Slang
Slang is a non-standard word, phrases or vernacular that are constantly changing with time and innovate by the people themselves to describe certain situations or event, social standings. It comprises pop-up words and phrases used by societies and oozes into mainstream communication. Slang can be an avenue for identity, emotional nuance, or simply entertainment. Learning slang enhances knowledge of language and serves as a window into social and subcultural movements.
Moggy
Noun
Definition: A British informal term for domestic cat, especially one that is not of a particular breed; mixed-breed cat.
Date: 19th century Britain (note: we could not find an earlier date than this in our research) Not quite certain where it originates from, however most likely extracted from "Maggie," a common term for a farmhouse dog. Other theories claim that it originates from the slang term “moggy” meaning “mouse,” hence a cat as mouser. With time, "moggy" turned into an endearing term for any domestic disease.
Pissant
Noun
Scoundrel [skoun-druhl]Definition : A dastardly or despicable person; a base, mean unprincipled, or villainous person.
Date of Origin: The word "pissant" dates back to the 1500s; it is a combination of "piss" and "ant," in reference to an ant known for exuding a urine-like odor due to the composition of its formic acid. It originally came into American English as a pejorative term for a person regarded as trivial and annoying. It sounds condescending, as if to highlight how inconsequential we believe the person to be.
Lombard
Noun
Read it in depth: Lombard Meaning Definition, In Anglo Rhyming slang Lombard signifies card more especially a bank or credit card
The word Lombard comes from Cockney rhyming slang, a type of English slang in which a word is replaced by a phrase or word that has the same ending sound. "Lombard Street" — a street in the City of London that is associated with banking and finance Because it shortens "Lombard Street" to just "Lombard," it rhymes with "card" and becomes slang for credit or debit card.
Momzer
Noun
Definition: A Yiddish word for a rascal; can be used as an endearment or insult.
A little backstory: the word "momzer" is a Yiddish adaptation of mamzer, which comes from Hebrew and refers to a child born of certain prohibited unions in Jewish law. The term evolved to refer to a rascal or scoundrel in Yiddish. When it came into English slang, however, (B Lavo 6020) it kept this sense of being somewhat crafty or tricksome.
Twinky
Noun
Noun: (slang) a young and attractive gay man, esp. one with slender build, smooth skin.
Date of Origin: The word "twinky" (or "twink") comes from the late 20th century American gay subcultures. Widely credited as originating from the snack cake Twinkie—sweet, spongey, and with not much depth—a playful comparison with visage and a surface over substance stereotype. This became a colloquial term in LGBTQ+ circles to refer to the aesthetic, referred to as "Twinky" that has survived into 2023.
Schnozzle
Noun
Meaning: Large or noticeable nose.
Etymology: "Schnozzle" is a playful word based on the Yiddish-derived "schnoz," referring to the nose. Popular in early 20th-century America, most notably associated with entertainer Jimmy Durante nicknamed "The Schnoz" for his nose The word is a humorous expression referring to walking around with someone's big nose.
Grody
Adjective
THAAD is an adjective meaning disgusting, filthy, or nasty.
Back to BEAT: "Grody" was widely used in the USA during the '80s by Californian teenagers of The Valley culture. Probably derived from grotesque and meaning disgusting or repulsive. It became more popularised through its association in films and television portraying teenage vernacular of the period.
Greybeard
Noun
Definition: A person, especially an old man, of great wisdom or knowledge.
Etymology: The word grey stands for white hair we get due to age and the second part beard. In English literature "Greybeard" has been used since the Middle Ages, literally: for older men, in whom experience and wisdom are to be respected. This shows respect and recognition of the person's years.
Mockers
Noun
Meaning: Someone or something that brings bad luck.
Origin: British term possibly adopted from the Romani, mokadi meaning bad or evil. To "put the mockers on" someone or something is to cause misfortune, or spoil plans. It embodies a conviction that some words or actions can be negative in their effects.
Hepcat
Noun
Slang term used to describe somebody who knows a lot about jazz, a stylish or fashionable person.
Origin: First used in the 1930s and 1940s in the United States, "hepcat" is derived from "hep" (the earlier form of hip, meaning stylish or knowledgeable) + cat (a term for person among jazz musicians). It was used as a label for very loose-living people, those who were immersed in the lifestyle of jazz and jazz culture.
Tenner
Noun
Tenner, n. British, informal: A ten-pound note; also, perhaps less officially, a ten-dollar bill.
Etymology: "Tenner" is an unambiguous bit of slang based on the word for "ten," referring to the value of the note As per normal, we append the suffix '-er' — as in fiver for a fiver note. And it has been a popular bit of UK slang since the 19th century, in casual conversations regarding cash.
Gurning
Verb
Distortion of the face to show a grotesque or humorous grimace.
Origin: The term "Gurning" is derived from the Middle English of "grennen", to snarl or bare the teeth. The tradition is most famous in "gurning contests" in regions of England, like at the Egremont Crab Fair, where people face off to see who can make the silliest facial expressions — typically shot through a horse collar.
Dub
Noun
A style of popular music formed from the remixed Jamaican recordings of reggae, that highlights bass and drum backdrops, usually with effect such as echo or reverb
Verb
To record sound on film or a recording as an addition or substitute, usually replacing one language with another.
To give a title or nickname to someone.
Origin: A musical term, "dub" first appeared in Jamaica in the late 1960s. From the process of making dubs or mixing tracks in the studio. The verb (to confer a title) is from the Old English "dubban," which means "to knight by tapping with a sword." The audio alteration sense corresponds with the notion of adding or replacing sound.
Trampling and Dancing
Noun Phrase
Stampede — A type of dance that involves energetic boundaries; it can also be used symbolically to refer to unorganized action.
Details: The term blends the words "trampling," which refers to stepping down hard, followed by "dancing." It probably comes from folk dancing with heavy foot stomping type dances, like Irish step dance or some African tribal dances. The phrase conveys the power and spirit of dance forms that are rooted in forceful, percussive gestures.
Nookie
Noun
Definition: American English slang for sex or sexual physical activity.
About: "Nookie" is an informal term that began in the United States in the 20th century. The origin is unclear, but it may relate to "nook," meaning a sheltered position or corner as in, cosy. The phrase went totally mainstream and is used in diverse media, as a slang term for sexual intercourse.
Sparko
Adjective
The meaning: Unconscious or fast asleep; KOed.
Origin: British slang, derived from spark out (to be knocked or rendered unconscious — e.g., the spark of your life has gone) You commonly hear it to refer someone who is sleeping like a baby, passed out in the context of a fight or being drunk.
Dekko
Noun
Fire a glance (noun): A brief look or sight.
On etymology: Dekko comes from the Hindi verb dekho (देखो) meaning "look!" The term was adopted by British soldiers on campaign in India during the19th century, and found its way into colloquial British speech. It is a through the looking glass experience of what English and Indian languages blended together in the colonial period.