And The Meaning Is…
My recent post about historical accuracy got me to thinking, which isn’t always a good thing. I was peeved because I couldn’t use the word bounder in either “Highlander’s Hope” or “The Viscount’s Vow.” One novel is set in 1814 and the other in 1817. Bounder wasn’t used to mean cad or rogue until a few years later. I used cur and lout instead.
Feeling a tad rebellious, I drug out my “1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.” Here are a few of my favorites.
Warning–some are naughty, but I’m feeling naughty today. I think it started when my new neighbor decided to parade buck naked in front of his bedroom window. I have a birds-eye-view from my writing room. Let’s just say I was not inspired.
Buttock and Tongue-A scolding wife. Try using that term today and see what happens.
Dimber-Pretty. I’m thinking that word does not sound like a compliment.
Disguised-Drunk. See how the meaning has changed.
Rapper-A swinging great lie. Give’s a whole new meaning to that music genre.
Nonsense-Melting butter in a wig. Okay, I just don’t get that one.
Smouch-Dried up leaves of the ash tree. Not kiss? Really? Wait a minute. That’s smooch.
To Snaffle-To steal. No relation to sniffle or snuffle?
Sunshine-Prosperity. Well, that messes up a few of my scenes.
Sugar Stick-The virile member. That ruined my images of those cute stripped candy sticks.
Twiddle-Diddles-testicles. I was thinking along the lines of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
I’m done. Not because I haven’t anymore really … ah … interesting words, but because I have to go to work. Before I go, though, I’m curious. Do you have any favorite historical words or phrases?
I like cock up ones toes which means to die. Please do leave a comment and let me know!
