DICTIONARY
T - PAGE 1
T - PAGE 1
• T n. 1. marijuana ...1950s drugs sl.
n. 2. a gram of methamphetamine ...1960s US drugs sl.
n. 3. a T-shirt ...1970s sl., orig. US
n. 4. phencyclidine ...1970s US drugs sl.
n. 5. Tuinal™...1970s US drugs sl.
n. 6. cocaine ...2003 UK sl. Partridge Concise Dalzell 2008
n. 7. a T-shirt ...2003 UK sl. Partridge Concise Dalzell 2008
• T.A. n. Tel Aviv ...c1939 colloq.
• TA! int. 1. thanks! ...1772 colloq.
int. 2. an exclamation of impatience or exasperation ...1837 Sc.
• TAAVE vb. to tear, to rend ...1972 Sc.
• TAB n. 1. the ear ...1866 orig. Eng. dial.
n. 2. the bill, credit, an IOU; used fig. to imply that an action, good, or bad, will be paid for later ...L19 US sl.
n. 3. any form of prison documentation, esp. reports on prisoners that are submitted to the parole board ...20C US prison sl.
n. 4. a female sweetheart; one's girl ...E20 Aust. sl.
n. 5. a shoe-string ...1904 Eng. dial.
n. 6. an old maid; any oldish woman ...1909 theatrical sl.
n. 7. a Cantab or Cambridge University man ...1914 colloq.
n. 8. a staff officer ...World War I army sl.
n. 9. a woman; a young woman ...1918 Aust. sl.
n. 10. a cigarette ...c1920 sl., orig. N. Eng. dial.
n. 11. a tabloid newspaper ...1930s sl.
n. 12. letters passed between inmates; a letter smuggled out of prison ...1934 US prison sl.
n. 13. a project, a line of activity, a program ...1930s US sl.
n. 14. a customer that. after giving an infinity of trouble, buys precisely nothing ...1935 drapers' & hosiers' usage
n. 15. a personal name ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 16. an enterprise; an activity ...1946 US sl.
n. 17. a tablet or pill containing an illegal drug; often specifically LSD ...1961 sl.
n. 18. a small amount; a dab ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 19. marching with heavy equipment over difficult terrain ...1982 Brit. sl., esp. Parachute Regiment usage
vb. 1. to catch, to seize ...19C Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to charge with a crime ...L19 sl.
vb. 3. to identify, to categorize ...1910s sl.
vb. 4. to follow a person; to place someone under surveillance ...1920s sl.
vb. 5. to survey a place prior to robbing it ...1920s sl.
vb. 6. to name ...1924 US sl.
vb. 7. of a customer: to give much trouble ...1935 drapery trades usage
vb. 8. to make a drug into tablet form ...1967 US sl.
vb. 9. to march or otherwise travel on foot across country ...1982 UK military sl.
vb. 10. to walk ...1982 sl.
• TABACCA n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TABACCY n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TABACKA n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TABACKY n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAB ACTION n. a line of credit at a bar or any other type of business ...1940s US Black sl.
• TABANKA n. love-sickness; sexual obsession ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TABANKCA adj. passionate, obsessed ...20C W. Indies sl.
n. love-sickness; sexual obsession ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TABASCO adj. excited, dramatic, spirited ...1920s sl.
n. 1. spirit ...1920s sl.
n. 2. napalm ...1991 US sl.
• TABBED adj. well-dressed ...1970s US Black sl.
• TABBED TO THE BONE adj. dressed in one's very best, most fashionable clothes ...1970s US Black sl.
• TABBER n. a customer hard to please ...1935 drapers' usage
vb. to beat, to belabour, to thrash ...c1850 Sc.
• TABBERING n. a thrashing, a beating ...1882 Sc.
• TABBIE n. a cigarette stub ...1920 Sc.
• TABBIED adj. having a wavy or streaky appearance ...1861
• TABBY adj. 1. made or consisting of tabby (a silk taffeta - see noun 1) ...1638
adj. 2. of a brownish tawn or grey colour, marked with darker parallel stripes or streaks; brindled; diversified in colour ...c1689
adj. 3. pertaining to a tabby (an old or elderly maiden lady) ...1746
adj. 4. interfering, inquisitive, judgemental ...1920s US sl.
n. 1. a general term for a silk taffeta, apparently originally striped, but afterwards applied also to silks of uniform colour waved or watered ...1638
n. 2. a cat having a striped or brindled coat; also, a she-cat ...1774
n. 3. a spiteful or ill-natured female gossip or tattler ...1748
n. 4. an old or elderly maiden lady; an old maid ...1748
† n. 5. padding or quilting to improve the figure ...1748
n. 6. a concrete formed of a mixture of lime with shells, gravel, or stones in equal proportions, which when dry becomes very hard; originally called 'tabby work' ...1802
n. 6. a collector's name for two Pyralid moths, the Tabby, Aglossa pinguinalis, and the Small Tabby, Aglossa cuprealis, both with fore wings greyish brown, clouded with a darker colour ...1819
n. 7. an attractive young woman or girl ...1916 sl.
n. 8. a prostitute ...1930s US criminals' sl.
vb. 1. to give a wavy appearance to silk, etc., by calendering ...1728
vb. 2. to stripe or streak in parallel lines with darker markings ...1860
• TABBYHOOD n. the condition of being an old maid ...1793
• TABBYISM n. acting as a querulous, interfering old woman ...L17 sl.
• TABBY MEETING n. a meeting of evangelists and their congregations at Exeter Hall, London ...L19 sl.
• TABBY PARTY n. a party consisting only of women ...19C sl.
• TAB-CAT n. a striped or brindled cat; a tabby cat; a pet cat ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TABEFACT †* adj. wasted, corrupted ...c1425
• TABEFACTION * n. the wasting away or consumption of the body; emaciation ...1658
• TABEFY * vb. 1. to waste away, to consume; to emaciate ...1656
† vb. 2. to melt down ...1656
• TABELLARIOUS †* adj. belonging to carriers or auditors ...1656
• TABELLARY †* n. a carrier of letters; an auditor, a scrivener ...1656
• TABERNACLE n. 1. a dwelling, a place of abode ...1382
n. 2. a temporary dwelling; generally movable, constructed of branches, boards, or canvas; a hut, tent, booth ...1382
† n. 3. an alleged term for a company of bakers ...1486
• TABERNARIOUS †* adj. belonging to shops or taverns ...1656
• TABESCENT adj. wasting away ...1890
• TABETLESS adj. 1. without feeling; destitute of sensation, numb, benumbed ...1768 Sc.
adj. 2. heedless, foolish, silly ...1786 Sc.
• TABHOLE n. the ear ...1968 sl.
• TAB ISSUE n. a line of credit at a bar or any other type of business ...1940s US Black sl.
• TABLA n. a surfboard ...1977 US sl.
• TABLATURE † n. a painting; a picture ...1711
• TABLE † n. 1. a board or other flat surface on which a picture is painted; hence, the picture itself ...1387
† n. 2. a board or plank ...1390
†* n. 3. a plot of ground for planting; a bed ...c1440
† n. 4. the 'board' on which chess, draughts, backgammon, or any similar game is played ...c1470
† n. 5. a sketch, plan, scheme ...a1577
n. 6. the company at dinner or at a meal ...1602
† n. 7. the face or dial-plate of a clock or watch ...a1677
n. 8. a pinball machine ...1977 UK sl.
• TABLE-BOARD † n. 1. a board for backgammon or any similar game ...1483
n. 2. board. i.e. meals, without lodging ...1884 US
• TABLE DANCE n. in a strip-club: a semi-private sexual performance near or on a customer's table ...1992 US sl.
• TABLE-END MAN n. a man whose sexual desire is so intense that he makes love to his partner over the dining/kitchen table rather than waiting until they reach the bedroom ...L19 sl.
• TABLE GARDEN n. a vegetable garden for home consumption ...1917 Amer. dial.
• TABLE-GOSPELLER † n. one who makes table talk of the gospel; one whose religion is mere talk ...1610
• TABLE-GRADE adj. pert. to a sexually attractive woman who looks good enough to eat ...1972 US sl.
• TABLE-HOP vb. to circulate among the tables at a restaurant, greeting and chatting with friends and acquaintances ...1950s sl., orig. US
• TABLE-HOPPER n. a necrophile; one having an obsessive fascination with death and corpses ...1987 sl.
• TABLE LEGS n. people's legs that are noticeably bent, uneven, or not right; thick legs ...1968 Amer. dial.
• TABLEMAN † n. 1. one of the 'men' or pieces used in any game played on a board, esp. backgammon ...1483
† n. 2. a gamester; applied in contempt ...1608
• TABLE MANNERS n. in poker: a player's mannerisms, which may provide clues as to the relative strength of his hand ...1981 US sl.
• TABLEMENT †* n. a tabulation, list, catalogue ...1551
• TABLE MUSCLE n. a pot belly; a large girth ...1944 Amer. dial jocular
• TABLE-PLAY † n. play at 'tables' or backgammon ...1550
• TABLE-PLAYER † n. a player at backgammon ...c1450
• TABLE PUSSY n. a woman with good looks and manners ...1970 US sl.
• TABLER † n. 1. a backgammon board; hence, the game of backgammon or 'tables'; also, a chess-board ...1303
† n. 2. a money-changer ...c1550
† n. 3. a player at backgammon ...1561
† n. 4. one who gets his meals at another's table for payment; a boarder ...1598 obs. or rare
† n. 5. one who boards persons ...1665
• TABLES † n. a backgammon board ...1573
• TABLESCORE vb. to take food left on restaurant tables ...1997 US sl.
• TABLET n. 1. a flat cake of soap ...1582
n. 2. a contraceptive tablet; the pill ...M20 euphemism
n. 3. an MDMA tablet ...1990s sl.
• TABLE TALK n. in poker: idle chatter that does not rise to the level of intentionally distracting talk ...1979 US sl.
• TABLE TAPPER n. an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1949 Amer. dial.
• TABLE TIME n. a time-based charge for playing pool ...1993 US sl.
• TABLE-TOPPER n. a necrophile; one having an obsessive fascination with death and corpses ...1987 sl.
• TABLE ZAMBONI n. a cleaning rag used by a bartender ...1987 US sl.
• TABLIER †* n. a chess-board ...1474
• TABLING † n. 1. the act of providing or fact of being provided with meals; provision of food; boarding, board ...a1553 now rare or obs.
† n. 2. playing at 'tables' or backgammon ...1553
n. 3. tables collectively ...1892
• TABLING-DEN † n. a low-class gambling-house ...1886
• TABLING-HOUSE † n. a house of resort for playing 'tables' or other games; a gambling-house ...1577
• TABLING SCHOOL † n. a boarding-school ...1660
• TABNAB n. a cake, bun, or pastry; a savoury snack ...1933 nautical sl.
• TABOR n. 1. the earlier name of the drum; in later use, a small kind of drum used chiefly as an accompaniment to the pipe or trumpet ...c1290 arch. or poetic
* n. 2. the drummer with his drum ...1362
* vb. 1. to perform upon or beat the tabor; to drum ...a1300
† vb. 2. to beat, to thump, to thrash ...1624
• TABORER † n. a drummer; a performer on the tabor ...c1400
• TABORN † n. a drum ...a1340
† vb. to drum ...a1300
• TABORNER † n. a drummer ...a1400 chiefly Sc.
• TABOR-STICK * n. a drumstick ...a1300
• TABOUR n. the earlier name of the drum; in later use, a small kind of drum used chiefly as an accompaniment to the pipe or trumpet ...c1290 arch. or poetic
* n. 2. the drummer with his drum ...1362
* vb. 1. to perform upon or beat the tabour; to drum ...a1300
† vb. 2. to beat, to thump, to thrash ...1624 obs. exc. Sc.
• TABOURER † n. a drummer; a performer on the tabour ...c1400
• TABOURS n. a beating, a drubbing ...1825 Sc.
• TAB OUT vb. to pay a bar bill and leave the bar ...1992 US sl.
• TABROUN † n. a drum ...a1340
• TABS n. the ears ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
int. used to lay claim to something ...1956 Amer. dial.
• TABSHAG n. a term of reproach for an idle person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TABU n. a typical army mess (Typical Army Balls-Up) ...World War II Brit. military usage
• TABULARIOUS †* adj. pert. to written documents or accounts ...1656
• TABULATE †* vb. to board a floor or other place; to make thing of boards ...1656
• TABULATION †* n. a fastening together of planks or boards, a making a floor ...1658
• TAB UP vb. 1. to charge with a crime ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to identify, to categorize ...1910s sl.
vb. 3. to survey a place prior to robbing it ...1926 sl.
• TABURNISTER †* n. a female player on the tabor ...a1340
• TAC n. phencyclidine ...1960s drugs sl.
• TACENDA n. things to be passed over in silence; matters not to be mentioned ...1883
• TACENT †* adj. silent, quiet, holding one's peace ...1652
• TACH n. 1. a hat ...M19 back-slang
n. 2. a tachometer, an instrument that measures the velocity of machines ...1960s sl.
• TACHE † n. 1, a spot, a blotch, a blemish, a blot ...a1300
† n. 2. a moral spot or blemish; a fault or vice; a bad quality or habit ...c1330
† n. 3. a distinctive mark, quality, or habit; a trait, a characteristic, good or bad ...a1400-50 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
†* n. 4. a slight taste or flavour; a smack ...1607
n. 5. a moustache ...1893 sl.
† vb. 1. to fasten, to attach, to fix, to secure a person or thing ...a1310 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to stain or taint, esp. with moral defilement, or with the imputation of guilt or shameful conduct; to stigmatize ...1390 obs. exc. Sc.
† vb. 3. to lay hold of a person; to arrest, to apprehend by legal authority ...c1400 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 4. to make a hostile charge or attack; to charge ...a1400-50
vb. 5. to blemish; to deface; to tarnish or spoil slightly by handling or use; to make the worse for wear ...a1700 Sc.
• TACHELESS †* adj. stainless, faultless ...a1300
• TACHEMENT † n. something attached; an appurtenance ...a1400
• TACHMENT † n. something attached; an appurtenance ...a1400
• TACHO n. a tachometer, an instrument that measures the velocity of machines ...1960s sl.
• TACHYDIDAXY n. fast teaching ...1846
• TACHYGRAPH n. a writer of shorthand ...1810
• TACHYGRAPHER n. a shorthand writer; a stenographer ...1887
• TACHYGRAPHIC adj. pert. to the art of rapid writing; specifically applied to a cursive or running handwriting as opposed to one having separate and fully-formed letters ...a1763
• TACHYGRAPHICAL adj. pert. to the art of rapid writing; specifically applied to a cursive or running handwriting as opposed to one having separate and fully-formed letters ...1764
• TACHYGRAPHIST n. a shorthand writer; a stenographer ...1895
• TACHYGRAPHY n. the art or practice of quick writing; applied to shorthand, and to cursive as distinguished from angular letters ...1641
• TACHYIATER n. one who cures speedily ...1898
• TACHYLALIA n. fast talking ...Bk1994
• TACHYPHAGIA n. food grabbing or fast eating ...Bk1994
• TACHYTHANATOUS adj. killing quickly, rapidly fatal or lethal ...1860
• TACID †* adj. tacit ...1651
• TACIDLY †* adv. tacitly ...1640
• TACITURNIST n. one who practices habitual silence or reserve ...1887
• TACITURNOUS †* adj. silent, saying nothing, reserved in speech, making no noise ...1727
• TACK † n. 1.that which fastens one thing to another, or things together; a clasp, a buckle, a hook, a nail, etc. ...a1300
† n. 2. hold; holding quality; adherence, endurance, stability, strength, substance, solidity ...1412-20 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† n. 3. a spot, a stain, a blemish ...c1425 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† n. 4. a smack, taste, or flavour of something; esp. a peculiar or ill flavour ...1602
†* n. 5. a billiard-cue ...1688
n. 6. an agreement, compact, bargain; hence, a post, situation, a steady job ...1718 Sc.
n. 7. a specific period of time, as a spell of weather, a stretch ...1728 Sc.
* n.8. the sound of a smart stroke; a tap; a crack ...1821 Sc
n. 9. foodstuff ...1833
n. 10. anything mouldy or sour, esp. a taste in food or drink that is other than one expects ...M19 sl.
n. 11. a person who is unfashionable or untidy ...1893 Amer. dial.
n. 12. drink ...L19 sl.
n. 13. a shred of clothing, the least covering of clothes, a 'stitch' ...1901 Ireland
n. 14. a slap ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 15. an attack ...Bk1905 Eng dial.
n. 16. anything of little or no value, or of inferior quality ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 17. foolish talk ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 18. something tacky or cheap and seedy or vulgar; rubbish, junk ...L20 colloq.
n. 19. a cigarette ...1922 Amer. dial.
n. 20. a nickel ...1938 Amer. dial.
n. 21. an unsophisticated person ...1950s US Black sl.
n. 22. a fool ...1950s US Black sl.
n. 23. a conservative person ...1950s US Black sl.
n. 24. a bullet ...1950s W. Indies Rasta usage
n. 25. money ...1950s sl.
n. 26. a tachometer, an instrument that measures the velocity of machines ...1960s sl.
n. 27. a citified person ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 28. a clever or smart man ...1972 Amer. dial.
n. 29. an impediment in speech ...1972 Sc.
n. 30. anything that demonstrates a quality of vulgarity, bad taste, or kitsch ...1986 US sl.
n. 31. a (prison-created) tattoo ...1990s US criminals' sl.
n. 32. a tattoo ...1992 US sl.
n. 33. marijuana ...1996 UK sl.
† vb. 1. to attach, to fasten one thing to another ...1387
† vb. 2. to taint, to infect ...1601
vb. 3. to change one's opinion, attitude, or conduct ...1637
vb. 4. to attack ...1720
† vb. 5. to join in wedlock ...1732 sl.
vb. 6. to join, to unite, esp. in a loose or slack manner ...1858 Sc.
vb. 7. to give a smack or taste to ..1868 Eng. dial.
vb. 8. to clap the hands ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to strike with the open hand; to slap; to beat ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to beg food ...1925 US sl.
vb. 11. to tick, as a clock ...1950 Eng. dial.
• TACK ATTACK n. a rush of bad taste, or an experience of bad taste ...1980s sl.
• TACKED adj. drunk or drug-intoxicated ...2004 US sl.
• TACKED BACK adj. covered with tattoos ...1989 US sl.
• TACKED DOWN adj. well-dressed ...1960s US Black sl.
• TACKED OUT adj. in trucking: running at full speed ...1971 US sl.
• TACKER † n. 1. one who grants a tack or lease ...1551 Sc.
n. 2. in English History: one who favoured the tacking of other bills in parliament to money-bills, in order to secure their passage through the House of Lords; especially in early 18th century, one who advocated tacking the bill against occasional conformity, 1704, to a money-bill ...1704 Eng. hist.
n. 3. in various trades, one who tacks or fastens articles or parts of things; also, a machine for putting or driving in tacks ...1727
n. 4. a great falsehood ...1777 Eng. dial.
n. 5. a little child, especially a small boy ...1885 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• TACKET † n. 1. a nail; in later use, a small nail, a tack ...1316 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
n. 2. a restless, unruly boy ...1896 Sc.
n. 3. the penis ...1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKET-BOOT n. a hobnailed boot ...1897 Sc.
• TACKETY n. the female breast ...1988 Sc. rhyming sl. for 'tit' (tackety bit)
• TACKETY BIT n. the female breast ...1988 Sc. rhyming sl. for 'tit'
• TACKETY-SHOED adj. wearing studded shoes ...1897 Sc.
• TACKEY adj. 1. of poor quality, shoddy; run-down; cheap. common; in poor taste ...1886 Amer. sl.
adj. 2. of clothing or appearance: unfashionable, dowdy; untidy, slovenly, shabby; gaudy, tawdry ...1890 Amer. sl.
adj. 3. uncouth, ill-mannered; impolite in behaviour ...1916 Amer. sl.
n. 1. a small horse or pony of sturdy but inelegant build; an inferior or broken-down horse ...1800 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a low-class White person ...1836 Amer. dial.
• TACKEY PARTY n. a party at which people dress in unfashionable, dowdy, or ridiculous clothes ...1890 Amer. dial.
• TACKHEAD n. 1. a stupid person; a rural farmer ...20S US sl.
n. 2. an overdressed or excessively stylish person ...20C US sl.
n. 3. an unattractive, unkempt woman ...1960s US Black sl.
n. 4. a troublemaker ...1990s US sl.
• TACKIE n. 1. a small horse or pony of sturdy but inelegant build; an inferior or broken-down horse ...1800 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a low-class White person ...1836 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a tire ...1978 S. Afr. sl.
vb. to drive fast, to accelerate ...1990s S. Afr. sl.
• TACKIES n. running shoes; trainers ...1913 S. Afr.
• TACKINESS n. a state of unrefined vulgarity ...1977 US sl.
• TACKLE † n. 1. implements of war, weapons; esp. arrows; also, a weapon, an, arrow ...c1375
n. 2. the genitals ...M16 sl.
n. 3. one's best clothes ...E17 sl.
† n. 4. a prostitute, a mistress ...1688 sl.
n. 5. clothes ...1698 UK sl.
n. 6. victuals; food or drink ...1857 Eng. dial. & sl.
n. 7. a watch chain ...L19 sl.
n. 8. a quick and rather troublesome child ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 9. a cantankerous, verbally abusive woman ...1980s Irish sl.
n. 10. a showily or bizarrely dressed woman ...1980s Irish sl.
n. 11. drugs ...2000s sl.
vb. 1. to grip, to lay hold of ...E19 sl.
vb. 2. to attack, to punish ...1828
vb. 3. to take in hand, to deal with ...1847
vb. 4. to grapple with, to attempt to deal with ...1847
vb. 5. to enter into a discussion with; to approach or question some subject ...M19 sl.
vb. 6. to attack food, to begin to eat ...1889
vb. 7. to begin, to commence ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 8. to get to know someone with the specific aim of initiating an affair ...1950s W. Indies sl.
vb. 9. to court; to flirt ...1987 Trinidad and Tobago
• TACKLE TO vb. to work vigorously on ...1874 Sc.
• TACKLE UP vb. to repair, to mend ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKLING † n. 1. arms, weapons, instruments ...a1400
† n. 2. fishing tackle ...1548
† n. 3. gear, furnishings, fittings, accoutrements, outfit, baggage, etc. ...1558
† n. 4. a horse's harness ...c1645
n. 5. food or drink ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKLING-LADDER † n. a rope-ladder ...1680
• TACK ONE'S TEETH INTO ANYTHING vb. to set about anything heartily ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TACK-O-RAMA adj. completely tacky or tasteless, gaudy ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TACK-TO n. a frequent companion, esp. of a woman who keeps company with a man in a somewhat imprecise relationship ...1827 Sc.
• TACK TOGETHER vb. to marry ...M18 sl.
• TACK UP vb. to approach someone in a confrontational manner ...2000s US prison sl.
• TACKY adj. 1. of clothing or appearance: unfashionable, dowdy; untidy, slovenly, shabby; gaudy, tawdry ...1862 Amer. sl.
adj. 2. of poor quality, shoddy; run-down; cheap. common; in poor taste ...1886 Amer. sl.
adj. 3. drunk; sticky with the moisture of alcohol ...1900s US college sl.
adj. 4. well-prepared, mentally sharp ...1901 Amer. sl.
adj. 5. sticky ...Bk1913 Amer. sl.
adj. 6. uncouth, ill-mannered; impolite in behaviour ...1916 Amer. sl.
adj. 7. good, skilled, clever ...1950s W. Indies sl.
adj. 8. tricky, hard to beat, cunning ...1950s W. Indies sl.
n. 1. a small horse or pony of sturdy but inelegant build; an inferior or broken-down horse ...1800 Amer. colloq.
n. 2. a poor White person of the southern states, from Virginia to Georgia ...1836 US sl.
n. 3. a stupid person, a rural farmer ...20C US sl.
n. 4. an overdressed or excessively stylish person ...20C US sl.
• TACKYHEAD n. 1. a stupid person; a rural farmer ...20S US sl.
n. 2. an unattractive, unkempt woman ...1960s US Black sl.
• TACKY-LACKY n. a drudge; a person at everyone's beck and call ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKY PARTY n. a party at which people dress in unfashionable, dowdy, or ridiculous clothes ...1890 Amer. dial.
• TACO adj. (derogatory) inhabited by or characteristic of Mexicans; cheap; stupid; lazy ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 1. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the act of lifting a person (from behind) by the belt, belt buckles, top of the underwear, or the seat of the pants ...1989 Amer. dial.
n. 3. (derogatory) a fellow Black; the premise being one is no better than a Mexican ...1980s US Black sl.
n. 4. the penis ...1990s US teen sl.
• TACO BELL n. the penis ...1990s US teen sl.
• TACO BELLE n. a Latin American woman ...1980s sl.
• TACO-BENDER n. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1970 Amer. sl.
• TACO-EATER n. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1986 Amer. sl.
• TACO-HEAD n. (derogatory) a Mexican or a Chicano ...1960s US sl.
• TACO HELL n. a Taco Bell™ fast-food restaurant ...1990 US sl.
• TACOLAND n. (derogatory) the part of town where the Mexicans live ...1960s sl.
• TACO QUEEN n. a White homosexual who prefers Hispanic partners ...1970s US homosexual sl.
• TACO-ROLLER n. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1968 Amer. sl.
• TACO TELEGRAPH, THE n. the informal means by which news is spread in Mexican communities ...1989 Amer. dial.
• TACO TOWN n. 1. (derogatory) San Jose, US ...1960s US sl.
n. 2. (derogatory) the Mexican section of a community ...1970 Amer. sl.
• TACO-TWISTER n. (derogatory) a Mexican migrant worker ...1974 Amer. sl.
• TACOU adj. foolish, stupid ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TACO WAGON n. 1. a car embellished with bright colours, chrome and other accessories associated with Mexican-American car enthusiasts ...1960 US sl.
n. 2. in hot rodding: any car which has had its leaf springs shackled, lowering the body ...1962 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a modified Chevy with much Chrome and with baby booties or sponge dice hanging from the mirror ...1970 Amer. sl.
• TACT n. 1. the sense of touch; touch ...1651
†* n. 2. the act of touching or handling; a touch ...1801
• TACTABLE † adj. capable of being touched ...1611
• TACTATION †* n. the act of touching ...1688
• TACTIC † adj. 1. pert. to military or naval tactics; tactical ...1604
* adj. 2. belonging to touch ...1625
† adj. 3. pert. to the beating of time ...1779
† n. a tactician; one skilled in tactics ...1638
• TACTICS †* n. arrangement, disposition ...1650
• TACTILE adj. perceptible to the touch ...1615
• TACTION n. the act of touching; contact ...1623
• TACTIVE †* adj. characterized by touching ...1634
• TACTUAL adj. pert. to touch; due to touch ...1642
• TACTURE † n. touch, contact ...1597
• TACTURIENCY † n. the desire of touching ...1652 nonce word
• TAD adj. little, a small amount ...1940 UK sl.
n. 1. a person, usually a boy or child ...1871 Amer. dial.
n. 2. one who attempts to avoid paying a bill ...M19 US sl.
n. 3. a person of little use or account ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 4. an Irish Catholic ...20C US sl.
n. 5. a person of Irish ancestry ...1914 Amer. dial.
n. 6. a person of questionable moral; an immoral woman ...1930 Amer. dial.
n. 7. a small amount, a dab; something very small; a short distance ...1940 Amer. dial.
n. 8. in marbles, a small, cheap marble ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 9. a woman, not necessarily uncomplimentary ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 10. a man who is fond of being with women and tries to attract their attention, esp. when rude or not respectful ...1968 Amer. dial.
• TAD, A adv. slightly ...1940s sl., orig. US
• TA-DA! int. used to present some feat or surprise ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAD BLAME IT! int. god-damn it! ...1950s US euphemism
• TADDICK n. a small quantity or amount of anything; a measure, etc., partly filled ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TADDIE n. a tadpole ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TADDLE n. a small quantity, a dab ...1913 Amer. dial.
• TADDLER n. 1. a large sausage ...1900s sl.
n. 2. the penis ...1900s sl.
• TADDY adj. 1. pot-bellied ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. untidy; tossed about ...Bk1905 Ireland
n. a certain kind of snuff, so called from the name of its makers, Messrs. Taddy and Co., London ...1869 Sc.
• TADDY-BOX n. a snuff-box ...1907 Sc.
• TADGER n. 1. a violent, quarrelsome, domineering person, esp. a scolding woman, a shrew, a termagant ...1888 Sc.
n. 2. the penis ...1951 sl.
• TADIOUS adj. peevish, fretful, fractious, irritable, difficult to please; fidgety, restless ...1892 Eng. dial.
• TAD-LARRUPING adj. very good, excellent; esp. used of food ...1900s US sl.
• TADLY-OODLY adj. tipsy; intoxicated ...1897 Eng. dial.
• TADPOLE n. 1. (derogatory) a Black infant ...1588
n. 2. a native of Mississippi ...M19 US sl.
n. 3. an insignificant person ...1915 Amer. dial.
n. 4. a small French child ... World War I Amer. sl.
n. 5. a child ...1930 Amer. dial.
n. 6. an OH-6 light observation military helicopter ...1991 US sl.
• TADPOLE CARRIER n. the scrotum ...1990s sl.
• TADPOLE FACTORY n. the testicles ...2003 UK sl.
• TADPOLE'S SHIMMY n. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TADPOLE'S TEDDIES n. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TADPOLE STOOL n. a toadstool ...1986 Amer. dial.
• TADY-WAMPUS n. an imaginary animal monster; a hobgoblin ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TADWHACKER n. a person, usually a boy or child ...1941 Amer. dial.
• TAE n. 1. a cantankerous person ...1921 Sc.
n. 2. a child's term for father; also, a paternal or maternal grandfather ...1972 Sc.
• TAENIOPHOBIA n. fear of tapeworms ...Bk1994
• TA EVER SO phr. thank you ...1914 Brit.
• TAF adj. fat ...M19 back-slang
• TAFEE n. a Welshman, or a nickname for a Welshman ...E17 sl.
• TAFF adj. fat ...M19 back-slang
n. (often derogatory) a Welsh person; often used as a nickname ...1929 sl.
• TAFFEE n. a Black person; blackness as a skin colour ...1630s US Black sl.
• TAFFEL † n. a table ...1633 Sc. obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TAFFEREL adj. thoughtless, foolish, giddy; also, ill-dressed ...1822 Sc.
• TAFFETA adj. florid, bombastic; over-dressed; dainty, delicate, fastidious ...1588
• TAFFETY adj. 1. florid, bombastic; over-dressed; dainty, delicate, fastidious, particular ...1719
adj. 2. tender, delicate ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. a toad ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFIE n. a Welshman, or a nickname for a Welshman ...E17 sl.
• TAFFIL † n. a table ...1633 Sc. obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TAFFLE n. 1. anything tangled or confused; a tangle ...1889 Eng. dial.
n. 2. the aimless movement of light matter; a slight movement on water ...B1900 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a confused argument or business transaction ...B1900 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to perplex, to tire, to wear out, to exhaust with fatigue ...1750 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to handle roughly, to ravel, to entangle; to ruffle, to rumple ...1842 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to trifle, to idle, to loiter ...1854 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to throw into disorder ...1863 Eng. dial.
vb. 5. to move aimlessly ...B1900 Eng. dial.
vb. 6. to puzzle, to bamboozle, to outwit ...1950 Sc.
• TAFFLED adj. 1. exhausted with fatigue ...1825 Sc.
adj. 2. ruffled, disordered ...1899 Sc.
• TAFFY adj. 1. fat ...M19 sl.
adj. 2. Welsh ...1970s sl.
n. 1. (often derogatory) a Welshman; often used as a nickname ...a1700
n. 2. a Black person; blackness as a skin colour ...1630s US Black sl.
n. 3. insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1878 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 5. an old person ...1900s W. Indies sl.
n. 6. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 7. a lollipop ...1944 Amer. dial.
vb. to tease ...L19 US sl.
• TAFFY GOAT n. an old person ...1900s W. Indies sl.
• TAFFY-HEAD n. a braggart, a boaster, a 'big-head' ...1970s sl.
• TAFFY-HORN n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFYLAND n. Wales ...E17 sl.
• TAFFY-NODDLES n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFY-NOODLE n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFY RAM n. an old person ...1900s W. Indies sl.
• TAFFY-TUGGER n. a masturbator ...1990s sl.
• TAFFY-WATTY n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFUBAR n. an extremely bad situation (Things Are Fucked-Up Beyond All Recognition) ...World War II military usage
• TAG * n. 1. a catkin of a tree ...1597
† n. 2. the rabble; the lowest class of people ...1607 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
n. 3. a brief and usually familiar quotation added for special effect; a much used or trite quotation ...1702
n. 4. the refrain or catch of a song or poem ...1793
n. 5. the leather strap used for punishment in schools ...1809 Sc.
n. 6. a narrow, sharp-pointed leaf of a conifer; a pine needle ...1834 Amer. dial.
n. 7. in servants' usage: a lower servant ...1857
n. 8. an actor ...M19 sl.
n. 9. a seal ...1904 US prison sl.
n. 10. a tail; any small object hanging from a larger one ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 11. a wild, romping girl ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 12. a skinny worn-out horse; an old nag ...1911 Sc.
n. 13. a name, a nickname or popular designation ...1920s UK & US Black sl.
n. 14. tiring, troublesome labour ...1929 Sc.
n. 15. a vehicle number-plate ...1930s sl.
n. 16. a letter smuggled out of prison ...1934 US prison sl.
n. 17. an arrest warrant ...1930s US criminals' sl.
n. 18. a car license ...1940s sl.
n. 19. one who 'tags along' behind another person, esp. for detective or spying purposes ...1960s sl.
n. 20. a label commonly given to a person or thing ...1960s sl.
n. 21. a bunch (of grapes) ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 22. the 'signature' used by a graffiti artist, spraying their name on walls, subway trains, etc. ...1980s sl.
n. 23. a planned murder ...1982 US sl.
n. 24. a stylized signature often confused with graffiti ...1997 US sl.
n. 25. a piece of information ...2000s US prison sl.
† vb. 1. to hang down or trail like a tag ...1617 obs. exc. Sc.
vb. 2. to trail or drag behind; to follow closely ...1676
† vb. 3. to fasten, stitch, or tack together; to join ...1681
vb. 4. to tie, to bind ...1825 Sc.
vb. 5. of the moon: to wane ...1825 Sc.
vb. 6. to urinate ...a1838 Sc.
vb. 7. to oppress by hard labour ...1866 Sc.
vb. 8. to beat with a tawse ...1866 Sc.
vb. 9. to carry on the back ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
† vb. 10. to tease, to torment ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 11. to punch ...1910s sl.
vb. 12. to arrest ...1930s sl.
vb. 13. in boxing: to hit ...1940 US sl.
vb. 14. to blame, to accuse ...1950s sl.
vb. 15. to imprison ...1950s sl.
vb. 16. to identify someone or something ...1951 US sl.
vb. 17. to bestow a nickname on someone ...1960 US sl.
vb. 18. to catch someone; to convict someone of a crime ...1966 US sl.
vb. 19. to suffer, to be punished ...1970s sl.
vb. 20. to give a parking ticket ...1980s sl.
vb. 21. of graffiti artists: to affix one's name to a picture, a wall, etc. ...1980s sl., orig. US
vb. 22. to shoot and hit someone or something ...1992 US sl.
vb. 23. to tattoo part of the body ...1993 US sl.
vb. 24. of a man: to have sexual intercourse ...2000s US Black sl.
• TAG-ALONG n. 1. a girlfriend or boyfriend ...1950s Aust. sl.
n. 2. someone who joins an activity without invitation ...1961 sl.
• TAG AND BAG vb. to put a name tag on a corpse and place the body in a body bag ...1981 US Vietnam war usage
• TAG AND RAG † n. 1. the rabble, the lower classes; an assemblage of people held in small esteem; everybody; all and any ...c1535
n. 2. the whole of anything, every bit ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGARENE SHOP n. an old clothes or rag shop ...1855 N. Eng. dial.
• TAGEOUS adj. peevish, fretful, fractious, irritable, difficult to please; fidgety, restless ...1892 Eng. dial.
• TAGGED adj. 1. of a garment: slashed; tattered ...c1380
adj. 2. of hair or wool: hanging in matted locks ...1757
adj. 3. indicted, arrested ...1931 US sl.
• TAGGER n. a graffiti artist who writes their 'tag' or personal label on walls and other visible sites ...1980s sl.
• TAGGIE adj. of a cow: having a white tip to its tail ...1825 Sc.
n. a pet name given to a cow having a white tip to its tail ...1761 Sc.
• TAGGING adj. tiring, tiresome ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGGING CREW n. a group of graffiti artists ...1989 US sl.
• TAGGLE vb. to tangle ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGGLIT adj. harassed with anything, encumbered, drudged ...1808 Sc.
• TAGGOWY adj. tattered, ragged ...1929 Sc.
• TAG-HEELS n. a tagalong; a sycophant; a parasite; a hanger-on; somebody who always follows along behind; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAGIL † vb. to entangle, to involve or engage in things that embarrass or encumber ...a1340
• TAGLE † vb. to entangle, to involve or engage in things that embarrass or encumber ...a1340
• TAGLET n. a catkin ...1698
• TAG LINE n. in marbles: the line toward which the players roll their marbles before beginning a game to determine the order of shooting ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TAG-LOCKS n. the coarse wool of sheep about the hinder parts, matted together by wet and dirt ...1796 Eng. dial.
• TAGNUTS n. small pieces of excrement adhering to the anal hairs ...1990s sl.
• TAG OF ICE n. an icicle ...1991 Amer. dial.
• TAG PLANT n. a prison number plate manufacturing shop ...2000 US sl.
• TAG-RAG † adj. 1. belonging to the rabble ...1601
adj. 2. dressed in rags, ragged; reduced to rags by drink ...1805
† adv. all to tags and rags; in a mingled crowd or heap ...1582
n. 1. * the rabble; the riff-raff; the common people; a member of the rabble; a low or despicable person; a pitiful, ragged fellow; a slovenly, lazy or dirty fellow; a mean person; a vagabond ...1609
n. 2. a fluttering rag, a tatter ...1827
n. 3. rubbish ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TAG, RAG, AND BOBTAIL n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1645
• TAG, RAG, AND BOBTAILRY n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1858
• TAG, RAG, AND LONGTAIL n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1719
• TAG, RAG, AND RASCALITY n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1701
• TAGRAGGERY n. a tag-rag collection or assemblage; a mass of trumpery odds and ends ...1837
• TAG-RAGLY adj. good-for-nothing ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGS n. a footman's shoulder-knots ...1837
• TAG SHOP n. the area in a prison where number plates are manufactured ...1958 US sl.
• TAGSTER n. 1. a scold; a virago ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a vagabond ..Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGSY adj. untidily dressed, unkempt ...1972 Sc.
• TAG-TAIL n. 1. a worm with a yellow tag or tail ...1653
n. 2. a person who attaches himself to another against the will of the latter; a dependent, sycophant, toady, hanger-on, parasite; one who always follows along; one who lags behind ...1864
• TAG-TAILED adj. ragged; of a woman whose petticoat trails: draggle-tailed ...1853 Sc.
• TAGUE n. 1. a Roman Catholic, esp. as used by Protestants in Northern Ireland ...M17 sl.
n. 2. an Irishman ...M17
• TAGUE FOR THE TONGUE, A n. an interminable talker, a gossip, a chatterbox ...c1850 Sc.
• TAGUE FOR TONGUEING, A n. an interminable talker, a gossip, a chatterbox ...c1850 Sc.
• TAG UP vb. of graffiti artists: to affix one's name to a picture, a wall, etc. ...1980s sl., orig. US
• TAGWORM n. the earthworm ...1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGYL † vb. to entangle, to involve or engage in things that embarrass or encumber ...a1340
• TAH int. used as a command to desist ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TA HA! † int. a derisive exclamation ...a1529
• TAIFFLIE adj. of material: thin, shoddy ...1972 Sc.
• TAIG n. 1. an Irishman ...M17
n. 2. (derogatory) a Roman Catholic ...1971 Anglo-Irish sl.
• TAIGLE n. 1. a hindrance, delay, or cause of delay ...1880 Sc.
n. 2. a tangle, a muddle; tangled fishing line ...1925 Sc.
n. 3. an idle, lounging person; a dawdling slut ...1930 Sc.
vb. 1. to entangle, to impede, or to hinder in course or action; to keep back, to retard, to detain, to delay ...1635 Sc.
vb. 2. to linger, to tarry, to delay; to dally, to loiter ...a1700 Sc.
vb. 3. to tire, to make weary, to fatigue ...1814 Sc.
vb. 4. to 'catch' or entangle in talk; to embarrass ...1865 Sc.
vb. 5. to confound or get the better of in an argument; to quiz; to bamboozle, to outsmart; to perplex ...1874 Sc.
vb. 6. to walk slowly or heavily, to drag oneself, to trudge ...1886 Sc.
vb. 7. to tangle, to confuse, to entangle, to muddle ...1898 Sc.
• TAIGLED adj. tired, wearied ...1814 Sc.
• TAIGLEMENT n. delay, cause of delay ...1830 Sc.
• TAIGLESOME adj. 1. time-consuming, retarding, delaying ...1825 Sc.
adj. 2. wearisome, tiring, tedious ...1912 Sc.
• TAIGLE THE CLEEK vb. to hold things up, to hinder progress; to shirk one's work ...1951 Sc.
• TAIGLE WITH vb. to dally in the company of, to hang around, to follow about, esp. a woman ...1827 Sc.
• TAIGLIN adj. 1. delaying, hampering ...1793 Sc.
adj. 2. of the feet: dragging, halting ...1915 Sc.
n. a hindrance, delay, or cause of delay ...1880 Sc.
• TAIL † n. 1. shape, fashion, bodily form or appearance ...a1300
n. 2. the buttocks, the backside ...1303
n. 3. † a tally; a stick or rod of wood marked on one side with transverse notches representing the amount of debt or payment; hence, a score, an account ...a1325
† n. 4. account, reckoning ...c1330
n. 5. the sexual member; the penis or, more often, pudendum ...1362
n. 6. the vagina ...M15 sl.
† n. 7. a piece or 'slip' of irregularly bounded land jutting out from a larger piece ...1472 Sc.
n. 8. the tail of a man's coat, usually in the context of pickpocketing ...16C UK criminals' sl.
† n. 9. the stern of a ship or boat ...1553
n. 10. the inferior, least influential, or least skilful members of a body; e.g. of a profession, a political party, sports team, etc. ...1604
† n. 11. the stalk of a fruit ...1613
n. 12. the stalk of a mushroom ...1613 Eng. dial.
† n. 13. a sword ...1698 UK criminals' sl.
n. 14. a twisted or braided tress of hair; a pigtail ...1799
n. 15. an entourage or retinue of a highland chief and his henchmen ...1814 Sc.
n. 16. a pheasant ...1841 poachers' usage
n. 17. a woman, regarded as a sexual object; women, collectively, categorized with the same regard ...1846 UK sl.
n. 18. a prostitute ...1869 UK sl.
n. 19. the skirt of a woman's dress ...1888
n. 20. the long handle of an implement, as a rake ...1892
n. 21. in fishing usage: a fish ...1901 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 22. the pendulum of a clock ...1911 Sc.
n. 23. one who carries out a surveillance, esp. when following the target in the street ...1914 sl., orig. US
n. 24. an act of surveillance ...1910s sl.
n. 25. a rake ...1914 Amer. dial.
n. 26. an act of sexual intercourse or sexual intercourse in a general sense ...1933 UK sl.
n. 27. a reward for information leading to the arrest of a criminal ...1934 US sl.
n. 28. young boys viewed collectively as suitable for homosexual relationships ...1940s sl.
n. 29. a woman ...1950s sl.
n. 30. in hot rodding: a fox tail or raccoon tail tied to the car ...1960 US sl.
n. 31. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 32. an informer ...1970s US prison sl.
n. 33. the long-term effect of a drug, as opposed to the initial 'rush' ...1990s drugs sl.
n. 34. the term of a prisoner's parole ...1992 US sl.
† vb. 1. to decide or determine in a specified way; to settle, to arrange, to fix a matter ...c1315
† vb. 2. to put into shape, to trim, to make ready ...c1330
† vb. 3. to cut up, to cut to pieces, to slaughter ...c1330
† vb. 4. to mark or record on a tally; to charge with a debt ...1377
† vb. 5. to cut, esp. to a certain size or shape; to shape, to fashion ...c1400
† vb. 6. to tally or agree with; to equal ...1638
vb. 7. to possess carnally; to have sex ...1778 sl.
vb. 8. to follow, drive or tend sheep or cattle ...1844 Aust.
vb. 9. to set a trap or snare; to bait a trap ...1862
vb. 10. of a stream: to flow or fall into ...1889
vb. 11. to beat someone in a game by an overwhelming margin ...1891 Amer. dial.
vb. 12. to follow a criminal, suspect, etc. secretly ...1907 sl., orig. US
• TAILAG n. the poorest or weakest of a brood, litter, flock, etc., esp. of sheep or pigs ...1972 Sc.
• TAIL AND TOP † n. the whole, everything without exception ...1558
• TAIL-BEHIND n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAILBONE n. the buttocks ...20C US sl.
• TAIL-BOX n. the female genitals; the vagina ...20C US sl.
• TAIL-BUZZER n. a thief who specializes in the picking of coat pockets ...1851 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-BUZZING n. theft, stealing from gentlemen's coat pockets ...1893 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-CASTLE † n. the poop of a ship ...1585
• TAIL-CHASER n. a womanizer ...1940s US sl.
• TAIL-DIP n. a thief who specializes in the picking of coat pockets ...M19 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-DIVER n. a pickpocket specializing in removing snuff-boxes, purses, pocketbooks, etc. from gentlemen's coat pockets ...1859 UK criminals' sl.
• TAILDRAFT n. an idler, one who holds back ...20C Irish sl.
• TAIL-DRAWER n. a thief who steals gentlemen's swords from their sides ...1698 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-DRAWING n. privately taking a sword a from a gentleman's side, either in a crowd, or as he walks along the streets at night ...1714 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL END n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-END CHARLIE n. 1. a rear-gunner in an aircraft ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
n. 2. the person or vehicle that comes last in a queue; one who comes at the end ...1941 sl.
• TAILENDER n. 1. a term of contempt for one who is habitually late in everything he undertakes ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. someone or something coming at the end ...colloq.
n. 3. a scrawny or poor-quality animal ...1941 Amer. dial.
n. 4. the smallest pig in a litter ...1969 Amer. dial.
• TAILER n. 1. the member of a criminal gang who remains on guard at a railway station, impersonating a policeman, for the purpose of bullying any victim who discovers he has been swindled, and returns to try to recover his money ...1898 US criminals' sl.
n. 2. a stool pigeon in a jail ...1930 US prison sl.
n. 3. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind; a follower ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TAILET * n. a minute tail or tail-like appendage ...1817
• TAIL-FEATHERS n. pubic hair ...M15 sl.
• TAIL-FRUIT n. children; offspring ...19C Brit.
• TAIL-GAP n. the vagina ...M15 sl.
• TAIL-GATE n. 1. the vagina ...M15 sl.
n. 2. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. the heel of a loaf of bread ...1967 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to drive a car closely (too closely) behind the one in front ...1950s sl.
vb. 2. to follow, esp. of things that are endlessly repetitive ...1970s sl.
vb. 3. to watch women passing by ...1990s US college sl.
vb. 4. to eat and drink clustered in a parking lot before a sports event ...1995 US sl.
vb. 5. to walk very slowly behind another person ...2003 UK sl.
• TAILGATER n. 1. a hijacker ...1960s US sl.
n. 2. one who drives too close to the car in front ...1960s US sl.
• TAILGATING n. holding on to the back of a car as it drives over snow or ice ...c1980 Amer. dial.
• TAILGUNNER n. a male homosexual ...1940s US sl.
• TAIL HOLD n. a firm grip ...1874 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-HOLE n. the vagina ...M15 sl.
• TAILING n. 1. the end or latter part ...1646
n. 2. sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
n. 3. the least desirable segment of a herd of animals; a weak or slow animal ...1936 Amer. dial.
• TAILING A WHOLE FRONT adj. said of a pickpocket who 'cleans a victim right out, watch, money, etc.' ...1929 US criminals' sl.
• TAIL IT vb. to die ...1920s sl.
• TAIL JOB n. an act of surveillance ...1910s sl.
• TAIL-JUICE n. urine ...20C sl.
• TAIL KICK n. the pocket in a tailcoat ...16C UK criminals' sl.
• TAILLIE † n. 1. arrangement, fixture ...c1425 Sc.
† n. 2. a cut piece, a cut or slice of meat ...c1470 Sc.
† n. 3. an account or reckoning ...1497 Sc.
• TAIL LIGHT ALLEY n. a Lover's Lane, used by 'parking' couples ...1940s Aust. sl.
• TAIL LIGHTS n. 1. copper coins ...1937 US tramps' sl.
n. 2. LSD ...1998 UK sl.
• TAILMAN n. a womanizer; a sexual athlete ...1960s US college sl.
• TAIL-'N'-HORNS n. the devil ...1969 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-OFF n. a lowering of demand, a withering away ...1970s sl.
vb. (tail off') to follow or shadow a person ...1931 UK sl.
• TAIL ON END † adv. headlong; precipitately ...1790
• TAILOR n. 1. a daddy-long-legs ...1840
n. 2. a caterpillar ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 3. the best man at a wedding ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 4. a factory-made cigarette, whether prison-issue or commercially produced ...1924 Aust. & US prison sl.
n. 5. in gin: a win without the opponent scoring ...1950 US sl.
vb. 1. to beat someone in a game by an overwhelming margin ...1891 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to shoot badly at birds so as to wound rather than actually kill them ...L19 sl.
• TAILORAGE * n. tailor's work ...1858
• TAILORESS n. woman who works as a tailor; a woman tailor ...1654
vb. to follow the occupation of a tailoress ...1865 nonce word
• TAILORISM n. tailor's work; a tailor-made dress or garment ...1839
• TAILORIZATION n. acting as a tailor; tailoring ...1853
• TAILORIZE vb. 1. to do tailor's work, to act the tailor ...1829
vb. 2. to sit cross-legged like a tailor ...1829
• TAILOR-LEGGED adj. having the knees bent by sitting cross-legged ...1767
• TAILORLY adj. like or befitting a tailor ...1836
• TAILOR-MADE n. 1. a personally tailored garment ...L19 US sl.
n. 2. a ready-made cigarette, as opposed to a hand-rolled one ...1924 sl., orig. US
• TAILOR-MAKE vb. to design to suit exactly ...1898
• TAILOR'S BLOW n. a knock with a thimble ...1673
• TAILOR'S HELPER n. a vicious dog ...1930s US tramps' sl.
• TAILOR'S MEASURE n. a $50 bill; $50 ...1937 US tramps' sl.
• TAILOR'S NIP n. a playful pinch given to a child wearing new clothes for the first time ...1880 Sc.
• TAILOR'S RAGOUT n. bread soaked in the dressing in which cucumbers have stood ...L18 sl.
• TAILOR'S SWEAT n. a drop of mucus at the nose ...1972 Sc. jocular
• TAILOR'S THIMBLE n. one that has no tip; hence, the bottomless pit, Hell ...1827 Sc.
• TAILOR-TARTAN n. a daddy-long-legs or crane-fly ...1896 Eng. dial.
• TAILORY n. 1. the art, craft, or occupation of a tailor ...c1449
n. 2. a tailor's workshop or establishment ...1480
n. 3. tailor's work, tailors' wares; costumery ...1610
• TAIL OUT vb. 1. to run away, to depart hurriedly, to make one's escape ...L19 US sl.
vb. 2. to go fast ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAIL PEDDLER n. a prostitute ...1942 US sl.
• TAIL-PIECE n. a term of three months imprisonment ...1859 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-PIKE n. the penis ...M14 sl.
• TAIL-PIN n. the penis ...M14 sl.
• TAIL-PIPE n. 1. the penis ...19C sl.
n. 2. the anus ...1990s US sl.
vb. (usually as 'tailpipe') to tie a tin can or similar object to the tail of a dog to frighten or annoy it
• TAIL PIT n. the side pocket of a coat ...1937 US pickpockets' sl.
• TAIL-PRESSED adj. hard-pressed, closely pursued ...1911 Sc.
• TAIL-RAGEOUS adj. lustful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAILS n. 1. the inferior, less valuable, or refuse part of anything; dregs, sediments ...1542
n. 2. the inferior animals of a flock or herd ...1844
n. 3. inferior sheep drafted from a flock ...1844 Sc.
n. 4. onion leaves...1896 Sc.
n. 5. a formal tailcoat ...L19 sl.
• TAIL-SHOT n. a fart ...17C Brit.
• TAILSMAN * n. a ploughman ...1867
• TAIL SPIN n. a state of utter confusion ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAIL-TACKLE n. the penis ...19C US sl.
• TAIL-TAGGER n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-TICKLING n. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• TAIL TIMBER n. lavatory paper ...L19 sl.
• TAIL-TODDLE n. sexual intercourse ...1790 Sc.
• TAIL-TRADER n. a prostitute ...19C sl.
• TAIL-TRADING n. prostitution ...M15 sl.
• TAIL-TREE n. the penis ...18C Sc.
• TAIL-TRIMMER n. the penis ...M14 sl.
• TAIL-TWISTER n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAIL UP vb. to follow, as a detective follows a criminal ...c1910 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-WAGGER n. 1. a dog ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a general insult for a person ...1940s sl.
• TAIL-WAGGING n. sexual intercourse ...M15 sl.
• TAIL WAGGING THE DOG, THE phr. a situation in which the less important element or factor controls or influences the more important ...colloq.
• TAIL WATER n. 1. urine ...18C sl.
n. 2. semen ...20C sl.
• TAIL-WORK n. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• TAIL-WORKER n. a prostitute ...19C sl.
• TAILY n. the penis ...1982 US sl.
• TAILYE † n. 1. arrangement, fixture ...c1425 Sc.
† n. 2. a cut piece, a cut or slice of meat ...c1470 Sc.
† n. 3. an account or reckoning ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 1. to determine, to settle, to appoint, to arrange ...1375 Sc.
† vb. 2. to keep account or tally of ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 3. to cut; to cut to shape ...1581 Sc.
• TAILYEVEY † vb. to reel from side to side, to move to and fro ...1513 Sc.
• TAILYIE n. 1. a covenant or agreement ...1808 Sc.
n. 2. a cut or slice of meat or boiling or roasting ...1811 Sc.
• TAILZIE † n. 1. arrangement, fixture ...c1425 Sc.
† n. 2. a cut piece, a cut or slice of meat ...c1470 Sc.
† n. 3. an account or reckoning ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 1. to determine, to settle, to appoint, to arrange ...1375 Sc.
† vb. 2. to keep account or tally of ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 3. to cut; to cut to shape ...1581 Sc.
• TAIMA n. marijuana ...1998 UK sl.
• TAIN †* vb. to obtain, to get ...1501
• TAINGHLE vb. to harass or weary with hard work; to struggle on, to toil laboriously ...1803 Sc.
• TAINT †* adj. 1. convicted, condemned ...c1330
†* adj. 2. full of emotion ...c1330
†* adj. 3. exhausted, weary ...c1380
†* adj. 4. infected, corrupt ...1620
adj. 5. spoiled, tainted ...1934 Amer. dial.
† n. 1. a knock, a blow ...c1410
† n. 2. a conviction; the conviction of a jury for having given a false verdict ...1530
† n. 3. colour, hue, tint; tinge; dye ...1567
n. 4. a very dirty slattern or slut...19C Brit.
n. 5. the perineum, the space between the vagina and the anus (t'aint pussy and t'aint asshole) ...1970s sl., orig. US
† vb. 1. to convict, to prove guilty ...c1375
† vb. 2. to colour, to dye. to tinge ...1471
† vb. 3. to touch, to strike, to hit ...1525
† vb. 4. to apply balm or ointment to a wound, etc. ...1579
†* vb. 5. to dip, to bathe ...1594
† vb. 6. to affect with weakness; to cause to lose vigour or courage ...1600
† vb. 7. to affect injuriously; to cause detriment to; to hurt, to injure, to impair ...1601
† vb. 8. to lose vigour or courage; to become weak or faint; to wither, to fade ...1605
† vb. 8. to sully, to stain, to tarnish a person's honour ...1613
† vb. 10. to accuse of crime or dishonour ...a1619.
vb. 11. to become spoiled ...1986 Amer. dial.
• TAINTED †* adj. tinted, stained ...1797
• TAINTMEAT n. the perineum, the space between the vagina and the anus (t'aint pussy and t'aint asshole) ...1970s sl., orig. US
• T'AINT NO CRACK, BUT A SOLID FACT phr. what I am saying is the truth ...1973 US sl.
• TAINTOR † n. 1. one who brings legal evidence against another for conviction of some crime; an accuser, an informer ...1451
* n. 2. a dyer ...1889
• TAINTURE † n. 1. colouring ...1490
† n. 2. tainting, staining, stain, defilement, pollution, infection ...1593
† n. 3. accusation, charge ...1621
• TAINTY adj. tainted, spoiled ...1966 Amer. dial.
• TAIPO n. a vicious horse; often used as the name of a dog ...M19 NZ sl.
• TAIRDIE adj. peevish, ill-humoured, sulky, sarcastic ...1825 Sc.
• TAIRDY n. a din, clamour, hullabaloo ...1930 Sc.
• TAIRGE vb. 1. to question closely, to cross-examine ...1786 Sc.
vb. 2. to reprimand, to scold loudly; to beat, to strike, to thrash ...1825 Sc.
• TAIRGER n. a termagant; a scold; a shrew ...1822 Sc.
• TAIRGLET n. an icicle ...1923 Sc.
• TAISEY adj. 1. fretful, fractious; ill-tempered ...1866 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. teasing, troublesome ...1901 Eng. dial.
• TAISLE n. 1. a buffeting or knocking about, rough handling, a severe brush or tussle ...1808 Sc.
n. 2. a bamboozling with persistent questions ...1825 Sc.
n. 3. a state of disorder or the causing of disorder, confusion, muddling up ...1866 Sc.
n. 4. a vexing or teasing ...1866 Sc.
vb. 1. to tease, to irritate, to vex ...1825 Sc.
vb. 2. to toss, to throw or buffet about; to stir up, to turn over hay ...1825 Sc.
vb. 3. to entangle, to twist inextricably; to mix up, to put or get into disorder ...1866 Sc.
• TAISTER † vb. to dodge work, to slack, to be lazy ...1893 Sc.
• TAISTREL n. 1. a gawky, slovenly, or unmethodical person; often applied to a girl who tears her clothes from carelessness ...1825 Sc.
n. 2. a mischievous boy; a rascal; scoundrel ...1923 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• TAISTRILL n. a gawky, slovenly, or unmethodical person; often applied to a girl who tears her clothes from carelessness ...1825 Sc.
• TAIT † adj. cheerful, lively, active, nimble ...c1300
adv. somewhat ...1722 Sc.
n. 1. a small amount or portion of anything ...1824 Sc.
n. 2. a game of seesaw ...1894 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a lock of hair ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 4. an untidy head of hair ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 5. the top of a hill ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to lift up, to raise; to get into a high position ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to play at seesaw ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to shake about; to stir, to toss about ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to tilt; to overturn ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
int. an exclamation of remonstrance ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAITE † n. gladness, alacrity ...a1300
• TAIT OFF vb. to dress up smartly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAIT UP vb. to dress up smartly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAIVER vb. 1. to roam about aimlessly or idly; to dally, to trifle, to waste time ...1808 Sc.
vb. 2. to wander in mind or speech; to talk foolishly or incoherently; to rave; to become confused through weariness or exhaustion ...1808 Sc.
vb. 3. to annoy, to vex, to irritate; to bewilder or confuse with much talking or questioning; to lead astray ...1861 Sc.
vb. 4. to wander; to delay ...1876 Sc.
vb. 5. to talk idly, foolishly, or wildly; to rave ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 6. to eat sparingly and without appetite; to toy with one's food; to be fastidious about eating ...1929 Sc.
• TAIVERED adj. boiled to shreds ...1825 Sc.
• TAIVERS n. 1. rags, tatters, tears ...1846 Sc.
n. 2. idle, foolish talk; wild, raving words ...1871 Sc.
• TAIVERSOME adj. tedious, wearisome; annoying, vexatious ...1808 Sc.
• TAIVERSUM adj. tedious, fatiguing ...1808 Sc.
• TAIVERT adj. 1. bewildered, mentally confused or played out, esp. through exhaustion or harassment ...1808 Sc.
adj. 2. stupefied with drink, intoxicated ...1818 Sc.
adj. 3. idle, foolish, senseless, half-witted, raving ...1818 Sc.
adj. 4. boiled to shreds ...1825 Sc.
adj. 5. wandering, exhausted with work, fatigued ...1879 Sc.
• TAIVERTNESS n. stupidity ...1913 Sc.
• TAIVERTY n. a stupid person ...1833 Sc.
• TAIZIE n. a cup, a glass; a bowl, a goblet ...1808 Sc.
• TAJ adj. excellent, wonderful, luscious ...L19 UK teen sl.
• TAKE †* n. 1. a spell of magic or witchcraft; enchantment ...1678
* n. 2. 'taking' or captivating quality, charm ...1794
n. 3. money acquired by theft or fraud ...1888 sl., chiefly US
n. 4. a state of excitement, grief, fluster, etc. ...1896 Sc.
n. 5. a trick at cards ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 6. a try or attempt ...colloq.
n. 7. a thief, a villain, esp. a cheat at cards ...1930s Aust. sl.
n. 8. a theft, a robbery ...1930s Aust. & US sl.
n. 9. a swindle ...1930s Aust. sl.
n. 10. a portion, an extract, a bit ...1930s US sl.
n. 11. a share of money that is deducted for tax or some other form of levy ...1930s US sl.
n. 12. profits, e.g. the entrance money taken at a musical, sporting, or gambling event ...1930s US sl.
n. 13. a swindler or confidence trickster ...1945 Aust. & NZ sl.
n. 14. an opinion, a view ...1950s US colloq.
n. 15. a parody ...1990s sl.
n. 16. wages ...1990s sl.
† vb. 1. to touch ...a1150
† vb. 2. to include, to comprise; to contain ...c1200
† vb. 3. to inflict punishment or justice ...c1200
† vb. 4. to take to task, to reprehend, to rebuke, to reprove ...c1250
† vb. 5. to deliver, to hand over; to give ...c1275
† vb. 6. to infer, to deduce; to obtain as a result ...c1380
†* vb. 7. to render, to translate ...c1430
† vb. 8. to assume authority or importance ...c1470
† vb. 9. to take too much upon one; to behave presumptuously or haughtily, to assume airs ...c1470
† vb. 10. to behave bravely or valiantly ...c1470
† vb. 11. to profess or claim to do something ...a1500
vb. 12. to come upon suddenly, to overtake, to catch ...a1533 arch.
† vb. 13. to affect, to feign, to pretend, to make believe to do something ...1571
vb. 14. to check, to 'pull up', to interrupt ...1637 Eng. dial.
† vb. 15. to measure off a length or distance ...1660
vb. 16. to succeed, to become popular ...L17 sl.
† vb. 17. to put oneself forward, to assert oneself ...1720
vb. 18. to understand ...1838 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 19. to swindle, to cheat, to deceive, to extort money from; to victimize ...M19 sl.
vb. 20. to overcome, to defeat, to kill ...L19 sl.
vb. 21. to strike; to deliver a blow ...1880 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 22. to marry; to accept as husband or wife ...1889 Sc.
vb. 23. to accept, to put up with something or someone ...20C sl.
vb. 24. to think; to consider ...1901 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 25. to burn brightly ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 26. to sketch; to draw ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 27. of water: to begin to freeze ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 28. to have sexual intercourse with ...1915 arch.
vb. 29. to rob ...1926 sl.
vb. 30. to confront, to attack ...1920s sl.
vb. 31. to murder ...1930 UK criminals' sl.
vb. 32. to take bribes ...1935 UK criminals' sl.
vb. 33. to defeat someone ...1939 UK sl.
vb. 34. to take the passive role in homosexual anal intercourse ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE, THE n. bribery ...1930 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE ABACK vb. to surprise suddenly and forcibly ...1754 sl., orig. nautical
• TAKE A BACK SEAT vb. to accept without complaint a subordinate, second-rate position ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A BACKSET vb. to relapse during convalescence ...1880 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A BAG vb. to experience an undesirable situation ...1960s US campus
sl.
• TAKE A BATH vb. to lose or suffer badly, esp. in business, sport, or gambling ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A BEAR BY THE TOOTH vb. to take foolhardy risks ...1719
• TAKE A BEATING vb. to lose or suffer badly, esp. in business, sport, or gambling ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A BIT OF DOING vb. to require all one's efforts; to be difficult to do ...1910s colloq.
• TAKE A BLINDER vb. to die ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A BLUE vb. to drink a glass of absinthe ...1910s sl.
• TAKE ABOARD ONE'S LAND-TACKS vb. to go ashore ...1776 nautical sl.
• TAKE ABOUT vb. 1. to take care of ; to make firm and secure; to see to; esp. to nurse a dying person and see to the funeral ...1892 Sc.
vb. 2. to kill and make an end of ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TAKE A BOX vb. to defecate ...1990s Irish sl.
• TAKE A BRACE vb. to pull oneself together; to smarten up ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE A BRODIE vb. 1. to commit suicide ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to fail, to slip back into bad habits ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A BUST (AT) vb. to hit (with the fist) ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE A BYE vb. to refuse or decline to act or participate in something ...20C US sl.
• TAKE A CAB vb. to die ...2000 US sl.
• TAKE A CARROT! int. an insulting exclamation, usually used to women ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A CHILD TO BANBURY CROSS vb. to swing a child up and down on one's foot ...1848
• TAKE A CHILL PILL vb. to relax, to calm down ...1980s US Black & campus sl.
• TAKE A CHUTE vb. to leave in a hurry ...1877 US sl.
• TAKE A CONSTITUTIONAL vb. to take a walk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A COUNT vb. to be shocked ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A COURSE WITH vb. 1. to cause problems for; to interfere with ...E17 sl.
vb. 2. to follow closely ...E17 sl.
• TAKE A CRACK AT vb. to make an attempt ...1836 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A CRAP vb. to defecate ...1920s sl.
• TAKE A DANGLE UP THE LINE vb. to journey ...1927 US sl., esp. hobo usage
• TAKE A DIM VIEW OF vb. to disapprove of ...1941 colloq.
• TAKE A DIP vb. to chew tobacco ...1980s US campus sl.
• TAKE A DIRT NAP vb. 1. to be buried ...1990s US Black sl.
vb. 2. to die ...1990s US Black sl.
vb. 3. to be knocked out ...1990s US Black sl.
• TAKE A DIVE vb. 1. in boxing, or any competition: to deliberately lose a fight ...1910s sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to compromise oneself ...1980s sl., orig. US
vb. 3. to fail ...1980s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A DOUCHE vb. to leave hurriedly ...1960s US teen sl.
int. go away! ...1960s US teen sl.
• TAKE A DROP vb. 1. to run off ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to be arrested, to be imprisoned ...1920s US criminals' sl.
vb. 3. to fall in love ...1920s US sl.
vb. 4. to tumble, to slip over ...1950s US sl.
vb. 5. to find oneself in difficulties; to come to grief ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A DROP ON vb. to take control; to 'get a grip' ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE A DROP TO vb. to realize, to understand ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A DUMP vb. to defecate, usually in the sense of incontinence ...1940s sl., orig US
• TAKE ADVANTAGE vb. of a man: to seduce someone; to have sex with someone; to force sex upon someone ...1928 US euphemism
• TAKE ADVISEMENT † vb. to take thought, to consider or deliberate; to take counsel, to consult; hence, to decide, to resolve ...1375
• TAKE A FALL vb. 1. to fall in love ...1920s US sl.
vb. 2. to be arrested or convicted; to be imprisoned ...1928 sl.
vb. 3. to tumble; to slip over ...1950s US sl.
vb. 4. to find oneself in difficulties; to come to grief ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A FALL OUT OF vb. 1. to humble by defeating; to get the better of; jocularly, to involve oneself with something ...1889 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to knock down ...1892 Amer. sl.
vb. 3. to reprimand someone ...L19 US & Aust. sl.
vb. 4. to involve oneself with something ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A FASHION RISK vb. to dress in an unfashionable or outlandish manner ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE A FEATHER OUT OF vb. to confuse, to surprise, to astonish ...20C Irish sl.
• TAKE A FLIER vb. 1. to have quick and spontaneous sexual intercourse with both parties fully or partially dressed ...L18 sl.
vb. 2. to go out on a spree ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to take a chance, to gamble, esp. financially ...L19 US sl.
vb. 4. to escape from prison ...20C US prison sl.
vb. 5. to fall heavily ...1920s sl.
vb. 6. to escape, to run away from ...1950s sl.
• TAKE A FLOURISH vb. to have swift and spontaneous sexual intercourse, usually when both parties are wholly or partially dressed ...L18 sl.
• TAKE A FLYER vb. 1. to have quick and spontaneous sexual intercourse with both parties fully or partially dressed ...L18 sl.
vb. 2. to go out on a spree ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to take a chance, to gamble, esp. financially ...L19 US sl.
vb. 4. to escape from prison ...20C US prison sl.
vb. 5. to fall heavily ...1920s sl.
vb. 6. to escape, to run away from ...1950s sl.
• TAKE A FLYER AT SOMETHING vb. to take a chance at something ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FRIG phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK vb. to leave, to travel ...1960s US Black sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT A GALLOPING GOOSE phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT A ROLLING DOUGHNUT phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT A RUBBER DUCK phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT THE MOON phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT YOURSELF phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ...1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING JUMP phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING JUMP AT THE MOON phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING JUMP OUT OF THE NEAREST WINDOW phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP AT A ROLLING DOUGHNUT phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP INTO THE AIR phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP OFF A BRIDGE phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FRIGHT n. the night ...M19 rhyming sl.
• TAKE AFTER vb. 1. to copy, to imitate ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to run after, to pursue ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE AGAINST vb. to take a dislike to; to thwart ...1897 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A GANDER vb. to look at, to glance at ...1930s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A GRINDER vb. to make a coarse gesture similar to thumbing one's nose and using the other hand to work an imaginary coffee-grinder ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A GROUND SWEAT vb. to be buried ...17C sl.
• TAKE A HARP vb. to die ...L19 US college sl.
• TAKE A HEAD † vb. 1. to make insurrection; to raise a tumult ...1678
† vb. 2. to make a rush forward, to start running ...1760-72
• TAKE A HEADER vb. to fall headfirst or headlong ...1928 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A HIKE vb. to leave ...20C sl., orig. US
int. go away! ...20C sl., orig. US
• TAKE A HINGE AT vb. to look at ...1930s US sl.
• TAKE A HOLIDAY vb. 1. to be dismissed ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to jump bail ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A HOP vb. to travel in an airplane ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A HOSING vb. to be cheated or badly treated ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE A JERRY TO vb. to understand or realize the meaning of something ...1919 Aust. & NZ sl.
• TAKE A JUMP AT vb. to guess ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A JUMP UP THE LINE vb. to journey ...1927 US sl., esp. hobo usage
• TAKE A KNOCK vb. to suffer a setback ...1649
• TAKE A KNOCK DOWN vb. to take note ...1950s US Black sl.
• TAKE A LAMP AT vb. to have a look at ...1926 US sl.
• TAKE A LARK vb. to be mischievously merry; to go on a spree ...c1815 colloq.
• TAKE A LEAF FROM SOMEONE'S BOOK vb. to imitate or emulate someone ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE A LEAF OUT OF SOMEONE'S BOOK vb. to imitate or emulate someone ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE A LEAK vb. to urinate ...1910s sl.
• TAKE A LEAP IN THE DARK vb. to be hanged ...17C sl.
• TAKE A LISTEN vb. to listen ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A LITTLE, LEAVE A LITTLE phr. used as a description of the standing orders that carnival workers have for cheating customers ...1985 US sl.
• TAKE A LOAD OFF ONE'S FEET vb. to sit down and rest, esp. used as an invitation ...20C sl.
• TAKE A LOT OF DOING vb. to require all one's efforts; to be difficult to do ...1910s colloq.
• TAKE A LUNAR vb. to look at ...1906 sl.
• TAKE A MEETING vb. to attend a business meeting ...1977 US entertainment industry usage
• TAKE A MICKEY FINN vb. to abscond ...1924 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A MIDOL! int. relax! calm down! ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE A MOPE vb. to escape, esp. from prison ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE AN AIR OF THE FIRE vb. to warm oneself ...1877 Eng. dial.
• TAKE AN APPLICATION vb. to interview a woman as a prospective prostitute ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE AND DO vb. to begin, to commence ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE AND GIVE vb. to live, esp. as man and wife ...L19 rhyming sl.
• TAKE AN IMMEDIATE DUCK vb. to escape from prison ...1934 US prison sl.
• TAKE AN L vb. to lose a game ...1999 US sl.
• TAKE AN OATH vb. to drink liquor ...19C sl., chiefly US
• TAKE A NOSE-DIVE vb. to collapse; to fail utterly ...1920s sl.
• TAKE AN OUTING WITH TOM THUMB AND HIS FOUR BROTHERS vb. to masturbate ...20C sl.
• TAKE A PAGE OUT OF SOMEONE'S BOOK vb. to imitate or emulate someone ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE APART vb. 1. to criticize or scold severely ...sl.
vb. 2. to defeat convincingly ...colloq.
• TAKE A PASSER vb. to pass out, to faint ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A PERSON TARDY † vb. to overtake; to surprise; to come upon unprepared or unawares; hence, to detect, 'catch' in a crime, fault, error, etc. ...1530
• TAKE A PEW phr. an invitation to sit down ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A PICTURE! int. stop staring! ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE A PIECE OUT OF vb. 1. to scold, to reprimand severely ...1940s Aust. sl.
vb. 2. to tease ...1940s Aust. sl.
• TAKE A PILL! int. calm down! ...1990s US college & teen sl.
• TAKE A PIPE vb. to cry ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A POKE AT vb. 1. to punch; to assault, to aim a blow at ...1796 sl.
vb. 2. to have a try, to attempt ...1930s sl.
vb. 3. to attack verbally, to cause problems for ...1950s sl.
• TAKE A POP AT vb. 1. to hit; to deliver a blow ...1825 sl.
vb. 2. to fire a gun, to shoot at ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to make an attempt ...1920s sl.
vb. 4. to attack verbally ...1990s sl.
• TAKE A POP AT SOMEONE vb. to speak or write critically or disparagingly of; to criticize ...1922 Brit. sl.
• TAKE A POTSHOT vb. to make a wild guess ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A POTSHOT AT vb. to criticize someone severely ...1920s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A POWDER vb. 1. to escape, to run away ...1910s sl.
vb. 2. of a boxer: to lose deliberately ...1940s sl.
vb. 3. to leave without paying one's rent ...1940s sl.
• TAKE A PUGGY vb. to become very angry ...1985 Sc. sl.
• TAKE A PULL vb. to desist, to discontinue ...20C Aust. sl.
• TAKE A PULL AT ONESELF vb. to pull oneself together ...colloq., chiefly Aust.
• TAKE A PULL ON YOURSELF! int. stop it! ...L19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A PUNT vb. 1. to have a try at something ...1940s sl., orig. Aust.
vb. 2. to make a bet on ...1940s sl., orig. Aust.
• TAKE A RAIN CHECK vb. to defer something until a later, unspecified time, e.g. parole ...1930s sl., chiefly US
• TAKE A RAISE vb. to run a little backward for the better advantage of leaping forward ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A RAP vb. to take a punishment, often a prison sentence, that is actually due to someone else ...c1886 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE A RED-HOT POTATO! int. be quiet! shut up! ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A RISE OUT OF ONE vb. to mortify; to make ridiculous; to outwit ...a1850 sl.
• TAKE-ARTIST n. one who regularly gains income from the taking of bribes, illicit commissions, etc. ...1950s US sl.
• TAKE A RUN! int. an expression of dismissal ...L19
• TAKE A RUN AT SOMEONE vb. to attempt to capture, assault, or seduce someone ...20C US sl.
• TAKE A RUN AT YOURSELF! int. exclamation of dismissal, dislike, etc. ...1920s Aust. sl.
• TAKE A RUNNING JUMP! int. an exclamation of contempt or derision ...1933 sl.
• TAKE A RUNNING JUMP AT ONESELF! int. an exclamation of contempt or derision ...1933 sl.
• TAKE A RUNNING JUMP AT THE MOON! int. exclamation of dismissal ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A RUN-OUT vb. to escape, to run away ...20C sl.
• TAKE A RUN-OUT POWDER vb. to escape, to run away ...20C sl.
• TAKE A SCOOCHER vb. to slide down a snow slope in a squatting position ...Bk1896 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A SHARE OF ONE'S TATTIE vb. to share one's home; to marry ...1890 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A SHINDY TO vb. to find attractive or appealing; to have a fancy or affection for ...M19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A SHINE TO vb. to take a liking to someone ...1839 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A SHIT vb. 1. to defecate ...E17 sl.
vb. 2. to cause trouble for, to attack ...1960s sl.
• TAKE A SHOT vb. to try, to make an attempt ...1970s
• TAKE A SHOT AT vb. 1. to make an attempt ...1878 sl.
vb. 2. to attack, whether physically or verbally ...L19 sl.
vb. 3. to guess ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A SIGHT vb. to place the thumb against the nose and close all the fingers except the little one, which is agitated as a token of derision ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A SLICE OFF A CUT CAKE vb. to commit adultery ...1960s Aust. sl.
• TAKE A SQUAT vb. to defecate ...1970s sl.
• TAKE A STINK FOR A NOSEGAY vb. to be extremely gullible; to mistake egregiously, to make a foolish blunder ...B1900
• TAKE A STONE UP IN THE AIR vb. of a woman: to fall into an immoral lifestyle ...L17 sl.
• TAKE A STRETCH vb. to exercise; usually to exercise a horse ...L19 Aust. sl.
• TAKE A SWEEP vb. to inhale cocaine ...1930s US drugs sl.
• TAKE A SWEEP WITH BOTH BARRELS vb. to inhale cocaine though both nostrils ...1930s US drugs sl.
• TAKE A SWING vb. 1. to aim a blow at, to punch ...1910s sl.
vb. 2. to criticize ...1910s sl.
• TAKE A SWING AT vb. 1. to aim a blow at, to punch ...1910s sl.
vb. 2. to criticize ...1910s sl.
• TAKE A SWIPE AT vb. to criticize sharply ...1932 sl.
• TAKE AT vb. to resemble ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A TACIT vb. to stop talking ...1947 US sl.
• TAKE A TEST DRIVE vb. to interview a woman as a prospective prostitute ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE A TIE-TICKET vb. to walk the railroad ties ...1906 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A TOSS vb. to be attracted to a person; to fall in love with ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A TRAIN! int. used as an all-purpose insult ...1951 US sl.
• TAKE A TRICK vb. to show promise; to be successful ...L19 Aust. sl.
• TAKE A TRIP TO THE COUNTRY vb. to go to prison ...1945 Aust. criminals' sl.
• TAKE A TRIP TO THE WEST INDIES vb. of a suspect criminal: to leave a town or place to avoid arrest ...E19 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE A TUCK IN vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A TUMBLE vb. 1. to realize the facts of one's situation ...1877 sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to 'fall for' a confidence trick ...1900s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE A TUMBLE OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A TUMBLE TO ONESELF vb. to realize the facts of one's situation ...1877 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A TURN AMONG HER FRILLS vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A TURN AMONG THE CABBAGES vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A TURN AMONG THE PARSLEY vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN ABRAHAM'S BOSOM vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN BUSHEY PARK vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN COCK ALLEY vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN COCK LANE vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN CUPID'S ALLEY vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN CUPID'S CORNER AND HAIR COURT vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN LOVE LANE ON MOUNT PLEASANT vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN THE STUBBLE vb. to have sexual intercourse ...18C sl.
• TAKE A TURN ON HAIR COURT vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN ON ONE'S BACK vb. of a woman: to copulate ...19C Brit. sl.
• TAKE A TURN ON SHOOTER'S HILL vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 US Black sl.
• TAKE A TURN THROUGH THE STUBBLE vb. to have sexual intercourse ...18C sl.
• TAKE A TURN UP HER PETTICOATS vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A VEGETABLE BREAKFAST vb. to be hanged ...18C sl.
• TAKE A VIZZY vb. to aim with a weapon ...1801 Sc.
• TAKE A WALK vb. 1. to leave; to be dismissed ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to escape criminal proceedings ...1910s sl.
vb. 3. of a group of workers: to resign ...1930s sl.
vb. 4. to run off ...1930s sl.
int. go away! ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A WALK-OUT POWDER vb. to depart quietly and suddenly, in order to avoid the law ...1934 US sl.
• TAKE A WALK UP BACK vb. to be moved from one's cell to the execution chamber ...1920s US prison sl.
• TAKE A WALK UP LADDER LANE AND DOWN HEMP STREET vb. to go up to a yardarm or gallows to be hanged ...1830 US nautical sl.
• TAKE-AWAY n. a capacity for eating; an appetite ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. (usually as 'take away')
vb. 1. to deprive of sensation ...1792 Sc.
vb. 2. to partake of food ...1871 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to go fast; to make straight for ...1875 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to hide from view ...1901 Sc.
• TAKE AWAY ONE'S SHINE vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A WHACK AT vb. to make an attempt ...1891 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A WOODEN NICKEL vb. to accept gullibly; to be swindled ...1915 sl.
• TAKE BACKWATER vb. to change course; to reverse one's position; to retreat; to back down on a brag or dare; to refuse a challenge ...1902 Amer. dial.
• TAKE BEEF vb. 1. to run away ...1859 UK criminals' sl.
vb. 2. to get into arguments; to face criticism ...1990s US Black sl.
• TAKE BEGINNING † vb. to begin, to start, to commence ...a1300
• TAKE BITE AND SUP vb. to partake of food ...1890 Eng. dial.
• TAKE BREAD AND SALT vb. to swear ...L16
• TAKE BY THE FACE vb. to disconcert, to put out of countenance ...1843 Sc.
• TAKE BY THE HAND vb. to marry ...1898 Sc.
• TAKE BY THE HEAD vb. to intoxicate ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE BY THE TOP vb. to seize by the hair, to lay hold of violently ...1535
• TAKE CARE OF vb. 1. to beat up; to kill ...20C sl.
vb. 2. to arrest a person ...1909 UK police sl.
vb. 3. to bribe; to exert (political) pressure on ...1920s sl.
vb. 4. to have sexual intercourse with ...1940s sl.
vb. 5. to cause trouble for ...1950s sl.
vb. 6. to pay, to give a tip ...1970s sl.
• TAKE-CARE-OF-BUSINESS adj. efficient ...1970s sl.
vb. (as 'take care of business') to deal efficiently with matters in hand ...1950s sl., orig. US Black
• TAKE CARE OF NUMBER ONE vb. to put oneself first, no matter what the situation ...M19
• TAKE CARE OF NUMERO UNO vb. to put oneself first, no matter what the situation ...M19
• TAKE CARE OF SOMEONE vb. to kill someone; to kill one or more, esp. as an expedient solution to a problem ...1984 UK sl.
• TAKE DARNTON TROD vb. to elude pursuit; to run away to escape punishment; to flee the country ...1834 Eng. dial.
• TAKE DAY † vb. 1. to put off to another day; to delay ...a1400
† vb. 2. to appoint or fix a day for the transaction of some business; to make an appointment ...c1400
• TAKE DOUBLE SIGHTS vb. to place the thumb against the nose and close all the fingers except the little one, which is agitated as a token of derision ...M19 sl.
• TAKE-DOWN n. 1. a swindle; a deception ...L19 sl.
n. 2. a win, as in gambling ...L19 US sl.
n. 3. a deceiver or cheat ...1905 Aust. sl.
n. 4. a thief, a swindler, a confidence man ...c1920 Aust. sl.
n. 5. the amount earned ...1990 US sl.
vb. (as 'take down')
vb. 1. to abuse ...17C
vb. 2. to challenge; to overcome; to surpass; to kill ...M18 sl.
vb. 3. to reduce in health; to emaciate; to lay low in sickness; to become sick or ill ...1822 Sc. & Amer. dial.
vb. 4. to cheat, to swindle, to rob ...M19 sl., orig. Aust.
vb. 5. to launch a boat ...1887 Sc.
vb. 6. to take to pieces ...1897 Sc.
vb. 7. to destroy, to dispose of ...L19 sl.
vb. 8. to humiliate, to defeat ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
vb. 9 to reduce in circumstances; to lessen; to make bankrupt ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 10. to weaken by dilution ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 11. to arrest ...1940s US criminals' & police sl.
vb. 12. to have homosexual sexual intercourse ...1960s US prison sl.
• TAKE DOWN A FEW PEGS vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE DOWN A HACK vb. to humble, to humiliate ...1910 Sc.
• TAKE DOWN A NOTCH vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE DOWN A PEG vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE DOWN A PEG OR TWO vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE-DOWN BRIGHTS n. the very bright lights on a police car used when ordering a driver to pull over ...1992 US sl.
• TAKE DOWN SOMEONE'S PARTICULARS vb. of a man: to remove a woman's underwear ...1920s sl.
• TAKE DOWNTOWN vb. in baseball: to hit a home run off (a pitcher) ..1978 Amer. sl.
• TAKE EGGS FOR MONEY † vb. to be put off with something worthless ...1611
• TAKE FAT vb. to take offense ...1898 Eng. dial.
• TAKE FIRE vb. to become 'enflamed' with some emotion or the like; to become excited, esp. with anger; to become enraged ...1607
• TAKE FIVE vb. 1. to take a short break, i.e. a 5-minute break ...1910s US sl.
vb. 2. to leave ...1960s US college sl.
• TAKE FOR AN AIRING vb. to assassinate, usually by taking the victim out in a car and killing them at some stage, then dumping the body far from one's base ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR AN INDOOR BUGGY RIDE vb. to beat up, to thrash someone indoors; to punish drastically, inside the victim's home or headquarters ...1931 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR A RIDE vb. 1. to deceive, to fool, to trick, usually for financial gain ...1920s sl.
vb. 2. to assassinate, usually by taking the victim out in a car and killing them at some stage, then dumping the body far from one's base ...1927 US criminals' sl.
vb. 3. to arrest ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR A TRIP vb. to assassinate, usually by taking the victim out in a car and killing them at some stage, then dumping the body far from one's base ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR A TROT vb. to deceive, to fool, to trick, usually for financial gain ...1920s sl.
• TAKE FOR A WALK vb. to arrest ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FORTH † vb. 1. to learn ...1530
† vb. 2. to teach ...1549
• TAKE FRENCH LEAVE vb. to escape while on trust outside the prison walls ...1935 US prison sl.
• TAKE FRENCH LESSONS vb. to contract venereal disease ...20C sl.
• TAKEFUL adj. capturing, arresting ...1901 Eng. dial.
• TAKEFUL-LOOKING adj. attractive; captivating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE GAME n. a confidence trick ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE GAS vb. 1. to be scolded and abused ...1950s US sl.
vb. 2. to do badly ...1960s US college sl.
vb. 3. to kill oneself by any method ...1960s sl.
• TAKE GRUEL vb. to die ...L19 sl.
• TAKE GRUEL TOGETHER vb. to live together as man and wife ...L19 sl.
• TAKE HARES WITH FOXES † vb. to seek to do something almost impossible ...1577
• TAKE HEAD † vb. to make a rush forward, to start running ...1674
• TAKE HEART OF GRACE vb. to pluck up courage ..1530
• TAKE HEAT vb. 1. to lose money ...1920s US sl.
vb. 2. to suffer or endure punishment or criticism ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE-HEED † n. the act of taking heed, caution; a warning to take heed, a caution ...1611
• TAKE-HOMES n. a several-day supply of methadone ...1989 US sl.
• TAKE ILL vb. to take offense at, to take amiss ...1596
• TAKE-IN adj. deceptive, swindling ...1819
n. a cheat, swindle, deception; a hoax, a fraud ...1778 colloq.
n. 2. a swindler ...E19 sl.
vb. (as 'take in')
† vb. 1. to capture, to take prisoner, to conquer in war ...1387
† vb. 2. to go in, to enter ...1654 obs. exc. Sc.
vb. 3. to deceive, to cheat, to trick, to impose upon, to hoax ...1740 colloq.
vb. 4. to subdue ...1792 Sc.
vb. 5. to arrest ...L19 sl.
vb. 6. to receive lodgers ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to understand ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE IN AND DO FOR vb. of a woman: to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE IN BEEF vb. of a woman: to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE IN FANCY WORK vb. to be addicted to secret prostitution ...B1900 sl.
• TAKE IN FOR vb. to defend, to stand up for ...1897 Sc.
• TAKE IN LAUNDRY vb. to wear underwear internally ...2001 UK sl.
• TAKE IN ONE'S REED AND GEARS vb. to die ...1873 Eng. dial.
• TAKE IN ONE'S STRIDE vb. to do easily, and without an effort, as a hunter or a steeple-fencer takes a fence ...Bk1904 sl.
• TAKE IN SCHOOL vb. to open school ...1875 Amer. dial.
• TAKE IN SNUFF vb. to be offended ...L16 sl.
• TAKE INTO CAMP vb. to kill ...1878 sl.
• TAKE INTO THE WOODSHED vb. to scold; to punish; to reprimand ...1907 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IN WOOD vb. to drink ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE IT vb. 1. to suffer adversity and unhappiness without complaint ...20C sl.
vb. 2. to surpass others, to beat all rivals ...1900s sl.
vb. 3. to accept a bribe ...1920s US criminals' sl.
vb. 4. to have sexual intercourse ...1920s sl.
int. used by one demanding fellatio ...1930s homosexual sl.
• TAKE IT ANY WAY vb. to enjoy fellatio ...1930s homosexual sl.
• TAKE IT AWAY! int. commence the entertainment! start the music! ...1984 UK sl.
• TAKE IT BIG vb. 1. to react very emotionally; to be dismayed ...1932 sl.
vb. 2. to fall in love ...1960s sl.
• TAKE IT COOL vb. to relax, to remain undisturbed by events ...M19 sl.
• TAKE IT DOWN A THOUSAND! int. relax! calm down! ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE IT DOWNTOWN vb. in baseball: to hit a long home run ...1977 Amer. sl.
• TAKE-IT-EASY adj. easygoing; adapted for making oneself at ease, comfortable ...1872
vb. ('take it easy')
vb. 1. to relax, to not worry about anything; to take time off ...M19 sl.
vb. 2. to act calmly ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to drive more slowly ...1930s sl.
vb. 4. to treat leniently ...1950s sl.
phr. ('take it easy')
phr. 1. relax, don't worry, calm down ...M19 sl.
phr. 2. goodbye, see you later ...1950s US
• TAKE IT FIGHTING vb. to approach in a courageous manner; to act aggressively ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE IT FROM THE HEAD vb. to be murdered ...1990s US gang sl.
• TAKE IT FROM THE TOP vb. to start at the beginning ...1930s US sl.
• TAKE IT HARD vb. 1. to react emotionally, usually when distressed or angry ...1930s US sl.
vb. 2. to fall in love ...1960s sl.
• TAKE IT IN THE ASS vb. to be brutally manhandled, victimized, or betrayed ...1980 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT IN THE BLIND vb. to fight in private in order to settle a score ...20C US prison sl.
• TAKE IT IN THE EAR vb. to be severely victimized or defeated; to be treated unfairly ...1965 Amer. sl., esp. students' usage
• TAKE IT IN THE SHORTS vb. to be abused or defeated ...1994 US sl.
• TAKE IT LIGHT vb. to act in a restrained manner; to resist excess; to go slowly ...1960s US Black sl.
int. 1. take it easy, calm down ...1959 Amer. sl.
int. 2. so long! ...20C Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT LYING DOWN vb. 1. to give in without a fight, to act weakly ...L19
vb. 2. of a woman: to submit to sexual intercourse, willing or otherwise ...1950s sl.
• TAKE IT MAIN vb. to inject narcotics into a vein ...1940s drugs sl.
• TAKE IT NELSON vb. to relax ...1996 UK sl.
• TAKE IT ON! int. an exclamation of encouragement ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE IT ON HIGH vb. 1. to go fast ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON ONE'S TOES vb. to escape from prison or impending arrest ...1950s sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE ARTHUR DUFFY 1. to leave quickly ...1905 US sl.
vb. 2. to run away, to escape from prison ...c1915 US prison sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE ARTHUR K. DUFFY vb. to run away, to escape ...1936 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE CHIN vb. 1. in boxing: to be hit squarely on the chin; hence, to suffer serious reversal, loss, etc. ...1922 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to suffer a severe failure; to undergo complete defeat or frustration ...20C Amer. colloq.
vb. 3. to suffer hardship and adversity without complaint ...1920s, orig. US
• TAKE IT ON THE DAN O'LEARY vb. to run, to run off, to escape ...1900s US sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HAMMER vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HEEL AND TOE vb. to depart, esp. swiftly and quietly to evade justice; to escape from prison ...c1915 US prison sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HOOF vb. to run off, to leave quickly ...1900s US sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HOP vb. to leave, to go away ...1960s US Black sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE JESSE OWENS vb. to run, to run off, to escape ...1900s US sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE LAM vb. to run away; to flee, esp. from authorities; to escape; to depart hurriedly ...1904 US sl., orig. criminals' usage
• TAKE IT ON THE LOPE vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE NUT vb. to lose ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE SCRAM vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE TROT vb. to run off, to leave at speed ...1930s sl.
• TAKE IT OUT vb. to serve a prison term rather than pay a fine ...L19 Aust. sl.
• TAKE IT OUT IN TRADE vb. to have sexual intercourse as the 'price' of taking a woman out ...1940s Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT OUT OF vb. 1. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to exhaust; to sap one's strength or energy ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE IT OUT OF ONE vb. to tire, to exhaust ...M19 sl.
• TAKE IT OUT OF SOMEONE vb. 1. to take revenge on, to get one's satisfaction from ...E19 sl.
vb. 2. to surpass ...1900s sl.
• TAKE IT OUT ON vb. to treat badly, to punish, often an innocent victim ...20C US sl.
• TAKE IT SLOW phr. 1. be careful ...1930s sl., orig. US Black
phr. 2. calm down, quieten down, relax ...1930s sl., orig. US Black
phr. 3. goodbye, see you later ...1930s sl., orig. US Black
• TAKE IT TO THE HOOP vb. to take something to its limit; to do something with maximum commitment ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE IT TO THE SQUARE vb. to call out for a fight ...2000s US prison sl.
• TAKE IT TO THE STREET vb. to take a private conflict or issue into the public arena ...20C US sl.
• TAKE IT TO THE VENT vb. to commit suicide ...1989 US sl.
• TAKE IT UP THE ARSE vb. 1. to submit to anal intercourse ...1940s sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to submit to a more powerful force ...2000 UK sl.
• TAKE IT UP THE ASS vb. 1. to submit to anal intercourse ...1940s sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to be victimized; to be treated unfairly or harshly ...1980s sl.
int. an expression of contempt ...1940s sl.
• TAKE IT UP THE BUM vb. to submit to anal intercourse ...1940s sl., orig. US
• TAKE IT UP THE DIRT ROAD vb. to be sodomized ...1950s sl.
• TAKE JOINT n. a dishonest cabaret; a crooked gambling-den ...1933 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE LAG vb. to criticize, to attack verbally ...1950s W. Indies & UK Black sl.
• TAKE LARGE STOCK vb. to care about, to see as important, to take account of ...M19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE LEATHER vb. to hold on to the saddle while riding a horse ...1922 Amer. dial.
• TAKE LEG BAIL vb. to run away, esp. from a debt or a responsibility; to escape ...1774 Sc.
• TAKE LOW vb. to humble oneself, or accept a lower position ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TAKE LOW BRIDGE vb. to humble oneself, or accept a lower position ...1940 Amer. dial.
• TAKE MAN n. 1. in a shoplifting team, the member who actually steals the targeted object ...1975 Aust. criminals' sl.
n. 2. the member of a criminal gang who actually steals the money ...1975 Aust. sl.
• TAKE MAN FOR HIS JACK vb. to rob him of his money ...1925 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE MATTERS INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS vb. to masturbate ...20C sl.
• TAKE METTLE vb. to take courage ...1844 Eng. dial.
• TAKE MIFF vb. to take offense, to be affronted ...1750 Eng. dial.
• TAKE MONEY n. the proceeds of a robbery or other illegal scheme ...1975 US sl.
• TAKE MR. FOOT'S HORSE vb. to walk ...B1900 sl.
• TAKEN adj. rendered unconscious by drugs ...1920s US euphemism
• TAKE NAPPING vb. to take unawares ...1587 sl.
• TAKEN-AWAY n. an unhealthy, puny child; a changeling ...1823 Sc.
• TAKEN DOWN adj. sickened ...1822 Amer. dial.
• TAKE NEBUCHADNEZZAR OUT TO GRASS vb. to copulate ...Bk1902 sl.
• TAKE NIGHT TO MAKE DAY vb. to make an all-out effort ...1986 Trinidad and Tobago
• TAKEN-LIKE adj. pleased ...1899 Sc.
• TAKE-NO-PRISONERS adj. uncompromising ..1980s sl.
vb. ('take no prisoners') to make no compromises; to act resolutely ...1980s sl.
• TAKE NO SHORTS vb. to refuse to be fooled, cheated, or put at a disadvantage ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE NOTICE vb. of a widow or widower: to be receptive to the idea of remarriage; to be in search of a new spouse ...1875 Amer. dial.
• TAKEN SHORT adj. desperate to urinate or defecate ...1890 UK sl.
• TAKEN UP adj. arrested ...E18 sl.
• TAKE ODDS OF † vb. to take advantage of ...1596
• TAKE-OFF n. 1. a thing that detracts from something; a drawback ...1826
n. 2. a mimicking expression; an imitating; a parody; a caricature ...1846 US sl.
n. 3. a mimic; a satirist; a punster ...Bk1905 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
n. 4. a satirical valentine ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 5. an armed street robbery or mugging ...1940s US criminals' sl.
n. 6. an escape ...1940s US prison sl.
n. 7. the hips ...1940s US Black sl.
n. 8. in surfing: the point on a wave where one begins a ride ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. (usually as 'take off')
vb. 1. to drink to the bottom, or at one draught; to drink off ...1613
† vb. 2. to do away with, to disprove, to confute ...1630
vb. 3. to imitate, to mimic, to parody, to ridicule ...1750
vb. 4. to abate, to grow less, to decrease ...1776
vb. 5. to reprove, to rebuke, to chide ...1863 Eng. dial.
vb. 6. to match against ...1865 Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to execute ...M19 US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 8. of the weather: to clear up; to cease raining or blowing ...1878
vb. 9. to take a likeness; to draw, to photograph ...1895 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to slaughter, murder ...1897 Sc.
vb. 11. to deprive of money ...L19 US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 12. to fail, to give way, to break down ...1900 Sc.
vb. 13. to die ...20C sl.
vb. 14. of the daylight: to shorten ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 15. to cease work ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 16. to diminish ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 17. to go off hastily or furtively; to abscond; to set out on a journey or expedition ... Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 18. to leap from a mark ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 19. to mock, to befool, to jeer at ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 20. to turn off; to stop ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 21. to be suddenly successful or very active ...1930s US sl.
vb. 22. to start talking ...1940s US Black sl.
vb. 23. to feel the effects of a drug ...1940s drugs sl.
vb. 24. to begin, to commence ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 25. to go to, to visit ...1950s sl.
vb. 26. to use a drug, esp. to inject a drug ...1952 US sl.
vb. 27. to go; to leave; to depart or set out ...1959 UK sl.
vb. 28. to rob someone or burgle, or hold up a place; a place; to steal something ...1960 US sl.
vb. 29. to obtain, such as money ...1960s US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 30. to make a raid on ...1970s US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 31. in surfing: to catch the momentum of a wave and begin a ride ...1970 US sl.
vb. 32. to bring someone to orgasm ...1975 US sl.
vb. 33. to become popular ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. 34. to begin to move or increase quickly ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
int. go away! ...20C sl.
• TAKE OFF A PIECE OF WORK vb. to masturbate ...2002 US sl.
• TAKE-OFF ARTIST n. 1. a successful robber, rapist, or killer ...1940s US criminals' sl.
n. 2. one who does the job then 'takes off' ...1940s US criminals' sl.
n. 3. an escaped prisoner ...1996 UK sl.
• TAKE OFF CORNER-PIECES vb. to beat, usually one's wife ...L19 sl.
• TAKE OFF LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL vb. to leave very quickly ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE OFF LIKE A BIG-ASS BIRD vb. to leave in a hurry ...1944-46 US sl.
• TAKE OFF LIKE A BIG-ASSED BIRD vb. to leave very quickly ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE OFF ONE'S COAT vb. to challenge someone to a fight ...L19 sl.
• TAKE-ON n. 1. mental agitation ...1893
n. 2. a woman living with a man who is not her husband ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a fight, usually with the fists ...1920s Aust. sl.
n. 4. an illusion ...1960s sl.
vb. (usually as 'take on')
† vb. 1. to begin, to commence ...c1200
vb. 2. to rage, to rave; to be greatly agitated; to make a great fuss, outcry, or uproar; to distress oneself greatly ...c1430 colloq. & Eng. dial.
†* vb. 3. to assert, to asseverate ...1583
vb. 4. to assume airs; to behave proudly or haughtily; to presume; to take liberties ...1668
vb. 5. to enlist; to adopt a profession, etc. ...1798 Sc.
vb. 6. to become angry ...E19 US sl.
vb. 7. to begin ...1806 Sc.
vb. 8. to get excited ...1876 Sc.
vb. 9. to grieve, to lament ...1876 Sc.
vb. 10. to ache, to be painful ...1893 Eng. dial.
vb. 11. to be left alone, to be left to oneself; to take what may come ...1897 Sc.
vb. 12. to buy on credit; to get into debt ...1899 Sc.
vb. 13. to engage in a fight, to challenge ...L19 sl.
vb. 14. to become popular; to enjoy ...L19 sl.
vb. 15. to succeed to an inheritance or business; to take charge of ...1901 Sc.
vb. 16. to assume; to feign, to pretend; to act as a hypocrite ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 17. to become attached to; to sympathize with ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 18. to begin to get fuddled ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 19. to stop and search ...1910s US police sl.
vb. 20. to cry, to mourn, to grieve ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. vb. 21. to be very upset or distraught ...colloq.
vb. 22. to have sexual intercourse with ...1930s US sl.
vb. 23. to start a quarrel or fight with ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. 24. to stand up to in a position of conflict, esp. political ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE ON A CARGO vb. to listen ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE ON A SPLIT-ARSE MECHANIC vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE ON BOARD vb. to accept and use ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE ONE vb. to be open to bribery ...1970 UK sl.
• TAKE ONE A BUTTON-HOLE LOWER vb. to humiliate or take the conceit out of him ...1588 colloq.
• TAKE ONE DOWN A BUTTON-HOLE vb. to humiliate or take the conceit out of him ...1593 colloq.
• TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM vb. in a social situation: to pay attention to the less attractive of a pair of friends in the hope that your friend will have success with the more attractive member of the pair ...2002 US sl.
• TAKE ONE OFF THE WRIST vb. to masturbate ...1960s sl.
• TAKE ONE'S BAG OF BONES HOME vb. to depart, to 'get out' ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S BEST HOLD vb. to prepare oneself emotionally for dealing with a problem ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE ONE'S BEST SHOT vb. to do the best one can; to try one's hardest ...1960s sl., orig. US
• TAKE ONE'S DEGREES vb. to be imprisoned, to serve a sentence ...E19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S DEPARTAL vb. to die ...1823 Sc.
• TAKE ONE'S DERRY vb. to take a chance ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S DINT vb. to receive punishment ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S DROPS vb. to drink heavily ...18C sl.
• TAKE ONESELF IN HAND vb. to masturbate ...1950s sl., orig. nautical
• TAKE ONESELF OUT vb. to commit suicide ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE ONESELF OUT BIG AND PRONTO vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE ONE'S END vb. to be convulsed with laughter ...20C Irish sl.
• TAKE ONE'S EYES PASS SOMEBODY vb. to speak disrespectfully to one who ought to be treated respectfully ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TAKE ONE'S FINGER OUT vb. 1. to get on with something; to stop malingering and commit oneself to positive action ...1910s sl., orig. Aust.
vb. 2. to demand effort of a lazy person ...1941 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S FLING vb. to do as one likes ...1875 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S HAIR OFF vb. to surprise greatly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S HAND FROM ANOTHER'S HAFFET vb. to slap, to box someone's ears ...1721 Sc.
• TAKE ONE'S HANK vb. to masturbate ...1960s US prison sl.
• TAKE ONE'S HAT OFF TO vb. to compliment, to praise ...M19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S HURRY vb. to take one's time; to wait ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S LAMMAS vb. to go off, to run away ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S LAST DEGREE vb. to be hanged ...c1800 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE ONE'S LUMPS vb. to accept and deal with one's problems and setbacks ...1930s sl., orig. US
• TAKE ONE'S MEAT OUT OF THE BASKET vb. to reveal one's genitals to another man ...1940s homosexual sl.
• TAKE ONE'S MEDICINE vb. 1. to drink ...M19 sl.
vb. 2. to have sexual intercourse ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to accept a punishment or reprimand ...L19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S PUMPS OFF vb. to lay aside all restraint ...1881 Ireland
• TAKE ONE'S SHIRT OFF vb. to lose one's temper ...L19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S SNAKE FOR A GALLOP vb. 1. to masturbate ...1940s sl.
vb. 2. to urinate ...1940s sl.
• TAKE ONE'S TEXAS TIME vb. to do something in a leisurely fashion ...1985 Amer. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S TOE vb. to affect, to 'get into' ...20C Ulster sl.
• TAKE ONE'S WALK UP BACK vb. to move into the condemned-to-death cell ...1929 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE ON FOR THE TEAM vb. to accept responsibility for an unpleasant task for the greater good of a group ...2001 US sl.
• TAKE ON HIGH vb. to rob a place and then flee in daylight ...1933 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE ON ONESELF † vb. to become distressed or disturbed in mind ...1631
• TAKE ON SOME BACKS vb. to have anal intercourse ...1970s US Black sl.
• TAKE ON THE FLY vb. to beg from persons as they pass on the street ..c1845 sl.
• TAKE ON WITH vb. 1. to like, to be attracted by ...Bk1905 Ireland
vb. 2. to form an association with a man or a woman ...1910s sl.
• TAKE ORDER WITH A PERSON vb. to compel a person to do orderly or rightly; to punish ...1792 Sc.
• TAKE-OUT n. 1. in poker: the minimum number of chips that a player can buy from the bank at once ...1967 US sl.
n. 2. take-away food ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. (as 'take out')
† vb. 1. to learn a lesson ...a1591
* vb. 2. to subtract or deduct from ...1593
† vb. 3. to obtain or enjoy completely ...1631
† vb. 4. to teach ...1642
† vb. 5. to give expression to; to utter ...1678 obs.
vb. 6. to grieve over ...1825 Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to set out, esp. in haste; to leave ...1855 Eng. & Amer. dial.
vb. 8. to drink off ...1884 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to receive payment in kind ...1887 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to stop working, to take a break ...1899 Amer. dial.
vb. 11. to knock out ...L19 sl.
vb. 12. to copy; to write out ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 13. to kill, destroy, or defeat ...1939 sl.
vb. 14. to malfunction; to give out ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. 15. to absent oneself from work or school; to quit a job ...1969 Amer. dial.
vb. 16. to win a game, an award, a prize, or the like ...1976 Aust. sl.
vb. 17. to destroy, to eliminate, to render harmless ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE OUTDOORS ON SOMEONE vb. to leave alone, to avoid someone ...1930s sl.
• TAKE OVER † vb. 1. to overtake ...c1330
vb. 2. to rob, to steal ...1935 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE OVER THE HURDLES vb. to attack in a group ...1940s US prison sl.
• TAKE PAT AND CHARLIE vb. to walk, to go on foot ...1966 Amer. dial.
• TAKE PATIENCE AND WALK vb. to go on foot ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TAKE PEPPER IN THE NOSE vb. to take offense; to become angry or irritated; to be vexed; to mistrust ...1787
• TAKE PITYSAKE ON vb. to have mercy on, to take pity on ...1952 Amer. dial.
• TAKER n. 1. the member of a confidence trick gang who gets hold of the prospective victim and brings him to the gang ...1591 UK criminals' sl.
† n. 2. the nippers or claws of a scorpion, etc. ...1608
n. 3. a person who accepts an offer or challenge ...M19 US
n. 4. a receiver of stolen goods ...1940s UK criminals' sl.
n. 5. a passive prison homosexual .....1950s US prison & homosexual sl.
n. 6. a thief who snatches a chain from the wearer's neck ...2002 UK sl.
• TAKE REST vb. to cease; to be pacified ...1889 Eng. dial.
• TAKER-UP † n. 1. one who takes another under his charge or protection; a patron, a guardian, a protector ...1388
† n. 2. the member of a confidence trick gang who gets hold of the prospective victim and brings him to the gang ...1552 UK criminals' sl.
n. 3. a purchaser or purveyor of commodities ...1603
n. 4. something that occupies time, space, etc. ...1620
• TAKES n. criminals in general ...1945 Aust. criminals' sl.
• TAKE SHAME ON ONESELF vb. to accept shame or disgrace as merited; to acknowledge that one is at fault
• TAKE SHANK'S OLD MARE vb. to go on foot ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAKE SHIT vb. to suffer (and accept) humiliation, annoyance, or teasing; often in negative ...1950s sl., orig. US
• TAKE SNUFF vb. to be offended ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEBODY TO THE FAIR vb. to take aback, to disconcert, to abash an over-confident person ...1870 Sc.
• TAKE SOME DOING vb. to require all one's efforts; to be difficult to do ...1910s colloq.
• TAKE SOMEONE A BUTTONHOLE LOWER vb. to humiliate someone; to deflate someone ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE APART vb. 1. to beat severely ...20C sl.
vb. 2. to absolutely defeat someone in a fight; to reprimand someone severely; to berate or abuse someone ...1984 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE DOWN vb. to humiliate someone; to deflate someone ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE DOWN A BUTTONHOLE vb. to humiliate someone; to deflate someone ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE DOWN A PEG vb. to reduce a person's self-esteem; to humiliate someone; to force a brash or bumptious person to conform ...1959 UK sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR vb. to deceive, to obtain from one who is unwilling otherwise to give, esp. in the extraction of money ...1930s sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR A RIDE vb. 1. to deceive, to dupe ...1925 sl., orig. US
vb. 2. in a car: to take a planned victim to a convenient spot for murder ...1927 US sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR A SLEIGH-RIDE vb. to deceive, to dupe ...1931 US sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR BAD vb. to treat someone as a weakling and exploit them accordingly ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE OFF THE CALENDAR vb. to kill, to murder ...1980s US sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE OFF THE COUNT vb. to murder, to kill ...1980s sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE OUT OF WINDING vb. to silence someone; to leave someone at a loss for words ...1920s Aust. sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE'S MIND vb. to manipulate someone's mind, usually for negative purposes ...1940s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE'S PULSE vb. to fondle someone's genitals ...1970s homosexual sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE TO THE BRIDGE vb. to attack, physically or verbally ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE TO THE CLEANERS vb. 1. to fraudulently deprive someone of all or most of their money ...1907 sl.
vb. 2. to defeat thoroughly, to trounce ...1920s sl.
vb. 3. to defraud, to outwit and otherwise remove all of a victim's assets in a wager, by extortion, or by similar legal or illegal means ...1920s sl.
vb. 4. to speak or write critically or disparagingly of; to criticize ...1963 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE TO THE HOOP vb. to attack, physically or verbally ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE UP ON SOMETHING vb. to accept a proposal or invitation ...1910s sl.
• TAKES THE CAKE adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE STOCK vb. to care about, to see as important, to take account of ...M19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE STOPPO vb. 1. to be obliged to run away ...1920s UK criminals' sl.
vb. 2. to escape ...1956 UK sl.
• TAKE STRIPES vb. to be sent to prison ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE TARDE † vb. to overtake, to surprise ...1547
• TAKE TELLING vb. to listen to advice or warning; generally used with negative ...1867 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAKE TENT vb. to take time, to have patience ...1790 Sc.
• TAKE TENT OF vb. 1. to take care of; to be careful or heedful; to beware ...1785 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to pay attention to; to notice, to observe ...1824 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE ACID OFF vb. to speak honestly, without sarcasm ...1910s Aust. sl.
• TAKE THE AIR vb. 1. to leave, to escape, to get out ...1918 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to travel in an airplane ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE AIR OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE ANKLE EXPRESS vb. to walk ...1966 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE BACK TRACK vb. to return or retreat ...1724 US
• TAKE THE BAKER'S SHOP vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE BAKERY vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE BALL BEFORE THE BOUND vb. to anticipate an opportunity ...c1645
• TAKE THE BAYONET COURSE vb. to be subjected to a cure of bismuth subcarbonate and neoarsphenamine for venereal disease; injections of the drug continued weekly over a period of years ...1910s sl.
• TAKE THE BELT vb. to be exceptional; to 'take the biscuit' ...L19 US teen sl.
• TAKE THE BIG DIVE vb. to commit suicide ...1974 US sl.
• TAKE THE BIG SLIDE vb. to die ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE THE BISCUIT vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE BOIL-OUT vb. to try to break a drug habit by total abstinence ...20C US sl.
• TAKE THE BREEZE vb. to leave, to escape ...1910s sl.
• TAKE THE BUN vb. to be the best of a kind; to rank the highest; to carry off the honours ...1885 sl.
• TAKE THE BURNT CHOPS vb. to take up work as a musterer or drover ...L19 NZ sl.
• TAKE THE CAKE vb. 1. to be the best of a kind; to rank the highest; to carry off the honours; to be victorious ...1842 sl.
vb. 2. to be a surpassing example, esp. for annoyance, brashness, foolishness, etc. ...1864 sl.
vb. 3. to be highly improbable ...1960s sl.
• TAKE THE CANE OUT vb. to lay down the law; to assert dogmatically ...1980s sl.
• TAKE THE CHECKERS vb. to be murdered ...1934 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE CHEESE vb. 1. of a negative circumstance or objectionable person: to surpass, to outdo ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to be considered in the most negative manner; to take the prize for being worst ...1997 UK sl.
• TAKE THE COOKIE vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1882 sl.
• TAKE THE CORN vb. to become the centre of attention ...1839 US sl.
• TAKE THE COUNT vb. 1. to die ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to give up, to leave ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE COW vb. to lose heart ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE CURE vb. to give up something; to refrain from doing something ...20C US sl.
• TAKE THE DAIRY OFF vb. to divert suspicion ...1910s sl.
• TAKE THE DAY OFF TO CARRY BRICKS vb. to take a day off to do some of one's own work, e.g. do-it-yourself ...1970s NZ sl.
• TAKE THE DEAD END vb. to die ...Bk1900 Ireland
• TAKE THE DOGS FOR A WALK vb. to exercise by walking ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE DOOR ON ONE'S BACK vb. to go out of the room or house; to make oneself scarce ...1822 Sc.
• TAKE THE DOOR OVER ONE'S HEAD vb. to leave a room ...1892 Sc.
• TAKE THE DUBLIN PACKET vb. to run round the corner ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE DUST vb. to be overtaken in a car ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE THE DUTCH ROUTE vb. to commit suicide ...20C US prison sl.
• TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT vb. to commit suicide ...20C sl.
• TAKE THE EGG vb. to win ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE ELECTRIC CURE vb. to be executed in the electric chair ...1929 US prison & criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE FALL vb. 1. to be accused (and condemned) unfairly of a crime ...1920s US sl.
vb. 2. to volunteer oneself as a victim, usually as the alleged perpetrator of a crime, in the place of the real villain; to take blame on behalf of another ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE THE FASH vb. to take the trouble; to be at the pains ...1808 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE FATAL LEAP vb. to get married ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FATAL PLUNGE vb. to get married ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FATAL STEP vb. to get married ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FLOOR vb. to walk ...1865 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE FLOUR vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE FOOT vb. of a child: to begin to walk ...1805 Sc.
• TAKE THE FOOT OUT OF ONE'S ASS vb. to rid oneself of ill treatment, of victimization, or exploitation ...1960s US Black sl.
• TAKE THE FRILLS OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FRUNTS vb. to take offense ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE GAP vb. 1. to yield, to give in ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to leave a party while it is still at its height ...1950s sl.
vb. 3. to leave the country ...1960s S. Afr. sl.
• TAKE THE GAS vb. to endure punishment, esp. in a boxing ring ...20C sl.
• TAKE THE GAS OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE GAS PIPE vb. to commit suicide ...1951 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE GEE vb. to take offense, to become sulky ...a1700 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE GILT OFF THE GINGERBREAD vb. to disillusion, to remove one's fantasies, to downgrade ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE HEAD vb. to throw off control or restraint ...1597
• TAKE THE HEAT vb. to accept responsibility ...1950s sl., orig. US
• TAKE THE HERSHEY HIGHWAY vb. to perform anal intercourse ...1980s US sl.
• TAKE THE HOT SEAT vb. to be electrocuted ...1930 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE HOT SQUAT vb. to be electrocuted in the electric chair ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE THE INSIDE OUT OF vb. to finish, to empty, esp. a glass of beer, etc. ...1843 colloq.
• TAKE THE JOLLY OFF vb. to regain one's calm, after a nervous shock or great excitement ...1882 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE KETTLE vb. to win, to take the prize ...L19 Can. sl.
• TAKE THE KIDS TO THE POOL vb. to defecate ...1990s euphemism
• TAKE THE KNOCK vb. 1. to suffer an unpleasant surprise ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to accept the blame ...L19 sl., orig. US
vb. 3. to suffer financial losses, often in gambling ...L19 sl.
vb. 4. of a bookmaker: to be defrauded ...1900s sl.
vb. 5. of a bookmaker: to defraud a bettor ...1930s sl.
vb. 6. to be overcome by drink or drugs ...2000s sl.
• TAKE THE LACK vb. to be slighted, jilted; used of a lover when he departs suddenly ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE LAST COUNT vb. to die ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE LAST PAYCHECK vb. to die ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE LONG COUNT vb. to die ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE LONG REST vb. to die ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE LUMP vb. to take the blame ...1920s UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE MANTLE AND RING vb. to vow perpetual widow hood ...Bk1903 sl.
• TAKE THE MICHAEL vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICHAEL OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICK vb. to make fun of someone; to pull someone's leg, to tease ...1935 UK sl.
• TAKE THE MICK OUT OF vb. to tease ...1920s sl.
• TAKE THE MICKEY vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICKEY BLISS vb. to tease ...1920s rhyming sl. for 'take the piss'
• TAKE THE MICKEY OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICKY vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICKY OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MIKE vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MIKE OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MONKEY OFF ONE'S BACK vb. to withdraw from narcotics addiction ...1960s sl.
• TAKE THE MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK! int. calm down! ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE NEAR CUT OF ONE vb. to cheat ...1953 Sc.
• TAKE THE NEEDLE vb. 1. to get angry ...L19 Irish sl.
vb. 2. to inject a drug ...c1905 US drugs sl.
• TAKE THE OATH vb. to take a drink of liquor ...1859 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE PANTS OFF vb. to beat convincingly, to overwhelm ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE PASTRY vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE PIPE vb. 1. to commit suicide ...1962 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to fail to act or achieve under pressure, esp. in sports; hence, to be punished ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE THE PISS vb. 1. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1945 Brit. sl.
vb. 2. to implement a urine test ...1996 UK sl.
• TAKE THE PISS OUT OF vb. 1. to attack verbally; to sneer or jeer at ...1930s sl.
vb. 2. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1945 Brit. sl.
vb. 3. of a situation or statement: to appear ludicrous, to be a joke ...1980s sl.
vb. 4. of a man: to have sexual intercourse ...1990s sl.
vb. 5. of a person: to act absurdly, to play the fool ...1990 sl.
• TAKE THE RAG OFF vb. 1. to beat, to surpass; to excel; to outshine ...1833 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to surpass all others; to be outstanding or outrageous; to be the last straw ...1837 Amer. dial.
vb. 3. to behave in a loud and unrestrained fashion; to 'carry on' ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE RAG OFF THE BUSH vb. 1. to surpass all others; to be outstanding or outrageous; to be the last straw ...1810 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to behave in a loud and unrestrained fashion; to 'carry on' ...1953 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE RAG OFF THE EDGE vb. to surpass, arouse admiration ...19C Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE RAG OUT vb. to hurry; to start working ...1927 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE RAP vb. 1. to serve a prison sentence, esp. for protection of another guilty person ...c1886 US sl.
vb. 2. to accept responsibility and punishment, esp. for a crime ...1930 US sl.
• TAKE THE REEST vb. to refuse to move; generally used of horses, but also figuratively of a person who refuses to go through with a business, or who becomes stubborn ...1896 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE RIP OUT OF vb. to mock, to criticize, to attack verbally ...1990s sl.
• TAKE THE RISE OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE ROOF OFF vb. to cause an uproar; to make a great noise ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE ROUND OF THE CLOCK vb. to sleep for twelve consecutive hours ...B1900 Sc.
• TAKE THE RUST OUT OF vb. to discomfit, to deflate ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE THE SABINE SLIDE vb. to run off, leaving one's debts unpaid ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE THE SANDS vb. to flee the country; to take safety in flight ...1785 Sc.
• TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE vb. 1. to concentrate on pleasure at the expense of efficiency or speed ...1960s sl., orig. US teen
vb. 2. to do things 'the hard way' ...1960s sl.
• TAKE THE SECONDS vb. to give up, to abandon on second thoughts ...1930s UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE SHINE OFF vb. to surpass in beauty or excellence; to excel ...Bk1905 Amer. dial., Eng. dial. & Sc.
• TAKE THE SHINE OUT OF vb. 1. to beat, to surpass ...E19 sl.
vb. 2. to take the pleasure away ...M19 Aust. sl.
vb. 3. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE SHIT WITH THE SUGAR vb. to accept that one must have both bad and good experiences ...1990s Aust.
• TAKE THE SOLES OFF SOMEONE'S SHOES vb. to surprise someone ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE SOUP vb. to convert from Catholicism to Protestantism ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE SPEAR vb. to accept responsibility ...1989 US sl.
• TAKE THE STARCH OUT OF vb. 1. to break the spirit of someone or something, to make weary or less arrogant ...M19 sl.
vb. 2. of a woman: to have sexual intercourse with ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE STUMP vb. to travel the country for the purpose of making partisan or personal speeches from stumps or other improvised platforms ...Bk1904 sl.
• TAKE THE TA-TA vb. to make a fool of someone; to pull someone's leg, to tease ...1992 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss' (take the ta-ta kiss)
• TAKE THE TA-TA KISS vb. to make a fool of someone; to pull someone's leg, to tease ...1992 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss'
• TAKE THE THRAW vb. to take an obstinate fit ...1901 Sc.
• TAKE THE TID vb. to be ill-humoured or bad-tempered ...1787 Sc.
• TAKE THE TIG vb. 1. to become ill-tempered ...1773 Sc.
vb. 2. to take an idea into one's head ...1845 Sc.
• TAKE THE TILES OFF vb. to live in an extremely extravagant manner ...L19 UK society sl.
• TAKE THE TIP vb. to accept a bribe ...E19 sl.
• TAKE THE TRACK vb. to be dismissed from a job ...1910s NZ sl.
• TAKE THE TUCK OUT OF vb. 1. to deprive of toughness, courage, or strength; to exhaust, to dispirit ...1851 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE VAMPIRES vb. to tease someone; to pull someone's leg ...1998 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss' ("take the vampire's kiss")
• TAKE THE VAMPIRE'S KISS vb. to tease someone; to pull someone's leg ...1998 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss'
• TAKE THE VEIL vb. to abandon the homosexual lifestyle ...1940s US homosexual sl.
• TAKE THE WEIGHT vb. to take responsibility ...1950s US sl.
• TAKE THE WHISKERS OFF vb. to work for a farmer gathering the harvest ...1920s US tramps' sl.
• TAKE THE WHOLE FRONT vb. of a pickpocket: to steal everything the victim owns ...,1929 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE WIFE vb. to marry ...1890 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE WIND vb. to leave ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE'S SAILS vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE WIZZ vb. to tease ...2000s sl.
• TAKE THE WORKS vb. to inject a drug ...c1905 US drugs sl.
• TAKE THE WRINKLES OUT OF ONE'S BELLY vb. to assuage one's hunger ...L18 sl.
• TAKE THE YOKE WITH vb. to marry ...1884 Sc.
• TAKE THE ZERO vb. to pass something by, to turn down an offer, to reject ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE THINGS TO THE FAIR vb. to exaggerate ...1940s Irish sl.
• TAKE THROUGH HANDS vb. 1. to reprimand ...Bk1905 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to undertake ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TIFF vb. to take offense ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TIMBER vb. to jump; to clear by jumping ...1899 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TIME ABOUT vb. to take turns ...1838 Amer. dial.
• TAKE TIME BY THE TOP † vb. to seize one's opportunity, to act promptly ...Bk1926
• TAKE TO vb. 1. to attack ...1790 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to own, to acknowledge; to answer for the truth of anything; to stand to a bargainn ...1790 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to detect ...1842 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to astonish; to take by surprise ...1887 Eng. dial.
vb. 5. to adopt ...1890 Eng. dial.
vb. 6. to shut ...1901 Sc.
vb. 7. to capture, to arrest ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 8. to countenance, to assist ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to deceive, to take in ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to enter on; to take possession of ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 11. to marry ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 12. to scold, to punish ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 13. to serve as food ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TO CHURCH vb. to marry ...1902 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TOGETHER † vb. to collect ...c1489
• TAKE TO HEART † vb. to be zealous, solicitous, or ardent about ...a1300
• TAKE TO HEELS vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE TO LEGS vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE TO MARKET † vb. to present a begging letter to a charitable person or persons ...1863 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE TO ONE'S BEATERS vb. to run away ...Bk1905 N. Ireland
• TAKE TO ONE'S LEGS vb. to run; to run away ...1530
• TAKE TO ONE'S SCRAPERS vb. to run away quickly ...1824 Ireland
• TAKE TO ONE'S TOES vb. to run away
• TAKE TO SILK vb. to open a parachute after jumping from a plane ...1933 US sl.
• TAKE TO SOMEONE vb. to attack someone with the fists ...1911 NZ sl.
• TAKE TO THE FAIR vb. to amaze, to astonish ...1940s Irish sl.
• TAKE TO THE HEATHER vb. to become an outlaw or bandit ...1896
• TAKE TO THE ROAD vb. to turn highwayman, beggar, or tramp ...Bk1903 sl.
• TAKE TO THE SILK vb. to bale out by parachute ...1933 sl.
• TAKE TO THE TALL TIMBER vb. to run off ...M19 sl.
• TAKE TO THE TIMBER vb. to run off ...M19 sl.
• TAKE TO THE TOE vb. to leave quickly, to run off ...1950s Aust. & NZ sl.
• TAKE TO THE WOODSHED vb. to reprimand ...1907 Amer. sl.
• TAKE TWO ROWS AT A TIME vb. to sleep very soundly; to snore ...1939 Amer. dial.
• TAKE UNDER WAIT † vb. to capture or surprise by an ambush ...1533
• TAKE UP † vb. 1. to begin or commence an action; to begin to utter or raise laughter, lamentation, etc. ...c1400
† vb. 2. to amicably settle a dispute, quarrel, etc. ...1560
† vb. 3. to urge on, to incite ...1565
† vb. 4. to oppose, to fight with ...1597
† vb. 5. to apprehend with the senses, to perceive ...1607
† vb. 6. to restrain oneself; to reform, to mend one's ways ...1613 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 7. to arrest the action or progress of; to check, to stop, to 'pull up' ...1631
† vb. 8. to infer, to deduce, to conclude ...1662
vb. 9. to arrest ...E18 sl.
vb. 10. of weather: to improve, to mend, to become fair ...1845
vb. 11. to lodge, to put up, to take up residence ...1852 Amer. dial.
vb. 12. to borrow ...1880 Eng. dial.
vb. 13. to improve in health or character ...1883 Sc.
vb. 14. to collect, to gather up ...1884 Eng. dial.
vb. 15. to answer shortly and hastily; to interrupt in order to correct; to defeat in an argument ...1899 Sc.
vb. 16. to go, to depart ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 17. to stop a runaway horse ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 18. to live together without marriage ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAKE UP MOULD AND STONE † vb. to take permanent possession ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TAKE UP ONE'S PARABLE vb. to begin to discourse ...1382 arch.
• TAKE UP THE TABLE † vb. to clear the table after a meal ...a1300
• TAKE UP THE TOMAHAWK vb. to take up arms in warfare, to commence hostilities ...1775
• TAKE VENT † vb. 1. of news, etc.: to become known, to be divulged or let out ...1611
* vb. 2. of coin: to pass into circulation ...1641
• TAKE WAGES † vb. to enlist, to take service ...c1440
• TAKE WATER vb. 1. to retreat, to back down, to take refuge; to retract a statement ...1853 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to leave a bar or public house after spending all one's cash on drink ...20C Aust.
• TAKE WINE WITH THE PARSON vb. to attend Holy Communion ...c1850 UK prison sl.
• TAKE WING vb. 1. to go fast ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE WITH vb. 1. to kindle; to catch fire ...1822 Sc.
vb. 2. to acknowledge as one's own, esp. to acknowledge a child ...1882 Sc.
• TAKE WOODEN MONEY vb. to accept gullibly; to be swindled ...1915 sl.
• TAKEY-AH-WAYS n. take-away food ...1998 NZ sl.
• TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE TWICE - THE SECOND TIME TO APOLOGISE phr. used as a jocular reprimand to a companion who has just said or done something contrary to the accepted social code ...2002 UK sl.
• TAKE YOUR BACK TRACKS vb. to recant, to retract, to acknowledge error ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• TAKE YOUR PICK adj. stupid, foolish ...1998 rhyming sl. for 'thick'
• TAKE YOURSELF IN HAND vb. of a male: to masturbate ...1953 UK sl.
n. 2. a gram of methamphetamine ...1960s US drugs sl.
n. 3. a T-shirt ...1970s sl., orig. US
n. 4. phencyclidine ...1970s US drugs sl.
n. 5. Tuinal™...1970s US drugs sl.
n. 6. cocaine ...2003 UK sl. Partridge Concise Dalzell 2008
n. 7. a T-shirt ...2003 UK sl. Partridge Concise Dalzell 2008
• T.A. n. Tel Aviv ...c1939 colloq.
• TA! int. 1. thanks! ...1772 colloq.
int. 2. an exclamation of impatience or exasperation ...1837 Sc.
• TAAVE vb. to tear, to rend ...1972 Sc.
• TAB n. 1. the ear ...1866 orig. Eng. dial.
n. 2. the bill, credit, an IOU; used fig. to imply that an action, good, or bad, will be paid for later ...L19 US sl.
n. 3. any form of prison documentation, esp. reports on prisoners that are submitted to the parole board ...20C US prison sl.
n. 4. a female sweetheart; one's girl ...E20 Aust. sl.
n. 5. a shoe-string ...1904 Eng. dial.
n. 6. an old maid; any oldish woman ...1909 theatrical sl.
n. 7. a Cantab or Cambridge University man ...1914 colloq.
n. 8. a staff officer ...World War I army sl.
n. 9. a woman; a young woman ...1918 Aust. sl.
n. 10. a cigarette ...c1920 sl., orig. N. Eng. dial.
n. 11. a tabloid newspaper ...1930s sl.
n. 12. letters passed between inmates; a letter smuggled out of prison ...1934 US prison sl.
n. 13. a project, a line of activity, a program ...1930s US sl.
n. 14. a customer that. after giving an infinity of trouble, buys precisely nothing ...1935 drapers' & hosiers' usage
n. 15. a personal name ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 16. an enterprise; an activity ...1946 US sl.
n. 17. a tablet or pill containing an illegal drug; often specifically LSD ...1961 sl.
n. 18. a small amount; a dab ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 19. marching with heavy equipment over difficult terrain ...1982 Brit. sl., esp. Parachute Regiment usage
vb. 1. to catch, to seize ...19C Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to charge with a crime ...L19 sl.
vb. 3. to identify, to categorize ...1910s sl.
vb. 4. to follow a person; to place someone under surveillance ...1920s sl.
vb. 5. to survey a place prior to robbing it ...1920s sl.
vb. 6. to name ...1924 US sl.
vb. 7. of a customer: to give much trouble ...1935 drapery trades usage
vb. 8. to make a drug into tablet form ...1967 US sl.
vb. 9. to march or otherwise travel on foot across country ...1982 UK military sl.
vb. 10. to walk ...1982 sl.
• TABACCA n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TABACCY n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TABACKA n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TABACKY n. tobacco ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAB ACTION n. a line of credit at a bar or any other type of business ...1940s US Black sl.
• TABANKA n. love-sickness; sexual obsession ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TABANKCA adj. passionate, obsessed ...20C W. Indies sl.
n. love-sickness; sexual obsession ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TABASCO adj. excited, dramatic, spirited ...1920s sl.
n. 1. spirit ...1920s sl.
n. 2. napalm ...1991 US sl.
• TABBED adj. well-dressed ...1970s US Black sl.
• TABBED TO THE BONE adj. dressed in one's very best, most fashionable clothes ...1970s US Black sl.
• TABBER n. a customer hard to please ...1935 drapers' usage
vb. to beat, to belabour, to thrash ...c1850 Sc.
• TABBERING n. a thrashing, a beating ...1882 Sc.
• TABBIE n. a cigarette stub ...1920 Sc.
• TABBIED adj. having a wavy or streaky appearance ...1861
• TABBY adj. 1. made or consisting of tabby (a silk taffeta - see noun 1) ...1638
adj. 2. of a brownish tawn or grey colour, marked with darker parallel stripes or streaks; brindled; diversified in colour ...c1689
adj. 3. pertaining to a tabby (an old or elderly maiden lady) ...1746
adj. 4. interfering, inquisitive, judgemental ...1920s US sl.
n. 1. a general term for a silk taffeta, apparently originally striped, but afterwards applied also to silks of uniform colour waved or watered ...1638
n. 2. a cat having a striped or brindled coat; also, a she-cat ...1774
n. 3. a spiteful or ill-natured female gossip or tattler ...1748
n. 4. an old or elderly maiden lady; an old maid ...1748
† n. 5. padding or quilting to improve the figure ...1748
n. 6. a concrete formed of a mixture of lime with shells, gravel, or stones in equal proportions, which when dry becomes very hard; originally called 'tabby work' ...1802
n. 6. a collector's name for two Pyralid moths, the Tabby, Aglossa pinguinalis, and the Small Tabby, Aglossa cuprealis, both with fore wings greyish brown, clouded with a darker colour ...1819
n. 7. an attractive young woman or girl ...1916 sl.
n. 8. a prostitute ...1930s US criminals' sl.
vb. 1. to give a wavy appearance to silk, etc., by calendering ...1728
vb. 2. to stripe or streak in parallel lines with darker markings ...1860
• TABBYHOOD n. the condition of being an old maid ...1793
• TABBYISM n. acting as a querulous, interfering old woman ...L17 sl.
• TABBY MEETING n. a meeting of evangelists and their congregations at Exeter Hall, London ...L19 sl.
• TABBY PARTY n. a party consisting only of women ...19C sl.
• TAB-CAT n. a striped or brindled cat; a tabby cat; a pet cat ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TABEFACT †* adj. wasted, corrupted ...c1425
• TABEFACTION * n. the wasting away or consumption of the body; emaciation ...1658
• TABEFY * vb. 1. to waste away, to consume; to emaciate ...1656
† vb. 2. to melt down ...1656
• TABELLARIOUS †* adj. belonging to carriers or auditors ...1656
• TABELLARY †* n. a carrier of letters; an auditor, a scrivener ...1656
• TABERNACLE n. 1. a dwelling, a place of abode ...1382
n. 2. a temporary dwelling; generally movable, constructed of branches, boards, or canvas; a hut, tent, booth ...1382
† n. 3. an alleged term for a company of bakers ...1486
• TABERNARIOUS †* adj. belonging to shops or taverns ...1656
• TABESCENT adj. wasting away ...1890
• TABETLESS adj. 1. without feeling; destitute of sensation, numb, benumbed ...1768 Sc.
adj. 2. heedless, foolish, silly ...1786 Sc.
• TABHOLE n. the ear ...1968 sl.
• TAB ISSUE n. a line of credit at a bar or any other type of business ...1940s US Black sl.
• TABLA n. a surfboard ...1977 US sl.
• TABLATURE † n. a painting; a picture ...1711
• TABLE † n. 1. a board or other flat surface on which a picture is painted; hence, the picture itself ...1387
† n. 2. a board or plank ...1390
†* n. 3. a plot of ground for planting; a bed ...c1440
† n. 4. the 'board' on which chess, draughts, backgammon, or any similar game is played ...c1470
† n. 5. a sketch, plan, scheme ...a1577
n. 6. the company at dinner or at a meal ...1602
† n. 7. the face or dial-plate of a clock or watch ...a1677
n. 8. a pinball machine ...1977 UK sl.
• TABLE-BOARD † n. 1. a board for backgammon or any similar game ...1483
n. 2. board. i.e. meals, without lodging ...1884 US
• TABLE DANCE n. in a strip-club: a semi-private sexual performance near or on a customer's table ...1992 US sl.
• TABLE-END MAN n. a man whose sexual desire is so intense that he makes love to his partner over the dining/kitchen table rather than waiting until they reach the bedroom ...L19 sl.
• TABLE GARDEN n. a vegetable garden for home consumption ...1917 Amer. dial.
• TABLE-GOSPELLER † n. one who makes table talk of the gospel; one whose religion is mere talk ...1610
• TABLE-GRADE adj. pert. to a sexually attractive woman who looks good enough to eat ...1972 US sl.
• TABLE-HOP vb. to circulate among the tables at a restaurant, greeting and chatting with friends and acquaintances ...1950s sl., orig. US
• TABLE-HOPPER n. a necrophile; one having an obsessive fascination with death and corpses ...1987 sl.
• TABLE LEGS n. people's legs that are noticeably bent, uneven, or not right; thick legs ...1968 Amer. dial.
• TABLEMAN † n. 1. one of the 'men' or pieces used in any game played on a board, esp. backgammon ...1483
† n. 2. a gamester; applied in contempt ...1608
• TABLE MANNERS n. in poker: a player's mannerisms, which may provide clues as to the relative strength of his hand ...1981 US sl.
• TABLEMENT †* n. a tabulation, list, catalogue ...1551
• TABLE MUSCLE n. a pot belly; a large girth ...1944 Amer. dial jocular
• TABLE-PLAY † n. play at 'tables' or backgammon ...1550
• TABLE-PLAYER † n. a player at backgammon ...c1450
• TABLE PUSSY n. a woman with good looks and manners ...1970 US sl.
• TABLER † n. 1. a backgammon board; hence, the game of backgammon or 'tables'; also, a chess-board ...1303
† n. 2. a money-changer ...c1550
† n. 3. a player at backgammon ...1561
† n. 4. one who gets his meals at another's table for payment; a boarder ...1598 obs. or rare
† n. 5. one who boards persons ...1665
• TABLES † n. a backgammon board ...1573
• TABLESCORE vb. to take food left on restaurant tables ...1997 US sl.
• TABLET n. 1. a flat cake of soap ...1582
n. 2. a contraceptive tablet; the pill ...M20 euphemism
n. 3. an MDMA tablet ...1990s sl.
• TABLE TALK n. in poker: idle chatter that does not rise to the level of intentionally distracting talk ...1979 US sl.
• TABLE TAPPER n. an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1949 Amer. dial.
• TABLE TIME n. a time-based charge for playing pool ...1993 US sl.
• TABLE-TOPPER n. a necrophile; one having an obsessive fascination with death and corpses ...1987 sl.
• TABLE ZAMBONI n. a cleaning rag used by a bartender ...1987 US sl.
• TABLIER †* n. a chess-board ...1474
• TABLING † n. 1. the act of providing or fact of being provided with meals; provision of food; boarding, board ...a1553 now rare or obs.
† n. 2. playing at 'tables' or backgammon ...1553
n. 3. tables collectively ...1892
• TABLING-DEN † n. a low-class gambling-house ...1886
• TABLING-HOUSE † n. a house of resort for playing 'tables' or other games; a gambling-house ...1577
• TABLING SCHOOL † n. a boarding-school ...1660
• TABNAB n. a cake, bun, or pastry; a savoury snack ...1933 nautical sl.
• TABOR n. 1. the earlier name of the drum; in later use, a small kind of drum used chiefly as an accompaniment to the pipe or trumpet ...c1290 arch. or poetic
* n. 2. the drummer with his drum ...1362
* vb. 1. to perform upon or beat the tabor; to drum ...a1300
† vb. 2. to beat, to thump, to thrash ...1624
• TABORER † n. a drummer; a performer on the tabor ...c1400
• TABORN † n. a drum ...a1340
† vb. to drum ...a1300
• TABORNER † n. a drummer ...a1400 chiefly Sc.
• TABOR-STICK * n. a drumstick ...a1300
• TABOUR n. the earlier name of the drum; in later use, a small kind of drum used chiefly as an accompaniment to the pipe or trumpet ...c1290 arch. or poetic
* n. 2. the drummer with his drum ...1362
* vb. 1. to perform upon or beat the tabour; to drum ...a1300
† vb. 2. to beat, to thump, to thrash ...1624 obs. exc. Sc.
• TABOURER † n. a drummer; a performer on the tabour ...c1400
• TABOURS n. a beating, a drubbing ...1825 Sc.
• TAB OUT vb. to pay a bar bill and leave the bar ...1992 US sl.
• TABROUN † n. a drum ...a1340
• TABS n. the ears ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
int. used to lay claim to something ...1956 Amer. dial.
• TABSHAG n. a term of reproach for an idle person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TABU n. a typical army mess (Typical Army Balls-Up) ...World War II Brit. military usage
• TABULARIOUS †* adj. pert. to written documents or accounts ...1656
• TABULATE †* vb. to board a floor or other place; to make thing of boards ...1656
• TABULATION †* n. a fastening together of planks or boards, a making a floor ...1658
• TAB UP vb. 1. to charge with a crime ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to identify, to categorize ...1910s sl.
vb. 3. to survey a place prior to robbing it ...1926 sl.
• TABURNISTER †* n. a female player on the tabor ...a1340
• TAC n. phencyclidine ...1960s drugs sl.
• TACENDA n. things to be passed over in silence; matters not to be mentioned ...1883
• TACENT †* adj. silent, quiet, holding one's peace ...1652
• TACH n. 1. a hat ...M19 back-slang
n. 2. a tachometer, an instrument that measures the velocity of machines ...1960s sl.
• TACHE † n. 1, a spot, a blotch, a blemish, a blot ...a1300
† n. 2. a moral spot or blemish; a fault or vice; a bad quality or habit ...c1330
† n. 3. a distinctive mark, quality, or habit; a trait, a characteristic, good or bad ...a1400-50 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
†* n. 4. a slight taste or flavour; a smack ...1607
n. 5. a moustache ...1893 sl.
† vb. 1. to fasten, to attach, to fix, to secure a person or thing ...a1310 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 2. to stain or taint, esp. with moral defilement, or with the imputation of guilt or shameful conduct; to stigmatize ...1390 obs. exc. Sc.
† vb. 3. to lay hold of a person; to arrest, to apprehend by legal authority ...c1400 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 4. to make a hostile charge or attack; to charge ...a1400-50
vb. 5. to blemish; to deface; to tarnish or spoil slightly by handling or use; to make the worse for wear ...a1700 Sc.
• TACHELESS †* adj. stainless, faultless ...a1300
• TACHEMENT † n. something attached; an appurtenance ...a1400
• TACHMENT † n. something attached; an appurtenance ...a1400
• TACHO n. a tachometer, an instrument that measures the velocity of machines ...1960s sl.
• TACHYDIDAXY n. fast teaching ...1846
• TACHYGRAPH n. a writer of shorthand ...1810
• TACHYGRAPHER n. a shorthand writer; a stenographer ...1887
• TACHYGRAPHIC adj. pert. to the art of rapid writing; specifically applied to a cursive or running handwriting as opposed to one having separate and fully-formed letters ...a1763
• TACHYGRAPHICAL adj. pert. to the art of rapid writing; specifically applied to a cursive or running handwriting as opposed to one having separate and fully-formed letters ...1764
• TACHYGRAPHIST n. a shorthand writer; a stenographer ...1895
• TACHYGRAPHY n. the art or practice of quick writing; applied to shorthand, and to cursive as distinguished from angular letters ...1641
• TACHYIATER n. one who cures speedily ...1898
• TACHYLALIA n. fast talking ...Bk1994
• TACHYPHAGIA n. food grabbing or fast eating ...Bk1994
• TACHYTHANATOUS adj. killing quickly, rapidly fatal or lethal ...1860
• TACID †* adj. tacit ...1651
• TACIDLY †* adv. tacitly ...1640
• TACITURNIST n. one who practices habitual silence or reserve ...1887
• TACITURNOUS †* adj. silent, saying nothing, reserved in speech, making no noise ...1727
• TACK † n. 1.that which fastens one thing to another, or things together; a clasp, a buckle, a hook, a nail, etc. ...a1300
† n. 2. hold; holding quality; adherence, endurance, stability, strength, substance, solidity ...1412-20 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† n. 3. a spot, a stain, a blemish ...c1425 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† n. 4. a smack, taste, or flavour of something; esp. a peculiar or ill flavour ...1602
†* n. 5. a billiard-cue ...1688
n. 6. an agreement, compact, bargain; hence, a post, situation, a steady job ...1718 Sc.
n. 7. a specific period of time, as a spell of weather, a stretch ...1728 Sc.
* n.8. the sound of a smart stroke; a tap; a crack ...1821 Sc
n. 9. foodstuff ...1833
n. 10. anything mouldy or sour, esp. a taste in food or drink that is other than one expects ...M19 sl.
n. 11. a person who is unfashionable or untidy ...1893 Amer. dial.
n. 12. drink ...L19 sl.
n. 13. a shred of clothing, the least covering of clothes, a 'stitch' ...1901 Ireland
n. 14. a slap ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 15. an attack ...Bk1905 Eng dial.
n. 16. anything of little or no value, or of inferior quality ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 17. foolish talk ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 18. something tacky or cheap and seedy or vulgar; rubbish, junk ...L20 colloq.
n. 19. a cigarette ...1922 Amer. dial.
n. 20. a nickel ...1938 Amer. dial.
n. 21. an unsophisticated person ...1950s US Black sl.
n. 22. a fool ...1950s US Black sl.
n. 23. a conservative person ...1950s US Black sl.
n. 24. a bullet ...1950s W. Indies Rasta usage
n. 25. money ...1950s sl.
n. 26. a tachometer, an instrument that measures the velocity of machines ...1960s sl.
n. 27. a citified person ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 28. a clever or smart man ...1972 Amer. dial.
n. 29. an impediment in speech ...1972 Sc.
n. 30. anything that demonstrates a quality of vulgarity, bad taste, or kitsch ...1986 US sl.
n. 31. a (prison-created) tattoo ...1990s US criminals' sl.
n. 32. a tattoo ...1992 US sl.
n. 33. marijuana ...1996 UK sl.
† vb. 1. to attach, to fasten one thing to another ...1387
† vb. 2. to taint, to infect ...1601
vb. 3. to change one's opinion, attitude, or conduct ...1637
vb. 4. to attack ...1720
† vb. 5. to join in wedlock ...1732 sl.
vb. 6. to join, to unite, esp. in a loose or slack manner ...1858 Sc.
vb. 7. to give a smack or taste to ..1868 Eng. dial.
vb. 8. to clap the hands ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to strike with the open hand; to slap; to beat ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to beg food ...1925 US sl.
vb. 11. to tick, as a clock ...1950 Eng. dial.
• TACK ATTACK n. a rush of bad taste, or an experience of bad taste ...1980s sl.
• TACKED adj. drunk or drug-intoxicated ...2004 US sl.
• TACKED BACK adj. covered with tattoos ...1989 US sl.
• TACKED DOWN adj. well-dressed ...1960s US Black sl.
• TACKED OUT adj. in trucking: running at full speed ...1971 US sl.
• TACKER † n. 1. one who grants a tack or lease ...1551 Sc.
n. 2. in English History: one who favoured the tacking of other bills in parliament to money-bills, in order to secure their passage through the House of Lords; especially in early 18th century, one who advocated tacking the bill against occasional conformity, 1704, to a money-bill ...1704 Eng. hist.
n. 3. in various trades, one who tacks or fastens articles or parts of things; also, a machine for putting or driving in tacks ...1727
n. 4. a great falsehood ...1777 Eng. dial.
n. 5. a little child, especially a small boy ...1885 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• TACKET † n. 1. a nail; in later use, a small nail, a tack ...1316 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
n. 2. a restless, unruly boy ...1896 Sc.
n. 3. the penis ...1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKET-BOOT n. a hobnailed boot ...1897 Sc.
• TACKETY n. the female breast ...1988 Sc. rhyming sl. for 'tit' (tackety bit)
• TACKETY BIT n. the female breast ...1988 Sc. rhyming sl. for 'tit'
• TACKETY-SHOED adj. wearing studded shoes ...1897 Sc.
• TACKEY adj. 1. of poor quality, shoddy; run-down; cheap. common; in poor taste ...1886 Amer. sl.
adj. 2. of clothing or appearance: unfashionable, dowdy; untidy, slovenly, shabby; gaudy, tawdry ...1890 Amer. sl.
adj. 3. uncouth, ill-mannered; impolite in behaviour ...1916 Amer. sl.
n. 1. a small horse or pony of sturdy but inelegant build; an inferior or broken-down horse ...1800 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a low-class White person ...1836 Amer. dial.
• TACKEY PARTY n. a party at which people dress in unfashionable, dowdy, or ridiculous clothes ...1890 Amer. dial.
• TACKHEAD n. 1. a stupid person; a rural farmer ...20S US sl.
n. 2. an overdressed or excessively stylish person ...20C US sl.
n. 3. an unattractive, unkempt woman ...1960s US Black sl.
n. 4. a troublemaker ...1990s US sl.
• TACKIE n. 1. a small horse or pony of sturdy but inelegant build; an inferior or broken-down horse ...1800 Amer. dial.
n. 2. a low-class White person ...1836 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a tire ...1978 S. Afr. sl.
vb. to drive fast, to accelerate ...1990s S. Afr. sl.
• TACKIES n. running shoes; trainers ...1913 S. Afr.
• TACKINESS n. a state of unrefined vulgarity ...1977 US sl.
• TACKLE † n. 1. implements of war, weapons; esp. arrows; also, a weapon, an, arrow ...c1375
n. 2. the genitals ...M16 sl.
n. 3. one's best clothes ...E17 sl.
† n. 4. a prostitute, a mistress ...1688 sl.
n. 5. clothes ...1698 UK sl.
n. 6. victuals; food or drink ...1857 Eng. dial. & sl.
n. 7. a watch chain ...L19 sl.
n. 8. a quick and rather troublesome child ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 9. a cantankerous, verbally abusive woman ...1980s Irish sl.
n. 10. a showily or bizarrely dressed woman ...1980s Irish sl.
n. 11. drugs ...2000s sl.
vb. 1. to grip, to lay hold of ...E19 sl.
vb. 2. to attack, to punish ...1828
vb. 3. to take in hand, to deal with ...1847
vb. 4. to grapple with, to attempt to deal with ...1847
vb. 5. to enter into a discussion with; to approach or question some subject ...M19 sl.
vb. 6. to attack food, to begin to eat ...1889
vb. 7. to begin, to commence ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 8. to get to know someone with the specific aim of initiating an affair ...1950s W. Indies sl.
vb. 9. to court; to flirt ...1987 Trinidad and Tobago
• TACKLE TO vb. to work vigorously on ...1874 Sc.
• TACKLE UP vb. to repair, to mend ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKLING † n. 1. arms, weapons, instruments ...a1400
† n. 2. fishing tackle ...1548
† n. 3. gear, furnishings, fittings, accoutrements, outfit, baggage, etc. ...1558
† n. 4. a horse's harness ...c1645
n. 5. food or drink ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKLING-LADDER † n. a rope-ladder ...1680
• TACK ONE'S TEETH INTO ANYTHING vb. to set about anything heartily ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TACK-O-RAMA adj. completely tacky or tasteless, gaudy ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TACK-TO n. a frequent companion, esp. of a woman who keeps company with a man in a somewhat imprecise relationship ...1827 Sc.
• TACK TOGETHER vb. to marry ...M18 sl.
• TACK UP vb. to approach someone in a confrontational manner ...2000s US prison sl.
• TACKY adj. 1. of clothing or appearance: unfashionable, dowdy; untidy, slovenly, shabby; gaudy, tawdry ...1862 Amer. sl.
adj. 2. of poor quality, shoddy; run-down; cheap. common; in poor taste ...1886 Amer. sl.
adj. 3. drunk; sticky with the moisture of alcohol ...1900s US college sl.
adj. 4. well-prepared, mentally sharp ...1901 Amer. sl.
adj. 5. sticky ...Bk1913 Amer. sl.
adj. 6. uncouth, ill-mannered; impolite in behaviour ...1916 Amer. sl.
adj. 7. good, skilled, clever ...1950s W. Indies sl.
adj. 8. tricky, hard to beat, cunning ...1950s W. Indies sl.
n. 1. a small horse or pony of sturdy but inelegant build; an inferior or broken-down horse ...1800 Amer. colloq.
n. 2. a poor White person of the southern states, from Virginia to Georgia ...1836 US sl.
n. 3. a stupid person, a rural farmer ...20C US sl.
n. 4. an overdressed or excessively stylish person ...20C US sl.
• TACKYHEAD n. 1. a stupid person; a rural farmer ...20S US sl.
n. 2. an unattractive, unkempt woman ...1960s US Black sl.
• TACKY-LACKY n. a drudge; a person at everyone's beck and call ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACKY PARTY n. a party at which people dress in unfashionable, dowdy, or ridiculous clothes ...1890 Amer. dial.
• TACO adj. (derogatory) inhabited by or characteristic of Mexicans; cheap; stupid; lazy ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 1. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 2. the act of lifting a person (from behind) by the belt, belt buckles, top of the underwear, or the seat of the pants ...1989 Amer. dial.
n. 3. (derogatory) a fellow Black; the premise being one is no better than a Mexican ...1980s US Black sl.
n. 4. the penis ...1990s US teen sl.
• TACO BELL n. the penis ...1990s US teen sl.
• TACO BELLE n. a Latin American woman ...1980s sl.
• TACO-BENDER n. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1970 Amer. sl.
• TACO-EATER n. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1986 Amer. sl.
• TACO-HEAD n. (derogatory) a Mexican or a Chicano ...1960s US sl.
• TACO HELL n. a Taco Bell™ fast-food restaurant ...1990 US sl.
• TACOLAND n. (derogatory) the part of town where the Mexicans live ...1960s sl.
• TACO QUEEN n. a White homosexual who prefers Hispanic partners ...1970s US homosexual sl.
• TACO-ROLLER n. (derogatory) a Mexican or Mexican-American ...1968 Amer. sl.
• TACO TELEGRAPH, THE n. the informal means by which news is spread in Mexican communities ...1989 Amer. dial.
• TACO TOWN n. 1. (derogatory) San Jose, US ...1960s US sl.
n. 2. (derogatory) the Mexican section of a community ...1970 Amer. sl.
• TACO-TWISTER n. (derogatory) a Mexican migrant worker ...1974 Amer. sl.
• TACOU adj. foolish, stupid ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TACO WAGON n. 1. a car embellished with bright colours, chrome and other accessories associated with Mexican-American car enthusiasts ...1960 US sl.
n. 2. in hot rodding: any car which has had its leaf springs shackled, lowering the body ...1962 Amer. dial.
n. 3. a modified Chevy with much Chrome and with baby booties or sponge dice hanging from the mirror ...1970 Amer. sl.
• TACT n. 1. the sense of touch; touch ...1651
†* n. 2. the act of touching or handling; a touch ...1801
• TACTABLE † adj. capable of being touched ...1611
• TACTATION †* n. the act of touching ...1688
• TACTIC † adj. 1. pert. to military or naval tactics; tactical ...1604
* adj. 2. belonging to touch ...1625
† adj. 3. pert. to the beating of time ...1779
† n. a tactician; one skilled in tactics ...1638
• TACTICS †* n. arrangement, disposition ...1650
• TACTILE adj. perceptible to the touch ...1615
• TACTION n. the act of touching; contact ...1623
• TACTIVE †* adj. characterized by touching ...1634
• TACTUAL adj. pert. to touch; due to touch ...1642
• TACTURE † n. touch, contact ...1597
• TACTURIENCY † n. the desire of touching ...1652 nonce word
• TAD adj. little, a small amount ...1940 UK sl.
n. 1. a person, usually a boy or child ...1871 Amer. dial.
n. 2. one who attempts to avoid paying a bill ...M19 US sl.
n. 3. a person of little use or account ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 4. an Irish Catholic ...20C US sl.
n. 5. a person of Irish ancestry ...1914 Amer. dial.
n. 6. a person of questionable moral; an immoral woman ...1930 Amer. dial.
n. 7. a small amount, a dab; something very small; a short distance ...1940 Amer. dial.
n. 8. in marbles, a small, cheap marble ...1966 Amer. dial.
n. 9. a woman, not necessarily uncomplimentary ...1968 Amer. dial.
n. 10. a man who is fond of being with women and tries to attract their attention, esp. when rude or not respectful ...1968 Amer. dial.
• TAD, A adv. slightly ...1940s sl., orig. US
• TA-DA! int. used to present some feat or surprise ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAD BLAME IT! int. god-damn it! ...1950s US euphemism
• TADDICK n. a small quantity or amount of anything; a measure, etc., partly filled ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TADDIE n. a tadpole ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TADDLE n. a small quantity, a dab ...1913 Amer. dial.
• TADDLER n. 1. a large sausage ...1900s sl.
n. 2. the penis ...1900s sl.
• TADDY adj. 1. pot-bellied ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. untidy; tossed about ...Bk1905 Ireland
n. a certain kind of snuff, so called from the name of its makers, Messrs. Taddy and Co., London ...1869 Sc.
• TADDY-BOX n. a snuff-box ...1907 Sc.
• TADGER n. 1. a violent, quarrelsome, domineering person, esp. a scolding woman, a shrew, a termagant ...1888 Sc.
n. 2. the penis ...1951 sl.
• TADIOUS adj. peevish, fretful, fractious, irritable, difficult to please; fidgety, restless ...1892 Eng. dial.
• TAD-LARRUPING adj. very good, excellent; esp. used of food ...1900s US sl.
• TADLY-OODLY adj. tipsy; intoxicated ...1897 Eng. dial.
• TADPOLE n. 1. (derogatory) a Black infant ...1588
n. 2. a native of Mississippi ...M19 US sl.
n. 3. an insignificant person ...1915 Amer. dial.
n. 4. a small French child ... World War I Amer. sl.
n. 5. a child ...1930 Amer. dial.
n. 6. an OH-6 light observation military helicopter ...1991 US sl.
• TADPOLE CARRIER n. the scrotum ...1990s sl.
• TADPOLE FACTORY n. the testicles ...2003 UK sl.
• TADPOLE'S SHIMMY n. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TADPOLE'S TEDDIES n. something excellent ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TADPOLE STOOL n. a toadstool ...1986 Amer. dial.
• TADY-WAMPUS n. an imaginary animal monster; a hobgoblin ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TADWHACKER n. a person, usually a boy or child ...1941 Amer. dial.
• TAE n. 1. a cantankerous person ...1921 Sc.
n. 2. a child's term for father; also, a paternal or maternal grandfather ...1972 Sc.
• TAENIOPHOBIA n. fear of tapeworms ...Bk1994
• TA EVER SO phr. thank you ...1914 Brit.
• TAF adj. fat ...M19 back-slang
• TAFEE n. a Welshman, or a nickname for a Welshman ...E17 sl.
• TAFF adj. fat ...M19 back-slang
n. (often derogatory) a Welsh person; often used as a nickname ...1929 sl.
• TAFFEE n. a Black person; blackness as a skin colour ...1630s US Black sl.
• TAFFEL † n. a table ...1633 Sc. obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TAFFEREL adj. thoughtless, foolish, giddy; also, ill-dressed ...1822 Sc.
• TAFFETA adj. florid, bombastic; over-dressed; dainty, delicate, fastidious ...1588
• TAFFETY adj. 1. florid, bombastic; over-dressed; dainty, delicate, fastidious, particular ...1719
adj. 2. tender, delicate ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. a toad ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFIE n. a Welshman, or a nickname for a Welshman ...E17 sl.
• TAFFIL † n. a table ...1633 Sc. obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TAFFLE n. 1. anything tangled or confused; a tangle ...1889 Eng. dial.
n. 2. the aimless movement of light matter; a slight movement on water ...B1900 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a confused argument or business transaction ...B1900 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to perplex, to tire, to wear out, to exhaust with fatigue ...1750 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to handle roughly, to ravel, to entangle; to ruffle, to rumple ...1842 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to trifle, to idle, to loiter ...1854 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to throw into disorder ...1863 Eng. dial.
vb. 5. to move aimlessly ...B1900 Eng. dial.
vb. 6. to puzzle, to bamboozle, to outwit ...1950 Sc.
• TAFFLED adj. 1. exhausted with fatigue ...1825 Sc.
adj. 2. ruffled, disordered ...1899 Sc.
• TAFFY adj. 1. fat ...M19 sl.
adj. 2. Welsh ...1970s sl.
n. 1. (often derogatory) a Welshman; often used as a nickname ...a1700
n. 2. a Black person; blackness as a skin colour ...1630s US Black sl.
n. 3. insincere or exaggerated talk intended to flatter or deceive; humbug or flattery ...1878 Amer. sl.
n. 4. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 5. an old person ...1900s W. Indies sl.
n. 6. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 7. a lollipop ...1944 Amer. dial.
vb. to tease ...L19 US sl.
• TAFFY GOAT n. an old person ...1900s W. Indies sl.
• TAFFY-HEAD n. a braggart, a boaster, a 'big-head' ...1970s sl.
• TAFFY-HORN n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFYLAND n. Wales ...E17 sl.
• TAFFY-NODDLES n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFY-NOODLE n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFFY RAM n. an old person ...1900s W. Indies sl.
• TAFFY-TUGGER n. a masturbator ...1990s sl.
• TAFFY-WATTY n. 1. a simpleton ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a weak-minded, thoughtless, irresolute person ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAFUBAR n. an extremely bad situation (Things Are Fucked-Up Beyond All Recognition) ...World War II military usage
• TAG * n. 1. a catkin of a tree ...1597
† n. 2. the rabble; the lowest class of people ...1607 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
n. 3. a brief and usually familiar quotation added for special effect; a much used or trite quotation ...1702
n. 4. the refrain or catch of a song or poem ...1793
n. 5. the leather strap used for punishment in schools ...1809 Sc.
n. 6. a narrow, sharp-pointed leaf of a conifer; a pine needle ...1834 Amer. dial.
n. 7. in servants' usage: a lower servant ...1857
n. 8. an actor ...M19 sl.
n. 9. a seal ...1904 US prison sl.
n. 10. a tail; any small object hanging from a larger one ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 11. a wild, romping girl ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 12. a skinny worn-out horse; an old nag ...1911 Sc.
n. 13. a name, a nickname or popular designation ...1920s UK & US Black sl.
n. 14. tiring, troublesome labour ...1929 Sc.
n. 15. a vehicle number-plate ...1930s sl.
n. 16. a letter smuggled out of prison ...1934 US prison sl.
n. 17. an arrest warrant ...1930s US criminals' sl.
n. 18. a car license ...1940s sl.
n. 19. one who 'tags along' behind another person, esp. for detective or spying purposes ...1960s sl.
n. 20. a label commonly given to a person or thing ...1960s sl.
n. 21. a bunch (of grapes) ...1967 Amer. dial.
n. 22. the 'signature' used by a graffiti artist, spraying their name on walls, subway trains, etc. ...1980s sl.
n. 23. a planned murder ...1982 US sl.
n. 24. a stylized signature often confused with graffiti ...1997 US sl.
n. 25. a piece of information ...2000s US prison sl.
† vb. 1. to hang down or trail like a tag ...1617 obs. exc. Sc.
vb. 2. to trail or drag behind; to follow closely ...1676
† vb. 3. to fasten, stitch, or tack together; to join ...1681
vb. 4. to tie, to bind ...1825 Sc.
vb. 5. of the moon: to wane ...1825 Sc.
vb. 6. to urinate ...a1838 Sc.
vb. 7. to oppress by hard labour ...1866 Sc.
vb. 8. to beat with a tawse ...1866 Sc.
vb. 9. to carry on the back ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
† vb. 10. to tease, to torment ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 11. to punch ...1910s sl.
vb. 12. to arrest ...1930s sl.
vb. 13. in boxing: to hit ...1940 US sl.
vb. 14. to blame, to accuse ...1950s sl.
vb. 15. to imprison ...1950s sl.
vb. 16. to identify someone or something ...1951 US sl.
vb. 17. to bestow a nickname on someone ...1960 US sl.
vb. 18. to catch someone; to convict someone of a crime ...1966 US sl.
vb. 19. to suffer, to be punished ...1970s sl.
vb. 20. to give a parking ticket ...1980s sl.
vb. 21. of graffiti artists: to affix one's name to a picture, a wall, etc. ...1980s sl., orig. US
vb. 22. to shoot and hit someone or something ...1992 US sl.
vb. 23. to tattoo part of the body ...1993 US sl.
vb. 24. of a man: to have sexual intercourse ...2000s US Black sl.
• TAG-ALONG n. 1. a girlfriend or boyfriend ...1950s Aust. sl.
n. 2. someone who joins an activity without invitation ...1961 sl.
• TAG AND BAG vb. to put a name tag on a corpse and place the body in a body bag ...1981 US Vietnam war usage
• TAG AND RAG † n. 1. the rabble, the lower classes; an assemblage of people held in small esteem; everybody; all and any ...c1535
n. 2. the whole of anything, every bit ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGARENE SHOP n. an old clothes or rag shop ...1855 N. Eng. dial.
• TAGEOUS adj. peevish, fretful, fractious, irritable, difficult to please; fidgety, restless ...1892 Eng. dial.
• TAGGED adj. 1. of a garment: slashed; tattered ...c1380
adj. 2. of hair or wool: hanging in matted locks ...1757
adj. 3. indicted, arrested ...1931 US sl.
• TAGGER n. a graffiti artist who writes their 'tag' or personal label on walls and other visible sites ...1980s sl.
• TAGGIE adj. of a cow: having a white tip to its tail ...1825 Sc.
n. a pet name given to a cow having a white tip to its tail ...1761 Sc.
• TAGGING adj. tiring, tiresome ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGGING CREW n. a group of graffiti artists ...1989 US sl.
• TAGGLE vb. to tangle ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGGLIT adj. harassed with anything, encumbered, drudged ...1808 Sc.
• TAGGOWY adj. tattered, ragged ...1929 Sc.
• TAG-HEELS n. a tagalong; a sycophant; a parasite; a hanger-on; somebody who always follows along behind; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAGIL † vb. to entangle, to involve or engage in things that embarrass or encumber ...a1340
• TAGLE † vb. to entangle, to involve or engage in things that embarrass or encumber ...a1340
• TAGLET n. a catkin ...1698
• TAG LINE n. in marbles: the line toward which the players roll their marbles before beginning a game to determine the order of shooting ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TAG-LOCKS n. the coarse wool of sheep about the hinder parts, matted together by wet and dirt ...1796 Eng. dial.
• TAGNUTS n. small pieces of excrement adhering to the anal hairs ...1990s sl.
• TAG OF ICE n. an icicle ...1991 Amer. dial.
• TAG PLANT n. a prison number plate manufacturing shop ...2000 US sl.
• TAG-RAG † adj. 1. belonging to the rabble ...1601
adj. 2. dressed in rags, ragged; reduced to rags by drink ...1805
† adv. all to tags and rags; in a mingled crowd or heap ...1582
n. 1. * the rabble; the riff-raff; the common people; a member of the rabble; a low or despicable person; a pitiful, ragged fellow; a slovenly, lazy or dirty fellow; a mean person; a vagabond ...1609
n. 2. a fluttering rag, a tatter ...1827
n. 3. rubbish ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TAG, RAG, AND BOBTAIL n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1645
• TAG, RAG, AND BOBTAILRY n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1858
• TAG, RAG, AND LONGTAIL n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1719
• TAG, RAG, AND RASCALITY n. a contemptuous term for a number of persons of various sorts and conditions, all, and sundry, esp. of the lower classes ...1701
• TAGRAGGERY n. a tag-rag collection or assemblage; a mass of trumpery odds and ends ...1837
• TAG-RAGLY adj. good-for-nothing ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGS n. a footman's shoulder-knots ...1837
• TAG SHOP n. the area in a prison where number plates are manufactured ...1958 US sl.
• TAGSTER n. 1. a scold; a virago ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. a vagabond ..Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGSY adj. untidily dressed, unkempt ...1972 Sc.
• TAG-TAIL n. 1. a worm with a yellow tag or tail ...1653
n. 2. a person who attaches himself to another against the will of the latter; a dependent, sycophant, toady, hanger-on, parasite; one who always follows along; one who lags behind ...1864
• TAG-TAILED adj. ragged; of a woman whose petticoat trails: draggle-tailed ...1853 Sc.
• TAGUE n. 1. a Roman Catholic, esp. as used by Protestants in Northern Ireland ...M17 sl.
n. 2. an Irishman ...M17
• TAGUE FOR THE TONGUE, A n. an interminable talker, a gossip, a chatterbox ...c1850 Sc.
• TAGUE FOR TONGUEING, A n. an interminable talker, a gossip, a chatterbox ...c1850 Sc.
• TAG UP vb. of graffiti artists: to affix one's name to a picture, a wall, etc. ...1980s sl., orig. US
• TAGWORM n. the earthworm ...1905 Eng. dial.
• TAGYL † vb. to entangle, to involve or engage in things that embarrass or encumber ...a1340
• TAH int. used as a command to desist ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TA HA! † int. a derisive exclamation ...a1529
• TAIFFLIE adj. of material: thin, shoddy ...1972 Sc.
• TAIG n. 1. an Irishman ...M17
n. 2. (derogatory) a Roman Catholic ...1971 Anglo-Irish sl.
• TAIGLE n. 1. a hindrance, delay, or cause of delay ...1880 Sc.
n. 2. a tangle, a muddle; tangled fishing line ...1925 Sc.
n. 3. an idle, lounging person; a dawdling slut ...1930 Sc.
vb. 1. to entangle, to impede, or to hinder in course or action; to keep back, to retard, to detain, to delay ...1635 Sc.
vb. 2. to linger, to tarry, to delay; to dally, to loiter ...a1700 Sc.
vb. 3. to tire, to make weary, to fatigue ...1814 Sc.
vb. 4. to 'catch' or entangle in talk; to embarrass ...1865 Sc.
vb. 5. to confound or get the better of in an argument; to quiz; to bamboozle, to outsmart; to perplex ...1874 Sc.
vb. 6. to walk slowly or heavily, to drag oneself, to trudge ...1886 Sc.
vb. 7. to tangle, to confuse, to entangle, to muddle ...1898 Sc.
• TAIGLED adj. tired, wearied ...1814 Sc.
• TAIGLEMENT n. delay, cause of delay ...1830 Sc.
• TAIGLESOME adj. 1. time-consuming, retarding, delaying ...1825 Sc.
adj. 2. wearisome, tiring, tedious ...1912 Sc.
• TAIGLE THE CLEEK vb. to hold things up, to hinder progress; to shirk one's work ...1951 Sc.
• TAIGLE WITH vb. to dally in the company of, to hang around, to follow about, esp. a woman ...1827 Sc.
• TAIGLIN adj. 1. delaying, hampering ...1793 Sc.
adj. 2. of the feet: dragging, halting ...1915 Sc.
n. a hindrance, delay, or cause of delay ...1880 Sc.
• TAIL † n. 1. shape, fashion, bodily form or appearance ...a1300
n. 2. the buttocks, the backside ...1303
n. 3. † a tally; a stick or rod of wood marked on one side with transverse notches representing the amount of debt or payment; hence, a score, an account ...a1325
† n. 4. account, reckoning ...c1330
n. 5. the sexual member; the penis or, more often, pudendum ...1362
n. 6. the vagina ...M15 sl.
† n. 7. a piece or 'slip' of irregularly bounded land jutting out from a larger piece ...1472 Sc.
n. 8. the tail of a man's coat, usually in the context of pickpocketing ...16C UK criminals' sl.
† n. 9. the stern of a ship or boat ...1553
n. 10. the inferior, least influential, or least skilful members of a body; e.g. of a profession, a political party, sports team, etc. ...1604
† n. 11. the stalk of a fruit ...1613
n. 12. the stalk of a mushroom ...1613 Eng. dial.
† n. 13. a sword ...1698 UK criminals' sl.
n. 14. a twisted or braided tress of hair; a pigtail ...1799
n. 15. an entourage or retinue of a highland chief and his henchmen ...1814 Sc.
n. 16. a pheasant ...1841 poachers' usage
n. 17. a woman, regarded as a sexual object; women, collectively, categorized with the same regard ...1846 UK sl.
n. 18. a prostitute ...1869 UK sl.
n. 19. the skirt of a woman's dress ...1888
n. 20. the long handle of an implement, as a rake ...1892
n. 21. in fishing usage: a fish ...1901 Sc. & Eng. dial.
n. 22. the pendulum of a clock ...1911 Sc.
n. 23. one who carries out a surveillance, esp. when following the target in the street ...1914 sl., orig. US
n. 24. an act of surveillance ...1910s sl.
n. 25. a rake ...1914 Amer. dial.
n. 26. an act of sexual intercourse or sexual intercourse in a general sense ...1933 UK sl.
n. 27. a reward for information leading to the arrest of a criminal ...1934 US sl.
n. 28. young boys viewed collectively as suitable for homosexual relationships ...1940s sl.
n. 29. a woman ...1950s sl.
n. 30. in hot rodding: a fox tail or raccoon tail tied to the car ...1960 US sl.
n. 31. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 32. an informer ...1970s US prison sl.
n. 33. the long-term effect of a drug, as opposed to the initial 'rush' ...1990s drugs sl.
n. 34. the term of a prisoner's parole ...1992 US sl.
† vb. 1. to decide or determine in a specified way; to settle, to arrange, to fix a matter ...c1315
† vb. 2. to put into shape, to trim, to make ready ...c1330
† vb. 3. to cut up, to cut to pieces, to slaughter ...c1330
† vb. 4. to mark or record on a tally; to charge with a debt ...1377
† vb. 5. to cut, esp. to a certain size or shape; to shape, to fashion ...c1400
† vb. 6. to tally or agree with; to equal ...1638
vb. 7. to possess carnally; to have sex ...1778 sl.
vb. 8. to follow, drive or tend sheep or cattle ...1844 Aust.
vb. 9. to set a trap or snare; to bait a trap ...1862
vb. 10. of a stream: to flow or fall into ...1889
vb. 11. to beat someone in a game by an overwhelming margin ...1891 Amer. dial.
vb. 12. to follow a criminal, suspect, etc. secretly ...1907 sl., orig. US
• TAILAG n. the poorest or weakest of a brood, litter, flock, etc., esp. of sheep or pigs ...1972 Sc.
• TAIL AND TOP † n. the whole, everything without exception ...1558
• TAIL-BEHIND n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAILBONE n. the buttocks ...20C US sl.
• TAIL-BOX n. the female genitals; the vagina ...20C US sl.
• TAIL-BUZZER n. a thief who specializes in the picking of coat pockets ...1851 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-BUZZING n. theft, stealing from gentlemen's coat pockets ...1893 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-CASTLE † n. the poop of a ship ...1585
• TAIL-CHASER n. a womanizer ...1940s US sl.
• TAIL-DIP n. a thief who specializes in the picking of coat pockets ...M19 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-DIVER n. a pickpocket specializing in removing snuff-boxes, purses, pocketbooks, etc. from gentlemen's coat pockets ...1859 UK criminals' sl.
• TAILDRAFT n. an idler, one who holds back ...20C Irish sl.
• TAIL-DRAWER n. a thief who steals gentlemen's swords from their sides ...1698 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-DRAWING n. privately taking a sword a from a gentleman's side, either in a crowd, or as he walks along the streets at night ...1714 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL END n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-END CHARLIE n. 1. a rear-gunner in an aircraft ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
n. 2. the person or vehicle that comes last in a queue; one who comes at the end ...1941 sl.
• TAILENDER n. 1. a term of contempt for one who is habitually late in everything he undertakes ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 2. someone or something coming at the end ...colloq.
n. 3. a scrawny or poor-quality animal ...1941 Amer. dial.
n. 4. the smallest pig in a litter ...1969 Amer. dial.
• TAILER n. 1. the member of a criminal gang who remains on guard at a railway station, impersonating a policeman, for the purpose of bullying any victim who discovers he has been swindled, and returns to try to recover his money ...1898 US criminals' sl.
n. 2. a stool pigeon in a jail ...1930 US prison sl.
n. 3. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind; a follower ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TAILET * n. a minute tail or tail-like appendage ...1817
• TAIL-FEATHERS n. pubic hair ...M15 sl.
• TAIL-FRUIT n. children; offspring ...19C Brit.
• TAIL-GAP n. the vagina ...M15 sl.
• TAIL-GATE n. 1. the vagina ...M15 sl.
n. 2. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
n. 3. the heel of a loaf of bread ...1967 Amer. dial.
vb. 1. to drive a car closely (too closely) behind the one in front ...1950s sl.
vb. 2. to follow, esp. of things that are endlessly repetitive ...1970s sl.
vb. 3. to watch women passing by ...1990s US college sl.
vb. 4. to eat and drink clustered in a parking lot before a sports event ...1995 US sl.
vb. 5. to walk very slowly behind another person ...2003 UK sl.
• TAILGATER n. 1. a hijacker ...1960s US sl.
n. 2. one who drives too close to the car in front ...1960s US sl.
• TAILGATING n. holding on to the back of a car as it drives over snow or ice ...c1980 Amer. dial.
• TAILGUNNER n. a male homosexual ...1940s US sl.
• TAIL HOLD n. a firm grip ...1874 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-HOLE n. the vagina ...M15 sl.
• TAILING n. 1. the end or latter part ...1646
n. 2. sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
n. 3. the least desirable segment of a herd of animals; a weak or slow animal ...1936 Amer. dial.
• TAILING A WHOLE FRONT adj. said of a pickpocket who 'cleans a victim right out, watch, money, etc.' ...1929 US criminals' sl.
• TAIL IT vb. to die ...1920s sl.
• TAIL JOB n. an act of surveillance ...1910s sl.
• TAIL-JUICE n. urine ...20C sl.
• TAIL KICK n. the pocket in a tailcoat ...16C UK criminals' sl.
• TAILLIE † n. 1. arrangement, fixture ...c1425 Sc.
† n. 2. a cut piece, a cut or slice of meat ...c1470 Sc.
† n. 3. an account or reckoning ...1497 Sc.
• TAIL LIGHT ALLEY n. a Lover's Lane, used by 'parking' couples ...1940s Aust. sl.
• TAIL LIGHTS n. 1. copper coins ...1937 US tramps' sl.
n. 2. LSD ...1998 UK sl.
• TAILMAN n. a womanizer; a sexual athlete ...1960s US college sl.
• TAIL-'N'-HORNS n. the devil ...1969 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-OFF n. a lowering of demand, a withering away ...1970s sl.
vb. (tail off') to follow or shadow a person ...1931 UK sl.
• TAIL ON END † adv. headlong; precipitately ...1790
• TAILOR n. 1. a daddy-long-legs ...1840
n. 2. a caterpillar ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 3. the best man at a wedding ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 4. a factory-made cigarette, whether prison-issue or commercially produced ...1924 Aust. & US prison sl.
n. 5. in gin: a win without the opponent scoring ...1950 US sl.
vb. 1. to beat someone in a game by an overwhelming margin ...1891 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to shoot badly at birds so as to wound rather than actually kill them ...L19 sl.
• TAILORAGE * n. tailor's work ...1858
• TAILORESS n. woman who works as a tailor; a woman tailor ...1654
vb. to follow the occupation of a tailoress ...1865 nonce word
• TAILORISM n. tailor's work; a tailor-made dress or garment ...1839
• TAILORIZATION n. acting as a tailor; tailoring ...1853
• TAILORIZE vb. 1. to do tailor's work, to act the tailor ...1829
vb. 2. to sit cross-legged like a tailor ...1829
• TAILOR-LEGGED adj. having the knees bent by sitting cross-legged ...1767
• TAILORLY adj. like or befitting a tailor ...1836
• TAILOR-MADE n. 1. a personally tailored garment ...L19 US sl.
n. 2. a ready-made cigarette, as opposed to a hand-rolled one ...1924 sl., orig. US
• TAILOR-MAKE vb. to design to suit exactly ...1898
• TAILOR'S BLOW n. a knock with a thimble ...1673
• TAILOR'S HELPER n. a vicious dog ...1930s US tramps' sl.
• TAILOR'S MEASURE n. a $50 bill; $50 ...1937 US tramps' sl.
• TAILOR'S NIP n. a playful pinch given to a child wearing new clothes for the first time ...1880 Sc.
• TAILOR'S RAGOUT n. bread soaked in the dressing in which cucumbers have stood ...L18 sl.
• TAILOR'S SWEAT n. a drop of mucus at the nose ...1972 Sc. jocular
• TAILOR'S THIMBLE n. one that has no tip; hence, the bottomless pit, Hell ...1827 Sc.
• TAILOR-TARTAN n. a daddy-long-legs or crane-fly ...1896 Eng. dial.
• TAILORY n. 1. the art, craft, or occupation of a tailor ...c1449
n. 2. a tailor's workshop or establishment ...1480
n. 3. tailor's work, tailors' wares; costumery ...1610
• TAIL OUT vb. 1. to run away, to depart hurriedly, to make one's escape ...L19 US sl.
vb. 2. to go fast ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAIL PEDDLER n. a prostitute ...1942 US sl.
• TAIL-PIECE n. a term of three months imprisonment ...1859 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-PIKE n. the penis ...M14 sl.
• TAIL-PIN n. the penis ...M14 sl.
• TAIL-PIPE n. 1. the penis ...19C sl.
n. 2. the anus ...1990s US sl.
vb. (usually as 'tailpipe') to tie a tin can or similar object to the tail of a dog to frighten or annoy it
• TAIL PIT n. the side pocket of a coat ...1937 US pickpockets' sl.
• TAIL-PRESSED adj. hard-pressed, closely pursued ...1911 Sc.
• TAIL-RAGEOUS adj. lustful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAILS n. 1. the inferior, less valuable, or refuse part of anything; dregs, sediments ...1542
n. 2. the inferior animals of a flock or herd ...1844
n. 3. inferior sheep drafted from a flock ...1844 Sc.
n. 4. onion leaves...1896 Sc.
n. 5. a formal tailcoat ...L19 sl.
• TAIL-SHOT n. a fart ...17C Brit.
• TAILSMAN * n. a ploughman ...1867
• TAIL SPIN n. a state of utter confusion ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAIL-TACKLE n. the penis ...19C US sl.
• TAIL-TAGGER n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAIL-TICKLING n. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• TAIL TIMBER n. lavatory paper ...L19 sl.
• TAIL-TODDLE n. sexual intercourse ...1790 Sc.
• TAIL-TRADER n. a prostitute ...19C sl.
• TAIL-TRADING n. prostitution ...M15 sl.
• TAIL-TREE n. the penis ...18C Sc.
• TAIL-TRIMMER n. the penis ...M14 sl.
• TAIL-TWISTER n. a tagalong; a hanger-on; one who lags behind ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAIL UP vb. to follow, as a detective follows a criminal ...c1910 UK criminals' sl.
• TAIL-WAGGER n. 1. a dog ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
n. 2. a general insult for a person ...1940s sl.
• TAIL-WAGGING n. sexual intercourse ...M15 sl.
• TAIL WAGGING THE DOG, THE phr. a situation in which the less important element or factor controls or influences the more important ...colloq.
• TAIL WATER n. 1. urine ...18C sl.
n. 2. semen ...20C sl.
• TAIL-WORK n. copulation ...19C Brit. sl.
• TAIL-WORKER n. a prostitute ...19C sl.
• TAILY n. the penis ...1982 US sl.
• TAILYE † n. 1. arrangement, fixture ...c1425 Sc.
† n. 2. a cut piece, a cut or slice of meat ...c1470 Sc.
† n. 3. an account or reckoning ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 1. to determine, to settle, to appoint, to arrange ...1375 Sc.
† vb. 2. to keep account or tally of ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 3. to cut; to cut to shape ...1581 Sc.
• TAILYEVEY † vb. to reel from side to side, to move to and fro ...1513 Sc.
• TAILYIE n. 1. a covenant or agreement ...1808 Sc.
n. 2. a cut or slice of meat or boiling or roasting ...1811 Sc.
• TAILZIE † n. 1. arrangement, fixture ...c1425 Sc.
† n. 2. a cut piece, a cut or slice of meat ...c1470 Sc.
† n. 3. an account or reckoning ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 1. to determine, to settle, to appoint, to arrange ...1375 Sc.
† vb. 2. to keep account or tally of ...1497 Sc.
† vb. 3. to cut; to cut to shape ...1581 Sc.
• TAIMA n. marijuana ...1998 UK sl.
• TAIN †* vb. to obtain, to get ...1501
• TAINGHLE vb. to harass or weary with hard work; to struggle on, to toil laboriously ...1803 Sc.
• TAINT †* adj. 1. convicted, condemned ...c1330
†* adj. 2. full of emotion ...c1330
†* adj. 3. exhausted, weary ...c1380
†* adj. 4. infected, corrupt ...1620
adj. 5. spoiled, tainted ...1934 Amer. dial.
† n. 1. a knock, a blow ...c1410
† n. 2. a conviction; the conviction of a jury for having given a false verdict ...1530
† n. 3. colour, hue, tint; tinge; dye ...1567
n. 4. a very dirty slattern or slut...19C Brit.
n. 5. the perineum, the space between the vagina and the anus (t'aint pussy and t'aint asshole) ...1970s sl., orig. US
† vb. 1. to convict, to prove guilty ...c1375
† vb. 2. to colour, to dye. to tinge ...1471
† vb. 3. to touch, to strike, to hit ...1525
† vb. 4. to apply balm or ointment to a wound, etc. ...1579
†* vb. 5. to dip, to bathe ...1594
† vb. 6. to affect with weakness; to cause to lose vigour or courage ...1600
† vb. 7. to affect injuriously; to cause detriment to; to hurt, to injure, to impair ...1601
† vb. 8. to lose vigour or courage; to become weak or faint; to wither, to fade ...1605
† vb. 8. to sully, to stain, to tarnish a person's honour ...1613
† vb. 10. to accuse of crime or dishonour ...a1619.
vb. 11. to become spoiled ...1986 Amer. dial.
• TAINTED †* adj. tinted, stained ...1797
• TAINTMEAT n. the perineum, the space between the vagina and the anus (t'aint pussy and t'aint asshole) ...1970s sl., orig. US
• T'AINT NO CRACK, BUT A SOLID FACT phr. what I am saying is the truth ...1973 US sl.
• TAINTOR † n. 1. one who brings legal evidence against another for conviction of some crime; an accuser, an informer ...1451
* n. 2. a dyer ...1889
• TAINTURE † n. 1. colouring ...1490
† n. 2. tainting, staining, stain, defilement, pollution, infection ...1593
† n. 3. accusation, charge ...1621
• TAINTY adj. tainted, spoiled ...1966 Amer. dial.
• TAIPO n. a vicious horse; often used as the name of a dog ...M19 NZ sl.
• TAIRDIE adj. peevish, ill-humoured, sulky, sarcastic ...1825 Sc.
• TAIRDY n. a din, clamour, hullabaloo ...1930 Sc.
• TAIRGE vb. 1. to question closely, to cross-examine ...1786 Sc.
vb. 2. to reprimand, to scold loudly; to beat, to strike, to thrash ...1825 Sc.
• TAIRGER n. a termagant; a scold; a shrew ...1822 Sc.
• TAIRGLET n. an icicle ...1923 Sc.
• TAISEY adj. 1. fretful, fractious; ill-tempered ...1866 Eng. dial.
adj. 2. teasing, troublesome ...1901 Eng. dial.
• TAISLE n. 1. a buffeting or knocking about, rough handling, a severe brush or tussle ...1808 Sc.
n. 2. a bamboozling with persistent questions ...1825 Sc.
n. 3. a state of disorder or the causing of disorder, confusion, muddling up ...1866 Sc.
n. 4. a vexing or teasing ...1866 Sc.
vb. 1. to tease, to irritate, to vex ...1825 Sc.
vb. 2. to toss, to throw or buffet about; to stir up, to turn over hay ...1825 Sc.
vb. 3. to entangle, to twist inextricably; to mix up, to put or get into disorder ...1866 Sc.
• TAISTER † vb. to dodge work, to slack, to be lazy ...1893 Sc.
• TAISTREL n. 1. a gawky, slovenly, or unmethodical person; often applied to a girl who tears her clothes from carelessness ...1825 Sc.
n. 2. a mischievous boy; a rascal; scoundrel ...1923 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• TAISTRILL n. a gawky, slovenly, or unmethodical person; often applied to a girl who tears her clothes from carelessness ...1825 Sc.
• TAIT † adj. cheerful, lively, active, nimble ...c1300
adv. somewhat ...1722 Sc.
n. 1. a small amount or portion of anything ...1824 Sc.
n. 2. a game of seesaw ...1894 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a lock of hair ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 4. an untidy head of hair ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 5. the top of a hill ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 1. to lift up, to raise; to get into a high position ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to play at seesaw ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to shake about; to stir, to toss about ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to tilt; to overturn ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
int. an exclamation of remonstrance ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAITE † n. gladness, alacrity ...a1300
• TAIT OFF vb. to dress up smartly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAIT UP vb. to dress up smartly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAIVER vb. 1. to roam about aimlessly or idly; to dally, to trifle, to waste time ...1808 Sc.
vb. 2. to wander in mind or speech; to talk foolishly or incoherently; to rave; to become confused through weariness or exhaustion ...1808 Sc.
vb. 3. to annoy, to vex, to irritate; to bewilder or confuse with much talking or questioning; to lead astray ...1861 Sc.
vb. 4. to wander; to delay ...1876 Sc.
vb. 5. to talk idly, foolishly, or wildly; to rave ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 6. to eat sparingly and without appetite; to toy with one's food; to be fastidious about eating ...1929 Sc.
• TAIVERED adj. boiled to shreds ...1825 Sc.
• TAIVERS n. 1. rags, tatters, tears ...1846 Sc.
n. 2. idle, foolish talk; wild, raving words ...1871 Sc.
• TAIVERSOME adj. tedious, wearisome; annoying, vexatious ...1808 Sc.
• TAIVERSUM adj. tedious, fatiguing ...1808 Sc.
• TAIVERT adj. 1. bewildered, mentally confused or played out, esp. through exhaustion or harassment ...1808 Sc.
adj. 2. stupefied with drink, intoxicated ...1818 Sc.
adj. 3. idle, foolish, senseless, half-witted, raving ...1818 Sc.
adj. 4. boiled to shreds ...1825 Sc.
adj. 5. wandering, exhausted with work, fatigued ...1879 Sc.
• TAIVERTNESS n. stupidity ...1913 Sc.
• TAIVERTY n. a stupid person ...1833 Sc.
• TAIZIE n. a cup, a glass; a bowl, a goblet ...1808 Sc.
• TAJ adj. excellent, wonderful, luscious ...L19 UK teen sl.
• TAKE †* n. 1. a spell of magic or witchcraft; enchantment ...1678
* n. 2. 'taking' or captivating quality, charm ...1794
n. 3. money acquired by theft or fraud ...1888 sl., chiefly US
n. 4. a state of excitement, grief, fluster, etc. ...1896 Sc.
n. 5. a trick at cards ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 6. a try or attempt ...colloq.
n. 7. a thief, a villain, esp. a cheat at cards ...1930s Aust. sl.
n. 8. a theft, a robbery ...1930s Aust. & US sl.
n. 9. a swindle ...1930s Aust. sl.
n. 10. a portion, an extract, a bit ...1930s US sl.
n. 11. a share of money that is deducted for tax or some other form of levy ...1930s US sl.
n. 12. profits, e.g. the entrance money taken at a musical, sporting, or gambling event ...1930s US sl.
n. 13. a swindler or confidence trickster ...1945 Aust. & NZ sl.
n. 14. an opinion, a view ...1950s US colloq.
n. 15. a parody ...1990s sl.
n. 16. wages ...1990s sl.
† vb. 1. to touch ...a1150
† vb. 2. to include, to comprise; to contain ...c1200
† vb. 3. to inflict punishment or justice ...c1200
† vb. 4. to take to task, to reprehend, to rebuke, to reprove ...c1250
† vb. 5. to deliver, to hand over; to give ...c1275
† vb. 6. to infer, to deduce; to obtain as a result ...c1380
†* vb. 7. to render, to translate ...c1430
† vb. 8. to assume authority or importance ...c1470
† vb. 9. to take too much upon one; to behave presumptuously or haughtily, to assume airs ...c1470
† vb. 10. to behave bravely or valiantly ...c1470
† vb. 11. to profess or claim to do something ...a1500
vb. 12. to come upon suddenly, to overtake, to catch ...a1533 arch.
† vb. 13. to affect, to feign, to pretend, to make believe to do something ...1571
vb. 14. to check, to 'pull up', to interrupt ...1637 Eng. dial.
† vb. 15. to measure off a length or distance ...1660
vb. 16. to succeed, to become popular ...L17 sl.
† vb. 17. to put oneself forward, to assert oneself ...1720
vb. 18. to understand ...1838 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 19. to swindle, to cheat, to deceive, to extort money from; to victimize ...M19 sl.
vb. 20. to overcome, to defeat, to kill ...L19 sl.
vb. 21. to strike; to deliver a blow ...1880 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 22. to marry; to accept as husband or wife ...1889 Sc.
vb. 23. to accept, to put up with something or someone ...20C sl.
vb. 24. to think; to consider ...1901 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 25. to burn brightly ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 26. to sketch; to draw ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 27. of water: to begin to freeze ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 28. to have sexual intercourse with ...1915 arch.
vb. 29. to rob ...1926 sl.
vb. 30. to confront, to attack ...1920s sl.
vb. 31. to murder ...1930 UK criminals' sl.
vb. 32. to take bribes ...1935 UK criminals' sl.
vb. 33. to defeat someone ...1939 UK sl.
vb. 34. to take the passive role in homosexual anal intercourse ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE, THE n. bribery ...1930 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE ABACK vb. to surprise suddenly and forcibly ...1754 sl., orig. nautical
• TAKE A BACK SEAT vb. to accept without complaint a subordinate, second-rate position ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A BACKSET vb. to relapse during convalescence ...1880 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A BAG vb. to experience an undesirable situation ...1960s US campus
sl.
• TAKE A BATH vb. to lose or suffer badly, esp. in business, sport, or gambling ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A BEAR BY THE TOOTH vb. to take foolhardy risks ...1719
• TAKE A BEATING vb. to lose or suffer badly, esp. in business, sport, or gambling ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A BIT OF DOING vb. to require all one's efforts; to be difficult to do ...1910s colloq.
• TAKE A BLINDER vb. to die ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A BLUE vb. to drink a glass of absinthe ...1910s sl.
• TAKE ABOARD ONE'S LAND-TACKS vb. to go ashore ...1776 nautical sl.
• TAKE ABOUT vb. 1. to take care of ; to make firm and secure; to see to; esp. to nurse a dying person and see to the funeral ...1892 Sc.
vb. 2. to kill and make an end of ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TAKE A BOX vb. to defecate ...1990s Irish sl.
• TAKE A BRACE vb. to pull oneself together; to smarten up ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE A BRODIE vb. 1. to commit suicide ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to fail, to slip back into bad habits ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A BUST (AT) vb. to hit (with the fist) ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE A BYE vb. to refuse or decline to act or participate in something ...20C US sl.
• TAKE A CAB vb. to die ...2000 US sl.
• TAKE A CARROT! int. an insulting exclamation, usually used to women ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A CHILD TO BANBURY CROSS vb. to swing a child up and down on one's foot ...1848
• TAKE A CHILL PILL vb. to relax, to calm down ...1980s US Black & campus sl.
• TAKE A CHUTE vb. to leave in a hurry ...1877 US sl.
• TAKE A CONSTITUTIONAL vb. to take a walk ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A COUNT vb. to be shocked ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A COURSE WITH vb. 1. to cause problems for; to interfere with ...E17 sl.
vb. 2. to follow closely ...E17 sl.
• TAKE A CRACK AT vb. to make an attempt ...1836 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A CRAP vb. to defecate ...1920s sl.
• TAKE A DANGLE UP THE LINE vb. to journey ...1927 US sl., esp. hobo usage
• TAKE A DIM VIEW OF vb. to disapprove of ...1941 colloq.
• TAKE A DIP vb. to chew tobacco ...1980s US campus sl.
• TAKE A DIRT NAP vb. 1. to be buried ...1990s US Black sl.
vb. 2. to die ...1990s US Black sl.
vb. 3. to be knocked out ...1990s US Black sl.
• TAKE A DIVE vb. 1. in boxing, or any competition: to deliberately lose a fight ...1910s sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to compromise oneself ...1980s sl., orig. US
vb. 3. to fail ...1980s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A DOUCHE vb. to leave hurriedly ...1960s US teen sl.
int. go away! ...1960s US teen sl.
• TAKE A DROP vb. 1. to run off ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to be arrested, to be imprisoned ...1920s US criminals' sl.
vb. 3. to fall in love ...1920s US sl.
vb. 4. to tumble, to slip over ...1950s US sl.
vb. 5. to find oneself in difficulties; to come to grief ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A DROP ON vb. to take control; to 'get a grip' ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE A DROP TO vb. to realize, to understand ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A DUMP vb. to defecate, usually in the sense of incontinence ...1940s sl., orig US
• TAKE ADVANTAGE vb. of a man: to seduce someone; to have sex with someone; to force sex upon someone ...1928 US euphemism
• TAKE ADVISEMENT † vb. to take thought, to consider or deliberate; to take counsel, to consult; hence, to decide, to resolve ...1375
• TAKE A FALL vb. 1. to fall in love ...1920s US sl.
vb. 2. to be arrested or convicted; to be imprisoned ...1928 sl.
vb. 3. to tumble; to slip over ...1950s US sl.
vb. 4. to find oneself in difficulties; to come to grief ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A FALL OUT OF vb. 1. to humble by defeating; to get the better of; jocularly, to involve oneself with something ...1889 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to knock down ...1892 Amer. sl.
vb. 3. to reprimand someone ...L19 US & Aust. sl.
vb. 4. to involve oneself with something ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A FASHION RISK vb. to dress in an unfashionable or outlandish manner ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE A FEATHER OUT OF vb. to confuse, to surprise, to astonish ...20C Irish sl.
• TAKE A FLIER vb. 1. to have quick and spontaneous sexual intercourse with both parties fully or partially dressed ...L18 sl.
vb. 2. to go out on a spree ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to take a chance, to gamble, esp. financially ...L19 US sl.
vb. 4. to escape from prison ...20C US prison sl.
vb. 5. to fall heavily ...1920s sl.
vb. 6. to escape, to run away from ...1950s sl.
• TAKE A FLOURISH vb. to have swift and spontaneous sexual intercourse, usually when both parties are wholly or partially dressed ...L18 sl.
• TAKE A FLYER vb. 1. to have quick and spontaneous sexual intercourse with both parties fully or partially dressed ...L18 sl.
vb. 2. to go out on a spree ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to take a chance, to gamble, esp. financially ...L19 US sl.
vb. 4. to escape from prison ...20C US prison sl.
vb. 5. to fall heavily ...1920s sl.
vb. 6. to escape, to run away from ...1950s sl.
• TAKE A FLYER AT SOMETHING vb. to take a chance at something ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FRIG phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK vb. to leave, to travel ...1960s US Black sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT A GALLOPING GOOSE phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT A ROLLING DOUGHNUT phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT A RUBBER DUCK phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT THE MOON phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING FUCK AT YOURSELF phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ...1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING JUMP phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING JUMP AT THE MOON phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING JUMP OUT OF THE NEAREST WINDOW phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP AT A ROLLING DOUGHNUT phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP INTO THE AIR phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FLYING LEAP OFF A BRIDGE phr. a dismissive phrase, used to tell someone who is being annoying or irritating to go away ... 1920s sl.
• TAKE A FRIGHT n. the night ...M19 rhyming sl.
• TAKE AFTER vb. 1. to copy, to imitate ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to run after, to pursue ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE AGAINST vb. to take a dislike to; to thwart ...1897 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A GANDER vb. to look at, to glance at ...1930s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A GRINDER vb. to make a coarse gesture similar to thumbing one's nose and using the other hand to work an imaginary coffee-grinder ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A GROUND SWEAT vb. to be buried ...17C sl.
• TAKE A HARP vb. to die ...L19 US college sl.
• TAKE A HEAD † vb. 1. to make insurrection; to raise a tumult ...1678
† vb. 2. to make a rush forward, to start running ...1760-72
• TAKE A HEADER vb. to fall headfirst or headlong ...1928 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A HIKE vb. to leave ...20C sl., orig. US
int. go away! ...20C sl., orig. US
• TAKE A HINGE AT vb. to look at ...1930s US sl.
• TAKE A HOLIDAY vb. 1. to be dismissed ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to jump bail ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A HOP vb. to travel in an airplane ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A HOSING vb. to be cheated or badly treated ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE A JERRY TO vb. to understand or realize the meaning of something ...1919 Aust. & NZ sl.
• TAKE A JUMP AT vb. to guess ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A JUMP UP THE LINE vb. to journey ...1927 US sl., esp. hobo usage
• TAKE A KNOCK vb. to suffer a setback ...1649
• TAKE A KNOCK DOWN vb. to take note ...1950s US Black sl.
• TAKE A LAMP AT vb. to have a look at ...1926 US sl.
• TAKE A LARK vb. to be mischievously merry; to go on a spree ...c1815 colloq.
• TAKE A LEAF FROM SOMEONE'S BOOK vb. to imitate or emulate someone ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE A LEAF OUT OF SOMEONE'S BOOK vb. to imitate or emulate someone ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE A LEAK vb. to urinate ...1910s sl.
• TAKE A LEAP IN THE DARK vb. to be hanged ...17C sl.
• TAKE A LISTEN vb. to listen ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A LITTLE, LEAVE A LITTLE phr. used as a description of the standing orders that carnival workers have for cheating customers ...1985 US sl.
• TAKE A LOAD OFF ONE'S FEET vb. to sit down and rest, esp. used as an invitation ...20C sl.
• TAKE A LOT OF DOING vb. to require all one's efforts; to be difficult to do ...1910s colloq.
• TAKE A LUNAR vb. to look at ...1906 sl.
• TAKE A MEETING vb. to attend a business meeting ...1977 US entertainment industry usage
• TAKE A MICKEY FINN vb. to abscond ...1924 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A MIDOL! int. relax! calm down! ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE A MOPE vb. to escape, esp. from prison ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE AN AIR OF THE FIRE vb. to warm oneself ...1877 Eng. dial.
• TAKE AN APPLICATION vb. to interview a woman as a prospective prostitute ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE AND DO vb. to begin, to commence ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE AND GIVE vb. to live, esp. as man and wife ...L19 rhyming sl.
• TAKE AN IMMEDIATE DUCK vb. to escape from prison ...1934 US prison sl.
• TAKE AN L vb. to lose a game ...1999 US sl.
• TAKE AN OATH vb. to drink liquor ...19C sl., chiefly US
• TAKE A NOSE-DIVE vb. to collapse; to fail utterly ...1920s sl.
• TAKE AN OUTING WITH TOM THUMB AND HIS FOUR BROTHERS vb. to masturbate ...20C sl.
• TAKE A PAGE OUT OF SOMEONE'S BOOK vb. to imitate or emulate someone ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE APART vb. 1. to criticize or scold severely ...sl.
vb. 2. to defeat convincingly ...colloq.
• TAKE A PASSER vb. to pass out, to faint ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A PERSON TARDY † vb. to overtake; to surprise; to come upon unprepared or unawares; hence, to detect, 'catch' in a crime, fault, error, etc. ...1530
• TAKE A PEW phr. an invitation to sit down ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A PICTURE! int. stop staring! ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE A PIECE OUT OF vb. 1. to scold, to reprimand severely ...1940s Aust. sl.
vb. 2. to tease ...1940s Aust. sl.
• TAKE A PILL! int. calm down! ...1990s US college & teen sl.
• TAKE A PIPE vb. to cry ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A POKE AT vb. 1. to punch; to assault, to aim a blow at ...1796 sl.
vb. 2. to have a try, to attempt ...1930s sl.
vb. 3. to attack verbally, to cause problems for ...1950s sl.
• TAKE A POP AT vb. 1. to hit; to deliver a blow ...1825 sl.
vb. 2. to fire a gun, to shoot at ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to make an attempt ...1920s sl.
vb. 4. to attack verbally ...1990s sl.
• TAKE A POP AT SOMEONE vb. to speak or write critically or disparagingly of; to criticize ...1922 Brit. sl.
• TAKE A POTSHOT vb. to make a wild guess ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A POTSHOT AT vb. to criticize someone severely ...1920s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A POWDER vb. 1. to escape, to run away ...1910s sl.
vb. 2. of a boxer: to lose deliberately ...1940s sl.
vb. 3. to leave without paying one's rent ...1940s sl.
• TAKE A PUGGY vb. to become very angry ...1985 Sc. sl.
• TAKE A PULL vb. to desist, to discontinue ...20C Aust. sl.
• TAKE A PULL AT ONESELF vb. to pull oneself together ...colloq., chiefly Aust.
• TAKE A PULL ON YOURSELF! int. stop it! ...L19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A PUNT vb. 1. to have a try at something ...1940s sl., orig. Aust.
vb. 2. to make a bet on ...1940s sl., orig. Aust.
• TAKE A RAIN CHECK vb. to defer something until a later, unspecified time, e.g. parole ...1930s sl., chiefly US
• TAKE A RAISE vb. to run a little backward for the better advantage of leaping forward ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A RAP vb. to take a punishment, often a prison sentence, that is actually due to someone else ...c1886 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE A RED-HOT POTATO! int. be quiet! shut up! ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A RISE OUT OF ONE vb. to mortify; to make ridiculous; to outwit ...a1850 sl.
• TAKE-ARTIST n. one who regularly gains income from the taking of bribes, illicit commissions, etc. ...1950s US sl.
• TAKE A RUN! int. an expression of dismissal ...L19
• TAKE A RUN AT SOMEONE vb. to attempt to capture, assault, or seduce someone ...20C US sl.
• TAKE A RUN AT YOURSELF! int. exclamation of dismissal, dislike, etc. ...1920s Aust. sl.
• TAKE A RUNNING JUMP! int. an exclamation of contempt or derision ...1933 sl.
• TAKE A RUNNING JUMP AT ONESELF! int. an exclamation of contempt or derision ...1933 sl.
• TAKE A RUNNING JUMP AT THE MOON! int. exclamation of dismissal ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A RUN-OUT vb. to escape, to run away ...20C sl.
• TAKE A RUN-OUT POWDER vb. to escape, to run away ...20C sl.
• TAKE A SCOOCHER vb. to slide down a snow slope in a squatting position ...Bk1896 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A SHARE OF ONE'S TATTIE vb. to share one's home; to marry ...1890 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A SHINDY TO vb. to find attractive or appealing; to have a fancy or affection for ...M19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A SHINE TO vb. to take a liking to someone ...1839 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A SHIT vb. 1. to defecate ...E17 sl.
vb. 2. to cause trouble for, to attack ...1960s sl.
• TAKE A SHOT vb. to try, to make an attempt ...1970s
• TAKE A SHOT AT vb. 1. to make an attempt ...1878 sl.
vb. 2. to attack, whether physically or verbally ...L19 sl.
vb. 3. to guess ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A SIGHT vb. to place the thumb against the nose and close all the fingers except the little one, which is agitated as a token of derision ...M19 sl.
• TAKE A SLICE OFF A CUT CAKE vb. to commit adultery ...1960s Aust. sl.
• TAKE A SQUAT vb. to defecate ...1970s sl.
• TAKE A STINK FOR A NOSEGAY vb. to be extremely gullible; to mistake egregiously, to make a foolish blunder ...B1900
• TAKE A STONE UP IN THE AIR vb. of a woman: to fall into an immoral lifestyle ...L17 sl.
• TAKE A STRETCH vb. to exercise; usually to exercise a horse ...L19 Aust. sl.
• TAKE A SWEEP vb. to inhale cocaine ...1930s US drugs sl.
• TAKE A SWEEP WITH BOTH BARRELS vb. to inhale cocaine though both nostrils ...1930s US drugs sl.
• TAKE A SWING vb. 1. to aim a blow at, to punch ...1910s sl.
vb. 2. to criticize ...1910s sl.
• TAKE A SWING AT vb. 1. to aim a blow at, to punch ...1910s sl.
vb. 2. to criticize ...1910s sl.
• TAKE A SWIPE AT vb. to criticize sharply ...1932 sl.
• TAKE AT vb. to resemble ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A TACIT vb. to stop talking ...1947 US sl.
• TAKE A TEST DRIVE vb. to interview a woman as a prospective prostitute ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE A TIE-TICKET vb. to walk the railroad ties ...1906 Amer. dial.
• TAKE A TOSS vb. to be attracted to a person; to fall in love with ...1930s sl.
• TAKE A TRAIN! int. used as an all-purpose insult ...1951 US sl.
• TAKE A TRICK vb. to show promise; to be successful ...L19 Aust. sl.
• TAKE A TRIP TO THE COUNTRY vb. to go to prison ...1945 Aust. criminals' sl.
• TAKE A TRIP TO THE WEST INDIES vb. of a suspect criminal: to leave a town or place to avoid arrest ...E19 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE A TUCK IN vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A TUMBLE vb. 1. to realize the facts of one's situation ...1877 sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to 'fall for' a confidence trick ...1900s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE A TUMBLE OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A TUMBLE TO ONESELF vb. to realize the facts of one's situation ...1877 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A TURN AMONG HER FRILLS vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A TURN AMONG THE CABBAGES vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A TURN AMONG THE PARSLEY vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN ABRAHAM'S BOSOM vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN BUSHEY PARK vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN COCK ALLEY vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN COCK LANE vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN CUPID'S ALLEY vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN CUPID'S CORNER AND HAIR COURT vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN LOVE LANE ON MOUNT PLEASANT vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN IN THE STUBBLE vb. to have sexual intercourse ...18C sl.
• TAKE A TURN ON HAIR COURT vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A TURN ON ONE'S BACK vb. of a woman: to copulate ...19C Brit. sl.
• TAKE A TURN ON SHOOTER'S HILL vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 US Black sl.
• TAKE A TURN THROUGH THE STUBBLE vb. to have sexual intercourse ...18C sl.
• TAKE A TURN UP HER PETTICOATS vb. to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE A VEGETABLE BREAKFAST vb. to be hanged ...18C sl.
• TAKE A VIZZY vb. to aim with a weapon ...1801 Sc.
• TAKE A WALK vb. 1. to leave; to be dismissed ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to escape criminal proceedings ...1910s sl.
vb. 3. of a group of workers: to resign ...1930s sl.
vb. 4. to run off ...1930s sl.
int. go away! ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A WALK-OUT POWDER vb. to depart quietly and suddenly, in order to avoid the law ...1934 US sl.
• TAKE A WALK UP BACK vb. to be moved from one's cell to the execution chamber ...1920s US prison sl.
• TAKE A WALK UP LADDER LANE AND DOWN HEMP STREET vb. to go up to a yardarm or gallows to be hanged ...1830 US nautical sl.
• TAKE-AWAY n. a capacity for eating; an appetite ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. (usually as 'take away')
vb. 1. to deprive of sensation ...1792 Sc.
vb. 2. to partake of food ...1871 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to go fast; to make straight for ...1875 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to hide from view ...1901 Sc.
• TAKE AWAY ONE'S SHINE vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE A WHACK AT vb. to make an attempt ...1891 sl., orig. US
• TAKE A WOODEN NICKEL vb. to accept gullibly; to be swindled ...1915 sl.
• TAKE BACKWATER vb. to change course; to reverse one's position; to retreat; to back down on a brag or dare; to refuse a challenge ...1902 Amer. dial.
• TAKE BEEF vb. 1. to run away ...1859 UK criminals' sl.
vb. 2. to get into arguments; to face criticism ...1990s US Black sl.
• TAKE BEGINNING † vb. to begin, to start, to commence ...a1300
• TAKE BITE AND SUP vb. to partake of food ...1890 Eng. dial.
• TAKE BREAD AND SALT vb. to swear ...L16
• TAKE BY THE FACE vb. to disconcert, to put out of countenance ...1843 Sc.
• TAKE BY THE HAND vb. to marry ...1898 Sc.
• TAKE BY THE HEAD vb. to intoxicate ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE BY THE TOP vb. to seize by the hair, to lay hold of violently ...1535
• TAKE CARE OF vb. 1. to beat up; to kill ...20C sl.
vb. 2. to arrest a person ...1909 UK police sl.
vb. 3. to bribe; to exert (political) pressure on ...1920s sl.
vb. 4. to have sexual intercourse with ...1940s sl.
vb. 5. to cause trouble for ...1950s sl.
vb. 6. to pay, to give a tip ...1970s sl.
• TAKE-CARE-OF-BUSINESS adj. efficient ...1970s sl.
vb. (as 'take care of business') to deal efficiently with matters in hand ...1950s sl., orig. US Black
• TAKE CARE OF NUMBER ONE vb. to put oneself first, no matter what the situation ...M19
• TAKE CARE OF NUMERO UNO vb. to put oneself first, no matter what the situation ...M19
• TAKE CARE OF SOMEONE vb. to kill someone; to kill one or more, esp. as an expedient solution to a problem ...1984 UK sl.
• TAKE DARNTON TROD vb. to elude pursuit; to run away to escape punishment; to flee the country ...1834 Eng. dial.
• TAKE DAY † vb. 1. to put off to another day; to delay ...a1400
† vb. 2. to appoint or fix a day for the transaction of some business; to make an appointment ...c1400
• TAKE DOUBLE SIGHTS vb. to place the thumb against the nose and close all the fingers except the little one, which is agitated as a token of derision ...M19 sl.
• TAKE-DOWN n. 1. a swindle; a deception ...L19 sl.
n. 2. a win, as in gambling ...L19 US sl.
n. 3. a deceiver or cheat ...1905 Aust. sl.
n. 4. a thief, a swindler, a confidence man ...c1920 Aust. sl.
n. 5. the amount earned ...1990 US sl.
vb. (as 'take down')
vb. 1. to abuse ...17C
vb. 2. to challenge; to overcome; to surpass; to kill ...M18 sl.
vb. 3. to reduce in health; to emaciate; to lay low in sickness; to become sick or ill ...1822 Sc. & Amer. dial.
vb. 4. to cheat, to swindle, to rob ...M19 sl., orig. Aust.
vb. 5. to launch a boat ...1887 Sc.
vb. 6. to take to pieces ...1897 Sc.
vb. 7. to destroy, to dispose of ...L19 sl.
vb. 8. to humiliate, to defeat ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
vb. 9 to reduce in circumstances; to lessen; to make bankrupt ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 10. to weaken by dilution ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 11. to arrest ...1940s US criminals' & police sl.
vb. 12. to have homosexual sexual intercourse ...1960s US prison sl.
• TAKE DOWN A FEW PEGS vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE DOWN A HACK vb. to humble, to humiliate ...1910 Sc.
• TAKE DOWN A NOTCH vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE DOWN A PEG vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE DOWN A PEG OR TWO vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE-DOWN BRIGHTS n. the very bright lights on a police car used when ordering a driver to pull over ...1992 US sl.
• TAKE DOWN SOMEONE'S PARTICULARS vb. of a man: to remove a woman's underwear ...1920s sl.
• TAKE DOWNTOWN vb. in baseball: to hit a home run off (a pitcher) ..1978 Amer. sl.
• TAKE EGGS FOR MONEY † vb. to be put off with something worthless ...1611
• TAKE FAT vb. to take offense ...1898 Eng. dial.
• TAKE FIRE vb. to become 'enflamed' with some emotion or the like; to become excited, esp. with anger; to become enraged ...1607
• TAKE FIVE vb. 1. to take a short break, i.e. a 5-minute break ...1910s US sl.
vb. 2. to leave ...1960s US college sl.
• TAKE FOR AN AIRING vb. to assassinate, usually by taking the victim out in a car and killing them at some stage, then dumping the body far from one's base ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR AN INDOOR BUGGY RIDE vb. to beat up, to thrash someone indoors; to punish drastically, inside the victim's home or headquarters ...1931 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR A RIDE vb. 1. to deceive, to fool, to trick, usually for financial gain ...1920s sl.
vb. 2. to assassinate, usually by taking the victim out in a car and killing them at some stage, then dumping the body far from one's base ...1927 US criminals' sl.
vb. 3. to arrest ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR A TRIP vb. to assassinate, usually by taking the victim out in a car and killing them at some stage, then dumping the body far from one's base ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FOR A TROT vb. to deceive, to fool, to trick, usually for financial gain ...1920s sl.
• TAKE FOR A WALK vb. to arrest ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE FORTH † vb. 1. to learn ...1530
† vb. 2. to teach ...1549
• TAKE FRENCH LEAVE vb. to escape while on trust outside the prison walls ...1935 US prison sl.
• TAKE FRENCH LESSONS vb. to contract venereal disease ...20C sl.
• TAKEFUL adj. capturing, arresting ...1901 Eng. dial.
• TAKEFUL-LOOKING adj. attractive; captivating ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE GAME n. a confidence trick ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE GAS vb. 1. to be scolded and abused ...1950s US sl.
vb. 2. to do badly ...1960s US college sl.
vb. 3. to kill oneself by any method ...1960s sl.
• TAKE GRUEL vb. to die ...L19 sl.
• TAKE GRUEL TOGETHER vb. to live together as man and wife ...L19 sl.
• TAKE HARES WITH FOXES † vb. to seek to do something almost impossible ...1577
• TAKE HEAD † vb. to make a rush forward, to start running ...1674
• TAKE HEART OF GRACE vb. to pluck up courage ..1530
• TAKE HEAT vb. 1. to lose money ...1920s US sl.
vb. 2. to suffer or endure punishment or criticism ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE-HEED † n. the act of taking heed, caution; a warning to take heed, a caution ...1611
• TAKE-HOMES n. a several-day supply of methadone ...1989 US sl.
• TAKE ILL vb. to take offense at, to take amiss ...1596
• TAKE-IN adj. deceptive, swindling ...1819
n. a cheat, swindle, deception; a hoax, a fraud ...1778 colloq.
n. 2. a swindler ...E19 sl.
vb. (as 'take in')
† vb. 1. to capture, to take prisoner, to conquer in war ...1387
† vb. 2. to go in, to enter ...1654 obs. exc. Sc.
vb. 3. to deceive, to cheat, to trick, to impose upon, to hoax ...1740 colloq.
vb. 4. to subdue ...1792 Sc.
vb. 5. to arrest ...L19 sl.
vb. 6. to receive lodgers ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to understand ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE IN AND DO FOR vb. of a woman: to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE IN BEEF vb. of a woman: to have sexual intercourse ...19C sl.
• TAKE IN FANCY WORK vb. to be addicted to secret prostitution ...B1900 sl.
• TAKE IN FOR vb. to defend, to stand up for ...1897 Sc.
• TAKE IN LAUNDRY vb. to wear underwear internally ...2001 UK sl.
• TAKE IN ONE'S REED AND GEARS vb. to die ...1873 Eng. dial.
• TAKE IN ONE'S STRIDE vb. to do easily, and without an effort, as a hunter or a steeple-fencer takes a fence ...Bk1904 sl.
• TAKE IN SCHOOL vb. to open school ...1875 Amer. dial.
• TAKE IN SNUFF vb. to be offended ...L16 sl.
• TAKE INTO CAMP vb. to kill ...1878 sl.
• TAKE INTO THE WOODSHED vb. to scold; to punish; to reprimand ...1907 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IN WOOD vb. to drink ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE IT vb. 1. to suffer adversity and unhappiness without complaint ...20C sl.
vb. 2. to surpass others, to beat all rivals ...1900s sl.
vb. 3. to accept a bribe ...1920s US criminals' sl.
vb. 4. to have sexual intercourse ...1920s sl.
int. used by one demanding fellatio ...1930s homosexual sl.
• TAKE IT ANY WAY vb. to enjoy fellatio ...1930s homosexual sl.
• TAKE IT AWAY! int. commence the entertainment! start the music! ...1984 UK sl.
• TAKE IT BIG vb. 1. to react very emotionally; to be dismayed ...1932 sl.
vb. 2. to fall in love ...1960s sl.
• TAKE IT COOL vb. to relax, to remain undisturbed by events ...M19 sl.
• TAKE IT DOWN A THOUSAND! int. relax! calm down! ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE IT DOWNTOWN vb. in baseball: to hit a long home run ...1977 Amer. sl.
• TAKE-IT-EASY adj. easygoing; adapted for making oneself at ease, comfortable ...1872
vb. ('take it easy')
vb. 1. to relax, to not worry about anything; to take time off ...M19 sl.
vb. 2. to act calmly ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to drive more slowly ...1930s sl.
vb. 4. to treat leniently ...1950s sl.
phr. ('take it easy')
phr. 1. relax, don't worry, calm down ...M19 sl.
phr. 2. goodbye, see you later ...1950s US
• TAKE IT FIGHTING vb. to approach in a courageous manner; to act aggressively ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE IT FROM THE HEAD vb. to be murdered ...1990s US gang sl.
• TAKE IT FROM THE TOP vb. to start at the beginning ...1930s US sl.
• TAKE IT HARD vb. 1. to react emotionally, usually when distressed or angry ...1930s US sl.
vb. 2. to fall in love ...1960s sl.
• TAKE IT IN THE ASS vb. to be brutally manhandled, victimized, or betrayed ...1980 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT IN THE BLIND vb. to fight in private in order to settle a score ...20C US prison sl.
• TAKE IT IN THE EAR vb. to be severely victimized or defeated; to be treated unfairly ...1965 Amer. sl., esp. students' usage
• TAKE IT IN THE SHORTS vb. to be abused or defeated ...1994 US sl.
• TAKE IT LIGHT vb. to act in a restrained manner; to resist excess; to go slowly ...1960s US Black sl.
int. 1. take it easy, calm down ...1959 Amer. sl.
int. 2. so long! ...20C Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT LYING DOWN vb. 1. to give in without a fight, to act weakly ...L19
vb. 2. of a woman: to submit to sexual intercourse, willing or otherwise ...1950s sl.
• TAKE IT MAIN vb. to inject narcotics into a vein ...1940s drugs sl.
• TAKE IT NELSON vb. to relax ...1996 UK sl.
• TAKE IT ON! int. an exclamation of encouragement ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE IT ON HIGH vb. 1. to go fast ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON ONE'S TOES vb. to escape from prison or impending arrest ...1950s sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE ARTHUR DUFFY 1. to leave quickly ...1905 US sl.
vb. 2. to run away, to escape from prison ...c1915 US prison sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE ARTHUR K. DUFFY vb. to run away, to escape ...1936 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE CHIN vb. 1. in boxing: to be hit squarely on the chin; hence, to suffer serious reversal, loss, etc. ...1922 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to suffer a severe failure; to undergo complete defeat or frustration ...20C Amer. colloq.
vb. 3. to suffer hardship and adversity without complaint ...1920s, orig. US
• TAKE IT ON THE DAN O'LEARY vb. to run, to run off, to escape ...1900s US sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HAMMER vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HEEL AND TOE vb. to depart, esp. swiftly and quietly to evade justice; to escape from prison ...c1915 US prison sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HOOF vb. to run off, to leave quickly ...1900s US sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE HOP vb. to leave, to go away ...1960s US Black sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE JESSE OWENS vb. to run, to run off, to escape ...1900s US sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE LAM vb. to run away; to flee, esp. from authorities; to escape; to depart hurriedly ...1904 US sl., orig. criminals' usage
• TAKE IT ON THE LOPE vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE NUT vb. to lose ...1940s US criminals' sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE SCRAM vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT ON THE TROT vb. to run off, to leave at speed ...1930s sl.
• TAKE IT OUT vb. to serve a prison term rather than pay a fine ...L19 Aust. sl.
• TAKE IT OUT IN TRADE vb. to have sexual intercourse as the 'price' of taking a woman out ...1940s Amer. sl.
• TAKE IT OUT OF vb. 1. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to exhaust; to sap one's strength or energy ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE IT OUT OF ONE vb. to tire, to exhaust ...M19 sl.
• TAKE IT OUT OF SOMEONE vb. 1. to take revenge on, to get one's satisfaction from ...E19 sl.
vb. 2. to surpass ...1900s sl.
• TAKE IT OUT ON vb. to treat badly, to punish, often an innocent victim ...20C US sl.
• TAKE IT SLOW phr. 1. be careful ...1930s sl., orig. US Black
phr. 2. calm down, quieten down, relax ...1930s sl., orig. US Black
phr. 3. goodbye, see you later ...1930s sl., orig. US Black
• TAKE IT TO THE HOOP vb. to take something to its limit; to do something with maximum commitment ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE IT TO THE SQUARE vb. to call out for a fight ...2000s US prison sl.
• TAKE IT TO THE STREET vb. to take a private conflict or issue into the public arena ...20C US sl.
• TAKE IT TO THE VENT vb. to commit suicide ...1989 US sl.
• TAKE IT UP THE ARSE vb. 1. to submit to anal intercourse ...1940s sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to submit to a more powerful force ...2000 UK sl.
• TAKE IT UP THE ASS vb. 1. to submit to anal intercourse ...1940s sl., orig. US
vb. 2. to be victimized; to be treated unfairly or harshly ...1980s sl.
int. an expression of contempt ...1940s sl.
• TAKE IT UP THE BUM vb. to submit to anal intercourse ...1940s sl., orig. US
• TAKE IT UP THE DIRT ROAD vb. to be sodomized ...1950s sl.
• TAKE JOINT n. a dishonest cabaret; a crooked gambling-den ...1933 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE LAG vb. to criticize, to attack verbally ...1950s W. Indies & UK Black sl.
• TAKE LARGE STOCK vb. to care about, to see as important, to take account of ...M19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE LEATHER vb. to hold on to the saddle while riding a horse ...1922 Amer. dial.
• TAKE LEG BAIL vb. to run away, esp. from a debt or a responsibility; to escape ...1774 Sc.
• TAKE LOW vb. to humble oneself, or accept a lower position ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TAKE LOW BRIDGE vb. to humble oneself, or accept a lower position ...1940 Amer. dial.
• TAKE MAN n. 1. in a shoplifting team, the member who actually steals the targeted object ...1975 Aust. criminals' sl.
n. 2. the member of a criminal gang who actually steals the money ...1975 Aust. sl.
• TAKE MAN FOR HIS JACK vb. to rob him of his money ...1925 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE MATTERS INTO ONE'S OWN HANDS vb. to masturbate ...20C sl.
• TAKE METTLE vb. to take courage ...1844 Eng. dial.
• TAKE MIFF vb. to take offense, to be affronted ...1750 Eng. dial.
• TAKE MONEY n. the proceeds of a robbery or other illegal scheme ...1975 US sl.
• TAKE MR. FOOT'S HORSE vb. to walk ...B1900 sl.
• TAKEN adj. rendered unconscious by drugs ...1920s US euphemism
• TAKE NAPPING vb. to take unawares ...1587 sl.
• TAKEN-AWAY n. an unhealthy, puny child; a changeling ...1823 Sc.
• TAKEN DOWN adj. sickened ...1822 Amer. dial.
• TAKE NEBUCHADNEZZAR OUT TO GRASS vb. to copulate ...Bk1902 sl.
• TAKE NIGHT TO MAKE DAY vb. to make an all-out effort ...1986 Trinidad and Tobago
• TAKEN-LIKE adj. pleased ...1899 Sc.
• TAKE-NO-PRISONERS adj. uncompromising ..1980s sl.
vb. ('take no prisoners') to make no compromises; to act resolutely ...1980s sl.
• TAKE NO SHORTS vb. to refuse to be fooled, cheated, or put at a disadvantage ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE NOTICE vb. of a widow or widower: to be receptive to the idea of remarriage; to be in search of a new spouse ...1875 Amer. dial.
• TAKEN SHORT adj. desperate to urinate or defecate ...1890 UK sl.
• TAKEN UP adj. arrested ...E18 sl.
• TAKE ODDS OF † vb. to take advantage of ...1596
• TAKE-OFF n. 1. a thing that detracts from something; a drawback ...1826
n. 2. a mimicking expression; an imitating; a parody; a caricature ...1846 US sl.
n. 3. a mimic; a satirist; a punster ...Bk1905 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
n. 4. a satirical valentine ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 5. an armed street robbery or mugging ...1940s US criminals' sl.
n. 6. an escape ...1940s US prison sl.
n. 7. the hips ...1940s US Black sl.
n. 8. in surfing: the point on a wave where one begins a ride ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. (usually as 'take off')
vb. 1. to drink to the bottom, or at one draught; to drink off ...1613
† vb. 2. to do away with, to disprove, to confute ...1630
vb. 3. to imitate, to mimic, to parody, to ridicule ...1750
vb. 4. to abate, to grow less, to decrease ...1776
vb. 5. to reprove, to rebuke, to chide ...1863 Eng. dial.
vb. 6. to match against ...1865 Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to execute ...M19 US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 8. of the weather: to clear up; to cease raining or blowing ...1878
vb. 9. to take a likeness; to draw, to photograph ...1895 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to slaughter, murder ...1897 Sc.
vb. 11. to deprive of money ...L19 US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 12. to fail, to give way, to break down ...1900 Sc.
vb. 13. to die ...20C sl.
vb. 14. of the daylight: to shorten ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 15. to cease work ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 16. to diminish ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 17. to go off hastily or furtively; to abscond; to set out on a journey or expedition ... Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 18. to leap from a mark ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 19. to mock, to befool, to jeer at ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 20. to turn off; to stop ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 21. to be suddenly successful or very active ...1930s US sl.
vb. 22. to start talking ...1940s US Black sl.
vb. 23. to feel the effects of a drug ...1940s drugs sl.
vb. 24. to begin, to commence ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 25. to go to, to visit ...1950s sl.
vb. 26. to use a drug, esp. to inject a drug ...1952 US sl.
vb. 27. to go; to leave; to depart or set out ...1959 UK sl.
vb. 28. to rob someone or burgle, or hold up a place; a place; to steal something ...1960 US sl.
vb. 29. to obtain, such as money ...1960s US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 30. to make a raid on ...1970s US Black & criminals' sl.
vb. 31. in surfing: to catch the momentum of a wave and begin a ride ...1970 US sl.
vb. 32. to bring someone to orgasm ...1975 US sl.
vb. 33. to become popular ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. 34. to begin to move or increase quickly ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
int. go away! ...20C sl.
• TAKE OFF A PIECE OF WORK vb. to masturbate ...2002 US sl.
• TAKE-OFF ARTIST n. 1. a successful robber, rapist, or killer ...1940s US criminals' sl.
n. 2. one who does the job then 'takes off' ...1940s US criminals' sl.
n. 3. an escaped prisoner ...1996 UK sl.
• TAKE OFF CORNER-PIECES vb. to beat, usually one's wife ...L19 sl.
• TAKE OFF LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL vb. to leave very quickly ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE OFF LIKE A BIG-ASS BIRD vb. to leave in a hurry ...1944-46 US sl.
• TAKE OFF LIKE A BIG-ASSED BIRD vb. to leave very quickly ...1940s US sl.
• TAKE OFF ONE'S COAT vb. to challenge someone to a fight ...L19 sl.
• TAKE-ON n. 1. mental agitation ...1893
n. 2. a woman living with a man who is not her husband ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
n. 3. a fight, usually with the fists ...1920s Aust. sl.
n. 4. an illusion ...1960s sl.
vb. (usually as 'take on')
† vb. 1. to begin, to commence ...c1200
vb. 2. to rage, to rave; to be greatly agitated; to make a great fuss, outcry, or uproar; to distress oneself greatly ...c1430 colloq. & Eng. dial.
†* vb. 3. to assert, to asseverate ...1583
vb. 4. to assume airs; to behave proudly or haughtily; to presume; to take liberties ...1668
vb. 5. to enlist; to adopt a profession, etc. ...1798 Sc.
vb. 6. to become angry ...E19 US sl.
vb. 7. to begin ...1806 Sc.
vb. 8. to get excited ...1876 Sc.
vb. 9. to grieve, to lament ...1876 Sc.
vb. 10. to ache, to be painful ...1893 Eng. dial.
vb. 11. to be left alone, to be left to oneself; to take what may come ...1897 Sc.
vb. 12. to buy on credit; to get into debt ...1899 Sc.
vb. 13. to engage in a fight, to challenge ...L19 sl.
vb. 14. to become popular; to enjoy ...L19 sl.
vb. 15. to succeed to an inheritance or business; to take charge of ...1901 Sc.
vb. 16. to assume; to feign, to pretend; to act as a hypocrite ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 17. to become attached to; to sympathize with ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 18. to begin to get fuddled ...Bk1905 Sc.
vb. 19. to stop and search ...1910s US police sl.
vb. 20. to cry, to mourn, to grieve ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. vb. 21. to be very upset or distraught ...colloq.
vb. 22. to have sexual intercourse with ...1930s US sl.
vb. 23. to start a quarrel or fight with ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. 24. to stand up to in a position of conflict, esp. political ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE ON A CARGO vb. to listen ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE ON A SPLIT-ARSE MECHANIC vb. to have sexual intercourse ...L19 sl.
• TAKE ON BOARD vb. to accept and use ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE ONE vb. to be open to bribery ...1970 UK sl.
• TAKE ONE A BUTTON-HOLE LOWER vb. to humiliate or take the conceit out of him ...1588 colloq.
• TAKE ONE DOWN A BUTTON-HOLE vb. to humiliate or take the conceit out of him ...1593 colloq.
• TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM vb. in a social situation: to pay attention to the less attractive of a pair of friends in the hope that your friend will have success with the more attractive member of the pair ...2002 US sl.
• TAKE ONE OFF THE WRIST vb. to masturbate ...1960s sl.
• TAKE ONE'S BAG OF BONES HOME vb. to depart, to 'get out' ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S BEST HOLD vb. to prepare oneself emotionally for dealing with a problem ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE ONE'S BEST SHOT vb. to do the best one can; to try one's hardest ...1960s sl., orig. US
• TAKE ONE'S DEGREES vb. to be imprisoned, to serve a sentence ...E19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S DEPARTAL vb. to die ...1823 Sc.
• TAKE ONE'S DERRY vb. to take a chance ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S DINT vb. to receive punishment ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S DROPS vb. to drink heavily ...18C sl.
• TAKE ONESELF IN HAND vb. to masturbate ...1950s sl., orig. nautical
• TAKE ONESELF OUT vb. to commit suicide ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE ONESELF OUT BIG AND PRONTO vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE ONE'S END vb. to be convulsed with laughter ...20C Irish sl.
• TAKE ONE'S EYES PASS SOMEBODY vb. to speak disrespectfully to one who ought to be treated respectfully ...20C W. Indies sl.
• TAKE ONE'S FINGER OUT vb. 1. to get on with something; to stop malingering and commit oneself to positive action ...1910s sl., orig. Aust.
vb. 2. to demand effort of a lazy person ...1941 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S FLING vb. to do as one likes ...1875 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S HAIR OFF vb. to surprise greatly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S HAND FROM ANOTHER'S HAFFET vb. to slap, to box someone's ears ...1721 Sc.
• TAKE ONE'S HANK vb. to masturbate ...1960s US prison sl.
• TAKE ONE'S HAT OFF TO vb. to compliment, to praise ...M19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S HURRY vb. to take one's time; to wait ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S LAMMAS vb. to go off, to run away ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S LAST DEGREE vb. to be hanged ...c1800 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE ONE'S LUMPS vb. to accept and deal with one's problems and setbacks ...1930s sl., orig. US
• TAKE ONE'S MEAT OUT OF THE BASKET vb. to reveal one's genitals to another man ...1940s homosexual sl.
• TAKE ONE'S MEDICINE vb. 1. to drink ...M19 sl.
vb. 2. to have sexual intercourse ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to accept a punishment or reprimand ...L19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S PUMPS OFF vb. to lay aside all restraint ...1881 Ireland
• TAKE ONE'S SHIRT OFF vb. to lose one's temper ...L19 sl.
• TAKE ONE'S SNAKE FOR A GALLOP vb. 1. to masturbate ...1940s sl.
vb. 2. to urinate ...1940s sl.
• TAKE ONE'S TEXAS TIME vb. to do something in a leisurely fashion ...1985 Amer. dial.
• TAKE ONE'S TOE vb. to affect, to 'get into' ...20C Ulster sl.
• TAKE ONE'S WALK UP BACK vb. to move into the condemned-to-death cell ...1929 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE ON FOR THE TEAM vb. to accept responsibility for an unpleasant task for the greater good of a group ...2001 US sl.
• TAKE ON HIGH vb. to rob a place and then flee in daylight ...1933 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE ON ONESELF † vb. to become distressed or disturbed in mind ...1631
• TAKE ON SOME BACKS vb. to have anal intercourse ...1970s US Black sl.
• TAKE ON THE FLY vb. to beg from persons as they pass on the street ..c1845 sl.
• TAKE ON WITH vb. 1. to like, to be attracted by ...Bk1905 Ireland
vb. 2. to form an association with a man or a woman ...1910s sl.
• TAKE ORDER WITH A PERSON vb. to compel a person to do orderly or rightly; to punish ...1792 Sc.
• TAKE-OUT n. 1. in poker: the minimum number of chips that a player can buy from the bank at once ...1967 US sl.
n. 2. take-away food ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
vb. (as 'take out')
† vb. 1. to learn a lesson ...a1591
* vb. 2. to subtract or deduct from ...1593
† vb. 3. to obtain or enjoy completely ...1631
† vb. 4. to teach ...1642
† vb. 5. to give expression to; to utter ...1678 obs.
vb. 6. to grieve over ...1825 Eng. dial.
vb. 7. to set out, esp. in haste; to leave ...1855 Eng. & Amer. dial.
vb. 8. to drink off ...1884 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to receive payment in kind ...1887 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to stop working, to take a break ...1899 Amer. dial.
vb. 11. to knock out ...L19 sl.
vb. 12. to copy; to write out ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 13. to kill, destroy, or defeat ...1939 sl.
vb. 14. to malfunction; to give out ...1968 Amer. dial.
vb. 15. to absent oneself from work or school; to quit a job ...1969 Amer. dial.
vb. 16. to win a game, an award, a prize, or the like ...1976 Aust. sl.
vb. 17. to destroy, to eliminate, to render harmless ...Bk2002 Aust. sl.
• TAKE OUTDOORS ON SOMEONE vb. to leave alone, to avoid someone ...1930s sl.
• TAKE OVER † vb. 1. to overtake ...c1330
vb. 2. to rob, to steal ...1935 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE OVER THE HURDLES vb. to attack in a group ...1940s US prison sl.
• TAKE PAT AND CHARLIE vb. to walk, to go on foot ...1966 Amer. dial.
• TAKE PATIENCE AND WALK vb. to go on foot ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TAKE PEPPER IN THE NOSE vb. to take offense; to become angry or irritated; to be vexed; to mistrust ...1787
• TAKE PITYSAKE ON vb. to have mercy on, to take pity on ...1952 Amer. dial.
• TAKER n. 1. the member of a confidence trick gang who gets hold of the prospective victim and brings him to the gang ...1591 UK criminals' sl.
† n. 2. the nippers or claws of a scorpion, etc. ...1608
n. 3. a person who accepts an offer or challenge ...M19 US
n. 4. a receiver of stolen goods ...1940s UK criminals' sl.
n. 5. a passive prison homosexual .....1950s US prison & homosexual sl.
n. 6. a thief who snatches a chain from the wearer's neck ...2002 UK sl.
• TAKE REST vb. to cease; to be pacified ...1889 Eng. dial.
• TAKER-UP † n. 1. one who takes another under his charge or protection; a patron, a guardian, a protector ...1388
† n. 2. the member of a confidence trick gang who gets hold of the prospective victim and brings him to the gang ...1552 UK criminals' sl.
n. 3. a purchaser or purveyor of commodities ...1603
n. 4. something that occupies time, space, etc. ...1620
• TAKES n. criminals in general ...1945 Aust. criminals' sl.
• TAKE SHAME ON ONESELF vb. to accept shame or disgrace as merited; to acknowledge that one is at fault
• TAKE SHANK'S OLD MARE vb. to go on foot ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAKE SHIT vb. to suffer (and accept) humiliation, annoyance, or teasing; often in negative ...1950s sl., orig. US
• TAKE SNUFF vb. to be offended ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEBODY TO THE FAIR vb. to take aback, to disconcert, to abash an over-confident person ...1870 Sc.
• TAKE SOME DOING vb. to require all one's efforts; to be difficult to do ...1910s colloq.
• TAKE SOMEONE A BUTTONHOLE LOWER vb. to humiliate someone; to deflate someone ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE APART vb. 1. to beat severely ...20C sl.
vb. 2. to absolutely defeat someone in a fight; to reprimand someone severely; to berate or abuse someone ...1984 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE DOWN vb. to humiliate someone; to deflate someone ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE DOWN A BUTTONHOLE vb. to humiliate someone; to deflate someone ...L16 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE DOWN A PEG vb. to reduce a person's self-esteem; to humiliate someone; to force a brash or bumptious person to conform ...1959 UK sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR vb. to deceive, to obtain from one who is unwilling otherwise to give, esp. in the extraction of money ...1930s sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR A RIDE vb. 1. to deceive, to dupe ...1925 sl., orig. US
vb. 2. in a car: to take a planned victim to a convenient spot for murder ...1927 US sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR A SLEIGH-RIDE vb. to deceive, to dupe ...1931 US sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE FOR BAD vb. to treat someone as a weakling and exploit them accordingly ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE OFF THE CALENDAR vb. to kill, to murder ...1980s US sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE OFF THE COUNT vb. to murder, to kill ...1980s sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE OUT OF WINDING vb. to silence someone; to leave someone at a loss for words ...1920s Aust. sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE'S MIND vb. to manipulate someone's mind, usually for negative purposes ...1940s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE'S PULSE vb. to fondle someone's genitals ...1970s homosexual sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE TO THE BRIDGE vb. to attack, physically or verbally ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE TO THE CLEANERS vb. 1. to fraudulently deprive someone of all or most of their money ...1907 sl.
vb. 2. to defeat thoroughly, to trounce ...1920s sl.
vb. 3. to defraud, to outwit and otherwise remove all of a victim's assets in a wager, by extortion, or by similar legal or illegal means ...1920s sl.
vb. 4. to speak or write critically or disparagingly of; to criticize ...1963 sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE TO THE HOOP vb. to attack, physically or verbally ...1980s US Black sl.
• TAKE SOMEONE UP ON SOMETHING vb. to accept a proposal or invitation ...1910s sl.
• TAKES THE CAKE adj. excellent; first-rate ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE STOCK vb. to care about, to see as important, to take account of ...M19 sl., orig. US
• TAKE STOPPO vb. 1. to be obliged to run away ...1920s UK criminals' sl.
vb. 2. to escape ...1956 UK sl.
• TAKE STRIPES vb. to be sent to prison ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE TARDE † vb. to overtake, to surprise ...1547
• TAKE TELLING vb. to listen to advice or warning; generally used with negative ...1867 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAKE TENT vb. to take time, to have patience ...1790 Sc.
• TAKE TENT OF vb. 1. to take care of; to be careful or heedful; to beware ...1785 Sc. & Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to pay attention to; to notice, to observe ...1824 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE ACID OFF vb. to speak honestly, without sarcasm ...1910s Aust. sl.
• TAKE THE AIR vb. 1. to leave, to escape, to get out ...1918 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to travel in an airplane ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE AIR OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE ANKLE EXPRESS vb. to walk ...1966 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE BACK TRACK vb. to return or retreat ...1724 US
• TAKE THE BAKER'S SHOP vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE BAKERY vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE BALL BEFORE THE BOUND vb. to anticipate an opportunity ...c1645
• TAKE THE BAYONET COURSE vb. to be subjected to a cure of bismuth subcarbonate and neoarsphenamine for venereal disease; injections of the drug continued weekly over a period of years ...1910s sl.
• TAKE THE BELT vb. to be exceptional; to 'take the biscuit' ...L19 US teen sl.
• TAKE THE BIG DIVE vb. to commit suicide ...1974 US sl.
• TAKE THE BIG SLIDE vb. to die ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE THE BISCUIT vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE BOIL-OUT vb. to try to break a drug habit by total abstinence ...20C US sl.
• TAKE THE BREEZE vb. to leave, to escape ...1910s sl.
• TAKE THE BUN vb. to be the best of a kind; to rank the highest; to carry off the honours ...1885 sl.
• TAKE THE BURNT CHOPS vb. to take up work as a musterer or drover ...L19 NZ sl.
• TAKE THE CAKE vb. 1. to be the best of a kind; to rank the highest; to carry off the honours; to be victorious ...1842 sl.
vb. 2. to be a surpassing example, esp. for annoyance, brashness, foolishness, etc. ...1864 sl.
vb. 3. to be highly improbable ...1960s sl.
• TAKE THE CANE OUT vb. to lay down the law; to assert dogmatically ...1980s sl.
• TAKE THE CHECKERS vb. to be murdered ...1934 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE CHEESE vb. 1. of a negative circumstance or objectionable person: to surpass, to outdo ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to be considered in the most negative manner; to take the prize for being worst ...1997 UK sl.
• TAKE THE COOKIE vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1882 sl.
• TAKE THE CORN vb. to become the centre of attention ...1839 US sl.
• TAKE THE COUNT vb. 1. to die ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to give up, to leave ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE COW vb. to lose heart ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE CURE vb. to give up something; to refrain from doing something ...20C US sl.
• TAKE THE DAIRY OFF vb. to divert suspicion ...1910s sl.
• TAKE THE DAY OFF TO CARRY BRICKS vb. to take a day off to do some of one's own work, e.g. do-it-yourself ...1970s NZ sl.
• TAKE THE DEAD END vb. to die ...Bk1900 Ireland
• TAKE THE DOGS FOR A WALK vb. to exercise by walking ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE DOOR ON ONE'S BACK vb. to go out of the room or house; to make oneself scarce ...1822 Sc.
• TAKE THE DOOR OVER ONE'S HEAD vb. to leave a room ...1892 Sc.
• TAKE THE DUBLIN PACKET vb. to run round the corner ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE DUST vb. to be overtaken in a car ...L19 US sl.
• TAKE THE DUTCH ROUTE vb. to commit suicide ...20C US prison sl.
• TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT vb. to commit suicide ...20C sl.
• TAKE THE EGG vb. to win ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE ELECTRIC CURE vb. to be executed in the electric chair ...1929 US prison & criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE FALL vb. 1. to be accused (and condemned) unfairly of a crime ...1920s US sl.
vb. 2. to volunteer oneself as a victim, usually as the alleged perpetrator of a crime, in the place of the real villain; to take blame on behalf of another ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE THE FASH vb. to take the trouble; to be at the pains ...1808 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE FATAL LEAP vb. to get married ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FATAL PLUNGE vb. to get married ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FATAL STEP vb. to get married ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FLOOR vb. to walk ...1865 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE FLOUR vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE FOOT vb. of a child: to begin to walk ...1805 Sc.
• TAKE THE FOOT OUT OF ONE'S ASS vb. to rid oneself of ill treatment, of victimization, or exploitation ...1960s US Black sl.
• TAKE THE FRILLS OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE FRUNTS vb. to take offense ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE GAP vb. 1. to yield, to give in ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to leave a party while it is still at its height ...1950s sl.
vb. 3. to leave the country ...1960s S. Afr. sl.
• TAKE THE GAS vb. to endure punishment, esp. in a boxing ring ...20C sl.
• TAKE THE GAS OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE GAS PIPE vb. to commit suicide ...1951 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE GEE vb. to take offense, to become sulky ...a1700 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE GILT OFF THE GINGERBREAD vb. to disillusion, to remove one's fantasies, to downgrade ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE HEAD vb. to throw off control or restraint ...1597
• TAKE THE HEAT vb. to accept responsibility ...1950s sl., orig. US
• TAKE THE HERSHEY HIGHWAY vb. to perform anal intercourse ...1980s US sl.
• TAKE THE HOT SEAT vb. to be electrocuted ...1930 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE HOT SQUAT vb. to be electrocuted in the electric chair ...1920s US sl.
• TAKE THE INSIDE OUT OF vb. to finish, to empty, esp. a glass of beer, etc. ...1843 colloq.
• TAKE THE JOLLY OFF vb. to regain one's calm, after a nervous shock or great excitement ...1882 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE KETTLE vb. to win, to take the prize ...L19 Can. sl.
• TAKE THE KIDS TO THE POOL vb. to defecate ...1990s euphemism
• TAKE THE KNOCK vb. 1. to suffer an unpleasant surprise ...L19 sl.
vb. 2. to accept the blame ...L19 sl., orig. US
vb. 3. to suffer financial losses, often in gambling ...L19 sl.
vb. 4. of a bookmaker: to be defrauded ...1900s sl.
vb. 5. of a bookmaker: to defraud a bettor ...1930s sl.
vb. 6. to be overcome by drink or drugs ...2000s sl.
• TAKE THE LACK vb. to be slighted, jilted; used of a lover when he departs suddenly ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE LAST COUNT vb. to die ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE LAST PAYCHECK vb. to die ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE LONG COUNT vb. to die ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE LONG REST vb. to die ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE LUMP vb. to take the blame ...1920s UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE MANTLE AND RING vb. to vow perpetual widow hood ...Bk1903 sl.
• TAKE THE MICHAEL vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICHAEL OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICK vb. to make fun of someone; to pull someone's leg, to tease ...1935 UK sl.
• TAKE THE MICK OUT OF vb. to tease ...1920s sl.
• TAKE THE MICKEY vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICKEY BLISS vb. to tease ...1920s rhyming sl. for 'take the piss'
• TAKE THE MICKEY OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICKY vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MICKY OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MIKE vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MIKE OUT OF vb. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1935 sl., chiefly Brit.
• TAKE THE MONKEY OFF ONE'S BACK vb. to withdraw from narcotics addiction ...1960s sl.
• TAKE THE MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK! int. calm down! ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE NEAR CUT OF ONE vb. to cheat ...1953 Sc.
• TAKE THE NEEDLE vb. 1. to get angry ...L19 Irish sl.
vb. 2. to inject a drug ...c1905 US drugs sl.
• TAKE THE OATH vb. to take a drink of liquor ...1859 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE PANTS OFF vb. to beat convincingly, to overwhelm ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE PASTRY vb. to be the best, to surpass, to outdo, esp. in excessive or extreme behaviour or of a near-intolerable situation or happening ...1847 sl.
• TAKE THE PIPE vb. 1. to commit suicide ...1962 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to fail to act or achieve under pressure, esp. in sports; hence, to be punished ...1960s US sl.
• TAKE THE PISS vb. 1. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1945 Brit. sl.
vb. 2. to implement a urine test ...1996 UK sl.
• TAKE THE PISS OUT OF vb. 1. to attack verbally; to sneer or jeer at ...1930s sl.
vb. 2. to make fun of someone or something; to mock, to tease ...1945 Brit. sl.
vb. 3. of a situation or statement: to appear ludicrous, to be a joke ...1980s sl.
vb. 4. of a man: to have sexual intercourse ...1990s sl.
vb. 5. of a person: to act absurdly, to play the fool ...1990 sl.
• TAKE THE RAG OFF vb. 1. to beat, to surpass; to excel; to outshine ...1833 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to surpass all others; to be outstanding or outrageous; to be the last straw ...1837 Amer. dial.
vb. 3. to behave in a loud and unrestrained fashion; to 'carry on' ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE RAG OFF THE BUSH vb. 1. to surpass all others; to be outstanding or outrageous; to be the last straw ...1810 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to behave in a loud and unrestrained fashion; to 'carry on' ...1953 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE RAG OFF THE EDGE vb. to surpass, arouse admiration ...19C Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE RAG OUT vb. to hurry; to start working ...1927 Amer. dial.
• TAKE THE RAP vb. 1. to serve a prison sentence, esp. for protection of another guilty person ...c1886 US sl.
vb. 2. to accept responsibility and punishment, esp. for a crime ...1930 US sl.
• TAKE THE REEST vb. to refuse to move; generally used of horses, but also figuratively of a person who refuses to go through with a business, or who becomes stubborn ...1896 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE RIP OUT OF vb. to mock, to criticize, to attack verbally ...1990s sl.
• TAKE THE RISE OUT OF vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE ROOF OFF vb. to cause an uproar; to make a great noise ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE ROUND OF THE CLOCK vb. to sleep for twelve consecutive hours ...B1900 Sc.
• TAKE THE RUST OUT OF vb. to discomfit, to deflate ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE THE SABINE SLIDE vb. to run off, leaving one's debts unpaid ...M19 US sl.
• TAKE THE SANDS vb. to flee the country; to take safety in flight ...1785 Sc.
• TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE vb. 1. to concentrate on pleasure at the expense of efficiency or speed ...1960s sl., orig. US teen
vb. 2. to do things 'the hard way' ...1960s sl.
• TAKE THE SECONDS vb. to give up, to abandon on second thoughts ...1930s UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE SHINE OFF vb. to surpass in beauty or excellence; to excel ...Bk1905 Amer. dial., Eng. dial. & Sc.
• TAKE THE SHINE OUT OF vb. 1. to beat, to surpass ...E19 sl.
vb. 2. to take the pleasure away ...M19 Aust. sl.
vb. 3. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE SHIT WITH THE SUGAR vb. to accept that one must have both bad and good experiences ...1990s Aust.
• TAKE THE SOLES OFF SOMEONE'S SHOES vb. to surprise someone ...L19 sl.
• TAKE THE SOUP vb. to convert from Catholicism to Protestantism ...M19 sl.
• TAKE THE SPEAR vb. to accept responsibility ...1989 US sl.
• TAKE THE STARCH OUT OF vb. 1. to break the spirit of someone or something, to make weary or less arrogant ...M19 sl.
vb. 2. of a woman: to have sexual intercourse with ...M19 sl.
vb. 3. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE STUMP vb. to travel the country for the purpose of making partisan or personal speeches from stumps or other improvised platforms ...Bk1904 sl.
• TAKE THE TA-TA vb. to make a fool of someone; to pull someone's leg, to tease ...1992 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss' (take the ta-ta kiss)
• TAKE THE TA-TA KISS vb. to make a fool of someone; to pull someone's leg, to tease ...1992 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss'
• TAKE THE THRAW vb. to take an obstinate fit ...1901 Sc.
• TAKE THE TID vb. to be ill-humoured or bad-tempered ...1787 Sc.
• TAKE THE TIG vb. 1. to become ill-tempered ...1773 Sc.
vb. 2. to take an idea into one's head ...1845 Sc.
• TAKE THE TILES OFF vb. to live in an extremely extravagant manner ...L19 UK society sl.
• TAKE THE TIP vb. to accept a bribe ...E19 sl.
• TAKE THE TRACK vb. to be dismissed from a job ...1910s NZ sl.
• TAKE THE TUCK OUT OF vb. 1. to deprive of toughness, courage, or strength; to exhaust, to dispirit ...1851 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE VAMPIRES vb. to tease someone; to pull someone's leg ...1998 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss' ("take the vampire's kiss")
• TAKE THE VAMPIRE'S KISS vb. to tease someone; to pull someone's leg ...1998 UK rhyming sl. for 'take the piss'
• TAKE THE VEIL vb. to abandon the homosexual lifestyle ...1940s US homosexual sl.
• TAKE THE WEIGHT vb. to take responsibility ...1950s US sl.
• TAKE THE WHISKERS OFF vb. to work for a farmer gathering the harvest ...1920s US tramps' sl.
• TAKE THE WHOLE FRONT vb. of a pickpocket: to steal everything the victim owns ...,1929 US criminals' sl.
• TAKE THE WIFE vb. to marry ...1890 Eng. dial.
• TAKE THE WIND vb. to leave ...1930s sl.
• TAKE THE WIND OUT OF ONE'S SAILS vb. to humiliate ...Bk1892 Amer. sl.
• TAKE THE WIZZ vb. to tease ...2000s sl.
• TAKE THE WORKS vb. to inject a drug ...c1905 US drugs sl.
• TAKE THE WRINKLES OUT OF ONE'S BELLY vb. to assuage one's hunger ...L18 sl.
• TAKE THE YOKE WITH vb. to marry ...1884 Sc.
• TAKE THE ZERO vb. to pass something by, to turn down an offer, to reject ...1980s US college sl.
• TAKE THINGS TO THE FAIR vb. to exaggerate ...1940s Irish sl.
• TAKE THROUGH HANDS vb. 1. to reprimand ...Bk1905 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to undertake ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TIFF vb. to take offense ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TIMBER vb. to jump; to clear by jumping ...1899 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TIME ABOUT vb. to take turns ...1838 Amer. dial.
• TAKE TIME BY THE TOP † vb. to seize one's opportunity, to act promptly ...Bk1926
• TAKE TO vb. 1. to attack ...1790 Eng. dial.
vb. 2. to own, to acknowledge; to answer for the truth of anything; to stand to a bargainn ...1790 Eng. dial.
vb. 3. to detect ...1842 Eng. dial.
vb. 4. to astonish; to take by surprise ...1887 Eng. dial.
vb. 5. to adopt ...1890 Eng. dial.
vb. 6. to shut ...1901 Sc.
vb. 7. to capture, to arrest ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 8. to countenance, to assist ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 9. to deceive, to take in ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 10. to enter on; to take possession of ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 11. to marry ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 12. to scold, to punish ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 13. to serve as food ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TO CHURCH vb. to marry ...1902 Eng. dial.
• TAKE TOGETHER † vb. to collect ...c1489
• TAKE TO HEART † vb. to be zealous, solicitous, or ardent about ...a1300
• TAKE TO HEELS vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE TO LEGS vb. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE TO MARKET † vb. to present a begging letter to a charitable person or persons ...1863 UK criminals' sl.
• TAKE TO ONE'S BEATERS vb. to run away ...Bk1905 N. Ireland
• TAKE TO ONE'S LEGS vb. to run; to run away ...1530
• TAKE TO ONE'S SCRAPERS vb. to run away quickly ...1824 Ireland
• TAKE TO ONE'S TOES vb. to run away
• TAKE TO SILK vb. to open a parachute after jumping from a plane ...1933 US sl.
• TAKE TO SOMEONE vb. to attack someone with the fists ...1911 NZ sl.
• TAKE TO THE FAIR vb. to amaze, to astonish ...1940s Irish sl.
• TAKE TO THE HEATHER vb. to become an outlaw or bandit ...1896
• TAKE TO THE ROAD vb. to turn highwayman, beggar, or tramp ...Bk1903 sl.
• TAKE TO THE SILK vb. to bale out by parachute ...1933 sl.
• TAKE TO THE TALL TIMBER vb. to run off ...M19 sl.
• TAKE TO THE TIMBER vb. to run off ...M19 sl.
• TAKE TO THE TOE vb. to leave quickly, to run off ...1950s Aust. & NZ sl.
• TAKE TO THE WOODSHED vb. to reprimand ...1907 Amer. sl.
• TAKE TWO ROWS AT A TIME vb. to sleep very soundly; to snore ...1939 Amer. dial.
• TAKE UNDER WAIT † vb. to capture or surprise by an ambush ...1533
• TAKE UP † vb. 1. to begin or commence an action; to begin to utter or raise laughter, lamentation, etc. ...c1400
† vb. 2. to amicably settle a dispute, quarrel, etc. ...1560
† vb. 3. to urge on, to incite ...1565
† vb. 4. to oppose, to fight with ...1597
† vb. 5. to apprehend with the senses, to perceive ...1607
† vb. 6. to restrain oneself; to reform, to mend one's ways ...1613 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
† vb. 7. to arrest the action or progress of; to check, to stop, to 'pull up' ...1631
† vb. 8. to infer, to deduce, to conclude ...1662
vb. 9. to arrest ...E18 sl.
vb. 10. of weather: to improve, to mend, to become fair ...1845
vb. 11. to lodge, to put up, to take up residence ...1852 Amer. dial.
vb. 12. to borrow ...1880 Eng. dial.
vb. 13. to improve in health or character ...1883 Sc.
vb. 14. to collect, to gather up ...1884 Eng. dial.
vb. 15. to answer shortly and hastily; to interrupt in order to correct; to defeat in an argument ...1899 Sc.
vb. 16. to go, to depart ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 17. to stop a runaway horse ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
vb. 18. to live together without marriage ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAKE UP MOULD AND STONE † vb. to take permanent possession ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TAKE UP ONE'S PARABLE vb. to begin to discourse ...1382 arch.
• TAKE UP THE TABLE † vb. to clear the table after a meal ...a1300
• TAKE UP THE TOMAHAWK vb. to take up arms in warfare, to commence hostilities ...1775
• TAKE VENT † vb. 1. of news, etc.: to become known, to be divulged or let out ...1611
* vb. 2. of coin: to pass into circulation ...1641
• TAKE WAGES † vb. to enlist, to take service ...c1440
• TAKE WATER vb. 1. to retreat, to back down, to take refuge; to retract a statement ...1853 Amer. dial.
vb. 2. to leave a bar or public house after spending all one's cash on drink ...20C Aust.
• TAKE WINE WITH THE PARSON vb. to attend Holy Communion ...c1850 UK prison sl.
• TAKE WING vb. 1. to go fast ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
vb. 2. to depart hurriedly ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• TAKE WITH vb. 1. to kindle; to catch fire ...1822 Sc.
vb. 2. to acknowledge as one's own, esp. to acknowledge a child ...1882 Sc.
• TAKE WOODEN MONEY vb. to accept gullibly; to be swindled ...1915 sl.
• TAKEY-AH-WAYS n. take-away food ...1998 NZ sl.
• TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE TWICE - THE SECOND TIME TO APOLOGISE phr. used as a jocular reprimand to a companion who has just said or done something contrary to the accepted social code ...2002 UK sl.
• TAKE YOUR BACK TRACKS vb. to recant, to retract, to acknowledge error ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• TAKE YOUR PICK adj. stupid, foolish ...1998 rhyming sl. for 'thick'
• TAKE YOURSELF IN HAND vb. of a male: to masturbate ...1953 UK sl.