S
SPEAR - SPLAY-FOOTED
SPEAR - nouns
• GAD † a spear ...1548
• GARE † a spear or javelin ...c1000
• HARPOON † a barbed dart or spear ...1625
• HASTILUDE † spear-play; a name for a kind of tilt or tournament ...1586
• JAVELOT † a small spear or javelin thrown with the hand or from a catapult ...1489
SPEAR - nouns, person
• HASTARY †* a spearman ...1589
SPECIAL - adjectives
• EVERYDAY special; worthy of continual attention ...1972 Amer. dial.
• MEGA great, successful, excellent, special ...1969 UK sl.
• STRAVAGANT † extraordinary, unusual, special ...1613
• SUNDERLY † peculiar, special, private ...c888
• SUNDRILY †* separate, individual, special ...a900
SPECIAL - nouns
• EGREGIOUSNESS the quality of being special or extraordinary ...1877
• GOODIE something that is special and good ...1975 US sl.
• RIPPER anything special; anything of particular excellence ...1851 sl.
SPECIALIST - nouns, person
• ARTIST an expert, a specialist ... c1918 sl.
• SPESH a specialist ...1900s sl.
SPECIALIZE - verbs
• SIMMER DOWN ON to concentrate upon, to specialize in; to devote one's entire attention to ...1933 Amer. dial.
SPECIES - nouns
• EDITION † kind, species ...a1625
• VEIN †* a kind or species ...1568
SPECIFY - verbs
• COME DOWN TO CASES to come to the point ...1918 Amer. dial.
SPECIMEN - nouns
• CHANCE a specimen, an example ...1830 Amer. dial.
• SAMPLER † an illustrative or typical instance; a specimen ...a1300
• SCONE anything of a particular kind considered as a specimen ...1721 Sc.
SPECIOUS - adjectives
• FAIR-FARRAND specious, plausible; flattering, superficially attractive ...1789 Sc.
• FAIR-FASHIONED † specious, plausible; flattering, superficially attractive ...1816 Sc.
• SATIABLE † fair-seeming, plausible, specious ...1592
• VARNISHED embellished; speciously tricked out ...1607
SPECK - nouns
• DAUT a dot, a speck, a spot ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FLYSPECK a small spot or speck
• MASCLE † a spot, a speck ...a1300
• TICK a dot of any kind; a small speck or spot; the dot above the letter I, etc. ...Bk1905 Sc.
SPECKED, SPECKLED - adjectives
• BESPECKED spotted or specked over the surface ...1565
• BRACKIT speckled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BROCK speckled; flecked with white, as a 'brock' face cow ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• HAZZLED of an animal: speckled red and white ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• MEASLED spotted, blotched, marked with pimples; speckled, mottled ...1810 Eng. dial.
• MEEZLED spotted, blotched, marked with pimples; speckled, mottled ...1810 Eng. dial.
• PACKLED speckled ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SKITTERY speckled ...1955
• SPICKETTY speckled, spotted; mottled ...1873 Eng. dial.
SPECTACLE - nouns
• RAREE-SHOW a show or spectacle of any kind ...1684
SPECTACLES - see EYEGLASSES
SPECTACULAR - adjectives
• WALLOPING strikingly large, powerful; spectacular ...1847 Eng. & Amer. dial.
SPECTACULAR - nouns
• LOMBARD something huge and spectacular ...1975 Amer. dial.
• MAIN EVENT a spectacular action ...1970s sl.
SPECTATOR - nouns, person
• TITLARK a spectator; a witness ...1799 sl.
SPECTRE - nouns
• BEHOLDING † the thing beheld; an image, a spectre; a vision ...c1440
• BLOODYBONES a spectre, a hobgoblin ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BODACH a spectre, a hobgoblin ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DOBBIE a household sprite or apparition supposed to haunt certain premises or localities, with powers of either good or evil; a ghost, a spectre ...1781 Eng. dial.
• EIDOLON an unsubstantial image, spectre, phantom ...828
• IDOLUM an image or unsubstantial appearance; a spectre or phantom; a mental image, an idea ...1619
• LARVA † a disembodied spirit; a ghost, a hobgoblin, a spectre ...1651
• MARE † a spectre, a hag ...c1440
• OLD BOGEY the devil; an apparition, a spectre ...1897 Eng. dial.
• OLD RAWHEAD AND BLOODY BONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear ...1934 Amer. dial.
• RAWHEAD AND BLOODY BONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear; a bogey used to frighten children ...1637 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• RAW-HEELS AND BLOODYBONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear ...1966 Amer. dial.
• REDHEAD-BLOODYBONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear ...1966 Amer. dial.
• WAITH the spectral appearance of a person just before or after death; a ghost ...1790 Eng. dial.
SPECULATE, SPECULATOR - nouns, person
• PIKER a person who speculates in stocks, esp. with only small sums ...L19 sl.
• PUNTER a gambler, a speculator ...Brit. sl.
SPECULATING - adjectives
• MAGIN wondering, speculating; talking as if at a loss ...1911 Sc.
SPECULATION - adjectives
• LAVISH † extravagant or 'wild' in speculation ...1693
SPECULATION - nouns
• FANTASTICATION fantastic speculation ...1880
• SPEC a commercial speculation or venture; a prospect of future success or gain ...1794 orig. US
SPECULATIVE - adjectives
• AIMSOME ambitious, speculative ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• OPINIONATIVE † of the nature of opinion; fancied, imaginary; conjectural, speculative ...c1555
• THINKATIVE † consisting in mere thinking; speculative ...1662
• UP IN THE AIR doubting, speculative, hypothetical ...20C sl.
SPECULATIVE - verbs
• VENTURE * to be boldly speculative ...1559
SPECULATIVELY - adverbs
• ON SPEC on the off chance; speculatively ...1832 UK sl.
SPECULATOR - nouns, person
• PINHOOKER a small-time speculator in farm products, esp. tobacco; esp. one who buys directly from farmers ...1936 Amer. dial.
SPEECH - adjectives
• FACUNDIOUS † persons: gifted with fluent speech; eloquent, glib; of speech: copious, fluent ...1430
• FLOSCULENT † of speech or a speaker: flowery ...1646
• LARGE † of speech, etc.: free, unrestrained; in bad sense, lax, licentious, improper, gross ...c1374
• LOCUTORY * pert. to speech or speaking ...1828
• LONG of speech: slow ...1912 Amer. dial.
• QUICK † 1. of speech, writings, etc.: lively, full of vigour or acute reasoning; smart, sprightly ...a1225
† 2. of speech or writing: sharp, caustic ...1580
• RACY of speech, writing, etc.: having a characteristic sprightliness, liveliness, or piquancy ...a1667
• SIDELING of speech etc.: indirect ...1789
• SPEECHFUL full of speech or words; talkative, loquacious, speaking ...1842
• TALL OF TONGUE † stout or strong of speech or argument ...1607
• TRUCULENT of speech or writing: rude; scathing; savage; harsh ...1850
• WANTON OF WORD † violent or insolent in speech ...c1475
SPEECH - adverbs
• FEATOUSLY † of speech: elegantly, with correctness and propriety ...c1386
• LARGE † of speech and writing: at length, fully ...1501
SPEECH - nouns
• ACYROLOGICAL †* an improper speech ...1626
• FANDANGLE nonsense, excessively ornate speech ...1880 colloq.
• GABBERMENT rapid or inarticulate speech or reading ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GAG oratory, speechifying ...L19 sl.
• GALE † speech, talk ...a1300
• GRAVILOQUENCE † a speaking gravely; a grave or weighty speech ...1656
• IDIOTISM † the speech, language, or dialect peculiar to a country, age, etc. ...1588
• JAW cheeky or impudent talk; also, a talk, a speech, a lecture, an address ...1748
• JAWING-TACKLE the organs of speech ...1859 sl.
• JAW-TACKLE the organs of speech ...Bk1896 sl.
• JERK a short sharp witty speech; a sally ...1588
• JIBS language; speech ...Bk1896 cant
• KOMPOLOGY * boasting or vaunting speech ...1854
• LAMGAMMACHY a long, incoherent speech; a long, rambling description; much foolish talk ...Bk1902 Sc.
• LEDEN † the speech or utterance of a person or class of persons; form of speech; way of speaking ...c1320
• LEED † the speech of a person or class of persons, talk, utterance; manner of speaking or writing ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc.
• MAG-PIE speech, conversation ...L19 sl.
• MAR † a hindrance, obstruction; an impediment in speech ...a1300
• MOROLOGY † a silly speech, foolish talking; folly, nonsense ...1596
• OFF-COME an excuse, pretense, evasion; an apology; a strange speech ...a1700 Sc.
• PALABRA a word; speech, talk, palaver ...1594
• PARCILOQUY †* a sparing or niggardly speech or discourse; a speaking little; moderation in words ...1656
• PARLANCE speech, discussion ...1969 Amer. dial.
• QUETHE †* speech; address; sound; cry; clamour ...a1300
• QUIAMS AND QUAVERS affected speech and gesture ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUICKNESS † sharpness of speech ...1611
• QUIDE † a saying, speech, statement ...c888
• RABBLE confused, careless speech; rapid and incoherent reading or talking; gabble ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• RABBLEMENT confused, random talk; an idle, purposeless speech; chatter ...Bk19C Sc. & N. dial.
• RAP 1. speech or conversation, esp. the spontaneous wise-cracking repartee of street life ...1920s sl.
2. a set speech, as that used by a street salesman ...1980s sl.
• RAT-RHYME anything repeated by rote; a long speech or rigmarole; nonsense ...1650 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REEMLE-RAMMLE a great noise; noisy, rollicking conduct; a noisy, rambling speech or tale ...Bk1904 Sc.
• RIBBLE careless, indistinct speech or reading ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SAY a speech; a remark, a thing to say; conversation, discussion ...1844 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• SERMOCINATION † talk, conversation; a discourse, sermon; speech-making ...1514
• STEM-WINDER a vigorous, rabble-rousing speech ...1973 US sl.
• TALE †* speech, language ...c1250
• TARDILOQUY †* slow speech, a slow speaking ...1623
• TOLUTILOQUENCE †* a talking 'at a trot'; speech that moves briskly along; voluble discourse ...1656
• VARDAS speech, talk ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• YABBER speech, language, talk, chatter, a conversation; applied to the speech of the Australian aborigines ...1855 Aust.
• YED † a song, a poem, a speech, a tale, a riddle ...c1205
• YEDDING † a song; a speech, a discourse; romance in verse ...c950
SPEECH - nouns, person
• STEM-WINDER an energetic or lively person; someone who makes vigorous rabble-rousing speeches ...1892 US sl.
SPEECH - verbs
• LARD to intersperse or garnish speech or writing with particular words, expression, ideas, etc. ...1549
• LAY † to lose the faculty of speech ...c1350 N. Eng. dial.
• SERMOCINATE * to talk; to hold a discourse; to make speeches ...1623
• SPEECHIFY to make a pompous speech, or talk as if one were doing this ...1723 sl.
• TAKE THE STUMP to travel the country for the purpose of making partisan or personal speeches from stumps or other improvised platforms ...Bk1904 sl.
SPEECHLESS - adjectives
• GOBSMACKED astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement
• GOBSTRUCK astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement
• HAMMERED UP at a loss for words ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPEED, SPEEDING, SPEEDY - adjectives
• CRACKING of speed, etc.: very fast; very good ...colloq.
• DING-DANG fast, speedy ...1897 Eng. dial.
• DING-DONG fast, speedy ...1897 Eng. dial.
• FANGS-OUT all-out; at full speed ...1983 military aviation usage
• HASTIF † speedy, swift ...1382
• HASTING that makes haste, speeding ...1632
• HASTIVE † speedy, swift ...1382
• HASTY speedy, quick, expeditious; swift, rapid; sudden ...c1340 arch.
• HIEFUL † speedy, hasty, hurried, quick, prompt ...a1225
• OFF LIKE A BRIDE'S NIGHTIE leaving or acting extremely fast, very speedily ...1950s Aust. sl.
• OFF LIKE A PROM DRESS leaving or acting extremely fast, very speedily ...1950s US college sl.
• PACEY fast, speedy ...1906 UK sl.
• PACY fast, speedy ...1906 UK sl.
• RAD † quick, hasty, speedy; active, prompt, ready, dexterous; eager, elated ...a700 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RAIKIN speedy, vigorous ...1786 Sc.
• RAKING fast-going, quick, speedy; energetic, accomplishing much ...1862
• RAMBLING fast, speedy ...1920s US tramps' sl.
• RANK having great speed or force; swift; impetuous; violent ...a1225
• RATHE quick in action, speedy, prompt; eager, earnest, vehement ...c900 Eng. dial. & poetic
• SUDDEN † performed or taking place without delay; speedy; prompt, immediate ...a1375 obs. exc. of death
• VELOCIOUS * rapid, speedy, fast ...1680
• WIKIWIKI quick, fast, speedy ...1967 Hawaii
• ZIPPY fast, speedy ...1920s sl.
SPEED - nouns
• BRUSH a rapid run or race; a contest in speed ...1860 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• CLIP speed ...colloq.
• DILT speed ...1819 Eng. dial.
• FLIER anyone or anything that moves with great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FULL BALLS full speed, full throttle ...1964 US military sl.
• HURRY-UP a hurry, speed ...1962 UK sl.
• LICK a quick pace or clip; speed ...colloq.
• MOVIES police radar recordings of vehicle speed ...1977 US sl.
• NAVITY †* diligence, stirring, quickness, speed ...1623
• NEEDLE-SPEED the utmost speed ...1774 Sc.
• QUICKIE anything performed in a speedy, perfunctory manner ...1930s sl.
• RAIK speed, pace, rate ...1768 Sc.
• RAKE a run, rush; speed, a swift pace ...c1460 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. rare
• RANDOM † impetuosity, great speed, force, or violence in riding, running, striking, etc. ...c1305
• RAPE † haste, speed, hurry ...a1300
• RATTLE a quick pace; speed; impetus; a dash ...1878 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REDD energy, speed, ability to work ...1892 Sc.
• RID speed, progress, dispatch ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• TANTIVY quick speed; great haste ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TANTWIVVY quick speed; great haste ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAP a rate of speed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPEED - verbs
• BESTIR ONE'S STUMPS to bestir oneself, to increase one's speed ...1633 sl.
• BE UNDER FULL STEAM to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BURN THE EARTH to go at full speed ...1903 US
• BURN THE EARTH LIKE A CANNED DOG to go at full speed ...1903 US
• BURN THE WIND to go at full speed ...1910 US
• DILT to speed, to hurry ...1819 Eng. dial.
• GIVE THE GUN to increase speed ...sl.
• GO AT FULL BAT to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO AT FULL BLAST to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO AT FULL BUTT to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO LIKE NEED-FIRE to go with great speed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• GO WIDE to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO WIDE OPEN to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• HELL-BOOT IT to go at top speed ...1918 Amer. sl.
• LACE to walk or go rapidly; to go along at great speed ...1936 Amer. dial.
• RAIK to move with speed, to cover the ground quickly ...1710 Sc.
• RAP † to move with speed; to hasten, to rush ...a1300
• RAPE † to betake oneself in haste or with speed ...c1250
• RUN WIDE to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• RUN WIDE OPEN to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• STIR ONE'S STUMPS to walk fast; to dance briskly; to act quickly; to bestir oneself, to increase one's speed ...c1460
SPEED BUMP - nouns
• SLEEPING POLICEMAN a speed bump ...UK sl.
SPEEDILY - adverbs
• ASTOOR speedily, shortly, very quickly ...1863 Eng. dial.
• ASTORE speedily, shortly, very quickly ...1863 Eng. dial.
• AT FULL BELT at full speed ...1960s sl.
• AT FULL THROTTLE at maximum speed
• BELIE speedily; soon ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BELIVE † speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BETIMES in a short time, soon, speedily, anon, forthwith ...c1400
• BILIVE † speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BLIVE † speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• DING-DANG in rapid succession; speedily, pell-mell; in earnest, with a will ...1742 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DING-DONG in rapid succession; speedily, pell-mell; in earnest, with a will ...1742 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DING-DRIVE in rapid succession, speedily ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DING-DUST speedily, quickly ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FLATSTICK with great speed or effort ...S. Afr. sl.
• FULL CHISEL at top speed ...1826 Amer. sl.
• FULL NAIL at full speed ...1927 Sc.
• HASTIFLY † hastily, quickly, speedily ...a1327
• HASTIVELY † hastily, quickly, speedily ...a1327
• HASTYFULLY † corrupt form of 'hastively'; hastily, quickly, speedily ...c1500
• HELITYWHOOP at full speed, in great haste ...1895 Amer. dial.
• HELL-BENT FOR BREAKFAST very fast, at top speed ...1930 Amer. dial.
• HELL-BENT FOR LEATHER very fast, at top speed, in great haste ...1919 Amer. dial.
• HELLETY-SPLIT at full speed, in great haste ...1867 Amer. dial.
• HELL-FOR-LEATHER very fast, at top speed, in great haste ...1939 Amer. dial.
• HELLITY-HOOP at full speed, in great haste ...1959 Amer. dial.
• HELLITY-LARRUP at full speed, in great haste ...1940 Amer. dial.
• HELLITY-SPLIT at full speed, in great haste ...1935 Amer. dial.
• HELL-THRASHING RATS very fast, at top speed, in great haste ...1989 Amer. dial.
• IN FULL CAREER at full speed ...1626
• LICKETY-BRINDLE with great speed or vigour ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LICKETY-CLIP with great speed or vigour ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LICKETY-SPLIT at great speed; rapidly ...1835 Amer.
• LIKE BLUE MURDER at a terrific pace; at top speed ...1914 sl.
• LIKE BUSTER'S GANG with great excitement and speed ...1941 US jocular
• RIDDILY with dispatch ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SUDDENLY † at an early date, early; soon, speedily; shortly (after) ...c1500
• TAPPY-LAPPY as fast as possible; at top speed; anyhow; generally used of running ...1864 Eng. dial.
• TITELY † quickly, speedily, smartly; soon ...a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TITLY † quickly, speedily, smartly; soon ...a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• WHOOPITY SCOOT rapidly, speedily, recklessly fast, vigorously ...1923 Amer. dial.
SPEEDING - nouns
• HASTING making haste, speeding ...a1350
SPELL (curse) - adjectives
• MALEFICIATE † bewitched; spec., rendered impotent by spells ...a1613
SPELL (curse/magic) - nouns
• ARSE-VERSE † a spell written on the side of a house to ward off fire or witchcraft ...1888 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BADMOUTH a curse, a spell ...1960s sl., orig. US Black & W. Indies
• BLACK HAND a witchcraft spell, a charm ...1928 Amer. dial.
• CAMPROL a gypsy spell ...1925 Sc.
• CANTRAP a mischievous trick; a magic spell ...1830 Amer. dial.
• CANTRIP a spell or charm of necromancy or witchcraft; a witch's trick or mischievous device ...1719
• FASCINATION † 1. the casting of a spell; sorcery, enchantment, an instance of this, a spell, an incantation ...1605
† 2. FASCINATION the state of being under a spell ...1651
• GOOFER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GOOFFER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GOOPHER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GOPHER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GUFFER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• HACK an evil spell; a curse ...1962 Amer. dial.
• HEEBIE a spell or hex ...1969 Amer. dial.
• KAHUNA a spell or curse ...1938 Hawaii
• MOJO a charm, amulet, or spell; magic ...1926 Amer. dial., orig. chiefly Black usage
• MOOJOO a charm, amulet, or spell; magic ...1938 Amer. dial., orig. chiefly Black usage
• TRICK a spell or act of conjuration; an object used in such an act ...1893 Amer. dial.
• VAAM a spell, a hypnotic influence ...1879 Sc.
• WANG in the practice of voodoo: a magical charm or spell ...1851 Amer. dial.
• WANGA in the practice of voodoo: a magical charm or spell ...1851 Amer. dial.
• WONGAH in the practice of voodoo: a magical charm or spell ...1851 Amer. dial.
SPELL (curse) - verbs
• BADMOUTH to speak ill of someone; to slander; to curse, to put a spell on ...1941 Amer. dial.
• FASCINATE † to cast a spell over a person, animal, etc., by a look; said esp. of serpents ...1641
• HAG to cast spells; to cast a spell on, to bring misfortune to ...1938 Amer. dial.
• HEAVE A PROJECT to cast a spell ...1908 Amer. dial.
• KAHUNA to practice sorcery; to cast a spell ...1938 Hawaii
• MALEFICIATE † to bewitch; to affect with enchantments; to render impotent by spells; to do evil to; to hurt; to harm ...1621
• PUT THE BAD MOUTH ON to put a curse or spell on ...1853 Amer. dial., chiefly Black usage
• TRICK to cast a spell on, to bewitch ...1829 Amer. dial.
• VAAM to bewitch, to cast a spell on ...1904 Sc.
• WITCHCRAFT to cast a spell on; to work magic ...1898 Amer. dial.
SPELL - verbs
• ORTHOGRAPHIZE * to spell a word correctly or according to usage; to correct in regard to spelling ...1611
• UGLYOGRAPHIZE to spell uncouthly; to write in an uncouth manner ...1834
SPELLER - nouns, person
• CACOGRAPHER a bad writer or speller ...1880
SPELLING - adjectives
• CACOGRAPHIC pert. to bad writing or incorrect spelling ...1838
• CACOGRAPHICAL pert. to bad writing or incorrect spelling ...1838
SPELLING - nouns
• CACOGRAPHY incorrect spelling; a bad system of spelling, such as that of current English ...1580
• UGLYOGRAPHY bad handwriting; uncouth spelling ...1804
SPEND, SPENDING - nouns
• ASPENDICITIS a notional medical condition of a symptomatic need to spend money ...1961 US sl.
• FLANDERS RECKONING spending money in a place that has no links to the place where one received the money ...E17 sl.
• POPPING spending money recklessly and enthusiastically ...1940s US Black sl.
SPEND - nouns, person
• BUTTER-AND-EGG MAN a man who is a farmer or small-town businessman and who spends money extravagantly; used derisively ...1924 Amer. sl.
• HIGH ROLLER a person who spends money extravagantly or gambles recklessly ...sl., chiefly US & Can.
SPEND - verbs
• AXE to lessen expenditure ...1923 Eng. sl.
• BADDLE to spend profligately ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRL to spend money freely in drink or gaming ...1776 Sc.
• BIRL THE BAWBEE to make the money fly, to gamble or spend in drink ...1776 Sc.
• BLOW to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1874 sl.
• BLOW IN to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1886 sl., chiefly US
• BLOW ONESELF to spend money freely ...1896 Amer. dial.
• BLUE to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1846 sl.
• BREAK to begin spending ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BURST to spend money extravagantly ...1892 sl.
• DEBAUCH † to dissipate, to spend prodigally, to squander ...1632
• DEBOISE † to spend prodigally, to squander ...1632
• DO IN to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1889 sl., chiefly Aust. & NZ
• DO ONE'S CASH to spend all one's available funds ...20C Aust. sl.
• DO ONE'S DOUGH to lose one's money; to spend up ...1910s sl., orig. Aust.
• DROP to spend or lose money; to give a tip ...L19 sl.
• DROP SOME IRON to spend some money ...20C teen & high school sl.
• DWINDLE OUT to spend ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• FLASH THE DIBS to show or spend one's money ...Bk1893 sl.
• GALTEE to spend ...L19 UK tramps' sl.
• HANG IT ON ONE'S BACK of a woman: to spend too much on clothes, or to overdress ...1968 Amer. dial.
• HAVE MONEY TO BURN to be rich, to have plenty to spend ...20C sl.
• IMPEND † to pay to someone; to spend, to expend; to apply money; to bestow ...c1486
• KNOCK DOWN to spend all one's money on a spree, drinking bout, or celebration ...1845 Aust. & NZ sl.
• LASH OUT to spend money recklessly; to squander; to be extravagant in spending ...1513 Brit. colloq.
• LAY FORTH † to spend, to expend ...1584
• MAFFLE to spend recklessly; to squander, to waste in trifles ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAGGOT to waste money; to spend foolishly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAKE AWAY WITH to spend too freely; to squander ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MELT of money: to spend in drink ...1843 Sc.
• SAVE ONE'S POCKET to avoid spending one's money ...1883
• SCARE to spend, to consume ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SHOOT ONE'S WAD to spend all one's money ...1950s US Black sl.
• SKITTLE DOWN to spend or lose money prodigally; to squander ...1883
• SPLASH to spend money extravagantly ...1910s sl.
• SPLASH OUT to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1934 sl.
• SPLASH OUT ON to spend money unrestrainedly ...1930s sl.
• SPLURGE to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1934 sl., orig. US
• SPORT to spend money freely or extravagantly ...M19 sl.
• TAP † to 'turn on the tap' of gifts; to open the purse or pocket; to spend or 'bleed' freely, to incur expense ...1712
• VENT † to spend, to get rid of a fortune ...1610
• WALK INTO to spend money freely ...M19 sl.
• WARE † to spend, to lay out money or goods ...a1417 exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
SPENDING - adjectives
• IMPENDIOUS †* lavish, extravagant, over-liberal; spending more than is needed ...1623
• NIGGER RICH (derogatory) foolishly or vulgarly extravagant; spending money immediately ...1930 Amer. dial.
• SUMPTUOUS † of persons, etc.: spending largely, squandering, prodigal; hence, magnificent in equipment or way of living; extremely splendid ...1538
SPENDING - nouns
• IMPENDIOUSNESS †* liberality, extravagant spending ...1727
• WARING † spending, investing of money ...c1375 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
SPENDTHRIFT - adjectives
• RATTLE-BAG wild, spendthrift, harum-scarum ...1886 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-BRAIN wild, spendthrift, harum-scarum ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• SLIDDERY squandering, spendthrift ...1892 Sc.
SPENDTHRIFT - nouns, person
• DANGWALLET a spendthrift ...1679 Eng. dial.
• DECOCTOR †* one who wastes or squanders; a ruined spendthrift ...1615
• DINGTHRIFT † one who 'dings' or drives away thrift, i.e. prudence and economy; a spendthrift, a prodigal ...1567
• EAT THE PACK, AN a spendthrift ...Bk1905 Sc.
• FORK a spendthrift, a wastrel ...L17 sl.
• LAND-WASTER a prodigal; a spendthrift ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LETTER-GO one who 'lets go'; a spendthrift; a squanderer ...a1637
• LICKPENNY † one who 'licks up' the pennies; a greedy, covetous person; a miser; a spendthrift; an extortioner ...a1400
• MONEY-CUFFEE a foolish spendthrift ...L19 W. Indies sl.
• NEVE †* a spendthrift, a squanderer ...c1440
• RABBIT-SUCKER a young spendthrift 'taking up goods upon tick (credit) at excessive rates' ...17C cant
• RACKLE a spendthrift ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• RAMMACK a dissolute spendthrift; a false-hearted fellow; a backbiter; a double-dealer ...19C Sc.
• RANNACK a dissolute spendthrift, a rake ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-BRAIN. a confused, silly, or stupid person; a wild, harum-scarum person; a spendthrift ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• SCATTER-BRASS a spendthrift ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCATTER-CASH a spendthrift ...1898 Sc.
• SCATTER-GOOD † a spendthrift ...1819 Sc.
• SPILL-GOOD † a spendthrift ...1626
SPICE - adjectives
• HIGH-SEASONED enriched with spices or other seasoning ...1675
SPICE - nouns
• GARBLE † refuse of spices; extraneous matter ...1502
SPIDER - nouns
• AERONAUT a gossamer spider which floats on films ...1845
• ALLY-LONG-LEGS the 'daddy-long-legs' or crane-fly ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARAIN a spider; a cobweb ...1691 Eng. dial.
• ARANEOLOGY the study of spiders ...1884
• ATTERCOB a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• ATTERCOP a spider ...c1000 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• DADDY a daddy-longlegs ...1899 Amer. dial.
• DADDY BUG a daddy-longlegs ...1859 Amer. dial.
• EARTH-SPIDER the tarantula ...1883
• EDDER-COP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• EDDERCROP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• EDDICOP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• EDDICROP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• EDDYCROP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• ETTERCAP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Sc.
• ETTERCROP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• FATHER LONGLEGS a daddy longlegs ...1792
• HARRY-LONG-LEGS the crane-fly or daddy-long-legs ...1781
• HATTER-CROPPER a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• HEDIKROP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• JAYHAWKER a tarantula ...Bk1942 Amer. Western sl.
• JENNY-LONG-LEGS a daddy-long-legs ...Bk1901 Sc.
• JENNY-SPINNER the crane-fly or daddy-longlegs ...1817
• LEATHERJACK a daddy longlegs ...1911 Amer. dial.
• LEATHER-JACKET a daddy longlegs ...1905 Amer. dial.
• LONG-LEGGED SPIDER a daddy-longlegs ...1967 Amer. dial.
• LONGLEGS a daddy-longlegs ...1911 Amer. dial.
• MERRY WIDOW the black widow spider ...1965 Amer. dial.
• MICHAELMAS GNAT the daddy-longlegs ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MONEY-SPINNER a spider; if you don't hurt or kill them, they'll bring good luck ...1884 Amer. dial.
• NAPLES SPIDER the tarantula ...1840
• NET a spider's web ...c1000
• NETHER-CROP a spider ...1896 N. Eng. dial.
• NETTERCAP a spider ...1896 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SANTAPEE a scorpion ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SCARAPIN a scorpion ...1915 Amer. dial.
• SCORRIPIN a scorpion ...1909 Amer. dial.
• SCRONCHER a scorpion ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SHEPHERD SPIDER a daddy longlegs ...1858 Amer. dial.
• SIT BESIDE 'ER a spider ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• SPINCOP † a spider ...1474
• TAILOR a daddy-long-legs ...1840
• TAILOR-TARTAN a daddy-long-legs or crane-fly ...1896 Eng. dial.
• TAKER † the nippers or claws of a scorpion, etc. ...1608
• TARENTINE SPIDER † the tarantula ...1668
• TEXAS STRONGBACK a scorpion ...1984 Amer. dial.
• THUMMEL-SPIDER a large spider ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TOMMY-LONG-LEGS the daddy-longlegs ...1863
• TRANTLER a tarantula ...1923 Amer. dial.
• VAMPIRE * the tarantula spider ...1843
• VIOLIN SPIDER a recluse spider ...1963 Amer. dial.
• WABSTER a spider ...1788 Sc.
SPIDER - nouns, person
• ARANEOLOGIST one versed in the study of spiders ...1875
SPIDER WEB - see COBWEB
SPIGOT - nouns
• BUTTLE a tap, a spigot ...1970 Amer. dial.
SPILL - verbs
• BESLOBBER to eat in a slovenly manner; to render wet or dirty by spilling food on the clothes ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BLOB to spill ...1912 Amer. dial.
• GERBIL to spill ...20C teen & high school sl.
• JAB to spill ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• JABBLE to spill; to bespatter, to wet, to bedew ...Bk1902 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• JAIL to crack; to spill ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• JUTTLE to shake liquids; to spill over by shaking ...1824 Sc.
• SCALE to spill, to upset; to overflow ...1641 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SCAW to scatter, to spill ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCEDE to spill ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCOAD to scatter; to pour, to spill; to throw up earth, as moles ...1777 Eng. dial.
• SCOOTLE † to spill anything while carrying it ...1824 Sc.
• SKAIL to pour out; to shed; to spill, to upset; to overflow ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SKAW to scatter, to spill ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SKEDADDLE to spill milk, etc. ...1862 Eng. dial.
• TED to scatter, to spread abroad; to spill ...1813 Sc.
SPILLING - nouns
• EFFUSION a pouring out, a spilling of liquid ...c1400
SPIN - verbs
• BIRL to revolve with a whirring sound; to twirl round; to spin ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TIRL to turn; to cause to rotate or revolve; to twirl, to spin; to turn over and over; to move by rolling ...1543 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
SPINACH - nouns
• ALFALFA dried spinach or other dehydrated vegetables ...1920s sl.
• WOOLWICH AND GREENWICH spinach ...Brit. rhyming sl.
SPINE - nouns
• BACK-BONE-LINKS † the spine ...1785 Sc.
• BACKSPRENT the backbone, the spine ...1820 Sc.
• KECK a twist to one side; a sprain; an injury to the spine causing deformity ...Bk1901 Eng. dial.
• RACK † a segment of the backbone ...1615
• RACK-BONE † a vertebra ...1615
• RIDGE-BONE † the spine or backbone ...a1000 rare or obs.
SPINELESS - nouns, person
• WAFFLE a feeble, silly, spineless person ...1887 Sc.
SPINNING - adjectives
• LANIFIC * busied in spinning wool ...1806
• LANIPENDIOUS †* engaged in weighing or spinning wool ...1656
SPINNING - nouns
• LANIFICE †* a spinning or weaving of wool ...1626
SPINNING TOP - nouns
• DALLY a teetotum (spinning top)...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• JENNY-SPINNER a child's teetotum ...1824
• SCOPPERIL a spinning-top; a teetotum, esp. one made with a disc of a button ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SKOPPERDIDDLE a spinning-top; a teetotum, esp. one made with a disc of a button ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
SPINSTER - nouns
• SINGLEHOOD the state of being single or unmarried; spinsterhood ...1840
SPINSTER - nouns, person (also see OLD MAID)
• BACHELOR-WOMAN a spinster ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CANDLE-BASHER a spinster; a female masturbator ...E20 Brit. sl.
• MAN-HUNTERS women, esp. spinsters and widows ...L19 Brit. jocular
• QUAIL an old maid; a spinster ...M19 US tramps' sl.
• SINGLE WOMAN a spinster ...c1449
SPIRAL - adjectives
• QUISTED twisted, spiral ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPIRAL - nouns
• RUNDLE † a coil, curve, spiral ...1565
SPIRIT (soul) - adjectives (also see EVIL SPIRIT)
• CALODEMONIAL † pert. to beautiful or good spirits ...1522 nonce word
• EERIE apprehensive, frightened, in dread of spirits ...1796 Sc. & Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - adjectives (also see SPIRITED)
• ABOVE PAR in excellent health or spirits ...1937 UK sl.
• ALL OAK AND IRON BOUND feeling in the best of health and spirits ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BOBBISH in good health and spirits; well ...1813 sl. & Eng. dial.
• CADDY hale, hearty, in good health and spirits; convalescent ...1790 Eng. dial.
• CADGIE in good spirits, gay, cheerful, sportive, wanton ...1725 Sc.
• CADGY cheerful, merry; glad; friendly and hospitable; in good spirits; lively, excited, spry ...1725 Sc. & N. Eng. & Amer. dial.
• CAGEY in good spirits, gay, cheerful, sportive, wanton ...1725 Sc.
• CAGIE in good spirits, gay, cheerful, sportive, wanton ...1725 Sc.
• CAMP in good spirits ...1830 Sc.
• COBBY stout, hearty, brisk, lively, pert, saucy, in good spirits, merry, cheerful, well in health ...1691 Eng. dial.
• FAT AND FINE in good health and spirits ...1968 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND FUNKY in good health and spirits ...1967 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND RAGGED in good health and spirits ...1893 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND SASSY in good health and spirits ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND SAUCY in good health and spirits ...1843 Amer. dial.
• FAT, RAGGED, AND SASSY in good health and spirits ...1857 Amer. dial.
• FINE AS A FIDDLE very fine; in excellent health or spirits ...1836 Amer. dial.
• FULL OF THE OLD NICK feeling in the best of health and spirits ...1965 Amer. dial.
• GAILY of a person: well, in good health or spirits ...1903 Amer. dial.
• GALLIARD lively, brisk, gay, full of high spirits ...c1386 arch.
• HALE-HEARTED with unbroken spirit, undaunted, unmoved, unaffected ...1875 Sc.
• HANTY wanton, unruly; full of spirit, mettlesome; excited, frisky (generally used of horses) ...1721 Eng. dial.
• HAUNTY full of spirit, mettlesome; excited, frisky (generally used of horses) ...1721 Eng. dial.
• HIGH-STOMACHED † haughty, disdainful, proud, obstinate, of high courage or spirit ...1548 obs. or arch.
• HINGUM-TRINGUM in low spirits ...B1900 Sc.
• HODDY in good condition, physically or mentally; healthy; in good humour or spirits; pleasant, cheerful ...1664 Eng. dial.
• IMPIDENT in good spirits ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• IN FULL FEATHER in good condition, in fine fettle, in high spirits ...1855 Amer. dial.
• IN HIGH FEATHER in good condition, in fine fettle, in high spirits ...1865 Amer. dial.
• IN HIGH LEG in high spirits, exalted ...1808
• IN RARE BLOW in good health or spirits ...1896 Eng. dial.
• JAM UP feeling in the best of health and spirits ...1966 Amer. dial.
• KEDGE brisk, lively; in good spirits ...c1440 Eng. dial.
• KINKY in high spirits ...Bk1913 Amer. dial.
• MALEDDY in high spirits, boisterous, elated ...1923 Sc.
• ON THE HIGH ROPES elated, in high spirits ...a1700
• QUERTY † lively, vivacious, active, in good spirits; full of fun or mischief ...1790 Sc.
• QUIRTY † lively, vivacious, active, in good spirits; full of fun or mischief ...1790 Sc.
• RAH-RAH characterized by excessive spirit and enthusiasm ...1914 US sl.
• RAMP wild, bold, wanton, unrestrained, rompish; full of rude health and spirits ...1713 Sc.
• REVOYLT wild; frisky; in very high spirits ...Bk1904 Sc.
• RIP-ROARING vigorous, boisterous, full of spirit; wildly noisy ...1834 colloq., orig. US
• RIP-SNORTING vigorous, boisterous, full of spirit; wildly noisy ...1846 colloq., orig. US
• UP ON ONE'S BEAN-WATER feeling very lively, strong, frisky; to be in high spirits ...1917 Amer. dial.
• UP ON TOP OF THE FENCE in the best of health and spirits ...1970 Amer. dial.
• VADY proud, vain, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• VOUDIE adj. proud, vain, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• WADDIE proud, vain, forward, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, cheerful, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• WADY proud, vain, forward, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, cheerful, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• YEPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
• YIPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - adverbs
• GAILY in good health and spirits; very well; satisfactorily, prosperously ...1778 Sc. & Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - nouns
• AFRICKY fighting spirit; temper ...1838 Amer. dial.
• BALLS virile courage; virility; guts; strength of character; energy, spirit ...a1890 US sl.
• BLUE DEVILS. melancholy, depression, low spirits, the blues ...1810 Amer. dial.
• BLUES, THE depression of spirits, despondency ...1807 colloq.
• BRAIN spirit, mettle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRIO liveliness, vivacity, spirit ...Ital.
• CAMEL'S COMPLAINT low spirits; the 'hump' ...Bk1891 sl.
• DANDER temper, anger, spirit, mettle ...1831
• DAUBER spirit; enthusiasm ...1915 US sl.
• DOBBER spirit, morale; enthusiasm ...1910s US sl.
• FANTODS a feeling of excitement, of high spirits ...1942 Amer. dial.
• GIZZARD courage, spirit, life ...1892 Amer. dial.
• GUTSINESS courage, energy, spirit ...c1890
• HAYDIGEES high spirits; merriment, roistering ...1829 Eng. dial.
• HEYDAY * a state of high spirits or passion ...L16
• HIGH-DEGREES high spirits; merriment, roistering ...1829 Eng. dial.
• HIGHDIGEES high spirits; merriment, roistering ...1829 Eng. dial.
• JAZZ spirit, vigour, energy; excitement ...1913 Amer. sl.
• KELTER good condition; good health or spirits ...1643
• KILTER good condition; good health or spirits ...1643
• LAG a humour, mood, temper; a state of excitement or high spirits ...1899 Sc.
• LEVITY † lightness of spirit; freedom from care ...1630 nonce use
• OATS spirit ...1831 Amer. sl.
• ODOCITY ability, gumption; spirit, energy ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• OLD BAKER a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• RAMAGE †* wildness, high spirit, courage ...1456
• RAMAGENESS † high spirit, liveliness, vigour ...1686 obs.
• SAUCE spirit, courage ...1997 US sl.
• SAVOUR wit, spirit, pluck ...Bk1904 Sc.
• TABASCO spirit ...1920s sl.
• TEETH † temper, disposition; spirit, mettle ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TETH † temper, disposition; spirit, mettle ...Bk1905 Sc.
SPIRIT (supernatural) - nouns
• BOO-HAG a witch, the dead spirit of a dead person, sometimes supposed to cause nightmares ...1938 Amer. dial.
• FETCH a spirit that foretells early death, a 'token' ...1930 Amer. dial.
• HAUNT a ghost or spirit ...1869 Amer. dial.
• KELPIE the Lowland Scottish name of a fabled water-spirit or demon assuming various shapes, but usually appearing in that of a horse; it is reputed to haunt lakes and rivers, and to take delight in, or even to bring about, the drowning of travellers and others ...1747 Sc.
• KELPY the Lowland Scottish name of a fabled water-spirit or demon assuming various shapes, but usually appearing in that of a horse; it is reputed to haunt lakes and rivers, and to take delight in, or even to bring about, the drowning of travellers and others ...1747 Sc.
• MIZZEN a spirit, an imp ...1901 Amer. dial.
• NELLY LONG ARMS a 'boggart'; a spirit supposed to inhabit wells, and children were told that Nelly Long Arms would pull them in if they went too near ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• OLD DELPH WILL a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• OLD GOGGIE a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1889 Eng. dial.
• OLD HOB a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• OLD JENNY GREENTEETH a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1870 Eng. dial.
• OLD LOB a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1870 Eng. dial.
• OLD MOSS a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• OLD PACK a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• SKOOKUM a ghost, a demon, a spirit ...1900 Amer. dial.
• TOMMYKNOCKER a ghost or spirit said to live in mines; the noise made by such a spirit ...1910 Amer. dial.
• WALLIMAN a familiar spirit ...Bk1905 Sc.
• WATER-KELPIE the Lowland Scottish name of a fabled water-spirit or demon assuming various shapes, but usually appearing in that of a horse; it is reputed to haunt lakes and rivers, and to take delight in, or even to bring about, the drowning of travellers and others ...1747 Sc.
SPIRIT - nouns, person
• BLUE HEN'S CHICK a good fighter; a person with spirit or pluck ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLUE HEN'S CHICKEN a good fighter; a person with spirit or pluck ...1799 Amer. dial.
• GALLIARD † a man of courage and spirit ...1532
• HEART a man of courage or spirit ...c1500
• LAD † a man of spirit and vigour ...a1553
• MARY AMBREE a woman of strength and spirit ...1839
SPIRIT (supernatural) - nouns, person
• BARGHEST one who has the power of perceiving the disembodied spirits of living men ...1865 Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - verbs
• BE IN TALL COTTON to be prosperous, to do well, to be in a good situation; to have good luck; to be in good spirits ...1941 Amer. dial.
• BE METTLE TO ONE'S TEETH to be full of spirit ...1887 Sc.
• BE ON ONE'S BEANWATER to feel lively or animated; to be in high spirits ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BINGE to raise the spirits of ...1915 sl.
• BREAK ONE'S GALL † to break the spirit, to cow, to subdue ...c1460
• DROOP to flag in spirit or courage, to lose heart ...ME
• CHOP TALL COTTON to be prosperous, to do well, to be in a good situation; to have good luck; to be in good spirits ...1985 Amer. dial.
• CONK OUT to lose energy and spirits suddenly; to become abruptly exhausted ...1920s Amer. sl.
• FEEL LIKE GOING to feel in good health and spirits ...1954 Amer. dial.
• FEEL ONE'S KEEP to be in good health and spirits; to feel confident, ambitious ...1966 Amer. dial.
• FEEL ONE'S KEEPING to be in good health and spirits; to feel confident, ambitious ...1927 Amer. dial.
• FEEL ONE'S OATS to be high-spirited ...1831 Amer. sl., orig. of horses
• HAVE THE TAIL OVER THE DASHBOARD to be in high spirits ...Bk1942 Amer. West. sl.
• KICK HIGH to feel in good health and spirits ...1986 Amer. dial.
• LIVE IN TALL COTTON to be prosperous, to do well, to be in a good situation; to have good luck; to be in good spirits ...1984 Amer. dial.
• PULL DOWN to depress in health or spirits ...arch.
• RELEVATE † to raise the spirits of a person; to restore to cheerfulness ...1597
• TAKE THE STARCH OUT OF to break the spirit of someone or something, to make weary or less arrogant ...M19 sl.
• UP of mood or spirits: to raise, to pick up, to lift ...M18 sl.
• UP ON ONE'S BEANWATER to feel lively or animated; to be in high spirits ...1917 Amer. dial.
SPIRIT (supernatural) - phrases
• BOUND AND SOT of the spirit of a dead person: prevented by a spell from wandering away from the burial place ...1889 Amer. dial.
SPIRITED - adjectives (also see spirit)
• AMBITIOUS of persons or animals: spirited, vivacious, unruly; vicious; angry; enraged; quick-tempered; hot-tempered ...1853 Amer. dial.
• ANIMOUS †* spirited, courageous, bold ...1620
• BEANY spirited; fresh ...1852 sl.
• BIRKIE lively, smart; spirited in speech and action ...1821 Sc.
• BIRKY sharp in speech; lively, spirited ...1821 Sc.
• BRAINY unmanageable, high-mettled; spirited, lively ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CAPERSOME lively, spirited, sprightly...1852
• FRUNTY free in manner; spirited, implying the idea of forwardness; keen, eager; passionate ...19C Sc.
• GAMEY spirited, plucky; showing fight to the last ...1844
• GAMY spirited, plucky; showing fight to the last ...1844
• GUNG-HO very zealous; totally committed; dedicated; spirited; enthusiastic; wholeheartedly fervid about doing something...1942 US sl., orig. US Marine Corps usage
• GUNGI enthusiastic; spirited, brave ...1961 US sl.
• GUNGY enthusiastic; spirited, brave ...1961 US sl.
• GUTS earthy or spirited ...1962 Amer. sl.
• GUTSBALL courageous, spirited, plucky; robust ...1963 Amer. sl.
• GUTSY courageous, brave, spirited, plucky, robust ...1890 Amer. sl.
• GUTTY courageous, brave, spirited, plucky, robust ...1942 Amer. sl.
• HEARTED † full of heart, spirited, courageous ...1538
• HEARTLY † courageous, spirited ...1340-70
• HEARTSOME † courageous, spirited, bold ...1567
• JOLLY AS A SAND-BOY very happy, high-spirited ...1823
• METTLE spirited; active; capable of enduring fatigue ...1806 Sc.
• ON ONE'S OPODILDOCS spirited; usually said of a horse ...1892 Amer. dial.
• QUICKISH somewhat spirited ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RAMBUSTIOUS spirited, boisterous, lively; unruly, riotous ...1853
• RAMPACIOUS * lively, spirited, boisterous; wild, unruly, outrageous; rampageous ...1837
• RAMPING high-spirited; promiscuous ...M15
• RARE GAM plucky, spirited ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SASSY cheeky, spirited, back-talking ...1833 colloq., orig. & chiefly US
• SKITTISH spirited, active, lively; frolicsome ...a1592
• SPARKY lively; vivacious; spirited
• SPUNKIE lively, spirited ...1786 Sc.
• STOMACHFUL spirited; brave
• TABASCO excited, dramatic, spirited ...1920s sl.
SPIRITED - adverbs
• HEAD UP AND TAIL OVER THE DASHBOARD in a lively, spirited manner ...1912 Amer. dial.
SPIRITED - nouns, person
• BELLONA the Roman goddess of war; a spirited woman of commanding presence ...1605
• HIGH-FLY a lively, spirited person, usually a woman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LADDO a spirited youth, a bit of a lad ...1870 Ireland
• LAD OF WAX a fine spirited fellow; a sharp, clever youth ...1826 Eng. dial.
• RAMP a high-spirited, independent woman, usually synonymous with a prostitute ...M15
• SPUNKIE a spirited, mettlesome, or courageous person; a smart or lively fellow ...1806 Sc.
• THUSKER a person who does anything with great energy and spirit ...1884 Eng. dial.
• WITCH-CAT a mischievous, high-spirited person, esp. a child; a frolicsome girl, a roguish boy ...1844 Amer. dial.
SPIRITED - phrases
• WITH ONE'S HEAD UP AND TAIL OVER THE DASHBOARD in a lively, spirited manner ...1876 Amer. dial.
SPIRITEDLY - adverbs
• SKITTISHLY in a spirited or lively manner ...1598
SPIRITLESS - adjectives
• ALL AMORT dead; lifeless; spiritless; dejected ...L16 arch.
• DAFFISH † spiritless; stupid ...1470-85 obs. exc. N. Eng. dial.
• DEAD-ALIVE dull, inactive, spiritless; stupid ...1591 chiefly US
• DEAD-AND-ALIVE dull, inactive, spiritless, stupid ...a1862 chiefly US
• DEAD-ASS lacking animation, energy, or spirit; lifeless; usually considered vulgar ...1961 Amer. sl.
• DEAD-BUTT lacking animation, energy, or spirit; lifeless; usually considered vulgar ...1958 Amer. sl.
• DEEDLESS helpless, spiritless, inefficient ...1876 Eng. dial.
• DOWF lacking spirit or energy; gloomy ...E16 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FAINT † wanting in courage, spiritless, cowardly ...a1300 obs. or arch.
• FAINT-HEART faint-hearted; timid; spiritless; cowardly ...1590
• FAINTLING † faint-hearted, timid, cowardly, spiritless ...1712
• HALTER BROKE submissive, lacking in spirit ...1910 Amer. dial.
• HEARTLESS destitute of courage, enthusiasm, or energy; spiritless; disheartened, dejected ...c1330
• HILDING cowardly, spiritless, base, menial, mean, wretched ...1581 arch.
• MEACOCK † effeminate, cowardly, timorous, spiritless ...1587
• SAVOURLESS spiritless, listless, indifferent, wanting in wit or pluck ...1804 Sc.
• THAVELESS listless, spiritless, wanting in energy or force; aimless, ineffectual, bootless ...1835 Ireland
• THIEVELESS listless, spiritless, wanting in energy or force; aimless, ineffectual, bootless ...1835 Sc.
• THOWLESS wanting in energy, inactive, weak, spiritless, lazy; useless; insipid ...1785 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• UNABLE TO FIGHT ONE'S WAY OUT OF A PAPERBAG ineffectual; lacking strength; lacking spirit ...Aust. sl.
• UNABLE TO FIGHT ONE'S WAY OUT OF A WET PAPERBAG ineffectual; lacking strength; lacking spirit ...Aust. sl.
• UNLISTING disinclined, spiritless, unwilling ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAFF of persons: feeble in body or mind, weak, exhausted, spiritless, stupid, ineffective ...1822 Sc.
• WAFF-LIKE of persons: feeble in body or mind, weak, exhausted, spiritless, stupid, ineffective ...1822 Sc.
SPIRITLESS - nouns
• DOWFNESS lack of spirit ...E16 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FAINT-HEART † the fact or having a faint heart; want of spirit ...1580
SPIRITLESS - nouns, person
• CALDERA a wretched-looking person; a spiritless person; a coward ...Ireland
• DAKES-HEAD a spiritless, stupid person ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DOWF a spiritless, stupid, or gloomy person ...LME Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• DRUGGLE † a term of contempt or reproach: apparently a heavy, stupid, spiritless or cowardly fellow ...1611
• FAINTLING † one who is faint-hearted, timid, spiritless, or cowardly ...1614
• LEVERET † a spiritless person ...1630
• MEACOCK † a silly effeminate fellow; a spiritless or timorous fellow; a coward, a weakling; a henpecked husband ...1526
• NESCOCK a delicate, spiritless, or timid person ...1775 colloq.
• NESTCOCK † an effeminate man who stays much at home; a man who has never travelled; a delicate, spiritless, or timid person ...1674
• NESTLE-COCK a delicate, spiritless, or timid person ...1662 colloq.
• SIMMY a weakling, one lacking in spirit or vigour ...1968 Amer. dial.
• WRECK a weakling; one without spirit ...c1925 UK public schools' usage
SPIRITLESSLY - adverbs
• DAIVILIE listlessly, spiritlessly ...1788 Sc.
• DAVIELY listlessly, spiritlessly ...1788 Sc.
• FAINTLY † in a spiritless manner, like a coward; timidly ...1297
SPIRITUAL - adjectives
• AERIE spiritual, incorporeal, unsubstantial, visionary ...1586
• AERY spiritual, incorporeal, unsubstantial, visionary ...1586
• THOUGHTSOME †* addicted to thought, thoughtful; having the faculty of thought, mental, spiritual ...1611
SPIRITUAL - verbs
• BE INWARDLY GIVEN to be pious, spiritual ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
SPIT, SPITTING - adjectives
• EXSPUTORY * that is spit out or ejected ...1784
• HAWK-A-MOUTH continually hawking and spitting ...1866 Eng. dial.
• HAWK-A-MOUTHED perpetually hawking and spitting ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• SIALOQUENT † spitting much in one's speech ...1656
• SPUTATIVE †* given to excessive spitting or salivation ...a1639
SPIT, SPITTLE - nouns
• DROOL spittle ...M19 sl., orig. US
• GOLLYER a gob of spittle ...1966 Ireland
• GOOBY a gob of spit or phlegm ...1985 NZ sl.
• HOCKER a gob of phlegm or spit ...1960s US teen sl.
• MEATY spit with a good amount of mucus in it ...c1970s UK playground sl.
• OYSTER a gob of phlegm or spittle ...1785 sl.
• WAD expectorated sputum ...1989 US sl.
SPIT - nouns, person
• HAWCH-A-MOUTH one who hawks and spits ...1746 Eng. dial.
• HAWCH-MOUTH one who hawks and spits ...1746 Eng. dial.
SPIT - verbs
• BESPALL † to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPAWL † to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPETE † to spit upon, to cover or defile with spitting ...a1225
• BESPIT to spit upon ...a1300 arch.
• CONSPUTE †* to spit upon (in contempt); to despise ...1526
• GOB to expectorate, to spit, to cough up ...1872 sl.
• GOLLY to expectorate ...1978 Aust. sl.
• GROYZE to spit ...1891 sl.
• HACK to vomit; to spit up ...M20 US sl.
• HAWK to clear the throat of phlegm; to clear the throat noisily; to spit ...1583
• HAWK UP to expel anything from the throat by the force of the breath; to spit; to cough up and spit phlegm ...Bk1902 Sc.
• HOACH AND HAW to hawk and spit ...1777 Eng. dial.
• HOCKER to hawk up ...1990s sl.
• LET FLY to spit ...20C US sl.
• RAISE to expectorate; to bring up phlegm ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• REAR to bring up phlegm; to expectorate; to vomit ...1790 Eng. dial.
• RID to retch, to vomit; to cough up; to expectorate ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SPUTE † to spit on a person or on something ...1382
• YESK † to belch; to hawk; to cough, to clear the throat, to expectorate ...c1386 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
• YEX † to belch; to hawk; to cough, to clear the throat, to expectorate ...c1386 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
• YOX † to belch; to hawk; to spit ...1827 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
SPITE - nouns
• BAD-MIND malice, spite, animosity ...20C W. Indies sl.
• CANKEREDNESS malice, spite; ill-humour; crabbed temper ...1538
• ENVY-STRIPE spite ...1927 Amer. dial.
• GALL bitterness, spite, malice; a grudge ...1768 Sc.
• NIFF a quarrel, grudge, or spite; also dislike ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• ONDE † strong feeling against a person, 'animus'; spite, ill-will, envy ...c1000
• VENOM malice, spite ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• VENOMY † venomousness, spite, malice ...1548
SPITEFUL - adjectives
• ADDER-TONGUED spiteful, malicious ...1824
• CANKERED malignant, envious; ill-natured, spiteful; ill-tempered, crabbed ...1513
• CANKERLY † malignant, envious; ill-natured, spiteful; ill-tempered,, crabbed ...1580
• CAT-WITTED small-minded, obstinate, and spiteful; silly and conceited; harebrained, whimsical ...1673
• DESPITEOUS spiteful, malevolent, malicious, cruel; passing gradually into the sense: pitiless, merciless ...c1510
• ELVISH irritable, spiteful, mischievous ...1813 Eng. dial.
• HAGGERSNASH spiteful, sharp, tart ...1821 Sc.
• ILL-WILLY bad-tempered, spiteful, grudging, disobliging ...a1500 chiefly Sc.
• MASTERFUL spiteful ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NASTY AS A DEVIL UNKNOBBED, AS dangerously spiteful ...1892 Eng. dial.
• ONDFUL † spiteful, envious ...c1175.
• RANCOROUS having, or partaking of, the nature of rancour; bitter, resentful, spiteful ...1590
• VENOM † venomous; virulent, malignant, spiteful, fierce, malicious, savage ...a1350 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• VENOMOUS spiteful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• VENOMSOME † venomous, spiteful, malicious ...1660 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• VENOMY * venomous, spiteful, malignant, malicious ...c1400
• VITIOUS spiteful, revengeful, bitter, implacable ...1825 Eng. dial.
• VITTERY quick-tempered, spiteful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPITEFUL - nouns, person
• ATTERMITE an ill-tempered, spiteful person ...1864 Eng. dial.
• ATTRAMITE an ill-tempered, spiteful person ...1864 Eng. dial.
• BIZNATCH 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• BIZNITCH 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• CAT a term of contempt for a person; esp. one who scratches like a cat; a spiteful or backbiting woman ...a1225
• CATAWAMPUS a spiteful person ...1843 Amer. dial.
• HAGGERSNASH a spiteful person ...B1900 Sc.
• HELLCAT a mean, spiteful or malicious person, esp. a woman; a reckless, impertinent, bad-tempered, or vexatious person; a troublemaker; a devil-may-care person; one who pesters or annoys ...1899 Amer. dial.
• OLD CAT a malicious or spiteful woman; a mean, cunning woman; a shrewish man ...1915 Amer. dial.
• SCLUM-CAT a spiteful person, one who scratches another ...1877 Eng. dial.
• TABBY a spiteful or ill-natured female gossip or tattler ...1748
• VENIM a spiteful, vicious person or animal; a very objectionable creature ...1898 Sc.
• VENOM a spiteful, vicious person ...1898 Sc.
SPITEFUL - verbs
• CAST ASPARAGUS to cast aspersions, to make damaging or spiteful remarks ...1916 Amer. jocular
• VENNER UP to become angry or spiteful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPITEFULLY - adverbs
• CANKEREDLY spitefully, malignantly; peevishly ...1535
• CANKERLY † spitefully, malignantly, peevishly ...1580
• RANCOROUSLY bitterly, spitefully ...1767
SPITEFULNESS - nouns
• RANCOUR inveterate and bitter ill-feeling, grudge, or animosity; malignant hatred or spitefulness; bitterness ...a1300
SPITTOON - nouns
• GARBOON a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1965 Amer. dial.
• GOBBOON a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1958 Amer. dial.
• GOBOON a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1930s Amer. dial.
• GOBOON CAN a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1965 Amer. dial.
SPLASH, SPLASHING - nouns
• BLASH a splash or dash of liquid, mud, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
• JABBLE a slight agitated movement of water or other liquid; a splashing or dashing in small waves or ripples ...1831 Sc.
• JAUP the splash of water against any surface, or one of the drops or spurts of water which this scatters on adjacent bodies; a spot of water or wet mud splashed upon the clothes from wet or muddy ground, etc. ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• LABBERMENT a splashing; a washing of linen on a small scale ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LAPPER a gentle splash of water ...1925 Sc.
• SCLATCH a heavy fall, esp. into water or mud; a splash, a dashing down, slap, smack or the noise of such ...1808 Sc.
• SLUSH a heavy splashing sound ...L19
• SPLAT the slapping or splashing noise of something that hits a hard surface ...1950s sl.
SPLASH - verbs
• BATTER to splash with mud ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPURT † to splash or spatter, to befoul ...1579
• BESPURTLE to splash or splatter; to befoul ...1618
• BESQUIRT † to befoul by squirting, to splash, to splatter ...1611
• BLASH to splash liquid or mud about by spilling it or treading in it ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DABBLE to wet by splashing, as in running through a puddle or wading about in shallow water, etc. ...1575
• DAGGLE to wet by splashing or sprinkling ...1805
• DEMBLE to dip or plunge in liquid; to splash ...B1900 Sc.
• FLASH † to splash or dash water ...14C
• JABBLE to agitate a liquid so as to cause spilling, to splash ...1824 Sc.
• JAUP to dash and rebound like water with splashing of the vicinity; to splash; to make a light splashing sound ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• JAW to rush in waves; to dash or pour; to splash; to surge ...1513 Sc.
• JAWP to dash and rebound like water with splashing of the vicinity; to splash; to make a light splashing sound ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• LABBER to dabble or splash in water ...1889 Eng. dial.
• LAGGEN to splash in the water; to walk in the water with bare feet ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LAPPER of water: to lap, to splash gently, to ripple ...1893 Sc.
• LOPPER of water: to lap, to splash gently, to ripple ...1893 Sc.
• LOSH † to make the lapping sound caused by a running stream flowing over stones, etc.; to splash in water; of water in a barrel or boat: to roll to and fro ...1629 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SKIRP to splash up on; to bespatter ...1871 Sc.
• SLUSH to splash, squelch, or wade, esp. through muddy water, snow, etc. ...E18 orig. Sc.
SPLASHED - adjectives
• BESMOTTERED †* splashed or spattered as with mud or dirt ...c1386
• BESPRENTED sprinkled, splashed ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
SPLATTER - verbs
• BESPURTLE to splash or splatter; to befoul ...1618
• BESQUIRT † to befoul by squirting, to splash, to splatter ...1611
SPLAY-FOOTED - nouns, person
• DING-DEW a splay-footed person, one who walks with his toes much turned out ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• MARLEY-SLOPPER one who is splay-footed ...M19 sl.
• MARLEY STOPPER one who is splay-footed ...M19 sl.
SPLAY-FOOTED - verbs
• SCLEET to walk so as to wear down the shoes at one side, or as one splay-footed ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SKLEET to walk so as to wear down the shoes at one side, or as one splay-footed ...Bk1904 Sc.
• GAD † a spear ...1548
• GARE † a spear or javelin ...c1000
• HARPOON † a barbed dart or spear ...1625
• HASTILUDE † spear-play; a name for a kind of tilt or tournament ...1586
• JAVELOT † a small spear or javelin thrown with the hand or from a catapult ...1489
SPEAR - nouns, person
• HASTARY †* a spearman ...1589
SPECIAL - adjectives
• EVERYDAY special; worthy of continual attention ...1972 Amer. dial.
• MEGA great, successful, excellent, special ...1969 UK sl.
• STRAVAGANT † extraordinary, unusual, special ...1613
• SUNDERLY † peculiar, special, private ...c888
• SUNDRILY †* separate, individual, special ...a900
SPECIAL - nouns
• EGREGIOUSNESS the quality of being special or extraordinary ...1877
• GOODIE something that is special and good ...1975 US sl.
• RIPPER anything special; anything of particular excellence ...1851 sl.
SPECIALIST - nouns, person
• ARTIST an expert, a specialist ... c1918 sl.
• SPESH a specialist ...1900s sl.
SPECIALIZE - verbs
• SIMMER DOWN ON to concentrate upon, to specialize in; to devote one's entire attention to ...1933 Amer. dial.
SPECIES - nouns
• EDITION † kind, species ...a1625
• VEIN †* a kind or species ...1568
SPECIFY - verbs
• COME DOWN TO CASES to come to the point ...1918 Amer. dial.
SPECIMEN - nouns
• CHANCE a specimen, an example ...1830 Amer. dial.
• SAMPLER † an illustrative or typical instance; a specimen ...a1300
• SCONE anything of a particular kind considered as a specimen ...1721 Sc.
SPECIOUS - adjectives
• FAIR-FARRAND specious, plausible; flattering, superficially attractive ...1789 Sc.
• FAIR-FASHIONED † specious, plausible; flattering, superficially attractive ...1816 Sc.
• SATIABLE † fair-seeming, plausible, specious ...1592
• VARNISHED embellished; speciously tricked out ...1607
SPECK - nouns
• DAUT a dot, a speck, a spot ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FLYSPECK a small spot or speck
• MASCLE † a spot, a speck ...a1300
• TICK a dot of any kind; a small speck or spot; the dot above the letter I, etc. ...Bk1905 Sc.
SPECKED, SPECKLED - adjectives
• BESPECKED spotted or specked over the surface ...1565
• BRACKIT speckled ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BROCK speckled; flecked with white, as a 'brock' face cow ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• HAZZLED of an animal: speckled red and white ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• MEASLED spotted, blotched, marked with pimples; speckled, mottled ...1810 Eng. dial.
• MEEZLED spotted, blotched, marked with pimples; speckled, mottled ...1810 Eng. dial.
• PACKLED speckled ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SKITTERY speckled ...1955
• SPICKETTY speckled, spotted; mottled ...1873 Eng. dial.
SPECTACLE - nouns
• RAREE-SHOW a show or spectacle of any kind ...1684
SPECTACLES - see EYEGLASSES
SPECTACULAR - adjectives
• WALLOPING strikingly large, powerful; spectacular ...1847 Eng. & Amer. dial.
SPECTACULAR - nouns
• LOMBARD something huge and spectacular ...1975 Amer. dial.
• MAIN EVENT a spectacular action ...1970s sl.
SPECTATOR - nouns, person
• TITLARK a spectator; a witness ...1799 sl.
SPECTRE - nouns
• BEHOLDING † the thing beheld; an image, a spectre; a vision ...c1440
• BLOODYBONES a spectre, a hobgoblin ...1970 Amer. dial.
• BODACH a spectre, a hobgoblin ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DOBBIE a household sprite or apparition supposed to haunt certain premises or localities, with powers of either good or evil; a ghost, a spectre ...1781 Eng. dial.
• EIDOLON an unsubstantial image, spectre, phantom ...828
• IDOLUM an image or unsubstantial appearance; a spectre or phantom; a mental image, an idea ...1619
• LARVA † a disembodied spirit; a ghost, a hobgoblin, a spectre ...1651
• MARE † a spectre, a hag ...c1440
• OLD BOGEY the devil; an apparition, a spectre ...1897 Eng. dial.
• OLD RAWHEAD AND BLOODY BONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear ...1934 Amer. dial.
• RAWHEAD AND BLOODY BONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear; a bogey used to frighten children ...1637 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• RAW-HEELS AND BLOODYBONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear ...1966 Amer. dial.
• REDHEAD-BLOODYBONES a spectre, a hobgoblin; a nursery bugbear ...1966 Amer. dial.
• WAITH the spectral appearance of a person just before or after death; a ghost ...1790 Eng. dial.
SPECULATE, SPECULATOR - nouns, person
• PIKER a person who speculates in stocks, esp. with only small sums ...L19 sl.
• PUNTER a gambler, a speculator ...Brit. sl.
SPECULATING - adjectives
• MAGIN wondering, speculating; talking as if at a loss ...1911 Sc.
SPECULATION - adjectives
• LAVISH † extravagant or 'wild' in speculation ...1693
SPECULATION - nouns
• FANTASTICATION fantastic speculation ...1880
• SPEC a commercial speculation or venture; a prospect of future success or gain ...1794 orig. US
SPECULATIVE - adjectives
• AIMSOME ambitious, speculative ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• OPINIONATIVE † of the nature of opinion; fancied, imaginary; conjectural, speculative ...c1555
• THINKATIVE † consisting in mere thinking; speculative ...1662
• UP IN THE AIR doubting, speculative, hypothetical ...20C sl.
SPECULATIVE - verbs
• VENTURE * to be boldly speculative ...1559
SPECULATIVELY - adverbs
• ON SPEC on the off chance; speculatively ...1832 UK sl.
SPECULATOR - nouns, person
• PINHOOKER a small-time speculator in farm products, esp. tobacco; esp. one who buys directly from farmers ...1936 Amer. dial.
SPEECH - adjectives
• FACUNDIOUS † persons: gifted with fluent speech; eloquent, glib; of speech: copious, fluent ...1430
• FLOSCULENT † of speech or a speaker: flowery ...1646
• LARGE † of speech, etc.: free, unrestrained; in bad sense, lax, licentious, improper, gross ...c1374
• LOCUTORY * pert. to speech or speaking ...1828
• LONG of speech: slow ...1912 Amer. dial.
• QUICK † 1. of speech, writings, etc.: lively, full of vigour or acute reasoning; smart, sprightly ...a1225
† 2. of speech or writing: sharp, caustic ...1580
• RACY of speech, writing, etc.: having a characteristic sprightliness, liveliness, or piquancy ...a1667
• SIDELING of speech etc.: indirect ...1789
• SPEECHFUL full of speech or words; talkative, loquacious, speaking ...1842
• TALL OF TONGUE † stout or strong of speech or argument ...1607
• TRUCULENT of speech or writing: rude; scathing; savage; harsh ...1850
• WANTON OF WORD † violent or insolent in speech ...c1475
SPEECH - adverbs
• FEATOUSLY † of speech: elegantly, with correctness and propriety ...c1386
• LARGE † of speech and writing: at length, fully ...1501
SPEECH - nouns
• ACYROLOGICAL †* an improper speech ...1626
• FANDANGLE nonsense, excessively ornate speech ...1880 colloq.
• GABBERMENT rapid or inarticulate speech or reading ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GAG oratory, speechifying ...L19 sl.
• GALE † speech, talk ...a1300
• GRAVILOQUENCE † a speaking gravely; a grave or weighty speech ...1656
• IDIOTISM † the speech, language, or dialect peculiar to a country, age, etc. ...1588
• JAW cheeky or impudent talk; also, a talk, a speech, a lecture, an address ...1748
• JAWING-TACKLE the organs of speech ...1859 sl.
• JAW-TACKLE the organs of speech ...Bk1896 sl.
• JERK a short sharp witty speech; a sally ...1588
• JIBS language; speech ...Bk1896 cant
• KOMPOLOGY * boasting or vaunting speech ...1854
• LAMGAMMACHY a long, incoherent speech; a long, rambling description; much foolish talk ...Bk1902 Sc.
• LEDEN † the speech or utterance of a person or class of persons; form of speech; way of speaking ...c1320
• LEED † the speech of a person or class of persons, talk, utterance; manner of speaking or writing ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc.
• MAG-PIE speech, conversation ...L19 sl.
• MAR † a hindrance, obstruction; an impediment in speech ...a1300
• MOROLOGY † a silly speech, foolish talking; folly, nonsense ...1596
• OFF-COME an excuse, pretense, evasion; an apology; a strange speech ...a1700 Sc.
• PALABRA a word; speech, talk, palaver ...1594
• PARCILOQUY †* a sparing or niggardly speech or discourse; a speaking little; moderation in words ...1656
• PARLANCE speech, discussion ...1969 Amer. dial.
• QUETHE †* speech; address; sound; cry; clamour ...a1300
• QUIAMS AND QUAVERS affected speech and gesture ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUICKNESS † sharpness of speech ...1611
• QUIDE † a saying, speech, statement ...c888
• RABBLE confused, careless speech; rapid and incoherent reading or talking; gabble ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• RABBLEMENT confused, random talk; an idle, purposeless speech; chatter ...Bk19C Sc. & N. dial.
• RAP 1. speech or conversation, esp. the spontaneous wise-cracking repartee of street life ...1920s sl.
2. a set speech, as that used by a street salesman ...1980s sl.
• RAT-RHYME anything repeated by rote; a long speech or rigmarole; nonsense ...1650 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REEMLE-RAMMLE a great noise; noisy, rollicking conduct; a noisy, rambling speech or tale ...Bk1904 Sc.
• RIBBLE careless, indistinct speech or reading ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SAY a speech; a remark, a thing to say; conversation, discussion ...1844 Sc. & Amer. dial.
• SERMOCINATION † talk, conversation; a discourse, sermon; speech-making ...1514
• STEM-WINDER a vigorous, rabble-rousing speech ...1973 US sl.
• TALE †* speech, language ...c1250
• TARDILOQUY †* slow speech, a slow speaking ...1623
• TOLUTILOQUENCE †* a talking 'at a trot'; speech that moves briskly along; voluble discourse ...1656
• VARDAS speech, talk ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• YABBER speech, language, talk, chatter, a conversation; applied to the speech of the Australian aborigines ...1855 Aust.
• YED † a song, a poem, a speech, a tale, a riddle ...c1205
• YEDDING † a song; a speech, a discourse; romance in verse ...c950
SPEECH - nouns, person
• STEM-WINDER an energetic or lively person; someone who makes vigorous rabble-rousing speeches ...1892 US sl.
SPEECH - verbs
• LARD to intersperse or garnish speech or writing with particular words, expression, ideas, etc. ...1549
• LAY † to lose the faculty of speech ...c1350 N. Eng. dial.
• SERMOCINATE * to talk; to hold a discourse; to make speeches ...1623
• SPEECHIFY to make a pompous speech, or talk as if one were doing this ...1723 sl.
• TAKE THE STUMP to travel the country for the purpose of making partisan or personal speeches from stumps or other improvised platforms ...Bk1904 sl.
SPEECHLESS - adjectives
• GOBSMACKED astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement
• GOBSTRUCK astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement
• HAMMERED UP at a loss for words ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPEED, SPEEDING, SPEEDY - adjectives
• CRACKING of speed, etc.: very fast; very good ...colloq.
• DING-DANG fast, speedy ...1897 Eng. dial.
• DING-DONG fast, speedy ...1897 Eng. dial.
• FANGS-OUT all-out; at full speed ...1983 military aviation usage
• HASTIF † speedy, swift ...1382
• HASTING that makes haste, speeding ...1632
• HASTIVE † speedy, swift ...1382
• HASTY speedy, quick, expeditious; swift, rapid; sudden ...c1340 arch.
• HIEFUL † speedy, hasty, hurried, quick, prompt ...a1225
• OFF LIKE A BRIDE'S NIGHTIE leaving or acting extremely fast, very speedily ...1950s Aust. sl.
• OFF LIKE A PROM DRESS leaving or acting extremely fast, very speedily ...1950s US college sl.
• PACEY fast, speedy ...1906 UK sl.
• PACY fast, speedy ...1906 UK sl.
• RAD † quick, hasty, speedy; active, prompt, ready, dexterous; eager, elated ...a700 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RAIKIN speedy, vigorous ...1786 Sc.
• RAKING fast-going, quick, speedy; energetic, accomplishing much ...1862
• RAMBLING fast, speedy ...1920s US tramps' sl.
• RANK having great speed or force; swift; impetuous; violent ...a1225
• RATHE quick in action, speedy, prompt; eager, earnest, vehement ...c900 Eng. dial. & poetic
• SUDDEN † performed or taking place without delay; speedy; prompt, immediate ...a1375 obs. exc. of death
• VELOCIOUS * rapid, speedy, fast ...1680
• WIKIWIKI quick, fast, speedy ...1967 Hawaii
• ZIPPY fast, speedy ...1920s sl.
SPEED - nouns
• BRUSH a rapid run or race; a contest in speed ...1860 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• CLIP speed ...colloq.
• DILT speed ...1819 Eng. dial.
• FLIER anyone or anything that moves with great speed ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FULL BALLS full speed, full throttle ...1964 US military sl.
• HURRY-UP a hurry, speed ...1962 UK sl.
• LICK a quick pace or clip; speed ...colloq.
• MOVIES police radar recordings of vehicle speed ...1977 US sl.
• NAVITY †* diligence, stirring, quickness, speed ...1623
• NEEDLE-SPEED the utmost speed ...1774 Sc.
• QUICKIE anything performed in a speedy, perfunctory manner ...1930s sl.
• RAIK speed, pace, rate ...1768 Sc.
• RAKE a run, rush; speed, a swift pace ...c1460 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. rare
• RANDOM † impetuosity, great speed, force, or violence in riding, running, striking, etc. ...c1305
• RAPE † haste, speed, hurry ...a1300
• RATTLE a quick pace; speed; impetus; a dash ...1878 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REDD energy, speed, ability to work ...1892 Sc.
• RID speed, progress, dispatch ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• TANTIVY quick speed; great haste ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TANTWIVVY quick speed; great haste ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TAP a rate of speed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPEED - verbs
• BESTIR ONE'S STUMPS to bestir oneself, to increase one's speed ...1633 sl.
• BE UNDER FULL STEAM to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• BURN THE EARTH to go at full speed ...1903 US
• BURN THE EARTH LIKE A CANNED DOG to go at full speed ...1903 US
• BURN THE WIND to go at full speed ...1910 US
• DILT to speed, to hurry ...1819 Eng. dial.
• GIVE THE GUN to increase speed ...sl.
• GO AT FULL BAT to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO AT FULL BLAST to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO AT FULL BUTT to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO LIKE NEED-FIRE to go with great speed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• GO WIDE to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• GO WIDE OPEN to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• HELL-BOOT IT to go at top speed ...1918 Amer. sl.
• LACE to walk or go rapidly; to go along at great speed ...1936 Amer. dial.
• RAIK to move with speed, to cover the ground quickly ...1710 Sc.
• RAP † to move with speed; to hasten, to rush ...a1300
• RAPE † to betake oneself in haste or with speed ...c1250
• RUN WIDE to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• RUN WIDE OPEN to go at full speed ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• STIR ONE'S STUMPS to walk fast; to dance briskly; to act quickly; to bestir oneself, to increase one's speed ...c1460
SPEED BUMP - nouns
• SLEEPING POLICEMAN a speed bump ...UK sl.
SPEEDILY - adverbs
• ASTOOR speedily, shortly, very quickly ...1863 Eng. dial.
• ASTORE speedily, shortly, very quickly ...1863 Eng. dial.
• AT FULL BELT at full speed ...1960s sl.
• AT FULL THROTTLE at maximum speed
• BELIE speedily; soon ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BELIVE † speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BETIMES in a short time, soon, speedily, anon, forthwith ...c1400
• BILIVE † speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• BLIVE † speedily, hastily, quickly, eagerly ...c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• DING-DANG in rapid succession; speedily, pell-mell; in earnest, with a will ...1742 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DING-DONG in rapid succession; speedily, pell-mell; in earnest, with a will ...1742 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DING-DRIVE in rapid succession, speedily ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DING-DUST speedily, quickly ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FLATSTICK with great speed or effort ...S. Afr. sl.
• FULL CHISEL at top speed ...1826 Amer. sl.
• FULL NAIL at full speed ...1927 Sc.
• HASTIFLY † hastily, quickly, speedily ...a1327
• HASTIVELY † hastily, quickly, speedily ...a1327
• HASTYFULLY † corrupt form of 'hastively'; hastily, quickly, speedily ...c1500
• HELITYWHOOP at full speed, in great haste ...1895 Amer. dial.
• HELL-BENT FOR BREAKFAST very fast, at top speed ...1930 Amer. dial.
• HELL-BENT FOR LEATHER very fast, at top speed, in great haste ...1919 Amer. dial.
• HELLETY-SPLIT at full speed, in great haste ...1867 Amer. dial.
• HELL-FOR-LEATHER very fast, at top speed, in great haste ...1939 Amer. dial.
• HELLITY-HOOP at full speed, in great haste ...1959 Amer. dial.
• HELLITY-LARRUP at full speed, in great haste ...1940 Amer. dial.
• HELLITY-SPLIT at full speed, in great haste ...1935 Amer. dial.
• HELL-THRASHING RATS very fast, at top speed, in great haste ...1989 Amer. dial.
• IN FULL CAREER at full speed ...1626
• LICKETY-BRINDLE with great speed or vigour ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LICKETY-CLIP with great speed or vigour ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LICKETY-SPLIT at great speed; rapidly ...1835 Amer.
• LIKE BLUE MURDER at a terrific pace; at top speed ...1914 sl.
• LIKE BUSTER'S GANG with great excitement and speed ...1941 US jocular
• RIDDILY with dispatch ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SUDDENLY † at an early date, early; soon, speedily; shortly (after) ...c1500
• TAPPY-LAPPY as fast as possible; at top speed; anyhow; generally used of running ...1864 Eng. dial.
• TITELY † quickly, speedily, smartly; soon ...a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TITLY † quickly, speedily, smartly; soon ...a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• WHOOPITY SCOOT rapidly, speedily, recklessly fast, vigorously ...1923 Amer. dial.
SPEEDING - nouns
• HASTING making haste, speeding ...a1350
SPELL (curse) - adjectives
• MALEFICIATE † bewitched; spec., rendered impotent by spells ...a1613
SPELL (curse/magic) - nouns
• ARSE-VERSE † a spell written on the side of a house to ward off fire or witchcraft ...1888 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• BADMOUTH a curse, a spell ...1960s sl., orig. US Black & W. Indies
• BLACK HAND a witchcraft spell, a charm ...1928 Amer. dial.
• CAMPROL a gypsy spell ...1925 Sc.
• CANTRAP a mischievous trick; a magic spell ...1830 Amer. dial.
• CANTRIP a spell or charm of necromancy or witchcraft; a witch's trick or mischievous device ...1719
• FASCINATION † 1. the casting of a spell; sorcery, enchantment, an instance of this, a spell, an incantation ...1605
† 2. FASCINATION the state of being under a spell ...1651
• GOOFER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GOOFFER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GOOPHER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GOPHER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• GUFFER the practice of voodoo or other magic; a magic spell or something used to cast such a spell ...1880 Amer. dial.
• HACK an evil spell; a curse ...1962 Amer. dial.
• HEEBIE a spell or hex ...1969 Amer. dial.
• KAHUNA a spell or curse ...1938 Hawaii
• MOJO a charm, amulet, or spell; magic ...1926 Amer. dial., orig. chiefly Black usage
• MOOJOO a charm, amulet, or spell; magic ...1938 Amer. dial., orig. chiefly Black usage
• TRICK a spell or act of conjuration; an object used in such an act ...1893 Amer. dial.
• VAAM a spell, a hypnotic influence ...1879 Sc.
• WANG in the practice of voodoo: a magical charm or spell ...1851 Amer. dial.
• WANGA in the practice of voodoo: a magical charm or spell ...1851 Amer. dial.
• WONGAH in the practice of voodoo: a magical charm or spell ...1851 Amer. dial.
SPELL (curse) - verbs
• BADMOUTH to speak ill of someone; to slander; to curse, to put a spell on ...1941 Amer. dial.
• FASCINATE † to cast a spell over a person, animal, etc., by a look; said esp. of serpents ...1641
• HAG to cast spells; to cast a spell on, to bring misfortune to ...1938 Amer. dial.
• HEAVE A PROJECT to cast a spell ...1908 Amer. dial.
• KAHUNA to practice sorcery; to cast a spell ...1938 Hawaii
• MALEFICIATE † to bewitch; to affect with enchantments; to render impotent by spells; to do evil to; to hurt; to harm ...1621
• PUT THE BAD MOUTH ON to put a curse or spell on ...1853 Amer. dial., chiefly Black usage
• TRICK to cast a spell on, to bewitch ...1829 Amer. dial.
• VAAM to bewitch, to cast a spell on ...1904 Sc.
• WITCHCRAFT to cast a spell on; to work magic ...1898 Amer. dial.
SPELL - verbs
• ORTHOGRAPHIZE * to spell a word correctly or according to usage; to correct in regard to spelling ...1611
• UGLYOGRAPHIZE to spell uncouthly; to write in an uncouth manner ...1834
SPELLER - nouns, person
• CACOGRAPHER a bad writer or speller ...1880
SPELLING - adjectives
• CACOGRAPHIC pert. to bad writing or incorrect spelling ...1838
• CACOGRAPHICAL pert. to bad writing or incorrect spelling ...1838
SPELLING - nouns
• CACOGRAPHY incorrect spelling; a bad system of spelling, such as that of current English ...1580
• UGLYOGRAPHY bad handwriting; uncouth spelling ...1804
SPEND, SPENDING - nouns
• ASPENDICITIS a notional medical condition of a symptomatic need to spend money ...1961 US sl.
• FLANDERS RECKONING spending money in a place that has no links to the place where one received the money ...E17 sl.
• POPPING spending money recklessly and enthusiastically ...1940s US Black sl.
SPEND - nouns, person
• BUTTER-AND-EGG MAN a man who is a farmer or small-town businessman and who spends money extravagantly; used derisively ...1924 Amer. sl.
• HIGH ROLLER a person who spends money extravagantly or gambles recklessly ...sl., chiefly US & Can.
SPEND - verbs
• AXE to lessen expenditure ...1923 Eng. sl.
• BADDLE to spend profligately ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIRL to spend money freely in drink or gaming ...1776 Sc.
• BIRL THE BAWBEE to make the money fly, to gamble or spend in drink ...1776 Sc.
• BLOW to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1874 sl.
• BLOW IN to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1886 sl., chiefly US
• BLOW ONESELF to spend money freely ...1896 Amer. dial.
• BLUE to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1846 sl.
• BREAK to begin spending ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BURST to spend money extravagantly ...1892 sl.
• DEBAUCH † to dissipate, to spend prodigally, to squander ...1632
• DEBOISE † to spend prodigally, to squander ...1632
• DO IN to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1889 sl., chiefly Aust. & NZ
• DO ONE'S CASH to spend all one's available funds ...20C Aust. sl.
• DO ONE'S DOUGH to lose one's money; to spend up ...1910s sl., orig. Aust.
• DROP to spend or lose money; to give a tip ...L19 sl.
• DROP SOME IRON to spend some money ...20C teen & high school sl.
• DWINDLE OUT to spend ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• FLASH THE DIBS to show or spend one's money ...Bk1893 sl.
• GALTEE to spend ...L19 UK tramps' sl.
• HANG IT ON ONE'S BACK of a woman: to spend too much on clothes, or to overdress ...1968 Amer. dial.
• HAVE MONEY TO BURN to be rich, to have plenty to spend ...20C sl.
• IMPEND † to pay to someone; to spend, to expend; to apply money; to bestow ...c1486
• KNOCK DOWN to spend all one's money on a spree, drinking bout, or celebration ...1845 Aust. & NZ sl.
• LASH OUT to spend money recklessly; to squander; to be extravagant in spending ...1513 Brit. colloq.
• LAY FORTH † to spend, to expend ...1584
• MAFFLE to spend recklessly; to squander, to waste in trifles ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAGGOT to waste money; to spend foolishly ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAKE AWAY WITH to spend too freely; to squander ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MELT of money: to spend in drink ...1843 Sc.
• SAVE ONE'S POCKET to avoid spending one's money ...1883
• SCARE to spend, to consume ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SHOOT ONE'S WAD to spend all one's money ...1950s US Black sl.
• SKITTLE DOWN to spend or lose money prodigally; to squander ...1883
• SPLASH to spend money extravagantly ...1910s sl.
• SPLASH OUT to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1934 sl.
• SPLASH OUT ON to spend money unrestrainedly ...1930s sl.
• SPLURGE to spend money recklessly; to squander ...1934 sl., orig. US
• SPORT to spend money freely or extravagantly ...M19 sl.
• TAP † to 'turn on the tap' of gifts; to open the purse or pocket; to spend or 'bleed' freely, to incur expense ...1712
• VENT † to spend, to get rid of a fortune ...1610
• WALK INTO to spend money freely ...M19 sl.
• WARE † to spend, to lay out money or goods ...a1417 exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
SPENDING - adjectives
• IMPENDIOUS †* lavish, extravagant, over-liberal; spending more than is needed ...1623
• NIGGER RICH (derogatory) foolishly or vulgarly extravagant; spending money immediately ...1930 Amer. dial.
• SUMPTUOUS † of persons, etc.: spending largely, squandering, prodigal; hence, magnificent in equipment or way of living; extremely splendid ...1538
SPENDING - nouns
• IMPENDIOUSNESS †* liberality, extravagant spending ...1727
• WARING † spending, investing of money ...c1375 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
SPENDTHRIFT - adjectives
• RATTLE-BAG wild, spendthrift, harum-scarum ...1886 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-BRAIN wild, spendthrift, harum-scarum ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• SLIDDERY squandering, spendthrift ...1892 Sc.
SPENDTHRIFT - nouns, person
• DANGWALLET a spendthrift ...1679 Eng. dial.
• DECOCTOR †* one who wastes or squanders; a ruined spendthrift ...1615
• DINGTHRIFT † one who 'dings' or drives away thrift, i.e. prudence and economy; a spendthrift, a prodigal ...1567
• EAT THE PACK, AN a spendthrift ...Bk1905 Sc.
• FORK a spendthrift, a wastrel ...L17 sl.
• LAND-WASTER a prodigal; a spendthrift ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LETTER-GO one who 'lets go'; a spendthrift; a squanderer ...a1637
• LICKPENNY † one who 'licks up' the pennies; a greedy, covetous person; a miser; a spendthrift; an extortioner ...a1400
• MONEY-CUFFEE a foolish spendthrift ...L19 W. Indies sl.
• NEVE †* a spendthrift, a squanderer ...c1440
• RABBIT-SUCKER a young spendthrift 'taking up goods upon tick (credit) at excessive rates' ...17C cant
• RACKLE a spendthrift ...Bk19C Eng. dial.
• RAMMACK a dissolute spendthrift; a false-hearted fellow; a backbiter; a double-dealer ...19C Sc.
• RANNACK a dissolute spendthrift, a rake ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-BRAIN. a confused, silly, or stupid person; a wild, harum-scarum person; a spendthrift ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• SCATTER-BRASS a spendthrift ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCATTER-CASH a spendthrift ...1898 Sc.
• SCATTER-GOOD † a spendthrift ...1819 Sc.
• SPILL-GOOD † a spendthrift ...1626
SPICE - adjectives
• HIGH-SEASONED enriched with spices or other seasoning ...1675
SPICE - nouns
• GARBLE † refuse of spices; extraneous matter ...1502
SPIDER - nouns
• AERONAUT a gossamer spider which floats on films ...1845
• ALLY-LONG-LEGS the 'daddy-long-legs' or crane-fly ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• ARAIN a spider; a cobweb ...1691 Eng. dial.
• ARANEOLOGY the study of spiders ...1884
• ATTERCOB a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• ATTERCOP a spider ...c1000 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• DADDY a daddy-longlegs ...1899 Amer. dial.
• DADDY BUG a daddy-longlegs ...1859 Amer. dial.
• EARTH-SPIDER the tarantula ...1883
• EDDER-COP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• EDDERCROP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• EDDICOP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• EDDICROP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• EDDYCROP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• ETTERCAP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Sc.
• ETTERCROP a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• FATHER LONGLEGS a daddy longlegs ...1792
• HARRY-LONG-LEGS the crane-fly or daddy-long-legs ...1781
• HATTER-CROPPER a spider; hence, a small, insignificant person ...1742 Eng. dial.
• HEDIKROP a spider ...1854 Eng. dial.
• JAYHAWKER a tarantula ...Bk1942 Amer. Western sl.
• JENNY-LONG-LEGS a daddy-long-legs ...Bk1901 Sc.
• JENNY-SPINNER the crane-fly or daddy-longlegs ...1817
• LEATHERJACK a daddy longlegs ...1911 Amer. dial.
• LEATHER-JACKET a daddy longlegs ...1905 Amer. dial.
• LONG-LEGGED SPIDER a daddy-longlegs ...1967 Amer. dial.
• LONGLEGS a daddy-longlegs ...1911 Amer. dial.
• MERRY WIDOW the black widow spider ...1965 Amer. dial.
• MICHAELMAS GNAT the daddy-longlegs ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MONEY-SPINNER a spider; if you don't hurt or kill them, they'll bring good luck ...1884 Amer. dial.
• NAPLES SPIDER the tarantula ...1840
• NET a spider's web ...c1000
• NETHER-CROP a spider ...1896 N. Eng. dial.
• NETTERCAP a spider ...1896 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SANTAPEE a scorpion ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SCARAPIN a scorpion ...1915 Amer. dial.
• SCORRIPIN a scorpion ...1909 Amer. dial.
• SCRONCHER a scorpion ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SHEPHERD SPIDER a daddy longlegs ...1858 Amer. dial.
• SIT BESIDE 'ER a spider ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• SPINCOP † a spider ...1474
• TAILOR a daddy-long-legs ...1840
• TAILOR-TARTAN a daddy-long-legs or crane-fly ...1896 Eng. dial.
• TAKER † the nippers or claws of a scorpion, etc. ...1608
• TARENTINE SPIDER † the tarantula ...1668
• TEXAS STRONGBACK a scorpion ...1984 Amer. dial.
• THUMMEL-SPIDER a large spider ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TOMMY-LONG-LEGS the daddy-longlegs ...1863
• TRANTLER a tarantula ...1923 Amer. dial.
• VAMPIRE * the tarantula spider ...1843
• VIOLIN SPIDER a recluse spider ...1963 Amer. dial.
• WABSTER a spider ...1788 Sc.
SPIDER - nouns, person
• ARANEOLOGIST one versed in the study of spiders ...1875
SPIDER WEB - see COBWEB
SPIGOT - nouns
• BUTTLE a tap, a spigot ...1970 Amer. dial.
SPILL - verbs
• BESLOBBER to eat in a slovenly manner; to render wet or dirty by spilling food on the clothes ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BLOB to spill ...1912 Amer. dial.
• GERBIL to spill ...20C teen & high school sl.
• JAB to spill ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• JABBLE to spill; to bespatter, to wet, to bedew ...Bk1902 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• JAIL to crack; to spill ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• JUTTLE to shake liquids; to spill over by shaking ...1824 Sc.
• SCALE to spill, to upset; to overflow ...1641 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SCAW to scatter, to spill ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCEDE to spill ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCOAD to scatter; to pour, to spill; to throw up earth, as moles ...1777 Eng. dial.
• SCOOTLE † to spill anything while carrying it ...1824 Sc.
• SKAIL to pour out; to shed; to spill, to upset; to overflow ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SKAW to scatter, to spill ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SKEDADDLE to spill milk, etc. ...1862 Eng. dial.
• TED to scatter, to spread abroad; to spill ...1813 Sc.
SPILLING - nouns
• EFFUSION a pouring out, a spilling of liquid ...c1400
SPIN - verbs
• BIRL to revolve with a whirring sound; to twirl round; to spin ...1816 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TIRL to turn; to cause to rotate or revolve; to twirl, to spin; to turn over and over; to move by rolling ...1543 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
SPINACH - nouns
• ALFALFA dried spinach or other dehydrated vegetables ...1920s sl.
• WOOLWICH AND GREENWICH spinach ...Brit. rhyming sl.
SPINE - nouns
• BACK-BONE-LINKS † the spine ...1785 Sc.
• BACKSPRENT the backbone, the spine ...1820 Sc.
• KECK a twist to one side; a sprain; an injury to the spine causing deformity ...Bk1901 Eng. dial.
• RACK † a segment of the backbone ...1615
• RACK-BONE † a vertebra ...1615
• RIDGE-BONE † the spine or backbone ...a1000 rare or obs.
SPINELESS - nouns, person
• WAFFLE a feeble, silly, spineless person ...1887 Sc.
SPINNING - adjectives
• LANIFIC * busied in spinning wool ...1806
• LANIPENDIOUS †* engaged in weighing or spinning wool ...1656
SPINNING - nouns
• LANIFICE †* a spinning or weaving of wool ...1626
SPINNING TOP - nouns
• DALLY a teetotum (spinning top)...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• JENNY-SPINNER a child's teetotum ...1824
• SCOPPERIL a spinning-top; a teetotum, esp. one made with a disc of a button ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SKOPPERDIDDLE a spinning-top; a teetotum, esp. one made with a disc of a button ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
SPINSTER - nouns
• SINGLEHOOD the state of being single or unmarried; spinsterhood ...1840
SPINSTER - nouns, person (also see OLD MAID)
• BACHELOR-WOMAN a spinster ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• CANDLE-BASHER a spinster; a female masturbator ...E20 Brit. sl.
• MAN-HUNTERS women, esp. spinsters and widows ...L19 Brit. jocular
• QUAIL an old maid; a spinster ...M19 US tramps' sl.
• SINGLE WOMAN a spinster ...c1449
SPIRAL - adjectives
• QUISTED twisted, spiral ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPIRAL - nouns
• RUNDLE † a coil, curve, spiral ...1565
SPIRIT (soul) - adjectives (also see EVIL SPIRIT)
• CALODEMONIAL † pert. to beautiful or good spirits ...1522 nonce word
• EERIE apprehensive, frightened, in dread of spirits ...1796 Sc. & Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - adjectives (also see SPIRITED)
• ABOVE PAR in excellent health or spirits ...1937 UK sl.
• ALL OAK AND IRON BOUND feeling in the best of health and spirits ...1969 Amer. dial.
• BOBBISH in good health and spirits; well ...1813 sl. & Eng. dial.
• CADDY hale, hearty, in good health and spirits; convalescent ...1790 Eng. dial.
• CADGIE in good spirits, gay, cheerful, sportive, wanton ...1725 Sc.
• CADGY cheerful, merry; glad; friendly and hospitable; in good spirits; lively, excited, spry ...1725 Sc. & N. Eng. & Amer. dial.
• CAGEY in good spirits, gay, cheerful, sportive, wanton ...1725 Sc.
• CAGIE in good spirits, gay, cheerful, sportive, wanton ...1725 Sc.
• CAMP in good spirits ...1830 Sc.
• COBBY stout, hearty, brisk, lively, pert, saucy, in good spirits, merry, cheerful, well in health ...1691 Eng. dial.
• FAT AND FINE in good health and spirits ...1968 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND FUNKY in good health and spirits ...1967 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND RAGGED in good health and spirits ...1893 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND SASSY in good health and spirits ...1928 Amer. dial.
• FAT AND SAUCY in good health and spirits ...1843 Amer. dial.
• FAT, RAGGED, AND SASSY in good health and spirits ...1857 Amer. dial.
• FINE AS A FIDDLE very fine; in excellent health or spirits ...1836 Amer. dial.
• FULL OF THE OLD NICK feeling in the best of health and spirits ...1965 Amer. dial.
• GAILY of a person: well, in good health or spirits ...1903 Amer. dial.
• GALLIARD lively, brisk, gay, full of high spirits ...c1386 arch.
• HALE-HEARTED with unbroken spirit, undaunted, unmoved, unaffected ...1875 Sc.
• HANTY wanton, unruly; full of spirit, mettlesome; excited, frisky (generally used of horses) ...1721 Eng. dial.
• HAUNTY full of spirit, mettlesome; excited, frisky (generally used of horses) ...1721 Eng. dial.
• HIGH-STOMACHED † haughty, disdainful, proud, obstinate, of high courage or spirit ...1548 obs. or arch.
• HINGUM-TRINGUM in low spirits ...B1900 Sc.
• HODDY in good condition, physically or mentally; healthy; in good humour or spirits; pleasant, cheerful ...1664 Eng. dial.
• IMPIDENT in good spirits ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• IN FULL FEATHER in good condition, in fine fettle, in high spirits ...1855 Amer. dial.
• IN HIGH FEATHER in good condition, in fine fettle, in high spirits ...1865 Amer. dial.
• IN HIGH LEG in high spirits, exalted ...1808
• IN RARE BLOW in good health or spirits ...1896 Eng. dial.
• JAM UP feeling in the best of health and spirits ...1966 Amer. dial.
• KEDGE brisk, lively; in good spirits ...c1440 Eng. dial.
• KINKY in high spirits ...Bk1913 Amer. dial.
• MALEDDY in high spirits, boisterous, elated ...1923 Sc.
• ON THE HIGH ROPES elated, in high spirits ...a1700
• QUERTY † lively, vivacious, active, in good spirits; full of fun or mischief ...1790 Sc.
• QUIRTY † lively, vivacious, active, in good spirits; full of fun or mischief ...1790 Sc.
• RAH-RAH characterized by excessive spirit and enthusiasm ...1914 US sl.
• RAMP wild, bold, wanton, unrestrained, rompish; full of rude health and spirits ...1713 Sc.
• REVOYLT wild; frisky; in very high spirits ...Bk1904 Sc.
• RIP-ROARING vigorous, boisterous, full of spirit; wildly noisy ...1834 colloq., orig. US
• RIP-SNORTING vigorous, boisterous, full of spirit; wildly noisy ...1846 colloq., orig. US
• UP ON ONE'S BEAN-WATER feeling very lively, strong, frisky; to be in high spirits ...1917 Amer. dial.
• UP ON TOP OF THE FENCE in the best of health and spirits ...1970 Amer. dial.
• VADY proud, vain, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• VOUDIE adj. proud, vain, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• WADDIE proud, vain, forward, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, cheerful, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• WADY proud, vain, forward, ostentatious, showing off; elated, in high spirits, frisky, cheerful, gay, merry ...1733 Sc.
• YEPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
• YIPPER brisk, active, in good spirits ...1893 Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - adverbs
• GAILY in good health and spirits; very well; satisfactorily, prosperously ...1778 Sc. & Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - nouns
• AFRICKY fighting spirit; temper ...1838 Amer. dial.
• BALLS virile courage; virility; guts; strength of character; energy, spirit ...a1890 US sl.
• BLUE DEVILS. melancholy, depression, low spirits, the blues ...1810 Amer. dial.
• BLUES, THE depression of spirits, despondency ...1807 colloq.
• BRAIN spirit, mettle ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRIO liveliness, vivacity, spirit ...Ital.
• CAMEL'S COMPLAINT low spirits; the 'hump' ...Bk1891 sl.
• DANDER temper, anger, spirit, mettle ...1831
• DAUBER spirit; enthusiasm ...1915 US sl.
• DOBBER spirit, morale; enthusiasm ...1910s US sl.
• FANTODS a feeling of excitement, of high spirits ...1942 Amer. dial.
• GIZZARD courage, spirit, life ...1892 Amer. dial.
• GUTSINESS courage, energy, spirit ...c1890
• HAYDIGEES high spirits; merriment, roistering ...1829 Eng. dial.
• HEYDAY * a state of high spirits or passion ...L16
• HIGH-DEGREES high spirits; merriment, roistering ...1829 Eng. dial.
• HIGHDIGEES high spirits; merriment, roistering ...1829 Eng. dial.
• JAZZ spirit, vigour, energy; excitement ...1913 Amer. sl.
• KELTER good condition; good health or spirits ...1643
• KILTER good condition; good health or spirits ...1643
• LAG a humour, mood, temper; a state of excitement or high spirits ...1899 Sc.
• LEVITY † lightness of spirit; freedom from care ...1630 nonce use
• OATS spirit ...1831 Amer. sl.
• ODOCITY ability, gumption; spirit, energy ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• OLD BAKER a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• RAMAGE †* wildness, high spirit, courage ...1456
• RAMAGENESS † high spirit, liveliness, vigour ...1686 obs.
• SAUCE spirit, courage ...1997 US sl.
• SAVOUR wit, spirit, pluck ...Bk1904 Sc.
• TABASCO spirit ...1920s sl.
• TEETH † temper, disposition; spirit, mettle ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TETH † temper, disposition; spirit, mettle ...Bk1905 Sc.
SPIRIT (supernatural) - nouns
• BOO-HAG a witch, the dead spirit of a dead person, sometimes supposed to cause nightmares ...1938 Amer. dial.
• FETCH a spirit that foretells early death, a 'token' ...1930 Amer. dial.
• HAUNT a ghost or spirit ...1869 Amer. dial.
• KELPIE the Lowland Scottish name of a fabled water-spirit or demon assuming various shapes, but usually appearing in that of a horse; it is reputed to haunt lakes and rivers, and to take delight in, or even to bring about, the drowning of travellers and others ...1747 Sc.
• KELPY the Lowland Scottish name of a fabled water-spirit or demon assuming various shapes, but usually appearing in that of a horse; it is reputed to haunt lakes and rivers, and to take delight in, or even to bring about, the drowning of travellers and others ...1747 Sc.
• MIZZEN a spirit, an imp ...1901 Amer. dial.
• NELLY LONG ARMS a 'boggart'; a spirit supposed to inhabit wells, and children were told that Nelly Long Arms would pull them in if they went too near ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• OLD DELPH WILL a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• OLD GOGGIE a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1889 Eng. dial.
• OLD HOB a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• OLD JENNY GREENTEETH a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1870 Eng. dial.
• OLD LOB a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1870 Eng. dial.
• OLD MOSS a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• OLD PACK a household spirit, a demon, an apparition ...1824 Eng. dial.
• SKOOKUM a ghost, a demon, a spirit ...1900 Amer. dial.
• TOMMYKNOCKER a ghost or spirit said to live in mines; the noise made by such a spirit ...1910 Amer. dial.
• WALLIMAN a familiar spirit ...Bk1905 Sc.
• WATER-KELPIE the Lowland Scottish name of a fabled water-spirit or demon assuming various shapes, but usually appearing in that of a horse; it is reputed to haunt lakes and rivers, and to take delight in, or even to bring about, the drowning of travellers and others ...1747 Sc.
SPIRIT - nouns, person
• BLUE HEN'S CHICK a good fighter; a person with spirit or pluck ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BLUE HEN'S CHICKEN a good fighter; a person with spirit or pluck ...1799 Amer. dial.
• GALLIARD † a man of courage and spirit ...1532
• HEART a man of courage or spirit ...c1500
• LAD † a man of spirit and vigour ...a1553
• MARY AMBREE a woman of strength and spirit ...1839
SPIRIT (supernatural) - nouns, person
• BARGHEST one who has the power of perceiving the disembodied spirits of living men ...1865 Eng. dial.
SPIRIT - verbs
• BE IN TALL COTTON to be prosperous, to do well, to be in a good situation; to have good luck; to be in good spirits ...1941 Amer. dial.
• BE METTLE TO ONE'S TEETH to be full of spirit ...1887 Sc.
• BE ON ONE'S BEANWATER to feel lively or animated; to be in high spirits ...1907 Amer. dial.
• BINGE to raise the spirits of ...1915 sl.
• BREAK ONE'S GALL † to break the spirit, to cow, to subdue ...c1460
• DROOP to flag in spirit or courage, to lose heart ...ME
• CHOP TALL COTTON to be prosperous, to do well, to be in a good situation; to have good luck; to be in good spirits ...1985 Amer. dial.
• CONK OUT to lose energy and spirits suddenly; to become abruptly exhausted ...1920s Amer. sl.
• FEEL LIKE GOING to feel in good health and spirits ...1954 Amer. dial.
• FEEL ONE'S KEEP to be in good health and spirits; to feel confident, ambitious ...1966 Amer. dial.
• FEEL ONE'S KEEPING to be in good health and spirits; to feel confident, ambitious ...1927 Amer. dial.
• FEEL ONE'S OATS to be high-spirited ...1831 Amer. sl., orig. of horses
• HAVE THE TAIL OVER THE DASHBOARD to be in high spirits ...Bk1942 Amer. West. sl.
• KICK HIGH to feel in good health and spirits ...1986 Amer. dial.
• LIVE IN TALL COTTON to be prosperous, to do well, to be in a good situation; to have good luck; to be in good spirits ...1984 Amer. dial.
• PULL DOWN to depress in health or spirits ...arch.
• RELEVATE † to raise the spirits of a person; to restore to cheerfulness ...1597
• TAKE THE STARCH OUT OF to break the spirit of someone or something, to make weary or less arrogant ...M19 sl.
• UP of mood or spirits: to raise, to pick up, to lift ...M18 sl.
• UP ON ONE'S BEANWATER to feel lively or animated; to be in high spirits ...1917 Amer. dial.
SPIRIT (supernatural) - phrases
• BOUND AND SOT of the spirit of a dead person: prevented by a spell from wandering away from the burial place ...1889 Amer. dial.
SPIRITED - adjectives (also see spirit)
• AMBITIOUS of persons or animals: spirited, vivacious, unruly; vicious; angry; enraged; quick-tempered; hot-tempered ...1853 Amer. dial.
• ANIMOUS †* spirited, courageous, bold ...1620
• BEANY spirited; fresh ...1852 sl.
• BIRKIE lively, smart; spirited in speech and action ...1821 Sc.
• BIRKY sharp in speech; lively, spirited ...1821 Sc.
• BRAINY unmanageable, high-mettled; spirited, lively ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CAPERSOME lively, spirited, sprightly...1852
• FRUNTY free in manner; spirited, implying the idea of forwardness; keen, eager; passionate ...19C Sc.
• GAMEY spirited, plucky; showing fight to the last ...1844
• GAMY spirited, plucky; showing fight to the last ...1844
• GUNG-HO very zealous; totally committed; dedicated; spirited; enthusiastic; wholeheartedly fervid about doing something...1942 US sl., orig. US Marine Corps usage
• GUNGI enthusiastic; spirited, brave ...1961 US sl.
• GUNGY enthusiastic; spirited, brave ...1961 US sl.
• GUTS earthy or spirited ...1962 Amer. sl.
• GUTSBALL courageous, spirited, plucky; robust ...1963 Amer. sl.
• GUTSY courageous, brave, spirited, plucky, robust ...1890 Amer. sl.
• GUTTY courageous, brave, spirited, plucky, robust ...1942 Amer. sl.
• HEARTED † full of heart, spirited, courageous ...1538
• HEARTLY † courageous, spirited ...1340-70
• HEARTSOME † courageous, spirited, bold ...1567
• JOLLY AS A SAND-BOY very happy, high-spirited ...1823
• METTLE spirited; active; capable of enduring fatigue ...1806 Sc.
• ON ONE'S OPODILDOCS spirited; usually said of a horse ...1892 Amer. dial.
• QUICKISH somewhat spirited ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RAMBUSTIOUS spirited, boisterous, lively; unruly, riotous ...1853
• RAMPACIOUS * lively, spirited, boisterous; wild, unruly, outrageous; rampageous ...1837
• RAMPING high-spirited; promiscuous ...M15
• RARE GAM plucky, spirited ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SASSY cheeky, spirited, back-talking ...1833 colloq., orig. & chiefly US
• SKITTISH spirited, active, lively; frolicsome ...a1592
• SPARKY lively; vivacious; spirited
• SPUNKIE lively, spirited ...1786 Sc.
• STOMACHFUL spirited; brave
• TABASCO excited, dramatic, spirited ...1920s sl.
SPIRITED - adverbs
• HEAD UP AND TAIL OVER THE DASHBOARD in a lively, spirited manner ...1912 Amer. dial.
SPIRITED - nouns, person
• BELLONA the Roman goddess of war; a spirited woman of commanding presence ...1605
• HIGH-FLY a lively, spirited person, usually a woman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• LADDO a spirited youth, a bit of a lad ...1870 Ireland
• LAD OF WAX a fine spirited fellow; a sharp, clever youth ...1826 Eng. dial.
• RAMP a high-spirited, independent woman, usually synonymous with a prostitute ...M15
• SPUNKIE a spirited, mettlesome, or courageous person; a smart or lively fellow ...1806 Sc.
• THUSKER a person who does anything with great energy and spirit ...1884 Eng. dial.
• WITCH-CAT a mischievous, high-spirited person, esp. a child; a frolicsome girl, a roguish boy ...1844 Amer. dial.
SPIRITED - phrases
• WITH ONE'S HEAD UP AND TAIL OVER THE DASHBOARD in a lively, spirited manner ...1876 Amer. dial.
SPIRITEDLY - adverbs
• SKITTISHLY in a spirited or lively manner ...1598
SPIRITLESS - adjectives
• ALL AMORT dead; lifeless; spiritless; dejected ...L16 arch.
• DAFFISH † spiritless; stupid ...1470-85 obs. exc. N. Eng. dial.
• DEAD-ALIVE dull, inactive, spiritless; stupid ...1591 chiefly US
• DEAD-AND-ALIVE dull, inactive, spiritless, stupid ...a1862 chiefly US
• DEAD-ASS lacking animation, energy, or spirit; lifeless; usually considered vulgar ...1961 Amer. sl.
• DEAD-BUTT lacking animation, energy, or spirit; lifeless; usually considered vulgar ...1958 Amer. sl.
• DEEDLESS helpless, spiritless, inefficient ...1876 Eng. dial.
• DOWF lacking spirit or energy; gloomy ...E16 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FAINT † wanting in courage, spiritless, cowardly ...a1300 obs. or arch.
• FAINT-HEART faint-hearted; timid; spiritless; cowardly ...1590
• FAINTLING † faint-hearted, timid, cowardly, spiritless ...1712
• HALTER BROKE submissive, lacking in spirit ...1910 Amer. dial.
• HEARTLESS destitute of courage, enthusiasm, or energy; spiritless; disheartened, dejected ...c1330
• HILDING cowardly, spiritless, base, menial, mean, wretched ...1581 arch.
• MEACOCK † effeminate, cowardly, timorous, spiritless ...1587
• SAVOURLESS spiritless, listless, indifferent, wanting in wit or pluck ...1804 Sc.
• THAVELESS listless, spiritless, wanting in energy or force; aimless, ineffectual, bootless ...1835 Ireland
• THIEVELESS listless, spiritless, wanting in energy or force; aimless, ineffectual, bootless ...1835 Sc.
• THOWLESS wanting in energy, inactive, weak, spiritless, lazy; useless; insipid ...1785 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• UNABLE TO FIGHT ONE'S WAY OUT OF A PAPERBAG ineffectual; lacking strength; lacking spirit ...Aust. sl.
• UNABLE TO FIGHT ONE'S WAY OUT OF A WET PAPERBAG ineffectual; lacking strength; lacking spirit ...Aust. sl.
• UNLISTING disinclined, spiritless, unwilling ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAFF of persons: feeble in body or mind, weak, exhausted, spiritless, stupid, ineffective ...1822 Sc.
• WAFF-LIKE of persons: feeble in body or mind, weak, exhausted, spiritless, stupid, ineffective ...1822 Sc.
SPIRITLESS - nouns
• DOWFNESS lack of spirit ...E16 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FAINT-HEART † the fact or having a faint heart; want of spirit ...1580
SPIRITLESS - nouns, person
• CALDERA a wretched-looking person; a spiritless person; a coward ...Ireland
• DAKES-HEAD a spiritless, stupid person ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• DOWF a spiritless, stupid, or gloomy person ...LME Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• DRUGGLE † a term of contempt or reproach: apparently a heavy, stupid, spiritless or cowardly fellow ...1611
• FAINTLING † one who is faint-hearted, timid, spiritless, or cowardly ...1614
• LEVERET † a spiritless person ...1630
• MEACOCK † a silly effeminate fellow; a spiritless or timorous fellow; a coward, a weakling; a henpecked husband ...1526
• NESCOCK a delicate, spiritless, or timid person ...1775 colloq.
• NESTCOCK † an effeminate man who stays much at home; a man who has never travelled; a delicate, spiritless, or timid person ...1674
• NESTLE-COCK a delicate, spiritless, or timid person ...1662 colloq.
• SIMMY a weakling, one lacking in spirit or vigour ...1968 Amer. dial.
• WRECK a weakling; one without spirit ...c1925 UK public schools' usage
SPIRITLESSLY - adverbs
• DAIVILIE listlessly, spiritlessly ...1788 Sc.
• DAVIELY listlessly, spiritlessly ...1788 Sc.
• FAINTLY † in a spiritless manner, like a coward; timidly ...1297
SPIRITUAL - adjectives
• AERIE spiritual, incorporeal, unsubstantial, visionary ...1586
• AERY spiritual, incorporeal, unsubstantial, visionary ...1586
• THOUGHTSOME †* addicted to thought, thoughtful; having the faculty of thought, mental, spiritual ...1611
SPIRITUAL - verbs
• BE INWARDLY GIVEN to be pious, spiritual ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
SPIT, SPITTING - adjectives
• EXSPUTORY * that is spit out or ejected ...1784
• HAWK-A-MOUTH continually hawking and spitting ...1866 Eng. dial.
• HAWK-A-MOUTHED perpetually hawking and spitting ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• SIALOQUENT † spitting much in one's speech ...1656
• SPUTATIVE †* given to excessive spitting or salivation ...a1639
SPIT, SPITTLE - nouns
• DROOL spittle ...M19 sl., orig. US
• GOLLYER a gob of spittle ...1966 Ireland
• GOOBY a gob of spit or phlegm ...1985 NZ sl.
• HOCKER a gob of phlegm or spit ...1960s US teen sl.
• MEATY spit with a good amount of mucus in it ...c1970s UK playground sl.
• OYSTER a gob of phlegm or spittle ...1785 sl.
• WAD expectorated sputum ...1989 US sl.
SPIT - nouns, person
• HAWCH-A-MOUTH one who hawks and spits ...1746 Eng. dial.
• HAWCH-MOUTH one who hawks and spits ...1746 Eng. dial.
SPIT - verbs
• BESPALL † to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPAWL † to bespatter with saliva or spittle ...1602
• BESPETE † to spit upon, to cover or defile with spitting ...a1225
• BESPIT to spit upon ...a1300 arch.
• CONSPUTE †* to spit upon (in contempt); to despise ...1526
• GOB to expectorate, to spit, to cough up ...1872 sl.
• GOLLY to expectorate ...1978 Aust. sl.
• GROYZE to spit ...1891 sl.
• HACK to vomit; to spit up ...M20 US sl.
• HAWK to clear the throat of phlegm; to clear the throat noisily; to spit ...1583
• HAWK UP to expel anything from the throat by the force of the breath; to spit; to cough up and spit phlegm ...Bk1902 Sc.
• HOACH AND HAW to hawk and spit ...1777 Eng. dial.
• HOCKER to hawk up ...1990s sl.
• LET FLY to spit ...20C US sl.
• RAISE to expectorate; to bring up phlegm ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• REAR to bring up phlegm; to expectorate; to vomit ...1790 Eng. dial.
• RID to retch, to vomit; to cough up; to expectorate ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SPUTE † to spit on a person or on something ...1382
• YESK † to belch; to hawk; to cough, to clear the throat, to expectorate ...c1386 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
• YEX † to belch; to hawk; to cough, to clear the throat, to expectorate ...c1386 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
• YOX † to belch; to hawk; to spit ...1827 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
SPITE - nouns
• BAD-MIND malice, spite, animosity ...20C W. Indies sl.
• CANKEREDNESS malice, spite; ill-humour; crabbed temper ...1538
• ENVY-STRIPE spite ...1927 Amer. dial.
• GALL bitterness, spite, malice; a grudge ...1768 Sc.
• NIFF a quarrel, grudge, or spite; also dislike ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• ONDE † strong feeling against a person, 'animus'; spite, ill-will, envy ...c1000
• VENOM malice, spite ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• VENOMY † venomousness, spite, malice ...1548
SPITEFUL - adjectives
• ADDER-TONGUED spiteful, malicious ...1824
• CANKERED malignant, envious; ill-natured, spiteful; ill-tempered, crabbed ...1513
• CANKERLY † malignant, envious; ill-natured, spiteful; ill-tempered,, crabbed ...1580
• CAT-WITTED small-minded, obstinate, and spiteful; silly and conceited; harebrained, whimsical ...1673
• DESPITEOUS spiteful, malevolent, malicious, cruel; passing gradually into the sense: pitiless, merciless ...c1510
• ELVISH irritable, spiteful, mischievous ...1813 Eng. dial.
• HAGGERSNASH spiteful, sharp, tart ...1821 Sc.
• ILL-WILLY bad-tempered, spiteful, grudging, disobliging ...a1500 chiefly Sc.
• MASTERFUL spiteful ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NASTY AS A DEVIL UNKNOBBED, AS dangerously spiteful ...1892 Eng. dial.
• ONDFUL † spiteful, envious ...c1175.
• RANCOROUS having, or partaking of, the nature of rancour; bitter, resentful, spiteful ...1590
• VENOM † venomous; virulent, malignant, spiteful, fierce, malicious, savage ...a1350 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• VENOMOUS spiteful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• VENOMSOME † venomous, spiteful, malicious ...1660 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• VENOMY * venomous, spiteful, malignant, malicious ...c1400
• VITIOUS spiteful, revengeful, bitter, implacable ...1825 Eng. dial.
• VITTERY quick-tempered, spiteful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPITEFUL - nouns, person
• ATTERMITE an ill-tempered, spiteful person ...1864 Eng. dial.
• ATTRAMITE an ill-tempered, spiteful person ...1864 Eng. dial.
• BIZNATCH 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• BIZNITCH 'bitch'; a spiteful or unpleasant woman; a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing ...2002 US euphemism
• CAT a term of contempt for a person; esp. one who scratches like a cat; a spiteful or backbiting woman ...a1225
• CATAWAMPUS a spiteful person ...1843 Amer. dial.
• HAGGERSNASH a spiteful person ...B1900 Sc.
• HELLCAT a mean, spiteful or malicious person, esp. a woman; a reckless, impertinent, bad-tempered, or vexatious person; a troublemaker; a devil-may-care person; one who pesters or annoys ...1899 Amer. dial.
• OLD CAT a malicious or spiteful woman; a mean, cunning woman; a shrewish man ...1915 Amer. dial.
• SCLUM-CAT a spiteful person, one who scratches another ...1877 Eng. dial.
• TABBY a spiteful or ill-natured female gossip or tattler ...1748
• VENIM a spiteful, vicious person or animal; a very objectionable creature ...1898 Sc.
• VENOM a spiteful, vicious person ...1898 Sc.
SPITEFUL - verbs
• CAST ASPARAGUS to cast aspersions, to make damaging or spiteful remarks ...1916 Amer. jocular
• VENNER UP to become angry or spiteful ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
SPITEFULLY - adverbs
• CANKEREDLY spitefully, malignantly; peevishly ...1535
• CANKERLY † spitefully, malignantly, peevishly ...1580
• RANCOROUSLY bitterly, spitefully ...1767
SPITEFULNESS - nouns
• RANCOUR inveterate and bitter ill-feeling, grudge, or animosity; malignant hatred or spitefulness; bitterness ...a1300
SPITTOON - nouns
• GARBOON a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1965 Amer. dial.
• GOBBOON a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1958 Amer. dial.
• GOBOON a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1930s Amer. dial.
• GOBOON CAN a cuspidor, a spittoon ...1965 Amer. dial.
SPLASH, SPLASHING - nouns
• BLASH a splash or dash of liquid, mud, etc. ...Bk1911 Sc.
• JABBLE a slight agitated movement of water or other liquid; a splashing or dashing in small waves or ripples ...1831 Sc.
• JAUP the splash of water against any surface, or one of the drops or spurts of water which this scatters on adjacent bodies; a spot of water or wet mud splashed upon the clothes from wet or muddy ground, etc. ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• LABBERMENT a splashing; a washing of linen on a small scale ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LAPPER a gentle splash of water ...1925 Sc.
• SCLATCH a heavy fall, esp. into water or mud; a splash, a dashing down, slap, smack or the noise of such ...1808 Sc.
• SLUSH a heavy splashing sound ...L19
• SPLAT the slapping or splashing noise of something that hits a hard surface ...1950s sl.
SPLASH - verbs
• BATTER to splash with mud ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BESPURT † to splash or spatter, to befoul ...1579
• BESPURTLE to splash or splatter; to befoul ...1618
• BESQUIRT † to befoul by squirting, to splash, to splatter ...1611
• BLASH to splash liquid or mud about by spilling it or treading in it ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DABBLE to wet by splashing, as in running through a puddle or wading about in shallow water, etc. ...1575
• DAGGLE to wet by splashing or sprinkling ...1805
• DEMBLE to dip or plunge in liquid; to splash ...B1900 Sc.
• FLASH † to splash or dash water ...14C
• JABBLE to agitate a liquid so as to cause spilling, to splash ...1824 Sc.
• JAUP to dash and rebound like water with splashing of the vicinity; to splash; to make a light splashing sound ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• JAW to rush in waves; to dash or pour; to splash; to surge ...1513 Sc.
• JAWP to dash and rebound like water with splashing of the vicinity; to splash; to make a light splashing sound ...1513 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• LABBER to dabble or splash in water ...1889 Eng. dial.
• LAGGEN to splash in the water; to walk in the water with bare feet ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• LAPPER of water: to lap, to splash gently, to ripple ...1893 Sc.
• LOPPER of water: to lap, to splash gently, to ripple ...1893 Sc.
• LOSH † to make the lapping sound caused by a running stream flowing over stones, etc.; to splash in water; of water in a barrel or boat: to roll to and fro ...1629 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SKIRP to splash up on; to bespatter ...1871 Sc.
• SLUSH to splash, squelch, or wade, esp. through muddy water, snow, etc. ...E18 orig. Sc.
SPLASHED - adjectives
• BESMOTTERED †* splashed or spattered as with mud or dirt ...c1386
• BESPRENTED sprinkled, splashed ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
SPLATTER - verbs
• BESPURTLE to splash or splatter; to befoul ...1618
• BESQUIRT † to befoul by squirting, to splash, to splatter ...1611
SPLAY-FOOTED - nouns, person
• DING-DEW a splay-footed person, one who walks with his toes much turned out ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• MARLEY-SLOPPER one who is splay-footed ...M19 sl.
• MARLEY STOPPER one who is splay-footed ...M19 sl.
SPLAY-FOOTED - verbs
• SCLEET to walk so as to wear down the shoes at one side, or as one splay-footed ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SKLEET to walk so as to wear down the shoes at one side, or as one splay-footed ...Bk1904 Sc.