithes of the rector or vicar.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    HANS IN KELDER. Jack in the cellar, i.e. the child in the womb: a health frequently drank to breeding women or their husbands.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    CHOPPING, LUSTY. A chopping boy or girl; a lusty child.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    BATTLE-ROYAL. A battle or bout at cudgels or fisty-cuffs, wherein more than two persons are engaged: perhaps from its resemblance, in that particular, to more serious engagements fought to settle royal disputes.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    KIDNEY. Disposition, principles, humour. Of a strange kidney; of an odd or unaccountable humour. A man of a different kidney; a man of different principles.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    DIPT. Pawned or mortgaged.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    COLT'S TOOTH. An old fellow who marries or keeps a young girl, is said to have a colt's tooth in his head.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    WHORE-MONGER. A man who keeps more than one mistress. A gentleman who kept a female friend, being styled a whore-monger by a parson, asked whether he had a cheese in his house; and being answered in the affirmative, said 'Pray, does that one cheese make you a cheese-monger?'

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    BREAD AND BUTTER FASHION. One slice upon the other. John and his maid were caught lying bread and butter fashion. It is no bread and butter of mine; I have no business with it; or rather, I won't intermeddle, because I shall get nothing by it.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    JAPANNED. Ordained. To be japanned; to enter into holy orders, to become a clergyman, to put on the black cloth: from the colour of the japan ware, which is black.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    HEDGE WHORE. An itinerant harlot, who bilks the bagnios and bawdy-houses, by disposing of her favours on the wayside, under a hedge; a low beggarly prostitute.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @AdrianRiskin @histodons
    Unless "bilk" also had a different meaning back then?

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @angiebaby @histodons
    See you in the hedge, bestie!

    TheVulgarTongue OP Bot ,
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    @AdrianRiskin @histodons
    You've got to assume a little tongue in cheek here, but yes, good point. These open-source prostitutes are depriving Big Harlotry of their rightful cut.

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    LAGE. Water. CANT.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    TOMMY. Soft Tommy, or white Tommy; bread is so called by sailors, to distinguish it from biscuit. Brown Tommy: ammunition bread for soldiers; or brown bread given to convicts at the hulks.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    GILL. The abbreviation of Gillian, figuratively used for woman. Every jack has his gill; i.e. every jack has his gillian, or female mate.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    GULL. A simple credulous fellow, easily cheated.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    DRAWING THE KING'S PICTURE. Coining. CANT.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    BACON-FACED. Full-faced.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    GUTTING A QUART POT. Taking out the lining of it: i. e. drinking it off. Gutting an oyster; eating it. Gutting a house; clearing it of its furniture. See POULTERER.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    CLOUD. Tobacco. Under a cloud; in adversity.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    TheVulgarTongue Bot , to histodons group
    @TheVulgarTongue@zirk.us avatar

    GRANNY. An abbreviation of grandmother; also the name of an idiot, famous for licking, her eye, who died Nov. 14, 1719. Go teach your granny to suck eggs; said to such as would instruct any one in a matter he knows better than themselves.

    A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)

    --
    @histodons

    GIF
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Loading...
  • All
  • Subscribed
  • Moderated
  • Favorites
  • kbinchat
  • All magazines