F
FAB - FAITHLESSNESS
FABLE - adjectives
• AFFABULATORY †* of the nature of the moral of a fable; having a moral ...1652
• FABULAR pert. to a fable ...1684
• FABULISTIC †* devoted to the composition of fables or apologues ...1630
• FABULOSE † fond of fables, myths, or enigmas ...1677
FABLE - nouns
• AFFABULATION † the moral of a fable ...1649
• FABULATION † the act of fabulating; the moralizing of fables ...1727
• FABULOSITY 1. fondness for narrating or inventing fables ...1599
† 2. a fable ...1601
• RANE idle, unmeaning talk frequently repeated; a frequent repetition of the same sound; a fable ...1773 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TALE IN A TUB, A a fable; an old wife's tale ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
FABLE - nouns, person
• FABULATOR one who fabulates or relates fables; a story-teller ...1604
• FABULIST one who relates fables or legends ...1593
FABLE - verbs
• FABULATE † to relate as a tale or myth; to talk or narrate in fables ...1616
• FABULIZE † to invent fables; to relate as legend ...1612
FABRICATE - verbs
• FANGLE † to fashion, to fabricate; to trick out ...1615 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• VAMP UP to concoct a false charge, etc.; to fabricate; to trump up ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
FABRICATED - adjectives
• HAND-WROUGHT fabricated by hand ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• VAMPED-UP of a story, etc.: invented, fabricated, trumped up ...1802-12
FABRICATION - nouns
• EFFECTION † fabrication, formation, production ...1430
FABULOUS - adjectives
• ABFAB absolutely fabulous ...1950s sl., orig. Aust. sl.
• FAB fabulous, wonderful ...1957 sl.
• FABBO fabulous, wonderful ...1960s sl.
• FABBY fabulous, wonderful ...1960s sl.
• FABOO fabulous ...1999 US gay sl.
• FANTABULOUS very good, fantastic, fabulous ...1958 US sl.
• UNDEEMIS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDEEMOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDOMIOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDOOMIS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDUMIOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDUMOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
FACE - adjectives
• AIKER of the face: sharp, keen, pointed ...1912 Sc.
• ASPECTABUND †* expressive in face; exhibiting one's feelings through the eyes or face ...1708
• ALL IN A HATTER of the face: entirely covered with any eruption, as smallpox ...1883 Sc.
• BABOON-FACED having a face like that of a baboon; very ugly ...1942 US sl.
• BACON-FACE having a fat sleek face ...1684
• BACON-FACED having a fat sleek face; heavy jowled ...c1600
• BALD-FACED said jokingly of a person's face ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BANNOCK-FACED having a flat face and a short nose ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAUSON-FACED fat-faced ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAWF-FACED fat-faced, ruddy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BLOISENT of the face: red, swollen, whether by weather or intemperance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAN-FACED freckle-faced ...1890 Eng. dial.
• CHITTY 1. of the face: lean and pinched ...1616
2. of the face: puny, childish, baby-like ...1755
• CHUFFY † fat; swollen or puffed out with fat, especially of the cheeks; plump-cheeked, round-faced; chubby ...1611 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• DEAD † of the face: deadly pale, wan ...c1386
• DISH-FACED having a slightly concave face ...1883 Amer. dial.
• FARTHING-FACED having pinched features ...L19 sl.
• FULL-FACED having a full or plump face ...E17
• HACKSEY-LOOKED having a coarse visage, gruff ...Bk1905 Sc.
• HALF-FACED having a thin, pinched face ...1595
• HATCHET-FACED having a narrow, sharp face ...a1700
• HATCHETY of the face: thin and sharp ...1851
• HEDDER-FACED rough-faced, unshaven ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• ILL-FACED having an unpleasing face or aspect; ugly ...1590
• LANTERN-JAWED having a long, thin face, giving a hollow appearance to the cheeks ...1707
• MAPLE-FACED † having a spotted face ...1607
• MOON-FACED Japanese-faced ...L19 Brit. sl.
• MUFFIN-FACED 1. having a fat face, or a face with protruding muscles ...M18 sl.
2. having a foolish or expressionless face ...M18 sl.
• NARROW-CHINED thin-faced ...1889 Eng. dial.
• PAEWAE of a person: pallid, white-faced, sickly; drooping, spiritless ...1898 Sc.
• PAPER-FACED having a thin or pale face ...1597
• PEW-WEW of a person: pallid, white-faced, sickly; drooping, spiritless ...1894 Sc.
• POKER-FACED without expression; showing a neutral mask ...1923 Amer. sl.
• POW-WOW † of a person: pallid, white-faced, sickly; drooping, spiritless ...1739 Sc.
• PUGGY resembling the face or nose of a monkey or pug-dog; having such a face or nose ...1722
• PUTTY-FACED having a colourless and expressionless face; white-faced: used contemptuously ...1826
• RADDLED of a face: much made-up ...c1920 colloq.
• REEDENT red-faced ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• RUBICUND of the face: reddish, flushed, especially as the result of good living; having a highly coloured complexion; red-faced ...1696
• SANGUINE red in the face ...1684
• SNOUT-FAIR † having a fair countenance; fair-faced, comely, pretty, handsome, good-looking; in frequent use in the 16th and early 17th century, usually with some disparaging suggestion ...1530
• SUETY pale-faced ...1801
• TALLOW-FACED having a pale, yellowish-white face ...1592
• THIN-CHOPPED small-faced ...1874 Eng. dial.
• THRAWN-FACED having distorted features; surly-faced ...1793 Sc.
FACE - nouns
• AIRS AND GRACES faces ...L19 Brit. rhyming sl.
• BACON-BONCE the face ...1950s UK juvenile sl.
• BACON-FACE a fat face; a person having a fat face ...1990 US sl.
• BEAK the nose; the face ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOAT-RACE the face ...1958 Brit. rhyming sl.
• CADGING-FACE an expression designed to elicit sympathy ...E19 sl.
• CHAMBER a person's face ...1969 Amer. dial.
• CHART the face ...1900s US sl.
• CHITTY-FACE † a term of reproach or contempt; a thin, pinched, or childish face; one who has a thin, pinched face; a puny child with a little face; a pitiful, wretched, sneaking fellow ...1601 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• CHUMP the head, the face ...1859 sl.
• CLOCK the face ...1918 sl.
• DIAL the face ...1842 sl.
• DISHED FACE a face which appears slightly concave ...1878 Amer. dial.
• DISH FACE a face which appears slightly concave ...1898 Amer. dial.
• EEK the face ...1966 UK back slang (Ecaf)
• EKE the face ...1966 UK back slang (Ecaf)
• ESAFF the face ...L19 back-slang
• FACE LIKE A BAGFUL OF SPANNERS, A a face hard and rough; applied mostly to women ...1975 sl.
• FACE LIKE A BAG OF ARSES, A an ugly face ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BAG OF SPANNERS, A a hard and rough face; mostly used when describing a woman ...1975 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULLDOG, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULLDOG CHEWING A WASP, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULLDOG LICKING PISS OFF A NETTLE, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULL'S BUM, A a very ugly face ...2000s NZ sl.
• FACE LIKE A FESTERING PICKLE, A a face that is covered in severe acne ...2000s NZ sl.
• FACE LIKE A LEPER LICKING PISS OFF A THISTLE, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A MILKMAN'S ROUND, A a long face ...c1950 sl.
• FACE LIKE AN ABANDONED QUARRY, A a very ugly face ...2000s NZ sl.
• FACE LIKE A SCRUBBED HAMMOCK, A a pale, sour-looking face ...c1920 Royal Navy usage
• FACE LIKE A SEA-BOOT, A a long-drawn 'fathom of misery'; a miserable or glum face ...c1930 sl.
• FACE LIKE A SLAPPED ARSE, A a very miserable-looking countenance ...1999 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A YARD OF PUMP-WATER, A a 'long' face; a miserable or glum face ...20C colloq.
• FACE OF CLAY, THE a solid, immovable countenance ...1895 Eng. dial.
• FACE THAT WOULD STOP A CLOCK, A a very ugly face ...1891 Amer. sl.
• FACIES † the face, countenance ...1611 humorous
• FARDRY † the act of painting the face, the effect produced by this ...c1430
• FARE the countenance, the face ...Bk1900 Eng. dial..
• FASHION † face, features ...c1300
• FATCHA the human face ...20C sl.
• FAVOUR the face, countenance ...1525 arch.
• FAX † the face; used derisively ...1513
• FIGURE-HEAD the face ...1826 nautical sl.
• FIZ the face ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• FIZZ the face ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• FIZZOG the face; the expression on the face ...1811 UK sl.
• FRIDAY-FACE † a grave, dismal, or gloomy expression of the countenance; a gloomy, dejected-looking or miserable-looking man or woman ...1592
• GAME FACE one's public face ...1980s US Black sl.
• GIGGLEMUG an habitually smiling face ...B1900 sl.
• HAFFET the temple; the side of the face; generally used in plural ...1768 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• HALE the face ...2002 UK rhyming sl. (Hale and Pace)
• HALE AND PACE the face ...2002 UK rhyming sl.
• HALF-CHEEK † a face in profile, a side-face ...1588
• HALF-FACE a thin face ...1595
• HATCHET-FACE a narrow and very sharp face ...1650-66
• INDEX the face ...1818 sl.
• INDOOR FACE the face of one not exposed to the weather ...1895 Eng. dial.
• JACK-KNIFE FACE a thin, pointed face ...M19 US sl.
• JIB the face ...Bk1896 sl.
• KABEEZER the face ...1960s US sl.
• KIP the face ...1990s Sc.
• KISSER the face ...1892 sl.
• KNOCKER-FACE an ugly face, like an old-fashioned knocker; an ugly-faced person ...c1870 sl.
• LEER † the face, countenance; hence, look or appearance of the face and skin, hue, complexion ...a700
• MAG the face ...L19 sl.
• MALMSEY-FACE a face inflamed by drink ...1611
• MAP the face ...1908 sl.
• MAPLE FACE † a spotted face ...1633
• MARRIAGE FACE a miserable face ...L19 UK middle class usage
• MASARD the face; hence, the nose ...1602
• MASK the face, without any kind of disguise ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAZARD the face; hence, the nose ...1602
• MAZZARD the head or face; hence, the nose ...1602
• MEASLE-FACE a face covered with red pimples ...1806 Eng. dial.
• MOEY the face ...1859 sl.
• MOOE the face ...1859 sl.
• MOOEY the face ...1859 sl.
• MOOSH the face or mouth ...L18 sl., orig. Aust. & US
• MOP a person's face ...1966 Amer. dial.
• MUFFIN-COUNTENANCE 1. an expressionless face ...1777 Brit. sl.
2. a hairless face ...1823 Brit. sl.
• MUFFIN-FACE 1. an expressionless face ...1777 Brit. sl.
2. a foolish or childish face ...M18 sl.
3. a hairless face ...1823 Brit. sl.
• MUG the face ...1708 sl.
• MUSH the face or mouth ...L18 sl., orig. Aust. & US
• NEB † the face ...c897
• NEBSHAFT † countenance, face ...a1225
• NIB the face; the mouth; the nose; usually of a woman ...Bk1902 colloq.
• NOVICES CHASE the face ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• MUSH the face ...1859 sl.
• PAN a person's face ...c1886 US sl.
• PHIZ the face ...1688 arch. sl.
• PHIZIOG the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHIZOG the face ...1811 sl.
• PHIZOGOMY the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHYSCOGNAMY the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHYSMAHOGANY the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHYSOG the face; the expression on the face ...1811 UK sl.
• POKER FACE an expressionless face; neutral mask ...1885 Amer. sl.
• PONUM the face or head ...L19 Aust. sl.
• PUMPKIN-FACE a round face with no expression on it ...1881
• PUSS the face ...1890 sl. chiefly US
• RACK FACE lines on your face left from a blanket, sheet, or pillow ...1996 US sl.
• REWARD † an aspect, a look; the face ...1790 Eng. dial.
• RICH-FACE a red face ...c1696 sl.
• ROACH-AND-DACE the face ...Bk1903 rhyming sl.
• RUM PHIZ an odd face or countenance ...c1780 sl.
• RUM PHYZ an odd face or countenance ...c1780 sl.
• SATIN AND LACE the human face ...1998 rhyming sl.
• SIDE-FACE the human face in profile ...1696
• SIGNBOARD the face ...c1870 sl.
• SNOUT-PIECE the nose; the face ...17C sl.
• SPLATTER-FACE † a broad flat face ...1707
• SUET FACE a face of a pale complexionless appearance ...1897
• TALLOW-FACE † a pale, yellowish-white face; hence a person having such a face; a term of contempt ...1592 now rare or obs.
• TANSY-FACE a freckled face ...1972 Sc.
• TORN FACE a sulky, peevish face; a person with a sulky, peevish face ...1968 Sc.
• UGLY PLUG an ugly face ...19C US sl.
• WRONG FOUNT an ugly human face ...1933 printers' sl.
FACE - nouns, person
• ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE a white-faced person ...Bk1921 sl.
• BABY-FACE a person with a smooth rounded face like a baby's
• BACON-FACE a fat face; a person having a fat face ...1990 US sl.
• BAMSEY a fat, red-faced woman ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEER BOTTLE a stout, red-faced man ...L19 sl.
• CALF'S HEAD a white-faced man with a large head ...c1860 sl.
• CHITTY-FACE † a term of reproach or contempt; a thin, pinched, or childish face; one who has a thin, pinched face; a puny child with a little face; a pitiful, wretched, sneaking fellow ...1601 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• FACE-PAINTER one who applies paint to the face ...1847
• HALF-FACED GROAT a contemptuous term for a thin-faced man ...1595
• HATCHET FACE a person having along, narrow face with sharp features ...1903 Amer. dial.
• LENTEN-CHAPS † a term of contempt for a person with lean visage ...1622
• MONKEYFACE a person with a monkey-like face ...1936 Amer. sl.
• NUTCRACKER FACE one with a thin, sharp face ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• POKER FACE a person whose face is usually expressionless ...1885 Amer. sl.
• SCONEFACE a nickname for a person or thing with a flat, round face ...1933 Sc.
• SCRAPIT-FACE a person with a thin, haggard face ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SNEAKBILL † a term of contempt; a mean, paltry, or sneaking fellow; a starved or thin-faced person ...1562
• SPLATTER-FACE † a broad-faced man or woman ...B1900
• TALLOW-FACE † a pale, yellowish-white face; hence a person having such a face; a term of contempt ...1592 now rare or obs.
FACE - verbs
• CHANGE SOMEONE'S FACE to beat and disfigure someone's face ...1896 Amer. sl.
• DARKLE of the face, etc.: to become dark with anger, scorn, etc. ...1800
• FAKE UP to paint one's face ...c1870 theatrical usage
• FALLOW † of the face, etc.: to blanch, to grow pale ...c1205
• FARCE † to paint the face ...c1400
• FARD † to paint the face with 'fard'; to hide defects and improve the complexion ...a1450
• MAKE MAWMS to make faces ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MANTLE of the face: to be suffused with glowing colour; to flush ...1707
FACE CLOTH - nouns
• FACERAG a washcloth, face cloth ...1965 Amer. dial.
• WASH RAG a washcloth ...1934 Amer. dial.
FACE-DOWN - adverbs
• BELLY-FLAUGHT headlong; hastily; face-down; flat-forward ...Bk1911 Sc.
FACETIOUS - adjectives
• FACETE facetious, witty, humorous, pleasant, cheerful, gay ...1603 arch.
• LEPID * pleasant in speech or behaviour, jocose, facetious, amusing, witty ...1619
FACETIOUS, FACETIOUSNESS - nouns
• FACETIOSITY * the quality of being facetious ...1822
• LEPIDITY † facetiousness, wit, a jest, a joke ...1647
FACE TO FACE - phrases
• NEB TO NEB † face to face ...c1230
• NEB WITH NEB † face to face ...c1175
• UNDER FOUR EYES face to face ...1990 Trinidad and Tobago
• UNDER TWO EYES face to face ...1990 Trinidad and Tobago
FACILITATE - verbs
• EASY † to make easy, to facilitate; to relieve, to assist ...1567
• FACILITE †* to facilitate ...1604
FACT(S) - adjectives
• DOWN TO CASES down to the hard facts ...L19 US sl.
• FACTY full of facts ...1883
• NEGOTIAL †* relating to facts without consideration of persons ...c1530
• OPEN-FOUNDED † based on plain or obvious facts ...1571
FACT - adverbs
• EFFECTUALLY † in fact, in reality ...c1600
FACT - nouns
• BIT OF GOOD TRUTH the plain facts ...Bk1890 sl.
• EFFECT † practical reality, fact, as opposed to name or appearance ...1606
• FACK fact, truth, reality ...1836 Sc.
• FACTOID a presumed fact of dubious validity; a popular assumption or belief ...1970s Amer. sl.
• FIXED FACT a positive fact ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• GOOD GUTS correct information; the true facts; the news ...1957 Aust. sl.
• GUTS the facts, the information ...1910s sl., orig. Aust.
• LAYOUT a situation, the facts ...L19 sl.
• LOWDOWN the real and unadorned facts; the true, secret, or inside information (usually preceded by 'the' ..colloq.
• SKINNY the latest information; inside information; rumour or fact ...1959 US sl.
• STRENGTH the essential facts; the pertinent details ...1908 Aust. sl.
• TIN-TACKS facts ...20C rhyming sl.
• TRACK RECORD the known facts about relevant history ...1951 US sl.
• VERABLES veritable facts ...1887 Eng. dial.
• VERITY true facts or circumstances ...1422
FACT - verbs
• FACK to tell the truth; to utter facts ...1940s US Black usage
• GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS to come to facts or realities ...1903 orig. US
• LAY IT OUT STRAIGHT to tell all the facts ...1930s sl.
• LET THE MILK DOWN to reveal the facts after withholding them for some time ...1970s US sl.
FACT - phrases
• THAT'S A PARTICULAR that's a fact ...1943 Amer. dial.
FACTION, FACTIOUS - adjectives
• BRIGOUS † quarrelsome, contentious; pertaining to strife or disagreement, disputable, factious ...1387
• DISSENTIOUS * given to strife, dissension, or disagreement; discordant, quarrelsome, contentious, factious ...1560
• FACTIOSE †* given or inclinable to faction, seditious ...1727
FACTION - nouns, person
• FACTIONARY a member of a faction; a partisan ...1555
• FACTIONEER a member of a faction; a party-man ...c1710
• FACTIONER † one who makes or joins a faction; a partisan ...1587
• FACTIONIST one who promotes or leads a faction; a member of a faction, a partisan ...1609
FACTION, FACTIOUS - verbs
• FACTION † to act in a factious or rebellious spirit; to intrigue; to mutiny ...1609
• FACTIONATE † 1. to join together in a faction; to band together ...1611
† 2. to form factions ...1642
• FACTIONEER * to busy oneself in factions ...1881
FACTORY - adjectives
• FACTORIAL * pert. to a factory; consisting in a factory ...1864
FACTORY - nouns
• LINE an assembly line in a factory ...1996 US
• MANUARY † a factory ...1625
• MANUFACTORY a factory or workshop ...1692
• MANUFACTURE † a manufacturing establishment or business; a factory ...1653
• SHUTDOWN a stoppage of work; the temporary closing of a factory ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
FACTORY - nouns, person
• HALF-TIMER a child who works half the day at a factory ...1888 Eng. dial.
• MANUFACTURER † an artificer, an operative in a factory or workshop ...1719
FAD - adjectives
• FADDY full of fads ...c1820 colloq.
FAD - nouns
• DIDDLE a whim, a fad; something trifling ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FANTAD a crotchety way of acting; a fad ...1867
• FANTOD a crotchety way of acting; a fad ...1867
• ITEM an intention, purpose; a crafty design; a trick; a fancy, a fad ...1887 Eng. dial.
• KICK a fad ...1950s Amer. sl.
• LATEST HOT DROP, THE the latest fad or fashion; the latest craze of any kind ...c1950 Aust. sl.
• MAGGOT a whim, a fancy, a fad ...1719 Sc.
• MAXIM a plan, contrivance; an experiment; a fad; a crotchet ...1882 Eng. dial.
• OMINY a fad or fanciful contrivance ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PADDY a hobby, a fad, a pastime ...L19 sl.
• RAGE the current fad; an irresistible fad ...Bk1990 Amer. sl.
FAD - nouns, person
• FADDIST one devoted to a public or private fad ...c1880 colloq.
• FADMONGER one devoted to a public or private fad ...c1880 colloq.
FADDISH, FADDY - adjectives
• A-GO-GO in the newest style; faddish, trendy ...Amer. sl.
• FANCICAL fanciful, faddy, capricious, fickle ...1671 rare exc. Eng. dial.
• FANCICLE fanciful, faddy, capricious, fickle ...1895 Eng. dial.
• FANSICLE fanciful, faddy, capricious, fickle ...1895 Eng. dial.
FADE - adjectives
• FADESOME apt to fade ...1869 Eng. dial.
• FADY tending to fade; shading off by degrees into a paler hue ...1730-6
• MARCESCIBLE † liable to wither or fade ...1656
• MARCESSIBLE † liable to wither or fade ...1656
FADE - verbs
• BEDABBER to fade by keeping in the hands ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEJABBER to fade by keeping in the hands ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CAST COLOUR to lose colour, to become pale, to fade, esp. by the action of light ...c1350
• DABBER to fade, to droop, to wither; to soil ...1854 Eng. dial.
• DAPPER to fade, to droop, to wither; to soil ...1854 Eng. dial.
• DAVER to fade; to wither; to droop; to soil ...1621 Eng. dial.
• DEFADE † to lose freshness or fairness; to fade away; to grow worse in quality or character ...c1325
• FAINT * to lose colour or brightness; to fade, to die away ...1430
• FALLOW † to become pale or yellow; hence, to fade, to wither ...a1000
• QUAIL † to fade, wither, etc. ...c1440 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SCAD to soil by frequent use; to fade; used esp. of dress ...Bk1904 Sc.
• TAINT † to lose vigour or courage; to become weak or faint; to wither, to fade ...1605
• TO-DRESE † to fall apart; to decay, to fade ...a900
• UNAPPAIR † to become impaired; to fade ...1426
• VADE † of colour : to fade ...1471
• WALLAN to wither, to fade ...1868 Sc.
• WALLOW † to wither, to fade; to waste away ...c888 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• WANZE † to wither, to fade, to waste away; to become emaciated ...1567
• WELK † of a flower, plant, etc.: to lose freshness or greenness; to become flaccid or dry; to wilt, to wither, to fade ...c1250 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• WELKEN † to wither; to fade ...1398
FADED - adjectives
• BEDABBERED faded ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• DABRIFIED faded ...1895 Eng. dial
• DAVERED withered, faded, drooping ...1866 Eng. dial.
• EXOLETE † of flowers, etc.: faded or withered ...1730
• FADE † faded, feeble, languishing, withered ...1303
• FADEY dull, faded ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FADGY faded, soiled ...1895 Eng. dial.
• FADY dull, faded ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FAUCHIE pale yellowish grey, of a faded colour ...1911 Sc.
• FAUGH † pale, faint of colour; faded, yellowed ...1824 Sc.
• FEACHY † pale yellowish grey, of a faded colour ...1911 Sc.
• SCAW'D faded, discoloured; worthless ...1785 Sc.
• SCAW'D-LIKE faded in colour ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• WALLAN withered, faded ...1868 Sc.
• WALLOWED † withered, faded, discoloured ...a1300
FADED - nouns
• SCAW a faded or spoilt mark ...Bk1904 Sc.
FADED - verbs
• SCAW to spoil or destroy the appearance of, esp. in respect of colour; to make shabby or faded ...1772 Sc.
FAECES - see EXCREMENT
FAGGOT - nouns
• FADGE a bundle of sticks, a faggot ...Bk1900 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAGGALD † a faggot, a bundle of twigs or heath tied with straw ropes ...1838 Sc.
• FAGOGHE † a faggot ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
FAIL, FAILING - nouns
• FAILANCE † the fact of failing; failure, neglect, omission...1612
• FALSENESS † the fact of failing or 'giving way' ...1552
FAIL - nouns, person
• FAIL one that fails or disappoints ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FLUNKEE one who fails an examination ...19C US campus sl.
• FLUNKER one who regularly fails their examinations or recitations ...L19 US campus sl.
• FLUNKEY one who fails an examination ...19C US campus sl.
• FLUNKY 1. one who fails ...Bk1913-17 Amer. college sl.
2. one who fails an examination ...19C US campus sl.
• PROUGHAL a person who has failed to do something he or she has boasted to do ...1983 Irish sl.
• PROUGHLE a person who has failed to do something he or she has boasted to do ...1983 Irish sl.
FAIL - verbs
• BAG to botch, to do poorly on something, to fail ...1968 Amer. sl.
• BANK to become bankrupt, to fail ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BE COPPERED ON THE JACK to fail; to lose one's point (from the game of faro) ...1878 Amer. sl.
• BE LEFT to fail; to be outdistances metaphorically; to be placed in a difficult situation ...c1895 colloq.
• BIFF to fail ...1989 US students' sl.
• BLOW UP to be out of order; to fail, to collapse ...1923 Amer. dial.
• BOMB to fail a test, exam, etc. ...Aust. sl.
• BUST A HAME STRING to fail in an undertaking ...1923 Amer. dial.
• COME A CROPPER to fail completely ...colloq.
• COME A GUTSER to come undone; to fail miserably; to fall heavily; to trip over and fall ...1918 Aust. sl.
• COME OUT OF THE LITTLE END OF THE HORN to get the worst of a bargain; to be reduced in circumstances; to fail ...17C colloq.
• COME TO GRIEF to get into serious trouble; to fail ...1850 UK
• CRACK THE BELL to fail, to muddle things, to make a mistake, to ruin it ...1909 Cockneys' sl.
• CRACK UP to fail in an examination ...US Civil War usage
• CRASH AND BURN to fail utterly ...1978 US sl.
• DEAL IN ZEROES to achieve nothing; to fail completely; to draw a blank ...1960s US Black sl.
• DECADE † to fall down, to fail ...a1500 Sc.
• DECAID † to fall down, to fail ...a1500 Sc.
• DEFAULT † to be wanting; to fail ...c1340
• DIP OUT to come off worse; to miss out on an opportunity; to fail ...1987 UK sl.
• DO A BRODIE to fail, to slip back into bad habits ...L19 sl.
• DRIFT ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• DROP ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• EXFLUNCT to cause to fail, to render useless, to overcome completely ...1831 Amer. dial.
• EXFLUNCTIFY to cause to fail, to render useless, to overcome completely ...1840 Amer. dial.
• FADE † to grow small or weak; to decline, decay, fail, or faint; to shrink ...1388
• FAIL OUT to fail ...1910 Amer. dial.
• FALL to fail ...1910 sl.
• FALL ASTERN to lose ground, to fail ...1945 Amer. dial.
• FALL DOWN (ON) to fail; to 'come to grief' ...M19 US sl.
• FALL DOWN AND GO BOOM to fail, esp. utterly and obviously ...1930s Amer. sl.
• FALL DOWN ON THE JOB to fail at one's responsibilities; to shirk an obligation ...1898 Amer. sl.
• FALL FLAT ON ONE'S ASS to fail, esp. ignominiously and spectacularly ...1940s Amer. sl.
• FALL FLAT ON ONE'S FACE to make an embarrassing mistake, failed attempt, catastrophic decline, etc. ...1970s Amer. sl.
• FALL ON ONE'S ASS to fail, esp. ignominiously and spectacularly ...1940s Amer. sl.
• FALL ON ONE'S FACE to make an embarrassing mistake, failed attempt, catastrophic decline, etc. ...1970s Amer. sl.
• FALSE † of a thing: to prove unreliable, to fail, to give way ...c1205
• FAULT † to come short of a standard; to make default, to fail ...a1400
• FISH FOR HERRING AND CATCH A WHALE to fail miserably ,,,B1900
• FLAT to fail; to give way ...Bk1893 sl.
• FLUMMOX to blunder; to fail; to die ...M19 US sl.
• FLUMMUX to fail, to thwart ...M19 Amer. sl.
• FLUNK 1. to fail an examination; to give a fail mark ...E19 sl., orig. US campus
2. to fail; to blunder; to make a mistake ...L19 US sl.
• FLUNK OUT to fail an examination; to give a fail mark ...E19 sl., orig. US campus
• GET LEFT to fail; to be outdistanced metaphorically; to be placed in a difficult situation ...c1895 colloq.
• GO ALL MOODY ON to fail, to go wrong ...1930s sl.
• GO ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• GO BUNG to fail, to go bankrupt ...1893 Aust. sl.
• GO FOR A SKATE to fail; to be brought up before court ...1962 NZ sl.
• GO OFF AT HALF-COCK to speak or act without due forethought or preparation, and consequently to fail in attaining one's object ...1848
• GO PEAR-SHAPED of plans or schemes: to fail; to collapse; to go wrong ...1990s sl.
• GO TO THE BOW-WOWS 'go to the dogs'; to fail ...1839 Amer. sl.
• GO TO THE PACK to fail persistently ...E20 Aust. & NZ colloq.
• GO TO THE WALL to fail in business, to be ruined, to collapse financially ...1842
• GO UNDER to fail; to perish; to die ...1848 Amer. dial.
• GUTSER to fall; to fail badly ...20C Aust. sl.
• HIT THE CEILING to fail in examination ...1900 Amer. sl.
• LEESE †* to fail to do something ...a1300
• LOSE ONE'S TAFFY to fail ...1927 Amer. dial.
• LOSE THE FANG to miss one's aim; to fail in an attempt ...1825 Sc.
• MANK † to fail; to be insufficient ...1737 Sc.
• MANKIE to fail; to miss ...1882 Sc.
• MISS ONE'S TIP to fail in one's aim or object ...1854 sl., orig. circus usage
• MISS STAYS to fail, to make a mistake ...1907 Amer. dial.
• MISSTAY to fail, to make a mistake ...1916 Amer. dial.
• MISS THE BUS to lose an opportunity; to fail in an undertaking ...1915 sl.
• MISS THE CUSHION † to miss the mark; to make a mistake; to err; to fail in an attempt ...c1525
• MUCK to fail at ...L19 sl.
• NOT GET ANYWHERE to fail to reach your goal; to not succeed in achieving your object ...1932 US sl.
• PEG OUT to fail completely ...1854 Amer. sl.
• PLAY WHALEY to blunder, to fail; to play havoc with something; to spoil, to ruin; to make a mistake ...1897 Amer. dial.
• POOH OUT to fail, to grow weak or tired; to come to night ...1930 Amer. dial.
• PUNCH to fail at or to ruin something; esp. to fail a course in school ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• QUAIL † to fail or give way; to break down ...c1440 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RANK to fail, esp. in the commission of a crime ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• RAVEL THE CLEW to fail in business ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RETURN BY WEEPING CROSS to regret deeply some undertaking, and repent of it; to be in a state of lamentation; to fail; to suffer defeat ...1659
• RUN ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• SCAT to fail; to become bankrupt, to collapse ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• STRIKE THE BALL UNDER THE LINE to fail in one's purpose ...1546
• TAKE A BRODIE to fail, to slip back into bad habits ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A DIVE to fail ...1980s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A DROP to find oneself in difficulties; to come to grief ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A NOSE-DIVE to collapse; to fail utterly ...1920s sl.
• TAKE OFF to fail, to give way, to break down ...1900 Sc.
• TAKE THE PIPE to fail to act or achieve under pressure, esp. in sports; hence, to be punished ...1960s US sl.
• TANK to fail ...1920s sl.
• TAP OUT to fail, to 'draw a blank' ...1960s sl.
• TIRE † to fail, to cease (as a supply, etc.); to diminish; to give out, to come to an end ...c725
• UNBESEEM to fail in, to fall short of ...1812
• WANT 1. to fail; to give out; to be insufficient for a purpose, etc. ...c1400
2. to fail to do something; to be wanting in one's endeavours ...1426
• WUSS OUT to lose courage; to back down; to fail to do as promised ...1977 US sl.
• ZAP to fail in an examination ...1961 US sl.
• ZONK to fail ...1960s sl.
• ZONK OUT to fail ...1960s sl.
• ZOO to fail an exam ...1970s US college sl.
FAILED - adjectives
• BUSTED failed ...1925 US sl.
• GONE DEMOCRATIC failed, gone against one ...1893 Amer. dial.
• MUFFED spoilt, bungled, failed ...L19 sl.
FAILED - phrases
• ONE'S CAKE IS DOUGH † one's project has failed ...1596
• THAT CAKE'S ALL DOUGH denotes that a project or undertaking has failed ...1895 Eng. dial.
• THAT CAKE'S ALL DUFF denotes that a project or undertaking has failed ...1895 Eng. dial.
FAILING - adjectives
• ON A BUST failing, doing badly ...M19 sl.
FAILING - nouns
• DEFAILANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCY † failing, failure ...1649
• DEFALLATION † failure, failing ...1490
• FAULT † default, failing, neglect ...c1325
• FAULTURE * a failing ...1828
• WANT † a defect, failing, fault; a shortcoming ...1592
FAILURE - nouns
• ABORTION something of very poor quality; a messy failure; a misfortune; an ugly person or thing ...1943 US sl.
• ALSO-RAN a useless person; a failure; an irrelevance ...L19 sl., orig. Aust. horse-racing usage
• BAD IRON failure; misadventure; bad luck ...Bk1896 workmen's sl.
• BALK the failure of an expectation; a disappointment ...1733
• BLOOMER a very great mistake; an error; a failure ...1889 sl.
• BOBBLE an unsuccessful undertaking; a failure ...1920 Amer. dial.
• BREAK a breakaway or break-down; a collapse or failure ...1827 US
• BUST-OUT a collapse or failure; hence, a smash-up; a person who is a failure ...1963 US sl.
• CROPPER a severe misfortune, personal failure, etc. ...M19 colloq.
• CRULLER a failure; an unsuccessful performance or entertainment ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• DAMP SQUIB something that fails to come to a conclusion; a fiasco; a failure; a dud ...1845 Amer. sl.
• DEADBEAT of things: a failure, a deception ...1866 sl., orig. US
• DEAD DUCK a complete, irredeemable failure ...1829 US sl.
• DEAD FROST a fiasco, a complete failure ...c1875 theatrical sl.
• DEAD LOSS an absolutely useless person, idea, or undertaking; a useless, unworkable object; a complete failure; an absolute waste of time or money ...1927 sl., orig. Royal Air Force
• DEAD NIP an unimportant project that turns out to be a failure ...L19 sl.
• DEAD PIGEON a guaranteed and absolute failure; often in context of a forthcoming election ...1910s US sl.
• DEFAILANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCY † failing, failure ...1649
• DEFAILMENT † failure ...1612
• DEFAILURE †* failure ...a1677
• DEFALCATION falling away, defection; shortcoming, failure, delinquency ...1750
• DEFALLATION † failure, failing ...1490
• DIMRACKER a disaster; a complete failure ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DUD a worthless or unsuccessful person or thing; a failure ...1915 UK sl.
• FAILANCE † the fact of failing; failure, neglect, omission...1612
• FAILERY a failure ...1913 Amer. dial.
• FAILLZENCY † default, failure ...1710 Sc.
• FAILYIE † failure, non-performance ...1551 Sc.
• FAILZURE † failure ...1726 Sc
• FIZZLE a ridiculous failure ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• FLAMEOUT a complete failure
• FLASH IN THE PAN a failure ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• FLAT a failure ...Bk1893 Amer. sl.
• FLUKE a fiasco; a failure ...US Civil War usage
• FLUMMOX a failure ,,,19C US sl.
• FLUMMUX a failure ...19C Amer. dial.
• FLUNK a failure ...M19 Amer. dial.
• GAFFLE defeat, failure, betrayal ...1990s US Black sl.
• ILL SUCCESS failure, misadventure, misfortune ...1823 arch.
• KISS OF DEATH something that causes failure, destruction, etc. ...colloq.
• LARRY a failure ...1980s US sl.
• LEAD BALLOON a failure; a flop...1954 US sl.
• MUCK-UP a complete failure; confusion or muddle; a botch ...L19 colloq.
• NAILS a disappointment; a failure ...1981 Hawaii juvenile usage
• NO-NO an impossibility; a failure; any negative outcome ...1975 UK sl.
• QUINCE of a situation or object: a failure ...1900s US sl.
FAILURE - nouns, person
• BUST-OUT a collapse or failure; hence, a smash-up; a person who is a failure ...1963 US sl.
• DEADBEAT of people: a failure, a down-and-out, an impoverished person; a person down on their luck; a jobless and homeless person ...M19 sl., orig. US
• DEAD DUCK a person lacking good prospects; a person or thing doomed to failure or disaster; one whose case is hopeless; a goner ...1829 sl.
• DEADLEG a down-and-out, a failure ...1960s sl.
• DUD a worthless or unsuccessful person or thing; a failure ...1915 UK sl.
• GONER someone who is doomed to failure ...1970 US sl.
• PIKER a useless person; a failure ...Aust. & NZ sl.
FAILURE - verbs
• BRING ONE'S EGGS TO A BAD MARKET to suffer the failure of one's schemes ...1809
• BRING ONE'S HOGS TO A BAD MARKET to suffer the failure of one's schemes ...a1616
• DEFAULT † to fail in strength or vigour, to faint; to suffer failure ...1382
• DROP ONE'S CANDY to make a big blunder or serious mistake; to do something to cause the failure of a plan ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• FIZZLE OUT to prove a failure ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• GO OVER LIKE A LEAD BALLOON to be an utter failure ...1950 US sl.
• LAUGH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ONE'S FACE to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1946 Amer. dial.
• LAUGH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1843 Amer. dial.
• LAUGH ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1899 Amer. dial.
• LAUGH OUT OF THE OTHER CORNER OF ONE'S MOUTH to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1912 Amer. dial.
• LOSE THE HOG FOR A HALFPENNYWORTH OF TAR to lose an object, spoil an enterprise or court failure by trying to save in a small matter of detail ...1670
• LOSE THE SHEEP FOR A HALFPENNYWORTH OF TAR to lose an object, spoil an enterprise or court failure by trying to save in a small matter of detail ...1678
• LOSE THE SHIP FOR A HALFPENNYWORTH OF TAR to lose an object, spoil an enterprise or court failure by trying to save in a small matter of detail ...1869
• MAKE A SPOON OR SPOIL A HORN to make a determined effort to achieve something, whether ending in success or failure; to succeed in an enterprise or fail deplorably ...1880
• TAKE IT ON THE CHIN to suffer a severe failure; to undergo complete defeat or frustration ...20C Amer. colloq.
FAINT (not clearly seen) - adjectives
• DIM-DISCOVERED dimly or faintly seen ...1750
FAINT (weak and dizzy) - adjectives
• AFEYNTED † rendered faint, enfeebled ...1393
• BABBISH weak, helpless, faint ....1876 Eng. dial.
• DADDET faint, weary, tired through overwork ...1908 Sc.
• FAINTFUL † ready to faint; causing or indicating faintness ...1589
• FAINTIFIED weak, faint ...1933 Amer. dial.
• FAINTISH weak, faint ...1965 Amer. dial.
• FAINTIVE inclined to faint, faintish, languid ...1790 rare exc. Sc.
• FAINTLY † inclined to faint ...1892 Sc.
• FAINTY † faint, sickly, languid; later, inclined to swoon; causing faintness ...1530 obs. exc. poetic usage
• FAINTY-SICK physically weak, faint ...1926 Amer. dial.
• FANSOME feeling faint ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• LANGUESCENT * growing faint or languid ...1837
• LANGUIFIC †* that makes weak or faint ...1727
• LANGUIFICAL †* that makes weak or faint ...1656
• MAWKISH slightly indisposed; faint; sick from drinking ...1896 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SAPPY pallid, sickly, faint ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• TEARY weak, frail, delicate; faint ...1825 Eng. dial.
• WAIRSH weak, delicate, wanting in stamina; faint, as from want of food; sickly-looking ...1808 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• WALLOW pinched-looking; faint from want or illness ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WALLOWISH pinched and miserable-looking; faint from hunger ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WELSH pinched and miserable-looking; faint from hunger ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WOOZY dizzy, faint, unwell ...1897
FAINT, FAINTING, FAINTNESS (weak and dizzy) - nouns
• FALL-OUT a fainting spell ...1970 Amer. dial.
• FAINT faintness ...a1300
• FAINT-FIT † a fainting fit ...1795
• FAINTINGNESS † faintness ...1634-5
• FAINTS, THE a tendency to faint ...c1890 colloq.
• FAINT-OUT a feeling of weakness or faintness ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAWM a fit of faintness or sickness ...1846 Sc.
• VAPORS sickness; a fainting spell; nausea ...20C colloq.
• WEAK JERKS a feeling of faintness and shakiness or palpitations, often as a result of hunger, fear, or anxiety ...a1978 Amer. dial.
• WEAK TREMBLES a feeling of faintness and shakiness or palpitations, often as a result of hunger, fear, or anxiety ...1889 Amer. dial.
FAINT (weak and dizzy) - nouns, person
• ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE a woman in a faint ...Bk1921 sl.
FAINT (weak and dizzy) - verbs
• BOP OUT to faint, to pass out ...1970 Amer. dial.
• DEFAULT † to fail in strength or vigour, to faint; to suffer failure ...1382
• FADE † to grow small or weak; to decline, decay, fail, or faint; to shrink ...1388
• FAINT * 1. to depress, to enfeeble, to weaken; to make faint or weak ...c1386
† 2. to become faint; to grow weak or feeble, to decline ...c1400 obs. exc. poetic
• FAINTEN †* to make faint, to depress, to dispirit ...1612-15
• FAINT OVER to fall over in a faint ...1954 Amer. dial.
• FALL OUT to faint, to lose consciousness ...1884 Amer. dial.
• KECK to retch, to feel sick; to faint suddenly ...1856 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• LANGUEFY †* to make faint or languid ...1607
• PALL † 1. to become faint; to faint, to fail in strength, virtue, etc. ...1390
† 2. to make faint or feeble; to enfeeble, to weaken; to daunt, to appal ...1690
• PASS OUT to faint ...20C colloq.
• QUAIL to languish; to fall ill; to faint; to have a sinking sensation in the stomach ...1790 Eng. dial.
• QUEAL † to languish; to fail in any way; to fall ill; to faint; to have a sinking sensation in the stomach ...1515 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• QUOATH † to faint ...1567
• QUOTHE † to faint ...1567
• SILE to fall down in a swoon; to faint away ...1790 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A PASSER to pass out, to faint ...1970s US sl.
• TALM † to become exhausted; to fail, to tire, to faint, to swoon ...c1325 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TAUM * to fall gently asleep; to faint; to become unconscious ...1887 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAWM to swoon; to fall from faintness or sickness ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAWM OVER to swoon; to fall from faintness or sickness ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• WHITE-EYE to be overcome by heat or exhaustion while working; to faint from exhaustion; to quit working, to quit on one; to desert, to abandon ...1911 Amer. dial.
FAINT - verbs
• LANGUISH † of light, colour, sound, etc.: to become faint ...1626
FAINTED - adjectives
• LAID OUT injured; having fainted ...Amer. World War I sl.
FAINT-HEARTED - adjectives
• CAFF-HEARTED faint-hearted, timid, cowardly; of a worthless, mean disposition ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CAFFY faint-hearted, timid, cowardly ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CAFT faint-hearted, timid, cowardly; of a worthless, mean disposition ...1830 Eng. dial.
• COWARDOUS † cowardly; timid; faint-hearted ...1480
• FAINT-HEART faint-hearted; timid; spiritless; cowardly ...1590
• FAINTLING † faint-hearted, timid, cowardly, spiritless ...1712
• KECKEN-HEARTED squeamish; loathing the sight of food; dainty; over-fastidious; faint-hearted ...Bk1901 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• KECKER-HEARTED faint-hearted, nervous ...1896 Eng. dial.
• MALTEN-HEARTED † faint-hearted ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MILK-LIVERED cowardly, timid, faint-hearted ...1605
• NESH † timid; wanting in courage, cowardly; faint-hearted; poor-spirited ...1382 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• PIPPIN-HEARTED cowardly, chicken-hearted, faint-hearted, timid ...1809
• PUSILLANIMOUS lacking in courage and strength of mind; of weak spirit; faint-hearted, cowardly, mean-spirited ...1586
• YARROW † fearful, faint-hearted ...1616 Eng. dial.
FAINT-HEARTED - nouns, person
• FAINTLING † one who is faint-hearted, timid, spiritless, or cowardly ...1614
FAINT-HEARTED - verbs
• ACCOWARD † to render cowardly; to intimidate, to cow, to make faint-hearted ...1530
• ACCOWARDIZE † to render cowardly; to intimidate, to cow, to make faint-hearted ...1480
• NESH IT to turn faint-hearted; to draw back ...1881 Eng. dial.
FAINTING - adverbs
• AFAINT in a fainting state ...1878
• ASOOND in a fainting fit ...Bk1898 Sc.
FAINTNESS - adjectives
• FAINTY † causing faintness; sickly ...1590 obs. exc. poetic usage
FAINTNESS - adverbs
• ALIST † recovering from faintness or decay; used with regard to one recovering from a swoon ...1768 Sc.
FAINTNESS - nouns
• GONENESS a sinking feeling; weakness, faintness, exhaustion; great depression ...1848 Amer. dial.
• TALM † faintness, exhaustion ...c1375
• TAUM a sudden feeling of faintness, a drowsy or sick turn ...1887 Sc.
FAIR (marked by impartiality and honesty) - adjectives
• DINKY fair, honest ...1941 Aust. sl.
• FAIR AND TIDY fair and square; equitable ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAIR DINKUM fair, honest, equitable ...1947 Aust. sl.
• HARMLESS fair to both parties, just ...1876 Eng. dial.
• JANNOCK sociable; fair; just; straightforward; genuine ...1828 Eng. dial.
• JENICK fair, straightforward; genuine ...1828 Eng. dial.
• JONNOCK sociable; fair; just; straightforward, genuine ...1828 Eng. dial.
• LEAL † just, fair ...c1350
• MIDDLINGISH moderate, fair, tolerable ...1878 Eng. dial.
• RIGHT AS AN ACORN honest, fair ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• SATIABLE † fair-seeming, plausible, specious ...1592
• SKILLWISE † just, equitable, fair ...a1300
• TOLERABLISH * somewhat tolerable, pretty fair, just passable ...1798
• UP AND UP fair, honest, straightforward ...1920s sl., orig. US
FAIR (appearance) - adjectives
• BEAU † fair, beautiful ...c1325
• BEL † fair, fine, beautiful ...c1314
• QUEME † of pleasing appearance; beautiful, fair; neat, tidy ...a1300
• SNOUT-FAIR † having a fair countenance; fair-faced, comely, pretty, handsome, good-looking; in frequent use in the 16th and early 17th century, usually with some disparaging suggestion ...1530
• TALL † comely, goodly, fair, handsome; elegant, fine ...c1450
FAIR - nouns
• DEAD PONY GAFF of circus and fairgrounds: a bad site ...1961 UK travelling showmen's usage
• DECENT SHAKE a fair or acceptable situation ...E19
• EVEN SHAKE a fair chance, fair treatment; an equal chance ...1830 US
• FAIRATION fair play ...1861 Eng. dial.
• FAIR AWNEY fair play ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAIR BALLS fair play ...1810 Sc.
• FAIR BOLLIX a fair deal; a just proportion ...2000 Ireland sl.
• FAIR BUCK a fair chance ...1940s NZ sl.
• FAIR COP any situation seen as fair and about which there is no complaint ...L19 sl., orig. UK criminals' usage
• FAIR COW a call for fair treatment ...20C NZ sl.
• FAIR CRACK OF THE WHIP fair treatment; equal opportunity; a reasonable chance ...1929 Aust. sl.
• FAIR DINKUM fair dealing; that which is just and equitable ...1881 Eng. dial. & Aust. sl.
• FAIR DO decent treatment ...M19 Aust. & NZ
• FAIR DOES a fair deal, justice ...1865 colloq.
• FAIR DOOS a fair deal, justice ...1865 colloq.
• FAIR DO'S a fair deal, justice, decent treatment ...1859 colloq.
• FAIR DO'S ALL ROUND a fair deal, justice ...c1930 colloq.
• FAIR DUES a fair deal, justice, decent treatment ...1859 colloq.
• FAIR GO an act or instance of just treatment; a fair or reasonable opportunity ...1904 Aust. sl.
• FAIR HORN fair play ...1866 Sc.
• FAIR HORNIE fair play ...1866 Sc.
• FAIR RATIONS fair dealings; honesty ...c1875 sporting sl.
• FAIR SPIN fair treatment, a reasonable chance ...1910s sl.
• FAIR SUCK a fair or equal chance ...1960s Aust. & NZ sl.
• FAIR SUCK OF THE SAUCE STICK fair treatment, equal opportunity ...1971 Aust. sl.
• FAIR SUCK OF THE SAUSAGE a fair or equal chance ...1960s Aust. & NZ sl.
• FAIR SUCK OF THE SAV a fair or equal chance ...1960s Aust. & NZ sl.
• FAIR UPS fair play ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GOOD SHAKE, A a fair or equal chance, fair treatment ...1830 US
• GUNS ON THE TABLE fair play ...Bk1942 Amer. West. sl.
• ONE DOG, ONE BULL fair play ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SHAKE a fair or acceptable situation ...E19
FAIR (carnival, etc.) - nouns
• FAIRING a present given at or brought from a fair ...1574
• FAIRINGS tawdry articles sold or to be won at a fair ...20C
• GAFF a fair ...1753 sl.
• MART a periodical gathering of people for the purpose of buying and selling; a fair ...1437 arch.
• MUCKLE FRIDAY the day on which a large fair is held ...1896 Sc.
• PACK-AND-PENNY DAY the last day of a fair, on which goods are sold cheap ...1869 Eng. dial.
• PACKING-PENNY DAY the last day of the fair, when articles are cheap ...1790 Eng. dial.
• SLUM cheap prizes at a fair, carnival, etc. ...1929 US sl.
• TAN-DAY † the second day of a fair; the day after a fair; a fair for fun ...1873 Eng. dial.
• TIDE an annual feast or festivity; a fair ...1865 Eng. dial.
• WALK a village fair; a village fair for hiring servants ...1858 Eng. dial.
FAIR (appearance) - nouns, person
• BELLAMOUR † a loved one of either sex; a lady love, a fair lady ...1596
• BELLE a handsome woman, esp. one who dresses so as to set off her personal charms; a fair lady, a fair one ...1622
• BELLE DAME fair lady, belle ...1767
• BELLIBONE †* a fair maid, a bonny lass, a beautiful woman ...1579
FAIR (carnival, etc.) - nouns, person
• FAIR-KEEPER † a person appointed to keep order at a fair ...1858 Sc.
• GAFFER a fairground superintendent ...1934 pitchmen's sl.
• MAGGIEMAN a fairground showman ...20C Irish sl.
FAIR - verbs
• DEAL OFF THE TOP to treat fairly ...1969 US sl.
• GIVE SOMEONE A FAIR CRACK OF THE WHIP to deal fairly with that person ...1929 Aust. sl.
• SEE FAIR to ensure fair play by watching ...1837 colloq.
• TOTE FAIR to do one's fair share; to act fairly ...1866 Amer. dial.
FAIR (appearance) - verbs
• FAIR † to make fair; to make clean or good-looking; to beautify ...c1175
• VENUSTATE † to make beautiful, fair, or sightly ...1656
FAIR (carnival) - verbs
• NUNDINATE † to buy and sell at fairs or markets ...1623
FAIR, NOT - phrases
• NOT CRICKET not fair play ...colloq.
FAIRGROUND - verbs
• PULL DOWN to close up a fairground ...20C fairground and grafters' colloq.
FAIRLY - adverbs
• FAIR AND MODERATE fairly and moderately ...1891 Sc.
• FAIR DINKUM fairly ...1947 Aust. sl.
• FAIRISH in a pleasant manner; fairly, pretty well ...1891 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAIRLINGS moderately, fairly ...1877 Eng. dial.
• FARRANTLY adv. fairly; very, exceedingly ...1819 Eng. dial.
• GAILY fairly, tolerably; pretty well ...1553 chiefly Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MEETERLY tolerably, moderately, fairly ...1703 Eng. dial.
• METERLY tolerably, moderately, fairly ...1703 Eng. dial.
• MIDDLING moderately, tolerably, fairly ...1765
• TALLY † in a seemly manner; becomingly, elegantly; fairly, well; bravely ...c1350
FAIRNESS - nouns
• FAIRATION fair play, fair dealing; consideration, fairness ...1861 Eng. dial.
• FAIRITY fairness ...1895 Ireland
FAIRNESS (beauty) - nouns
• BELLITUDE † beauty, fairness ...1623
• FAIR † beauty, fairness, good looks ...c888
• FAIRLEC † fairness, beauty ...a1225
• FAIRSHIP † fairness, beauty ...c1320
FAIR-SPOKEN - adjectives
• BLANDILOQUENT * in the language of compliment; smooth-speaking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1599
• BLANDILOQUOUS †* smooth-talking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1615
FAIRY - nouns
• AWF an elf, a fairy ...1790 Eng. dial.
• EEMOCK a person of diminutive stature; a fairy ...1914 Sc.
• FAIR-FOLK fairies ...1808 Sc.
• FANE an elf; a fairy ...1806 Sc.
• FAY a fairy or elf ...1393
• FAY-LAND fairyland ...1870
• GANCANAGH a kind of fairy said to appear in lonesome valleys, making love to milkmaids, etc. ...1888 Ireland
• GANCONER a kind of fairy said to appear in lonesome valleys, making love to milkmaids, etc. ...1888 Ireland
• GONCONER a kind of fairy said to appear in lonesome valleys, making love to milkmaids, etc. ...1888 Ireland
• GOOD NEIGHBOURS † the fairies ...a1585 Sc.
FAIRY RING - nouns
• ELF-RING a fairy ring ...1824 Sc.
• HAG-TRACK fairy ring ...1858
FAITH - adjectives
• BELIEFFUL full of faith, believing ...c1175 arch.
• FIDIMPLICITARY putting full trust or faith in another's views ...1652 nonce word
FAITH - nouns
• AFFIANCE the act of confiding, or fact of having faith, in a person, quality, etc. faith, trust ...1330
• BELIEFFULNESS the quality of being full of belief or faith ...1548 arch.
• LEVE † belief, faith ...c950
• LEVENESS † faith, confidence ...c1400
FAITH - verbs
• DIFFIDE * to want faith or confidence; to have or feel distrust ...1532
FAITHFUL - adjectives
• AEFALD single-minded, simple-hearted, honest, faithful ...1796 Sc.
• EVER-LOVING devoted; faithful ...1930s Amer. sl.
• FAYFUL † faithful ...a1400
• FEAL † faithful, firm in allegiance, constant ...1568 arch.
• FIABLE † faithful ...1483
• FIDELIOUS † faithful ...1650
• LAWFUL † observant of law or duty; law-abiding, faithful, loyal ...c1375
• LEAFFUL † faithful, believing ...c950
• LEAL † loyal, faithful, honest, true, upright, sincere ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
FAITHFUL - nouns, person
• STUCKY a faithful lover ...1930s W. Indies sl.
FAITHFULLY - adverbs
• FAITHLY † with fidelity; faithfully, loyally, steadfastly, truthfully ...c1325
• FAYFULLY † in a faithful manner, loyally, reliably ...a1400
• LAWFULLY † loyally, faithfully ...c1500
• LEAL † loyally, faithfully ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc.
• LEALLY loyally, faithfully, truly ...a1300
FAITHFULNESS - nouns
• LEALNESS * faithfulness, loyalty ...1882
• LEALTY † faithfulness, loyalty ...1860 obs. exc. arch.
FAITHLESS - adjectives
• FEDIFRAGOUS † breaking a pledge or agreement, faithless, perfidious ...1600
• INFIDOUS †* faithless, unfaithful; not to be trusted ...1656
FAITHLESS - nouns, person
• HALF-MARROW a faithless spouse ...B1900 sl.
FAITHLESSNESS - nouns
• FALSEHOOD † as an attribute of persons: falseness, deceitfulness, mendacity, faithlessness ...1297
• AFFABULATORY †* of the nature of the moral of a fable; having a moral ...1652
• FABULAR pert. to a fable ...1684
• FABULISTIC †* devoted to the composition of fables or apologues ...1630
• FABULOSE † fond of fables, myths, or enigmas ...1677
FABLE - nouns
• AFFABULATION † the moral of a fable ...1649
• FABULATION † the act of fabulating; the moralizing of fables ...1727
• FABULOSITY 1. fondness for narrating or inventing fables ...1599
† 2. a fable ...1601
• RANE idle, unmeaning talk frequently repeated; a frequent repetition of the same sound; a fable ...1773 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TALE IN A TUB, A a fable; an old wife's tale ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
FABLE - nouns, person
• FABULATOR one who fabulates or relates fables; a story-teller ...1604
• FABULIST one who relates fables or legends ...1593
FABLE - verbs
• FABULATE † to relate as a tale or myth; to talk or narrate in fables ...1616
• FABULIZE † to invent fables; to relate as legend ...1612
FABRICATE - verbs
• FANGLE † to fashion, to fabricate; to trick out ...1615 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• VAMP UP to concoct a false charge, etc.; to fabricate; to trump up ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
FABRICATED - adjectives
• HAND-WROUGHT fabricated by hand ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• VAMPED-UP of a story, etc.: invented, fabricated, trumped up ...1802-12
FABRICATION - nouns
• EFFECTION † fabrication, formation, production ...1430
FABULOUS - adjectives
• ABFAB absolutely fabulous ...1950s sl., orig. Aust. sl.
• FAB fabulous, wonderful ...1957 sl.
• FABBO fabulous, wonderful ...1960s sl.
• FABBY fabulous, wonderful ...1960s sl.
• FABOO fabulous ...1999 US gay sl.
• FANTABULOUS very good, fantastic, fabulous ...1958 US sl.
• UNDEEMIS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDEEMOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDOMIOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDOOMIS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDUMIOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
• UNDUMOUS extraordinary, incredible, fabulous, incalculable, immense; what cannot be reckoned ...1871 Sc.
FACE - adjectives
• AIKER of the face: sharp, keen, pointed ...1912 Sc.
• ASPECTABUND †* expressive in face; exhibiting one's feelings through the eyes or face ...1708
• ALL IN A HATTER of the face: entirely covered with any eruption, as smallpox ...1883 Sc.
• BABOON-FACED having a face like that of a baboon; very ugly ...1942 US sl.
• BACON-FACE having a fat sleek face ...1684
• BACON-FACED having a fat sleek face; heavy jowled ...c1600
• BALD-FACED said jokingly of a person's face ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BANNOCK-FACED having a flat face and a short nose ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAUSON-FACED fat-faced ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAWF-FACED fat-faced, ruddy ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BLOISENT of the face: red, swollen, whether by weather or intemperance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAN-FACED freckle-faced ...1890 Eng. dial.
• CHITTY 1. of the face: lean and pinched ...1616
2. of the face: puny, childish, baby-like ...1755
• CHUFFY † fat; swollen or puffed out with fat, especially of the cheeks; plump-cheeked, round-faced; chubby ...1611 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• DEAD † of the face: deadly pale, wan ...c1386
• DISH-FACED having a slightly concave face ...1883 Amer. dial.
• FARTHING-FACED having pinched features ...L19 sl.
• FULL-FACED having a full or plump face ...E17
• HACKSEY-LOOKED having a coarse visage, gruff ...Bk1905 Sc.
• HALF-FACED having a thin, pinched face ...1595
• HATCHET-FACED having a narrow, sharp face ...a1700
• HATCHETY of the face: thin and sharp ...1851
• HEDDER-FACED rough-faced, unshaven ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• ILL-FACED having an unpleasing face or aspect; ugly ...1590
• LANTERN-JAWED having a long, thin face, giving a hollow appearance to the cheeks ...1707
• MAPLE-FACED † having a spotted face ...1607
• MOON-FACED Japanese-faced ...L19 Brit. sl.
• MUFFIN-FACED 1. having a fat face, or a face with protruding muscles ...M18 sl.
2. having a foolish or expressionless face ...M18 sl.
• NARROW-CHINED thin-faced ...1889 Eng. dial.
• PAEWAE of a person: pallid, white-faced, sickly; drooping, spiritless ...1898 Sc.
• PAPER-FACED having a thin or pale face ...1597
• PEW-WEW of a person: pallid, white-faced, sickly; drooping, spiritless ...1894 Sc.
• POKER-FACED without expression; showing a neutral mask ...1923 Amer. sl.
• POW-WOW † of a person: pallid, white-faced, sickly; drooping, spiritless ...1739 Sc.
• PUGGY resembling the face or nose of a monkey or pug-dog; having such a face or nose ...1722
• PUTTY-FACED having a colourless and expressionless face; white-faced: used contemptuously ...1826
• RADDLED of a face: much made-up ...c1920 colloq.
• REEDENT red-faced ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• RUBICUND of the face: reddish, flushed, especially as the result of good living; having a highly coloured complexion; red-faced ...1696
• SANGUINE red in the face ...1684
• SNOUT-FAIR † having a fair countenance; fair-faced, comely, pretty, handsome, good-looking; in frequent use in the 16th and early 17th century, usually with some disparaging suggestion ...1530
• SUETY pale-faced ...1801
• TALLOW-FACED having a pale, yellowish-white face ...1592
• THIN-CHOPPED small-faced ...1874 Eng. dial.
• THRAWN-FACED having distorted features; surly-faced ...1793 Sc.
FACE - nouns
• AIRS AND GRACES faces ...L19 Brit. rhyming sl.
• BACON-BONCE the face ...1950s UK juvenile sl.
• BACON-FACE a fat face; a person having a fat face ...1990 US sl.
• BEAK the nose; the face ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOAT-RACE the face ...1958 Brit. rhyming sl.
• CADGING-FACE an expression designed to elicit sympathy ...E19 sl.
• CHAMBER a person's face ...1969 Amer. dial.
• CHART the face ...1900s US sl.
• CHITTY-FACE † a term of reproach or contempt; a thin, pinched, or childish face; one who has a thin, pinched face; a puny child with a little face; a pitiful, wretched, sneaking fellow ...1601 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• CHUMP the head, the face ...1859 sl.
• CLOCK the face ...1918 sl.
• DIAL the face ...1842 sl.
• DISHED FACE a face which appears slightly concave ...1878 Amer. dial.
• DISH FACE a face which appears slightly concave ...1898 Amer. dial.
• EEK the face ...1966 UK back slang (Ecaf)
• EKE the face ...1966 UK back slang (Ecaf)
• ESAFF the face ...L19 back-slang
• FACE LIKE A BAGFUL OF SPANNERS, A a face hard and rough; applied mostly to women ...1975 sl.
• FACE LIKE A BAG OF ARSES, A an ugly face ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BAG OF SPANNERS, A a hard and rough face; mostly used when describing a woman ...1975 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULLDOG, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULLDOG CHEWING A WASP, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULLDOG LICKING PISS OFF A NETTLE, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A BULL'S BUM, A a very ugly face ...2000s NZ sl.
• FACE LIKE A FESTERING PICKLE, A a face that is covered in severe acne ...2000s NZ sl.
• FACE LIKE A LEPER LICKING PISS OFF A THISTLE, A an ugly face; chiefly applied to a girl or woman ...2003 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A MILKMAN'S ROUND, A a long face ...c1950 sl.
• FACE LIKE AN ABANDONED QUARRY, A a very ugly face ...2000s NZ sl.
• FACE LIKE A SCRUBBED HAMMOCK, A a pale, sour-looking face ...c1920 Royal Navy usage
• FACE LIKE A SEA-BOOT, A a long-drawn 'fathom of misery'; a miserable or glum face ...c1930 sl.
• FACE LIKE A SLAPPED ARSE, A a very miserable-looking countenance ...1999 UK sl.
• FACE LIKE A YARD OF PUMP-WATER, A a 'long' face; a miserable or glum face ...20C colloq.
• FACE OF CLAY, THE a solid, immovable countenance ...1895 Eng. dial.
• FACE THAT WOULD STOP A CLOCK, A a very ugly face ...1891 Amer. sl.
• FACIES † the face, countenance ...1611 humorous
• FARDRY † the act of painting the face, the effect produced by this ...c1430
• FARE the countenance, the face ...Bk1900 Eng. dial..
• FASHION † face, features ...c1300
• FATCHA the human face ...20C sl.
• FAVOUR the face, countenance ...1525 arch.
• FAX † the face; used derisively ...1513
• FIGURE-HEAD the face ...1826 nautical sl.
• FIZ the face ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• FIZZ the face ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• FIZZOG the face; the expression on the face ...1811 UK sl.
• FRIDAY-FACE † a grave, dismal, or gloomy expression of the countenance; a gloomy, dejected-looking or miserable-looking man or woman ...1592
• GAME FACE one's public face ...1980s US Black sl.
• GIGGLEMUG an habitually smiling face ...B1900 sl.
• HAFFET the temple; the side of the face; generally used in plural ...1768 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• HALE the face ...2002 UK rhyming sl. (Hale and Pace)
• HALE AND PACE the face ...2002 UK rhyming sl.
• HALF-CHEEK † a face in profile, a side-face ...1588
• HALF-FACE a thin face ...1595
• HATCHET-FACE a narrow and very sharp face ...1650-66
• INDEX the face ...1818 sl.
• INDOOR FACE the face of one not exposed to the weather ...1895 Eng. dial.
• JACK-KNIFE FACE a thin, pointed face ...M19 US sl.
• JIB the face ...Bk1896 sl.
• KABEEZER the face ...1960s US sl.
• KIP the face ...1990s Sc.
• KISSER the face ...1892 sl.
• KNOCKER-FACE an ugly face, like an old-fashioned knocker; an ugly-faced person ...c1870 sl.
• LEER † the face, countenance; hence, look or appearance of the face and skin, hue, complexion ...a700
• MAG the face ...L19 sl.
• MALMSEY-FACE a face inflamed by drink ...1611
• MAP the face ...1908 sl.
• MAPLE FACE † a spotted face ...1633
• MARRIAGE FACE a miserable face ...L19 UK middle class usage
• MASARD the face; hence, the nose ...1602
• MASK the face, without any kind of disguise ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAZARD the face; hence, the nose ...1602
• MAZZARD the head or face; hence, the nose ...1602
• MEASLE-FACE a face covered with red pimples ...1806 Eng. dial.
• MOEY the face ...1859 sl.
• MOOE the face ...1859 sl.
• MOOEY the face ...1859 sl.
• MOOSH the face or mouth ...L18 sl., orig. Aust. & US
• MOP a person's face ...1966 Amer. dial.
• MUFFIN-COUNTENANCE 1. an expressionless face ...1777 Brit. sl.
2. a hairless face ...1823 Brit. sl.
• MUFFIN-FACE 1. an expressionless face ...1777 Brit. sl.
2. a foolish or childish face ...M18 sl.
3. a hairless face ...1823 Brit. sl.
• MUG the face ...1708 sl.
• MUSH the face or mouth ...L18 sl., orig. Aust. & US
• NEB † the face ...c897
• NEBSHAFT † countenance, face ...a1225
• NIB the face; the mouth; the nose; usually of a woman ...Bk1902 colloq.
• NOVICES CHASE the face ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• MUSH the face ...1859 sl.
• PAN a person's face ...c1886 US sl.
• PHIZ the face ...1688 arch. sl.
• PHIZIOG the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHIZOG the face ...1811 sl.
• PHIZOGOMY the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHYSCOGNAMY the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHYSMAHOGANY the face ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PHYSOG the face; the expression on the face ...1811 UK sl.
• POKER FACE an expressionless face; neutral mask ...1885 Amer. sl.
• PONUM the face or head ...L19 Aust. sl.
• PUMPKIN-FACE a round face with no expression on it ...1881
• PUSS the face ...1890 sl. chiefly US
• RACK FACE lines on your face left from a blanket, sheet, or pillow ...1996 US sl.
• REWARD † an aspect, a look; the face ...1790 Eng. dial.
• RICH-FACE a red face ...c1696 sl.
• ROACH-AND-DACE the face ...Bk1903 rhyming sl.
• RUM PHIZ an odd face or countenance ...c1780 sl.
• RUM PHYZ an odd face or countenance ...c1780 sl.
• SATIN AND LACE the human face ...1998 rhyming sl.
• SIDE-FACE the human face in profile ...1696
• SIGNBOARD the face ...c1870 sl.
• SNOUT-PIECE the nose; the face ...17C sl.
• SPLATTER-FACE † a broad flat face ...1707
• SUET FACE a face of a pale complexionless appearance ...1897
• TALLOW-FACE † a pale, yellowish-white face; hence a person having such a face; a term of contempt ...1592 now rare or obs.
• TANSY-FACE a freckled face ...1972 Sc.
• TORN FACE a sulky, peevish face; a person with a sulky, peevish face ...1968 Sc.
• UGLY PLUG an ugly face ...19C US sl.
• WRONG FOUNT an ugly human face ...1933 printers' sl.
FACE - nouns, person
• ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE a white-faced person ...Bk1921 sl.
• BABY-FACE a person with a smooth rounded face like a baby's
• BACON-FACE a fat face; a person having a fat face ...1990 US sl.
• BAMSEY a fat, red-faced woman ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEER BOTTLE a stout, red-faced man ...L19 sl.
• CALF'S HEAD a white-faced man with a large head ...c1860 sl.
• CHITTY-FACE † a term of reproach or contempt; a thin, pinched, or childish face; one who has a thin, pinched face; a puny child with a little face; a pitiful, wretched, sneaking fellow ...1601 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• FACE-PAINTER one who applies paint to the face ...1847
• HALF-FACED GROAT a contemptuous term for a thin-faced man ...1595
• HATCHET FACE a person having along, narrow face with sharp features ...1903 Amer. dial.
• LENTEN-CHAPS † a term of contempt for a person with lean visage ...1622
• MONKEYFACE a person with a monkey-like face ...1936 Amer. sl.
• NUTCRACKER FACE one with a thin, sharp face ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• POKER FACE a person whose face is usually expressionless ...1885 Amer. sl.
• SCONEFACE a nickname for a person or thing with a flat, round face ...1933 Sc.
• SCRAPIT-FACE a person with a thin, haggard face ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SNEAKBILL † a term of contempt; a mean, paltry, or sneaking fellow; a starved or thin-faced person ...1562
• SPLATTER-FACE † a broad-faced man or woman ...B1900
• TALLOW-FACE † a pale, yellowish-white face; hence a person having such a face; a term of contempt ...1592 now rare or obs.
FACE - verbs
• CHANGE SOMEONE'S FACE to beat and disfigure someone's face ...1896 Amer. sl.
• DARKLE of the face, etc.: to become dark with anger, scorn, etc. ...1800
• FAKE UP to paint one's face ...c1870 theatrical usage
• FALLOW † of the face, etc.: to blanch, to grow pale ...c1205
• FARCE † to paint the face ...c1400
• FARD † to paint the face with 'fard'; to hide defects and improve the complexion ...a1450
• MAKE MAWMS to make faces ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MANTLE of the face: to be suffused with glowing colour; to flush ...1707
FACE CLOTH - nouns
• FACERAG a washcloth, face cloth ...1965 Amer. dial.
• WASH RAG a washcloth ...1934 Amer. dial.
FACE-DOWN - adverbs
• BELLY-FLAUGHT headlong; hastily; face-down; flat-forward ...Bk1911 Sc.
FACETIOUS - adjectives
• FACETE facetious, witty, humorous, pleasant, cheerful, gay ...1603 arch.
• LEPID * pleasant in speech or behaviour, jocose, facetious, amusing, witty ...1619
FACETIOUS, FACETIOUSNESS - nouns
• FACETIOSITY * the quality of being facetious ...1822
• LEPIDITY † facetiousness, wit, a jest, a joke ...1647
FACE TO FACE - phrases
• NEB TO NEB † face to face ...c1230
• NEB WITH NEB † face to face ...c1175
• UNDER FOUR EYES face to face ...1990 Trinidad and Tobago
• UNDER TWO EYES face to face ...1990 Trinidad and Tobago
FACILITATE - verbs
• EASY † to make easy, to facilitate; to relieve, to assist ...1567
• FACILITE †* to facilitate ...1604
FACT(S) - adjectives
• DOWN TO CASES down to the hard facts ...L19 US sl.
• FACTY full of facts ...1883
• NEGOTIAL †* relating to facts without consideration of persons ...c1530
• OPEN-FOUNDED † based on plain or obvious facts ...1571
FACT - adverbs
• EFFECTUALLY † in fact, in reality ...c1600
FACT - nouns
• BIT OF GOOD TRUTH the plain facts ...Bk1890 sl.
• EFFECT † practical reality, fact, as opposed to name or appearance ...1606
• FACK fact, truth, reality ...1836 Sc.
• FACTOID a presumed fact of dubious validity; a popular assumption or belief ...1970s Amer. sl.
• FIXED FACT a positive fact ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• GOOD GUTS correct information; the true facts; the news ...1957 Aust. sl.
• GUTS the facts, the information ...1910s sl., orig. Aust.
• LAYOUT a situation, the facts ...L19 sl.
• LOWDOWN the real and unadorned facts; the true, secret, or inside information (usually preceded by 'the' ..colloq.
• SKINNY the latest information; inside information; rumour or fact ...1959 US sl.
• STRENGTH the essential facts; the pertinent details ...1908 Aust. sl.
• TIN-TACKS facts ...20C rhyming sl.
• TRACK RECORD the known facts about relevant history ...1951 US sl.
• VERABLES veritable facts ...1887 Eng. dial.
• VERITY true facts or circumstances ...1422
FACT - verbs
• FACK to tell the truth; to utter facts ...1940s US Black usage
• GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS to come to facts or realities ...1903 orig. US
• LAY IT OUT STRAIGHT to tell all the facts ...1930s sl.
• LET THE MILK DOWN to reveal the facts after withholding them for some time ...1970s US sl.
FACT - phrases
• THAT'S A PARTICULAR that's a fact ...1943 Amer. dial.
FACTION, FACTIOUS - adjectives
• BRIGOUS † quarrelsome, contentious; pertaining to strife or disagreement, disputable, factious ...1387
• DISSENTIOUS * given to strife, dissension, or disagreement; discordant, quarrelsome, contentious, factious ...1560
• FACTIOSE †* given or inclinable to faction, seditious ...1727
FACTION - nouns, person
• FACTIONARY a member of a faction; a partisan ...1555
• FACTIONEER a member of a faction; a party-man ...c1710
• FACTIONER † one who makes or joins a faction; a partisan ...1587
• FACTIONIST one who promotes or leads a faction; a member of a faction, a partisan ...1609
FACTION, FACTIOUS - verbs
• FACTION † to act in a factious or rebellious spirit; to intrigue; to mutiny ...1609
• FACTIONATE † 1. to join together in a faction; to band together ...1611
† 2. to form factions ...1642
• FACTIONEER * to busy oneself in factions ...1881
FACTORY - adjectives
• FACTORIAL * pert. to a factory; consisting in a factory ...1864
FACTORY - nouns
• LINE an assembly line in a factory ...1996 US
• MANUARY † a factory ...1625
• MANUFACTORY a factory or workshop ...1692
• MANUFACTURE † a manufacturing establishment or business; a factory ...1653
• SHUTDOWN a stoppage of work; the temporary closing of a factory ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
FACTORY - nouns, person
• HALF-TIMER a child who works half the day at a factory ...1888 Eng. dial.
• MANUFACTURER † an artificer, an operative in a factory or workshop ...1719
FAD - adjectives
• FADDY full of fads ...c1820 colloq.
FAD - nouns
• DIDDLE a whim, a fad; something trifling ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FANTAD a crotchety way of acting; a fad ...1867
• FANTOD a crotchety way of acting; a fad ...1867
• ITEM an intention, purpose; a crafty design; a trick; a fancy, a fad ...1887 Eng. dial.
• KICK a fad ...1950s Amer. sl.
• LATEST HOT DROP, THE the latest fad or fashion; the latest craze of any kind ...c1950 Aust. sl.
• MAGGOT a whim, a fancy, a fad ...1719 Sc.
• MAXIM a plan, contrivance; an experiment; a fad; a crotchet ...1882 Eng. dial.
• OMINY a fad or fanciful contrivance ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PADDY a hobby, a fad, a pastime ...L19 sl.
• RAGE the current fad; an irresistible fad ...Bk1990 Amer. sl.
FAD - nouns, person
• FADDIST one devoted to a public or private fad ...c1880 colloq.
• FADMONGER one devoted to a public or private fad ...c1880 colloq.
FADDISH, FADDY - adjectives
• A-GO-GO in the newest style; faddish, trendy ...Amer. sl.
• FANCICAL fanciful, faddy, capricious, fickle ...1671 rare exc. Eng. dial.
• FANCICLE fanciful, faddy, capricious, fickle ...1895 Eng. dial.
• FANSICLE fanciful, faddy, capricious, fickle ...1895 Eng. dial.
FADE - adjectives
• FADESOME apt to fade ...1869 Eng. dial.
• FADY tending to fade; shading off by degrees into a paler hue ...1730-6
• MARCESCIBLE † liable to wither or fade ...1656
• MARCESSIBLE † liable to wither or fade ...1656
FADE - verbs
• BEDABBER to fade by keeping in the hands ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BEJABBER to fade by keeping in the hands ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CAST COLOUR to lose colour, to become pale, to fade, esp. by the action of light ...c1350
• DABBER to fade, to droop, to wither; to soil ...1854 Eng. dial.
• DAPPER to fade, to droop, to wither; to soil ...1854 Eng. dial.
• DAVER to fade; to wither; to droop; to soil ...1621 Eng. dial.
• DEFADE † to lose freshness or fairness; to fade away; to grow worse in quality or character ...c1325
• FAINT * to lose colour or brightness; to fade, to die away ...1430
• FALLOW † to become pale or yellow; hence, to fade, to wither ...a1000
• QUAIL † to fade, wither, etc. ...c1440 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SCAD to soil by frequent use; to fade; used esp. of dress ...Bk1904 Sc.
• TAINT † to lose vigour or courage; to become weak or faint; to wither, to fade ...1605
• TO-DRESE † to fall apart; to decay, to fade ...a900
• UNAPPAIR † to become impaired; to fade ...1426
• VADE † of colour : to fade ...1471
• WALLAN to wither, to fade ...1868 Sc.
• WALLOW † to wither, to fade; to waste away ...c888 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• WANZE † to wither, to fade, to waste away; to become emaciated ...1567
• WELK † of a flower, plant, etc.: to lose freshness or greenness; to become flaccid or dry; to wilt, to wither, to fade ...c1250 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• WELKEN † to wither; to fade ...1398
FADED - adjectives
• BEDABBERED faded ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• DABRIFIED faded ...1895 Eng. dial
• DAVERED withered, faded, drooping ...1866 Eng. dial.
• EXOLETE † of flowers, etc.: faded or withered ...1730
• FADE † faded, feeble, languishing, withered ...1303
• FADEY dull, faded ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FADGY faded, soiled ...1895 Eng. dial.
• FADY dull, faded ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FAUCHIE pale yellowish grey, of a faded colour ...1911 Sc.
• FAUGH † pale, faint of colour; faded, yellowed ...1824 Sc.
• FEACHY † pale yellowish grey, of a faded colour ...1911 Sc.
• SCAW'D faded, discoloured; worthless ...1785 Sc.
• SCAW'D-LIKE faded in colour ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• WALLAN withered, faded ...1868 Sc.
• WALLOWED † withered, faded, discoloured ...a1300
FADED - nouns
• SCAW a faded or spoilt mark ...Bk1904 Sc.
FADED - verbs
• SCAW to spoil or destroy the appearance of, esp. in respect of colour; to make shabby or faded ...1772 Sc.
FAECES - see EXCREMENT
FAGGOT - nouns
• FADGE a bundle of sticks, a faggot ...Bk1900 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAGGALD † a faggot, a bundle of twigs or heath tied with straw ropes ...1838 Sc.
• FAGOGHE † a faggot ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
FAIL, FAILING - nouns
• FAILANCE † the fact of failing; failure, neglect, omission...1612
• FALSENESS † the fact of failing or 'giving way' ...1552
FAIL - nouns, person
• FAIL one that fails or disappoints ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FLUNKEE one who fails an examination ...19C US campus sl.
• FLUNKER one who regularly fails their examinations or recitations ...L19 US campus sl.
• FLUNKEY one who fails an examination ...19C US campus sl.
• FLUNKY 1. one who fails ...Bk1913-17 Amer. college sl.
2. one who fails an examination ...19C US campus sl.
• PROUGHAL a person who has failed to do something he or she has boasted to do ...1983 Irish sl.
• PROUGHLE a person who has failed to do something he or she has boasted to do ...1983 Irish sl.
FAIL - verbs
• BAG to botch, to do poorly on something, to fail ...1968 Amer. sl.
• BANK to become bankrupt, to fail ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BE COPPERED ON THE JACK to fail; to lose one's point (from the game of faro) ...1878 Amer. sl.
• BE LEFT to fail; to be outdistances metaphorically; to be placed in a difficult situation ...c1895 colloq.
• BIFF to fail ...1989 US students' sl.
• BLOW UP to be out of order; to fail, to collapse ...1923 Amer. dial.
• BOMB to fail a test, exam, etc. ...Aust. sl.
• BUST A HAME STRING to fail in an undertaking ...1923 Amer. dial.
• COME A CROPPER to fail completely ...colloq.
• COME A GUTSER to come undone; to fail miserably; to fall heavily; to trip over and fall ...1918 Aust. sl.
• COME OUT OF THE LITTLE END OF THE HORN to get the worst of a bargain; to be reduced in circumstances; to fail ...17C colloq.
• COME TO GRIEF to get into serious trouble; to fail ...1850 UK
• CRACK THE BELL to fail, to muddle things, to make a mistake, to ruin it ...1909 Cockneys' sl.
• CRACK UP to fail in an examination ...US Civil War usage
• CRASH AND BURN to fail utterly ...1978 US sl.
• DEAL IN ZEROES to achieve nothing; to fail completely; to draw a blank ...1960s US Black sl.
• DECADE † to fall down, to fail ...a1500 Sc.
• DECAID † to fall down, to fail ...a1500 Sc.
• DEFAULT † to be wanting; to fail ...c1340
• DIP OUT to come off worse; to miss out on an opportunity; to fail ...1987 UK sl.
• DO A BRODIE to fail, to slip back into bad habits ...L19 sl.
• DRIFT ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• DROP ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• EXFLUNCT to cause to fail, to render useless, to overcome completely ...1831 Amer. dial.
• EXFLUNCTIFY to cause to fail, to render useless, to overcome completely ...1840 Amer. dial.
• FADE † to grow small or weak; to decline, decay, fail, or faint; to shrink ...1388
• FAIL OUT to fail ...1910 Amer. dial.
• FALL to fail ...1910 sl.
• FALL ASTERN to lose ground, to fail ...1945 Amer. dial.
• FALL DOWN (ON) to fail; to 'come to grief' ...M19 US sl.
• FALL DOWN AND GO BOOM to fail, esp. utterly and obviously ...1930s Amer. sl.
• FALL DOWN ON THE JOB to fail at one's responsibilities; to shirk an obligation ...1898 Amer. sl.
• FALL FLAT ON ONE'S ASS to fail, esp. ignominiously and spectacularly ...1940s Amer. sl.
• FALL FLAT ON ONE'S FACE to make an embarrassing mistake, failed attempt, catastrophic decline, etc. ...1970s Amer. sl.
• FALL ON ONE'S ASS to fail, esp. ignominiously and spectacularly ...1940s Amer. sl.
• FALL ON ONE'S FACE to make an embarrassing mistake, failed attempt, catastrophic decline, etc. ...1970s Amer. sl.
• FALSE † of a thing: to prove unreliable, to fail, to give way ...c1205
• FAULT † to come short of a standard; to make default, to fail ...a1400
• FISH FOR HERRING AND CATCH A WHALE to fail miserably ,,,B1900
• FLAT to fail; to give way ...Bk1893 sl.
• FLUMMOX to blunder; to fail; to die ...M19 US sl.
• FLUMMUX to fail, to thwart ...M19 Amer. sl.
• FLUNK 1. to fail an examination; to give a fail mark ...E19 sl., orig. US campus
2. to fail; to blunder; to make a mistake ...L19 US sl.
• FLUNK OUT to fail an examination; to give a fail mark ...E19 sl., orig. US campus
• GET LEFT to fail; to be outdistanced metaphorically; to be placed in a difficult situation ...c1895 colloq.
• GO ALL MOODY ON to fail, to go wrong ...1930s sl.
• GO ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• GO BUNG to fail, to go bankrupt ...1893 Aust. sl.
• GO FOR A SKATE to fail; to be brought up before court ...1962 NZ sl.
• GO OFF AT HALF-COCK to speak or act without due forethought or preparation, and consequently to fail in attaining one's object ...1848
• GO PEAR-SHAPED of plans or schemes: to fail; to collapse; to go wrong ...1990s sl.
• GO TO THE BOW-WOWS 'go to the dogs'; to fail ...1839 Amer. sl.
• GO TO THE PACK to fail persistently ...E20 Aust. & NZ colloq.
• GO TO THE WALL to fail in business, to be ruined, to collapse financially ...1842
• GO UNDER to fail; to perish; to die ...1848 Amer. dial.
• GUTSER to fall; to fail badly ...20C Aust. sl.
• HIT THE CEILING to fail in examination ...1900 Amer. sl.
• LEESE †* to fail to do something ...a1300
• LOSE ONE'S TAFFY to fail ...1927 Amer. dial.
• LOSE THE FANG to miss one's aim; to fail in an attempt ...1825 Sc.
• MANK † to fail; to be insufficient ...1737 Sc.
• MANKIE to fail; to miss ...1882 Sc.
• MISS ONE'S TIP to fail in one's aim or object ...1854 sl., orig. circus usage
• MISS STAYS to fail, to make a mistake ...1907 Amer. dial.
• MISSTAY to fail, to make a mistake ...1916 Amer. dial.
• MISS THE BUS to lose an opportunity; to fail in an undertaking ...1915 sl.
• MISS THE CUSHION † to miss the mark; to make a mistake; to err; to fail in an attempt ...c1525
• MUCK to fail at ...L19 sl.
• NOT GET ANYWHERE to fail to reach your goal; to not succeed in achieving your object ...1932 US sl.
• PEG OUT to fail completely ...1854 Amer. sl.
• PLAY WHALEY to blunder, to fail; to play havoc with something; to spoil, to ruin; to make a mistake ...1897 Amer. dial.
• POOH OUT to fail, to grow weak or tired; to come to night ...1930 Amer. dial.
• PUNCH to fail at or to ruin something; esp. to fail a course in school ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• QUAIL † to fail or give way; to break down ...c1440 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RANK to fail, esp. in the commission of a crime ...1920s US criminals' sl.
• RAVEL THE CLEW to fail in business ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RETURN BY WEEPING CROSS to regret deeply some undertaking, and repent of it; to be in a state of lamentation; to fail; to suffer defeat ...1659
• RUN ASTERN to fail of success ...1945 Amer. dial.
• SCAT to fail; to become bankrupt, to collapse ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• STRIKE THE BALL UNDER THE LINE to fail in one's purpose ...1546
• TAKE A BRODIE to fail, to slip back into bad habits ...L19 sl.
• TAKE A DIVE to fail ...1980s sl., orig. US
• TAKE A DROP to find oneself in difficulties; to come to grief ...1970s US sl.
• TAKE A NOSE-DIVE to collapse; to fail utterly ...1920s sl.
• TAKE OFF to fail, to give way, to break down ...1900 Sc.
• TAKE THE PIPE to fail to act or achieve under pressure, esp. in sports; hence, to be punished ...1960s US sl.
• TANK to fail ...1920s sl.
• TAP OUT to fail, to 'draw a blank' ...1960s sl.
• TIRE † to fail, to cease (as a supply, etc.); to diminish; to give out, to come to an end ...c725
• UNBESEEM to fail in, to fall short of ...1812
• WANT 1. to fail; to give out; to be insufficient for a purpose, etc. ...c1400
2. to fail to do something; to be wanting in one's endeavours ...1426
• WUSS OUT to lose courage; to back down; to fail to do as promised ...1977 US sl.
• ZAP to fail in an examination ...1961 US sl.
• ZONK to fail ...1960s sl.
• ZONK OUT to fail ...1960s sl.
• ZOO to fail an exam ...1970s US college sl.
FAILED - adjectives
• BUSTED failed ...1925 US sl.
• GONE DEMOCRATIC failed, gone against one ...1893 Amer. dial.
• MUFFED spoilt, bungled, failed ...L19 sl.
FAILED - phrases
• ONE'S CAKE IS DOUGH † one's project has failed ...1596
• THAT CAKE'S ALL DOUGH denotes that a project or undertaking has failed ...1895 Eng. dial.
• THAT CAKE'S ALL DUFF denotes that a project or undertaking has failed ...1895 Eng. dial.
FAILING - adjectives
• ON A BUST failing, doing badly ...M19 sl.
FAILING - nouns
• DEFAILANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCY † failing, failure ...1649
• DEFALLATION † failure, failing ...1490
• FAULT † default, failing, neglect ...c1325
• FAULTURE * a failing ...1828
• WANT † a defect, failing, fault; a shortcoming ...1592
FAILURE - nouns
• ABORTION something of very poor quality; a messy failure; a misfortune; an ugly person or thing ...1943 US sl.
• ALSO-RAN a useless person; a failure; an irrelevance ...L19 sl., orig. Aust. horse-racing usage
• BAD IRON failure; misadventure; bad luck ...Bk1896 workmen's sl.
• BALK the failure of an expectation; a disappointment ...1733
• BLOOMER a very great mistake; an error; a failure ...1889 sl.
• BOBBLE an unsuccessful undertaking; a failure ...1920 Amer. dial.
• BREAK a breakaway or break-down; a collapse or failure ...1827 US
• BUST-OUT a collapse or failure; hence, a smash-up; a person who is a failure ...1963 US sl.
• CROPPER a severe misfortune, personal failure, etc. ...M19 colloq.
• CRULLER a failure; an unsuccessful performance or entertainment ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• DAMP SQUIB something that fails to come to a conclusion; a fiasco; a failure; a dud ...1845 Amer. sl.
• DEADBEAT of things: a failure, a deception ...1866 sl., orig. US
• DEAD DUCK a complete, irredeemable failure ...1829 US sl.
• DEAD FROST a fiasco, a complete failure ...c1875 theatrical sl.
• DEAD LOSS an absolutely useless person, idea, or undertaking; a useless, unworkable object; a complete failure; an absolute waste of time or money ...1927 sl., orig. Royal Air Force
• DEAD NIP an unimportant project that turns out to be a failure ...L19 sl.
• DEAD PIGEON a guaranteed and absolute failure; often in context of a forthcoming election ...1910s US sl.
• DEFAILANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCE † failing, failure ...1603
• DEFAILLANCY † failing, failure ...1649
• DEFAILMENT † failure ...1612
• DEFAILURE †* failure ...a1677
• DEFALCATION falling away, defection; shortcoming, failure, delinquency ...1750
• DEFALLATION † failure, failing ...1490
• DIMRACKER a disaster; a complete failure ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DUD a worthless or unsuccessful person or thing; a failure ...1915 UK sl.
• FAILANCE † the fact of failing; failure, neglect, omission...1612
• FAILERY a failure ...1913 Amer. dial.
• FAILLZENCY † default, failure ...1710 Sc.
• FAILYIE † failure, non-performance ...1551 Sc.
• FAILZURE † failure ...1726 Sc
• FIZZLE a ridiculous failure ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• FLAMEOUT a complete failure
• FLASH IN THE PAN a failure ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• FLAT a failure ...Bk1893 Amer. sl.
• FLUKE a fiasco; a failure ...US Civil War usage
• FLUMMOX a failure ,,,19C US sl.
• FLUMMUX a failure ...19C Amer. dial.
• FLUNK a failure ...M19 Amer. dial.
• GAFFLE defeat, failure, betrayal ...1990s US Black sl.
• ILL SUCCESS failure, misadventure, misfortune ...1823 arch.
• KISS OF DEATH something that causes failure, destruction, etc. ...colloq.
• LARRY a failure ...1980s US sl.
• LEAD BALLOON a failure; a flop...1954 US sl.
• MUCK-UP a complete failure; confusion or muddle; a botch ...L19 colloq.
• NAILS a disappointment; a failure ...1981 Hawaii juvenile usage
• NO-NO an impossibility; a failure; any negative outcome ...1975 UK sl.
• QUINCE of a situation or object: a failure ...1900s US sl.
FAILURE - nouns, person
• BUST-OUT a collapse or failure; hence, a smash-up; a person who is a failure ...1963 US sl.
• DEADBEAT of people: a failure, a down-and-out, an impoverished person; a person down on their luck; a jobless and homeless person ...M19 sl., orig. US
• DEAD DUCK a person lacking good prospects; a person or thing doomed to failure or disaster; one whose case is hopeless; a goner ...1829 sl.
• DEADLEG a down-and-out, a failure ...1960s sl.
• DUD a worthless or unsuccessful person or thing; a failure ...1915 UK sl.
• GONER someone who is doomed to failure ...1970 US sl.
• PIKER a useless person; a failure ...Aust. & NZ sl.
FAILURE - verbs
• BRING ONE'S EGGS TO A BAD MARKET to suffer the failure of one's schemes ...1809
• BRING ONE'S HOGS TO A BAD MARKET to suffer the failure of one's schemes ...a1616
• DEFAULT † to fail in strength or vigour, to faint; to suffer failure ...1382
• DROP ONE'S CANDY to make a big blunder or serious mistake; to do something to cause the failure of a plan ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• FIZZLE OUT to prove a failure ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• GO OVER LIKE A LEAD BALLOON to be an utter failure ...1950 US sl.
• LAUGH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ONE'S FACE to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1946 Amer. dial.
• LAUGH ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1843 Amer. dial.
• LAUGH ON THE WRONG SIDE OF ONE'S MOUTH to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1899 Amer. dial.
• LAUGH OUT OF THE OTHER CORNER OF ONE'S MOUTH to cry; to experience unexpected failure, defeat, or regret ...1912 Amer. dial.
• LOSE THE HOG FOR A HALFPENNYWORTH OF TAR to lose an object, spoil an enterprise or court failure by trying to save in a small matter of detail ...1670
• LOSE THE SHEEP FOR A HALFPENNYWORTH OF TAR to lose an object, spoil an enterprise or court failure by trying to save in a small matter of detail ...1678
• LOSE THE SHIP FOR A HALFPENNYWORTH OF TAR to lose an object, spoil an enterprise or court failure by trying to save in a small matter of detail ...1869
• MAKE A SPOON OR SPOIL A HORN to make a determined effort to achieve something, whether ending in success or failure; to succeed in an enterprise or fail deplorably ...1880
• TAKE IT ON THE CHIN to suffer a severe failure; to undergo complete defeat or frustration ...20C Amer. colloq.
FAINT (not clearly seen) - adjectives
• DIM-DISCOVERED dimly or faintly seen ...1750
FAINT (weak and dizzy) - adjectives
• AFEYNTED † rendered faint, enfeebled ...1393
• BABBISH weak, helpless, faint ....1876 Eng. dial.
• DADDET faint, weary, tired through overwork ...1908 Sc.
• FAINTFUL † ready to faint; causing or indicating faintness ...1589
• FAINTIFIED weak, faint ...1933 Amer. dial.
• FAINTISH weak, faint ...1965 Amer. dial.
• FAINTIVE inclined to faint, faintish, languid ...1790 rare exc. Sc.
• FAINTLY † inclined to faint ...1892 Sc.
• FAINTY † faint, sickly, languid; later, inclined to swoon; causing faintness ...1530 obs. exc. poetic usage
• FAINTY-SICK physically weak, faint ...1926 Amer. dial.
• FANSOME feeling faint ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• LANGUESCENT * growing faint or languid ...1837
• LANGUIFIC †* that makes weak or faint ...1727
• LANGUIFICAL †* that makes weak or faint ...1656
• MAWKISH slightly indisposed; faint; sick from drinking ...1896 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SAPPY pallid, sickly, faint ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• TEARY weak, frail, delicate; faint ...1825 Eng. dial.
• WAIRSH weak, delicate, wanting in stamina; faint, as from want of food; sickly-looking ...1808 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• WALLOW pinched-looking; faint from want or illness ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WALLOWISH pinched and miserable-looking; faint from hunger ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WELSH pinched and miserable-looking; faint from hunger ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WOOZY dizzy, faint, unwell ...1897
FAINT, FAINTING, FAINTNESS (weak and dizzy) - nouns
• FALL-OUT a fainting spell ...1970 Amer. dial.
• FAINT faintness ...a1300
• FAINT-FIT † a fainting fit ...1795
• FAINTINGNESS † faintness ...1634-5
• FAINTS, THE a tendency to faint ...c1890 colloq.
• FAINT-OUT a feeling of weakness or faintness ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TAWM a fit of faintness or sickness ...1846 Sc.
• VAPORS sickness; a fainting spell; nausea ...20C colloq.
• WEAK JERKS a feeling of faintness and shakiness or palpitations, often as a result of hunger, fear, or anxiety ...a1978 Amer. dial.
• WEAK TREMBLES a feeling of faintness and shakiness or palpitations, often as a result of hunger, fear, or anxiety ...1889 Amer. dial.
FAINT (weak and dizzy) - nouns, person
• ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE a woman in a faint ...Bk1921 sl.
FAINT (weak and dizzy) - verbs
• BOP OUT to faint, to pass out ...1970 Amer. dial.
• DEFAULT † to fail in strength or vigour, to faint; to suffer failure ...1382
• FADE † to grow small or weak; to decline, decay, fail, or faint; to shrink ...1388
• FAINT * 1. to depress, to enfeeble, to weaken; to make faint or weak ...c1386
† 2. to become faint; to grow weak or feeble, to decline ...c1400 obs. exc. poetic
• FAINTEN †* to make faint, to depress, to dispirit ...1612-15
• FAINT OVER to fall over in a faint ...1954 Amer. dial.
• FALL OUT to faint, to lose consciousness ...1884 Amer. dial.
• KECK to retch, to feel sick; to faint suddenly ...1856 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• LANGUEFY †* to make faint or languid ...1607
• PALL † 1. to become faint; to faint, to fail in strength, virtue, etc. ...1390
† 2. to make faint or feeble; to enfeeble, to weaken; to daunt, to appal ...1690
• PASS OUT to faint ...20C colloq.
• QUAIL to languish; to fall ill; to faint; to have a sinking sensation in the stomach ...1790 Eng. dial.
• QUEAL † to languish; to fail in any way; to fall ill; to faint; to have a sinking sensation in the stomach ...1515 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• QUOATH † to faint ...1567
• QUOTHE † to faint ...1567
• SILE to fall down in a swoon; to faint away ...1790 Eng. dial.
• TAKE A PASSER to pass out, to faint ...1970s US sl.
• TALM † to become exhausted; to fail, to tire, to faint, to swoon ...c1325 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TAUM * to fall gently asleep; to faint; to become unconscious ...1887 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAWM to swoon; to fall from faintness or sickness ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TAWM OVER to swoon; to fall from faintness or sickness ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• WHITE-EYE to be overcome by heat or exhaustion while working; to faint from exhaustion; to quit working, to quit on one; to desert, to abandon ...1911 Amer. dial.
FAINT - verbs
• LANGUISH † of light, colour, sound, etc.: to become faint ...1626
FAINTED - adjectives
• LAID OUT injured; having fainted ...Amer. World War I sl.
FAINT-HEARTED - adjectives
• CAFF-HEARTED faint-hearted, timid, cowardly; of a worthless, mean disposition ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CAFFY faint-hearted, timid, cowardly ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CAFT faint-hearted, timid, cowardly; of a worthless, mean disposition ...1830 Eng. dial.
• COWARDOUS † cowardly; timid; faint-hearted ...1480
• FAINT-HEART faint-hearted; timid; spiritless; cowardly ...1590
• FAINTLING † faint-hearted, timid, cowardly, spiritless ...1712
• KECKEN-HEARTED squeamish; loathing the sight of food; dainty; over-fastidious; faint-hearted ...Bk1901 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• KECKER-HEARTED faint-hearted, nervous ...1896 Eng. dial.
• MALTEN-HEARTED † faint-hearted ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MILK-LIVERED cowardly, timid, faint-hearted ...1605
• NESH † timid; wanting in courage, cowardly; faint-hearted; poor-spirited ...1382 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• PIPPIN-HEARTED cowardly, chicken-hearted, faint-hearted, timid ...1809
• PUSILLANIMOUS lacking in courage and strength of mind; of weak spirit; faint-hearted, cowardly, mean-spirited ...1586
• YARROW † fearful, faint-hearted ...1616 Eng. dial.
FAINT-HEARTED - nouns, person
• FAINTLING † one who is faint-hearted, timid, spiritless, or cowardly ...1614
FAINT-HEARTED - verbs
• ACCOWARD † to render cowardly; to intimidate, to cow, to make faint-hearted ...1530
• ACCOWARDIZE † to render cowardly; to intimidate, to cow, to make faint-hearted ...1480
• NESH IT to turn faint-hearted; to draw back ...1881 Eng. dial.
FAINTING - adverbs
• AFAINT in a fainting state ...1878
• ASOOND in a fainting fit ...Bk1898 Sc.
FAINTNESS - adjectives
• FAINTY † causing faintness; sickly ...1590 obs. exc. poetic usage
FAINTNESS - adverbs
• ALIST † recovering from faintness or decay; used with regard to one recovering from a swoon ...1768 Sc.
FAINTNESS - nouns
• GONENESS a sinking feeling; weakness, faintness, exhaustion; great depression ...1848 Amer. dial.
• TALM † faintness, exhaustion ...c1375
• TAUM a sudden feeling of faintness, a drowsy or sick turn ...1887 Sc.
FAIR (marked by impartiality and honesty) - adjectives
• DINKY fair, honest ...1941 Aust. sl.
• FAIR AND TIDY fair and square; equitable ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAIR DINKUM fair, honest, equitable ...1947 Aust. sl.
• HARMLESS fair to both parties, just ...1876 Eng. dial.
• JANNOCK sociable; fair; just; straightforward; genuine ...1828 Eng. dial.
• JENICK fair, straightforward; genuine ...1828 Eng. dial.
• JONNOCK sociable; fair; just; straightforward, genuine ...1828 Eng. dial.
• LEAL † just, fair ...c1350
• MIDDLINGISH moderate, fair, tolerable ...1878 Eng. dial.
• RIGHT AS AN ACORN honest, fair ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• SATIABLE † fair-seeming, plausible, specious ...1592
• SKILLWISE † just, equitable, fair ...a1300
• TOLERABLISH * somewhat tolerable, pretty fair, just passable ...1798
• UP AND UP fair, honest, straightforward ...1920s sl., orig. US
FAIR (appearance) - adjectives
• BEAU † fair, beautiful ...c1325
• BEL † fair, fine, beautiful ...c1314
• QUEME † of pleasing appearance; beautiful, fair; neat, tidy ...a1300
• SNOUT-FAIR † having a fair countenance; fair-faced, comely, pretty, handsome, good-looking; in frequent use in the 16th and early 17th century, usually with some disparaging suggestion ...1530
• TALL † comely, goodly, fair, handsome; elegant, fine ...c1450
FAIR - nouns
• DEAD PONY GAFF of circus and fairgrounds: a bad site ...1961 UK travelling showmen's usage
• DECENT SHAKE a fair or acceptable situation ...E19
• EVEN SHAKE a fair chance, fair treatment; an equal chance ...1830 US
• FAIRATION fair play ...1861 Eng. dial.
• FAIR AWNEY fair play ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAIR BALLS fair play ...1810 Sc.
• FAIR BOLLIX a fair deal; a just proportion ...2000 Ireland sl.
• FAIR BUCK a fair chance ...1940s NZ sl.
• FAIR COP any situation seen as fair and about which there is no complaint ...L19 sl., orig. UK criminals' usage
• FAIR COW a call for fair treatment ...20C NZ sl.
• FAIR CRACK OF THE WHIP fair treatment; equal opportunity; a reasonable chance ...1929 Aust. sl.
• FAIR DINKUM fair dealing; that which is just and equitable ...1881 Eng. dial. & Aust. sl.
• FAIR DO decent treatment ...M19 Aust. & NZ
• FAIR DOES a fair deal, justice ...1865 colloq.
• FAIR DOOS a fair deal, justice ...1865 colloq.
• FAIR DO'S a fair deal, justice, decent treatment ...1859 colloq.
• FAIR DO'S ALL ROUND a fair deal, justice ...c1930 colloq.
• FAIR DUES a fair deal, justice, decent treatment ...1859 colloq.
• FAIR GO an act or instance of just treatment; a fair or reasonable opportunity ...1904 Aust. sl.
• FAIR HORN fair play ...1866 Sc.
• FAIR HORNIE fair play ...1866 Sc.
• FAIR RATIONS fair dealings; honesty ...c1875 sporting sl.
• FAIR SPIN fair treatment, a reasonable chance ...1910s sl.
• FAIR SUCK a fair or equal chance ...1960s Aust. & NZ sl.
• FAIR SUCK OF THE SAUCE STICK fair treatment, equal opportunity ...1971 Aust. sl.
• FAIR SUCK OF THE SAUSAGE a fair or equal chance ...1960s Aust. & NZ sl.
• FAIR SUCK OF THE SAV a fair or equal chance ...1960s Aust. & NZ sl.
• FAIR UPS fair play ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GOOD SHAKE, A a fair or equal chance, fair treatment ...1830 US
• GUNS ON THE TABLE fair play ...Bk1942 Amer. West. sl.
• ONE DOG, ONE BULL fair play ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SHAKE a fair or acceptable situation ...E19
FAIR (carnival, etc.) - nouns
• FAIRING a present given at or brought from a fair ...1574
• FAIRINGS tawdry articles sold or to be won at a fair ...20C
• GAFF a fair ...1753 sl.
• MART a periodical gathering of people for the purpose of buying and selling; a fair ...1437 arch.
• MUCKLE FRIDAY the day on which a large fair is held ...1896 Sc.
• PACK-AND-PENNY DAY the last day of a fair, on which goods are sold cheap ...1869 Eng. dial.
• PACKING-PENNY DAY the last day of the fair, when articles are cheap ...1790 Eng. dial.
• SLUM cheap prizes at a fair, carnival, etc. ...1929 US sl.
• TAN-DAY † the second day of a fair; the day after a fair; a fair for fun ...1873 Eng. dial.
• TIDE an annual feast or festivity; a fair ...1865 Eng. dial.
• WALK a village fair; a village fair for hiring servants ...1858 Eng. dial.
FAIR (appearance) - nouns, person
• BELLAMOUR † a loved one of either sex; a lady love, a fair lady ...1596
• BELLE a handsome woman, esp. one who dresses so as to set off her personal charms; a fair lady, a fair one ...1622
• BELLE DAME fair lady, belle ...1767
• BELLIBONE †* a fair maid, a bonny lass, a beautiful woman ...1579
FAIR (carnival, etc.) - nouns, person
• FAIR-KEEPER † a person appointed to keep order at a fair ...1858 Sc.
• GAFFER a fairground superintendent ...1934 pitchmen's sl.
• MAGGIEMAN a fairground showman ...20C Irish sl.
FAIR - verbs
• DEAL OFF THE TOP to treat fairly ...1969 US sl.
• GIVE SOMEONE A FAIR CRACK OF THE WHIP to deal fairly with that person ...1929 Aust. sl.
• SEE FAIR to ensure fair play by watching ...1837 colloq.
• TOTE FAIR to do one's fair share; to act fairly ...1866 Amer. dial.
FAIR (appearance) - verbs
• FAIR † to make fair; to make clean or good-looking; to beautify ...c1175
• VENUSTATE † to make beautiful, fair, or sightly ...1656
FAIR (carnival) - verbs
• NUNDINATE † to buy and sell at fairs or markets ...1623
FAIR, NOT - phrases
• NOT CRICKET not fair play ...colloq.
FAIRGROUND - verbs
• PULL DOWN to close up a fairground ...20C fairground and grafters' colloq.
FAIRLY - adverbs
• FAIR AND MODERATE fairly and moderately ...1891 Sc.
• FAIR DINKUM fairly ...1947 Aust. sl.
• FAIRISH in a pleasant manner; fairly, pretty well ...1891 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• FAIRLINGS moderately, fairly ...1877 Eng. dial.
• FARRANTLY adv. fairly; very, exceedingly ...1819 Eng. dial.
• GAILY fairly, tolerably; pretty well ...1553 chiefly Sc. & Eng. dial.
• MEETERLY tolerably, moderately, fairly ...1703 Eng. dial.
• METERLY tolerably, moderately, fairly ...1703 Eng. dial.
• MIDDLING moderately, tolerably, fairly ...1765
• TALLY † in a seemly manner; becomingly, elegantly; fairly, well; bravely ...c1350
FAIRNESS - nouns
• FAIRATION fair play, fair dealing; consideration, fairness ...1861 Eng. dial.
• FAIRITY fairness ...1895 Ireland
FAIRNESS (beauty) - nouns
• BELLITUDE † beauty, fairness ...1623
• FAIR † beauty, fairness, good looks ...c888
• FAIRLEC † fairness, beauty ...a1225
• FAIRSHIP † fairness, beauty ...c1320
FAIR-SPOKEN - adjectives
• BLANDILOQUENT * in the language of compliment; smooth-speaking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1599
• BLANDILOQUOUS †* smooth-talking, flattering, fair-spoken ...1615
FAIRY - nouns
• AWF an elf, a fairy ...1790 Eng. dial.
• EEMOCK a person of diminutive stature; a fairy ...1914 Sc.
• FAIR-FOLK fairies ...1808 Sc.
• FANE an elf; a fairy ...1806 Sc.
• FAY a fairy or elf ...1393
• FAY-LAND fairyland ...1870
• GANCANAGH a kind of fairy said to appear in lonesome valleys, making love to milkmaids, etc. ...1888 Ireland
• GANCONER a kind of fairy said to appear in lonesome valleys, making love to milkmaids, etc. ...1888 Ireland
• GONCONER a kind of fairy said to appear in lonesome valleys, making love to milkmaids, etc. ...1888 Ireland
• GOOD NEIGHBOURS † the fairies ...a1585 Sc.
FAIRY RING - nouns
• ELF-RING a fairy ring ...1824 Sc.
• HAG-TRACK fairy ring ...1858
FAITH - adjectives
• BELIEFFUL full of faith, believing ...c1175 arch.
• FIDIMPLICITARY putting full trust or faith in another's views ...1652 nonce word
FAITH - nouns
• AFFIANCE the act of confiding, or fact of having faith, in a person, quality, etc. faith, trust ...1330
• BELIEFFULNESS the quality of being full of belief or faith ...1548 arch.
• LEVE † belief, faith ...c950
• LEVENESS † faith, confidence ...c1400
FAITH - verbs
• DIFFIDE * to want faith or confidence; to have or feel distrust ...1532
FAITHFUL - adjectives
• AEFALD single-minded, simple-hearted, honest, faithful ...1796 Sc.
• EVER-LOVING devoted; faithful ...1930s Amer. sl.
• FAYFUL † faithful ...a1400
• FEAL † faithful, firm in allegiance, constant ...1568 arch.
• FIABLE † faithful ...1483
• FIDELIOUS † faithful ...1650
• LAWFUL † observant of law or duty; law-abiding, faithful, loyal ...c1375
• LEAFFUL † faithful, believing ...c950
• LEAL † loyal, faithful, honest, true, upright, sincere ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
FAITHFUL - nouns, person
• STUCKY a faithful lover ...1930s W. Indies sl.
FAITHFULLY - adverbs
• FAITHLY † with fidelity; faithfully, loyally, steadfastly, truthfully ...c1325
• FAYFULLY † in a faithful manner, loyally, reliably ...a1400
• LAWFULLY † loyally, faithfully ...c1500
• LEAL † loyally, faithfully ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc.
• LEALLY loyally, faithfully, truly ...a1300
FAITHFULNESS - nouns
• LEALNESS * faithfulness, loyalty ...1882
• LEALTY † faithfulness, loyalty ...1860 obs. exc. arch.
FAITHLESS - adjectives
• FEDIFRAGOUS † breaking a pledge or agreement, faithless, perfidious ...1600
• INFIDOUS †* faithless, unfaithful; not to be trusted ...1656
FAITHLESS - nouns, person
• HALF-MARROW a faithless spouse ...B1900 sl.
FAITHLESSNESS - nouns
• FALSEHOOD † as an attribute of persons: falseness, deceitfulness, mendacity, faithlessness ...1297