See REVERSE WORD LOOKUP for the new and improved reverse dictionary.
• BEN COVE n. a good fellow; a friend ...17C sl.
• BEN CULL n. a good fellow; a friend ...19C sl.
• BEND adj. bold ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. bravely ...1809 Sc.
† n. 1. a band, bond, or fetter ...c890
† n. 2. a ribbon, strap, band, used for ornament or as part of a dress; a sash, hat-band, bandage ...c1000
† n. 3. a moral or spiritual bond or restraint; the bands or bonds of matrimony ...a1250
† n. 4. confinement at childbirth ...1297
†* n. 5. a 'stripe' inflicted by a lash or rod ...c1400
† n. 6. an organized company of men; a band; a party, a faction; a gang; a company ...1475 obs. exc. Amer. dial.
† n. 7. a spring, a leap, a bound ...1513 Sc.
† n. 8. a bending of the body; a bow ...1529
† n. 9. turn of mind, inclination, bent ...1591
†* n. 10. inclination of the eye in any direction, glance ...1601
n. 11. a draught of liquor ...1727 Sc.
n. 12. a waistcoat ...M19 sl.
n. 13. a drunken spree ...1887 sl.
n. 14. a foolish, foppish fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 15. an appointment; a rendezvous ...20C Anglo-Irish
n. 16. an experience created by a hallucinogenic drug ...1960s sl.
n. 17. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 18. a prostitute ...1980s rap music sl.
† vb. 1. to put in bonds, to fetter ...1036
† vb. 2. to harness the horses to a cart or other vehicle; to yoke ...1513
† vb. 3. to aim a blow, weapon, etc. ...1530
† vb. 4. to spring, to leap, to bound ...c1530 Sc.
vb. 5. to drink hard or greedily ...1727 Sc.
vb. 6. to pervert; to corrupt; to put to a dishonest or corrupt use; to commit some form of fraudulent manoeuvre, esp. as in losing a race deliberately, bribing a policeman or a sporting competitor ...1864 sl.
vb. 7. to cock a gun ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEND A BEND vb. to round a curve or corner at great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEND-A-BOW n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1896 Amer. dial.
• BENDACIOUS adj. bendable ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEND A CORNER vb. to round a curve or corner at great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEND AN EAR vb. to pay attention; to listen ...1935 Amer. sl.
int. listen! ...1970 Amer. sl.
• BEND DOUGHNUT n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BEND DOWN FOR vb. to consent to buggery ...L19 sl.
• BEND-DOWN PLAZA n. a row of roadside peddlers, specializing in items that are hard to get in shops, because of import restrictions ...20C W. Indies & Jamaica
• BENDED KNEES n. a cheese ...20C rhyming sl.
• BEND 'ER vb. to round a curve or corner at great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BENDER n. 1. a drinker ...1727 Sc.
n. 2. a bout of drinking; a spree; a riotous feast; often lasting several days and including random acts of excess, violence, etc. ...1827 US
n. 3. a rampage ...M19 US sl.
n. 4. a shilling ...M19 sl.
n. 5. a sixpence ...1836 sl.
n. 6. a big or good specimen of its kind; a 'whopper'; anything exceptional or outstanding ...1842 Eng. dial.
n. 7. the leg ...1849 sl.
n. 8. the arm ...M19 sl.
n. 9. the elbow ...M19 sl.
n. 10. the knee ...M19 sl.
n. 11. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1894 Amer. dial.
n. 12. a silly fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 13. a male homosexual ...1930s sl.
n. 14 a drug party ...1960s drugs sl.
int. nonsense! humbug! rubbish!...19C sl.
• BENDER AND ARRS n. a bow and arrows ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENDER MENDER n. a hangover cure, esp. a stiff drink ...1988 Sc. sl.
• BENDERS n. delirium tremens ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BENDIFIED adj. bent ...1919 Amer. dial.
• BENDING DRILL n. an act of defecation in the open-air ...1945 UK military sl.
• BENDING ICE n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BENDING ROD n. a divining rod; a short stick used to show where there's water ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BENDIT adj. ready to spring, crouching ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEND OF THE ARM n. the elbow ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BEND OF THE FILBERT n. a bow of the head; a nod ...18C sl.
• BEND ONE OVER vb. to position someone for pederasty; to dominate or humiliate someone; usually said of a male ...E20 US criminals' sl.
• BEND ONE'S BACK vb. to work hard ...1920s Aust. sl.
• BEND ONE'S ELBOW vb. to have a drink ...20C sl.
• BEND OVER vb. to submit; to give in to someone ...1960s US sl.
int. you're bothering me! ...1960s sl.
• BEND OVER BACKWARDS vb. to make one's maximum effort, orig. with the implication of doing something disadvantageous or distasteful to oneself ...1925 sl., orig. US
• BEND OVER, BROWN EYES phr. an instruction to a patient about to undergo a rectal examination ...1989 US sl.
• BENDS n. the accoutrements of a horse ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENDS, THE n. delirium tremens ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BENDSOME * adj. pliable, yielding, flexible ...1861
• BEND SOMEONE'S EAR vb. 1. to chatter on interminably and probably tediously; to talk at tedious length to someone; also, to have someone's attention ...1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to speak privately, to whisper ...1940s sl., orig. US
• BEND THE BROWS vb. to winkle the brow; to frown, to scowl ...1387
• BEND THE CRAB vb. to do a somersault ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BEND THE ELBOW vb. to drink alcohol ...1823 sl.
• BEND THE HABIT vb. to decrease one's narcotics intake in an attempt to withdraw from addiction ...L19 drugs sl.
• BEND THE THROTTLE vb. to fly above normal cruising speed ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BENDUDELUMS n. 1. large pieces of broken ice in salt water ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 2. ice that will bend when you step on it, but not break ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BEND UP vb. to encourage or enable another’s intoxication ...1999 UK sl.
• BENDY adj. 1. said of something that bends or yields easily; pliable, limber ...1965 Amer. dial.
adj. 2. extremely fashionable, smart, 'cool' ...1990s US teen sl.
n. 1. the devil ...19C
n. 2. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BENDY-BOW n. 1. a sudden short dip in a road ...1903 Amer. dial.
n. 2. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BENDY DOUGHNUT n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BENDY-GO n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BENDY ICE n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BENDY-LEATHER n. ice in a half-thawed condition, yet elastic and capable of bearing a weight ...Bk1898 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BENE adj. 1. good ...16C sl.
adj. 2. well-to-do ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENE † n. prayer, petition, boon; prayer to God ...c1000 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BENEAN prep. beneath ...1886 Eng. dial.
• BENEAPED adj. of a vessel: stranded, left aground by the neap tide ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BENEATH adj. dead and buried ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
adv. beneath the skies; in the world, on the earth ...c1250 arch.
vb. to condescend, to lower oneself ...1895 Eng. dial.
• BENEATH THE SALT phr. at the lower part of the table; i.e. among the less honoured guests ...1602
• BENE BOUSE n. drink; literally, good liquor ...M16 sl.
• BENE BOWSE n. drink; literally, good liquor ...M16 sl.
• BENE-BOWSY adj. tipsy...M16 sl.
• BENECKING †* adj. bowing the neck, cringing ...1705
• BENE COVE n. a friend; literally, a good fellow ...17C sl.
• BENE CULL n. a good fellow; a friend ...19C sl.
• BENE DARKMANS! int. good night ...M16 sl.
• BENEDICENCE * n. kindliness in speech ...1881
• BENEDICITE! int. 1. good gracious! ...c1374
int. 2. bless you! ...1377
• BENEDICK n. a married man, esp. a newly married man or a formerly confirmed bachelor who changes his mind ...E19 sl.
• BENEDICT † adj. good, blessed, benign, salutary ...1576
n. a newly married man; an apparently confirmed bachelor who marries ...1821
• BENEDICTED † adj. blessed ...1623
• BENEDICTION n. 1. kindly favour, grace ...1483
n. 2. grace before or after meals ...1671
• BENEDICTOR † n. a eulogist, one who commends or praises, a well-wisher ...a1633
• BENEDIGHT adj. blessed ...a1300 arch.
• BENEEK adj. 1. bad-tempered, insane ...1960s S. Afr.
adj. 2. contrary, impossible ...1960s S. Afr.
• BENEFACT † n. a good deed or benefit ...1656
† vb. to give in charity ...1594
• BENEFACTION n. 1. a doing good, kindly or generous action; an act of kindness ...a1662
n. 2. the bestowal of money for a charitable purpose ...1674
• BENEFACTORATE vb. to act the benefactor to ...1769 nonce word
• BENEFACTORY adj. conferring a benefit; beneficial, advantageous ...1744
• BENEFACTRESS n. a female benefactor ...1711
• BENEFACTRICE †* n. a female benefactor ...1711
• BENEFACTRIX †* n. a female benefactor ...1713
• BENEFACTURE † n. benefaction, kindness ...a1656
• BENE-FAKER n. a counterfeiter, initially of documents, later of money ...17C sl.
• BENE FEAKER n. a counterfeiter of bills ...17C sl.
• BENE-FEAKER OF GYBES n. a forger of passes and similar documents ...L17 sl.
• BENEFETER †* n. a benefactor ...c1449
• BENEFETOUR †* n. a benefactor ...c1449
• BENEFIC adj. kind ...1641
• BENEFICAL † adj. kind ...1647
• BENEFICE † n. 1. a good deed, kindness, favour ...1340
† n. 2. a gift; a gratuity ...c1380
† n. 3. favourable influence or operation; advantage, favour, protection, benefit ...1424
• BENEFICENCE n. 1. doing good; active kindness ...1531
n. 2. a benefaction, a beneficent gift, deed, or work ...1654
• BENEFICENCY † n. doing good; active kindness ...1576
• BENEFICENT adj. 1. doing good, kind ...1616
adj. 2. advantageous ...1677
• BENEFICENTIAL adj. concerned with what is most beneficial to mankind ...1869
• BENEFICIAL † adj. doing good, kind ...1526
• BENEFICIALNESS † n. doing good, kindness ...1528
• BENEFICIE †* n. benefit, beneficial influence, favour ...c1449
• BENEFICIOUS † adj. doing good, kind ...1535
• BENEFIT n. 1. a kind deed, a kindness; a favour, a gift ...1377 arch.
† n. 2. a thing well done; a good or noble deed ...1377
n. 3. wages paid in kind ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 4. any hardship or unpleasant feature of army life; used with obvious irony ...1968 US sl.
• BENE-GYBE n. a counterfeiter ...17C sl.
• BE NEITHER SUGAR NOR SALT vb. to not be delicate or easily made ill ...1880 Sc. & Eng. dial.
phr. not likely to be injured by a wetting; not afraid of wet weather ...1855
• BENE-MERENT †* adj. well-deserving ...1656
• BENE MORT n. a pretty woman ...M16 sl.
• BEN-END n. the best room in a house; hence, the best part of anything ...1892 Sc.
n. 2. the best part of anything ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENE PECK n. good food ...M16 sl.
• BENEPLACIT †* adj. pleased, satisfied ...1678
†* n. good pleasure, gracious purpose ...1643
• BENEPLACITURE †* n. good pleasure, gracious purpose ...1662
• BENEPLACITY †* n. good pleasure, gracious purpose ...1643
• BENESHIP n. something that is very good ...M16 sl.
• BENEUROUS † adj. happy, blessed ...1483
• BENEURTE † n. happiness, blessedness ...1480
• BENEVOLER †* n. a well-wisher, a kind person ...1486
• BENEVOLIST n. a professor of benevolence ...1825
• BENEVOLOUS † adj. well-wishing, kind, friendly, benevolent ...1470
• BENEW adv. beneath ...1768 Sc.
• BE NEW OFF THE IRONS vb. to have just finished one's course of study ...Bk1902 Sc.
• BENEWRED † adj. happy, blessed ...1483
• BENEWRELY † adv. happily ...1483
• BENFEAKER n. a counterfeiter of bills ...17C sl.
• BEN-FEAKERS OF JYBES n. counterfeiters of passports ...1612 criminals' sl.
• BEN-FLAKE n. a steak ...M19 rhyming sl.
• BEN FRANKLIN n. a $100 note ...1990 US sl.
• BENGAL BLANKET n. the sun; a blue sky ...19C Anglo-Indian
• BENGAL LANCER n. an opportunity, esp. one who takes risks in pursuit of criminal gain ...2005 Sc. rhyming sl. for ‘chancer’
• BENGAL LANCERS n. razor gangs ...1930s Aust. sl.
• BENGE vb. 1. to drink to excess ...1825 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to lounge lazily ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENGY adj. cloudy, overcast ...1851 Eng. dial.
• BEN-HOUSE n. the inner or principal room ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENIES n. benefits, specifically those of the GI Bill that puts US service veterans through college for free ...1940s US college sl.
• BENIGHT † adv. by night ...1642
vb. 1. to be overtaken by the darkness of night (before reaching a place of shelter) ...1560
vb. 2. to blind, to dazzle; to deprive of vision ...1621
vb. 3. to involve in darkness, to darken, to cloud ...a1631
• BENIGHTED † adj. 1. overtaken by the darkness of the night; affected by the night ...1575 obs. exc. Amer. dial.
adj. 2. involved in intellectual or moral darkness ...1634
• BENIGHTEN * vb. to deprive of enlightenment ...1844
• BENIGHTER n. one who keeps others in darkness ...1818
• BENIGHTMENT n. physical, intellectual, or moral darkness ...1651
• BENIGN adj. 1. of a kind disposition, gracious, kindly ...c1320
† adj. 2. gentle, meek, humble ...1377
adj. 3. of the weather: mild, genial ...c1386
† adj. 4. of food: easily digested ...1651
• BENIGNANCY n. kindness ...1876
• BENIGNANT adj. 1. cherishing or exhibiting kindly feeling towards inferiors or dependants; gracious, kind, benevolent ...a1782
adj. 2. of things: favourable, beneficial ...1790
• BENIGNATE †* adj. of a kindly disposition, gracious, kindly ...1533
• BENIGNED †* adj. of a kindly disposition, gracious, kindly ...1470
• BENIGNITY n. 1. kindly feeling and is manifestation; kindness of disposition, or of manner ...c1374
n. 2. a kindly or generous deed; a kindness, a favour bestowed ...c1534
• BENIGNLY adv. 1. kindly, graciously ...c1380
† adv. 2. meekly, gently, humbly ...c1386
adv. 3. of things: genially, favourably, auspiciously ...a1687
• BENIM † vb. 1. to rob, to deprive, to bereave ...c890
† vb. 2. to take away ...a1000
† vb. 3. to rob, to spoil, to ravish ...c1250.
• BENIMMED adj. taken hastily upon the sly ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENIMMING † n. the taking away ...a1400
• BEN-INNO adv. within or beyond ...1790 Sc.
• BENISON n. 1. blessing, beatitude; that blessing which God gives; a giving of blessedness ...a1300
† n. 2. grace before a meal ...a1300
† n. 3. disposition to bless; graciousness, grace, kindness ...c1450
• BENJAMIN n. a coat ...E19 sl.
• BENJEL n. a heap, a considerable quantity ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENJI n. a $100 note ...1985 US sl.
• BENJIE n. 1. a coat ...19C sl.
n. 2. a $100 note ...1985 US sl.
• BENJO n. a toilet ...1988 Aust. sl.
• BENJORAM n. a liberal supply; a large plateful of food ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENJY n. 1. a coat ...E19 sl.
n. 2. a straw hat; generally one with a very broad brim ...1883 Eng. dial.
• BENK n. a bench of any kind, esp. one made of stone ...c1200 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• BENKLE n. a dimple ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. to dent, to dimple ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENKLED adj. of a tin can: dented ...1891 Sc.
• BENLINS adv. towards the interior of a house ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENMOST adj. innermost ...1820 Sc.
• BENNER adj. inner ...1785 Sc.
• BENNERMOST adj. innermost ...1790 Sc.
• BENNETT BUGGY n. a car converted to a four-wheel, horse-drawn carriage by removal of the engine, drive train and windshield (in depression times); later, any broken-down car ...1987 Can. sl.
• BEN NEVIS n. a long prison sentence ...2002 UK sl.
• BENNIE n. 1. an amphetamine; a Benzedrine™ tablet ...1949 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a state of intoxication from Benzedrine™ ...M20 US sl.
n. 3. a female prostitute’s customer who prefers to perform oral sex on the prostitute ...1964 US sl.
• BENNIE GOD n. the sun ...1965 US sl.
• BENNISH adj. foolish ...17C sl.
• BENNY n. 1. an overcoat ...1812 US sl.
n. 2. a straw hat ...1922 sl., orig. nautical
n. 3. a person, a fellow ...1920s US sl.
n. 4. a break in formation during which a soldier can rest or smoke ...Bk1944 service sl.
n. 5. a sloppy soldier ...Bk1944 service sl.
n. 6. an amphetamine; a Benzedrine™ tablet ...1949 sl., orig. US
n. 7. a state of intoxication from Benzedrine™ ...M20 US sl.
n. 8. a Jew ...20C US sl.
• BENNY-HEAD n. a Benzedrine user ...1940s drugs sl.
• BE NOBODY'S NECK vb. to be nobody's business, to be of no consequence ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BE NO MORE vb. to die ...20C euphemism & colloq.
• BENORTH † adv. to the north ...1087
† prep. north of ...1387 obs. exc. Sc.
• BE NOT AS GREEN AS ONE IS CABBAGE-LOOKING phr. be less than a fool than might be assumed ...colloq.
• BENOTE † vb. 1. to use, to make use of ...a1100
vb. 2. to make notes upon ...1767
• BENOTHING †* vb. to reduce to nothing; to annihilate ...1674
• BENOTTE †* vb. to crop or cut close ...1594
• BEN-ROOM n. the best room in a house ...1891 Sc.
• BENSE adv. violently ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 1. a violent movement; a blow, spring, strong push ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. vigour, energy ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to bounce ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to walk or move violently ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSEL n. strong bent or determination; impetus of a body in motion ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. to drive, to know about; to bang, to beat ...1674 Eng. dial.
• BENSELL n. 1. a place exposed to the violence of the storm ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a heavy blow; a violent or sudden movement; violence of storm, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a severe rebuke. ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to beat; to bang ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSHIP n. something that is very good ...M16 sl.
• BENSIE vb. to strike vigorously ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSIL n. 1. a heavy blow; any sudden or violent motion; violence of storm, fire, etc. ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a place exposed to the violence of the storm ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. a severe rebuke ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. 1. to thrash, to beat soundly; to bang; to drive away ...1691 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to surpass, to outdo ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENSILER n. anything very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENSILING adj. of persons: rough, awkward, overbearing ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENSILLING adj. sharp, biting ...1894 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. a thrashing, a beating ...1863 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BENSIN adj. vigorous, bouncing ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENSING adj. 1. bouncing, vigorous ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. of a bow: full bent ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. the showing of great vigour in walking, working, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSNICKEL n. St. Nicholas, Santa Claus or St. Nicholas' servant whose duty it was to punish naughty children or reward good ones ...1948 Amer. dial.
• BENSOME adj. quarrelsome ...1809 Sc.
• BENSY †* vb. to sanctify, to hallow, to purify ...c1315
• BENT † adj. 1 levelled or aimed as a weapon; braced or wound up for action; crouched for a spring ...c1330
† adj. 2. determined, resolute, devoted, inclined ...1548
adj. 3. partially or thoroughly drunk ...1833 Amer. dial.
adj. 4. bleak ...1885 Eng. dial.
adj. 5. crooked, larcenous; dishonest, corrupt ...1914 sl., orig. US
adj. 6. stolen ...1930 sl., orig. US
adj. 7. (derogatory) homosexual ...1959 sl.
† n. 1. a piece bent into a curve; a bow ...1521
† n. 2. a curved part, a bend, a crook ...1572
† n. 3. that towards which an action, etc. is directed; aim, purpose, intention ...1579
† n. 4. impetus, concentrated energy ...1581
† n. 5. inclination, bowing, stooping, nodding ...1584
n. 6. the slope or hollow of a hill, a hillside ...1814 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BENT BROW † n. an arched eyebrow ...c1380
• BEN-THE-HOOSE adv. in the parlour ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. the best or inner part of a house ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENTLY † adv. determinedly, with set purpose ...1645
• BENTO n. a coffin, esp. a homemade or inexpensive one ...1949 Amer. dial.
• BENT WRIST n. a male homosexual ...1950s sl., orig. US
• BENTY BOWS n. ? bandy-legs ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENUMB vb. to paralyze ...1789
• BE NUTS OVER vb. to be infatuated over ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BENWARD adv. towards the interior of a house ...c1475 Sc.
• BENZEL n. a heap, a considerable quantity ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENZINE WAGON n. an automobile; a truck ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEOD † n. a table ...c1000
• BE OFF vb. to happen, esp. of a violent incident ...1960s sl.
• BE OFF EGGS, ON POTATOES vb. to wander abruptly from one subject to another ...Bk1900 Sc.
• BE OFF OF ONE'S FEET WITH vb. to be the victim of ...Bk1905 Sc.
• BE OFF OF THE REEL vb. to be married ...1899 Sc.
• BE OFF WITH THE GUN vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BE OFF YOUR EGGS vb. to make a mistake, to be on the wrong tack ...1844 Sc.
• BE ON ABOUT vb. to grumble; to complain, especially loudly; to talk on a subject for far too long ...1863 UK
• BE ON A HIDING TO NOTHING vb. to be unlikely to succeed. or be unlikely to gain much advantage if one does ...1905
• BE ON AT vb. to nag; to constantly reprove ...1974 UK sl.
• BE ONE BIG EAR vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BE ONE OF THE KNIGHTS vb. to have syphilis ...1940s homosexual sl.
• BE ONE'S OWN CARVER † vb. to take or choose for oneself at one's own discretion ...1579
• BE ON IT vb. to drink alcohol ...1938 Aust. sl.
• BE ON ONE'S BACK-SEAM vb. to be out of luck, penniless ...B1890 tailors' sl.
• BE ON ONE'S BEANWATER vb. to feel lively or animated; to be in high spirits ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BE ON ONE'S METTLE vb. to be in a bad temper ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE BALANCE vb. to hesitate, to be undecided ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE BEEFMENT vb. to see, to watch; to spy ...Bk1902 thieves' sl.
• BE ON THE BIG EAR vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE DAM vb. of a policeman: to be in trouble ...c1920 police usage
• BE ON THE ERIE vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE FENCE vb. to be neutral ...Bk1905 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE FLUTTER vb. to be sexually adept ...c1875 sl.
• BE ON THE LAM vb. to be a fugitive from justice ...1928 US sl.
• BE ON THE LONG EAR vb. to listen intently; to eavesdrop ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE LOOK vb. to be courting ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BE ON THE MARLOCK vb. to play tricks ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE MERRY-PIN vb. to be excited or merry ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE POUNCE vb. to see, to watch; to spy ...Bk1902 thieves' sl.
• BE ON THE RACK vb. to be at full stretch or strain ...1693
• BE ON THE RANDY vb. to spend time in drinking and riot; to live in an immoral manner ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE HEDGE vb. to be thrown or fall from a coach ...c1800 sl.
• BE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE HEDGE WHEN THE BRAINS WERE GIVEN AWAY phr. to be brainless, or stupid, or at the least very dull ...c1810
• BEOT † n. a promise, a vow, a threat, a boast ...a1000
• BEOTE † n. to boast, to threaten ...a1000
• BEOTEN † n. to boast, to threaten ...a1000
• BE OVER SHARP METTLE vb. to be too hasty-tempered ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE-OWE vb. to own, to possess ...1886 Eng. dial.
• BEPART † vb. to divide, to share ...1531
• BEPAT vb. to pat frequently; to strike, to beat ...1676
• BE PEDALLED vb. to be dismissed from a job ...c1920 sl.
• BEPEPS †* vb. to beat a person, to 'pepper' ...1622
• BEPESTER vb. to pester greatly, to plague, to vex, to harass ...1600
• BEPILL † vb. to pillage completely ...1574
• BEPISS vb. to wet with urine ...1764
• BEPLOTMELE † adv. part by part, one portion after another, in due order or succession ...c1440
• BEPRESS † vb. to oppress ...1591
• BEPUFF vb. to puff or blow out; to swell; hence, to flatter, to praise greatly ...1843
• BEPURFURATE adj. purpled, rosy-tinged, rosy-coloured ...1584
• BE PUT INTO ONE'S COOL CRAPE vb. to die ...L18 sl.
• BE PUT THROUGH ONE'S FACINGS vb. to be reprimanded or to show off ...c1865 colloq., orig. military sl.
• BE PUT TO BED WITH A SHOVEL vb. to be buried ...1858 N. Ireland
• BEPUZZLE * vb. to confuse, to perplex, to bewilder ...1599
• BEPUZZLEMENT n. 1. the act of perplexing ...1806
n. 2. perplexity, bewilderment ...1885
• BEQUARREL † vb. to quarrel with; to find fault with, to abuse ...1624
• BEQUASH †* vb. to shake or fall in pieces, to be shattered ...1377
• BEQUEATH † n. a byword, proverb ...c1000
† vb. to say, to utter, to express in words ...c1000
• BEQUEST † vb. to give as a bequest, to bequeath ...1394
• BEQUESTING † n. bequeathing ...1572
• BEQUIRTLE † vb. to besprinkle ...1690
• BERAFFLED adj. perplexed, entangled ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BERAG vb. to worry, to harass, to annoy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE RAGGIES vb. to be steady friends ...L19 Royal Navy usage
• BERAIN † vb. to rain upon ...a1225
• BERAND † adj. roaring, bellowing ...a1300
• BERANTLED adj. confused, mixed up ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BERARD †* n. a viper ...c1475
• BERATTLE †* vb. to fill with rattling noise or din; also, to rattle away at, to assail with din ...1553
• BERAY † vb. 1. to disfigure, to dirty, to defile, to befoul with dirt, filth, ordure ...1530 obs. or Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to befoul, to stain, to disfigure; to asperse, to cover with abuse ...1576 obs. or arch.
• BERAYER † n. one who defiles or pollutes ...1699
• BERCELET † n. a hunting dog, a hound ...c1340
• BERE † n. 1. clamour, outcry, shouting, roaring; the noise of voices of men or animals ...c1205
†* n. 2. a wave, a billow ...1250
n. 3. a pillow-case ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
† vb. to cry, to roar ...c1225
• BEREAVEN adj. deprived, taken away by force ...a1619 arch.
• BERE-BAG † n. a native or inhabitant of Scotland ...1352
• BEREDE † vb. to advise, to inform, to counsel; to plan ...a1225
• BEREFT adj. crazy ...1913 Amer. dial.
† vb. 1. to snatch away a possession; to remove or take away by violence ...c1320
†* vb. 2. to deprive ...1557
• BEREND vb. to rend or tear badly ...1582
• BERG n. 1. a town, village, hamlet ...1843 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a rock ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BERGE n. one who is impetuous in talk ...1925 Sc.
vb. to speak in a loud and angry manner; to scold, to rail, to taunt loudly ...1887 Sc.
• BERGER †* n. a curl of hair ...1690
• BERGFALL n. a falling of rock fragments or debris; an avalanche of stones ...1856
• BERGH † n. protection, shelter ...c1250
† vb. to give shelter; to protect, to preserve; to deliver, to save ...a1000
• BERGHER † n. a protector, deliverer, saviour ...a1300
• BERGIER †* n. a peasant, a rustic, a woodman ...1480
• BERGY adj. of the nature of an iceberg; abounding in icebergs ...1856
• BERIDE † vb. 1. to ride around; to beset with horsemen ...a1000
† vb. 2. to ride by the side of ...1690
• BE RIGHT CHEAP OF ONE'S PAIKS vb. to deserve a beating richly (paiks = a deserved punishment) ...1836 Sc.
• BERIME vb. to compose rhymes about; to celebrate in rhyme; often, to lampoon ...1589
• BERINE †* vb. to touch; to fall upon, to fall ...a1300
• BERISP † vb. to censure, to reprove, to rebuke ...1481
• BERK n. a foolish person ...1936 sl., chiefly Brit.
† vb. to clot, to make matted ...a1550
• BERKELEY n. a foolish person ...1937 Brit. rhyming sl. for 'cunt' (Berkeley Hunt)
• BERKELEY HUNT n. a foolish person ...1937 Brit. rhyming sl. for 'cunt'
• BERLASKIN n. a hurting, an annoyance ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BERLIN n. a doughnut with jelly inside ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BERLINER n. a doughnut with jelly inside ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BERLING † n. a little bear; a bear's cub ...1399
• BERLIN KETTLE n. a large kettle used to boil foods ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BERLIN PFANNKUCHEN n. a doughnut with jelly inside ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BERMAN † n. 1. a bearer, a carrier, a porter ...c1000
†* n. 2. a miner ...1677
• BERMOTHER † n. the womb or uterus ...1527
• BERNARD † n. the member of a gang of swindlers who acts as a decoy; a lurking scoundrel; a sharper ...1532
• BERNE † n. a warrior, a hero, a man of valour; in later use, a poetic word for 'man' ...937
• BERNER † n. an attendant in charge of a pack of hounds ...a1425
• BE ROAD-MAKING phr. the 'menstrual flux is on' ...Bk1893 sl.
• BEROGUE † vb. to call one a rogue; to abuse ...1673
• BERREY n. a rabbit warren; a group of rabbit holes ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. to animals: to burrow, to dig a hole in the ground ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BERRIED † adj. of a track or trail: beaten, trodden ...1382
• BERRIES n. 1. a woman's nipples, esp. if dark brown or dark red in colour ...1980s US Black sl.
n. 2. wine ...1980s US Black sl.
int. an expression of approval ...1920s US Black sl.
• BERRIES, THE adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 1. something or someone thought to be very good or excellent ...1920 Amer. sl.
n. 2. the limit, the last straw ...1960 Amer. sl.
n. 3. wine ...1980s US Black sl.
• BERRY adj. good-looking ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
† n. 1. a mound, a hillock ...1205 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† n. 2. a rabbit's burrow; a company of rabbits ...1486
† n. 3. a gust or blast of wind ...1598
n. 4. a coffee bean ...1712
n. 5. the gooseberry ...1787 N. Ireland, Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 6. a good thing ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
n. 7. a dollar; usually used in the plural ...1916 US sl.
n. 8. a pound; usually used in the plural ...1934 Brit. sl.
† vb. 1. to beat, to thrash ...a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to beat a path, etc. ...1382
• BERRY-BARN n. the third finger ...1870 Sc.
• BERRY-BROWN † n. nut-brown ale ...1686 Eng. dial.
• BERRY-GLAUMER n. a person who can pick strawberries very rapidly ...1944 Amer. dial.
• BERRY-MOUCHER n. 1. a truant from school in blackberry season ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. the blackberry ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BERRY PICKER n. a rustic or countrified person ...1968 Amer. dial.
ֳ• BERRY-SLUFFS n. the skins of gooseberries ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BERSATRIX † n. a rocker of children in a cradle ...17C
• BERSERK n. a wild Norse warrior of great strength and ferocious courage, who fought on the battlefield with a frenzied fury known as the 'berserker rage'; often a lawless bravo or freebooter ...1879
• BERSERKER n. a wild Norse warrior of great strength and ferocious courage, who fought on the battlefield with a frenzied fury known as the 'berserker rage'; often a lawless bravo or freebooter ...1822
• BERTH n. 1. a job; an appointment to a job ...1778 sl.
n. 2. a foothold, a grasp ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
† vb. to place or lay a floor ...1736 Eng. dial.
• BERUFFIANIZE vb. to call or stigmatize as a ruffian ...1596
• BERUMPUS n. the buttocks ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BERUN † vb. 1. to run or flow about, or over the surface of ...a1000
† vb. 2. to run round about, to encompass ...c1205
• BERVIE n. a haddock split and smoke-dried ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BERVIE-HADDOCK n. a haddock split and smoke-dried ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BERWE † n. a grove, a shady place ...c890
• BERYL adj. clear pale green ...1501
† n. 1. a word of admiration for a woman ...c1440
n. 2. pale sea-green, the colour of beryl ...1834
• BERYL-GLASS † n. a mirror ...1540
• BESACKED adj. discharged from employment ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESAGEW † n. a double-edged axe ...c1430
• BESAGUE † n. a double-edged axe ...c1430
• BESAIL † vb. to assail, to attack ...1460
• BESAILE † n. a grandfather's father; a great-grandfather ...c1400
• BESAY † vb. 1. to defend ...c1000
† vb. 2. to declare, to speak about ...c1200
• BESAYLE † n. a grandfather's father; a great-grandfather ...c1400
• BESCRAMBLE †* vb. to scratch, to tear ...1598
• BESCROW AND BESCREW to curse ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BESCUMMER vb. 1. to abuse, to calumniate ...1825 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to besmear with dirt ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BESEE † vb. 1. to look about; to look in any direction; to see ...c1000
† vb. 2. to be attentive, to pay attention to ...c1200
† vb. 3. to care for, to protect ...a1225
• BESEECH †* n. beseeching, entreaty, petition ...1606
† vb. 1. to beg earnestly for, to entreat a thing ...c1175
† vb. 2. to seek after, to search for, to try to get ...c1200
† vb. 3. to seek to know ...c1250
• BESEEING † n. circumspection, consideration ...1340
• BE SEEING YOU phr. goodbye ...1934
• BE SEEIN' YOU IN HALIFAX phr. goodbye ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BESEEK vb. to beseech ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BESEEM † vb. 1. to seem, to appear, to look ...a1225
vb. 2. to become, to befit ...1874 Eng. dial.
• BESEEMING † n. appearance, look ...1611
• BESEEMLINESS * n. fittingness, propriety ...1647
• BESEEMLY * adj. seemly, becoming, befitting ...1742
• BESEKANDLIK † adj. kind, gracious ...a1300
• BESENCH † vb. to cause to sink, to submerge, to plunge down, to overwhelm ...971
• BESEND † vb. to send to, to send a message to ...1297
• BESEPS conj. except, unless ...1890 Eng. dial.
prep. except, with the exception of ...1853 Eng. dial.
• BESEPTS conj. except, unless ...1890 Eng. dial.
prep. except, with the exception of ...1853 Eng. dial.
• BESERVE † vb. to serve diligently ...a1300
• BESET † vb. 1. to become, to suit, to look well on, to befit, to set off ...1567
vb. 2. to attack ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE SET FORTH LIKE LAMB AND SALLIT vb. to be gaily dressed ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• BESETMENT n. a besetting weakness or sin ...1859 Eng. dial.
• BESETTER n. the buttocks ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BESEW † vb. to sew up ...a800
• BESHAG † vb. to make shaggy ...1868
• BESHAME vb. to shame; to be ashamed ...1889 Eng. dial.
• BESHED † vb. 1. to drench, moisten, wet with ...1382
† vb. 2. to shed blood ...1474
• BESHEND †* vb. to ruin ...a1300
• BESHINING † n. illumination, lighting up ...1398
• BESHIT vb. to deposit ordure on ...a1000
• BE SHORT OF A SHEET vb. to be slightly crazy or idiotic ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BE SHOT IN THE NECK vb. to be drunk ...1855 Amer. sl.
• BE SHOT OF vb. to dismiss ...1802
• BESHREW † vb. 1. to make wicked or evil; to deprave, to pervert, to corrupt ...c1325
† vb. 2. to invoke evil upon; to wish one all that is bad; to invoke a curse on; to curse, to blame greatly, as the cause of misfortune ...1377
† vb. 3. to treat evilly, to use ill, to abuse ...c1430
• BESHUT † vb. 1. to shut in, to enclose, to surround; to shut up, to confine, to imprison ...a1300
† vb. 2. to shut out, to exclude ...c1330
• BE SHUT OF vb. to dismiss, to get rid of ...1575
• BESIBBING †* adj. resembling; having a likeness to ...1602
• BE SICK vb. to have a baby ...1959 Amer. dial.
• BESIDE † adv. toward the sides, sidewise ...c1400
• BESIDE-FORTH † adv. moreover, further ...1377
• BESIDES † adv. close by, near ...c1205
• BESIEGE † n. besieging, siege ...1552
• BESIEGINGLY * adv. urgently, importunately ...1822
• BESIGHT †* n. consideration, determination, ordinance ...1258
• BESIN † vb. to stigmatize as sinful ...1622
• BESINK † vb. 1. to sink, to fall down through any substance ...c893
† vb. 2. to submerge ...c1200
• BESIT † vb. 1. to encamp about; to besiege ...a1100
† vb. 2. to sit upon; to lie heavy upon; to weigh upon ...1362
† vb. 3. to sit properly upon, as a dress; to fit, to suit, to become ...c1449
• BESKYFTE †* vb. to thrust off ...1470-85
• BESLABBER vb. to eat slovenly; to besmear in eating or drinking ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BESLE n. idle talk ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to talk much at random and ignorantly ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BE SLIPPING vb. to deteriorate in quality ...1914 sl.
• BESLITTEN adj. slit ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESLOBBER vb. 1. to kiss like a drivelling child ...1828
vb. 2. to flatter ...1868
vb. 3. to eat in a slovenly manner; to render wet or dirty by spilling food on the clothes ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESLOW † vb. to retard ...1645
• BESLUBBER vb. to wet and soil with a thick liquid; to bedaub, to bedabble, to besmear ...c1394
• BESMARTEN vb. to make smart or neat ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BESMATTER vb. to smear or daub with mud or dirt ...1715 Eng. dial.
• BESMEAR vb. to sully, to defile, to pollute ...1579
• BESMIRCH vb. 1. to sully, to dim the lustre of ...1602
vb. 2. to soil, to discolour, as with smoke, soot, or mud ...a1700
• BESMIT † vb. to stain; to infect, as with disease; to contaminate ...a1225
• BESMORTH vb. to besmear ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESMOTTER vb. to smear or daub with mud or dirt; bespatter, to foul ...1715 Eng. dial.
• BESMOTTERED †* adj. splashed or spattered as with mud or dirt ...c1386
• BESMUDGE vb. to smear, to soil with mud or dirt ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESMUT vb. 1. to stain, to sully ...1610
vb. 2. to dirty, to begrime ...1656
• BESMUTCH vb. to besmirch; to soil ...1832
• BESNANG vb. to crush, to batter, to beat in ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BESNARE † vb. to take in a snare; to entrap ...1571
• BESOB † vb. to soak ...1609
• BE SOFT ON SOMEONE vb. to be amorously inclined toward a person, to have an affection for ...colloq.
• BESOGNE † n. 1. a raw recruit ...1615
† n. 2. a low, vulgar, worthless fellow ...1658
n. 3. business, affairs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOGNIER † n. 1. a raw recruit ...1584
† n. 2. a low, vulgar, worthless fellow ...1588
• BESOGNIO † n. 1. a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
† n. 2. a term of contempt for a needy beggar; a base, worthless fellow, a low, vulgar person ...1603
• BESOIGNE † n. business, affair, duties, ado ...1474
• BESOM † n. 1. a bundle of rods or twigs used as an instrument of punishment; a birch ...c893
n. 2. a comet ...1566
n. 3. an implement for sweeping, usually made of a bunch of broom, heather, birch, or other twigs bound together round a handle; a broom ...c1000
n. 4. a term of reproach or contempt applied to a woman, esp. a woman of loose or slovenly habits ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 5. a simpleton ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 6. a vicious cow ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 7. energy; zest ...1969 Amer. dial.
† vb. 1. to sweep with force or violence ...a1400
vb. 2. to sweep ...1791
• BESOM-CLEAN adj. clean only on the surface; clean by sweeping though not by washing ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESOMER n. a person, of either sex, of loose and slovenly habits ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-HEAD n. a foolish, stupid person ...1864
• BESOM-HEADED adj. weak-minded, foolish, stupid ...1864
• BESOM-MAKER n. a maker of brooms ...1814 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-RIDER n. a witch, from the popular notion that they rode on broomsticks ...1664
• BESOM-SCAUPED adj. weak-minded, stupid ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-SHAFT n. a broomstick ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-SHANK n. a broomstick ...1805 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-STAKE n. a broomstick ...1895 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-TAIL n. a tail formed like a 'besom'; a bushy tail ...1678
• BESOM-TAILED adj. having a bushy tail ...1695
• BESONIO † n. 1. a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
† n. 2. a term of contempt for a needy beggar; a base, worthless fellow, a low, vulgar person ...1603
• BESOOP †* vb. ? to thrash, to lay about ...1589
• BESOOTHMENT * n. the act of soothing; its means or resulting state ...Bk1888
• BESORE † vb. to vex, to annoy, to molest, to cause mischief to ...17C
• BESORT † n. suitable company ...1604
† vb. to assort, to match, to agree with; to befit ...1605
• BESOT vb. 1. to affect with a foolish, blinding affection; to cause to dote on; to infatuate with ...1581
vb. 2. to make mentally or morally stupid or blind; to stupefy in mind ...1615
vb. 3. to have an intoxicating effect on; said of drugs ...1627
• BESOTTED adj. 1. infatuated ...1580
adj. 2. intellectually or morally stupefied or blinded ...1634
adj. 3. intoxicated or muddled by a narcotic ...1831
• BESOUTH † prep. on the south side of; to the south of ...c1410 obs. exc. Sc.
• BESPALL † vb. to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPANKLE vb. to bespangle, to sprinkle or adorn with small glittering objects ...1621
• BESPAR † vb. to shut in; to lock up ...a1100
• BESPARAGE † vb. to disparage ...1592
• BESPARKLE † vb. to bespatter, to spot ...1485
• BESPARKLING † adj. sparkling, throwing out sparks ...1648
• BESPATTER vb. 1. to asperse with abuse, flame, flattery, praise, etc., to hold in contempt ...1644
vb. 2. to cover with abuse; to vilify or slander, to calumniate ...1653
• BESPATTERMENT n. abuse ...1870
• BESPATTLE † vb. to bespatter with anything dirty ...1546 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BESPAWL † vb. to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPEAK † vb. 1. to call out, to exclaim, to complain that ...c893
† vb. 2. to speak against; to charge, to accuse; to oppose ...a1000
† vb. 3. to discuss, to advise upon, to determine upon ...c1175
† vb. 4. to speak up or out, to exclaim, orig. with some notion of objection or remonstrance; in later times, to raise one's voice, to speak ...c1314 obs. or arch.
† vb. 5. to promise ...c1320
• BESPECKED adj. spotted or specked over the surface ...1565
• BESPECTACLED adj. having spectacles on ...1742
• BESPELT adj. bewitched, mischievous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPERPLE † vb. to bespatter ...1557
• BESPETE † vb. to spit upon, to cover or defile with spitting ...a1225
• BESPIT vb. to spit upon ...a1300 arch.
• BESPITE * prep. despite ...1842
• BESPOKE adj. bewitched ...Bk1898 Eng. & Amer. dial.
adj. 2. engaged; usually to be married ...1931 Amer. dial.
• BESPOKEN adj. engaged; usually to be married ...1929 Amer. dial.
• BESPOTTLE vb. to bespatter, to cover with mud or dirt ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPOUSE † vb. to espouse, to marry ...c1175
• BESPOUT vb. 1. to recite to, to plague with oratory ...1828
vb. 2. to utter, say, or recite with pompous elocution ...1857
• BESPRAY †* vb. to besprinkle, to bespatter ...1593
• BESPRENG † vb. 1. to sprinkle anything over; to besprinkle, to asperse ...c1000
† vb. 2. to sprinkle about ...c1529
• BESPRENT adj. 1. besprinkled ...c1368
adj. 2. scattered, strewed about ...1567
†* vb. to besprinkle ...1573
• BESPRENTED adj. sprinkled, splashed ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPRING † vb. to besprinkle ...1387
• BESPRINK †* vb. to besprinkle ...1609
• BESPRITZED adj. sprinkled on, as by a garden hose ...1935 Amer. dial.
• BESPURT † vb. 1. to splash or spatter, to befoul ...1579
† vb. 2. to abuse; to sully with vice ...1603
• BESPURTLE † vb. 1. to asperse with reproach or abuse; to sully with vice ...1604
† vb. 2. to splash or splatter; to befoul ...1618
• BESQUATTER † vb. to bespatter with filth ...1611
• BESQUIRT † vb. 1. to befoul by squirting, to splash, to splatter ...1611
† vb. 2. to slander, to calumniate, to defame ...1682
• BESS n. 1. a short crowbar, used by housebreakers ...Bk1896 sl.
n. 2. a cow or calf ...1965 Amer. dial.
vb. to sew slackly; to baste ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESSEN vb. to stoop, to bend down; to weigh down ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSIE n. 1. a cow or calf ...1942 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a shotgun or rifle ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. an automobile ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BESS O' BEDLAM n. a harmless vagrant or maniac formerly allowed to range the country; hence, any female of wild or disorderly appearance ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY n. 1. a gun; often applied to one's favourite gun ...1832 sl., orig. US
n. 2. an ill-mannered, romping, or bad-tempered woman or girl; a light-headed girl; an idiot ...Bk1898 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. a man who meddles in woman's affairs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-BAB(S) adj. childish, foolish ...19C Eng. dial.
n. 1. a petted, spoiled child; a child who cries for little cause ...1842 Eng. dial.
n. 2. one given to childish amusements or silly talk ...19C Eng. dial.
n. 3. a fantastically dressed female; a slovenly, but gaily-attired woman ...19C Eng. dial.
n. 4. a doll ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BESSYBABISHNESS n. the whimpering of a spoiled child ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-CLOCKER n. the black beetle ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-CODDLE n. a man who meddles in woman's affairs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-FRUGGAM n. a female of slatternly appearance; a man dressed in woman's attire for mumming or 'guising' ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEST n. a girlfriend or female lover ...1904 sl., orig. US
vb. 1. to outwit, to outdo, to get the better of ...1863 colloq.
vb. 2. to take advantage of, to overreach, to cheat ...1881 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to consider ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESTAND † vb. 1. to stand by or near; to stand over; esp. to stand by the dead, to mourn for ...c1000
† vb. 2. to stand round in hostility; to beset, to press hard upon, to harass ...c1000
† vb. 3. to surround, to encompass, as a wall, water, etc. ...c1205
• BE STANDING vb. to stand up ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BEST BIB AND TUCKER n. someone's smartest clothes ...1747 sl.
• BEST BOWER n. in cards: the joker ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEST BUD n. a close friend ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BEST CARPENTERS MAKE THE FEWEST CHIPS, THE phr. commenting that whores seldom have children ...1609 sl.
• BEST-CONSULTED † adj. most prudent or best-advised ...a1659
• BESTEAD † adj. 1. settled, constituted, arranged ...c1300
† adj. 2. placed, located, situated ...a1300
adj. 3. circumstanced, situated, generally in an evil sense; hence, destitute, forlorn; overcome, oppressed ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to help, to assist, to relieve ...1581
vb. 2. to be of service or use to; to avail ...1589
† vb. 3. to go instead of, to take the place of ...1596
• BESTEAL † vb. to move stealthily ...a725
• BESTED † adj. 1. settled, constituted, arranged ...c1300
† adj. 2. placed, located, situated ...a1300
• BESTENTED †* adj. distended ...1648
• BESTER n. 1. a cheater ...1851 Eng. sl.
n. 2. one who gets the better of others by fraudulent means; a sharper ...1862 sl.
• BESTEST adj. best of all ...1893 Amer. dial.
• BEST-FASHION adj. in good health ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEST FEATHERS n. one's best clothes ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BEST FOOT n. the right foot ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEST GIRL n. 1. a girlfriend or female lover ...1887 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a maid or matron of honour at a wedding ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BEST-GOODEST n. a favourite ...1948 Amer. dial.
• BEST HALF n. one's wife ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BEST HAND n. the right hand ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESTIAL adj. 1. brutish, savage, cruel, rude, barbarous, uncivilized ...c1400
adj. 2. like a beast in obeying and gratifying the animal instincts and sensual desires; debased, depraved, lustful, obscene ...1447
n. the livestock on a farm ...1818 Sc.
• BESTIALITY n. 1. want of intelligence; irrationality, stupidity, brutality ...c1374
n. 2. indulgence in the instincts of a beast; brutal lust; a disgusting vice, a beastly practice ...a1656
n. 3. filthy language, obscenity ...1879
• BESTIALIZE vb. to brutalize, to debase in character ...1684
• BESTIATE † vb. to brutalize ...1628
• BESTILL vb. to make quiet, to still, to hush ...1770
• BESTIOUS †* adj. beast-like, monstrous ...1470
• BESTIR ONE'S STUMPS † vb. to move one's limbs actively, to exert oneself ...1549
• BEST LADY n. a maid or matron of honour at a wedding ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BEST-LIKE adj. best-looking, most comely ...1889 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BEST LOOKER n. a very good-looking person ...1911 US
• BEST MAID n. a bridesmaid ...1864 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• BESTMOST n. one's best, utmost ...1887 Amer. dial.
• BEST OF BUDS n. a close friend ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BE STONKERED vb. 1. to be put out of action ...1914 military sl.
vb. 2. to be outwitted ...c1918 Aust. sl.
vb. 3. to be dead drunk ...1940s Aust. sl.
vb. 4. to be in a fix or dilemma ...World War II Aust. & NZ services' sl.
• BESTOURN † vb. to turn upside down, to overthrow ...1483
• BESTOW vb. 1. to place, to locate; to put in a position or situation ...c1374 arch.
† vb. 2. to settle or give in marriage ...c1386
vb. 3. to stow away; to place or deposit anywhere for storage, to store up ...1393 arch.
vb. 4. to lodge, to quarter; to put up; to provide with a resting place or sleeping place ...1577 arch.
vb. 5. to put a woman to bed in childbirth ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESTOW THE ORDER OF THE SACK vb. to dismiss from employment ...c1860 sl.
• BEST PARLOUR n. the old-fashioned front parlour of a house ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BESTRACT †* adj. distracted ...1581
• BESTRAUGHT † adj. 1. distracted, distraught ...a1547
† adj. 2. distracted, bereft of wits ...1580
• BESTRAUGHTED †* adj. distracted ...a1650
• BESTRAUGHTING † n. distracting, distraction of the wits ...1585
• BEST RESPECTS n. intimate friends ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESTRIDE vb. 1. to ride, to mount a horse, etc. ...c1000
† vb. 2. to stand astride ...1526
vb. 3. to stand over a fallen man in order to defend him; to defend, to protect, to support ...1580
vb. 4. to stand over a place with the legs astride; to straddle over, to bestraddle ...1601
• BESTRIKE †* vb. to overspread, to do over, to anoint, to smear, to daub, to rub over with ...1527
• BESTRIP † vb. to strip clean; to deprive of or take away entirely ...1065
• BEST ROOM n. the old-fashioned front parlour of a house ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BE STRUCK WITH A DART vb. to be struck by the fairies ...1881 Ireland & Eng. dial.
• BESTRUT † adj. swollen ...1603
vb. to strut or walk pompously over ...1594
• BESTRUTTED † adj. swollen ...1648
• BESTS n. the best people ...c1050
• BE STUCK IN A DAR † vb. to be astonished or confounded ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• BESTURTED adj. startled, alarmed ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEST WAY adj. better ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BEST WAYS adj. better ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BEST WOMAN n. a maid or matron of honour at a wedding ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BESULLY vb. to sully or soil badly ...a1635
• BESWADDLE †* vb. 1. to beat, to thrash, to 'swaddle' ...1598
†* vb. 2. to envelop in swaddling-clothes ...1755
• BESWAK † vb. to dash, to strike ...c1505 Sc.
• BESWAPE †* vb. to envelop, to entangle ...c980
• BESWEAT † adj. covered with sweat ...c1205
• BESWEIK vb. to cheat, to deceive ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESWIKE † vb. to betray, to cheat, to deceive ...971
• BESWIKER † n. a deceiver ...1340
• BESWIKING † n. cheating, deception ...1340
• BESWING † vb. to swing about; to hang ...1571
• BESWINGE † vb. to beat soundly ...1568
• BESWINK †* vb. 1. to chastise ...c1175 (probably for beswinge)
† vb. 2. to labour for, to work for ...1377
• BESWINKFUL †* adj. toilsome ...a1225
• BET adj. 1. beaten, exhausted ...1843 Ireland & Eng. dial.
adj. 2. beaten, bruised ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
† adv. better ...c888
n. a letter of the alphabet ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BET, THE n. the advantage ...c1340
• BETAINT † vb. to tinge ...1594
• BETAKE † vb. 1. to hand over, to deliver, to give up, to grant, to place at a person's disposal ...c1205 exc. Sc.
† vb. 2. to hand over to the care of; to entrust, to commit, to give in charge to ...1297
† vb. 3. to allot, to assign ...c1300
† vb. 4. to give in marriage ...1382
† vb. 5. to bid adieu, to say goodbye ...1642
vb. 6. to overtake, to capture, to recover ...1865 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to resort, to have recourse to ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BE TAKEN AWAY vb. to die ...1898 Eng. dial.
• BE TAKEN BAD adj. discomfited ...1900s sl.
vb. to have fallen ill ...M19 sl.
• BE TAKEN SHORT vb. to have an urgent need to urinate or defecate ...1890 sl.
• BETAKE ONESELF TO ONE'S HEELS vb. to retreat in flight, to run away ...1598
• BETALL † vb. to pay ...1630
• BETANGLEMENT n. tangled condition ...1881
• BE TARRED WITH THE SAME STICK vb. to share undesirable qualities ...1817 Sc.
• BETATTERED adj. all in tatters, ragged ...1618
• BETAWDER † vb. to bedizen with tawdry finery, to adorn gaudily ...a1689
• BETEACH † vb. 1. to show, to point out ...c1000
† vb. 2. to hand over as a trust; to entrust, to commit, to give in charge to ...c1000
† vb. 3. to hand over, to deliver, to give up, to yield ...a1000
† vb. 4. to teach, to instruct ...a1300
† vb. 5. to allot, to assign ...a1300
† vb. 6. to bid adieu or goodbye ....c1314
• BETEACH ONE GOOD DAY † vb. to wish or bid one good day ...c1400
• BETEAR † vb. to suffuse with tears ...1580
• BETCHELL vb. to beat ...1857 Sc.
• BETCHELLAN n. a beating ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BETCHELLIN' n. a beating, a drubbing ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETEE † vb. 1. to draw over as a covering; to cover, to veil ...c893
† vb. 2. to employ, to spend, to bestow time, pains, etc. ...c1175
† vb. 3. to pull or tug at ...c1205
† vb. 4. to bring about, to manage, to arrange ...c1205
• BETEEM † vb. 1. to think fit or proper; to vouchsafe, to grant, to consent ...1565
† vb. 2. to vouchsafe, to accord, to grant, to concede ...1590
†* vb. 3. to allow or permit to do something ...1602
†* vb. 4. to pour all about ...1618
† vb. 5. to think a person worthy, to admit the worth of ...1627
vb. 6. to bestow, to indulge with ...1790 Eng. dial.
* vb. 7. to give birth to ...1855
vb. 8. to demean, to lower ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETEEMING * n. copious outpouring, profusion ...1871
• BETELING BLOCK n. a block of wood on which to beat clothes while washing ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BETELL † vb. 1. to speak for, to answer for, to justify ...1048
† vb. 2. to lay claim to; to win, to rescue ...c1205
† vb. 3. to speak of, to declare, to narrate ...c1205
† vb. 4. to calumniate, to deride, to deceive ...a1225
• BETHANK n. thanks, indebtedness, acknowledgement ...1826 Sc.
†* vb. to thank ...1593
• BE THE DAD OF ALL RING-TAILS vb. to excel in mischief, to be the ringleader ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• BETHEL n. 1. a place of worship for seamen ...1840
n. 2. any place of worship other than those of the established church; a nonconformist chapel ...1865
• BETHERAL n. an inferior church officer in Scotland, often combining those of clerk, beadle, sexton, gravedigger, bellringer ...1815 Sc.
• BETHERELL n. a bedridden person; a helpless cripple ...1790 Ireland
• BETHERSHIN! int. an expletive, it may be so ...1888 Ireland
• BE THE WORSE FOR WEAR vb. to be tipsy ...20C colloq.
• BETHINK † vb. 1. to think of or about; to bear in mind; to call to mind, to recollect ...a1000 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to think of, to imagine, to conceive ...c1175
† vb. 3. to think over a thing with a view to decision or action; to consider ...c1220
† vb. 4. to devise, to contrive, to plan, to arrange ...a1225
vb. 5. to consider, to reflect, to meditate, to think ...c1300 arch.
† vb. 6. to think upon or remember a person ...c1320
† vb. 7. to regret, to repent, to grudge ...1682
vb. 8. to begrudge; to abstain from ...1842 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to remind ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETHINKING n. the act of thinking, considering, reflecting, or remembering ...1340
• BETHOUGHT † adj. 1. of a thing: intended, purposed, contrived ...c1200
† adj. 2. of a person: minded, disposed; chiefly in combination with well-, ill-, etc. ...c1205
• BETHOUT conj. unless ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
prep. without ...1800 Eng. dial.
• BETHRALL †* vb. to enthrall, to enslave ...1596
• BE THRONG IN THE REED vb. to be too much crowded ...1853-62 Ireland
• BETHROUGH †* prep. throughout ...c1425
• BETHROW †* vb. to twist about, to torture ...1393
• BE THROWN BACK vb. to suffer a relapse in illness ...1899 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BETHUMP vb. to thump soundly ...1595
• BETHWACK vb. to pelt, to thrash, to cudgel soundly ...1555
• BETIDE †* n. befalling, event, fortune, chance ...1590
vb. 1. to happen, to befall ...c1250
† vb. 2. to become or befit anyone ...1554
• BETIDER †* n. that which befalls; an accident ...1674
• BETIDING † n. happening, occurrence ...c1374
• BETIE † vb. to tie round, to bind fast ...1578
• BETIMBER † vb. to build ...a1000
• BETIME † adv. 1. at an early hour, early in the day ...c1250 exc. Eng. dial.
† adv. 2. in good time, early, seasonably ...a1300
† vb. to betide, to happen, to befall ...a1225
• BETIME adv. early ...1875 Eng. dial.
• BETIMED adj. exhausted by fatigue ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETIMELY †* adj. early ...1594
• BETIMES adv. 1. at an early time, period, or season; early in the year, early in life ...c1314 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
adv. 2. in good time, in due time; while there is yet time, before it is too late ...c1380
adv. 3. in a short time, soon, speedily, anon, forthwith ...c1400
adv. 4. at an early hour, early in the morning ...1481
adv. 5. occasionally, now and then ...Bk1911 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• BETINE †* vb. to set fire to ...1659
• BET-LICK n. the conquering blow ...1895 Sc.
• BETOIL † vb. to worry or exercise with toil ...1622
• BETOKEN † vb. 1. to signify, to mean; to denote, to express in words ...c1175
† vb. 2. to be a type or emblem of; to typify, to symbolize ...c1175
• BET ONE'S BLUE BAR vb. to be certain of something ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BET ONE'S SHIRT ON vb. to bet all one's money on, esp. a horse in a race ...1892
• BETONGUE vb. to assail with the tongue; to abuse ...1639
• BE TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BRITCHES vb. to assume more than one's proper authority; to feel important, independent, or disturbingly confident ...1835 Amer. dial.
• BE TOOK vb. 1. to be arrested ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to die ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BE TOOK BAD adj. discomfited ...1900s sl.
vb. to have fallen ill ...M19 sl.
• BE TOO SLOW TO CATCH A COLD vb. to be extremely slow ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BE TOO SLOW TO CATCH THE ITCH vb. to be extremely slow ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BE TOO SLOW TO CATCH THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH vb. to be extremely slow ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BETORN † adj. torn; torn about the sides, tattered ...a1300
• BE TO THE DOOR vb. to be taken by surprise ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BETOTLED adj. confused, distressed, bewildered, stupid ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BETOTTLED adj. confused, distressed, bewildered, stupid ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BETOUCH-US-TOO! † int. alas! well-a-day! ...1725 Sc.
• BET-PIYAN n. a polecat or skunk ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BETRADE † vb. to betray ...c1375
• BETRAISE † vb. 1. to betray ...a1300
† vb. 2. to be a traitor to; to be treacherous; to deceive the trustful or innocent ...c1374
† vb. 3. to reveal, to disclose incidentally ...c1400
† vb. 4. to seize, entrap, ensnare the unsuspecting ...c1400
• BETRAISH † vb. 1. to betray ...a1300
† vb. 2. to be a traitor to; to be treacherous; to deceive the trustful or innocent ...c1374
† vb. 3. to reveal, to disclose incidentally ...c1400
† vb. 4. to seize, entrap, ensnare the unsuspecting ...c1400
• BETRAISING † n. betraying ...c1385
• BETRAP † vb. 1. to catch in a trap; to entrap, to ensnare, to circumvent, to enclose ...a1000
† vb. 2. to deck, to adorn ...1509
• BETRAUT † vb. to betray ...c1400 N. Eng. dial.
• BETRAVAIL † vb. 1. to work at; to compose a book, to be the author of, to write ...1387
† vb. 2. to do violence to, to violate, to rape ...1388
† vb. 3. to work for; to earn by labour ...1393
• BETRAY † vb. to cheat, to disappoint ...1588
†* n. a treacherous giving up to an enemy; betrayal ...1600
• BETRAYMENT * n. betrayal ...1548
• BETRAYNTED †* adj. over-excited, borne or carried away ...1583
• BETRENCH †* vb. to cut up, to carve, to slash ...1656
• BETREND † vb. to wind or draw round; to encompass ...c1374
• BETROTHED † adj. plighted, pledged ...1651
• BETROW † vb. to trust ...1556
• BETRUMP †* vb. to deceive, to cheat; to elude, to slip from ...1513
• BETRUMPET * vb. to trumpet the praises of, to commend or praise loudly ...1828
• BETRUST † n. an entrusting, a trust ...1656
† vb. 1. to trust, to place confidence in a person ...c1440
† vb. 2. to entrust ...1619
• BETRUSTED † adj. trusted in, or confided in ...a1461
• BETRUSTMENT † n. an entrusting, a trust ...Bk1888
• BETSEY n. a gun; often applied to one's favourite gun ...1832 sl., orig. US
• BETSY n. a gun; often applied to one's favourite gun ...1832 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a cow or calf ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. an automobile ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BETTAMY adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTANT † adj. in a hurry, hastening eagerly ...c1400
• BETTER adj. 1. of the hand or foot: the right ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. greater, more higher in price ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. repeatedly; with renewed efforts ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. the best ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to improve in health ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER A LATE THRIVE THAN NEVER DO WELL † phr. applied to one who marries or otherwise prospers late in life ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BETTER-CHEAP adj. cheaper, at a less price ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER END n. the higher classes; a superior kind; the greater part, majority ...1848 Eng. dial.
• BETTER FASHION adj. recovering from illness ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTER FRACTION n. one's wife ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BETTERGATES adv. in a better way or manner ...1892 Sc.
• BETTER HALF n. a spouse ...1842 sl.
• BETTER HAND, THE † n. the upper hand, superiority ...1523
• BETTER HAVE THE QUEEN FOR ONE'S AUNT THAN THE KING FOR ONE'S UNCLE phr. used to express the relative value of male and female influence ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BETTER HOYLE n. a parlour ...1879 Eng. dial.
• BETTERING n. amendment ...1863 Eng. dial.
• BETTERINGS n. superiors, those in a higher position ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTERISH adj. somewhat better, of somewhat superior sort ...colloq.
• BETTER-LIKE adj. better-looking; looking better in health, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTERLINS adv. better ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTERLY adj. better; superior ...1882 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMENT n. improvement ...1885 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BETTERMER adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMORE adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMOST adj. best, superior, above the average ...1744 colloq.
n. the advantage, the upper hand ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMY adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTER PENNY n. something in addition ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTER SIDE n. what is more or older than ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTERSOME † adj. better ...1843 Amer. dial.
• BETTER SORT n. the upper classes ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER THAN A KICK IN THE HIND-END adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BETTER THAN A KICK IN THE PANTS adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE adequate ...1852
• BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE WITH A BURNT STICK adequate ...1852
• BETTER-TO-DO adj. 1. above the well-to-do in social condition or worldly circumstances; more prosperous ...1898
adj. 2. well-off ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BETTING TOOL n. a racehorse ...Bk1942 Amer. turf sl.
• BETTLE n. a blow, a stroke ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTY n. 1. a nickname for the kettle ...1879 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a short crowbar, used by housebreakers ...Bk1896 sl.
n. 3. a country lass ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 4. a chamber pot ...1912 Amer. dial.
n. 5. a woman; a schoolteacher ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 6. a young attractive woman ...1989 US sl.
vb. to idle; to do petty work ...1882 Eng. dial.
• BETTY ABOUT vb. to fuss about, like a man who busies himself with a woman's duties ...1851 colloq.
• BETTY-CAT n. a she-cat ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTYFUSS n. a fussbudget ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BETWADDLED adj. infatuated; so in love as to be unable to use good judgement ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BETWATTLE vb. to bewilder ...1844 Eng. dial.
• BETWATTLED adj. 1. in a distressed and confused state of mind; confounded, bewildered, stupefied, surprised ...1790 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. hardly sober ...19C Eng. dial.
adj. 3. infatuated; so in love as to be unable to use good judgement ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE phr. without a satisfactory alternative; in difficulty; bewildered; perplexed; baffled ...Bk1942 Amer. colloq.
• BETWEEN BUZZARD AND HAWK adj. neither good nor bad, nondescript ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN DAYLIGHT AND DAYLIGHT phr. during the night ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN GRASS AND HAY phr. between summer and winter ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN-HANDS adv. at intervals ...1801 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN HAWK AND BUZZARD phr. 1. in a difficult or uncomfortable position ...1856 Amer. dial.
phr. 2. at twilight, when it is too dark to tell a hawk from a buzzard ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN HAY AND GRASS phr. 1. between boyhood and manhood; not fully mature ...1848 Amer. dial.
phr. 2. vague; indefinite; inconclusive; colourless ...1928 Amer. dial.
phr. 3. between seasons of plenty, hence, in a difficult or uncomfortable position ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN JOBS n. a short cigar ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN-MAID n. a maidservant who assists both the cook and the housemaid ...1890
• BETWEENS n. intermediate things or events ...1872
• BETWEENST adv., prep. between ...1887 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN THE BARK AND THE WOOD phr. a well-adjusted bargain where neither party has the advantage ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN THE BEETLE AND THE BLOCK adj. in a precarious or dangerous position ...1589
• BETWEEN THE FACE AND EYES phr. where a blow or shocking news hits ...1975 US sl.
• BETWEEN THE LIGHTS n. twilight ...1862 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN THE TINING AND THE WINNING phr. said of being in a critical position, which may result either in ruin or in success ...1825 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN THE TWO WORLDS adj. almost unconscious ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN TOWN AND TOWN phr. while going from one place to another ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN TWO MINDS adj. in doubt or suspense; undecided ...1862 Ireland & Sc.
• BETWEENWHILES adv. in the interval, at intervals ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND JACK MUM adv. secretly, in confidence ...20C Irish sl.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE BED-POST adv. told in confidence ...1830 sl.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE GATE-POST adv. secretly; in confidence ...1871 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE LAMP POST adv. secretly; in confidence ...1941 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE BED-POST phr. in all confidence or secrecy ...1830
• ׇBETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE POST adv. secretly; in confidence ...1796 Amer. dial.
• BETWEESH prep. between ...1768 Sc. & Ireland
• BETWIT vb. to upbraid, to taunt ...1678 Eng. dial.
• BETWITCHELLED adj. overcome with inquisitiveness ...19C Eng. dial.
• BETWITTERED adj. excited, frightened, overcome with pleasing excitement ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWITTING n. upbraiding, reproach ...1869 Eng. dial.
• BETWIX prep. between ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETWIXEN prep. between ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWIXT A BALK AND A BREAKDOWN phr. of health; about average ...1884 Amer, dial.
• BETWIXT AND BETWEEN adj. mediocre ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
phr. a temporary insignificant task between more important jobs ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BETWIXT AND BETWEENTIMES adv. meanwhile ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BETWIXT YOU AND ME AND THE GATE phr. between ourselves ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEUCH n. a person ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEUGH n. a branch or bough of a tree ...1859 Eng. dial.
• BE UH-UH vb. to be friends with ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BE UNCO vb. to feel oneself a stranger ...Bk1905 Sc.
• BE UNDER FULL STEAM vb. to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BE UNDER THE DAISY-MORES vb. to be under the ground, to be buried ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BE UP CACK STREET vb. to be in trouble ...20C Brit. sl.
• BE UP HER LIKE A RAT UP A DRAINPIPE phr. the assumption that a woman will be freely, easily and speedily sexually available to the speaker ...1960s sl., orig. Aust.
• BE UP HER LIKE A RAT UP A RHODODENDRON phr. the assumption that a woman will be freely, easily and speedily sexually available to the speaker ...1960s sl., orig. Aust.
• BE UP IN THE RALS vb. to be in a great passion ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE UPON THEIR JACKS vb. to have an advantage ...Bk1896 sl.
• BE UPON VELVET vb. to have an advantage ...1785
• BE-U-TIFUL adj. resplendently beautiful; gorgeous ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEVAAR vb. to protect, to guard ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BE VAST AGAINST ANYONE vb. to be very much opposed to anyone ...Bk1905 N. Ireland
• BEVEL adj. aslant, not straight ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 1. a strong push; a staggering blow ...1715 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a slope, a declivity ...1869 Eng. dial.
vb. to fit, to apply, to suit ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEVELLING n. a beating ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVER n. 1. light refreshment between meals; a snack ...E16 now chiefly colloq. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. any drink ...1851 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a shiver, a tremor; a state of trembling ...1854 Eng. dial.
n. 4. the quivering of the under-lip, which precedes crying ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to shake, to quiver, to tremble, esp. with cold or fear ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. of cold: to shrivel up, to pinch ..Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. of the lips or chin; to quiver, to tremble ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVERAGE n. a fine, either in money, drink, or kisses, demanded of anyone on the first wearing of new clothes; esp. used in the phrase "to pay beverage" ...1870 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BEVERING adj. trembling, quivering, shaking ...1863 Eng. dial.
n. the quivering of an infant's under-jaw when yawning ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVERLEY CROP n. close-cropped hair ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BEVER-TIME n. an interval allowed for refreshment, in the morning and afternoon ...1859 Eng. dial.
• BEVERY adj. shivery, tremulous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVIE n. 1. a drink; usually applied specifically to a drink of beer ...1889 Brit. sl.
n. 2. a jog, a push ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a large fire ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to drink alcohol ...1934 Brit. sl.
• BEVIL vb. to manage, to arrange ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEVIS vb. to jump about; to stagger; to walk unsteadily ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVISH n. unnecessary fuss or show; uncalled-for energy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. to jump about; to stagger; to walk unsteadily ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVISING adj. leaping, jumping ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVVER vb. to quiver ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEVVIED adj. drunk ...1960 sl.
• BEVVY n. a drink; usually applied specifically to a drink of beer ...1889 Brit. sl.
vb. to drink alcohol ...1934 Brit. sl.
• BEVY n. a drink, esp. of beer or other alcoholic liquor ...1889 sl.
vb. to drink, esp. beer or other alcoholic liquor ...1934 sl.
• BEW vb. to bend, to twist ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEWATTLED adj. confused, distressed, bewildered, stupid ...1790 Eng. dial.
int. an exclamation of anger or vexation ...Bk1898 Eng. dial. 082
• BEWAVE vb. to lay wait for; to overcome by mean stratagem ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEWCASTLE n. a term of reproach ...1883 Eng. dial.
• BEWEEP vb. to bewail ...1898 Eng. dial.
• BEWER n. a woman, esp. one seen as sexually appealing and/or of loose character ...E19 sl., orig. tramp
• BEWEST adv. to the west of ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEWRAY vb. to defile with ordure, to dirty ...1678 Eng. dial.
• BEWHAPPED † adj. utterly confounded; bewildered, amazed, astonished ...c1320
• BEWHATLED †* adj. bewildered, out of one's wits ...1641
• BEWHIVERED adj. bewildered, confounded ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BEWIDDIED adj. bewildered; deranged ...1822 Sc.
• BEWILDERED adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWILL vb. to cause to go astray ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BE WILLING TO GIVE ONE'S EARS vb. to be ready to make any sacrifice ...1883
• BEWITCHED adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWITCHER n. an attractive young woman ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWITCHTRESS n. an attractive young woman ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWITH n. a temporary substitute, a makeshift ...1724 Sc.
• BEWIVERED adj. bewildered, confounded ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BE WORN TO THE BACK-HALF vb. to be nearly worn out ...1825 Sc.
• BE WORTH A PLUM vb. to be rich ...c1710 colloq.
• BE WORTH ONE'S CORN vb. to be worth one's wages, one's keep ...M19 colloq., orig. farmers'
• BEWOTTLE vb. to confuse or render light-headed ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE WRAPPED IN HIS MOTHER'S SMOCK vb. to be born lucky ...18C
• BEWRAYED adj. seized with a foolish fit of talking ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BEWREAK † vb. to revenge ...1422-61
• BE WRONG IN ONE'S GARRET vb. to be foolish or wanting in intellect, or suffering from temporary delirium ...1869 sl.
• BEY n. a room of a cottage or house ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEYOND ONE'S DEPTH phr. beyond the range of one's competence or understanding
• BEYOND THE BEYOND adj. unexpected, incredible, out of the way ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
n. a very out-of-the-way place ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
• BEYONT adv. beyond, yonder ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEYON'-THE-BEYONT adj. quite incredible; quite out of the way ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BE YOUR AGE! int. a term of contempt based on condemning someone who the speaker considers is acting childishly ...1920s sl., orig. US
• BEYSAND adj. quite at a loss; benumbed; stupefied ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEYURN vb. to raise ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEYZLESS adj. extreme ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. extremely ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEZLE vb. to talk ignorantly or at random ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEZOM-HEAD n. a foolish, stupid person ...1889 Eng. dial.
• BEZONIAN † n. 1. a raw recruit ...1592
† n. 2. as a term of contempt: a needy beggar, a poor wretch; a base fellow, a mean, low person; a knave, a rascal, a scoundrel ...1592
• BEZONTER ME! int. an expletive denoting surprise ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZOOMS n. breasts ...1928 sl., orig. US
• BEZZLE vb. 1. to waste, to squander; also, to embezzle ...1703 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to drink immoderately; occasionally, to be gluttonous ...1746 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to slope, to bevel ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZZLED adj. drunk, besotted with drink ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZZLER n. 1. a drunkard ...1886 Eng. dial.
n. 2. anything very large of its kind ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZZLING adj. gluttonous, intemperate ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• B.F. n. 1. a foolish person, a 'bloody fool' ...1925 sl., orig. Brit. services' usage
n. 2. a boyfriend ...1920s US college sl.
n. 3. a pimp ...1930s sl.
n. 4. in a lesbian couple: the 'male' ...1970s US homosexual sl.
vb. 1. to subject to anal intercourse ...1960s US sl.
vb. 2. to treat unfairly; to cheat; to deceive ...1970s sl.
vb. 3. to injure ...1980s US sl.
• B.F.A. n. somewhere very far away (Butt Fucking Africa) ...1980s US college sl.
• B.F.D.! int. so what! I should care less! (Big Fucking Deal) ...1960s US sl.
• B.F.E. n. somewhere very far away (Butt Fucking Egypt) ...1980s US college sl.
• B FLAT n. a bug; a bedbug ...1853
• B.G. n. a Baby Gangster, one who is a member of a gang, but has yet to shoot or kill anyone ...1980s sl., orig. US Black & teen sl.
phr. before girls enlisted and complicated the army ...Bk1944 service sl.
• B-GIRL n. 1. a woman employed to encourage customers to buy drinks in a bar ...1936 US sl.
n. 2. a part-time prostitute, who frequents bars and uses them as a base for soliciting ...1930s sl., orig. US
n. 3. a homosexual who frequents bars and uses them as a base for soliciting ...1960s US homosexual sl.
n. 4. a Black female teenager, focused on rap music and the ghetto street lifestyle ...1980s US Black sl.
• B-HEAD n. a user of Benzedrine ...1950s drugs sl.
• B'HOY n. a rough or rowdy ...1846 US
• BI adj. bisexual ...1956 sl.
• BIAS † adv. 1. off the straight, awry ...E17
adv. 2. very ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. accustomed place or direction; also, usual procedure or habit ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BIB n. 1. a small drink; a sip; a small quantity of food ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. the stomach ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to drink continuously, but in small quantities; to tipple ...1781 Eng. dial.
• BIBACIOUS adj. given to drinking ...L17
• BIBACITY n. addiction to drinking, tippling ...L16
• BIB-ALL-NIGHT n. a heavy drinker, a drunkard, a confirmed toper ...1612 colloq.
• BIB AND TUCKER n. smart, holiday clothes ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BIBATION n. tippling; a drinking bout ...M19
• BIBBED adj. dressed up, decked out ...1876 Eng. dial.
• BIBBED UP adj. dressed up, decked out ...1876 Eng. dial.
• BIBBER n. 1. a tippler ...M16
n. 2. a tremor, a state of trembling ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. to tremble, to shake ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BIBBERING adj. quaking, trembling ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBBLE n. 1. a pebble, stone, fossil ...1895 Eng. dial.
n. 2. nonsense ...19C Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. tipple, drink, beverage ...19C Eng. dial.
† vb. 1. to drink frequently, to tipple ...a1529 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to eat like a duck, gathering up food and water together ...1552
vb. 3. to shed tears; to cry and sob; to snivel ...19C Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIBBLE-BABBLE n. idle talk, prating ...M16
vb. to indulge in idle talk ...1888
• BIBBLER n. a tippler ...M16
• BIBBLES n. 1. mucus from the nose ...19C Sc.
n. 2. nonsensical talk ...19C Irish
• BIBBLIE adj. snotty; blubbering ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIBBLIE-GAUGER n. the nose ...1881 Sc.
• BIBBLIN n. a nearly fledged chick of any bird ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBBLING adj. drinking ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BIBELOT n. a small curio or artistic trinket ...L19
• BIBITION n. drinking; a bout of drinking ...L15
• BIBITORY * adj. pertaining to drinking or tippling ...1696
• BIBLE n. 1. a book of any kind ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. the truth ...1920s US Black sl.
n. 3. the Army Field Manual ...Bk1944 service sl.
vb. to administer a flogging ...1859 Winchester School sl.
• BIBLE-BACK n. a hump-backed or round-shouldered person ...1890 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-BACKED adj. hump-backed or round-shouldered ...1857
• BIBLE-BANGER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy; an enthusiastically religious person ...1885 sl., chiefly Aust. & NZ
• BIBLE-BANGING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...colloq.
• BIBLE-BASHER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy; an enthusiastically religious person ...1885 sl., chiefly Aust. & NZ
• BIBLE-BASHING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...colloq.
• BIBLE-OATH n. a very solemn oath ...1836 Eng. dial.
• BIBLE-POUNDER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy ...1889 colloq.
• BIBLE-POUNDING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...1951 colloq.
• BIBLE-PUNCHER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy ...1889 colloq.
• BIBLE-PUNCHING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...1951 colloq.
• BIBLER n. a great Bible reader ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBLE-SCANT adj. neglected in a religious sense ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBLE-THUMPER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy ...1889 colloq.
• BIBLE-THUMPING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...1951 colloq.
• BIBLE-TRUTH n. God's truth ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBLIOGRAPH * n. a bibliographer ...E19
vb. to compile a bibliography of; to provide with a bibliography ...M20
• BIBLIOGRAPHER † n. 1. a writer of books; a copyist ...M17
n. 2. a practitioner of bibliography ...L18
• BIBLIOGRAPHIZE vb. to compile a bibliography of ...E19
• BIBLIOGRAPHY † n. 1. the writing of books ...L17
n. 2. a list of books of a particular author, printer, etc.; a list of works consulted in a scholarly work; a reading list ...E19
n. 3. the history or systematic description of books ...E19
• BIBLIOKLEPT n. a book thief ...L19
• BIBLIOLATRY n. extravagant admiration of a book or for books ...M18
• BIBLIOLOGY n. the branch of knowledge dealing with books, book-lore, bibliography ...E19
• BIBLIOMANCY n. divination by books; divination by verses of the Bible ...M18
• BIBLIOMANE n. one who has a passion for collecting and possessing books ...a1824
• BIBLIOMANIA n. a passion for the collecting and possession of books ...M18
• BIBLIOMANIAC adj. given to bibliomania ...E19
n. a person afflicted with bibliomania ...E19
• BIBLIOPEGY n. bookbinding as a fine art ...L19
• BIBLIOPHIL(E) n. a lover of books; a book collector ...E19
• BIBLIOPHILIST n. a lover of books ...1819
• BIBLIOPHILY n. love of books ...L19
• BIBLIOPOLE n. a dealer in books, esp. rare books ...L18
• BIBLIOPOLIST n. a dealer in books, esp. rare books; a bookseller ...1541
• BIBLIOPOLY n. bookselling ...M19
• BIBLIOTHEC adj. belonging to a library or librarian ...M17
n. a librarian ...M17
• BIBLIOTHECA † n. 1. the Bible ...OE
n. 2. a collection of books; a library; a bibliographer's catalogue ...E19
• BIBLIOTHECAL adj. belonging to a library ...E19
• BIBLIOTHECAR n. a librarian ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIBLIOTHECARY † n. 1. a library ...L16
n. 2. a librarian ...E17
• BIBLIOTHECK n. a library ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIBLIOTHÈQUE n. a library ...M16
• BIBLIOTHERAPY n. the use of reading matter for therapeutic purposes ...E20
• BIBLIOTHETIC adj. relating to the placing and arrangement of books on the shelves of a library ...1901
• BIBLOPHILIC adj. pert. to bibliophiles or bibliophily ...L19
• BIBSTER † n. a seller of ale ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBULATE vb. to bibble or tipple ...1767
• BIBULOSITY n. addictedness to tippling ...1901
• BIBULOUS adj. 1. absorbent of moisture ...L17
adj. 2. relating to drink ...E19
adj. 3. given to drinking alcoholic liquors ...M19
• BIBULOUSNESS n. addictedness to tippling ...1844
• BIC vb. to understand ...1980 US military in Vietnam usage
• BICHO n. the penis ...1967 US sl. (Spanish)
• BICK n. a sluttish woman ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to leave alone ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. 2. to pat gently ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BICKER n. 1. a quick movement; the noise caused by a succession of rapid strokes ...1785 Sc.
n. 2. a skirmish, a fight; a scrimmage ...1824 Sc.
n. 3. a wooden beaker or drinking cup; a porridge dish; a bowl ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to move quickly; of a stream: to ripple, to flow ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to attack with repeated strokes, to pelt with stones; to strike repeatedly ...1827 Sc.
vb. 3. to indulge in rough or indelicate horseplay ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to move quickly and noisily ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BICKER-CUT n. hair-cutting by means of a bowl placed on the head ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BICKERING adj. hurrying, rushing ...1865 Sc.
• BICKNING n. a beacon, the summit of a hill ...1888 Eng. dial.
• BICKY n. 1. the game of hide and seek ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a child's word for a biscuit ...E20
vb. in the game of hide and seek: to hide one's eyes in order not to see where the others go to conceal themselves ...1887 Eng. dial.
• BICYCLE n. 1. a published translation of a foreign language work ...1900 US students' usage
n. 2. a motorcycle ...1937 US sl.
n. 3. a bisexual ...1982 US sl.
vb. in boxing: to jog backward from an opponent in the ring ...1949 US sl.
• BID n. 1. a request or an invitation ...1892 Eng. dial.
n. 2. an Irish servant-girl ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
n. 3. a prison sentence ...1965 US prison sl.
vb. 1. to invite, esp. to a wedding or funeral, at which attendance is regarded as compulsory ...1805 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to desire, to wish ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to pray ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BID A BEAD vb. to offer a prayer ...c1250
• BIDACIOUSLY adv. thoroughly, completely, extremely ...1915 Amer. dial.
• BID BASE † vb. to challenge ...1548
• BIDDABLE adj. obedient, docile ...1892 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIDDABLENESS n. docility; compliance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDDABLY adv. obediently, meekly ...1895 Sc.
• BIDDELS † n. the guests invited to a funeral ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDENABLE adj. obedient, docile ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDDER n. a person sent to invite the guests to a funeral, or occasionally to a wedding ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BIDDIE n. an attractive little girl or small old woman ...1940s US Black sl.
• BIDDING n. 1. an invitation, esp. to a funeral or wedding ...1655 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a wedding party at which a collection, in money or kind, is made for the bride and bridegroom ...1849 Sc.
• BIDDING-BELL n. the funeral bell, a small bell used immediately before the commencement of service ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDING-FEAST n. a funeral repast ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDLE-BADDLE adj. trifling, of small account ...1886 Eng. dial.
• BIDDY † n. 1. a chicken; a fowl ...E17 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
n. 2. (now mainly derogatory except in US Black use) an Irish maidservant ...1785 sl.
n. 3. (somewhat derogatory) a woman, esp. a young woman ...1785 sl.
n. 4. a louse; occasionally, a flea ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 5. a fussy, mean or quarrelsome old woman (usually as 'old biddy') ...1938 sl.
n. 6. an old ewe ...1939 Amer. dial.
n. 7. an attractive little girl or small old woman ...1940s US Black sl.
int. a call to fowls, ducks, or swans ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDY-BASE vb. of children: to run backwards and forwards, to patter about ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDY COOP n. a chicken coop ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY-HEN n. a hen ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BIDDYKIN n. 1. a little chicken...1952 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a little person ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY-PECK vb. to nag, to hen-peck ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY-PECKED adj. henpecked ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY PEN n. a chicken coop ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY'S EYES n. the pansy, Viola tricolor ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BIDE n. pain, suffering ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to tolerate, to endure ...1914 Amer. dial.
• BIDEABLE adj. bearable, tolerable ...1923 Amer. dial.
• BIDE-ABOUT vb. 1. to be given to drinking ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to loiter ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDE A WEE vb. to stay a while ...1918 Sc.
• BIDGE vb. to buy ...1388 Eng. dial.
• BIDGEE WHALER n. an itinerant tramp whose 'beat' focuses on the rivers of New South Wales ...M19 Aust. sl.
• BIDING prep. excepting, except; in spite of ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. endurance; enduring ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDINGS n. sufferings ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDNESS n. business ...1850s US Black sl.
• BIDSTAND † n. a highwayman
• BID THE TIME OF DAY vb. to wish good-morning ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BIE! int. come!; used as a call to chickens ...1924 Amer. dial.
• BIEL n. a shelter, refuge; a home, house; anything that shelters or shades ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to shelter, to protect; to take shelter ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIELD adj. sheltered ...1801 Sc.
n. shelter, refuge; also, a house, any object with shelters ...1725 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. to shelter, to protect; also, to take shelter ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BIELDING n. shelter; protection ...1724 Sc.
• BIELDY adj. snug, sheltered; affording shelter or warmth ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIELY adj. furnishing shelter; snug ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIEN adj. 1. good; excellent; first-rate ...16C sl.
adj. 2. snug, comfortable, cosy ...1725 Sc.
adj. 3. thriving, well-to-do ...1816 Sc.
n. £1 ... Bk1903 sl.
• BIEN-LIKE adj. having an appearance of comfort and well-being ...1808 Sc.
• BIENLY adv. comfortably, easily, happily ...1788 Sc.
• BIENNESS n. prosperity, comfort, the condition of being well-to-do ...1818 Sc.
• BIER †* n.1. a wave, a billow ...1250
n. 2. a shout; a complaint ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to roar as a bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIERLY adj. big, burly ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIF n. a sharp or quick blow ...1890 Amer. dial.
vb. to strike or hit ...1890 Amer. dial.
int. exclamation uttered when something strikes an object ...1905
• BIFARIOUS † adj. two-fold, double, ambiguous; capable of being interpreted in two ways; that may be understood two ways ...1656 arch. or obs.
• BIFF adv. with a short, sharp blow ...1847 Amer. dial.
n. 1. a whack, a hard punch or blow; a slap ...1847 Amer. sl.
n. 2. the bough of a tree ...1884 Eng. dial.
n. 3. in baseball: a base hit ...1908 US sl.
n. 4. zest; liveliness; zip ...1918 US sl.
n. 5. an offensive, unattractive, or promiscuous woman ...1929-32 US sl., chiefly Black usage
n. 6. a dumb, dunce-like girl ...1929-32 US sl.
n. 7. a lavatory ...1956 US sl.
n. 8. a black eye ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to whack, to hit hard, to strike ...1888 sl.
vb. 2. to refuse; to repulse ...1895 US students' sl.
vb. 3. to do a thing well ...1894 US Naval Academy usage
vb. 4. to study hard ...1900 US students' sl.
vb. 5. to fail ...1989 US students' sl.
int. used to describe the sound of a blow with the fist ...1924 Amer. dial.
• BIFF-BANG adv. noisily ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIFF-BOOM-BANG adv. noisily ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIFFED adj. drunk ...1925 US sl.
• BIFFER n. an offensive, unattractive, or promiscuous woman ...1929-32 US sl., chiefly Black usage
• BIFFING n. a beating ...1975 US sl.
• BIFFY adj. intoxicated with alcohol ...20C Brit. sl.
n. 1. a nickname for a short, pursy fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a lavatory ...1942 US sl.
• BIG adj. 1. great, important; of high position or standing ...1597 colloq.
adj. 2. of the wind: strong, violent ...1641 Eng. dial.
adj. 3. proud, haughty, consequential, conceited ...1828 Sc. & Eng. dial.
adj. 4. great with young, pregnant ...1855 Eng. dial.
adj. 5. of money: in large amounts ...1887 US colloq.
adj. 6. of a river or water: swollen, in flood ...1890 Eng. dial.
adj. 7. friendly, intimate, 'thick' ...Bk1898 Sc.
adj. 8. of a frost: severe ...1967 Amer. dial.
adj. 9. well-known, as by word of mouth ...1970 US sl.
adv. conspicuously; notably; also, with great success, to a great extent ...1865
n. 1. a pap, or teat ...1682 Eng. dial.
n. 2. an influential, important, or celebrated person; a big shot ...1948 US sl.
vb. 1. to build ...1737 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to make big, to magnify ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to build a nest ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to make pregnant ...1917 Amer. dial.
vb. 5. to exaggerate ...1972 Amer. dial.
• BIG 8 n. one eighth kilogram of crack ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG A n. 1. an Atlas ICBM ...1959 US Air Force usage
n. 2. Atlanta, Georgia ...1976 US sl.
n. 3. Australia ...1987 US sl.
• BIG A, THE n. 1. a city or other named entity that bears the initial A ...1955 US sl.
n. 2. New York City ...1980 US sl.
n. 3. the disease AIDS ...1986 US sl.
• BIG AMERICA n. the United States ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGAMIZE vb. to commit bigamy ...a1861 US
• BIG AND PRONTO adv. immediately; shortly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ANIMAL n. a bull ...19C US rural euphemism
• BIG APPLE n. any big city or town ...1944 US sl.
• BIG APPLE, THE n. 1. Broadway and the jazz and entertainment centres of New York City; hence, New York City itself ...1909 US sl.
n. 2. in horse racing: the New York metropolitan racing circuit, including the major Long Island tracks ...1921 US sl.
n. 3. a dance popular in the late 1930s ...1937
n. 4. the highest prize ...1971 US sl.
• BIG AS A BARN DOOR adj. very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG AS A BARN SIDE adj. very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG AS A BEE'S KNEE adj. of a very small size; trifling, insignificant ...1838
• BIG AS A BUSHEL adj. very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG AS ALL OUTDOORS, AS n. something in the extreme ...1825 Amer. dial.
• BIG AS BULL BEEF adj. as proud as a peacock, vain, self-centred ...Bk1898 Eng.
• BIG ASK n. 1. the asking price for a racehorse that is considered over-priced ...1989 Aust. sl.
n. 2. a request ...1994 Aust. sl.
• BIG AS S adj. as proud as a peacock, vain, self-centred ...Bk1898 Eng.
• BIG-ASS adj. big, important, or overly important ...1955 US sl.
n. (usually as 'big ass') an influential, important or celebrated person; a big shot; used derisively ...1963 US sl.
vb. to make a fool of ...1984 US sl.
• BIG-ASS BIRD n. a usually multi-engine airplane having very large tail surfaces; the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress ...1961 US aviation usage
• BIG-ASSED adj. large ...1945 US sl.
• BIG-ASSED BIRD n. a usually multi-engine airplane having very large tail surfaces; the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress ...1965 US aviation usage
• BIG AS THE SIDE OF A MEETINGHOUSE, AS adj. very fat ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG AUGER n. an important person; a boss; a foreman ...1868 US West usage
• BIG B n. 1. a nickname for Berlin; also with 'the' ...1944 US Air Force usage
n. 2. Baltimore, Maryland ...1974 US sl.
• BIG BABOON n. an oaf; a jerk ...20C sl.
• BIG BAG n. a large bag of heroin; heroin ...1969 US sl.
• BIG BANANA n. an important or influential person; a boss ...1984 US sl.
• BIG BANANA, THE n. the top prize or recognition; the focus of interest or attention ...1980 US sl.
• BIG BANG, THE n. the deregulation of the London Stock Exchange on 27 October, 1986, when a number of complex changes in trading practices were put into effect simultaneously ...1983 sl.
• BIG BEAN n. a person of importance ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG-BEE n. a drone ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BIG-BELLIED adj. having a big belly, corpulent; hence, pregnant ...1803
• BIG BEN n. 1. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. in craps: the point ten ...1962 US sl.
• BIG BENCH, THE n. the United States Supreme Court ...1929 US journalists' usage
• BIG BERTHA n. 1. a German long-range gun of the heaviest calibre; broadly, a heavy artillery piece ...1914 military usage
n. 2. a heavy artillery shell fired by a Big Bertha gun ...1915
n. 3. an overweight or heavy woman; often used as a derisive nickname ...1921 US sl.
n. 4. something unusually large or impressive ...1931 US sl.
• BIG BILL n. $1000 ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• BIG BIT n. a long prison sentence ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• BIG BITCH n. a conviction under any crime that carries a mandatory life sentence, or a sentence so long that it is an equivalent ...1960s US prison sl.
• BIG BLINK n. death ...1970s sl.
• BIG BLOKE n. 1. a boss, a superior ...1910s Aust. sl.
n. 2. cocaine ...1930s drugs rhyming sl.
• BIG BLOW n. 1. a boaste0, a braggart ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a hurricane ...20C Aust. & US sl.
• BIG BLUE n. 1. IBM corporation ...1984 US sl.
n. 2. the University of Michigan; a sports team. esp. the football team, of the University of Michigan ...1987 US students' sl.
• BIG BOARD n. any major stock exchange ...1934 US sl.
• BIG BOARD, THE n. the New York Stock Exchange Inc. ...1984 US sl.
• BIG BOAT n. a large, traditional American car, esp. a large station wagon ...1910s sl.
• BIG BOB n. an aristocrat; a notable person ...L19 sl.
• BIG BOOB n. a stupid fellow ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BIG BOOT n. 1. the General ...Bk1944 service sl.
n. 2. a powerful person; an important or influential person ...1969 US sl.
• BIG BOPPER n. a superior person or one who claims to be ...1980s US sl.
• BIG BOPPER, THE n. a person holding paramount authority ...1966 US sl.
• BIG-BORE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG BOSS, THE n. God ...1926 US sl.
• BIG BOUT YAH adj. of a person: important ...1980s W. Indies usage
• BIG BOW-WOW n. 1. a regimental sergeant major ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. an important person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BOY n. 1. a large gun, generally of an eight-inch bore or more ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
n. 2. a term of address to a male; usually used ironically ...1918 sl., orig. US
n. 3. a high-ranking or important person ...1924 sl., orig. US
n. 4. a foolish, reckless, devil-may-care young man; a loveable idiot ...1920s US Black sl.
n. 5. the head of an organized crime syndicate or some equivalent figure ...1920s US criminals' sl.
n. 6. a judge of a high court ...1929 US sl.
n. 7. a stout fellow ...1942 Amer. dial.
n. 8. a shotgun ...1970s US sl.
vb. (usually as 'big-boy') to take advantage of someone; to bully or tease ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG BOY, THE n. God ...1962 US sl.
• BIG BOY WITH A FEVER n. 1. a man with a venereal disease ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. a passionate man ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BOZO n. a corpulent man ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BRAG n. a braggart ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG BRASS n. applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1899 sl., orig. US
• BIG BRAWL n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BROOK n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG BROTHER n. the penis ...1960s US gay sl.
• BIG BROWN EYES n. attractive female breasts ...1930s sl.
• BIG BROWNIES n. attractive female breasts ...1930s sl.
• BIG BROWN ONES n. MDMA ...1990s drugs sl.
• BIG-BUCK adj. expensive ...1990s US Black sl.
n. (usually as 'big buck') a large amount of money, esp. as earned by performers or stolen by criminals, or as a large, but non-specific price ...1950s sl., orig. US
• BIG BUCKS n. a large amount of money, esp. as earned by performers or stolen by criminals, or as a large, but non-specific price ...1950s sl., orig. US
• BIG BUG n. (often derogatory) a high-ranking or important person; a person of consequence ...1817 US. orig. & chiefly US
• BIG-BUGGISH adj. important, self-important ...1843 Amer. dial.
• BIG BULL n. a nickname for a camp foreman ...1925 Amer. loggers' sl.
• BIG BULLET n. an air-launched guided missile ...1985 US military usage
• BIG BURG n. a big city ...1918 US sl.
• BIG BURG, THE n. New York City ...1918 US sl.
• BIG BUS n. a large airplane ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BUTT n. 1. an important person ...1912 US sl.
n. 2. an aristocrat ...1912 Amer. sl.
• BIG C, THE n. 1. cocaine ...1959 drugs sl.
n. 2. cancer ...1964 euphemism
n. 3. Chicago, Illinois ...1976 US sl.
n. 4. cirrhosis of the liver ...2000s sl.
• BIG CASINO adv. in an important, committed manner ...1990s US sl.
n. 1. the most important or influential person in a place etc. ...1893 US sl.
n. 2. a big or large person ...1900s US sl.
n. 3. one's best resource or asset ...1922 US sl.
n. 4. the best; the ultimate; the most important ...1920s US sl.
n. 5. anything terminal or fatal, esp. a disease, as cancer; also syphilis ...1930s US sl.
• BIG CHARLEY n. 1. a Chinook helicopter ...1966 US military usage
n. 2. the Federal Communications Commission ...1977 US sl.
• BIG CHEESE n. a high-ranking or important person ...1914 sl., orig. US
• BIG-CHESTED adj. conceited ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIG CHIEF n. mescaline ...20C US drugs sl.
• BIG CHILL n. an unfortunate or depressing state of affairs; death ...1984 US sl.
• BIG CHUMP n. a stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG CHURCH, THE n. no church at all ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BIG CLUCK n. a stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG CLUNK n. a stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG-COCK adj. big, huge ...1965 US sl.
• BIG COUGH n. a bomb ...1929 US criminals' sl.
• BIG CURTAIN n. death ...1904 US theatre usage
• BIG D n. 1. LSD ...20C drugs sl.
n. 2. Dallas, Texas ...1930 US sl.
n. 3. Dilaudid, a synthetic opiate ...1954 US sl.
n. 4. Denver, Colorado ...1969 US sl.
n. 5. Detroit, Michigan ...1961 US sl.
n. 6. in sports: defense ...1979 US sl.
int. damn! ,,,19C euphemism
• BIG D, THE n. 1. death ...1977 US sl.
n. 2. Dallas, Texas ...1978 US sl.
• BIGD n. a building, a house ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIG DAD n. one's grandfather ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG DADDY n. 1. a husband; a sweetheart ...1909 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a high-ranking or important person ...1948 sl., orig. US
n. 3. one's grandfather ...1955 Amer. dial.
n. 4. the penis ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIG DAME HUNTER n. a philanderer; one fond of women ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG DARK n. outer space ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIG DAY n. broad daylight ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BIG DAYLIGHT n. broad daylight ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BIG DEAL! int. used to indicate one is not impressed ...1951 sl., orig. US
• BIG DITCH n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG DOG n. a high-ranking or important person ...1843 US sl.
• BIG DOINGS adj. haughty, conceited, high-and-mighty ...1928 Amer. dial.
n. 1. a celebration, a party; a formal social ceremony or gathering ...1932 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a person who likes to brag ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG-DOME adj. intellectual ...1950s sl.
n. (usually as 'big dome') an intellectual, a scholar, esp. one who seems to hold eccentric or impractical opinions ...1930s sl.
• BIG DRINK n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG DUDE n. a self-important person; a person who tries to appear important ...c1960 Amer. dial.
• BIG E, THE n. dismissal (E = elbow, dismissal) ...1982 Brit. sl.
• BIG-EAR vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BIG EARS n. eavesdropping ears ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ENCHILADA n. a high-ranking or important person ...1973 US sl.
• BIG END n. the greater or most important part ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIGENOUS adj. inherited from both parents ...1894
• BIGENT n. a first year's student at a Scotch university ...1812 Sc.
• BIGETY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BIG EYE adj. greedy; covetous ...1947 US Black sl.
n. 1. television ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 2. insomnia ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG-EYED adj. 1. greedy, covetous ...1947 Amer. Black usage
adj. 2. self-important ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG FEELER n. an arrogant or haughty person; a person who acts important ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG-FEELING adj. haughty, proud, conceited, putting on airs ...1887 Amer. dial.
• BIG FELLOW adj. large, a quantity ...Bk1892 Aust. aboriginal usage
n. the head of an organized crime syndicate or some equivalent figure ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• BIG FISH n. a high-ranking or important person ...1836 sl., orig. US
• BIG FLAKE n. cocaine ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG FRACAS n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG FRIEND n. a bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGG vb. to build; to build a nest ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIGGED adj. pregnant ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BIGGEDY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BIGGEN vb. 1. to recover strength after lying-in ...1811 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to grow big, to increase in size ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to give oneself airs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGENING n. the recovery of a woman after confinement ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGER n. a builder ...1862 Sc.
vb. 1. to build ...1860 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to increase in size; to grow bigger ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGER AND BETTER adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIGGER HALF n. one's husband ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BIGGEST TOAD IN THE PUDDLE n. an important or self-important person ...1851 Amer. dial.
• BIGGETY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1933 Amer. dial.
• BIGGIE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. a high-ranking or important person ...1926 sl., orig. US
• BIGGIES n. defecation ...1953 Brit. sl., a children's word or euphemism
• BIGGIN n. 1. a building; a house; a cottage; the act of building ...1811 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial.
† n. 2. an afternoon meal ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGING n. the act of building ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIG GIRL'S BLOUSE n. an ineffectual male, often with suggestion of effeminacy ...1983 Brit. sl.
• BIG GIRL WITH THE TORCH n. the Statue of Liberty ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGGIT adj. 1. built ...1813 Sc.
adj. 2. wealthy ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIGGITY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1880 Amer. dial.
• BIGGLE vb. to blindfold ...1876 Eng. dial.
• BIGGLY n. the game of blindman's buff ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGOTY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1943 Amer. dial.
• BIGGUMS adj. overweight ...20C teen & high school sl.
• BIG GUN n. a high-ranking or important person ...1834 sl.
• BIG GUY n. 1. a corpulent man ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. an important man ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGGY adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG H. n. heroin ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG HAIR n. long hair teased and lacquered into a large bouffant ...1988 sl., orig. US
• BIG HALF-PINT n. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG HARRY n. heroin ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG HAT n. 1. a self-important person; one who acts important ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a law enforcement officer; a policeman; a sheriff ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a person of Mexican heritage ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG-HEAD n. arrogance, conceit ...1853 US
n. 2. one having an inflated opinion of himself; a conceited person ...Bk1913-17 Amer. sl.
n. 3. a headache ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. (usually as 'bighead') a tadpole ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 5. (usually as 'bighead') a kind of cigar ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG-HEADED adj. conceited ...1942 sl.
• BIG-HEARTED adj. generous ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG HERB n. an important person; used sarcastically ...c1905 Amer. dial.
• BIGHES n. jewels, ornaments ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG HIT n. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG HOLE n. 1. in railroading: an emergency stop ...1930 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the lowest gear of a truck or other vehicle ...1947 Amer. dial.
vb. in railroading, logging, and trucking: to stop quickly ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BIG HOLE IT vb. in trucking: to apply brakes for an emergency stop ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG HOLE THE AIR vb. in railroading, and logging: to stop quickly ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BIGHORNIE n. the devil ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG HOUSE n. 1. the main house on a plantation ...1811 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the workhouse ...1868 Eng. dial.
n. 3. the principal room of a house; the living room ...1903 Amer. dial.
• BIG HOUSE, THE n. prison ...1916 sl., orig. US
• BIGHT n. 1. a bend, esp. a curve in the animal or human body ...1691 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a bay, a creek; a projection in a river ...1891 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIGHTSOME adj. having an air of ease combined with activity; light, active ...1790 Sc.
• BIG I n. an important or self-important person; a person who likes to brag ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIGIFIED adj. conceited, vain, stuck-up, self-important; impudent, boastful, egotistic ...c1960 Amer. dial.
• BIG IKE n. a self-important, conceited or pretentious person ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BIG I, LITTLE YOU n. an important or self-important person; a person who likes to brag ...1967 Amer. dial. online
• BIG INJUN n. a nickname for a coarse, boastful man ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BIGITE n. a conceited person ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG JEEP n. a large bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG JOHN n. a recruit from the country ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIG JUMP, THE n. death ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG KAHUNA, THE n. a large or important person or thing ...1980s US sl.
• BIG KNIFE † n. a White man, esp. a Virginian ...1750 US Indian usage
• BIG LAKE n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG LAZIES, THE n. laziness; a strong inclination to idleness ...1898 Amer. dial.
• BIG-LEAGUE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG LOOP n. the lasso of a cattle thief ...1940 Amer. dial., Western usage
• BIGLY † adj. pleasant, delightful, commodious ...1802 Sc.
adj. 2. in a haughty manner ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIG MAMA n. one's grandmother ...1946 Amer. dial.
• BIG MAMMA n. one's grandmother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG MAN n. 1. a drug supplier ...20C drugs sl.
n. 2. a gallon of wine ...1970 Amer. dial. DARE online
• BIG ME n. a person who likes to brag ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIG MISS n. a great loss by death, or by the departure of a friend ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG MISTER n. one's husband ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG MIX-UP n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG MONEY n. a large amount of money, high wages or salary ...1888 orig. US
• BIG MOTHER n. one's grandmother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG MOUTH n. 1. a loquacious talker; also implying boastfulness or lack of discretion ...1889 sl., orig. & chiefly US
n. 2. loquacity, talkativeness ...1890 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• BIG-MOUTHED adj. talkative ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG MUCKY-MUCK n. a superior or important person, whether actually or through pretension ...M19 US sl.
• BIG MUDDY n. the Missouri river ...1857 US
• BIG NANA n. one's grandmother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG NECK n. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIGNET n. a bayonet ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG-NIECE n. the daughter of a nephew or niece ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG NIGGER n. (derogatory) an important, often self-important person ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG NOISE n. a high-ranking or important person ...1906 sl., orig. US
• BIG O. n. 1. opium ...20C drugs sl.
n. in railroading: the conductor ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BIG O, THE n. orgasm, esp. female orgasm ...Aust. sl.
• BIG OLD TIME n. an uproarious time; a spree ...M19 US sl.
• BIG ON adj. fond of; enthusiastic about; liking ...1867 orig. & chiefly US
• BIG ONE n. 1. an incredible story; a whopper ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a thousand dollars or a thousand-dollar bill ...1935 US sl.
n. 3. in cards: the joker ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ONES n. men of consequence ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIGOT n. highly secret information; a code word ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGOTED adj. 1. stupid, self-willed (without reference to any religious intolerance) ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. conceited, vain, stuck-up, self-important; impudent, boastful, haughty ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BIGOTICAL † adj. bigoted ...1678
• BIGOTTY adj. haughty, conceited, bumptious, overbearing, self-willed ...1873 Eng. & Amer. dial.
n. pride, conceit, haughtiness ...1884 Eng. dial.
• BIG OX n. in railroading: the conductor ...1943
• BIG PA n. one's grandfather ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG PAPA n. one's grandfather ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG PASTURE n. a penitentiary ...1968 Amer. dial., Western usage
• BIG PAY n. high wages or salary ...1915 US
• BIG PIG n. a person who saves in a mean way or is greedy in money matters; a stingy person ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG PLACE n. a jail or penitentiary ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG POND n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG POOL n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG PRETZEL, THE n. Philadelphia ...Amer. sl.
• BIG PUDDLE n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG READY n. a thorough state of preparation; a good start ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BIG RING n. a square dance ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROAD n. a public driveway ...1818 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROCK n. a jail or penitentiary ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROD n. a machine gun ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ROOM n. the principal room of a house; the living room ...a1883 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROW n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG RUMPUS n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG RUSH n. cocaine ...20C drugs sl.
• BIGS n. a major sports league ...1973 US sl.
• BIG SAVAGE n. in logging: the general superintendent; a foreman ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIG SET-TO n. a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG SHIP n. a large airplane; a bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG SHOAT n. a boar ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BIG SHORTY n. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG SHOT n. a high-ranking or important person ...1927 sl., orig. US
• BIG SHOW n. 1. a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 3. an important or self-important person ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIGSIE adj. 1. rather large ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. proud, conceited; used contemptuously ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG SLEEP, THE n. death ...1938 sl., orig. US
• BIG SMELL n. a seal ...Bk1942 Amer. circus sl.
• BIG SMOKE n. 1. aboriginal name for a town ...1848 Aust.
n. 2. London ...Bk1904
• BIG-SORTED adj. proud, stuck-up ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BIG SQUEEZE n. a boss or foreman; an important person; the leader of a gang; the head of any organization ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIG STAR n. a law enforcement officer, a sheriff ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG STICK n. 1. military power ...Bk2004 Spanish-American War era
n. 2. a display of force ...1904 US
n. 3. a machine gun ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a fireman's ladder ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 5. person of authority, as a police officer or foreman; a marshal ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 6. an important or self-important person ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIG STICKS n. in logging: the woods ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG STIFF n. an uncouth person who is self-opinionated ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BIG SUCKER-AND-EGG MAN n. a person of wealth who is easily fleeced ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG SUGAR n. the owner of a ranch, a cattleman ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG-TALK adj. boastful, blustering ...1935 Amer. dial.
n. (as 'big talk') boasting ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BIG TEX n. Texas ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG THING n. any potentially notable event or achievement that does not come off as notable ...US Civil War usage
• BIG THING ON ICE, A n. a profitable venture; a good thing; something excellent ...1890 sl.
• BIG TICKET n. an honourable discharge from military service ...US Civil War usage
• BIG TIDE n. a flood ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG-TIME adj. 1. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
adj. 2. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
adv. (usually as 'big time') totally, very ...20C teen & high school sl.
n. a convivial party or celebration; a social gathering; an enjoyable time ...1863 Amer. dial.
• BIG TOTER n. a shotgun ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG-TRUCE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG TURKEY n. an ostrich ...Bk1942 Amer. circus sl.
• BIG 'UNS n. large trees ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG UP vb. to confirm in an opinion; to devote one's self to an opinion, idea, purpose, or person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BI-GUY n. a bisexual male ...1973 sl.
• BIG WATER, THE n. 1. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a flood ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG WHEEL n. a high-ranking or important person ...1942 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• BIGWIG n. a high-ranking or important person ...1703 sl.
• BIG WIND n. boasting ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BIG WOW n. 1. something beautiful or attractive ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 2. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIJEN! int. truly! an exclamation of surprise ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIKE n. 1. a gathering, an assembly of people ...1785 Sc.
n. 2. a nest of wild bees, wasps, etc.; a nestful of bees, a swarm ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. a habitation, a building ...1827 Sc.
n. 4. a windfall, an unexpected good fortune ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 5. the hook of the crook from which pots hang over a fire in cooking ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 6. a motorcycle ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 7. (derogatory) a promiscuous woman ...1945 sl., orig. Aust.
vb. to swarm like bees; also, to gather, to assemble, to crowd ...1790 Sc.
• BIKER'S SPEED n. methamphetamines ...20C drugs sl.
• BIKING n. a hive, a swarm ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIKINI STUFFERS n. the breasts ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIKKY n. a child's word for a biscuit ...E20
• BILBIE n. shelter, residence ...1891 Sc.
• BILBO † n. the penis
• BILCH n. 1. a very fat or lusty person, breathless from corpulence ...1768 Sc.
n. 2. a brat; a contemptuous term for a child ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. a monster ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 4. a little, crooked, insignificant person ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to limp, to halt ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILCHER n. one who limps ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILDER n. a scab ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. to work hard ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILDERING adj. lumbering, clumsy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILDERT † n. a term of contempt ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILE vb. to boil ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILED adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BILED AS AN OWL adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BILF n. 1. a large, clumsy person ...1819 Sc.
n. 2. a blunt stroke, a hit ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a term of contempt for a pursy person; a monster ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILGE n. 1. nonsense, rubbish ...1921 sl.
n. 2. a drinking spree; a binge ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. to be dismissed or obliged to resign ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
• BILIMENTS † n. clothing, habiliments ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILINGUOUS † adj. bilingual, speaking two languages ...1730
• BILIVE † adv. 1. speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† adv. 2. at once, immediately, directly ...c1220
† vb. to remain ...c1000
• BILK n. 1. a cheat, one who cheats ...1848 Eng. sl.
n. 2. a belch, eructation ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to cheat, to refuse to pay; to frustrate, to disappoint ...1820 Eng. sl.
vb. 2. to throw down or strike heavily; to thump ...1844 Eng. dial.
• BILKER n. 1. one who practises cheating ...1717 sl.
n. 2. one who hires a hackney carriage and slips off without paying ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILL n. 1. a banknote ...1826
n. 2. a divorce ...1894 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 4. a letter, a missive ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 5. (derogatory) a person's nose ...1942 Amer. dial.
n. 6. the police ...1950s sl.
n. 7. a police station ...1950s sl.
vb. 1. to work hard ...1790 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to divorce one's spouse ...1885 Amer. dial.
vb. 3. of a bird: to strike with the beak ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BILL, THE n. the police force in general; the law personified ...1969 Brit. sl.
• BILL AND COO vb. to caress and make other displays of affection ...1854 sl.
• BILLARD n. no-man's-land ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BILLATORY n. a restless bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILL-BLO n. a bull ...1806 Sc.
• BILLBOOK n. a pocketbook ...1895 Amer. dial.
• BILLED adj. distracted, half mad ...1869 Eng. dial.
• BILLET n. 1. a chunk of wood; a log, a piece of wood ...1750 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial.
n. 2. a note, letter, or document ...1847 Amer. dial.
n. 3. wood cut to a convenient size for burning ...1863 Eng. dial.
n. 4. a mess, a scrape ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLETING n. firewood ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLETT n. a chunk of wood; a small log, often used for firewood ...1837 Amer. dial.
• BILLFOLD n. a pocketbook to carry folded paper money; a wallet ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BILLFOLDER n. a pocketbook to carry folded paper money; a wallet ...1909 Amer. dial.
• BILL FROM THE HILL n. police officers serving at Notting Hill police station in London ...1950s sl.
• BILLIARD SLUM, THE n. false pretenses ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BILLIBUE n. a hullabaloo; a commotion, fuss, disturbance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLIE n. a brother; a comrade ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLIES n. overalls and blouse ...1905 Amer. dial.
• BILLIKIN n. a small 'billy' or tin can used as a kettle ...1926 colloq.
• BILLIZING n. a thrashing, a buffeting ...1882 Eng. dial.
• BILL-JOCK n. a bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILL-JUMP n. a person who doesn't pay his bills ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILL OF SALE n. a widow's weeds ...Bk1890 sl.
• BILLOWS n. snowdrifts ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BILLSEAG n. an old, castrated bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILL-SHOW n. a wild west show such as Buffalo Bill's ...1944 Amer. Western usage
• BILL-SHOW COWBOY n. a show-off cowboy of the Buffalo Bill show type ...1944 Amer. Western usage
• BILL-SWEATER n. a money-lender ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLUS vb. to beat, to flog ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BILL-WAGON n. a police patrol wagon ...L19 US sl.
• BILLY n. 1. a brother ...1686 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a young fellow ...1768 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
n. 3. a comrade, a friend ...1785 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• n. 4. a policeman's baton ...a1859 US
n. 5. a life-preserver (a short club with a heavy weighted end used as a weapon) ...1864 sl.
n. 6. a silk pocket handkerchief ...Bk1890 sl.
n. 7. a bull ...1896 Eng. dial.
n. 8. a lover ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 9. a binge; a drinking spree ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 10. a grasshopper ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 11. a law enforcement officer; a policeman ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. to bellow; to low ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLY BARLOW n. a pocket knife ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BILLY BENTIE n. a smart roguish boy ...1825 Sc.
• BILLY-BLIN n. a benevolent sprite ...1806 Sc.
• BILLY-BLIND n . the game of blindman's buff; also, the one that is blindfolded in the game ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILLYBLINDER n. 1. the person who hoodwinks another in the game of blindman's buff ...1822 Sc.
n. 2. a 'blind', an imposture ...1822 Sc.
• BILLY BORN DRUNK n. a drunkard ...1895 Eng. sl.
• BILLY BOY n. a law enforcement officer; a policeman ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILLY BUMKIN n. a name for the first toe (the one beside the big toe) ...19C Eng. dial.
• BILLY-BUTTONS n. a simpleton ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY CALL FATHER n. weak tea ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLYCOCK HAT n. a Derby hat ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BILLY DEVIL n. the devil ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BILLY GOAT n. effrontery, nerve, pushiness, boldness ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-GOAT ALLEY n. the run-down or poor section of a town; a slummy place ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-GOAT HILL n. the run-down or poor section of a town; a slummy place ...1935 Amer. dial.
• BILLY GO NIMBLES n. an imaginary disease ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY HELL n. a desolate place; hell ...1903 Amer. dial.
• BILLYHOOD n. brotherhood ...1818 Sc.
• BILLY KNIFE n. a pocket knife ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-LAMB n. a lamb reared by hand ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY MAN n. a law enforcement officer; a policeman ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-MARIA n. a countrified or rustic person ...1908 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-MINAWKY n. a foolish or stupid fellow ...19C Eng. dial.
• BILLY-OF-THE-WISP n. will-o'-the-wisp ...1855 Eng. dial.
• BILLY WHICKER n. a woodpecker ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-WHIFFLER n. a fool; a simpleton ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WHIFFLING adj. playing the fool ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WINKER n. the elfin who closes the eyes of children at bedtime ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WI'-T'-WISP n. will-o'-the-wisp ...1855 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WIX n. an owl; especially the barn owl ...1832 Eng. dial.
• BILOQUIST n. one who can speak with two different voices ...a1810
• BILOU n. nasal mucus ...1969 Amer. dial., nursery usage
• BILPERING adj. cheating; dishonest ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILSH n. a short, plump person; a thriving, stout person or animal ...1823 Sc.
• BILSHIE adj. short and stout; plump and thriving ...19C Sc.
• BILT n. 1. a blow, a thud ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 2. a limp ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. a short, thickset person ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to go lame; to limp; to walk with crutches ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILTER n. a child ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILTIE adj. thickset; clubbish; clumsy ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILTIENESS n. clumsiness ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILTING adj. moving like a short, thickset person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIM adv. with a sharp blow ...1888 Amer. dial.
n. 1. an inhabitant of Barbados ...1852 colloq.
n. 2. the act of humming or buzzing ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a young woman, often with an implication of promiscuity; a woman of loose morals or a prostitute ...1925 US sl.
n. 4. the buttocks ...1935 sl.
vb. to hum, to buzz ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIMARICAL † adj. belonging to two seas ...1692
• BIMBETTE n. an adolescent or teenager considered sexually attractive but of limited intelligence ...1982 sl., orig. US
• BIMBO n. 1. (mainly derogatory) a male person; a fellow ...1918 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a woman, often with an implication of promiscuity ...1920 sl., orig. US
n. 3. a young woman considered sexually attractive but of limited intelligence ...1927 sl., orig. US
n. 4. a woman of loose morals or a prostitute ...1929 sl.
• BIMBO DOUGH n. money for a date ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIMBO DUST n. face powder ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIMBOMS n. church bells; hence, applied to anything hanging, as icicles, tags of a bonnet or dress, mucus hanging from the nose, cobwebs, etc. ...1679 Eng. dial.
• BIMBO NUTS adj. fond of girls or women ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIMEBY adv. presently, soon, before long ...1722 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BIMM n. an inhabitant of Barbados ...1852 colloq.
• BIMMER n. anything that hums or buzzes ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIMMY n. a prostitute ...20C sl.
• BIN n. 1. a hill, a mountain, a mountain-peak ...1788
n. 2. mood, humour ...1809 Sc.
vb. 1. to go ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. 2. to bind ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to curse ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to move or run swiftly ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 5. to dispose of ...1991 Brit. sl.
• BIN, THE n. a mental hospital ...1938 sl.
• BIND n. 1. capacity, ability, power ...1824 Sc.
n. 2. something boring or tiresome ...1930 Brit. sl., chiefly services' sl.
vb. 1. to swerve, to turn in a certain direction ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to bore ...1929 Brit. sl., chiefly services' sl.
vb. 3. to complain ...1943 Brit. sl., orig. services' sl.
• BIND, A n. something very troublesome or annoying ...1930 sl., chiefly Brit.
• BINDER n. 1. a large quantity, esp. of food ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. something boring or tiresome ...1930 Brit. sl., chiefly services' sl.
n. 3. cheese ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a complainer ...1944 Brit. sl., orig. services' sl.
n. 5. constipating food ...Bk1998 sl.
• BINDERER n. anything very large and good of its kind ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
• BINDERS n. brakes, esp. a hand brake ...1943 Amer. dial., orig. railroad usage
• BINDLE n. 1. a vagrant's bedding-roll ...1900 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a package containing narcotic drugs ...1921 sl.
n. 3. a small amount; a bit ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BINDLE MAN n. a tramp, a vagrant ...1900 Amer. sl.
• BINDLE STIFF n. a tramp, a vagrant ...1900 Amer. sl.
• BIND-POCK n. a niggard ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BINE-BINE adv. by and by ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BINEY n. a goblin; a bugaboo ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BING n. 1. a heap, a pile; also, a crowd ...1860 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a thump or blow ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 3. the sea beach ...Bk1911 Sc.
† vb. 1. to go ...1567 gypsy sl.
vb. 2. to pile in a heap; to accumulate ...1804 Sc. & N. Ireland
vb. 3. of milk or cream: to curdle, to turn sour ...1860 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to knock or strike ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 5. to slap, to hit ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BING-BANG n. expressing a repeated heavy thump or a continued banging noise ...1914 colloq.
• BING BOY n. a Canadian soldier ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BINGE n. a drinking spree ...1854 sl.
vb. 1. to bow; to cringe ...1724 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to drink alcohol excessively ...1854 sl.
vb. 3. to sneak, to cringe; to fawn; to bow ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to raise the spirits of ...1915 sl.
• BINGED adj. 1. drunk ...1916 sl.
adj. 2. vaccinated ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BINGEE n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINGER n. 1. something sharp or pungent, as a keen wind or frost, a draught of potent beer, or ardent spirits ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. an advanced state of intoxication ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BINGEY n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINGHI n. (derogatory) an Australian Aboriginal ...1902 Aust. sl.
• BINGIE n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINGLE n. a coin of little value ...1921 Amer. dial.
• BINGLE-BANGLE adj. fickle, vacillating, irresolute ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BINGLY adv. comfortably ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BINGO n. brandy ...1861 sl.
• BING SPOT n. a vaccination mark ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BINGY adj. sour ...1863 Eng. dial.
n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINJY n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINK n. 1. a bank, an acclivity ...1768 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a shelf; a frame of wooden shelves for holding earthenware in a kitchen; a plate-rack ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. a wasp's or wild bees' nest ...1823 Sc.
n. 4. a bending movement ...1828 Sc.
n. 5. a bench ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 6. a crease, a fold ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to bend, to bow down, to lean forward awkwardly; to curtsy ...1895 Sc.
vb. 2. to press down, to destroy the shape, esp. of shoes ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKART n. a heap of stones, clay, dirt, etc. ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKER n. a heap of stones or dirt ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. to pile up in a heap ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKIE adj. gaudy, trimly-dressed, smart ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKY n. 1. any little mechanical contrivance ...1912 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the buttocks ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BINMAN n. a refuse collector ...c1966 sl.
• BINN n. strength; excellence ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to bind ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BINNE-BINNE adv. by and by ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BINNER adj. more comfortable ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. with much noise and force ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 1. a quick movement accompanied by much noise; a sounding blow ...1809 Sc.
n. 2. a quantity of work done ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. the boiling-point ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to move swiftly, to dash, to rush; to work with noise and energy ...1803 Sc. & N. Ireland
vb. 2. to strike so as to produce a humming or buzzing sound; also, to whirr, to buzz ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINNERAN n. a noisy movement, noise ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINNEWATER n. a small lake ...1901 Amer. dial.
• BINNTHERER n. anything very large and good of its kind ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
• BINNY n. the belly ...1908 Amer. dial., nursery usage
n. 2. a man's overcoat ...1924 Amer. dial.
• BINOCS n. binoculars ...1943 sl.
• BINS n. 1. binoculars ...1971 sl.
n. 2. glasses ...1981 sl.
• BINT n. 1. (mainly derogatory) a (young) woman, esp. non-Caucasian ...1855 sl.
n. 2. (mainly derogatory) a woman regarded as a sex object ...L19 sl.
• BINXER n. a vulgar, loud-talking, blustering person; especially a commercial traveller of this kind ...1897 sl.
• BIONIC adj. highly skilled or capable ...1976 sl.
• BIOSCOPE † n. a view or survey of life ...1812
• BIOT n. any kind of support; a walking-stick ...1818 Eng. dial.
• BIR n. force, impetus ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRBECK n. the call of the moorcock or grouse ...1876 Sc.
• BIRD n. 1. the pupil of the eye ...1691 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a young woman; a girlfriend ...1838 sl., now chiefly Brit.
n. 3. an exceptionally smart or accomplished person; a first-rate animal or thing ...1842 US sl.
n. 4. a male person, a fellow ...1843 sl.
n. 5. the penis ...L19 sl.
n. 6. something beautiful or attractive ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 7. a fast man, woman, or horse ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 8. a prison sentence ...1924 Brit. sl.
n. 9. an attractive girl or woman...Bk1942 Amer. college sl.
n. 10. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 11. an airplane ...1950s Amer. sl.
n. 12. the female genitals; the vagina ...1960s sl.
n. 13. a point of contention or disagreement ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIRD, THE n. 1. a show of disapproval by an audience, esp. in the form of hissing ...1884 sl., orig. theatrical usage
n. 2. dismissal ...1924 sl.
• BIRD-AND-JOE adv. cheek-by-jowl, like Darby and Joan ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRD BATH n. a bath requiring a minimum of water ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BIRDBILL n. a violet ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRDBOAT n. an aircraft carrier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIRD-BOY n. a boy employed to scare birds from grain ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-BRAIN n. a slow-witted person ...1933 sl.
• BIRD-BRAINED adj. foolish, slow-witted, unintelligent, stupid ...1922 sl.
• BIRD-CAGE n. 1. a compound for prisoners in WWII
n. 2. a sedan ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 3. in the railroad: a brakeman's or switchman's lantern ...1945 Amer. dial.
• BIRD DOG n. the buttocks ...c1950 Amer. dial.
vb. to spend much time away from home; usually said of a man ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-DOGGER n. a person who tries too hard to gain somebody else's favour ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRD DOGGING n. dancing with a superior's girl ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIRD-DUFFER n. a bird-seller ...1851 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-EATER n. a person who eats little or is finicky about food ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIRDEEN n. a young bird; also, a young girl; used as a playful form of address ...1895
• BIRDER † n. a wild cat ...1712 Eng. dial.
• BIRD EYE n. a small marble ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-EYED adj. near-sighted ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRDIE n. 1. an affectionate or child's term for any (small) bird ...1792
n. 2. a small bird ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 3. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a soft roll of dust that collects on the floor under beds or other furniture ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BIRD IN THE MONKEY SUIT n. an aviator ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIRD-KEEP n. to frighten birds off new-sown corn and crops ...1863 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-KEEPER n. a boy employed to keep birds off the crops ...1863 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-KEEPING n. frightening birds off the crops ...1894 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-LIME n. imprisonment; a prison sentence ...1857 Brit. rhyming slang for 'time'
• BIRDMAN n. an aviator, an airman ...1909 colloq.
• BIRD-MINDER n. one who frightens birds away from a crop ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-MOUTHED adj. unwilling to speak out, shy of expressing an opinion ...1776 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIRD OF A LOOKER n. 1. something beautiful or attractive ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 2. an attractive young woman ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF DEATH n. a vulture ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRD OF FREEDOM n. the American eagle ..1848 US
• BIRD OF JOVE n. the eagle ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF JUNO n. the peacock ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF MINERVA n. an owl ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF PARADISE n. the nightingale ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD OF THE NIGHT n. 1. a prostitute ...17C sl.
n. 2. a wandering vagabond ...E19 sl.
n. 3. an owl ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF WASHINGTON n. the American eagle ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD O' SATAN n. the blue jay ...1959 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-PECK n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRDS AND BEES n. the sexual facts of life ...sl.
• BIRDSEED n. 1. nonsense ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a silly or stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIRD'S-EGGING n. one's affairs, business ...1854 Amer. dial. arch.
• BIRD'S-EYE MAPLE n. a light-skinned attractive Black woman ...Bk2002 Amer.
• BIRD'S NEST n. 1. the female genitals; the vagina ...L18 colloq.
n. 2. the navel ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIRDSNIE † n. a term of endearment ...1661
• BIRD SNOW n. late spring snow ...1946 Amer. dial.
• BIRDS OF PREY n. lawyers ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIRD-STARVING n. frightening birds off grain ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD'S-WEDDING-DAY n. St. Valentines' day ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-TENTING n. driving away birds from crops ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-TIDES n. especially low tides occurring annually about midsummer ...1856 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-WITTED adj. lacking the faculty of attention; having no concentration; flitting from subject to subject; easily imposed on; thoughtless, inconsiderate ...1658
• BIRDWOMAN n. a female aviator ...Bk1933 colloq.
• BIRD-WORK vb. to leap, to hop, to progress by a series of high jumps ...1923 Amer. dial.
• BIRGE n. a bridge ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRK n. 1. the birch tree, Betula alba ...1815 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a youth, a smart, young fellow ...1871 Sc.
n. 3. a foolish person ...1936 sl., chiefly Brit.
vb. to give a sharp answer; to converse in a lively manner ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIRKED adj. birched, punished with a birch rod ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRKEN adj. birch, made of birch ...1801 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. a birch tree ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRKENSHAW n. a small wood of birch trees ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRKIE adj. 1. sharp in speech; lively, spirited ...1821 Sc.
adj. 2. abounding with birches ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 1. a term of address in conversation; 'old fellow' ...1725 Sc.
n. 2. a lively, smart young fellow; an active person ...1742 Sc.
• BIRKS n. a coppice or small wood consisting chiefly of birches ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIRK UP vb. to cheer up; to brisk up ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRKY adj. sharp in speech; lively, spirited ...1821 Sc.
n. 1. a term of address in conversation; 'old fellow' ...1725 Sc.
n. 2. a lively, smart young fellow; an active person ...1742 Sc.
• BIRL n. a whirring sound; a rapid twist or turn ...1892 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to spend money ...1776 Sc.
vb. 2. to move quickly; to hurry along; to run about ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to make a noise like the rapid turning of a wheel; to twirl round, to spin ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to drink hard; to carouse; to ply with drink ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRLE vb. 1. to pour out liquor, to pass round, to ply with drink ...1803 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to drink hard, to carouse ...1815 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIRLER n. a master of the revels, who presides at a feast ...1851 Eng. dial.
• BIRLIE n. a loaf of bread ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRLING adj. whirling with noise ...1865 Sc.
n. 1. a feast, a carousal; a drinking-match in which the drink is clubbed for ...1819 Sc.
n. 2. a whirring noise; a noisy, rapid revolution of a wheel ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRL THE BAWBEE vb. to make the money fly, to gamble or spend in drink ...1776 Sc.
• BIRN n. 1. the withered stems of garden or other plants ...1790 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a burden; a load carried on the back ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a burnt mark ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to burn ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRNY adj. of plants: having rough or stunted stems ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIRR n. 1. a whirring noise ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. force, impetus, energy; violence; passion ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to be in a turmoil or confusion ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to move rapidly, to bustle; to act with energy ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to whir ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRRINGLY adv. with vigour, energetically ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRS n. the gadfly ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRSE n. 1. a bristle; hair; a plume of hair or bristles ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a bruise, contusion; pressure, a squeeze ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. temper, anger ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 4. to bruise, to crush, to squeeze, force, to press ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to get suddenly angry ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRSIE adj. hot-tempered, passionate ...1825 Sc.
n. a forward, impertinent child ...19C Sc.
• BIRSLE n. a thorough warming ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to scorch, to toast, to parch; to crackle with heat ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRSLIN' n. a scorching ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRST n. a small, impudent person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRTHDAME n. a midwife ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHDAY PARTY n. 1. a party to which one pays an admission fee based upon the number of birthdays one has had ...1906 Amer. dial.
n. 2. an orgy ...1960s euphemism
• BIRTHDAY SUIT n. a state of nature; nakedness ...1874 sl.
• BIRTH HOLE n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHMARK n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHNIGHT SUPPER n/ a social gathering to celebrate someone's birthday ...1928 Amer. dial.
• BIRTH-PUFFED adj. proud of one's descent ...1823
• BIRTHSCALD n. a birthmark ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHSPOT n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRTH SUIT n. nakedness ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIRTLE vb. to behave boisterously ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT adj. easy ...20C teen & high school sl.
n. 1. a watch ...1905 Amer. jocular
n. 2. a square brown palliasse or mattress ...1917 military sl.
n. 3. the saddle horn ...1940 Amer. Western usage
n. 4. one's head ...1942 Amer. sl.
n. 5. a woman considered as a sex object ...M20 Amer. sl.
n. 6. a small bun or roll of hair ...c1960 Amer. dial.
n. 7. the buttocks ...1965 Amer. jocular
• BISCUIT BEGGAR n. (derogatory) a person of foreign background; an American Indian ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT BUSH n. an imaginary object used in teasing a naive or inexperienced person ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT-EATER n. a worthless dog; a dog of mixed and uncertain breed ...1970 Amer. dial. online
• BISCUIT GETTER n. a breadwinner; the husband ...1966 Amer. jocular
• BISCUIT HOOKS n. one's hands ...1932 Amer. jocular
• BISCUIT HOUND n. a dog ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT ROLLER n. a cook at a camp or ranch ...1968 Amer. Western usage
• BISCUITS n. 1. knees ...20C rhyming sl. (Biscuits and Cheese)
n. 2. the buttocks ...1965 Amer. jocular
• BISCUITS AND CHEESE n. knees ...20C rhyming sl.
• BISCUIT SHOOTER n. 1. a waitress; sometimes a waiter; a waiter in a logging camp ...1893 US sl.
n. 2. a cook at a camp or ranch ...1893 Amer. Western usage
• BISH n. 1. poison ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
n. 2. a mistake ...c1925 UK school usage
n. 3. a chaplain ...c1930 Royal Navy sl.
vb. 1. to throw ...c1920 Aust. sl.
vb. 2. to officiate in the absence of the chaplain ...c1939 services’ sl.
• BISHIMER n. an ant ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BISHOP n. 1. a large condom ...L18 sl.
n. 2. a chamber-pot ...Bk1896 sl.
n. 3. glans of the penis ...sl.
• BISHOP HAS SET HIS FOOT IN IT, THE phr. the contents of the dish have been burnt while being cooked; originally said of milk ...1738
• BISHOP'S NOSE n. the rump of a cooked chicken ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BISMAROON n. a bullfrog ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BISMER † n. 1. shame, disgrace, reproach, mockery, scorn ...c893
† n. 2. a reproach, a taunt, an insult ...971
† n. 3. a person worthy of scorn; a disgraceful or lewd person; a pander or bawd ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc.
n. 4. the name given to a species of stickleback ...1805 Sc.
† vb. to treat with scorn, to mock, to deride, to insult ...c1000
• BISQUE n. a light brown colour or tint ...1921
• BISSY adj. cross, ill-tempered, angry; easily provoked to anger, excitable ...1887 Sc.
• BIT adj. cheated ...1834 Amer. dial.
n. 1. money of any kind or quantity...1607 thieves' sl.
n. 2. a short while, a short space of time ...1653 colloq.
n. 3. the female genitals; the vagina ...17C euphemism
n. 4. sexual intercourse ...17C sl.
n. 5. a prison sentence ...1866 criminals' sl.
n. 6. a unit of value equal to an eighth of a dollar; used only in even multiples, esp. two bits ...1873 US sl.
n. 7. (mainly derogatory) a woman; a young woman ...1923 Brit. sl.
n. 8. a woman considered as a sex object...1923 sl.
• BIT CACK, A phr. said of anything a bit unpleasant or unsightly ...Aust. sl.
• BITCH n. 1. an unpleasant or despicable female ...1400
n. 2. something unpleasant or undesirable ...1814 sl.
n. 3. an improvised lamp consisting of a twisted rag wick in a container of grease ...1904 Amer. dial.
n. 4. a queen, at cards ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
n. 5. a complaint; an instance of complaining ...1945 sl., orig. US
n. 6. a conviction under any crime that carries a mandatory life sentence, or a sentence so long that it is an equivalent ...1960s US prison sl.
n. 7. something regarded as outstanding of its kind, esp. in unpleasantness; something difficult or formidable ...1964 Amer. dial.
n. 8. a very heavy rain ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 9. an argument or fight; a disagreement or quarrel ...1967 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to possess carnally ...Bk1903 sl.
vb. 2. to complain ...1918 sl., orig. US
• BITCH BATH n. a so-called bath without water, using talcum powder, deodorant, and perfume ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BITCHEN-TWITCHEN adj. excellent; great; classy ...20C teen & high school sl.
• BITCHER n. one who is always complaining or finding fault; to sulk or pout; to argue ...1937 Amer. dial.
• BITCHES' WINE n. champagne ...c1850 sl.
ׇ• BITCH WOOL n. soft rolls of dust that collect on the floor under beds or other furniture ...1967 Amer. dial. online
• BITE † n. 1. cash, money ...1532 thieves' sl.
† n. 2. an imposition, a deception ...1711. sl.
n. 3. a sharper; a swindler ...1742 sl.
n. 4. a nickname for a Yorkshireman ...1883 sl.
n. 5. a small meal or snack ...1899 sl.
vb. 1. to deceive, to take in ...1709 colloq.
vb. 2. to excite, to worry ...1911 US sl.
vb. 3. to borrow money, etc. ...1919 Aust. sl.
• BITE FOR SCART phr. tit for tat ...1854 Sc.
• BITE MY ASS! int. used as a derisive retort; also an exclamation of astonishment ...1954 Amer. sl.
• BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW vb. to undertake too much, to be too ambitious ...1878 orig. US
• BITE ONE'S BAIT vb. to hold off on a decision to see what develops, not to push a point too fast ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BITER n. 1. the claw of a crab ...1952 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a tooth ...1965 Amer. jocular
• BITES n. pliers ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BITE SOMEONE'S EAR vb. to borrow money, etc. ...1879 sl.
• BITE THE BAG vb. to be very unsatisfactory ...1983 Amer. sl.
int. used to express contempt or disapproval, and rejection; Go away! To hell with you! ...1952 Amer. sl.
• BIT-FAKER n. a coiner ...1812 sl.
• BIT HIGH, A adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BITING FROST n. a severe frost; one that kills young plants ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BITING THE BRUTE adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIT O' BLINK n. drink ...L19 rhyming sl.
• BIT OF A DAG, A n. someone or something extraordinary or entertaining; an amusingly eccentric or impudent person; a character ...1875 Aust. & NZ sl.
• BIT OF A LAD n. a young man who is full of self-confidence with which he pursues sensual ambitions ...1960 UK sl.
• BIT OF ALL RIGHT, A adj. extremely good ...Bk1903 sl.
n. 1. something satisfactory ...1898
n. 2. a sexually attractive person ...1898 sl.
• BIT OF BLOOD, A n. a mettlesome horse ...1819
• BIT OF BROWN n. anal intercourse ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF CALICO n. 1. a young woman or women ...1868 Amer. sl.
n. 2. sexual groping ...M19 US sl.
• BIT OF CAULIFLOWER n. copulation ...Brit. sl.
• BIT OF CAVALRY, A n. a horse ...1821
• BIT OF CRACKLING n. 1. a girl; young women generally ...c1890 sl.
n. 2. an attractive woman or man ...20C sl.
• BIT OF CRUMB n. a plump, attractive woman ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF CUFF n. a young woman, regarded as a sex object; thus sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF DAMP n. a woman in sexual terms ...Brit. sl.
• BIT OF EBONY n. a Black woman viewed as a sex object ...M19 sl.
• BIT OF FAT n. an unexpected advantage ...M19 sl.
• BIT OF FISH n. 1. copulation ...M19 sl.
n. 2. the vagina ...M19 sl.
• BIT OF FLAT n. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF FLUFF n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. anything or any person considered insignificant or ineffectual ...1980s sl.
• BIT OF FROCK n. an attractive (young) woman ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF FRONT DOOR WORK n. said of males: copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF FRUIT n. sexual intercourse ...1940s sl.
• BIT OF FUN n. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF GIG n. a spree; a bit of fun ...E19 sl.
• BIT OF GOODS n. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
• BIT OF GOOD TRUTH n. the plain facts ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIT OF GOOSE n. a piece of good fortune ...1930s sl.
• BIT OF GREASE n. (?derogatory) a stout, smiling Hindu woman ...L19 Anglo-Indian
• BIT OF HAIR n. copulation ...L19 Brit. sl.
• BIT OF HARD n. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF JAM n. 1. the vagina ...19C sl.
n. 2. a woman considered a sexual object; an attractive woman ...L19 sl.
n. 3. a sweetheart; a mistress ...c1886 sl.
n. 4. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF KIT n. an item of equipment, esp. mechanical or electrical ...2000 UK sl.
• BIT OF KYFER n. a woman ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF LEAF, A n. a small quantity of tobacco ...1889 prison sl.
• BIT OF LUMBER n. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1966 Sc. usage
• BIT OF MEAT n. 1. copulation ...E18 sl.
n. 2. a prostitute ...sl.
• BIT OF MESS n. a prostitute's lover who is neither ponce nor client ...1977 UK sl.
• BIT OF MUSLIN n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. a sweetheart ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIT OF MUTTON n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. a nice woman, generally in a questionable sense ...1889 sl.
• BIT OF NIFTY n. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF NONSENSE n. an easily achieved criminal act ...1968 UK sl.
• BIT OF PORK n. 1. the female genitals ...18C Brit. sl.
n. 2. an act of copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF POSH n. an upper-class or socially superior young woman regarded as a sexual object ...1977 UK sl.
• BIT OF ROUGH n. 1. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. a lover of either sex who enjoys aggression with sex; a male lover, categorized as of a lower social status, or a rougher background than the partner ...1985 UK sl.
• BIT OF SKIN n. 1. copulation ...sl.
n. 2. a woman considered as a sex object ...1962 sl.
• BIT OF SKIRT n. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
• BIT OF SLAP AND TICKLE n. 1. kissing and cuddling; sexual petting which may be considered as foreplay by one participant ...1984 UK sl.
n. 2. sexual intercourse ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF SNUG n. 1. the penis ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. copulation from the female point of view ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF SNUG FOR A BIT OF STIFF n. 1. the vagina ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. copulation from the female point of view ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF SPARE n. anyone providing sexual favours, even on a short-term or occasional basis; an unattached woman, esp. at a club, party or any place where men may be expected to look for a sexual companion or conquest ...1969 sl.
• BIT OF STRAY n. a casual sexual acquaintance, usually female ...2001 UK sl.
• BIT OF STUFF n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. an overdressed man; a man with full confidence in his appearance and abilities ...1874 sl.
• BIT OF TAIL, A n. 1. (offensive) a woman regarded as a sexual object ...1933 sl.
n. 2. an act of anal intercourse; an act of sexual intercourse where the male partner enters the female from behind ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF THE GOOSE’S NECK n. copulation from the female point of view ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF THE OLD n. money ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF THE OTHER n. copulation ...1930s sl.
• BIT OF TICKLE n. 1. a woman regarded as a sexual object ...1984 UK sl.
n. 2. sexual intercourse ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF TIT n. 1. a woman regarded as a sexual object ...1984 UK sl.
n. 2. sex with a woman ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF VELVET n. any dark-skinned woman ...1950s Aust. & NZ sl.
• BIT OF WORK n. a crime; a robbery ...1996 UK sl.
• BIT ON, A adj. drunk ...19C Brit. & US sl.
• BIT ON A FORK n. 1. the female genitals, the vagina ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. copulation, getting into the fork the female’s body ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT ON THE SIDE n. 1. a love affair; extra-marital sex ...1977 UK sl.
n. 2. a secret lover in addition to your regular partner ...1977 UK sl.
• BITS n. 1. the male genitals ...1976 UK sl.
n. 2. in betting: odds of 11-10 ...1991 UK sl.
• BITS AND BATS n. odds and ends, broken pieces; knickknacks ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BITS AND BOBS n. miscellaneous small articles ...1896 UK sl.
• BITS AND TITS n. the controls ...1962 Aust. sl.
• BITSER n. a dog of mixed breed ...1936 Aust. sl.
• BITS OF KIDS n. youngsters ...1999 UK sl.
• BITS OF STIFF n. banknotes ...1889 sl.
• BITS ON THE EAR'OLE n. in betting: odds of 13-8 ...1991 UK sl.
• BIT SPIT n. any electronic communication ...1997 US sl.
• BITSY n. small, tiny ...1905 US sl.
• BITTEN BY THE BUG adj. obsessively enthusiastic ...1902 sl.
• BITTEN TO THE BRAIN adj. drunk ...?1546
• BITTER-ENDER n. one who fights or holds out to the bitter end; one who refuses to yield or compromise ...1850 colloq.
• BITTER HALF n. 1. one's husband ...1965 Amer. sl.
n. 2. one's wife ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BITTER-MOUTH vb. to speak harshly ...1947 US sl.
• BIT TOO RANK, A phr. somewhat too strong; too much of a good thing ...1899 Eng. dial.
• BIT TWIDDLER n. a computer operator ...1974 US sl.
• BITTY adj. tiny ...1905 US sl.
n. 1. a girl ...1962 US sl.
n. 2. a woman considered sexually ...US Black sl.
• BITTY-BIT n. a small amount; a bit ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BITTY BOX n. a small computer, esp. a single-tasking-only machine ...1991 US sl.
• BITUMEN BLONDE n. an Aboriginal woman ...1985 Aust. sl.
• BIT UNDER, A adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BITZA n. a dog of mixed breed ...1936 Aust. sl.
• BITZER n. a dog of mixed breed ...1936 Aust. sl.
• BIVER vb. 1. to shake, to quiver, to tremble, esp. with cold or fear ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. of cold: to shrivel up, to pinch ..Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. of the lips or chin; to quiver, to tremble ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIVIOUS adj. having or leading two different ways or passages ...a1644
• BIVOLOPUS n. a very stupid person ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BIVOUCKY adj. nuts from manoeuvres ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIVVER n. a shiver, a tremor; a state of trembling ...1854 Eng. dial.
vb. to shake, to quiver, to tremble, esp. with cold or fear ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIVVY n. a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BIVY n. a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BIZ n. 1. business ...1861 US sl.
n. 2. the syringe and other equipment used by intravenous drug users ...1949 US sl.
n. 3. a small amount of a drug ...1971 US sl.
n. 4. crime ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIZ, THE n. the entertainment, theatre, or film making business ...1961 UK sl.
• BIZARRO adj. bizarre ...1971 US sl.
n. a bizarre person ...1980 US sl.
• BIZMAROON n. a bullfrog ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BIZNATCH n. 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• BIZNITCH n. 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• BIZOTIC adj. unexpected, out of the ordinary, weird ...1984 US teen & high school sl.
• BIZZ n. 1. a feeling of mild intoxication, as from liquor or drugs ...1849 Amer. sl.
n. 2. business ...1861 US sl.
n. 3. the syringe and other equipment used by intravenous drug users ...1949 US sl.
n. 4. small amount of a drug ...1971 US sl.
• BIZZIE n. a policeman; specifically, a CID officer, a detective ...20C sl.
• BIZZIES n. the police ...1948 UK sl.
• BIZZING n. hanging onto the bumper of a car and sliding along the icy streets on one's shoes ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIZZLE n. a brother in the sense of male companion ...2002 US sl.
• BIZZO n. 1. an unnamed or unspecified thing ...1969 Aust. sl.
n. 2. business ...1969 Aust. sl.
n. 3. an ill-tempered woman ...2001 US sl.
• BIZZURD adj. bizarre, absurd ...2003 UK sl.
• BIZZY n. a policeman; specifically, a CID officer, a detective ...20C sl.
• BJ n. an act of oral sex; a blow job ...1949 US sl.
• B JOINT n. a bar where women coax customers to buy drinks ...1993 US sl.
• BJs n. crack cocaine ...2003 UK sl.
• BK LOUNGE n. a Burger King™ fast food restaurant ...1985 US sl.
• BLA n. 1. insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1918 US sl.
n. 2. a brother, a friend, a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BLAA n. the bleat of a calf or sheep ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BLAB n. (sometimes derogatory) the mouth ...1942 Amer. jocular
vb. to speak revealingly ...1583
• BLABBER n. 1. one who reveals all ...1557
n. 2. (sometimes derogatory) the mouth ...1942 Amer. jocular
vb. to talk loquaciously ...c1375
• BLABBER-BOX n. one who talks too much ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLABBER-FEST n. a gathering of people for talking or gossip ...1968 Amer. sl.
• BLABBERMOUTH n. one who reveals all ...1936 sl., orig. US
• BLAB-BLAB n. a too-ready talker; a gossip; a blabmouth ...c1960 Amer. dial.
• BLAB-FEST n. a gathering of people for talking or gossip; a conversation; a discussion...1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAB OFF vb. to talk out of turn ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLAB-TONGUE n. an indiscreet talker; a telltale ...1600
• BLACK n. black coffee ...Bk1998 sl.
vb. to blackmail ...1928 sl.
• BLACK ACE n. the female genital area ...M17 sl.
• BLACK ACID n. LSD ...1970 US sl.
• BLACK ACTION n. casino betting in $100 increments ...1991 US sl.
• BLACK-ACTUALLY adv. truly, absolutely ...1928 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AFRICAN n. marijuana ...1970s drugs sl.
• BLACKAMOOR n. 1. a devil, the devil ...M17
n. 2. a black Angus or Friesian cow ...1956 NZ sl.
• BLACK-AND-TAN n. a dog, esp. a hound, with black and tan colouring ...1884 Amer. dial.
ׇ• BLACK ANKLE n. a person of mixed race, usually Black, Indian, and White ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK ANNIE n. a police vehicle; a black Maria ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK APE n. (derogatory) a Black person ...1884 Amer. dial.
• BLACK ART † n. lock-picking, burglary ...1591 thieves' sl.
• BLACK AS A COAL-MINER'S ASSHOLE AT MIDNIGHT adj. utterly black ...1976 Amer. sl.
• BLACK AS NEWGATE, AS adj. very black ...Bk1902 sl.
• BLACK AS OLD NICK adj. very black ...1809 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS ONE'S HAT adj. absolutely black ...1710
• BLACK AS SIP adj. extremely black ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS TAR adj. very black ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS THE DEVIL'S ARSE adj. as black as can be; pitch-black ...1774 US sl.
• BLACK AS THE EARL OF HELL adj. very black ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS TOBEY'S BEHIND adj. very black ...1958 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS TOBY'S HILL adj. very black ...1997 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS ZIP adj. extremely black ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BABBLING adj. babbling maliciously, slanderous ...1624
n. malicious talk ...17C
• BLACK-BAG TOTER n. a doctor ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BEAUTY n. prizefighter Joe Louis ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK BEETLES n. the lower orders, the rabble ...Bk1890 sl.
• BLACK BELT n. the section of a city which is populated predominantly by Blacks; the poor section of a city; a ghetto ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY RAIN n. a spring storm or cold snap ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY SQUALL n. a late cold spell in May or early June ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY STORM n. a spring storm or cold snap ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY WINTER n. a late cold spell in May or early June ...1904 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BETSY n. a police vehicle; a black Maria ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBETTS n. liquor; a bottle of liquor passed among the guests at a wedding ...1846 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BETTY n. liquor; a bottle of liquor passed among the guests at a wedding ...1823 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBIRD n. 1. a Black person; a Black aviator ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. one whose family looks down upon his activities ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBIRD CATCHING n. the slave trade; recruiting coloured labourers in the South Sea Islands ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BLACKBIRDER n. a man or a vessel engaged in 'black-birding' or slave traffic ...1888
• BLACKBIRD STORM n. a short cold spell in late spring, after the appearance of the blackbirds ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BLIZZARD n. a dust storm ...1934 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BLUTTER n. a blackberry; a bramble ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKBOARD ERASER n. a schoolchild who makes a special effort to get in good with the teacher in hopes of getting a better grade ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BOMBER n. 1. prizefighter Joe Louis ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. an amphetamine tablet ...1963 sl.
• BLACK-BONNET n. an elder of the church ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-BOO n. a nursery bogey ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK BOTTLE n. a poisonous drink ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BOTTOM n. the part of a town where Black people live ...1915 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BOTTOM ROAD n. a road paved with blacktop ...c1970 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBOYD n. a blackberry ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKBOYS n. aboriginal servants in Australia ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BLACK BUGGY n. a hearse ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BUMPER n. a member of an Amish or Mennonite sect which allows the use of cars and other motor-driven vehicles ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BURNING adj. causing intense blushing or shame ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKCAP n. a wave resulting from strong wind ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLACK CHRISTMAS n. a snowless period in late December ...1938 Amer. dial.
• BLACKCOAT n. 1. a minister of religion ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a man that is not wearing a mask at a costume ball ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-CLOCK n. a cockroach; a black beetle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-CORK n. porter ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK COW n. 1. a misfortune ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. chocolate milk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK DARK n. nighttime at its darkest ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DIAMONDS n. coal ...Bk1890 sl.
• BLACK DISHES n. cooking utensils, by contrast with glass and china ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DISPATCH n. a rumour on which no reliance can be placed ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BLACK-DOCTOR n. a leech ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-DOGGED adj. damned, darned ...1943 Amer. euphemism
• BLACK DOG HAS WALKED OVER HIM, A phr. said of a sullen, discontented, or morose person ...1834
• BLACK DRAUGHT n. a poisonous drink ...1935 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DROPS, THE n. a state of mild physical discomfort; not actually sick, but feeling not quite right ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DUSTER n. a heavy sandstorm ...1962 Amer. dial.
• BLACK EAGLE, THE n. the guy you get all your confidential latrine rumours from ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK ENOUGH TO HOLD AN EGG adj. said of strong coffee ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLACKER THAN TOBY'S HEEL adj. very black ...1901 Amer. dial.
• BLACKEY n. a Black person ...1815 colloq.
• BLACK EYE n. a severe blow or rebuff ...1795 US
• BLACK-EYED SUSAN n. a revolver ...1889 US sl.
• BLACK-FASTING adj. practising severe fasting ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK FAY n. a Black person who is deferential or subservient toward Whites ...1964 Amer. dial.
• BLACK FELLOW n. a man having a black or very dark skin ...1738
• BLACK-FISHER n. a night poacher of fish ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKFIT n. a lovers' go-between ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK FLESH n. Black slaves ...1827 US
• BLACK FRIDAY n. Good Friday ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. hard frost without rime or snow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK FROST n. 1. a frost or cold that kills vegetation and usually accompanied by hoarfrost ...1709 Amer. dial.
n. 2. hard frost without rime or snow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. freezing weather not cold enough to kill vegetation ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-FYSE adj. of swarthy complexion ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKGANG adj. blackguardly ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. (usually as 'black gang') all the members of a ship's engineering department ...US Civil War usage
• BLACK GOWN n. a Roman Catholic priest ...1847 US Indian usage
• BLACK GROUND n. loose, dark soil ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACKGUARD adj. characterized by abusive or obscene language ...1806 Amer. dial. DARE
n. a foul-mouthed person; an excessive user of profanity ...1930 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to talk obscenely; to curse or swear at ...1902 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to slander or abuse verbally; to talk in scurrilous terms about someone or something ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BLACKGUARD DRUNK adj. drunk to the point of viciousness ...1949 Amer. dial.
• BLACK HAND n. a witchcraft spell, a charm ...1928 Amer. dial.
• BLACK HAT n. a newly-arrived immigrant ...1887 Aust. sl.
• BLACK HAWK n. army necktie ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACKHEAD n. a black rain-cloud ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BLACKHEART n. a mean or ill-tempered person ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-HEARTED adj. having a wicked, malicious disposition; morally bad ...1638
• BLACK HOLE n. prison; a police cell ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKIE n. 1. a Black person ...1815 colloq.
n. 2. a blackbird ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. the black bear ...1982 Amer. dial.
• BLACKJACK n. 1. a drinking vessel; a large copper can ...1819 Eng. dial.
n. 2. coffee ... World War I Amer. sl.
n. 3. very strong coffee without cream or milk ...1950 Amer. dial.
n. 4. a heavy dark soil ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 5. illegal liquor; moonshine; illegally made whisky ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 6. gingerbread ...1975 Amer. dial.
n. 7. in marbles: the name of the head taw man when no marbles went out of the ring at the first shot ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACKJACK STEER n. a scrawny steer from the timbered country ...1944 Amer. dial.
• BLACK LAD, THE n. the devil ...1891 Sc.
• BLACKLAND n. a heavy, loose, or sometimes sticky dark soil; also, countryside which has such soil ...1803 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-LEG n. 1. a turf swindler; also, a swindler in other species of gambling ...1771 sl.
n. 2. a match-maker; a lovers' go-between ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to take the place of a worker who is on strike, thereby helping th employer to carry on his business and defeat the ends of the strike ...1897
• BLACKLEG IT vb. of a trade-union workman: to return to work before a strike is settled ...1888
• BLACK LETTER LAWYER n. a lawyer versed in early English law ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACKLIE adj. 1. ill-coloured; dirty; badly washed ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. of the weather: dark with threatening clouds ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-MACK † n. a blackbird ...1519
• BLACK-MAMMY n. a tar-like substance used to repair small leaks in a boat ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLACKMAN n. 1. an evil spirit, boogeyman, the devil ...1692
n. 2. ('black man') a piece of dried mucus in the nose ...1962 Sc.
• BLACK MAN, THE n. the devil ...1890 Sc.
• BLACK MARIA n. 1. an ambulance ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a hearse ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a fishing net ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACK MARIAH n. a fishing net ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACKMASTER n. a funeral furnisher, an undertaker ...1901
• BLACK MIKE n. stew ...1968 Amer. logging usage
• BLACK MOKE n. (usually derogatory) a Black person ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BLACK MONDAY n. the first Monday after holidays ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK-MOUTHED † adj. having a black mouth; fig. using foul or scurrilous language; abusive, foul-mouthed; slanderous, calumnious ...1595
• BLACK NEB n. 1. a man who takes a striker's place during the strike ...Bk1905 Sc.
n. 2. a person disaffected toward government ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. carrion crow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK NIGHT n. nighttime at its darkest ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BLACKNOB n. a blackleg ...a1889 Sc.
• BLACKOUT n. general issue coffee ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK OX n. a misfortune; a bereavement; a great calamity ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK PEEPER n. a black eye ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK PISHMINNIE n. a black ant ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK POPE n. a nickname for the Superior-General of the Jesuits ...1877
• BLACK-RING n. the female pudendum ...Bk1903 sl.
• BLACK SANCTUS † n. a kind of burlesque hymn; a discord of harsh sounds expressive of contempt or dislike (formerly used as a kind of serenade to a faithless wife); 'rough music' ...1578
• BLACK-SHARKS n. attorneys and lawyers ...Bk1890 sl.
• BLACK SHEEP n. an unseaworthy ship ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK SNAKE n. 1. a short-handled whip with a long lash; used on stages and dog-teams ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a train of coal cars ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK-SOLE n. a lovers' go-between ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK SPELL n. a sudden feeling of weakness, when sometimes the person loses consciousness ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK SPOT n. an area shaded from the sun ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BLACK STORY n. a decidedly bad lie ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BLACK STRAP n. 1. port wine ...Bk1890 sl.
n. 2. thick black coffee ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLACK TAN n. a dog, esp. a hound, with black and tan colouring ...1856 Amer. dial.
• BLACK TAR n. an exceptionally pure form of heroin originating in Mexico ...1986 sl.
• BLACK-TRACKER n. a native policeman employed in tracking down fugitive Blacks and criminals ...1867 Aust.
• BLACK VELVET n. (offensive) a Black or Coloured woman, esp. as the sexual partner of a White man ...1899 Aust. & NZ sl.
• BLACK VICTUAL n. peas and beans ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK WAGON n. 1. a hearse ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 2. an ambulance ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WATER n. 1. coffee, esp. weak coffee ...1850 Amer. dial.
n. 2. ink ...1939 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a person of mixed race, usually Black, Indian, and White ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WATERITE n. a person of mixed race, usually Black, Indian, and White ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WATERMELON n. a big, dark green watermelon with black seeds ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WAX n. a dark soil which is sticky or wax-like ...1893 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WEATHER n. rainy weather ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK WEDNESDAY n. rifle calisthenics ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK WIND n. a dust storm ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-WOOD n. evergreen trees collectively ...1871 US
• BLACK WORD n. a very uncomplimentary remark ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WORK n. 1. undertakers' work ...1859
n. 2. the work of a blacksmith ...1874
• BLACKWORM n. an earthworm ...1949 Amer. dial.
• BLACKY n. a Black person ...1815 colloq.
• BLAD n. 1. a dirty spot, a discoloration ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a heavy fall of rain ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a large portion of anything; a fragment ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 4. a long and heavy step in walking ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 5. a person of weak, soft constitution, from rapid overgrowth ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 6. a person walking with a long and heavy step ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 7. a slap, a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. of wind and rain: to beat against, to drive in gusts ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to abuse, to defame ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to slap, to strike; to thrust violently ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to spoil, to injure ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 5. to take long steps, treading heavily ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDERDASH n. nonsense ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDERED adj. drunk ...1992 Brit. sl.
• BLADDERSCAT n. a deceiving person; one you cannot trust ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLADDERSKATE n. a foolish, noisy talker ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDIN adj. breezy, gusty ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. a spoiling, destruction ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDY adj. gusty, unsettled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADE n. 1. a man ...Bk1890 sl.
n. 2. a wife ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
vb. to slap; to spoil ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADERDASH n. nonsense ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLADHUNK n. a prison ...Bk1891 sl.
• BLADROCK n. a talkative, silly fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADRY n. foolishness, deception ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAE adj. 1. bleak, cold ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. disappointed ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. a loud bleat ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to bleat as a lamb ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to cry as a child ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to numb ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAEFLUMMERY n. nonsense; vain imaginations ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAELIKE adj. livid, pale ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAFF n. a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAFFART n. a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAFLUM n. 1. a pompous, empty-headed person ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. nonsense, idle talk, a hoax ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to coax, to cajole; to deceive ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAG n. an act of robbery (with violence) ...1885 Brit. sl.
vb. to rob (with violence), to steal ...1933 Brit. sl.
• BLAGGARD n. a blackguard ...1902 Amer. dial.
vb. to talk obscenely; to curse or swear at ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BLAGGER n. a robber or thief ...1938 Brit. sl.
• BLAGUE n. pretentious falsehood; blustering humbug; mendacious boasting ...1837
vb. to tell lies in jest; to hoax, to humbug ...1883
• BLAH adj. 1. boring, dull, tedious ...1922 sl., orig. US
adj. 2. insane, mad ...1924 sl.
adj. 3. inattentive; absent-minded ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 1. boasting ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 2. pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery; nonsense ...1918 US sl.
n. 3. something worthless ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
int. nonsense! it is ridiculous! ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAH-BLAH n. pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1918 US sl.
vb. to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
• BLAHS, THE n. depression ...1968 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• BLAICK n. 1. a puzzle ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a scoundrel ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to puzzle, to mystify, to baffle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIDRY n. 1. nonsense, foolish talk ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. phlegm coughed up ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. unmerited applause ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIK n. a puzzle ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to puzzle, to mystify, to baffle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIN n. a fault; a blemish; a scar; discolouration of skin after a sore ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAINCH vb. to cleanse ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIR n. 1. a loud sound; a cry ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. the bleat of a sheep ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to make a noise; to cry aloud ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to bleat as a sheep ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAISTER vb. to blow with violence ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIT adj. 1. naked, bare ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. shy, sheepish; modest, retiring ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 3. stupid, easily imposed on ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAITH adj. blithe, glad ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAITIE-BUM n. a lazy fellow; a simpleton; a sheepish fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAITLY adv. bashfully ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIZE n. a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLALA n. a brother, a friend, a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BLAM adv. suddenly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAMED adj. confounded ...1840
adv. confoundedly, excessively ...1845
• BLAMEFULL adj. blameworthy ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAME GOOD adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAN-BEC n. a greenhorn ...1846 Amer. dial.
• BLANC-BEC n. a greenhorn ...1846 Amer. dial.
• BLANCH n. a flash or sudden blaze ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANDANDER vb. to tempt by blandishment; to cajole ...1888 colloq.
• BLANDER †* n. a flatterer ...1340
vb. 1. to babble; to waste time in gossiping; to spread a report or calumny; to exaggerate or misstate ...19C Sc.
vb. 2. to scatter sparingly, to disperse in a scanty way ...19C Sc.
• BLANDIGO † adj. cloudy ...Eng. dial.
† n. a shower of rain ...1691 Eng. dial.
• BLANDILOQUENT * adj. in the language of compliment; smooth-speaking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1599
• BLANDILOQUOUS †* adj. smooth-talking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1615
• BLANDISH n. flattery ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANE n. the mark left by a wound ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANK adj. inattentive; absent-minded ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. to deliberately ignore someone ...1977 Brit. sl.
• BLANKET n. 1. in whaling: a large strip of whale blubber ...1851 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a pastry crust ...1918 Amer. sl.
n. 3. an overcoat ...1925 Amer. Hobo sl.
n. 4. a pancake ...1927 Amer. sl. DARE online
n. 5, a beaver pelt, esp. a large one ...1954 Amer. dial.
n. 6. a dollar bill ...1967 Amer. jocular
vb. to suppress, to put in the shade ...1903
• BLANKET-ASS n. an American Indian, used contemptuously; usually considered vulgar ...1973 Amer. sl.
• BLANKET BAY n. bed ...1775 Amer. nautical sl.
• BLANKET-BUCK n. (derogatory) an American Indian ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET BUSTED adj. said of a man who has lost everything on a bet, including his bedroll ...1958 Amer. logging usage
• BLANKET DRAWERS n. long handled underwear about of the same itchiness and same thickness as a horse blanket ...1958 Amer. logging usage
• BLANKET DRILL n. sleep ...1922 military sl.
• BLANKET-FAIR n. bed ...19C Eng. dial. & sl.
• BLANKET FEVER n. refers to the condition of a lumberjack who stays in bed in the morning after the other men are up; usually a lazy lumberjack ...1969 Amer. lumberjack usage
• BLANKET HARBOR n. bed ...1870 Amer. nautical sl.
• BLANKETHEAD n. an American Indian; used contemptuously ...1956 Amer. sl.
• BLANKET-HEEZIE n. one who tosses another in a blanket ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANKET HOIST n. a punishment as well as a game; if a lumberjack got out of place, others would put him in a blanket, get hold of the sides of the blanket, and hoist him in the air a few times ...1969 Amer. lumberjack usage
• BLANKET MAN n. a tramp; an itinerant worker ...1872 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET NIP n. a piece of old blanket folded around the feet inside the shoe packs for warmth; hence, a sock ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET PARTY n. a form of retribution in which a soldier is surprised, covered with a blanket, and beaten ...a1969 Amer. military sl.
• BLANKETS n. 1. pancakes ...1899 Amer. sl.
n. 2. cigarette papers ...1925 Amer. sl.
n. 3. hot cakes ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLANKET SHEET n. a newspaper in folio form ...1888
• BLANKET SOLDIER n. a military policeman; so called because his other names are unfit for publication ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANKET SQUAD n. in logging: a new crew coming in to the camp in the old days, each man carrying his blankets ...1958 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET STIFF n. a migratory labourer who carries his belongings in a blanket roll or other bundle; a tramp ...1872 Amer. Hobo & West. sl.
• BLANKET WIFE n. a prostitute ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANK FILE n. a stupid soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANKO WATER n. coffee ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLANKS n. 1. Whites or Europeans (used by themselves) ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
n. 2. in dominoes; 0-0 ...sl.
• BLANNY n. ingratiating or flattering speech; cajolery ...1926 Amer. dial.
vb. to ingratiate oneself, esp. by using flattering speech ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLAP vb. kill or destroy ...1971 Amer. military sl.
• BLARE n. 1. a noisy scolding ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. the bleat of a sheep or goat ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLARE vb. 1. to break forth in vituperation ...1908 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to bleat ...Bk1911 Sc. & Amer. dial.
vb. 3. to open wide ...1912 Amer. dial.
vb. 4. to open the eyes widely; to stare wildly ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BLARED adj. of an eye: wide-open, bulging ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLARE-EYED adj. having wide-open, bulging eyes ...1964 Amer. dial.
• BLARE OUT vb. to break forth in vituperation ...1908 Amer. dial.
• BLAREY-EYED adj. having eyes which turn outward; wall-eyed ...1970 Amer. dial.
ׇ• BLARNEY n. 1. insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery; nonsense ...1796
n. 2. a flatterer ...1797 Amer. sl.
vb. to flatter; to deceive with insincere or flattering talk ...1803 sl.
• BLARNEYFEST n. a conversation devoted to boasting or undependable talk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLART vb. to fall flat in the mud ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLASE adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLASH n. 1. a heavy shower of rain ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a splash or dash of liquid, mud, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to rain heavily and noisily ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to splash liquid or mud about by spilling it or treading in it ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to drench, to soak ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to drink to excess ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLASHY adj. rainy, wet, gusty ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLASPHEMATORY † adj. blasphemous; cursing and swearing; using vile reproachful language ...1611
• BLASPHEMATOUR † n. one who blasphemes ...1483
• BLASPHEMIOUS adj. blasphemous ...1908 Amer. dial.
• BEN CULL n. a good fellow; a friend ...19C sl.
• BEND adj. bold ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. bravely ...1809 Sc.
† n. 1. a band, bond, or fetter ...c890
† n. 2. a ribbon, strap, band, used for ornament or as part of a dress; a sash, hat-band, bandage ...c1000
† n. 3. a moral or spiritual bond or restraint; the bands or bonds of matrimony ...a1250
† n. 4. confinement at childbirth ...1297
†* n. 5. a 'stripe' inflicted by a lash or rod ...c1400
† n. 6. an organized company of men; a band; a party, a faction; a gang; a company ...1475 obs. exc. Amer. dial.
† n. 7. a spring, a leap, a bound ...1513 Sc.
† n. 8. a bending of the body; a bow ...1529
† n. 9. turn of mind, inclination, bent ...1591
†* n. 10. inclination of the eye in any direction, glance ...1601
n. 11. a draught of liquor ...1727 Sc.
n. 12. a waistcoat ...M19 sl.
n. 13. a drunken spree ...1887 sl.
n. 14. a foolish, foppish fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 15. an appointment; a rendezvous ...20C Anglo-Irish
n. 16. an experience created by a hallucinogenic drug ...1960s sl.
n. 17. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 18. a prostitute ...1980s rap music sl.
† vb. 1. to put in bonds, to fetter ...1036
† vb. 2. to harness the horses to a cart or other vehicle; to yoke ...1513
† vb. 3. to aim a blow, weapon, etc. ...1530
† vb. 4. to spring, to leap, to bound ...c1530 Sc.
vb. 5. to drink hard or greedily ...1727 Sc.
vb. 6. to pervert; to corrupt; to put to a dishonest or corrupt use; to commit some form of fraudulent manoeuvre, esp. as in losing a race deliberately, bribing a policeman or a sporting competitor ...1864 sl.
vb. 7. to cock a gun ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEND A BEND vb. to round a curve or corner at great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEND-A-BOW n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1896 Amer. dial.
• BENDACIOUS adj. bendable ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEND A CORNER vb. to round a curve or corner at great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEND AN EAR vb. to pay attention; to listen ...1935 Amer. sl.
int. listen! ...1970 Amer. sl.
• BEND DOUGHNUT n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BEND DOWN FOR vb. to consent to buggery ...L19 sl.
• BEND-DOWN PLAZA n. a row of roadside peddlers, specializing in items that are hard to get in shops, because of import restrictions ...20C W. Indies & Jamaica
• BENDED KNEES n. a cheese ...20C rhyming sl.
• BEND 'ER vb. to round a curve or corner at great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BENDER n. 1. a drinker ...1727 Sc.
n. 2. a bout of drinking; a spree; a riotous feast; often lasting several days and including random acts of excess, violence, etc. ...1827 US
n. 3. a rampage ...M19 US sl.
n. 4. a shilling ...M19 sl.
n. 5. a sixpence ...1836 sl.
n. 6. a big or good specimen of its kind; a 'whopper'; anything exceptional or outstanding ...1842 Eng. dial.
n. 7. the leg ...1849 sl.
n. 8. the arm ...M19 sl.
n. 9. the elbow ...M19 sl.
n. 10. the knee ...M19 sl.
n. 11. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1894 Amer. dial.
n. 12. a silly fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 13. a male homosexual ...1930s sl.
n. 14 a drug party ...1960s drugs sl.
int. nonsense! humbug! rubbish!...19C sl.
• BENDER AND ARRS n. a bow and arrows ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENDER MENDER n. a hangover cure, esp. a stiff drink ...1988 Sc. sl.
• BENDERS n. delirium tremens ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BENDIFIED adj. bent ...1919 Amer. dial.
• BENDING DRILL n. an act of defecation in the open-air ...1945 UK military sl.
• BENDING ICE n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BENDING ROD n. a divining rod; a short stick used to show where there's water ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BENDIT adj. ready to spring, crouching ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEND OF THE ARM n. the elbow ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BEND OF THE FILBERT n. a bow of the head; a nod ...18C sl.
• BEND ONE OVER vb. to position someone for pederasty; to dominate or humiliate someone; usually said of a male ...E20 US criminals' sl.
• BEND ONE'S BACK vb. to work hard ...1920s Aust. sl.
• BEND ONE'S ELBOW vb. to have a drink ...20C sl.
• BEND OVER vb. to submit; to give in to someone ...1960s US sl.
int. you're bothering me! ...1960s sl.
• BEND OVER BACKWARDS vb. to make one's maximum effort, orig. with the implication of doing something disadvantageous or distasteful to oneself ...1925 sl., orig. US
• BEND OVER, BROWN EYES phr. an instruction to a patient about to undergo a rectal examination ...1989 US sl.
• BENDS n. the accoutrements of a horse ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENDS, THE n. delirium tremens ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BENDSOME * adj. pliable, yielding, flexible ...1861
• BEND SOMEONE'S EAR vb. 1. to chatter on interminably and probably tediously; to talk at tedious length to someone; also, to have someone's attention ...1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to speak privately, to whisper ...1940s sl., orig. US
• BEND THE BROWS vb. to winkle the brow; to frown, to scowl ...1387
• BEND THE CRAB vb. to do a somersault ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BEND THE ELBOW vb. to drink alcohol ...1823 sl.
• BEND THE HABIT vb. to decrease one's narcotics intake in an attempt to withdraw from addiction ...L19 drugs sl.
• BEND THE THROTTLE vb. to fly above normal cruising speed ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BENDUDELUMS n. 1. large pieces of broken ice in salt water ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 2. ice that will bend when you step on it, but not break ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BEND UP vb. to encourage or enable another’s intoxication ...1999 UK sl.
• BENDY adj. 1. said of something that bends or yields easily; pliable, limber ...1965 Amer. dial.
adj. 2. extremely fashionable, smart, 'cool' ...1990s US teen sl.
n. 1. the devil ...19C
n. 2. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BENDY-BOW n. 1. a sudden short dip in a road ...1903 Amer. dial.
n. 2. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BENDY DOUGHNUT n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BENDY-GO n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BENDY ICE n. thin, flexible ice that will bend when you step on it but will bear one's weight ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BENDY-LEATHER n. ice in a half-thawed condition, yet elastic and capable of bearing a weight ...Bk1898 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BENE adj. 1. good ...16C sl.
adj. 2. well-to-do ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENE † n. prayer, petition, boon; prayer to God ...c1000 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BENEAN prep. beneath ...1886 Eng. dial.
• BENEAPED adj. of a vessel: stranded, left aground by the neap tide ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BENEATH adj. dead and buried ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
adv. beneath the skies; in the world, on the earth ...c1250 arch.
vb. to condescend, to lower oneself ...1895 Eng. dial.
• BENEATH THE SALT phr. at the lower part of the table; i.e. among the less honoured guests ...1602
• BENE BOUSE n. drink; literally, good liquor ...M16 sl.
• BENE BOWSE n. drink; literally, good liquor ...M16 sl.
• BENE-BOWSY adj. tipsy...M16 sl.
• BENECKING †* adj. bowing the neck, cringing ...1705
• BENE COVE n. a friend; literally, a good fellow ...17C sl.
• BENE CULL n. a good fellow; a friend ...19C sl.
• BENE DARKMANS! int. good night ...M16 sl.
• BENEDICENCE * n. kindliness in speech ...1881
• BENEDICITE! int. 1. good gracious! ...c1374
int. 2. bless you! ...1377
• BENEDICK n. a married man, esp. a newly married man or a formerly confirmed bachelor who changes his mind ...E19 sl.
• BENEDICT † adj. good, blessed, benign, salutary ...1576
n. a newly married man; an apparently confirmed bachelor who marries ...1821
• BENEDICTED † adj. blessed ...1623
• BENEDICTION n. 1. kindly favour, grace ...1483
n. 2. grace before or after meals ...1671
• BENEDICTOR † n. a eulogist, one who commends or praises, a well-wisher ...a1633
• BENEDIGHT adj. blessed ...a1300 arch.
• BENEEK adj. 1. bad-tempered, insane ...1960s S. Afr.
adj. 2. contrary, impossible ...1960s S. Afr.
• BENEFACT † n. a good deed or benefit ...1656
† vb. to give in charity ...1594
• BENEFACTION n. 1. a doing good, kindly or generous action; an act of kindness ...a1662
n. 2. the bestowal of money for a charitable purpose ...1674
• BENEFACTORATE vb. to act the benefactor to ...1769 nonce word
• BENEFACTORY adj. conferring a benefit; beneficial, advantageous ...1744
• BENEFACTRESS n. a female benefactor ...1711
• BENEFACTRICE †* n. a female benefactor ...1711
• BENEFACTRIX †* n. a female benefactor ...1713
• BENEFACTURE † n. benefaction, kindness ...a1656
• BENE-FAKER n. a counterfeiter, initially of documents, later of money ...17C sl.
• BENE FEAKER n. a counterfeiter of bills ...17C sl.
• BENE-FEAKER OF GYBES n. a forger of passes and similar documents ...L17 sl.
• BENEFETER †* n. a benefactor ...c1449
• BENEFETOUR †* n. a benefactor ...c1449
• BENEFIC adj. kind ...1641
• BENEFICAL † adj. kind ...1647
• BENEFICE † n. 1. a good deed, kindness, favour ...1340
† n. 2. a gift; a gratuity ...c1380
† n. 3. favourable influence or operation; advantage, favour, protection, benefit ...1424
• BENEFICENCE n. 1. doing good; active kindness ...1531
n. 2. a benefaction, a beneficent gift, deed, or work ...1654
• BENEFICENCY † n. doing good; active kindness ...1576
• BENEFICENT adj. 1. doing good, kind ...1616
adj. 2. advantageous ...1677
• BENEFICENTIAL adj. concerned with what is most beneficial to mankind ...1869
• BENEFICIAL † adj. doing good, kind ...1526
• BENEFICIALNESS † n. doing good, kindness ...1528
• BENEFICIE †* n. benefit, beneficial influence, favour ...c1449
• BENEFICIOUS † adj. doing good, kind ...1535
• BENEFIT n. 1. a kind deed, a kindness; a favour, a gift ...1377 arch.
† n. 2. a thing well done; a good or noble deed ...1377
n. 3. wages paid in kind ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 4. any hardship or unpleasant feature of army life; used with obvious irony ...1968 US sl.
• BENE-GYBE n. a counterfeiter ...17C sl.
• BE NEITHER SUGAR NOR SALT vb. to not be delicate or easily made ill ...1880 Sc. & Eng. dial.
phr. not likely to be injured by a wetting; not afraid of wet weather ...1855
• BENE-MERENT †* adj. well-deserving ...1656
• BENE MORT n. a pretty woman ...M16 sl.
• BEN-END n. the best room in a house; hence, the best part of anything ...1892 Sc.
n. 2. the best part of anything ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENE PECK n. good food ...M16 sl.
• BENEPLACIT †* adj. pleased, satisfied ...1678
†* n. good pleasure, gracious purpose ...1643
• BENEPLACITURE †* n. good pleasure, gracious purpose ...1662
• BENEPLACITY †* n. good pleasure, gracious purpose ...1643
• BENESHIP n. something that is very good ...M16 sl.
• BENEUROUS † adj. happy, blessed ...1483
• BENEURTE † n. happiness, blessedness ...1480
• BENEVOLER †* n. a well-wisher, a kind person ...1486
• BENEVOLIST n. a professor of benevolence ...1825
• BENEVOLOUS † adj. well-wishing, kind, friendly, benevolent ...1470
• BENEW adv. beneath ...1768 Sc.
• BE NEW OFF THE IRONS vb. to have just finished one's course of study ...Bk1902 Sc.
• BENEWRED † adj. happy, blessed ...1483
• BENEWRELY † adv. happily ...1483
• BENFEAKER n. a counterfeiter of bills ...17C sl.
• BEN-FEAKERS OF JYBES n. counterfeiters of passports ...1612 criminals' sl.
• BEN-FLAKE n. a steak ...M19 rhyming sl.
• BEN FRANKLIN n. a $100 note ...1990 US sl.
• BENGAL BLANKET n. the sun; a blue sky ...19C Anglo-Indian
• BENGAL LANCER n. an opportunity, esp. one who takes risks in pursuit of criminal gain ...2005 Sc. rhyming sl. for ‘chancer’
• BENGAL LANCERS n. razor gangs ...1930s Aust. sl.
• BENGE vb. 1. to drink to excess ...1825 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to lounge lazily ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENGY adj. cloudy, overcast ...1851 Eng. dial.
• BEN-HOUSE n. the inner or principal room ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENIES n. benefits, specifically those of the GI Bill that puts US service veterans through college for free ...1940s US college sl.
• BENIGHT † adv. by night ...1642
vb. 1. to be overtaken by the darkness of night (before reaching a place of shelter) ...1560
vb. 2. to blind, to dazzle; to deprive of vision ...1621
vb. 3. to involve in darkness, to darken, to cloud ...a1631
• BENIGHTED † adj. 1. overtaken by the darkness of the night; affected by the night ...1575 obs. exc. Amer. dial.
adj. 2. involved in intellectual or moral darkness ...1634
• BENIGHTEN * vb. to deprive of enlightenment ...1844
• BENIGHTER n. one who keeps others in darkness ...1818
• BENIGHTMENT n. physical, intellectual, or moral darkness ...1651
• BENIGN adj. 1. of a kind disposition, gracious, kindly ...c1320
† adj. 2. gentle, meek, humble ...1377
adj. 3. of the weather: mild, genial ...c1386
† adj. 4. of food: easily digested ...1651
• BENIGNANCY n. kindness ...1876
• BENIGNANT adj. 1. cherishing or exhibiting kindly feeling towards inferiors or dependants; gracious, kind, benevolent ...a1782
adj. 2. of things: favourable, beneficial ...1790
• BENIGNATE †* adj. of a kindly disposition, gracious, kindly ...1533
• BENIGNED †* adj. of a kindly disposition, gracious, kindly ...1470
• BENIGNITY n. 1. kindly feeling and is manifestation; kindness of disposition, or of manner ...c1374
n. 2. a kindly or generous deed; a kindness, a favour bestowed ...c1534
• BENIGNLY adv. 1. kindly, graciously ...c1380
† adv. 2. meekly, gently, humbly ...c1386
adv. 3. of things: genially, favourably, auspiciously ...a1687
• BENIM † vb. 1. to rob, to deprive, to bereave ...c890
† vb. 2. to take away ...a1000
† vb. 3. to rob, to spoil, to ravish ...c1250.
• BENIMMED adj. taken hastily upon the sly ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENIMMING † n. the taking away ...a1400
• BEN-INNO adv. within or beyond ...1790 Sc.
• BENISON n. 1. blessing, beatitude; that blessing which God gives; a giving of blessedness ...a1300
† n. 2. grace before a meal ...a1300
† n. 3. disposition to bless; graciousness, grace, kindness ...c1450
• BENJAMIN n. a coat ...E19 sl.
• BENJEL n. a heap, a considerable quantity ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENJI n. a $100 note ...1985 US sl.
• BENJIE n. 1. a coat ...19C sl.
n. 2. a $100 note ...1985 US sl.
• BENJO n. a toilet ...1988 Aust. sl.
• BENJORAM n. a liberal supply; a large plateful of food ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENJY n. 1. a coat ...E19 sl.
n. 2. a straw hat; generally one with a very broad brim ...1883 Eng. dial.
• BENK n. a bench of any kind, esp. one made of stone ...c1200 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• BENKLE n. a dimple ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. to dent, to dimple ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENKLED adj. of a tin can: dented ...1891 Sc.
• BENLINS adv. towards the interior of a house ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENMOST adj. innermost ...1820 Sc.
• BENNER adj. inner ...1785 Sc.
• BENNERMOST adj. innermost ...1790 Sc.
• BENNETT BUGGY n. a car converted to a four-wheel, horse-drawn carriage by removal of the engine, drive train and windshield (in depression times); later, any broken-down car ...1987 Can. sl.
• BEN NEVIS n. a long prison sentence ...2002 UK sl.
• BENNIE n. 1. an amphetamine; a Benzedrine™ tablet ...1949 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a state of intoxication from Benzedrine™ ...M20 US sl.
n. 3. a female prostitute’s customer who prefers to perform oral sex on the prostitute ...1964 US sl.
• BENNIE GOD n. the sun ...1965 US sl.
• BENNISH adj. foolish ...17C sl.
• BENNY n. 1. an overcoat ...1812 US sl.
n. 2. a straw hat ...1922 sl., orig. nautical
n. 3. a person, a fellow ...1920s US sl.
n. 4. a break in formation during which a soldier can rest or smoke ...Bk1944 service sl.
n. 5. a sloppy soldier ...Bk1944 service sl.
n. 6. an amphetamine; a Benzedrine™ tablet ...1949 sl., orig. US
n. 7. a state of intoxication from Benzedrine™ ...M20 US sl.
n. 8. a Jew ...20C US sl.
• BENNY-HEAD n. a Benzedrine user ...1940s drugs sl.
• BE NOBODY'S NECK vb. to be nobody's business, to be of no consequence ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BE NO MORE vb. to die ...20C euphemism & colloq.
• BENORTH † adv. to the north ...1087
† prep. north of ...1387 obs. exc. Sc.
• BE NOT AS GREEN AS ONE IS CABBAGE-LOOKING phr. be less than a fool than might be assumed ...colloq.
• BENOTE † vb. 1. to use, to make use of ...a1100
vb. 2. to make notes upon ...1767
• BENOTHING †* vb. to reduce to nothing; to annihilate ...1674
• BENOTTE †* vb. to crop or cut close ...1594
• BEN-ROOM n. the best room in a house ...1891 Sc.
• BENSE adv. violently ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 1. a violent movement; a blow, spring, strong push ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. vigour, energy ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to bounce ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to walk or move violently ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSEL n. strong bent or determination; impetus of a body in motion ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. to drive, to know about; to bang, to beat ...1674 Eng. dial.
• BENSELL n. 1. a place exposed to the violence of the storm ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a heavy blow; a violent or sudden movement; violence of storm, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a severe rebuke. ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to beat; to bang ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSHIP n. something that is very good ...M16 sl.
• BENSIE vb. to strike vigorously ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSIL n. 1. a heavy blow; any sudden or violent motion; violence of storm, fire, etc. ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a place exposed to the violence of the storm ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. a severe rebuke ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. 1. to thrash, to beat soundly; to bang; to drive away ...1691 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to surpass, to outdo ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENSILER n. anything very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENSILING adj. of persons: rough, awkward, overbearing ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BENSILLING adj. sharp, biting ...1894 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. a thrashing, a beating ...1863 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BENSIN adj. vigorous, bouncing ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENSING adj. 1. bouncing, vigorous ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. of a bow: full bent ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. the showing of great vigour in walking, working, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENSNICKEL n. St. Nicholas, Santa Claus or St. Nicholas' servant whose duty it was to punish naughty children or reward good ones ...1948 Amer. dial.
• BENSOME adj. quarrelsome ...1809 Sc.
• BENSY †* vb. to sanctify, to hallow, to purify ...c1315
• BENT † adj. 1 levelled or aimed as a weapon; braced or wound up for action; crouched for a spring ...c1330
† adj. 2. determined, resolute, devoted, inclined ...1548
adj. 3. partially or thoroughly drunk ...1833 Amer. dial.
adj. 4. bleak ...1885 Eng. dial.
adj. 5. crooked, larcenous; dishonest, corrupt ...1914 sl., orig. US
adj. 6. stolen ...1930 sl., orig. US
adj. 7. (derogatory) homosexual ...1959 sl.
† n. 1. a piece bent into a curve; a bow ...1521
† n. 2. a curved part, a bend, a crook ...1572
† n. 3. that towards which an action, etc. is directed; aim, purpose, intention ...1579
† n. 4. impetus, concentrated energy ...1581
† n. 5. inclination, bowing, stooping, nodding ...1584
n. 6. the slope or hollow of a hill, a hillside ...1814 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BENT BROW † n. an arched eyebrow ...c1380
• BEN-THE-HOOSE adv. in the parlour ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. the best or inner part of a house ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENTLY † adv. determinedly, with set purpose ...1645
• BENTO n. a coffin, esp. a homemade or inexpensive one ...1949 Amer. dial.
• BENT WRIST n. a male homosexual ...1950s sl., orig. US
• BENTY BOWS n. ? bandy-legs ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BENUMB vb. to paralyze ...1789
• BE NUTS OVER vb. to be infatuated over ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BENWARD adv. towards the interior of a house ...c1475 Sc.
• BENZEL n. a heap, a considerable quantity ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BENZINE WAGON n. an automobile; a truck ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEOD † n. a table ...c1000
• BE OFF vb. to happen, esp. of a violent incident ...1960s sl.
• BE OFF EGGS, ON POTATOES vb. to wander abruptly from one subject to another ...Bk1900 Sc.
• BE OFF OF ONE'S FEET WITH vb. to be the victim of ...Bk1905 Sc.
• BE OFF OF THE REEL vb. to be married ...1899 Sc.
• BE OFF WITH THE GUN vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BE OFF YOUR EGGS vb. to make a mistake, to be on the wrong tack ...1844 Sc.
• BE ON ABOUT vb. to grumble; to complain, especially loudly; to talk on a subject for far too long ...1863 UK
• BE ON A HIDING TO NOTHING vb. to be unlikely to succeed. or be unlikely to gain much advantage if one does ...1905
• BE ON AT vb. to nag; to constantly reprove ...1974 UK sl.
• BE ONE BIG EAR vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BE ONE OF THE KNIGHTS vb. to have syphilis ...1940s homosexual sl.
• BE ONE'S OWN CARVER † vb. to take or choose for oneself at one's own discretion ...1579
• BE ON IT vb. to drink alcohol ...1938 Aust. sl.
• BE ON ONE'S BACK-SEAM vb. to be out of luck, penniless ...B1890 tailors' sl.
• BE ON ONE'S BEANWATER vb. to feel lively or animated; to be in high spirits ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BE ON ONE'S METTLE vb. to be in a bad temper ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE BALANCE vb. to hesitate, to be undecided ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE BEEFMENT vb. to see, to watch; to spy ...Bk1902 thieves' sl.
• BE ON THE BIG EAR vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE DAM vb. of a policeman: to be in trouble ...c1920 police usage
• BE ON THE ERIE vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE FENCE vb. to be neutral ...Bk1905 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE FLUTTER vb. to be sexually adept ...c1875 sl.
• BE ON THE LAM vb. to be a fugitive from justice ...1928 US sl.
• BE ON THE LONG EAR vb. to listen intently; to eavesdrop ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BE ON THE LOOK vb. to be courting ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BE ON THE MARLOCK vb. to play tricks ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE MERRY-PIN vb. to be excited or merry ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE POUNCE vb. to see, to watch; to spy ...Bk1902 thieves' sl.
• BE ON THE RACK vb. to be at full stretch or strain ...1693
• BE ON THE RANDY vb. to spend time in drinking and riot; to live in an immoral manner ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE HEDGE vb. to be thrown or fall from a coach ...c1800 sl.
• BE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE HEDGE WHEN THE BRAINS WERE GIVEN AWAY phr. to be brainless, or stupid, or at the least very dull ...c1810
• BEOT † n. a promise, a vow, a threat, a boast ...a1000
• BEOTE † n. to boast, to threaten ...a1000
• BEOTEN † n. to boast, to threaten ...a1000
• BE OVER SHARP METTLE vb. to be too hasty-tempered ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE-OWE vb. to own, to possess ...1886 Eng. dial.
• BEPART † vb. to divide, to share ...1531
• BEPAT vb. to pat frequently; to strike, to beat ...1676
• BE PEDALLED vb. to be dismissed from a job ...c1920 sl.
• BEPEPS †* vb. to beat a person, to 'pepper' ...1622
• BEPESTER vb. to pester greatly, to plague, to vex, to harass ...1600
• BEPILL † vb. to pillage completely ...1574
• BEPISS vb. to wet with urine ...1764
• BEPLOTMELE † adv. part by part, one portion after another, in due order or succession ...c1440
• BEPRESS † vb. to oppress ...1591
• BEPUFF vb. to puff or blow out; to swell; hence, to flatter, to praise greatly ...1843
• BEPURFURATE adj. purpled, rosy-tinged, rosy-coloured ...1584
• BE PUT INTO ONE'S COOL CRAPE vb. to die ...L18 sl.
• BE PUT THROUGH ONE'S FACINGS vb. to be reprimanded or to show off ...c1865 colloq., orig. military sl.
• BE PUT TO BED WITH A SHOVEL vb. to be buried ...1858 N. Ireland
• BEPUZZLE * vb. to confuse, to perplex, to bewilder ...1599
• BEPUZZLEMENT n. 1. the act of perplexing ...1806
n. 2. perplexity, bewilderment ...1885
• BEQUARREL † vb. to quarrel with; to find fault with, to abuse ...1624
• BEQUASH †* vb. to shake or fall in pieces, to be shattered ...1377
• BEQUEATH † n. a byword, proverb ...c1000
† vb. to say, to utter, to express in words ...c1000
• BEQUEST † vb. to give as a bequest, to bequeath ...1394
• BEQUESTING † n. bequeathing ...1572
• BEQUIRTLE † vb. to besprinkle ...1690
• BERAFFLED adj. perplexed, entangled ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BERAG vb. to worry, to harass, to annoy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE RAGGIES vb. to be steady friends ...L19 Royal Navy usage
• BERAIN † vb. to rain upon ...a1225
• BERAND † adj. roaring, bellowing ...a1300
• BERANTLED adj. confused, mixed up ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BERARD †* n. a viper ...c1475
• BERATTLE †* vb. to fill with rattling noise or din; also, to rattle away at, to assail with din ...1553
• BERAY † vb. 1. to disfigure, to dirty, to defile, to befoul with dirt, filth, ordure ...1530 obs. or Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to befoul, to stain, to disfigure; to asperse, to cover with abuse ...1576 obs. or arch.
• BERAYER † n. one who defiles or pollutes ...1699
• BERCELET † n. a hunting dog, a hound ...c1340
• BERE † n. 1. clamour, outcry, shouting, roaring; the noise of voices of men or animals ...c1205
†* n. 2. a wave, a billow ...1250
n. 3. a pillow-case ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
† vb. to cry, to roar ...c1225
• BEREAVEN adj. deprived, taken away by force ...a1619 arch.
• BERE-BAG † n. a native or inhabitant of Scotland ...1352
• BEREDE † vb. to advise, to inform, to counsel; to plan ...a1225
• BEREFT adj. crazy ...1913 Amer. dial.
† vb. 1. to snatch away a possession; to remove or take away by violence ...c1320
†* vb. 2. to deprive ...1557
• BEREND vb. to rend or tear badly ...1582
• BERG n. 1. a town, village, hamlet ...1843 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a rock ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BERGE n. one who is impetuous in talk ...1925 Sc.
vb. to speak in a loud and angry manner; to scold, to rail, to taunt loudly ...1887 Sc.
• BERGER †* n. a curl of hair ...1690
• BERGFALL n. a falling of rock fragments or debris; an avalanche of stones ...1856
• BERGH † n. protection, shelter ...c1250
† vb. to give shelter; to protect, to preserve; to deliver, to save ...a1000
• BERGHER † n. a protector, deliverer, saviour ...a1300
• BERGIER †* n. a peasant, a rustic, a woodman ...1480
• BERGY adj. of the nature of an iceberg; abounding in icebergs ...1856
• BERIDE † vb. 1. to ride around; to beset with horsemen ...a1000
† vb. 2. to ride by the side of ...1690
• BE RIGHT CHEAP OF ONE'S PAIKS vb. to deserve a beating richly (paiks = a deserved punishment) ...1836 Sc.
• BERIME vb. to compose rhymes about; to celebrate in rhyme; often, to lampoon ...1589
• BERINE †* vb. to touch; to fall upon, to fall ...a1300
• BERISP † vb. to censure, to reprove, to rebuke ...1481
• BERK n. a foolish person ...1936 sl., chiefly Brit.
† vb. to clot, to make matted ...a1550
• BERKELEY n. a foolish person ...1937 Brit. rhyming sl. for 'cunt' (Berkeley Hunt)
• BERKELEY HUNT n. a foolish person ...1937 Brit. rhyming sl. for 'cunt'
• BERLASKIN n. a hurting, an annoyance ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BERLIN n. a doughnut with jelly inside ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BERLINER n. a doughnut with jelly inside ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BERLING † n. a little bear; a bear's cub ...1399
• BERLIN KETTLE n. a large kettle used to boil foods ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BERLIN PFANNKUCHEN n. a doughnut with jelly inside ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BERMAN † n. 1. a bearer, a carrier, a porter ...c1000
†* n. 2. a miner ...1677
• BERMOTHER † n. the womb or uterus ...1527
• BERNARD † n. the member of a gang of swindlers who acts as a decoy; a lurking scoundrel; a sharper ...1532
• BERNE † n. a warrior, a hero, a man of valour; in later use, a poetic word for 'man' ...937
• BERNER † n. an attendant in charge of a pack of hounds ...a1425
• BE ROAD-MAKING phr. the 'menstrual flux is on' ...Bk1893 sl.
• BEROGUE † vb. to call one a rogue; to abuse ...1673
• BERREY n. a rabbit warren; a group of rabbit holes ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. to animals: to burrow, to dig a hole in the ground ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BERRIED † adj. of a track or trail: beaten, trodden ...1382
• BERRIES n. 1. a woman's nipples, esp. if dark brown or dark red in colour ...1980s US Black sl.
n. 2. wine ...1980s US Black sl.
int. an expression of approval ...1920s US Black sl.
• BERRIES, THE adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 1. something or someone thought to be very good or excellent ...1920 Amer. sl.
n. 2. the limit, the last straw ...1960 Amer. sl.
n. 3. wine ...1980s US Black sl.
• BERRY adj. good-looking ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
† n. 1. a mound, a hillock ...1205 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† n. 2. a rabbit's burrow; a company of rabbits ...1486
† n. 3. a gust or blast of wind ...1598
n. 4. a coffee bean ...1712
n. 5. the gooseberry ...1787 N. Ireland, Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 6. a good thing ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
n. 7. a dollar; usually used in the plural ...1916 US sl.
n. 8. a pound; usually used in the plural ...1934 Brit. sl.
† vb. 1. to beat, to thrash ...a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to beat a path, etc. ...1382
• BERRY-BARN n. the third finger ...1870 Sc.
• BERRY-BROWN † n. nut-brown ale ...1686 Eng. dial.
• BERRY-GLAUMER n. a person who can pick strawberries very rapidly ...1944 Amer. dial.
• BERRY-MOUCHER n. 1. a truant from school in blackberry season ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. the blackberry ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BERRY PICKER n. a rustic or countrified person ...1968 Amer. dial.
ֳ• BERRY-SLUFFS n. the skins of gooseberries ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BERSATRIX † n. a rocker of children in a cradle ...17C
• BERSERK n. a wild Norse warrior of great strength and ferocious courage, who fought on the battlefield with a frenzied fury known as the 'berserker rage'; often a lawless bravo or freebooter ...1879
• BERSERKER n. a wild Norse warrior of great strength and ferocious courage, who fought on the battlefield with a frenzied fury known as the 'berserker rage'; often a lawless bravo or freebooter ...1822
• BERTH n. 1. a job; an appointment to a job ...1778 sl.
n. 2. a foothold, a grasp ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
† vb. to place or lay a floor ...1736 Eng. dial.
• BERUFFIANIZE vb. to call or stigmatize as a ruffian ...1596
• BERUMPUS n. the buttocks ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BERUN † vb. 1. to run or flow about, or over the surface of ...a1000
† vb. 2. to run round about, to encompass ...c1205
• BERVIE n. a haddock split and smoke-dried ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BERVIE-HADDOCK n. a haddock split and smoke-dried ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BERWE † n. a grove, a shady place ...c890
• BERYL adj. clear pale green ...1501
† n. 1. a word of admiration for a woman ...c1440
n. 2. pale sea-green, the colour of beryl ...1834
• BERYL-GLASS † n. a mirror ...1540
• BESACKED adj. discharged from employment ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESAGEW † n. a double-edged axe ...c1430
• BESAGUE † n. a double-edged axe ...c1430
• BESAIL † vb. to assail, to attack ...1460
• BESAILE † n. a grandfather's father; a great-grandfather ...c1400
• BESAY † vb. 1. to defend ...c1000
† vb. 2. to declare, to speak about ...c1200
• BESAYLE † n. a grandfather's father; a great-grandfather ...c1400
• BESCRAMBLE †* vb. to scratch, to tear ...1598
• BESCROW AND BESCREW to curse ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BESCUMMER vb. 1. to abuse, to calumniate ...1825 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to besmear with dirt ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BESEE † vb. 1. to look about; to look in any direction; to see ...c1000
† vb. 2. to be attentive, to pay attention to ...c1200
† vb. 3. to care for, to protect ...a1225
• BESEECH †* n. beseeching, entreaty, petition ...1606
† vb. 1. to beg earnestly for, to entreat a thing ...c1175
† vb. 2. to seek after, to search for, to try to get ...c1200
† vb. 3. to seek to know ...c1250
• BESEEING † n. circumspection, consideration ...1340
• BE SEEING YOU phr. goodbye ...1934
• BE SEEIN' YOU IN HALIFAX phr. goodbye ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BESEEK vb. to beseech ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BESEEM † vb. 1. to seem, to appear, to look ...a1225
vb. 2. to become, to befit ...1874 Eng. dial.
• BESEEMING † n. appearance, look ...1611
• BESEEMLINESS * n. fittingness, propriety ...1647
• BESEEMLY * adj. seemly, becoming, befitting ...1742
• BESEKANDLIK † adj. kind, gracious ...a1300
• BESENCH † vb. to cause to sink, to submerge, to plunge down, to overwhelm ...971
• BESEND † vb. to send to, to send a message to ...1297
• BESEPS conj. except, unless ...1890 Eng. dial.
prep. except, with the exception of ...1853 Eng. dial.
• BESEPTS conj. except, unless ...1890 Eng. dial.
prep. except, with the exception of ...1853 Eng. dial.
• BESERVE † vb. to serve diligently ...a1300
• BESET † vb. 1. to become, to suit, to look well on, to befit, to set off ...1567
vb. 2. to attack ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE SET FORTH LIKE LAMB AND SALLIT vb. to be gaily dressed ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• BESETMENT n. a besetting weakness or sin ...1859 Eng. dial.
• BESETTER n. the buttocks ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BESEW † vb. to sew up ...a800
• BESHAG † vb. to make shaggy ...1868
• BESHAME vb. to shame; to be ashamed ...1889 Eng. dial.
• BESHED † vb. 1. to drench, moisten, wet with ...1382
† vb. 2. to shed blood ...1474
• BESHEND †* vb. to ruin ...a1300
• BESHINING † n. illumination, lighting up ...1398
• BESHIT vb. to deposit ordure on ...a1000
• BE SHORT OF A SHEET vb. to be slightly crazy or idiotic ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BE SHOT IN THE NECK vb. to be drunk ...1855 Amer. sl.
• BE SHOT OF vb. to dismiss ...1802
• BESHREW † vb. 1. to make wicked or evil; to deprave, to pervert, to corrupt ...c1325
† vb. 2. to invoke evil upon; to wish one all that is bad; to invoke a curse on; to curse, to blame greatly, as the cause of misfortune ...1377
† vb. 3. to treat evilly, to use ill, to abuse ...c1430
• BESHUT † vb. 1. to shut in, to enclose, to surround; to shut up, to confine, to imprison ...a1300
† vb. 2. to shut out, to exclude ...c1330
• BE SHUT OF vb. to dismiss, to get rid of ...1575
• BESIBBING †* adj. resembling; having a likeness to ...1602
• BE SICK vb. to have a baby ...1959 Amer. dial.
• BESIDE † adv. toward the sides, sidewise ...c1400
• BESIDE-FORTH † adv. moreover, further ...1377
• BESIDES † adv. close by, near ...c1205
• BESIEGE † n. besieging, siege ...1552
• BESIEGINGLY * adv. urgently, importunately ...1822
• BESIGHT †* n. consideration, determination, ordinance ...1258
• BESIN † vb. to stigmatize as sinful ...1622
• BESINK † vb. 1. to sink, to fall down through any substance ...c893
† vb. 2. to submerge ...c1200
• BESIT † vb. 1. to encamp about; to besiege ...a1100
† vb. 2. to sit upon; to lie heavy upon; to weigh upon ...1362
† vb. 3. to sit properly upon, as a dress; to fit, to suit, to become ...c1449
• BESKYFTE †* vb. to thrust off ...1470-85
• BESLABBER vb. to eat slovenly; to besmear in eating or drinking ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BESLE n. idle talk ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to talk much at random and ignorantly ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BE SLIPPING vb. to deteriorate in quality ...1914 sl.
• BESLITTEN adj. slit ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESLOBBER vb. 1. to kiss like a drivelling child ...1828
vb. 2. to flatter ...1868
vb. 3. to eat in a slovenly manner; to render wet or dirty by spilling food on the clothes ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESLOW † vb. to retard ...1645
• BESLUBBER vb. to wet and soil with a thick liquid; to bedaub, to bedabble, to besmear ...c1394
• BESMARTEN vb. to make smart or neat ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BESMATTER vb. to smear or daub with mud or dirt ...1715 Eng. dial.
• BESMEAR vb. to sully, to defile, to pollute ...1579
• BESMIRCH vb. 1. to sully, to dim the lustre of ...1602
vb. 2. to soil, to discolour, as with smoke, soot, or mud ...a1700
• BESMIT † vb. to stain; to infect, as with disease; to contaminate ...a1225
• BESMORTH vb. to besmear ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESMOTTER vb. to smear or daub with mud or dirt; bespatter, to foul ...1715 Eng. dial.
• BESMOTTERED †* adj. splashed or spattered as with mud or dirt ...c1386
• BESMUDGE vb. to smear, to soil with mud or dirt ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESMUT vb. 1. to stain, to sully ...1610
vb. 2. to dirty, to begrime ...1656
• BESMUTCH vb. to besmirch; to soil ...1832
• BESNANG vb. to crush, to batter, to beat in ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BESNARE † vb. to take in a snare; to entrap ...1571
• BESOB † vb. to soak ...1609
• BE SOFT ON SOMEONE vb. to be amorously inclined toward a person, to have an affection for ...colloq.
• BESOGNE † n. 1. a raw recruit ...1615
† n. 2. a low, vulgar, worthless fellow ...1658
n. 3. business, affairs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOGNIER † n. 1. a raw recruit ...1584
† n. 2. a low, vulgar, worthless fellow ...1588
• BESOGNIO † n. 1. a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
† n. 2. a term of contempt for a needy beggar; a base, worthless fellow, a low, vulgar person ...1603
• BESOIGNE † n. business, affair, duties, ado ...1474
• BESOM † n. 1. a bundle of rods or twigs used as an instrument of punishment; a birch ...c893
n. 2. a comet ...1566
n. 3. an implement for sweeping, usually made of a bunch of broom, heather, birch, or other twigs bound together round a handle; a broom ...c1000
n. 4. a term of reproach or contempt applied to a woman, esp. a woman of loose or slovenly habits ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 5. a simpleton ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 6. a vicious cow ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 7. energy; zest ...1969 Amer. dial.
† vb. 1. to sweep with force or violence ...a1400
vb. 2. to sweep ...1791
• BESOM-CLEAN adj. clean only on the surface; clean by sweeping though not by washing ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESOMER n. a person, of either sex, of loose and slovenly habits ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-HEAD n. a foolish, stupid person ...1864
• BESOM-HEADED adj. weak-minded, foolish, stupid ...1864
• BESOM-MAKER n. a maker of brooms ...1814 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-RIDER n. a witch, from the popular notion that they rode on broomsticks ...1664
• BESOM-SCAUPED adj. weak-minded, stupid ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-SHAFT n. a broomstick ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-SHANK n. a broomstick ...1805 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-STAKE n. a broomstick ...1895 Eng. dial.
• BESOM-TAIL n. a tail formed like a 'besom'; a bushy tail ...1678
• BESOM-TAILED adj. having a bushy tail ...1695
• BESONIO † n. 1. a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
† n. 2. a term of contempt for a needy beggar; a base, worthless fellow, a low, vulgar person ...1603
• BESOOP †* vb. ? to thrash, to lay about ...1589
• BESOOTHMENT * n. the act of soothing; its means or resulting state ...Bk1888
• BESORE † vb. to vex, to annoy, to molest, to cause mischief to ...17C
• BESORT † n. suitable company ...1604
† vb. to assort, to match, to agree with; to befit ...1605
• BESOT vb. 1. to affect with a foolish, blinding affection; to cause to dote on; to infatuate with ...1581
vb. 2. to make mentally or morally stupid or blind; to stupefy in mind ...1615
vb. 3. to have an intoxicating effect on; said of drugs ...1627
• BESOTTED adj. 1. infatuated ...1580
adj. 2. intellectually or morally stupefied or blinded ...1634
adj. 3. intoxicated or muddled by a narcotic ...1831
• BESOUTH † prep. on the south side of; to the south of ...c1410 obs. exc. Sc.
• BESPALL † vb. to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPANKLE vb. to bespangle, to sprinkle or adorn with small glittering objects ...1621
• BESPAR † vb. to shut in; to lock up ...a1100
• BESPARAGE † vb. to disparage ...1592
• BESPARKLE † vb. to bespatter, to spot ...1485
• BESPARKLING † adj. sparkling, throwing out sparks ...1648
• BESPATTER vb. 1. to asperse with abuse, flame, flattery, praise, etc., to hold in contempt ...1644
vb. 2. to cover with abuse; to vilify or slander, to calumniate ...1653
• BESPATTERMENT n. abuse ...1870
• BESPATTLE † vb. to bespatter with anything dirty ...1546 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BESPAWL † vb. to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPEAK † vb. 1. to call out, to exclaim, to complain that ...c893
† vb. 2. to speak against; to charge, to accuse; to oppose ...a1000
† vb. 3. to discuss, to advise upon, to determine upon ...c1175
† vb. 4. to speak up or out, to exclaim, orig. with some notion of objection or remonstrance; in later times, to raise one's voice, to speak ...c1314 obs. or arch.
† vb. 5. to promise ...c1320
• BESPECKED adj. spotted or specked over the surface ...1565
• BESPECTACLED adj. having spectacles on ...1742
• BESPELT adj. bewitched, mischievous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPERPLE † vb. to bespatter ...1557
• BESPETE † vb. to spit upon, to cover or defile with spitting ...a1225
• BESPIT vb. to spit upon ...a1300 arch.
• BESPITE * prep. despite ...1842
• BESPOKE adj. bewitched ...Bk1898 Eng. & Amer. dial.
adj. 2. engaged; usually to be married ...1931 Amer. dial.
• BESPOKEN adj. engaged; usually to be married ...1929 Amer. dial.
• BESPOTTLE vb. to bespatter, to cover with mud or dirt ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPOUSE † vb. to espouse, to marry ...c1175
• BESPOUT vb. 1. to recite to, to plague with oratory ...1828
vb. 2. to utter, say, or recite with pompous elocution ...1857
• BESPRAY †* vb. to besprinkle, to bespatter ...1593
• BESPRENG † vb. 1. to sprinkle anything over; to besprinkle, to asperse ...c1000
† vb. 2. to sprinkle about ...c1529
• BESPRENT adj. 1. besprinkled ...c1368
adj. 2. scattered, strewed about ...1567
†* vb. to besprinkle ...1573
• BESPRENTED adj. sprinkled, splashed ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPRING † vb. to besprinkle ...1387
• BESPRINK †* vb. to besprinkle ...1609
• BESPRITZED adj. sprinkled on, as by a garden hose ...1935 Amer. dial.
• BESPURT † vb. 1. to splash or spatter, to befoul ...1579
† vb. 2. to abuse; to sully with vice ...1603
• BESPURTLE † vb. 1. to asperse with reproach or abuse; to sully with vice ...1604
† vb. 2. to splash or splatter; to befoul ...1618
• BESQUATTER † vb. to bespatter with filth ...1611
• BESQUIRT † vb. 1. to befoul by squirting, to splash, to splatter ...1611
† vb. 2. to slander, to calumniate, to defame ...1682
• BESS n. 1. a short crowbar, used by housebreakers ...Bk1896 sl.
n. 2. a cow or calf ...1965 Amer. dial.
vb. to sew slackly; to baste ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESSEN vb. to stoop, to bend down; to weigh down ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSIE n. 1. a cow or calf ...1942 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a shotgun or rifle ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. an automobile ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BESS O' BEDLAM n. a harmless vagrant or maniac formerly allowed to range the country; hence, any female of wild or disorderly appearance ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY n. 1. a gun; often applied to one's favourite gun ...1832 sl., orig. US
n. 2. an ill-mannered, romping, or bad-tempered woman or girl; a light-headed girl; an idiot ...Bk1898 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. a man who meddles in woman's affairs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-BAB(S) adj. childish, foolish ...19C Eng. dial.
n. 1. a petted, spoiled child; a child who cries for little cause ...1842 Eng. dial.
n. 2. one given to childish amusements or silly talk ...19C Eng. dial.
n. 3. a fantastically dressed female; a slovenly, but gaily-attired woman ...19C Eng. dial.
n. 4. a doll ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BESSYBABISHNESS n. the whimpering of a spoiled child ...1891 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-CLOCKER n. the black beetle ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-CODDLE n. a man who meddles in woman's affairs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESSY-FRUGGAM n. a female of slatternly appearance; a man dressed in woman's attire for mumming or 'guising' ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEST n. a girlfriend or female lover ...1904 sl., orig. US
vb. 1. to outwit, to outdo, to get the better of ...1863 colloq.
vb. 2. to take advantage of, to overreach, to cheat ...1881 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to consider ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESTAND † vb. 1. to stand by or near; to stand over; esp. to stand by the dead, to mourn for ...c1000
† vb. 2. to stand round in hostility; to beset, to press hard upon, to harass ...c1000
† vb. 3. to surround, to encompass, as a wall, water, etc. ...c1205
• BE STANDING vb. to stand up ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BEST BIB AND TUCKER n. someone's smartest clothes ...1747 sl.
• BEST BOWER n. in cards: the joker ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEST BUD n. a close friend ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BEST CARPENTERS MAKE THE FEWEST CHIPS, THE phr. commenting that whores seldom have children ...1609 sl.
• BEST-CONSULTED † adj. most prudent or best-advised ...a1659
• BESTEAD † adj. 1. settled, constituted, arranged ...c1300
† adj. 2. placed, located, situated ...a1300
adj. 3. circumstanced, situated, generally in an evil sense; hence, destitute, forlorn; overcome, oppressed ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to help, to assist, to relieve ...1581
vb. 2. to be of service or use to; to avail ...1589
† vb. 3. to go instead of, to take the place of ...1596
• BESTEAL † vb. to move stealthily ...a725
• BESTED † adj. 1. settled, constituted, arranged ...c1300
† adj. 2. placed, located, situated ...a1300
• BESTENTED †* adj. distended ...1648
• BESTER n. 1. a cheater ...1851 Eng. sl.
n. 2. one who gets the better of others by fraudulent means; a sharper ...1862 sl.
• BESTEST adj. best of all ...1893 Amer. dial.
• BEST-FASHION adj. in good health ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEST FEATHERS n. one's best clothes ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BEST FOOT n. the right foot ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEST GIRL n. 1. a girlfriend or female lover ...1887 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a maid or matron of honour at a wedding ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BEST-GOODEST n. a favourite ...1948 Amer. dial.
• BEST HALF n. one's wife ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BEST HAND n. the right hand ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESTIAL adj. 1. brutish, savage, cruel, rude, barbarous, uncivilized ...c1400
adj. 2. like a beast in obeying and gratifying the animal instincts and sensual desires; debased, depraved, lustful, obscene ...1447
n. the livestock on a farm ...1818 Sc.
• BESTIALITY n. 1. want of intelligence; irrationality, stupidity, brutality ...c1374
n. 2. indulgence in the instincts of a beast; brutal lust; a disgusting vice, a beastly practice ...a1656
n. 3. filthy language, obscenity ...1879
• BESTIALIZE vb. to brutalize, to debase in character ...1684
• BESTIATE † vb. to brutalize ...1628
• BESTILL vb. to make quiet, to still, to hush ...1770
• BESTIOUS †* adj. beast-like, monstrous ...1470
• BESTIR ONE'S STUMPS † vb. to move one's limbs actively, to exert oneself ...1549
• BEST LADY n. a maid or matron of honour at a wedding ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BEST-LIKE adj. best-looking, most comely ...1889 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BEST LOOKER n. a very good-looking person ...1911 US
• BEST MAID n. a bridesmaid ...1864 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• BESTMOST n. one's best, utmost ...1887 Amer. dial.
• BEST OF BUDS n. a close friend ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BE STONKERED vb. 1. to be put out of action ...1914 military sl.
vb. 2. to be outwitted ...c1918 Aust. sl.
vb. 3. to be dead drunk ...1940s Aust. sl.
vb. 4. to be in a fix or dilemma ...World War II Aust. & NZ services' sl.
• BESTOURN † vb. to turn upside down, to overthrow ...1483
• BESTOW vb. 1. to place, to locate; to put in a position or situation ...c1374 arch.
† vb. 2. to settle or give in marriage ...c1386
vb. 3. to stow away; to place or deposit anywhere for storage, to store up ...1393 arch.
vb. 4. to lodge, to quarter; to put up; to provide with a resting place or sleeping place ...1577 arch.
vb. 5. to put a woman to bed in childbirth ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESTOW THE ORDER OF THE SACK vb. to dismiss from employment ...c1860 sl.
• BEST PARLOUR n. the old-fashioned front parlour of a house ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BESTRACT †* adj. distracted ...1581
• BESTRAUGHT † adj. 1. distracted, distraught ...a1547
† adj. 2. distracted, bereft of wits ...1580
• BESTRAUGHTED †* adj. distracted ...a1650
• BESTRAUGHTING † n. distracting, distraction of the wits ...1585
• BEST RESPECTS n. intimate friends ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESTRIDE vb. 1. to ride, to mount a horse, etc. ...c1000
† vb. 2. to stand astride ...1526
vb. 3. to stand over a fallen man in order to defend him; to defend, to protect, to support ...1580
vb. 4. to stand over a place with the legs astride; to straddle over, to bestraddle ...1601
• BESTRIKE †* vb. to overspread, to do over, to anoint, to smear, to daub, to rub over with ...1527
• BESTRIP † vb. to strip clean; to deprive of or take away entirely ...1065
• BEST ROOM n. the old-fashioned front parlour of a house ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BE STRUCK WITH A DART vb. to be struck by the fairies ...1881 Ireland & Eng. dial.
• BESTRUT † adj. swollen ...1603
vb. to strut or walk pompously over ...1594
• BESTRUTTED † adj. swollen ...1648
• BESTS n. the best people ...c1050
• BE STUCK IN A DAR † vb. to be astonished or confounded ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• BESTURTED adj. startled, alarmed ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEST WAY adj. better ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BEST WAYS adj. better ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BEST WOMAN n. a maid or matron of honour at a wedding ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BESULLY vb. to sully or soil badly ...a1635
• BESWADDLE †* vb. 1. to beat, to thrash, to 'swaddle' ...1598
†* vb. 2. to envelop in swaddling-clothes ...1755
• BESWAK † vb. to dash, to strike ...c1505 Sc.
• BESWAPE †* vb. to envelop, to entangle ...c980
• BESWEAT † adj. covered with sweat ...c1205
• BESWEIK vb. to cheat, to deceive ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BESWIKE † vb. to betray, to cheat, to deceive ...971
• BESWIKER † n. a deceiver ...1340
• BESWIKING † n. cheating, deception ...1340
• BESWING † vb. to swing about; to hang ...1571
• BESWINGE † vb. to beat soundly ...1568
• BESWINK †* vb. 1. to chastise ...c1175 (probably for beswinge)
† vb. 2. to labour for, to work for ...1377
• BESWINKFUL †* adj. toilsome ...a1225
• BET adj. 1. beaten, exhausted ...1843 Ireland & Eng. dial.
adj. 2. beaten, bruised ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
† adv. better ...c888
n. a letter of the alphabet ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BET, THE n. the advantage ...c1340
• BETAINT † vb. to tinge ...1594
• BETAKE † vb. 1. to hand over, to deliver, to give up, to grant, to place at a person's disposal ...c1205 exc. Sc.
† vb. 2. to hand over to the care of; to entrust, to commit, to give in charge to ...1297
† vb. 3. to allot, to assign ...c1300
† vb. 4. to give in marriage ...1382
† vb. 5. to bid adieu, to say goodbye ...1642
vb. 6. to overtake, to capture, to recover ...1865 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to resort, to have recourse to ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BE TAKEN AWAY vb. to die ...1898 Eng. dial.
• BE TAKEN BAD adj. discomfited ...1900s sl.
vb. to have fallen ill ...M19 sl.
• BE TAKEN SHORT vb. to have an urgent need to urinate or defecate ...1890 sl.
• BETAKE ONESELF TO ONE'S HEELS vb. to retreat in flight, to run away ...1598
• BETALL † vb. to pay ...1630
• BETANGLEMENT n. tangled condition ...1881
• BE TARRED WITH THE SAME STICK vb. to share undesirable qualities ...1817 Sc.
• BETATTERED adj. all in tatters, ragged ...1618
• BETAWDER † vb. to bedizen with tawdry finery, to adorn gaudily ...a1689
• BETEACH † vb. 1. to show, to point out ...c1000
† vb. 2. to hand over as a trust; to entrust, to commit, to give in charge to ...c1000
† vb. 3. to hand over, to deliver, to give up, to yield ...a1000
† vb. 4. to teach, to instruct ...a1300
† vb. 5. to allot, to assign ...a1300
† vb. 6. to bid adieu or goodbye ....c1314
• BETEACH ONE GOOD DAY † vb. to wish or bid one good day ...c1400
• BETEAR † vb. to suffuse with tears ...1580
• BETCHELL vb. to beat ...1857 Sc.
• BETCHELLAN n. a beating ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BETCHELLIN' n. a beating, a drubbing ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETEE † vb. 1. to draw over as a covering; to cover, to veil ...c893
† vb. 2. to employ, to spend, to bestow time, pains, etc. ...c1175
† vb. 3. to pull or tug at ...c1205
† vb. 4. to bring about, to manage, to arrange ...c1205
• BETEEM † vb. 1. to think fit or proper; to vouchsafe, to grant, to consent ...1565
† vb. 2. to vouchsafe, to accord, to grant, to concede ...1590
†* vb. 3. to allow or permit to do something ...1602
†* vb. 4. to pour all about ...1618
† vb. 5. to think a person worthy, to admit the worth of ...1627
vb. 6. to bestow, to indulge with ...1790 Eng. dial.
* vb. 7. to give birth to ...1855
vb. 8. to demean, to lower ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETEEMING * n. copious outpouring, profusion ...1871
• BETELING BLOCK n. a block of wood on which to beat clothes while washing ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BETELL † vb. 1. to speak for, to answer for, to justify ...1048
† vb. 2. to lay claim to; to win, to rescue ...c1205
† vb. 3. to speak of, to declare, to narrate ...c1205
† vb. 4. to calumniate, to deride, to deceive ...a1225
• BETHANK n. thanks, indebtedness, acknowledgement ...1826 Sc.
†* vb. to thank ...1593
• BE THE DAD OF ALL RING-TAILS vb. to excel in mischief, to be the ringleader ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• BETHEL n. 1. a place of worship for seamen ...1840
n. 2. any place of worship other than those of the established church; a nonconformist chapel ...1865
• BETHERAL n. an inferior church officer in Scotland, often combining those of clerk, beadle, sexton, gravedigger, bellringer ...1815 Sc.
• BETHERELL n. a bedridden person; a helpless cripple ...1790 Ireland
• BETHERSHIN! int. an expletive, it may be so ...1888 Ireland
• BE THE WORSE FOR WEAR vb. to be tipsy ...20C colloq.
• BETHINK † vb. 1. to think of or about; to bear in mind; to call to mind, to recollect ...a1000 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to think of, to imagine, to conceive ...c1175
† vb. 3. to think over a thing with a view to decision or action; to consider ...c1220
† vb. 4. to devise, to contrive, to plan, to arrange ...a1225
vb. 5. to consider, to reflect, to meditate, to think ...c1300 arch.
† vb. 6. to think upon or remember a person ...c1320
† vb. 7. to regret, to repent, to grudge ...1682
vb. 8. to begrudge; to abstain from ...1842 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to remind ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETHINKING n. the act of thinking, considering, reflecting, or remembering ...1340
• BETHOUGHT † adj. 1. of a thing: intended, purposed, contrived ...c1200
† adj. 2. of a person: minded, disposed; chiefly in combination with well-, ill-, etc. ...c1205
• BETHOUT conj. unless ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
prep. without ...1800 Eng. dial.
• BETHRALL †* vb. to enthrall, to enslave ...1596
• BE THRONG IN THE REED vb. to be too much crowded ...1853-62 Ireland
• BETHROUGH †* prep. throughout ...c1425
• BETHROW †* vb. to twist about, to torture ...1393
• BE THROWN BACK vb. to suffer a relapse in illness ...1899 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BETHUMP vb. to thump soundly ...1595
• BETHWACK vb. to pelt, to thrash, to cudgel soundly ...1555
• BETIDE †* n. befalling, event, fortune, chance ...1590
vb. 1. to happen, to befall ...c1250
† vb. 2. to become or befit anyone ...1554
• BETIDER †* n. that which befalls; an accident ...1674
• BETIDING † n. happening, occurrence ...c1374
• BETIE † vb. to tie round, to bind fast ...1578
• BETIMBER † vb. to build ...a1000
• BETIME † adv. 1. at an early hour, early in the day ...c1250 exc. Eng. dial.
† adv. 2. in good time, early, seasonably ...a1300
† vb. to betide, to happen, to befall ...a1225
• BETIME adv. early ...1875 Eng. dial.
• BETIMED adj. exhausted by fatigue ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETIMELY †* adj. early ...1594
• BETIMES adv. 1. at an early time, period, or season; early in the year, early in life ...c1314 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
adv. 2. in good time, in due time; while there is yet time, before it is too late ...c1380
adv. 3. in a short time, soon, speedily, anon, forthwith ...c1400
adv. 4. at an early hour, early in the morning ...1481
adv. 5. occasionally, now and then ...Bk1911 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• BETINE †* vb. to set fire to ...1659
• BET-LICK n. the conquering blow ...1895 Sc.
• BETOIL † vb. to worry or exercise with toil ...1622
• BETOKEN † vb. 1. to signify, to mean; to denote, to express in words ...c1175
† vb. 2. to be a type or emblem of; to typify, to symbolize ...c1175
• BET ONE'S BLUE BAR vb. to be certain of something ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BET ONE'S SHIRT ON vb. to bet all one's money on, esp. a horse in a race ...1892
• BETONGUE vb. to assail with the tongue; to abuse ...1639
• BE TOO BIG FOR ONE'S BRITCHES vb. to assume more than one's proper authority; to feel important, independent, or disturbingly confident ...1835 Amer. dial.
• BE TOOK vb. 1. to be arrested ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to die ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BE TOOK BAD adj. discomfited ...1900s sl.
vb. to have fallen ill ...M19 sl.
• BE TOO SLOW TO CATCH A COLD vb. to be extremely slow ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BE TOO SLOW TO CATCH THE ITCH vb. to be extremely slow ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BE TOO SLOW TO CATCH THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH vb. to be extremely slow ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BETORN † adj. torn; torn about the sides, tattered ...a1300
• BE TO THE DOOR vb. to be taken by surprise ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BETOTLED adj. confused, distressed, bewildered, stupid ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BETOTTLED adj. confused, distressed, bewildered, stupid ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BETOUCH-US-TOO! † int. alas! well-a-day! ...1725 Sc.
• BET-PIYAN n. a polecat or skunk ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BETRADE † vb. to betray ...c1375
• BETRAISE † vb. 1. to betray ...a1300
† vb. 2. to be a traitor to; to be treacherous; to deceive the trustful or innocent ...c1374
† vb. 3. to reveal, to disclose incidentally ...c1400
† vb. 4. to seize, entrap, ensnare the unsuspecting ...c1400
• BETRAISH † vb. 1. to betray ...a1300
† vb. 2. to be a traitor to; to be treacherous; to deceive the trustful or innocent ...c1374
† vb. 3. to reveal, to disclose incidentally ...c1400
† vb. 4. to seize, entrap, ensnare the unsuspecting ...c1400
• BETRAISING † n. betraying ...c1385
• BETRAP † vb. 1. to catch in a trap; to entrap, to ensnare, to circumvent, to enclose ...a1000
† vb. 2. to deck, to adorn ...1509
• BETRAUT † vb. to betray ...c1400 N. Eng. dial.
• BETRAVAIL † vb. 1. to work at; to compose a book, to be the author of, to write ...1387
† vb. 2. to do violence to, to violate, to rape ...1388
† vb. 3. to work for; to earn by labour ...1393
• BETRAY † vb. to cheat, to disappoint ...1588
†* n. a treacherous giving up to an enemy; betrayal ...1600
• BETRAYMENT * n. betrayal ...1548
• BETRAYNTED †* adj. over-excited, borne or carried away ...1583
• BETRENCH †* vb. to cut up, to carve, to slash ...1656
• BETREND † vb. to wind or draw round; to encompass ...c1374
• BETROTHED † adj. plighted, pledged ...1651
• BETROW † vb. to trust ...1556
• BETRUMP †* vb. to deceive, to cheat; to elude, to slip from ...1513
• BETRUMPET * vb. to trumpet the praises of, to commend or praise loudly ...1828
• BETRUST † n. an entrusting, a trust ...1656
† vb. 1. to trust, to place confidence in a person ...c1440
† vb. 2. to entrust ...1619
• BETRUSTED † adj. trusted in, or confided in ...a1461
• BETRUSTMENT † n. an entrusting, a trust ...Bk1888
• BETSEY n. a gun; often applied to one's favourite gun ...1832 sl., orig. US
• BETSY n. a gun; often applied to one's favourite gun ...1832 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a cow or calf ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. an automobile ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BETTAMY adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTANT † adj. in a hurry, hastening eagerly ...c1400
• BETTER adj. 1. of the hand or foot: the right ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. greater, more higher in price ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. repeatedly; with renewed efforts ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. the best ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to improve in health ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER A LATE THRIVE THAN NEVER DO WELL † phr. applied to one who marries or otherwise prospers late in life ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BETTER-CHEAP adj. cheaper, at a less price ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER END n. the higher classes; a superior kind; the greater part, majority ...1848 Eng. dial.
• BETTER FASHION adj. recovering from illness ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTER FRACTION n. one's wife ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BETTERGATES adv. in a better way or manner ...1892 Sc.
• BETTER HALF n. a spouse ...1842 sl.
• BETTER HAND, THE † n. the upper hand, superiority ...1523
• BETTER HAVE THE QUEEN FOR ONE'S AUNT THAN THE KING FOR ONE'S UNCLE phr. used to express the relative value of male and female influence ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BETTER HOYLE n. a parlour ...1879 Eng. dial.
• BETTERING n. amendment ...1863 Eng. dial.
• BETTERINGS n. superiors, those in a higher position ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTERISH adj. somewhat better, of somewhat superior sort ...colloq.
• BETTER-LIKE adj. better-looking; looking better in health, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTERLINS adv. better ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTERLY adj. better; superior ...1882 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMENT n. improvement ...1885 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BETTERMER adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMORE adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMOST adj. best, superior, above the average ...1744 colloq.
n. the advantage, the upper hand ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTERMY adj. superior, better ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETTER PENNY n. something in addition ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTER SIDE n. what is more or older than ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTERSOME † adj. better ...1843 Amer. dial.
• BETTER SORT n. the upper classes ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTER THAN A KICK IN THE HIND-END adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BETTER THAN A KICK IN THE PANTS adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE adequate ...1852
• BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE WITH A BURNT STICK adequate ...1852
• BETTER-TO-DO adj. 1. above the well-to-do in social condition or worldly circumstances; more prosperous ...1898
adj. 2. well-off ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BETTING TOOL n. a racehorse ...Bk1942 Amer. turf sl.
• BETTLE n. a blow, a stroke ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BETTY n. 1. a nickname for the kettle ...1879 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a short crowbar, used by housebreakers ...Bk1896 sl.
n. 3. a country lass ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 4. a chamber pot ...1912 Amer. dial.
n. 5. a woman; a schoolteacher ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 6. a young attractive woman ...1989 US sl.
vb. to idle; to do petty work ...1882 Eng. dial.
• BETTY ABOUT vb. to fuss about, like a man who busies himself with a woman's duties ...1851 colloq.
• BETTY-CAT n. a she-cat ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETTYFUSS n. a fussbudget ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BETWADDLED adj. infatuated; so in love as to be unable to use good judgement ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BETWATTLE vb. to bewilder ...1844 Eng. dial.
• BETWATTLED adj. 1. in a distressed and confused state of mind; confounded, bewildered, stupefied, surprised ...1790 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. hardly sober ...19C Eng. dial.
adj. 3. infatuated; so in love as to be unable to use good judgement ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE phr. without a satisfactory alternative; in difficulty; bewildered; perplexed; baffled ...Bk1942 Amer. colloq.
• BETWEEN BUZZARD AND HAWK adj. neither good nor bad, nondescript ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN DAYLIGHT AND DAYLIGHT phr. during the night ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN GRASS AND HAY phr. between summer and winter ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN-HANDS adv. at intervals ...1801 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN HAWK AND BUZZARD phr. 1. in a difficult or uncomfortable position ...1856 Amer. dial.
phr. 2. at twilight, when it is too dark to tell a hawk from a buzzard ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN HAY AND GRASS phr. 1. between boyhood and manhood; not fully mature ...1848 Amer. dial.
phr. 2. vague; indefinite; inconclusive; colourless ...1928 Amer. dial.
phr. 3. between seasons of plenty, hence, in a difficult or uncomfortable position ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN JOBS n. a short cigar ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN-MAID n. a maidservant who assists both the cook and the housemaid ...1890
• BETWEENS n. intermediate things or events ...1872
• BETWEENST adv., prep. between ...1887 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN THE BARK AND THE WOOD phr. a well-adjusted bargain where neither party has the advantage ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN THE BEETLE AND THE BLOCK adj. in a precarious or dangerous position ...1589
• BETWEEN THE FACE AND EYES phr. where a blow or shocking news hits ...1975 US sl.
• BETWEEN THE LIGHTS n. twilight ...1862 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN THE TINING AND THE WINNING phr. said of being in a critical position, which may result either in ruin or in success ...1825 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN THE TWO WORLDS adj. almost unconscious ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN TOWN AND TOWN phr. while going from one place to another ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN TWO MINDS adj. in doubt or suspense; undecided ...1862 Ireland & Sc.
• BETWEENWHILES adv. in the interval, at intervals ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND JACK MUM adv. secretly, in confidence ...20C Irish sl.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE BED-POST adv. told in confidence ...1830 sl.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE GATE-POST adv. secretly; in confidence ...1871 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE LAMP POST adv. secretly; in confidence ...1941 Amer. dial.
• BETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE BED-POST phr. in all confidence or secrecy ...1830
• ׇBETWEEN YOU AND ME AND THE POST adv. secretly; in confidence ...1796 Amer. dial.
• BETWEESH prep. between ...1768 Sc. & Ireland
• BETWIT vb. to upbraid, to taunt ...1678 Eng. dial.
• BETWITCHELLED adj. overcome with inquisitiveness ...19C Eng. dial.
• BETWITTERED adj. excited, frightened, overcome with pleasing excitement ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWITTING n. upbraiding, reproach ...1869 Eng. dial.
• BETWIX prep. between ...1843 Eng. dial.
• BETWIXEN prep. between ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BETWIXT A BALK AND A BREAKDOWN phr. of health; about average ...1884 Amer, dial.
• BETWIXT AND BETWEEN adj. mediocre ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
phr. a temporary insignificant task between more important jobs ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BETWIXT AND BETWEENTIMES adv. meanwhile ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BETWIXT YOU AND ME AND THE GATE phr. between ourselves ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEUCH n. a person ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEUGH n. a branch or bough of a tree ...1859 Eng. dial.
• BE UH-UH vb. to be friends with ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BE UNCO vb. to feel oneself a stranger ...Bk1905 Sc.
• BE UNDER FULL STEAM vb. to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BE UNDER THE DAISY-MORES vb. to be under the ground, to be buried ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BE UP CACK STREET vb. to be in trouble ...20C Brit. sl.
• BE UP HER LIKE A RAT UP A DRAINPIPE phr. the assumption that a woman will be freely, easily and speedily sexually available to the speaker ...1960s sl., orig. Aust.
• BE UP HER LIKE A RAT UP A RHODODENDRON phr. the assumption that a woman will be freely, easily and speedily sexually available to the speaker ...1960s sl., orig. Aust.
• BE UP IN THE RALS vb. to be in a great passion ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• BE UPON THEIR JACKS vb. to have an advantage ...Bk1896 sl.
• BE UPON VELVET vb. to have an advantage ...1785
• BE-U-TIFUL adj. resplendently beautiful; gorgeous ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEVAAR vb. to protect, to guard ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BE VAST AGAINST ANYONE vb. to be very much opposed to anyone ...Bk1905 N. Ireland
• BEVEL adj. aslant, not straight ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 1. a strong push; a staggering blow ...1715 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a slope, a declivity ...1869 Eng. dial.
vb. to fit, to apply, to suit ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BEVELLING n. a beating ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVER n. 1. light refreshment between meals; a snack ...E16 now chiefly colloq. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. any drink ...1851 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a shiver, a tremor; a state of trembling ...1854 Eng. dial.
n. 4. the quivering of the under-lip, which precedes crying ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to shake, to quiver, to tremble, esp. with cold or fear ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. of cold: to shrivel up, to pinch ..Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. of the lips or chin; to quiver, to tremble ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVERAGE n. a fine, either in money, drink, or kisses, demanded of anyone on the first wearing of new clothes; esp. used in the phrase "to pay beverage" ...1870 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BEVERING adj. trembling, quivering, shaking ...1863 Eng. dial.
n. the quivering of an infant's under-jaw when yawning ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVERLEY CROP n. close-cropped hair ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BEVER-TIME n. an interval allowed for refreshment, in the morning and afternoon ...1859 Eng. dial.
• BEVERY adj. shivery, tremulous ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVIE n. 1. a drink; usually applied specifically to a drink of beer ...1889 Brit. sl.
n. 2. a jog, a push ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a large fire ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to drink alcohol ...1934 Brit. sl.
• BEVIL vb. to manage, to arrange ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEVIS vb. to jump about; to stagger; to walk unsteadily ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVISH n. unnecessary fuss or show; uncalled-for energy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. to jump about; to stagger; to walk unsteadily ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVISING adj. leaping, jumping ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEVVER vb. to quiver ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEVVIED adj. drunk ...1960 sl.
• BEVVY n. a drink; usually applied specifically to a drink of beer ...1889 Brit. sl.
vb. to drink alcohol ...1934 Brit. sl.
• BEVY n. a drink, esp. of beer or other alcoholic liquor ...1889 sl.
vb. to drink, esp. beer or other alcoholic liquor ...1934 sl.
• BEW vb. to bend, to twist ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEWATTLED adj. confused, distressed, bewildered, stupid ...1790 Eng. dial.
int. an exclamation of anger or vexation ...Bk1898 Eng. dial. 082
• BEWAVE vb. to lay wait for; to overcome by mean stratagem ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEWCASTLE n. a term of reproach ...1883 Eng. dial.
• BEWEEP vb. to bewail ...1898 Eng. dial.
• BEWER n. a woman, esp. one seen as sexually appealing and/or of loose character ...E19 sl., orig. tramp
• BEWEST adv. to the west of ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEWRAY vb. to defile with ordure, to dirty ...1678 Eng. dial.
• BEWHAPPED † adj. utterly confounded; bewildered, amazed, astonished ...c1320
• BEWHATLED †* adj. bewildered, out of one's wits ...1641
• BEWHIVERED adj. bewildered, confounded ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BEWIDDIED adj. bewildered; deranged ...1822 Sc.
• BEWILDERED adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWILL vb. to cause to go astray ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BE WILLING TO GIVE ONE'S EARS vb. to be ready to make any sacrifice ...1883
• BEWITCHED adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWITCHER n. an attractive young woman ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWITCHTRESS n. an attractive young woman ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BEWITH n. a temporary substitute, a makeshift ...1724 Sc.
• BEWIVERED adj. bewildered, confounded ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BE WORN TO THE BACK-HALF vb. to be nearly worn out ...1825 Sc.
• BE WORTH A PLUM vb. to be rich ...c1710 colloq.
• BE WORTH ONE'S CORN vb. to be worth one's wages, one's keep ...M19 colloq., orig. farmers'
• BEWOTTLE vb. to confuse or render light-headed ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BE WRAPPED IN HIS MOTHER'S SMOCK vb. to be born lucky ...18C
• BEWRAYED adj. seized with a foolish fit of talking ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BEWREAK † vb. to revenge ...1422-61
• BE WRONG IN ONE'S GARRET vb. to be foolish or wanting in intellect, or suffering from temporary delirium ...1869 sl.
• BEY n. a room of a cottage or house ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEYOND ONE'S DEPTH phr. beyond the range of one's competence or understanding
• BEYOND THE BEYOND adj. unexpected, incredible, out of the way ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
n. a very out-of-the-way place ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
• BEYONT adv. beyond, yonder ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEYON'-THE-BEYONT adj. quite incredible; quite out of the way ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BE YOUR AGE! int. a term of contempt based on condemning someone who the speaker considers is acting childishly ...1920s sl., orig. US
• BEYSAND adj. quite at a loss; benumbed; stupefied ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEYURN vb. to raise ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEYZLESS adj. extreme ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. extremely ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEZLE vb. to talk ignorantly or at random ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEZOM-HEAD n. a foolish, stupid person ...1889 Eng. dial.
• BEZONIAN † n. 1. a raw recruit ...1592
† n. 2. as a term of contempt: a needy beggar, a poor wretch; a base fellow, a mean, low person; a knave, a rascal, a scoundrel ...1592
• BEZONTER ME! int. an expletive denoting surprise ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZOOMS n. breasts ...1928 sl., orig. US
• BEZZLE vb. 1. to waste, to squander; also, to embezzle ...1703 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to drink immoderately; occasionally, to be gluttonous ...1746 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to slope, to bevel ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZZLED adj. drunk, besotted with drink ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZZLER n. 1. a drunkard ...1886 Eng. dial.
n. 2. anything very large of its kind ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEZZLING adj. gluttonous, intemperate ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• B.F. n. 1. a foolish person, a 'bloody fool' ...1925 sl., orig. Brit. services' usage
n. 2. a boyfriend ...1920s US college sl.
n. 3. a pimp ...1930s sl.
n. 4. in a lesbian couple: the 'male' ...1970s US homosexual sl.
vb. 1. to subject to anal intercourse ...1960s US sl.
vb. 2. to treat unfairly; to cheat; to deceive ...1970s sl.
vb. 3. to injure ...1980s US sl.
• B.F.A. n. somewhere very far away (Butt Fucking Africa) ...1980s US college sl.
• B.F.D.! int. so what! I should care less! (Big Fucking Deal) ...1960s US sl.
• B.F.E. n. somewhere very far away (Butt Fucking Egypt) ...1980s US college sl.
• B FLAT n. a bug; a bedbug ...1853
• B.G. n. a Baby Gangster, one who is a member of a gang, but has yet to shoot or kill anyone ...1980s sl., orig. US Black & teen sl.
phr. before girls enlisted and complicated the army ...Bk1944 service sl.
• B-GIRL n. 1. a woman employed to encourage customers to buy drinks in a bar ...1936 US sl.
n. 2. a part-time prostitute, who frequents bars and uses them as a base for soliciting ...1930s sl., orig. US
n. 3. a homosexual who frequents bars and uses them as a base for soliciting ...1960s US homosexual sl.
n. 4. a Black female teenager, focused on rap music and the ghetto street lifestyle ...1980s US Black sl.
• B-HEAD n. a user of Benzedrine ...1950s drugs sl.
• B'HOY n. a rough or rowdy ...1846 US
• BI adj. bisexual ...1956 sl.
• BIAS † adv. 1. off the straight, awry ...E17
adv. 2. very ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. accustomed place or direction; also, usual procedure or habit ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BIB n. 1. a small drink; a sip; a small quantity of food ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. the stomach ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to drink continuously, but in small quantities; to tipple ...1781 Eng. dial.
• BIBACIOUS adj. given to drinking ...L17
• BIBACITY n. addiction to drinking, tippling ...L16
• BIB-ALL-NIGHT n. a heavy drinker, a drunkard, a confirmed toper ...1612 colloq.
• BIB AND TUCKER n. smart, holiday clothes ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BIBATION n. tippling; a drinking bout ...M19
• BIBBED adj. dressed up, decked out ...1876 Eng. dial.
• BIBBED UP adj. dressed up, decked out ...1876 Eng. dial.
• BIBBER n. 1. a tippler ...M16
n. 2. a tremor, a state of trembling ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. to tremble, to shake ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BIBBERING adj. quaking, trembling ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBBLE n. 1. a pebble, stone, fossil ...1895 Eng. dial.
n. 2. nonsense ...19C Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. tipple, drink, beverage ...19C Eng. dial.
† vb. 1. to drink frequently, to tipple ...a1529 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to eat like a duck, gathering up food and water together ...1552
vb. 3. to shed tears; to cry and sob; to snivel ...19C Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIBBLE-BABBLE n. idle talk, prating ...M16
vb. to indulge in idle talk ...1888
• BIBBLER n. a tippler ...M16
• BIBBLES n. 1. mucus from the nose ...19C Sc.
n. 2. nonsensical talk ...19C Irish
• BIBBLIE adj. snotty; blubbering ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIBBLIE-GAUGER n. the nose ...1881 Sc.
• BIBBLIN n. a nearly fledged chick of any bird ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBBLING adj. drinking ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BIBELOT n. a small curio or artistic trinket ...L19
• BIBITION n. drinking; a bout of drinking ...L15
• BIBITORY * adj. pertaining to drinking or tippling ...1696
• BIBLE n. 1. a book of any kind ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. the truth ...1920s US Black sl.
n. 3. the Army Field Manual ...Bk1944 service sl.
vb. to administer a flogging ...1859 Winchester School sl.
• BIBLE-BACK n. a hump-backed or round-shouldered person ...1890 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-BACKED adj. hump-backed or round-shouldered ...1857
• BIBLE-BANGER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy; an enthusiastically religious person ...1885 sl., chiefly Aust. & NZ
• BIBLE-BANGING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...colloq.
• BIBLE-BASHER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy; an enthusiastically religious person ...1885 sl., chiefly Aust. & NZ
• BIBLE-BASHING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...colloq.
• BIBLE-OATH n. a very solemn oath ...1836 Eng. dial.
• BIBLE-POUNDER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy ...1889 colloq.
• BIBLE-POUNDING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...1951 colloq.
• BIBLE-PUNCHER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy ...1889 colloq.
• BIBLE-PUNCHING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...1951 colloq.
• BIBLER n. a great Bible reader ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBLE-SCANT adj. neglected in a religious sense ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBLE-THUMPER n. a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. an evangelical member of the clergy ...1889 colloq.
• BIBLE-THUMPING adj. aggressively expounding or following the Bible ...1951 colloq.
• BIBLE-TRUTH n. God's truth ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBLIOGRAPH * n. a bibliographer ...E19
vb. to compile a bibliography of; to provide with a bibliography ...M20
• BIBLIOGRAPHER † n. 1. a writer of books; a copyist ...M17
n. 2. a practitioner of bibliography ...L18
• BIBLIOGRAPHIZE vb. to compile a bibliography of ...E19
• BIBLIOGRAPHY † n. 1. the writing of books ...L17
n. 2. a list of books of a particular author, printer, etc.; a list of works consulted in a scholarly work; a reading list ...E19
n. 3. the history or systematic description of books ...E19
• BIBLIOKLEPT n. a book thief ...L19
• BIBLIOLATRY n. extravagant admiration of a book or for books ...M18
• BIBLIOLOGY n. the branch of knowledge dealing with books, book-lore, bibliography ...E19
• BIBLIOMANCY n. divination by books; divination by verses of the Bible ...M18
• BIBLIOMANE n. one who has a passion for collecting and possessing books ...a1824
• BIBLIOMANIA n. a passion for the collecting and possession of books ...M18
• BIBLIOMANIAC adj. given to bibliomania ...E19
n. a person afflicted with bibliomania ...E19
• BIBLIOPEGY n. bookbinding as a fine art ...L19
• BIBLIOPHIL(E) n. a lover of books; a book collector ...E19
• BIBLIOPHILIST n. a lover of books ...1819
• BIBLIOPHILY n. love of books ...L19
• BIBLIOPOLE n. a dealer in books, esp. rare books ...L18
• BIBLIOPOLIST n. a dealer in books, esp. rare books; a bookseller ...1541
• BIBLIOPOLY n. bookselling ...M19
• BIBLIOTHEC adj. belonging to a library or librarian ...M17
n. a librarian ...M17
• BIBLIOTHECA † n. 1. the Bible ...OE
n. 2. a collection of books; a library; a bibliographer's catalogue ...E19
• BIBLIOTHECAL adj. belonging to a library ...E19
• BIBLIOTHECAR n. a librarian ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIBLIOTHECARY † n. 1. a library ...L16
n. 2. a librarian ...E17
• BIBLIOTHECK n. a library ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIBLIOTHÈQUE n. a library ...M16
• BIBLIOTHERAPY n. the use of reading matter for therapeutic purposes ...E20
• BIBLIOTHETIC adj. relating to the placing and arrangement of books on the shelves of a library ...1901
• BIBLOPHILIC adj. pert. to bibliophiles or bibliophily ...L19
• BIBSTER † n. a seller of ale ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIBULATE vb. to bibble or tipple ...1767
• BIBULOSITY n. addictedness to tippling ...1901
• BIBULOUS adj. 1. absorbent of moisture ...L17
adj. 2. relating to drink ...E19
adj. 3. given to drinking alcoholic liquors ...M19
• BIBULOUSNESS n. addictedness to tippling ...1844
• BIC vb. to understand ...1980 US military in Vietnam usage
• BICHO n. the penis ...1967 US sl. (Spanish)
• BICK n. a sluttish woman ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to leave alone ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. 2. to pat gently ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BICKER n. 1. a quick movement; the noise caused by a succession of rapid strokes ...1785 Sc.
n. 2. a skirmish, a fight; a scrimmage ...1824 Sc.
n. 3. a wooden beaker or drinking cup; a porridge dish; a bowl ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to move quickly; of a stream: to ripple, to flow ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to attack with repeated strokes, to pelt with stones; to strike repeatedly ...1827 Sc.
vb. 3. to indulge in rough or indelicate horseplay ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to move quickly and noisily ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BICKER-CUT n. hair-cutting by means of a bowl placed on the head ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BICKERING adj. hurrying, rushing ...1865 Sc.
• BICKNING n. a beacon, the summit of a hill ...1888 Eng. dial.
• BICKY n. 1. the game of hide and seek ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a child's word for a biscuit ...E20
vb. in the game of hide and seek: to hide one's eyes in order not to see where the others go to conceal themselves ...1887 Eng. dial.
• BICYCLE n. 1. a published translation of a foreign language work ...1900 US students' usage
n. 2. a motorcycle ...1937 US sl.
n. 3. a bisexual ...1982 US sl.
vb. in boxing: to jog backward from an opponent in the ring ...1949 US sl.
• BID n. 1. a request or an invitation ...1892 Eng. dial.
n. 2. an Irish servant-girl ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
n. 3. a prison sentence ...1965 US prison sl.
vb. 1. to invite, esp. to a wedding or funeral, at which attendance is regarded as compulsory ...1805 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to desire, to wish ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to pray ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BID A BEAD vb. to offer a prayer ...c1250
• BIDACIOUSLY adv. thoroughly, completely, extremely ...1915 Amer. dial.
• BID BASE † vb. to challenge ...1548
• BIDDABLE adj. obedient, docile ...1892 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIDDABLENESS n. docility; compliance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDDABLY adv. obediently, meekly ...1895 Sc.
• BIDDELS † n. the guests invited to a funeral ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDENABLE adj. obedient, docile ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDDER n. a person sent to invite the guests to a funeral, or occasionally to a wedding ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BIDDIE n. an attractive little girl or small old woman ...1940s US Black sl.
• BIDDING n. 1. an invitation, esp. to a funeral or wedding ...1655 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a wedding party at which a collection, in money or kind, is made for the bride and bridegroom ...1849 Sc.
• BIDDING-BELL n. the funeral bell, a small bell used immediately before the commencement of service ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDING-FEAST n. a funeral repast ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDLE-BADDLE adj. trifling, of small account ...1886 Eng. dial.
• BIDDY † n. 1. a chicken; a fowl ...E17 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
n. 2. (now mainly derogatory except in US Black use) an Irish maidservant ...1785 sl.
n. 3. (somewhat derogatory) a woman, esp. a young woman ...1785 sl.
n. 4. a louse; occasionally, a flea ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 5. a fussy, mean or quarrelsome old woman (usually as 'old biddy') ...1938 sl.
n. 6. an old ewe ...1939 Amer. dial.
n. 7. an attractive little girl or small old woman ...1940s US Black sl.
int. a call to fowls, ducks, or swans ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDY-BASE vb. of children: to run backwards and forwards, to patter about ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDDY COOP n. a chicken coop ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY-HEN n. a hen ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BIDDYKIN n. 1. a little chicken...1952 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a little person ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY-PECK vb. to nag, to hen-peck ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY-PECKED adj. henpecked ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY PEN n. a chicken coop ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIDDY'S EYES n. the pansy, Viola tricolor ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BIDE n. pain, suffering ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to tolerate, to endure ...1914 Amer. dial.
• BIDEABLE adj. bearable, tolerable ...1923 Amer. dial.
• BIDE-ABOUT vb. 1. to be given to drinking ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to loiter ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIDE A WEE vb. to stay a while ...1918 Sc.
• BIDGE vb. to buy ...1388 Eng. dial.
• BIDGEE WHALER n. an itinerant tramp whose 'beat' focuses on the rivers of New South Wales ...M19 Aust. sl.
• BIDING prep. excepting, except; in spite of ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. endurance; enduring ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDINGS n. sufferings ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIDNESS n. business ...1850s US Black sl.
• BIDSTAND † n. a highwayman
• BID THE TIME OF DAY vb. to wish good-morning ...1892 Eng. dial.
• BIE! int. come!; used as a call to chickens ...1924 Amer. dial.
• BIEL n. a shelter, refuge; a home, house; anything that shelters or shades ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to shelter, to protect; to take shelter ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIELD adj. sheltered ...1801 Sc.
n. shelter, refuge; also, a house, any object with shelters ...1725 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. to shelter, to protect; also, to take shelter ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BIELDING n. shelter; protection ...1724 Sc.
• BIELDY adj. snug, sheltered; affording shelter or warmth ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIELY adj. furnishing shelter; snug ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIEN adj. 1. good; excellent; first-rate ...16C sl.
adj. 2. snug, comfortable, cosy ...1725 Sc.
adj. 3. thriving, well-to-do ...1816 Sc.
n. £1 ... Bk1903 sl.
• BIEN-LIKE adj. having an appearance of comfort and well-being ...1808 Sc.
• BIENLY adv. comfortably, easily, happily ...1788 Sc.
• BIENNESS n. prosperity, comfort, the condition of being well-to-do ...1818 Sc.
• BIER †* n.1. a wave, a billow ...1250
n. 2. a shout; a complaint ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to roar as a bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIERLY adj. big, burly ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIF n. a sharp or quick blow ...1890 Amer. dial.
vb. to strike or hit ...1890 Amer. dial.
int. exclamation uttered when something strikes an object ...1905
• BIFARIOUS † adj. two-fold, double, ambiguous; capable of being interpreted in two ways; that may be understood two ways ...1656 arch. or obs.
• BIFF adv. with a short, sharp blow ...1847 Amer. dial.
n. 1. a whack, a hard punch or blow; a slap ...1847 Amer. sl.
n. 2. the bough of a tree ...1884 Eng. dial.
n. 3. in baseball: a base hit ...1908 US sl.
n. 4. zest; liveliness; zip ...1918 US sl.
n. 5. an offensive, unattractive, or promiscuous woman ...1929-32 US sl., chiefly Black usage
n. 6. a dumb, dunce-like girl ...1929-32 US sl.
n. 7. a lavatory ...1956 US sl.
n. 8. a black eye ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to whack, to hit hard, to strike ...1888 sl.
vb. 2. to refuse; to repulse ...1895 US students' sl.
vb. 3. to do a thing well ...1894 US Naval Academy usage
vb. 4. to study hard ...1900 US students' sl.
vb. 5. to fail ...1989 US students' sl.
int. used to describe the sound of a blow with the fist ...1924 Amer. dial.
• BIFF-BANG adv. noisily ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIFF-BOOM-BANG adv. noisily ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIFFED adj. drunk ...1925 US sl.
• BIFFER n. an offensive, unattractive, or promiscuous woman ...1929-32 US sl., chiefly Black usage
• BIFFING n. a beating ...1975 US sl.
• BIFFY adj. intoxicated with alcohol ...20C Brit. sl.
n. 1. a nickname for a short, pursy fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a lavatory ...1942 US sl.
• BIG adj. 1. great, important; of high position or standing ...1597 colloq.
adj. 2. of the wind: strong, violent ...1641 Eng. dial.
adj. 3. proud, haughty, consequential, conceited ...1828 Sc. & Eng. dial.
adj. 4. great with young, pregnant ...1855 Eng. dial.
adj. 5. of money: in large amounts ...1887 US colloq.
adj. 6. of a river or water: swollen, in flood ...1890 Eng. dial.
adj. 7. friendly, intimate, 'thick' ...Bk1898 Sc.
adj. 8. of a frost: severe ...1967 Amer. dial.
adj. 9. well-known, as by word of mouth ...1970 US sl.
adv. conspicuously; notably; also, with great success, to a great extent ...1865
n. 1. a pap, or teat ...1682 Eng. dial.
n. 2. an influential, important, or celebrated person; a big shot ...1948 US sl.
vb. 1. to build ...1737 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to make big, to magnify ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to build a nest ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to make pregnant ...1917 Amer. dial.
vb. 5. to exaggerate ...1972 Amer. dial.
• BIG 8 n. one eighth kilogram of crack ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG A n. 1. an Atlas ICBM ...1959 US Air Force usage
n. 2. Atlanta, Georgia ...1976 US sl.
n. 3. Australia ...1987 US sl.
• BIG A, THE n. 1. a city or other named entity that bears the initial A ...1955 US sl.
n. 2. New York City ...1980 US sl.
n. 3. the disease AIDS ...1986 US sl.
• BIG AMERICA n. the United States ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGAMIZE vb. to commit bigamy ...a1861 US
• BIG AND PRONTO adv. immediately; shortly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ANIMAL n. a bull ...19C US rural euphemism
• BIG APPLE n. any big city or town ...1944 US sl.
• BIG APPLE, THE n. 1. Broadway and the jazz and entertainment centres of New York City; hence, New York City itself ...1909 US sl.
n. 2. in horse racing: the New York metropolitan racing circuit, including the major Long Island tracks ...1921 US sl.
n. 3. a dance popular in the late 1930s ...1937
n. 4. the highest prize ...1971 US sl.
• BIG AS A BARN DOOR adj. very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG AS A BARN SIDE adj. very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG AS A BEE'S KNEE adj. of a very small size; trifling, insignificant ...1838
• BIG AS A BUSHEL adj. very large ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG AS ALL OUTDOORS, AS n. something in the extreme ...1825 Amer. dial.
• BIG AS BULL BEEF adj. as proud as a peacock, vain, self-centred ...Bk1898 Eng.
• BIG ASK n. 1. the asking price for a racehorse that is considered over-priced ...1989 Aust. sl.
n. 2. a request ...1994 Aust. sl.
• BIG AS S adj. as proud as a peacock, vain, self-centred ...Bk1898 Eng.
• BIG-ASS adj. big, important, or overly important ...1955 US sl.
n. (usually as 'big ass') an influential, important or celebrated person; a big shot; used derisively ...1963 US sl.
vb. to make a fool of ...1984 US sl.
• BIG-ASS BIRD n. a usually multi-engine airplane having very large tail surfaces; the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress ...1961 US aviation usage
• BIG-ASSED adj. large ...1945 US sl.
• BIG-ASSED BIRD n. a usually multi-engine airplane having very large tail surfaces; the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress ...1965 US aviation usage
• BIG AS THE SIDE OF A MEETINGHOUSE, AS adj. very fat ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG AUGER n. an important person; a boss; a foreman ...1868 US West usage
• BIG B n. 1. a nickname for Berlin; also with 'the' ...1944 US Air Force usage
n. 2. Baltimore, Maryland ...1974 US sl.
• BIG BABOON n. an oaf; a jerk ...20C sl.
• BIG BAG n. a large bag of heroin; heroin ...1969 US sl.
• BIG BANANA n. an important or influential person; a boss ...1984 US sl.
• BIG BANANA, THE n. the top prize or recognition; the focus of interest or attention ...1980 US sl.
• BIG BANG, THE n. the deregulation of the London Stock Exchange on 27 October, 1986, when a number of complex changes in trading practices were put into effect simultaneously ...1983 sl.
• BIG BEAN n. a person of importance ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG-BEE n. a drone ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BIG-BELLIED adj. having a big belly, corpulent; hence, pregnant ...1803
• BIG BEN n. 1. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. in craps: the point ten ...1962 US sl.
• BIG BENCH, THE n. the United States Supreme Court ...1929 US journalists' usage
• BIG BERTHA n. 1. a German long-range gun of the heaviest calibre; broadly, a heavy artillery piece ...1914 military usage
n. 2. a heavy artillery shell fired by a Big Bertha gun ...1915
n. 3. an overweight or heavy woman; often used as a derisive nickname ...1921 US sl.
n. 4. something unusually large or impressive ...1931 US sl.
• BIG BILL n. $1000 ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• BIG BIT n. a long prison sentence ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• BIG BITCH n. a conviction under any crime that carries a mandatory life sentence, or a sentence so long that it is an equivalent ...1960s US prison sl.
• BIG BLINK n. death ...1970s sl.
• BIG BLOKE n. 1. a boss, a superior ...1910s Aust. sl.
n. 2. cocaine ...1930s drugs rhyming sl.
• BIG BLOW n. 1. a boaste0, a braggart ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a hurricane ...20C Aust. & US sl.
• BIG BLUE n. 1. IBM corporation ...1984 US sl.
n. 2. the University of Michigan; a sports team. esp. the football team, of the University of Michigan ...1987 US students' sl.
• BIG BOARD n. any major stock exchange ...1934 US sl.
• BIG BOARD, THE n. the New York Stock Exchange Inc. ...1984 US sl.
• BIG BOAT n. a large, traditional American car, esp. a large station wagon ...1910s sl.
• BIG BOB n. an aristocrat; a notable person ...L19 sl.
• BIG BOOB n. a stupid fellow ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BIG BOOT n. 1. the General ...Bk1944 service sl.
n. 2. a powerful person; an important or influential person ...1969 US sl.
• BIG BOPPER n. a superior person or one who claims to be ...1980s US sl.
• BIG BOPPER, THE n. a person holding paramount authority ...1966 US sl.
• BIG-BORE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG BOSS, THE n. God ...1926 US sl.
• BIG BOUT YAH adj. of a person: important ...1980s W. Indies usage
• BIG BOW-WOW n. 1. a regimental sergeant major ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. an important person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BOY n. 1. a large gun, generally of an eight-inch bore or more ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
n. 2. a term of address to a male; usually used ironically ...1918 sl., orig. US
n. 3. a high-ranking or important person ...1924 sl., orig. US
n. 4. a foolish, reckless, devil-may-care young man; a loveable idiot ...1920s US Black sl.
n. 5. the head of an organized crime syndicate or some equivalent figure ...1920s US criminals' sl.
n. 6. a judge of a high court ...1929 US sl.
n. 7. a stout fellow ...1942 Amer. dial.
n. 8. a shotgun ...1970s US sl.
vb. (usually as 'big-boy') to take advantage of someone; to bully or tease ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG BOY, THE n. God ...1962 US sl.
• BIG BOY WITH A FEVER n. 1. a man with a venereal disease ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. a passionate man ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BOZO n. a corpulent man ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BRAG n. a braggart ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG BRASS n. applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1899 sl., orig. US
• BIG BRAWL n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BROOK n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG BROTHER n. the penis ...1960s US gay sl.
• BIG BROWN EYES n. attractive female breasts ...1930s sl.
• BIG BROWNIES n. attractive female breasts ...1930s sl.
• BIG BROWN ONES n. MDMA ...1990s drugs sl.
• BIG-BUCK adj. expensive ...1990s US Black sl.
n. (usually as 'big buck') a large amount of money, esp. as earned by performers or stolen by criminals, or as a large, but non-specific price ...1950s sl., orig. US
• BIG BUCKS n. a large amount of money, esp. as earned by performers or stolen by criminals, or as a large, but non-specific price ...1950s sl., orig. US
• BIG BUG n. (often derogatory) a high-ranking or important person; a person of consequence ...1817 US. orig. & chiefly US
• BIG-BUGGISH adj. important, self-important ...1843 Amer. dial.
• BIG BULL n. a nickname for a camp foreman ...1925 Amer. loggers' sl.
• BIG BULLET n. an air-launched guided missile ...1985 US military usage
• BIG BURG n. a big city ...1918 US sl.
• BIG BURG, THE n. New York City ...1918 US sl.
• BIG BUS n. a large airplane ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG BUTT n. 1. an important person ...1912 US sl.
n. 2. an aristocrat ...1912 Amer. sl.
• BIG C, THE n. 1. cocaine ...1959 drugs sl.
n. 2. cancer ...1964 euphemism
n. 3. Chicago, Illinois ...1976 US sl.
n. 4. cirrhosis of the liver ...2000s sl.
• BIG CASINO adv. in an important, committed manner ...1990s US sl.
n. 1. the most important or influential person in a place etc. ...1893 US sl.
n. 2. a big or large person ...1900s US sl.
n. 3. one's best resource or asset ...1922 US sl.
n. 4. the best; the ultimate; the most important ...1920s US sl.
n. 5. anything terminal or fatal, esp. a disease, as cancer; also syphilis ...1930s US sl.
• BIG CHARLEY n. 1. a Chinook helicopter ...1966 US military usage
n. 2. the Federal Communications Commission ...1977 US sl.
• BIG CHEESE n. a high-ranking or important person ...1914 sl., orig. US
• BIG-CHESTED adj. conceited ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIG CHIEF n. mescaline ...20C US drugs sl.
• BIG CHILL n. an unfortunate or depressing state of affairs; death ...1984 US sl.
• BIG CHUMP n. a stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG CHURCH, THE n. no church at all ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BIG CLUCK n. a stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG CLUNK n. a stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG-COCK adj. big, huge ...1965 US sl.
• BIG COUGH n. a bomb ...1929 US criminals' sl.
• BIG CURTAIN n. death ...1904 US theatre usage
• BIG D n. 1. LSD ...20C drugs sl.
n. 2. Dallas, Texas ...1930 US sl.
n. 3. Dilaudid, a synthetic opiate ...1954 US sl.
n. 4. Denver, Colorado ...1969 US sl.
n. 5. Detroit, Michigan ...1961 US sl.
n. 6. in sports: defense ...1979 US sl.
int. damn! ,,,19C euphemism
• BIG D, THE n. 1. death ...1977 US sl.
n. 2. Dallas, Texas ...1978 US sl.
• BIGD n. a building, a house ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIG DAD n. one's grandfather ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG DADDY n. 1. a husband; a sweetheart ...1909 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a high-ranking or important person ...1948 sl., orig. US
n. 3. one's grandfather ...1955 Amer. dial.
n. 4. the penis ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIG DAME HUNTER n. a philanderer; one fond of women ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG DARK n. outer space ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIG DAY n. broad daylight ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BIG DAYLIGHT n. broad daylight ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BIG DEAL! int. used to indicate one is not impressed ...1951 sl., orig. US
• BIG DITCH n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG DOG n. a high-ranking or important person ...1843 US sl.
• BIG DOINGS adj. haughty, conceited, high-and-mighty ...1928 Amer. dial.
n. 1. a celebration, a party; a formal social ceremony or gathering ...1932 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a person who likes to brag ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG-DOME adj. intellectual ...1950s sl.
n. (usually as 'big dome') an intellectual, a scholar, esp. one who seems to hold eccentric or impractical opinions ...1930s sl.
• BIG DRINK n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG DUDE n. a self-important person; a person who tries to appear important ...c1960 Amer. dial.
• BIG E, THE n. dismissal (E = elbow, dismissal) ...1982 Brit. sl.
• BIG-EAR vb. to listen intently ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BIG EARS n. eavesdropping ears ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ENCHILADA n. a high-ranking or important person ...1973 US sl.
• BIG END n. the greater or most important part ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIGENOUS adj. inherited from both parents ...1894
• BIGENT n. a first year's student at a Scotch university ...1812 Sc.
• BIGETY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BIG EYE adj. greedy; covetous ...1947 US Black sl.
n. 1. television ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 2. insomnia ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG-EYED adj. 1. greedy, covetous ...1947 Amer. Black usage
adj. 2. self-important ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG FEELER n. an arrogant or haughty person; a person who acts important ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG-FEELING adj. haughty, proud, conceited, putting on airs ...1887 Amer. dial.
• BIG FELLOW adj. large, a quantity ...Bk1892 Aust. aboriginal usage
n. the head of an organized crime syndicate or some equivalent figure ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• BIG FISH n. a high-ranking or important person ...1836 sl., orig. US
• BIG FLAKE n. cocaine ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG FRACAS n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG FRIEND n. a bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGG vb. to build; to build a nest ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIGGED adj. pregnant ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BIGGEDY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BIGGEN vb. 1. to recover strength after lying-in ...1811 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to grow big, to increase in size ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to give oneself airs ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGENING n. the recovery of a woman after confinement ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGER n. a builder ...1862 Sc.
vb. 1. to build ...1860 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to increase in size; to grow bigger ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGER AND BETTER adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIGGER HALF n. one's husband ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BIGGEST TOAD IN THE PUDDLE n. an important or self-important person ...1851 Amer. dial.
• BIGGETY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1933 Amer. dial.
• BIGGIE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. a high-ranking or important person ...1926 sl., orig. US
• BIGGIES n. defecation ...1953 Brit. sl., a children's word or euphemism
• BIGGIN n. 1. a building; a house; a cottage; the act of building ...1811 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial.
† n. 2. an afternoon meal ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGING n. the act of building ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIG GIRL'S BLOUSE n. an ineffectual male, often with suggestion of effeminacy ...1983 Brit. sl.
• BIG GIRL WITH THE TORCH n. the Statue of Liberty ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGGIT adj. 1. built ...1813 Sc.
adj. 2. wealthy ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIGGITY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1880 Amer. dial.
• BIGGLE vb. to blindfold ...1876 Eng. dial.
• BIGGLY n. the game of blindman's buff ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIGGOTY adj. conceited, vain, self-important; impudent, boastful ...1943 Amer. dial.
• BIGGUMS adj. overweight ...20C teen & high school sl.
• BIG GUN n. a high-ranking or important person ...1834 sl.
• BIG GUY n. 1. a corpulent man ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. an important man ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGGY adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG H. n. heroin ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG HAIR n. long hair teased and lacquered into a large bouffant ...1988 sl., orig. US
• BIG HALF-PINT n. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG HARRY n. heroin ...20C drugs sl.
• BIG HAT n. 1. a self-important person; one who acts important ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a law enforcement officer; a policeman; a sheriff ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a person of Mexican heritage ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG-HEAD n. arrogance, conceit ...1853 US
n. 2. one having an inflated opinion of himself; a conceited person ...Bk1913-17 Amer. sl.
n. 3. a headache ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. (usually as 'bighead') a tadpole ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 5. (usually as 'bighead') a kind of cigar ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG-HEADED adj. conceited ...1942 sl.
• BIG-HEARTED adj. generous ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG HERB n. an important person; used sarcastically ...c1905 Amer. dial.
• BIGHES n. jewels, ornaments ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG HIT n. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG HOLE n. 1. in railroading: an emergency stop ...1930 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the lowest gear of a truck or other vehicle ...1947 Amer. dial.
vb. in railroading, logging, and trucking: to stop quickly ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BIG HOLE IT vb. in trucking: to apply brakes for an emergency stop ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG HOLE THE AIR vb. in railroading, and logging: to stop quickly ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BIGHORNIE n. the devil ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG HOUSE n. 1. the main house on a plantation ...1811 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the workhouse ...1868 Eng. dial.
n. 3. the principal room of a house; the living room ...1903 Amer. dial.
• BIG HOUSE, THE n. prison ...1916 sl., orig. US
• BIGHT n. 1. a bend, esp. a curve in the animal or human body ...1691 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a bay, a creek; a projection in a river ...1891 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIGHTSOME adj. having an air of ease combined with activity; light, active ...1790 Sc.
• BIG I n. an important or self-important person; a person who likes to brag ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIGIFIED adj. conceited, vain, stuck-up, self-important; impudent, boastful, egotistic ...c1960 Amer. dial.
• BIG IKE n. a self-important, conceited or pretentious person ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BIG I, LITTLE YOU n. an important or self-important person; a person who likes to brag ...1967 Amer. dial. online
• BIG INJUN n. a nickname for a coarse, boastful man ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BIGITE n. a conceited person ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG JEEP n. a large bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG JOHN n. a recruit from the country ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIG JUMP, THE n. death ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG KAHUNA, THE n. a large or important person or thing ...1980s US sl.
• BIG KNIFE † n. a White man, esp. a Virginian ...1750 US Indian usage
• BIG LAKE n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG LAZIES, THE n. laziness; a strong inclination to idleness ...1898 Amer. dial.
• BIG-LEAGUE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG LOOP n. the lasso of a cattle thief ...1940 Amer. dial., Western usage
• BIGLY † adj. pleasant, delightful, commodious ...1802 Sc.
adj. 2. in a haughty manner ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIG MAMA n. one's grandmother ...1946 Amer. dial.
• BIG MAMMA n. one's grandmother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG MAN n. 1. a drug supplier ...20C drugs sl.
n. 2. a gallon of wine ...1970 Amer. dial. DARE online
• BIG ME n. a person who likes to brag ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIG MISS n. a great loss by death, or by the departure of a friend ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG MISTER n. one's husband ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG MIX-UP n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG MONEY n. a large amount of money, high wages or salary ...1888 orig. US
• BIG MOTHER n. one's grandmother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG MOUTH n. 1. a loquacious talker; also implying boastfulness or lack of discretion ...1889 sl., orig. & chiefly US
n. 2. loquacity, talkativeness ...1890 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• BIG-MOUTHED adj. talkative ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG MUCKY-MUCK n. a superior or important person, whether actually or through pretension ...M19 US sl.
• BIG MUDDY n. the Missouri river ...1857 US
• BIG NANA n. one's grandmother ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG NECK n. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIGNET n. a bayonet ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG-NIECE n. the daughter of a nephew or niece ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG NIGGER n. (derogatory) an important, often self-important person ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG NOISE n. a high-ranking or important person ...1906 sl., orig. US
• BIG O. n. 1. opium ...20C drugs sl.
n. in railroading: the conductor ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BIG O, THE n. orgasm, esp. female orgasm ...Aust. sl.
• BIG OLD TIME n. an uproarious time; a spree ...M19 US sl.
• BIG ON adj. fond of; enthusiastic about; liking ...1867 orig. & chiefly US
• BIG ONE n. 1. an incredible story; a whopper ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a thousand dollars or a thousand-dollar bill ...1935 US sl.
n. 3. in cards: the joker ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ONES n. men of consequence ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIGOT n. highly secret information; a code word ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIGOTED adj. 1. stupid, self-willed (without reference to any religious intolerance) ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. conceited, vain, stuck-up, self-important; impudent, boastful, haughty ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BIGOTICAL † adj. bigoted ...1678
• BIGOTTY adj. haughty, conceited, bumptious, overbearing, self-willed ...1873 Eng. & Amer. dial.
n. pride, conceit, haughtiness ...1884 Eng. dial.
• BIG OX n. in railroading: the conductor ...1943
• BIG PA n. one's grandfather ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG PAPA n. one's grandfather ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG PASTURE n. a penitentiary ...1968 Amer. dial., Western usage
• BIG PAY n. high wages or salary ...1915 US
• BIG PIG n. a person who saves in a mean way or is greedy in money matters; a stingy person ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIG PLACE n. a jail or penitentiary ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG POND n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG POOL n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG PRETZEL, THE n. Philadelphia ...Amer. sl.
• BIG PUDDLE n. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG READY n. a thorough state of preparation; a good start ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BIG RING n. a square dance ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROAD n. a public driveway ...1818 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROCK n. a jail or penitentiary ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROD n. a machine gun ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG ROOM n. the principal room of a house; the living room ...a1883 Amer. dial.
• BIG ROW n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG RUMPUS n. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG RUSH n. cocaine ...20C drugs sl.
• BIGS n. a major sports league ...1973 US sl.
• BIG SAVAGE n. in logging: the general superintendent; a foreman ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIG SET-TO n. a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG SHIP n. a large airplane; a bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG SHOAT n. a boar ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BIG SHORTY n. a nickname for a fat person ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG SHOT n. a high-ranking or important person ...1927 sl., orig. US
• BIG SHOW n. 1. a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. war ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 3. an important or self-important person ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIGSIE adj. 1. rather large ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. proud, conceited; used contemptuously ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIG SLEEP, THE n. death ...1938 sl., orig. US
• BIG SMELL n. a seal ...Bk1942 Amer. circus sl.
• BIG SMOKE n. 1. aboriginal name for a town ...1848 Aust.
n. 2. London ...Bk1904
• BIG-SORTED adj. proud, stuck-up ...1890 Eng. dial.
• BIG SQUEEZE n. a boss or foreman; an important person; the leader of a gang; the head of any organization ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIG STAR n. a law enforcement officer, a sheriff ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIG STICK n. 1. military power ...Bk2004 Spanish-American War era
n. 2. a display of force ...1904 US
n. 3. a machine gun ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a fireman's ladder ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 5. person of authority, as a police officer or foreman; a marshal ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 6. an important or self-important person ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIG STICKS n. in logging: the woods ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG STIFF n. an uncouth person who is self-opinionated ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BIG SUCKER-AND-EGG MAN n. a person of wealth who is easily fleeced ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG SUGAR n. the owner of a ranch, a cattleman ...1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG-TALK adj. boastful, blustering ...1935 Amer. dial.
n. (as 'big talk') boasting ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BIG TEX n. Texas ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG THING n. any potentially notable event or achievement that does not come off as notable ...US Civil War usage
• BIG THING ON ICE, A n. a profitable venture; a good thing; something excellent ...1890 sl.
• BIG TICKET n. an honourable discharge from military service ...US Civil War usage
• BIG TIDE n. a flood ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIG-TIME adj. 1. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
adj. 2. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
adv. (usually as 'big time') totally, very ...20C teen & high school sl.
n. a convivial party or celebration; a social gathering; an enjoyable time ...1863 Amer. dial.
• BIG TOTER n. a shotgun ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG-TRUCE adj. important ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG TURKEY n. an ostrich ...Bk1942 Amer. circus sl.
• BIG 'UNS n. large trees ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIG UP vb. to confirm in an opinion; to devote one's self to an opinion, idea, purpose, or person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BI-GUY n. a bisexual male ...1973 sl.
• BIG WATER, THE n. 1. the ocean ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a flood ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BIG WHEEL n. a high-ranking or important person ...1942 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• BIGWIG n. a high-ranking or important person ...1703 sl.
• BIG WIND n. boasting ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BIG WOW n. 1. something beautiful or attractive ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 2. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIJEN! int. truly! an exclamation of surprise ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIKE n. 1. a gathering, an assembly of people ...1785 Sc.
n. 2. a nest of wild bees, wasps, etc.; a nestful of bees, a swarm ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. a habitation, a building ...1827 Sc.
n. 4. a windfall, an unexpected good fortune ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 5. the hook of the crook from which pots hang over a fire in cooking ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 6. a motorcycle ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 7. (derogatory) a promiscuous woman ...1945 sl., orig. Aust.
vb. to swarm like bees; also, to gather, to assemble, to crowd ...1790 Sc.
• BIKER'S SPEED n. methamphetamines ...20C drugs sl.
• BIKING n. a hive, a swarm ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIKINI STUFFERS n. the breasts ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIKKY n. a child's word for a biscuit ...E20
• BILBIE n. shelter, residence ...1891 Sc.
• BILBO † n. the penis
• BILCH n. 1. a very fat or lusty person, breathless from corpulence ...1768 Sc.
n. 2. a brat; a contemptuous term for a child ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. a monster ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 4. a little, crooked, insignificant person ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to limp, to halt ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILCHER n. one who limps ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILDER n. a scab ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. to work hard ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILDERING adj. lumbering, clumsy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILDERT † n. a term of contempt ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILE vb. to boil ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILED adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BILED AS AN OWL adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BILF n. 1. a large, clumsy person ...1819 Sc.
n. 2. a blunt stroke, a hit ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a term of contempt for a pursy person; a monster ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILGE n. 1. nonsense, rubbish ...1921 sl.
n. 2. a drinking spree; a binge ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. to be dismissed or obliged to resign ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
• BILIMENTS † n. clothing, habiliments ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILINGUOUS † adj. bilingual, speaking two languages ...1730
• BILIVE † adv. 1. speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† adv. 2. at once, immediately, directly ...c1220
† vb. to remain ...c1000
• BILK n. 1. a cheat, one who cheats ...1848 Eng. sl.
n. 2. a belch, eructation ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to cheat, to refuse to pay; to frustrate, to disappoint ...1820 Eng. sl.
vb. 2. to throw down or strike heavily; to thump ...1844 Eng. dial.
• BILKER n. 1. one who practises cheating ...1717 sl.
n. 2. one who hires a hackney carriage and slips off without paying ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILL n. 1. a banknote ...1826
n. 2. a divorce ...1894 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 4. a letter, a missive ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 5. (derogatory) a person's nose ...1942 Amer. dial.
n. 6. the police ...1950s sl.
n. 7. a police station ...1950s sl.
vb. 1. to work hard ...1790 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to divorce one's spouse ...1885 Amer. dial.
vb. 3. of a bird: to strike with the beak ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BILL, THE n. the police force in general; the law personified ...1969 Brit. sl.
• BILL AND COO vb. to caress and make other displays of affection ...1854 sl.
• BILLARD n. no-man's-land ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BILLATORY n. a restless bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILL-BLO n. a bull ...1806 Sc.
• BILLBOOK n. a pocketbook ...1895 Amer. dial.
• BILLED adj. distracted, half mad ...1869 Eng. dial.
• BILLET n. 1. a chunk of wood; a log, a piece of wood ...1750 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial.
n. 2. a note, letter, or document ...1847 Amer. dial.
n. 3. wood cut to a convenient size for burning ...1863 Eng. dial.
n. 4. a mess, a scrape ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLETING n. firewood ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLETT n. a chunk of wood; a small log, often used for firewood ...1837 Amer. dial.
• BILLFOLD n. a pocketbook to carry folded paper money; a wallet ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BILLFOLDER n. a pocketbook to carry folded paper money; a wallet ...1909 Amer. dial.
• BILL FROM THE HILL n. police officers serving at Notting Hill police station in London ...1950s sl.
• BILLIARD SLUM, THE n. false pretenses ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BILLIBUE n. a hullabaloo; a commotion, fuss, disturbance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLIE n. a brother; a comrade ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLIES n. overalls and blouse ...1905 Amer. dial.
• BILLIKIN n. a small 'billy' or tin can used as a kettle ...1926 colloq.
• BILLIZING n. a thrashing, a buffeting ...1882 Eng. dial.
• BILL-JOCK n. a bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILL-JUMP n. a person who doesn't pay his bills ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILL OF SALE n. a widow's weeds ...Bk1890 sl.
• BILLOWS n. snowdrifts ...1867 Eng. dial.
• BILLSEAG n. an old, castrated bull ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILL-SHOW n. a wild west show such as Buffalo Bill's ...1944 Amer. Western usage
• BILL-SHOW COWBOY n. a show-off cowboy of the Buffalo Bill show type ...1944 Amer. Western usage
• BILL-SWEATER n. a money-lender ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLUS vb. to beat, to flog ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BILL-WAGON n. a police patrol wagon ...L19 US sl.
• BILLY n. 1. a brother ...1686 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a young fellow ...1768 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
n. 3. a comrade, a friend ...1785 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• n. 4. a policeman's baton ...a1859 US
n. 5. a life-preserver (a short club with a heavy weighted end used as a weapon) ...1864 sl.
n. 6. a silk pocket handkerchief ...Bk1890 sl.
n. 7. a bull ...1896 Eng. dial.
n. 8. a lover ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 9. a binge; a drinking spree ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 10. a grasshopper ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 11. a law enforcement officer; a policeman ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. to bellow; to low ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILLY BARLOW n. a pocket knife ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BILLY BENTIE n. a smart roguish boy ...1825 Sc.
• BILLY-BLIN n. a benevolent sprite ...1806 Sc.
• BILLY-BLIND n . the game of blindman's buff; also, the one that is blindfolded in the game ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILLYBLINDER n. 1. the person who hoodwinks another in the game of blindman's buff ...1822 Sc.
n. 2. a 'blind', an imposture ...1822 Sc.
• BILLY BORN DRUNK n. a drunkard ...1895 Eng. sl.
• BILLY BOY n. a law enforcement officer; a policeman ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILLY BUMKIN n. a name for the first toe (the one beside the big toe) ...19C Eng. dial.
• BILLY-BUTTONS n. a simpleton ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY CALL FATHER n. weak tea ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLYCOCK HAT n. a Derby hat ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BILLY DEVIL n. the devil ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BILLY GOAT n. effrontery, nerve, pushiness, boldness ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-GOAT ALLEY n. the run-down or poor section of a town; a slummy place ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-GOAT HILL n. the run-down or poor section of a town; a slummy place ...1935 Amer. dial.
• BILLY GO NIMBLES n. an imaginary disease ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY HELL n. a desolate place; hell ...1903 Amer. dial.
• BILLYHOOD n. brotherhood ...1818 Sc.
• BILLY KNIFE n. a pocket knife ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-LAMB n. a lamb reared by hand ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY MAN n. a law enforcement officer; a policeman ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-MARIA n. a countrified or rustic person ...1908 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-MINAWKY n. a foolish or stupid fellow ...19C Eng. dial.
• BILLY-OF-THE-WISP n. will-o'-the-wisp ...1855 Eng. dial.
• BILLY WHICKER n. a woodpecker ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BILLY-WHIFFLER n. a fool; a simpleton ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WHIFFLING adj. playing the fool ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WINKER n. the elfin who closes the eyes of children at bedtime ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WI'-T'-WISP n. will-o'-the-wisp ...1855 Eng. dial.
• BILLY-WIX n. an owl; especially the barn owl ...1832 Eng. dial.
• BILOQUIST n. one who can speak with two different voices ...a1810
• BILOU n. nasal mucus ...1969 Amer. dial., nursery usage
• BILPERING adj. cheating; dishonest ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BILSH n. a short, plump person; a thriving, stout person or animal ...1823 Sc.
• BILSHIE adj. short and stout; plump and thriving ...19C Sc.
• BILT n. 1. a blow, a thud ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 2. a limp ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. a short, thickset person ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to go lame; to limp; to walk with crutches ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILTER n. a child ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BILTIE adj. thickset; clubbish; clumsy ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILTIENESS n. clumsiness ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BILTING adj. moving like a short, thickset person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIM adv. with a sharp blow ...1888 Amer. dial.
n. 1. an inhabitant of Barbados ...1852 colloq.
n. 2. the act of humming or buzzing ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a young woman, often with an implication of promiscuity; a woman of loose morals or a prostitute ...1925 US sl.
n. 4. the buttocks ...1935 sl.
vb. to hum, to buzz ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIMARICAL † adj. belonging to two seas ...1692
• BIMBETTE n. an adolescent or teenager considered sexually attractive but of limited intelligence ...1982 sl., orig. US
• BIMBO n. 1. (mainly derogatory) a male person; a fellow ...1918 sl., orig. US
n. 2. a woman, often with an implication of promiscuity ...1920 sl., orig. US
n. 3. a young woman considered sexually attractive but of limited intelligence ...1927 sl., orig. US
n. 4. a woman of loose morals or a prostitute ...1929 sl.
• BIMBO DOUGH n. money for a date ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIMBO DUST n. face powder ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIMBOMS n. church bells; hence, applied to anything hanging, as icicles, tags of a bonnet or dress, mucus hanging from the nose, cobwebs, etc. ...1679 Eng. dial.
• BIMBO NUTS adj. fond of girls or women ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIMEBY adv. presently, soon, before long ...1722 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BIMM n. an inhabitant of Barbados ...1852 colloq.
• BIMMER n. anything that hums or buzzes ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIMMY n. a prostitute ...20C sl.
• BIN n. 1. a hill, a mountain, a mountain-peak ...1788
n. 2. mood, humour ...1809 Sc.
vb. 1. to go ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. 2. to bind ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to curse ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to move or run swiftly ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 5. to dispose of ...1991 Brit. sl.
• BIN, THE n. a mental hospital ...1938 sl.
• BIND n. 1. capacity, ability, power ...1824 Sc.
n. 2. something boring or tiresome ...1930 Brit. sl., chiefly services' sl.
vb. 1. to swerve, to turn in a certain direction ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to bore ...1929 Brit. sl., chiefly services' sl.
vb. 3. to complain ...1943 Brit. sl., orig. services' sl.
• BIND, A n. something very troublesome or annoying ...1930 sl., chiefly Brit.
• BINDER n. 1. a large quantity, esp. of food ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. something boring or tiresome ...1930 Brit. sl., chiefly services' sl.
n. 3. cheese ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a complainer ...1944 Brit. sl., orig. services' sl.
n. 5. constipating food ...Bk1998 sl.
• BINDERER n. anything very large and good of its kind ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
• BINDERS n. brakes, esp. a hand brake ...1943 Amer. dial., orig. railroad usage
• BINDLE n. 1. a vagrant's bedding-roll ...1900 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a package containing narcotic drugs ...1921 sl.
n. 3. a small amount; a bit ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BINDLE MAN n. a tramp, a vagrant ...1900 Amer. sl.
• BINDLE STIFF n. a tramp, a vagrant ...1900 Amer. sl.
• BIND-POCK n. a niggard ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BINE-BINE adv. by and by ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BINEY n. a goblin; a bugaboo ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BING n. 1. a heap, a pile; also, a crowd ...1860 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a thump or blow ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 3. the sea beach ...Bk1911 Sc.
† vb. 1. to go ...1567 gypsy sl.
vb. 2. to pile in a heap; to accumulate ...1804 Sc. & N. Ireland
vb. 3. of milk or cream: to curdle, to turn sour ...1860 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to knock or strike ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 5. to slap, to hit ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BING-BANG n. expressing a repeated heavy thump or a continued banging noise ...1914 colloq.
• BING BOY n. a Canadian soldier ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BINGE n. a drinking spree ...1854 sl.
vb. 1. to bow; to cringe ...1724 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to drink alcohol excessively ...1854 sl.
vb. 3. to sneak, to cringe; to fawn; to bow ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to raise the spirits of ...1915 sl.
• BINGED adj. 1. drunk ...1916 sl.
adj. 2. vaccinated ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BINGEE n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINGER n. 1. something sharp or pungent, as a keen wind or frost, a draught of potent beer, or ardent spirits ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
n. 2. an advanced state of intoxication ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BINGEY n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINGHI n. (derogatory) an Australian Aboriginal ...1902 Aust. sl.
• BINGIE n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINGLE n. a coin of little value ...1921 Amer. dial.
• BINGLE-BANGLE adj. fickle, vacillating, irresolute ...1825 Eng. dial.
• BINGLY adv. comfortably ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BINGO n. brandy ...1861 sl.
• BING SPOT n. a vaccination mark ...Bk2004 Amer. World War I sl.
• BINGY adj. sour ...1863 Eng. dial.
n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINJY n. the stomach ...1832 Aust. sl.
• BINK n. 1. a bank, an acclivity ...1768 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a shelf; a frame of wooden shelves for holding earthenware in a kitchen; a plate-rack ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 3. a wasp's or wild bees' nest ...1823 Sc.
n. 4. a bending movement ...1828 Sc.
n. 5. a bench ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 6. a crease, a fold ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to bend, to bow down, to lean forward awkwardly; to curtsy ...1895 Sc.
vb. 2. to press down, to destroy the shape, esp. of shoes ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKART n. a heap of stones, clay, dirt, etc. ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKER n. a heap of stones or dirt ...Bk1898 Sc.
vb. to pile up in a heap ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKIE adj. gaudy, trimly-dressed, smart ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINKY n. 1. any little mechanical contrivance ...1912 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the buttocks ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BINMAN n. a refuse collector ...c1966 sl.
• BINN n. strength; excellence ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to bind ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BINNE-BINNE adv. by and by ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BINNER adj. more comfortable ...Bk1911 Sc.
adv. with much noise and force ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 1. a quick movement accompanied by much noise; a sounding blow ...1809 Sc.
n. 2. a quantity of work done ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 3. the boiling-point ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to move swiftly, to dash, to rush; to work with noise and energy ...1803 Sc. & N. Ireland
vb. 2. to strike so as to produce a humming or buzzing sound; also, to whirr, to buzz ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINNERAN n. a noisy movement, noise ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BINNEWATER n. a small lake ...1901 Amer. dial.
• BINNTHERER n. anything very large and good of its kind ...Bk1898 N. Ireland
• BINNY n. the belly ...1908 Amer. dial., nursery usage
n. 2. a man's overcoat ...1924 Amer. dial.
• BINOCS n. binoculars ...1943 sl.
• BINS n. 1. binoculars ...1971 sl.
n. 2. glasses ...1981 sl.
• BINT n. 1. (mainly derogatory) a (young) woman, esp. non-Caucasian ...1855 sl.
n. 2. (mainly derogatory) a woman regarded as a sex object ...L19 sl.
• BINXER n. a vulgar, loud-talking, blustering person; especially a commercial traveller of this kind ...1897 sl.
• BIONIC adj. highly skilled or capable ...1976 sl.
• BIOSCOPE † n. a view or survey of life ...1812
• BIOT n. any kind of support; a walking-stick ...1818 Eng. dial.
• BIR n. force, impetus ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRBECK n. the call of the moorcock or grouse ...1876 Sc.
• BIRD n. 1. the pupil of the eye ...1691 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a young woman; a girlfriend ...1838 sl., now chiefly Brit.
n. 3. an exceptionally smart or accomplished person; a first-rate animal or thing ...1842 US sl.
n. 4. a male person, a fellow ...1843 sl.
n. 5. the penis ...L19 sl.
n. 6. something beautiful or attractive ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 7. a fast man, woman, or horse ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 8. a prison sentence ...1924 Brit. sl.
n. 9. an attractive girl or woman...Bk1942 Amer. college sl.
n. 10. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 11. an airplane ...1950s Amer. sl.
n. 12. the female genitals; the vagina ...1960s sl.
n. 13. a point of contention or disagreement ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIRD, THE n. 1. a show of disapproval by an audience, esp. in the form of hissing ...1884 sl., orig. theatrical usage
n. 2. dismissal ...1924 sl.
• BIRD-AND-JOE adv. cheek-by-jowl, like Darby and Joan ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRD BATH n. a bath requiring a minimum of water ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BIRDBILL n. a violet ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRDBOAT n. an aircraft carrier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIRD-BOY n. a boy employed to scare birds from grain ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-BRAIN n. a slow-witted person ...1933 sl.
• BIRD-BRAINED adj. foolish, slow-witted, unintelligent, stupid ...1922 sl.
• BIRD-CAGE n. 1. a compound for prisoners in WWII
n. 2. a sedan ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 3. in the railroad: a brakeman's or switchman's lantern ...1945 Amer. dial.
• BIRD DOG n. the buttocks ...c1950 Amer. dial.
vb. to spend much time away from home; usually said of a man ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-DOGGER n. a person who tries too hard to gain somebody else's favour ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRD DOGGING n. dancing with a superior's girl ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIRD-DUFFER n. a bird-seller ...1851 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-EATER n. a person who eats little or is finicky about food ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIRDEEN n. a young bird; also, a young girl; used as a playful form of address ...1895
• BIRDER † n. a wild cat ...1712 Eng. dial.
• BIRD EYE n. a small marble ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-EYED adj. near-sighted ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRDIE n. 1. an affectionate or child's term for any (small) bird ...1792
n. 2. a small bird ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 3. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a soft roll of dust that collects on the floor under beds or other furniture ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BIRD IN THE MONKEY SUIT n. an aviator ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIRD-KEEP n. to frighten birds off new-sown corn and crops ...1863 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-KEEPER n. a boy employed to keep birds off the crops ...1863 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-KEEPING n. frightening birds off the crops ...1894 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-LIME n. imprisonment; a prison sentence ...1857 Brit. rhyming slang for 'time'
• BIRDMAN n. an aviator, an airman ...1909 colloq.
• BIRD-MINDER n. one who frightens birds away from a crop ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-MOUTHED adj. unwilling to speak out, shy of expressing an opinion ...1776 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIRD OF A LOOKER n. 1. something beautiful or attractive ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 2. an attractive young woman ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF DEATH n. a vulture ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BIRD OF FREEDOM n. the American eagle ..1848 US
• BIRD OF JOVE n. the eagle ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF JUNO n. the peacock ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF MINERVA n. an owl ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF PARADISE n. the nightingale ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD OF THE NIGHT n. 1. a prostitute ...17C sl.
n. 2. a wandering vagabond ...E19 sl.
n. 3. an owl ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD OF WASHINGTON n. the American eagle ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIRD O' SATAN n. the blue jay ...1959 Amer. dial.
• BIRD-PECK n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRDS AND BEES n. the sexual facts of life ...sl.
• BIRDSEED n. 1. nonsense ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a silly or stupid person ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIRD'S-EGGING n. one's affairs, business ...1854 Amer. dial. arch.
• BIRD'S-EYE MAPLE n. a light-skinned attractive Black woman ...Bk2002 Amer.
• BIRD'S NEST n. 1. the female genitals; the vagina ...L18 colloq.
n. 2. the navel ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BIRDSNIE † n. a term of endearment ...1661
• BIRD SNOW n. late spring snow ...1946 Amer. dial.
• BIRDS OF PREY n. lawyers ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIRD-STARVING n. frightening birds off grain ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD'S-WEDDING-DAY n. St. Valentines' day ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-TENTING n. driving away birds from crops ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-TIDES n. especially low tides occurring annually about midsummer ...1856 Eng. dial.
• BIRD-WITTED adj. lacking the faculty of attention; having no concentration; flitting from subject to subject; easily imposed on; thoughtless, inconsiderate ...1658
• BIRDWOMAN n. a female aviator ...Bk1933 colloq.
• BIRD-WORK vb. to leap, to hop, to progress by a series of high jumps ...1923 Amer. dial.
• BIRGE n. a bridge ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRK n. 1. the birch tree, Betula alba ...1815 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 2. a youth, a smart, young fellow ...1871 Sc.
n. 3. a foolish person ...1936 sl., chiefly Brit.
vb. to give a sharp answer; to converse in a lively manner ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIRKED adj. birched, punished with a birch rod ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRKEN adj. birch, made of birch ...1801 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. a birch tree ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRKENSHAW n. a small wood of birch trees ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRKIE adj. 1. sharp in speech; lively, spirited ...1821 Sc.
adj. 2. abounding with birches ...Bk1898 Sc.
n. 1. a term of address in conversation; 'old fellow' ...1725 Sc.
n. 2. a lively, smart young fellow; an active person ...1742 Sc.
• BIRKS n. a coppice or small wood consisting chiefly of birches ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIRK UP vb. to cheer up; to brisk up ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRKY adj. sharp in speech; lively, spirited ...1821 Sc.
n. 1. a term of address in conversation; 'old fellow' ...1725 Sc.
n. 2. a lively, smart young fellow; an active person ...1742 Sc.
• BIRL n. a whirring sound; a rapid twist or turn ...1892 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to spend money ...1776 Sc.
vb. 2. to move quickly; to hurry along; to run about ...1789 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to make a noise like the rapid turning of a wheel; to twirl round, to spin ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to drink hard; to carouse; to ply with drink ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRLE vb. 1. to pour out liquor, to pass round, to ply with drink ...1803 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to drink hard, to carouse ...1815 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIRLER n. a master of the revels, who presides at a feast ...1851 Eng. dial.
• BIRLIE n. a loaf of bread ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRLING adj. whirling with noise ...1865 Sc.
n. 1. a feast, a carousal; a drinking-match in which the drink is clubbed for ...1819 Sc.
n. 2. a whirring noise; a noisy, rapid revolution of a wheel ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRL THE BAWBEE vb. to make the money fly, to gamble or spend in drink ...1776 Sc.
• BIRN n. 1. the withered stems of garden or other plants ...1790 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a burden; a load carried on the back ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a burnt mark ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to burn ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRNY adj. of plants: having rough or stunted stems ...Bk1898 Sc.
• BIRR n. 1. a whirring noise ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. force, impetus, energy; violence; passion ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to be in a turmoil or confusion ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to move rapidly, to bustle; to act with energy ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to whir ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRRINGLY adv. with vigour, energetically ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRS n. the gadfly ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRSE n. 1. a bristle; hair; a plume of hair or bristles ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a bruise, contusion; pressure, a squeeze ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. temper, anger ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 4. to bruise, to crush, to squeeze, force, to press ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to get suddenly angry ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRSIE adj. hot-tempered, passionate ...1825 Sc.
n. a forward, impertinent child ...19C Sc.
• BIRSLE n. a thorough warming ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to scorch, to toast, to parch; to crackle with heat ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRSLIN' n. a scorching ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRST n. a small, impudent person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BIRTHDAME n. a midwife ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHDAY PARTY n. 1. a party to which one pays an admission fee based upon the number of birthdays one has had ...1906 Amer. dial.
n. 2. an orgy ...1960s euphemism
• BIRTHDAY SUIT n. a state of nature; nakedness ...1874 sl.
• BIRTH HOLE n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHMARK n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHNIGHT SUPPER n/ a social gathering to celebrate someone's birthday ...1928 Amer. dial.
• BIRTH-PUFFED adj. proud of one's descent ...1823
• BIRTHSCALD n. a birthmark ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BIRTHSPOT n. the navel ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BIRTH SUIT n. nakedness ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIRTLE vb. to behave boisterously ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT adj. easy ...20C teen & high school sl.
n. 1. a watch ...1905 Amer. jocular
n. 2. a square brown palliasse or mattress ...1917 military sl.
n. 3. the saddle horn ...1940 Amer. Western usage
n. 4. one's head ...1942 Amer. sl.
n. 5. a woman considered as a sex object ...M20 Amer. sl.
n. 6. a small bun or roll of hair ...c1960 Amer. dial.
n. 7. the buttocks ...1965 Amer. jocular
• BISCUIT BEGGAR n. (derogatory) a person of foreign background; an American Indian ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT BUSH n. an imaginary object used in teasing a naive or inexperienced person ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT-EATER n. a worthless dog; a dog of mixed and uncertain breed ...1970 Amer. dial. online
• BISCUIT GETTER n. a breadwinner; the husband ...1966 Amer. jocular
• BISCUIT HOOKS n. one's hands ...1932 Amer. jocular
• BISCUIT HOUND n. a dog ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BISCUIT ROLLER n. a cook at a camp or ranch ...1968 Amer. Western usage
• BISCUITS n. 1. knees ...20C rhyming sl. (Biscuits and Cheese)
n. 2. the buttocks ...1965 Amer. jocular
• BISCUITS AND CHEESE n. knees ...20C rhyming sl.
• BISCUIT SHOOTER n. 1. a waitress; sometimes a waiter; a waiter in a logging camp ...1893 US sl.
n. 2. a cook at a camp or ranch ...1893 Amer. Western usage
• BISH n. 1. poison ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
n. 2. a mistake ...c1925 UK school usage
n. 3. a chaplain ...c1930 Royal Navy sl.
vb. 1. to throw ...c1920 Aust. sl.
vb. 2. to officiate in the absence of the chaplain ...c1939 services’ sl.
• BISHIMER n. an ant ...1893 Eng. dial.
• BISHOP n. 1. a large condom ...L18 sl.
n. 2. a chamber-pot ...Bk1896 sl.
n. 3. glans of the penis ...sl.
• BISHOP HAS SET HIS FOOT IN IT, THE phr. the contents of the dish have been burnt while being cooked; originally said of milk ...1738
• BISHOP'S NOSE n. the rump of a cooked chicken ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BISMAROON n. a bullfrog ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BISMER † n. 1. shame, disgrace, reproach, mockery, scorn ...c893
† n. 2. a reproach, a taunt, an insult ...971
† n. 3. a person worthy of scorn; a disgraceful or lewd person; a pander or bawd ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc.
n. 4. the name given to a species of stickleback ...1805 Sc.
† vb. to treat with scorn, to mock, to deride, to insult ...c1000
• BISQUE n. a light brown colour or tint ...1921
• BISSY adj. cross, ill-tempered, angry; easily provoked to anger, excitable ...1887 Sc.
• BIT adj. cheated ...1834 Amer. dial.
n. 1. money of any kind or quantity...1607 thieves' sl.
n. 2. a short while, a short space of time ...1653 colloq.
n. 3. the female genitals; the vagina ...17C euphemism
n. 4. sexual intercourse ...17C sl.
n. 5. a prison sentence ...1866 criminals' sl.
n. 6. a unit of value equal to an eighth of a dollar; used only in even multiples, esp. two bits ...1873 US sl.
n. 7. (mainly derogatory) a woman; a young woman ...1923 Brit. sl.
n. 8. a woman considered as a sex object...1923 sl.
• BIT CACK, A phr. said of anything a bit unpleasant or unsightly ...Aust. sl.
• BITCH n. 1. an unpleasant or despicable female ...1400
n. 2. something unpleasant or undesirable ...1814 sl.
n. 3. an improvised lamp consisting of a twisted rag wick in a container of grease ...1904 Amer. dial.
n. 4. a queen, at cards ...Bk1904 Amer. college sl.
n. 5. a complaint; an instance of complaining ...1945 sl., orig. US
n. 6. a conviction under any crime that carries a mandatory life sentence, or a sentence so long that it is an equivalent ...1960s US prison sl.
n. 7. something regarded as outstanding of its kind, esp. in unpleasantness; something difficult or formidable ...1964 Amer. dial.
n. 8. a very heavy rain ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 9. an argument or fight; a disagreement or quarrel ...1967 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to possess carnally ...Bk1903 sl.
vb. 2. to complain ...1918 sl., orig. US
• BITCH BATH n. a so-called bath without water, using talcum powder, deodorant, and perfume ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BITCHEN-TWITCHEN adj. excellent; great; classy ...20C teen & high school sl.
• BITCHER n. one who is always complaining or finding fault; to sulk or pout; to argue ...1937 Amer. dial.
• BITCHES' WINE n. champagne ...c1850 sl.
ׇ• BITCH WOOL n. soft rolls of dust that collect on the floor under beds or other furniture ...1967 Amer. dial. online
• BITE † n. 1. cash, money ...1532 thieves' sl.
† n. 2. an imposition, a deception ...1711. sl.
n. 3. a sharper; a swindler ...1742 sl.
n. 4. a nickname for a Yorkshireman ...1883 sl.
n. 5. a small meal or snack ...1899 sl.
vb. 1. to deceive, to take in ...1709 colloq.
vb. 2. to excite, to worry ...1911 US sl.
vb. 3. to borrow money, etc. ...1919 Aust. sl.
• BITE FOR SCART phr. tit for tat ...1854 Sc.
• BITE MY ASS! int. used as a derisive retort; also an exclamation of astonishment ...1954 Amer. sl.
• BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW vb. to undertake too much, to be too ambitious ...1878 orig. US
• BITE ONE'S BAIT vb. to hold off on a decision to see what develops, not to push a point too fast ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BITER n. 1. the claw of a crab ...1952 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a tooth ...1965 Amer. jocular
• BITES n. pliers ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BITE SOMEONE'S EAR vb. to borrow money, etc. ...1879 sl.
• BITE THE BAG vb. to be very unsatisfactory ...1983 Amer. sl.
int. used to express contempt or disapproval, and rejection; Go away! To hell with you! ...1952 Amer. sl.
• BIT-FAKER n. a coiner ...1812 sl.
• BIT HIGH, A adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BITING FROST n. a severe frost; one that kills young plants ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BITING THE BRUTE adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BIT O' BLINK n. drink ...L19 rhyming sl.
• BIT OF A DAG, A n. someone or something extraordinary or entertaining; an amusingly eccentric or impudent person; a character ...1875 Aust. & NZ sl.
• BIT OF A LAD n. a young man who is full of self-confidence with which he pursues sensual ambitions ...1960 UK sl.
• BIT OF ALL RIGHT, A adj. extremely good ...Bk1903 sl.
n. 1. something satisfactory ...1898
n. 2. a sexually attractive person ...1898 sl.
• BIT OF BLOOD, A n. a mettlesome horse ...1819
• BIT OF BROWN n. anal intercourse ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF CALICO n. 1. a young woman or women ...1868 Amer. sl.
n. 2. sexual groping ...M19 US sl.
• BIT OF CAULIFLOWER n. copulation ...Brit. sl.
• BIT OF CAVALRY, A n. a horse ...1821
• BIT OF CRACKLING n. 1. a girl; young women generally ...c1890 sl.
n. 2. an attractive woman or man ...20C sl.
• BIT OF CRUMB n. a plump, attractive woman ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF CUFF n. a young woman, regarded as a sex object; thus sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF DAMP n. a woman in sexual terms ...Brit. sl.
• BIT OF EBONY n. a Black woman viewed as a sex object ...M19 sl.
• BIT OF FAT n. an unexpected advantage ...M19 sl.
• BIT OF FISH n. 1. copulation ...M19 sl.
n. 2. the vagina ...M19 sl.
• BIT OF FLAT n. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF FLUFF n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. anything or any person considered insignificant or ineffectual ...1980s sl.
• BIT OF FROCK n. an attractive (young) woman ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF FRONT DOOR WORK n. said of males: copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF FRUIT n. sexual intercourse ...1940s sl.
• BIT OF FUN n. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF GIG n. a spree; a bit of fun ...E19 sl.
• BIT OF GOODS n. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
• BIT OF GOOD TRUTH n. the plain facts ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIT OF GOOSE n. a piece of good fortune ...1930s sl.
• BIT OF GREASE n. (?derogatory) a stout, smiling Hindu woman ...L19 Anglo-Indian
• BIT OF HAIR n. copulation ...L19 Brit. sl.
• BIT OF HARD n. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF JAM n. 1. the vagina ...19C sl.
n. 2. a woman considered a sexual object; an attractive woman ...L19 sl.
n. 3. a sweetheart; a mistress ...c1886 sl.
n. 4. copulation ...sl.
• BIT OF KIT n. an item of equipment, esp. mechanical or electrical ...2000 UK sl.
• BIT OF KYFER n. a woman ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF LEAF, A n. a small quantity of tobacco ...1889 prison sl.
• BIT OF LUMBER n. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1966 Sc. usage
• BIT OF MEAT n. 1. copulation ...E18 sl.
n. 2. a prostitute ...sl.
• BIT OF MESS n. a prostitute's lover who is neither ponce nor client ...1977 UK sl.
• BIT OF MUSLIN n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. a sweetheart ...Bk1890 sl.
• BIT OF MUTTON n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. a nice woman, generally in a questionable sense ...1889 sl.
• BIT OF NIFTY n. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF NONSENSE n. an easily achieved criminal act ...1968 UK sl.
• BIT OF PORK n. 1. the female genitals ...18C Brit. sl.
n. 2. an act of copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF POSH n. an upper-class or socially superior young woman regarded as a sexual object ...1977 UK sl.
• BIT OF ROUGH n. 1. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. a lover of either sex who enjoys aggression with sex; a male lover, categorized as of a lower social status, or a rougher background than the partner ...1985 UK sl.
• BIT OF SKIN n. 1. copulation ...sl.
n. 2. a woman considered as a sex object ...1962 sl.
• BIT OF SKIRT n. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
• BIT OF SLAP AND TICKLE n. 1. kissing and cuddling; sexual petting which may be considered as foreplay by one participant ...1984 UK sl.
n. 2. sexual intercourse ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF SNUG n. 1. the penis ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. copulation from the female point of view ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF SNUG FOR A BIT OF STIFF n. 1. the vagina ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. copulation from the female point of view ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF SPARE n. anyone providing sexual favours, even on a short-term or occasional basis; an unattached woman, esp. at a club, party or any place where men may be expected to look for a sexual companion or conquest ...1969 sl.
• BIT OF STRAY n. a casual sexual acquaintance, usually female ...2001 UK sl.
• BIT OF STUFF n. 1. a woman viewed as a sex object ...1847 sl.
n. 2. an overdressed man; a man with full confidence in his appearance and abilities ...1874 sl.
• BIT OF TAIL, A n. 1. (offensive) a woman regarded as a sexual object ...1933 sl.
n. 2. an act of anal intercourse; an act of sexual intercourse where the male partner enters the female from behind ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF THE GOOSE’S NECK n. copulation from the female point of view ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT OF THE OLD n. money ...L19 sl.
• BIT OF THE OTHER n. copulation ...1930s sl.
• BIT OF TICKLE n. 1. a woman regarded as a sexual object ...1984 UK sl.
n. 2. sexual intercourse ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF TIT n. 1. a woman regarded as a sexual object ...1984 UK sl.
n. 2. sex with a woman ...1984 UK sl.
• BIT OF VELVET n. any dark-skinned woman ...1950s Aust. & NZ sl.
• BIT OF WORK n. a crime; a robbery ...1996 UK sl.
• BIT ON, A adj. drunk ...19C Brit. & US sl.
• BIT ON A FORK n. 1. the female genitals, the vagina ...19C Brit. sl.
n. 2. copulation, getting into the fork the female’s body ...19C Brit. sl.
• BIT ON THE SIDE n. 1. a love affair; extra-marital sex ...1977 UK sl.
n. 2. a secret lover in addition to your regular partner ...1977 UK sl.
• BITS n. 1. the male genitals ...1976 UK sl.
n. 2. in betting: odds of 11-10 ...1991 UK sl.
• BITS AND BATS n. odds and ends, broken pieces; knickknacks ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BITS AND BOBS n. miscellaneous small articles ...1896 UK sl.
• BITS AND TITS n. the controls ...1962 Aust. sl.
• BITSER n. a dog of mixed breed ...1936 Aust. sl.
• BITS OF KIDS n. youngsters ...1999 UK sl.
• BITS OF STIFF n. banknotes ...1889 sl.
• BITS ON THE EAR'OLE n. in betting: odds of 13-8 ...1991 UK sl.
• BIT SPIT n. any electronic communication ...1997 US sl.
• BITSY n. small, tiny ...1905 US sl.
• BITTEN BY THE BUG adj. obsessively enthusiastic ...1902 sl.
• BITTEN TO THE BRAIN adj. drunk ...?1546
• BITTER-ENDER n. one who fights or holds out to the bitter end; one who refuses to yield or compromise ...1850 colloq.
• BITTER HALF n. 1. one's husband ...1965 Amer. sl.
n. 2. one's wife ...1965 Amer. sl.
• BITTER-MOUTH vb. to speak harshly ...1947 US sl.
• BIT TOO RANK, A phr. somewhat too strong; too much of a good thing ...1899 Eng. dial.
• BIT TWIDDLER n. a computer operator ...1974 US sl.
• BITTY adj. tiny ...1905 US sl.
n. 1. a girl ...1962 US sl.
n. 2. a woman considered sexually ...US Black sl.
• BITTY-BIT n. a small amount; a bit ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BITTY BOX n. a small computer, esp. a single-tasking-only machine ...1991 US sl.
• BITUMEN BLONDE n. an Aboriginal woman ...1985 Aust. sl.
• BIT UNDER, A adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BITZA n. a dog of mixed breed ...1936 Aust. sl.
• BITZER n. a dog of mixed breed ...1936 Aust. sl.
• BIVER vb. 1. to shake, to quiver, to tremble, esp. with cold or fear ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. of cold: to shrivel up, to pinch ..Bk1898 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. of the lips or chin; to quiver, to tremble ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIVIOUS adj. having or leading two different ways or passages ...a1644
• BIVOLOPUS n. a very stupid person ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BIVOUCKY adj. nuts from manoeuvres ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIVVER n. a shiver, a tremor; a state of trembling ...1854 Eng. dial.
vb. to shake, to quiver, to tremble, esp. with cold or fear ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BIVVY n. a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BIVY n. a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BIZ n. 1. business ...1861 US sl.
n. 2. the syringe and other equipment used by intravenous drug users ...1949 US sl.
n. 3. a small amount of a drug ...1971 US sl.
n. 4. crime ...Bk1998 sl.
• BIZ, THE n. the entertainment, theatre, or film making business ...1961 UK sl.
• BIZARRO adj. bizarre ...1971 US sl.
n. a bizarre person ...1980 US sl.
• BIZMAROON n. a bullfrog ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BIZNATCH n. 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• BIZNITCH n. 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• BIZOTIC adj. unexpected, out of the ordinary, weird ...1984 US teen & high school sl.
• BIZZ n. 1. a feeling of mild intoxication, as from liquor or drugs ...1849 Amer. sl.
n. 2. business ...1861 US sl.
n. 3. the syringe and other equipment used by intravenous drug users ...1949 US sl.
n. 4. small amount of a drug ...1971 US sl.
• BIZZIE n. a policeman; specifically, a CID officer, a detective ...20C sl.
• BIZZIES n. the police ...1948 UK sl.
• BIZZING n. hanging onto the bumper of a car and sliding along the icy streets on one's shoes ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BIZZLE n. a brother in the sense of male companion ...2002 US sl.
• BIZZO n. 1. an unnamed or unspecified thing ...1969 Aust. sl.
n. 2. business ...1969 Aust. sl.
n. 3. an ill-tempered woman ...2001 US sl.
• BIZZURD adj. bizarre, absurd ...2003 UK sl.
• BIZZY n. a policeman; specifically, a CID officer, a detective ...20C sl.
• BJ n. an act of oral sex; a blow job ...1949 US sl.
• B JOINT n. a bar where women coax customers to buy drinks ...1993 US sl.
• BJs n. crack cocaine ...2003 UK sl.
• BK LOUNGE n. a Burger King™ fast food restaurant ...1985 US sl.
• BLA n. 1. insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1918 US sl.
n. 2. a brother, a friend, a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BLAA n. the bleat of a calf or sheep ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BLAB n. (sometimes derogatory) the mouth ...1942 Amer. jocular
vb. to speak revealingly ...1583
• BLABBER n. 1. one who reveals all ...1557
n. 2. (sometimes derogatory) the mouth ...1942 Amer. jocular
vb. to talk loquaciously ...c1375
• BLABBER-BOX n. one who talks too much ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLABBER-FEST n. a gathering of people for talking or gossip ...1968 Amer. sl.
• BLABBERMOUTH n. one who reveals all ...1936 sl., orig. US
• BLAB-BLAB n. a too-ready talker; a gossip; a blabmouth ...c1960 Amer. dial.
• BLAB-FEST n. a gathering of people for talking or gossip; a conversation; a discussion...1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAB OFF vb. to talk out of turn ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLAB-TONGUE n. an indiscreet talker; a telltale ...1600
• BLACK n. black coffee ...Bk1998 sl.
vb. to blackmail ...1928 sl.
• BLACK ACE n. the female genital area ...M17 sl.
• BLACK ACID n. LSD ...1970 US sl.
• BLACK ACTION n. casino betting in $100 increments ...1991 US sl.
• BLACK-ACTUALLY adv. truly, absolutely ...1928 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AFRICAN n. marijuana ...1970s drugs sl.
• BLACKAMOOR n. 1. a devil, the devil ...M17
n. 2. a black Angus or Friesian cow ...1956 NZ sl.
• BLACK-AND-TAN n. a dog, esp. a hound, with black and tan colouring ...1884 Amer. dial.
ׇ• BLACK ANKLE n. a person of mixed race, usually Black, Indian, and White ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK ANNIE n. a police vehicle; a black Maria ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK APE n. (derogatory) a Black person ...1884 Amer. dial.
• BLACK ART † n. lock-picking, burglary ...1591 thieves' sl.
• BLACK AS A COAL-MINER'S ASSHOLE AT MIDNIGHT adj. utterly black ...1976 Amer. sl.
• BLACK AS NEWGATE, AS adj. very black ...Bk1902 sl.
• BLACK AS OLD NICK adj. very black ...1809 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS ONE'S HAT adj. absolutely black ...1710
• BLACK AS SIP adj. extremely black ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS TAR adj. very black ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS THE DEVIL'S ARSE adj. as black as can be; pitch-black ...1774 US sl.
• BLACK AS THE EARL OF HELL adj. very black ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS TOBEY'S BEHIND adj. very black ...1958 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS TOBY'S HILL adj. very black ...1997 Amer. dial.
• BLACK AS ZIP adj. extremely black ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BABBLING adj. babbling maliciously, slanderous ...1624
n. malicious talk ...17C
• BLACK-BAG TOTER n. a doctor ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BEAUTY n. prizefighter Joe Louis ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK BEETLES n. the lower orders, the rabble ...Bk1890 sl.
• BLACK BELT n. the section of a city which is populated predominantly by Blacks; the poor section of a city; a ghetto ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY RAIN n. a spring storm or cold snap ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY SQUALL n. a late cold spell in May or early June ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY STORM n. a spring storm or cold snap ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBERRY WINTER n. a late cold spell in May or early June ...1904 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BETSY n. a police vehicle; a black Maria ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBETTS n. liquor; a bottle of liquor passed among the guests at a wedding ...1846 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BETTY n. liquor; a bottle of liquor passed among the guests at a wedding ...1823 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBIRD n. 1. a Black person; a Black aviator ...World War II Amer. sl.
n. 2. one whose family looks down upon his activities ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBIRD CATCHING n. the slave trade; recruiting coloured labourers in the South Sea Islands ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BLACKBIRDER n. a man or a vessel engaged in 'black-birding' or slave traffic ...1888
• BLACKBIRD STORM n. a short cold spell in late spring, after the appearance of the blackbirds ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BLIZZARD n. a dust storm ...1934 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BLUTTER n. a blackberry; a bramble ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKBOARD ERASER n. a schoolchild who makes a special effort to get in good with the teacher in hopes of getting a better grade ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BOMBER n. 1. prizefighter Joe Louis ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. an amphetamine tablet ...1963 sl.
• BLACK-BONNET n. an elder of the church ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-BOO n. a nursery bogey ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK BOTTLE n. a poisonous drink ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BLACK BOTTOM n. the part of a town where Black people live ...1915 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BOTTOM ROAD n. a road paved with blacktop ...c1970 Amer. dial.
• BLACKBOYD n. a blackberry ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKBOYS n. aboriginal servants in Australia ...Bk1892 Aust. sl.
• BLACK BUGGY n. a hearse ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BUMPER n. a member of an Amish or Mennonite sect which allows the use of cars and other motor-driven vehicles ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-BURNING adj. causing intense blushing or shame ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKCAP n. a wave resulting from strong wind ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLACK CHRISTMAS n. a snowless period in late December ...1938 Amer. dial.
• BLACKCOAT n. 1. a minister of religion ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a man that is not wearing a mask at a costume ball ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-CLOCK n. a cockroach; a black beetle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-CORK n. porter ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK COW n. 1. a misfortune ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. chocolate milk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK DARK n. nighttime at its darkest ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DIAMONDS n. coal ...Bk1890 sl.
• BLACK DISHES n. cooking utensils, by contrast with glass and china ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DISPATCH n. a rumour on which no reliance can be placed ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• BLACK-DOCTOR n. a leech ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-DOGGED adj. damned, darned ...1943 Amer. euphemism
• BLACK DOG HAS WALKED OVER HIM, A phr. said of a sullen, discontented, or morose person ...1834
• BLACK DRAUGHT n. a poisonous drink ...1935 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DROPS, THE n. a state of mild physical discomfort; not actually sick, but feeling not quite right ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK DUSTER n. a heavy sandstorm ...1962 Amer. dial.
• BLACK EAGLE, THE n. the guy you get all your confidential latrine rumours from ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK ENOUGH TO HOLD AN EGG adj. said of strong coffee ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLACKER THAN TOBY'S HEEL adj. very black ...1901 Amer. dial.
• BLACKEY n. a Black person ...1815 colloq.
• BLACK EYE n. a severe blow or rebuff ...1795 US
• BLACK-EYED SUSAN n. a revolver ...1889 US sl.
• BLACK-FASTING adj. practising severe fasting ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK FAY n. a Black person who is deferential or subservient toward Whites ...1964 Amer. dial.
• BLACK FELLOW n. a man having a black or very dark skin ...1738
• BLACK-FISHER n. a night poacher of fish ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKFIT n. a lovers' go-between ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK FLESH n. Black slaves ...1827 US
• BLACK FRIDAY n. Good Friday ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. hard frost without rime or snow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK FROST n. 1. a frost or cold that kills vegetation and usually accompanied by hoarfrost ...1709 Amer. dial.
n. 2. hard frost without rime or snow ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. freezing weather not cold enough to kill vegetation ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-FYSE adj. of swarthy complexion ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKGANG adj. blackguardly ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. (usually as 'black gang') all the members of a ship's engineering department ...US Civil War usage
• BLACK GOWN n. a Roman Catholic priest ...1847 US Indian usage
• BLACK GROUND n. loose, dark soil ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACKGUARD adj. characterized by abusive or obscene language ...1806 Amer. dial. DARE
n. a foul-mouthed person; an excessive user of profanity ...1930 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to talk obscenely; to curse or swear at ...1902 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to slander or abuse verbally; to talk in scurrilous terms about someone or something ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BLACKGUARD DRUNK adj. drunk to the point of viciousness ...1949 Amer. dial.
• BLACK HAND n. a witchcraft spell, a charm ...1928 Amer. dial.
• BLACK HAT n. a newly-arrived immigrant ...1887 Aust. sl.
• BLACK HAWK n. army necktie ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACKHEAD n. a black rain-cloud ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BLACKHEART n. a mean or ill-tempered person ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-HEARTED adj. having a wicked, malicious disposition; morally bad ...1638
• BLACK HOLE n. prison; a police cell ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACKIE n. 1. a Black person ...1815 colloq.
n. 2. a blackbird ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. the black bear ...1982 Amer. dial.
• BLACKJACK n. 1. a drinking vessel; a large copper can ...1819 Eng. dial.
n. 2. coffee ... World War I Amer. sl.
n. 3. very strong coffee without cream or milk ...1950 Amer. dial.
n. 4. a heavy dark soil ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 5. illegal liquor; moonshine; illegally made whisky ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 6. gingerbread ...1975 Amer. dial.
n. 7. in marbles: the name of the head taw man when no marbles went out of the ring at the first shot ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACKJACK STEER n. a scrawny steer from the timbered country ...1944 Amer. dial.
• BLACK LAD, THE n. the devil ...1891 Sc.
• BLACKLAND n. a heavy, loose, or sometimes sticky dark soil; also, countryside which has such soil ...1803 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-LEG n. 1. a turf swindler; also, a swindler in other species of gambling ...1771 sl.
n. 2. a match-maker; a lovers' go-between ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to take the place of a worker who is on strike, thereby helping th employer to carry on his business and defeat the ends of the strike ...1897
• BLACKLEG IT vb. of a trade-union workman: to return to work before a strike is settled ...1888
• BLACK LETTER LAWYER n. a lawyer versed in early English law ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLACKLIE adj. 1. ill-coloured; dirty; badly washed ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. of the weather: dark with threatening clouds ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK-MACK † n. a blackbird ...1519
• BLACK-MAMMY n. a tar-like substance used to repair small leaks in a boat ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLACKMAN n. 1. an evil spirit, boogeyman, the devil ...1692
n. 2. ('black man') a piece of dried mucus in the nose ...1962 Sc.
• BLACK MAN, THE n. the devil ...1890 Sc.
• BLACK MARIA n. 1. an ambulance ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a hearse ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a fishing net ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACK MARIAH n. a fishing net ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLACKMASTER n. a funeral furnisher, an undertaker ...1901
• BLACK MIKE n. stew ...1968 Amer. logging usage
• BLACK MOKE n. (usually derogatory) a Black person ...1950 Amer. dial.
• BLACK MONDAY n. the first Monday after holidays ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK-MOUTHED † adj. having a black mouth; fig. using foul or scurrilous language; abusive, foul-mouthed; slanderous, calumnious ...1595
• BLACK NEB n. 1. a man who takes a striker's place during the strike ...Bk1905 Sc.
n. 2. a person disaffected toward government ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. carrion crow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK NIGHT n. nighttime at its darkest ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BLACKNOB n. a blackleg ...a1889 Sc.
• BLACKOUT n. general issue coffee ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK OX n. a misfortune; a bereavement; a great calamity ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK PEEPER n. a black eye ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK PISHMINNIE n. a black ant ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK POPE n. a nickname for the Superior-General of the Jesuits ...1877
• BLACK-RING n. the female pudendum ...Bk1903 sl.
• BLACK SANCTUS † n. a kind of burlesque hymn; a discord of harsh sounds expressive of contempt or dislike (formerly used as a kind of serenade to a faithless wife); 'rough music' ...1578
• BLACK-SHARKS n. attorneys and lawyers ...Bk1890 sl.
• BLACK SHEEP n. an unseaworthy ship ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK SNAKE n. 1. a short-handled whip with a long lash; used on stages and dog-teams ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a train of coal cars ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLACK-SOLE n. a lovers' go-between ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK SPELL n. a sudden feeling of weakness, when sometimes the person loses consciousness ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK SPOT n. an area shaded from the sun ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BLACK STORY n. a decidedly bad lie ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BLACK STRAP n. 1. port wine ...Bk1890 sl.
n. 2. thick black coffee ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLACK TAN n. a dog, esp. a hound, with black and tan colouring ...1856 Amer. dial.
• BLACK TAR n. an exceptionally pure form of heroin originating in Mexico ...1986 sl.
• BLACK-TRACKER n. a native policeman employed in tracking down fugitive Blacks and criminals ...1867 Aust.
• BLACK VELVET n. (offensive) a Black or Coloured woman, esp. as the sexual partner of a White man ...1899 Aust. & NZ sl.
• BLACK VICTUAL n. peas and beans ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK WAGON n. 1. a hearse ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 2. an ambulance ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WATER n. 1. coffee, esp. weak coffee ...1850 Amer. dial.
n. 2. ink ...1939 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a person of mixed race, usually Black, Indian, and White ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WATERITE n. a person of mixed race, usually Black, Indian, and White ...1947 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WATERMELON n. a big, dark green watermelon with black seeds ...1954 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WAX n. a dark soil which is sticky or wax-like ...1893 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WEATHER n. rainy weather ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLACK WEDNESDAY n. rifle calisthenics ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK WIND n. a dust storm ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLACK-WOOD n. evergreen trees collectively ...1871 US
• BLACK WORD n. a very uncomplimentary remark ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLACK WORK n. 1. undertakers' work ...1859
n. 2. the work of a blacksmith ...1874
• BLACKWORM n. an earthworm ...1949 Amer. dial.
• BLACKY n. a Black person ...1815 colloq.
• BLAD n. 1. a dirty spot, a discoloration ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a heavy fall of rain ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. a large portion of anything; a fragment ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 4. a long and heavy step in walking ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 5. a person of weak, soft constitution, from rapid overgrowth ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 6. a person walking with a long and heavy step ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 7. a slap, a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. of wind and rain: to beat against, to drive in gusts ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to abuse, to defame ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to slap, to strike; to thrust violently ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to spoil, to injure ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 5. to take long steps, treading heavily ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDERDASH n. nonsense ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDERED adj. drunk ...1992 Brit. sl.
• BLADDERSCAT n. a deceiving person; one you cannot trust ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BLADDERSKATE n. a foolish, noisy talker ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDIN adj. breezy, gusty ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. a spoiling, destruction ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADDY adj. gusty, unsettled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADE n. 1. a man ...Bk1890 sl.
n. 2. a wife ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
vb. to slap; to spoil ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADERDASH n. nonsense ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• BLADHUNK n. a prison ...Bk1891 sl.
• BLADROCK n. a talkative, silly fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLADRY n. foolishness, deception ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAE adj. 1. bleak, cold ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. disappointed ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. a loud bleat ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to bleat as a lamb ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to cry as a child ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to numb ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAEFLUMMERY n. nonsense; vain imaginations ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAELIKE adj. livid, pale ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAFF n. a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAFFART n. a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAFLUM n. 1. a pompous, empty-headed person ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. nonsense, idle talk, a hoax ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to coax, to cajole; to deceive ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAG n. an act of robbery (with violence) ...1885 Brit. sl.
vb. to rob (with violence), to steal ...1933 Brit. sl.
• BLAGGARD n. a blackguard ...1902 Amer. dial.
vb. to talk obscenely; to curse or swear at ...1902 Amer. dial.
• BLAGGER n. a robber or thief ...1938 Brit. sl.
• BLAGUE n. pretentious falsehood; blustering humbug; mendacious boasting ...1837
vb. to tell lies in jest; to hoax, to humbug ...1883
• BLAH adj. 1. boring, dull, tedious ...1922 sl., orig. US
adj. 2. insane, mad ...1924 sl.
adj. 3. inattentive; absent-minded ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 1. boasting ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
n. 2. pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery; nonsense ...1918 US sl.
n. 3. something worthless ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
int. nonsense! it is ridiculous! ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAH-BLAH n. pretentious talk or writing; insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1918 US sl.
vb. to talk pretentiously or ostentatiously ...1924 sl.
• BLAHS, THE n. depression ...1968 sl., orig. & chiefly US
• BLAICK n. 1. a puzzle ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a scoundrel ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to puzzle, to mystify, to baffle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIDRY n. 1. nonsense, foolish talk ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. phlegm coughed up ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 3. unmerited applause ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIK n. a puzzle ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. to puzzle, to mystify, to baffle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIN n. a fault; a blemish; a scar; discolouration of skin after a sore ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAINCH vb. to cleanse ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIR n. 1. a loud sound; a cry ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. the bleat of a sheep ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to make a noise; to cry aloud ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to bleat as a sheep ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAISTER vb. to blow with violence ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIT adj. 1. naked, bare ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 2. shy, sheepish; modest, retiring ...Bk1911 Sc.
adj. 3. stupid, easily imposed on ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAITH adj. blithe, glad ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAITIE-BUM n. a lazy fellow; a simpleton; a sheepish fellow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAITLY adv. bashfully ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAIZE n. a blow ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLALA n. a brother, a friend, a pal ...1972 Hawaii
• BLAM adv. suddenly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAMED adj. confounded ...1840
adv. confoundedly, excessively ...1845
• BLAMEFULL adj. blameworthy ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLAME GOOD adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLAN-BEC n. a greenhorn ...1846 Amer. dial.
• BLANC-BEC n. a greenhorn ...1846 Amer. dial.
• BLANCH n. a flash or sudden blaze ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANDANDER vb. to tempt by blandishment; to cajole ...1888 colloq.
• BLANDER †* n. a flatterer ...1340
vb. 1. to babble; to waste time in gossiping; to spread a report or calumny; to exaggerate or misstate ...19C Sc.
vb. 2. to scatter sparingly, to disperse in a scanty way ...19C Sc.
• BLANDIGO † adj. cloudy ...Eng. dial.
† n. a shower of rain ...1691 Eng. dial.
• BLANDILOQUENT * adj. in the language of compliment; smooth-speaking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1599
• BLANDILOQUOUS †* adj. smooth-talking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1615
• BLANDISH n. flattery ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANE n. the mark left by a wound ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANK adj. inattentive; absent-minded ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. to deliberately ignore someone ...1977 Brit. sl.
• BLANKET n. 1. in whaling: a large strip of whale blubber ...1851 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a pastry crust ...1918 Amer. sl.
n. 3. an overcoat ...1925 Amer. Hobo sl.
n. 4. a pancake ...1927 Amer. sl. DARE online
n. 5, a beaver pelt, esp. a large one ...1954 Amer. dial.
n. 6. a dollar bill ...1967 Amer. jocular
vb. to suppress, to put in the shade ...1903
• BLANKET-ASS n. an American Indian, used contemptuously; usually considered vulgar ...1973 Amer. sl.
• BLANKET BAY n. bed ...1775 Amer. nautical sl.
• BLANKET-BUCK n. (derogatory) an American Indian ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET BUSTED adj. said of a man who has lost everything on a bet, including his bedroll ...1958 Amer. logging usage
• BLANKET DRAWERS n. long handled underwear about of the same itchiness and same thickness as a horse blanket ...1958 Amer. logging usage
• BLANKET DRILL n. sleep ...1922 military sl.
• BLANKET-FAIR n. bed ...19C Eng. dial. & sl.
• BLANKET FEVER n. refers to the condition of a lumberjack who stays in bed in the morning after the other men are up; usually a lazy lumberjack ...1969 Amer. lumberjack usage
• BLANKET HARBOR n. bed ...1870 Amer. nautical sl.
• BLANKETHEAD n. an American Indian; used contemptuously ...1956 Amer. sl.
• BLANKET-HEEZIE n. one who tosses another in a blanket ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLANKET HOIST n. a punishment as well as a game; if a lumberjack got out of place, others would put him in a blanket, get hold of the sides of the blanket, and hoist him in the air a few times ...1969 Amer. lumberjack usage
• BLANKET MAN n. a tramp; an itinerant worker ...1872 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET NIP n. a piece of old blanket folded around the feet inside the shoe packs for warmth; hence, a sock ...1906 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET PARTY n. a form of retribution in which a soldier is surprised, covered with a blanket, and beaten ...a1969 Amer. military sl.
• BLANKETS n. 1. pancakes ...1899 Amer. sl.
n. 2. cigarette papers ...1925 Amer. sl.
n. 3. hot cakes ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLANKET SHEET n. a newspaper in folio form ...1888
• BLANKET SOLDIER n. a military policeman; so called because his other names are unfit for publication ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANKET SQUAD n. in logging: a new crew coming in to the camp in the old days, each man carrying his blankets ...1958 Amer. dial.
• BLANKET STIFF n. a migratory labourer who carries his belongings in a blanket roll or other bundle; a tramp ...1872 Amer. Hobo & West. sl.
• BLANKET WIFE n. a prostitute ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANK FILE n. a stupid soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANKO WATER n. coffee ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLANKS n. 1. Whites or Europeans (used by themselves) ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
n. 2. in dominoes; 0-0 ...sl.
• BLANNY n. ingratiating or flattering speech; cajolery ...1926 Amer. dial.
vb. to ingratiate oneself, esp. by using flattering speech ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BLAP vb. kill or destroy ...1971 Amer. military sl.
• BLARE n. 1. a noisy scolding ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. the bleat of a sheep or goat ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLARE vb. 1. to break forth in vituperation ...1908 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to bleat ...Bk1911 Sc. & Amer. dial.
vb. 3. to open wide ...1912 Amer. dial.
vb. 4. to open the eyes widely; to stare wildly ...1930 Amer. dial.
• BLARED adj. of an eye: wide-open, bulging ...1966 Amer. dial.
• BLARE-EYED adj. having wide-open, bulging eyes ...1964 Amer. dial.
• BLARE OUT vb. to break forth in vituperation ...1908 Amer. dial.
• BLAREY-EYED adj. having eyes which turn outward; wall-eyed ...1970 Amer. dial.
ׇ• BLARNEY n. 1. insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery; nonsense ...1796
n. 2. a flatterer ...1797 Amer. sl.
vb. to flatter; to deceive with insincere or flattering talk ...1803 sl.
• BLARNEYFEST n. a conversation devoted to boasting or undependable talk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLART vb. to fall flat in the mud ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLASE adj. drunk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BLASH n. 1. a heavy shower of rain ...Bk1911 Sc.
n. 2. a splash or dash of liquid, mud, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 1. to rain heavily and noisily ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 2. to splash liquid or mud about by spilling it or treading in it ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 3. to drench, to soak ...Bk1911 Sc.
vb. 4. to drink to excess ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLASHY adj. rainy, wet, gusty ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BLASPHEMATORY † adj. blasphemous; cursing and swearing; using vile reproachful language ...1611
• BLASPHEMATOUR † n. one who blasphemes ...1483
• BLASPHEMIOUS adj. blasphemous ...1908 Amer. dial.