Glossary


This page contains a glossary of slang, expressions and distinctive language used in the works of C. J. Dennis; based on the combined glossaries "for the thoroughly genteel" published in his various books.
Select a letter below to navigate directly to entries.

A

'Ammer-lock (Hammer-lock)A favourite and effective hold in wrestling
'Ard Case (Hard Case)A shrewd or humorous person
'Ayseed (Hayseed)A rustic
A.I.F.Australian Imperial Force
Alley, to toss in theTo give up the ghost
Also ran, TheOn the turf, horses that fail to secure a leading place; hence, obscure persons, nonentities
ArAn exclamation expressing joy, sorrow, surprise, etc., according to the manner of utterance
AussieAustralia; an Australian

B

Back and FillTo vacillate; to shuffle
Back ChatImpudent repartee
Back the BarrerTo intervene without invitation
Bag of TricksAll one's belongings
Barmy (Balmy)Foolish; silly
BarrackTo take sides
BeakA magistrate. (Possibly from Anglo-Saxon, Beag - a magistrate)
BeanoA feast
BeansCoins; money
BeatPuzzled; defeated
Beat the bandTo amaze
Beat, off theOut of the usual routine
Beef (to beef it out)To declaim vociferously
Bellers (Bellows)The lungs
BiffTo smite
BintGirl
Bird, to give theTo treat with derision
Bli'meAn oath with the fangs drawn
BlighterA worthless fellow
BlightyLondon
BlindDeception, "bluff"
BlitherTo talk at random, foolishly
BlobA shapeless mass
BlockThe head
Block, theA fashionable city walk
BlokeA male adult of the genus homo
Blubber, blubTo weep
BluffCunning practice; make believe. v. To deceive; to mislead
BobA shilling
BokaysCompliments, flattery
BokoThe nose
Bong-tongPatrician (Fr. bon ton)
Bonzer, boshter, boskerAdjectives expressing the superlative of excellence
BoodleMoney; wealth
BookA bookie, q.v.
BookedEngaged
BookieA book-maker (turf); one who makes a betting book on sporting events
Boot, to put in theTo kick a prostrate foe
BossMaster, employer
Break (to break away, to do a break)To depart in haste
Breast up toTo accost
BrisketThe chest
BrownA copper coin
BrumsTawdry finery (from Brummagem-Birmingham)
Buck-upCheer up
Buckley's (Chance)A forlorn hope
BumpTo meet; to accost aggressively
Bun, to take theTo take the prize (used ironically)
Bundle, to drop theTo surrender; to give up hope
BunkTo sleep in a "bunk" or rough bed. To do a bunk; To depart
Bunnies, to hawk theTo peddle rabbits
Bus, to miss theTo neglect opportunities

C

C.BConfined to barracks
CabooseA small dwelling
CarltonA Melbourne Football Team
Cat, to whip theTo cry over spilt milk; i.e., to whip the cat that has spilt the milk
CertA certainty; a foregone conclusion
ChampeenChampion
ChapA "bloke" or "cove.
Chase yourselfDepart; avaunt; "fade away," q.v
ChatTo address tentatively; to "word," q.v
Cheque, to pass in one'sTo depart this life
Chest, to get it off one'sTo deliver a speech; express one's feelings
Chew, to chew it over; to chew the ragTo sulk; to nurse a grievance
ChiackVulgar banter; coarse invective
ChinTo talk; to wag the chin
ChipTo "chat," q.v. Chip in,To intervene
ChivThe face
ChowA native of far Cathay
Chuck offTo chaff; to employ sarcasm
Chuck upTo relinquish
ChumpA foolish fellow
ChunkA lump; a mass
CleanCompletely; utterly
ClickA clique; a "push"
ClinerA young unmarried female
ClobberRainment; vesture
CobberA boon companion
CollectTo receive one's deserts
Colour-lineln pugilisrn, the line drawn by white boxers excluding coloured fighters-for divers reasons
ConkThe nose
CootA person of no account (used contemptuously)
CopTo seize; to secure; also s., an avocation, a job"
Cop (or Copper)A police constable
Copper showA copper mine
Copper-topRed head
Count, to take theIn pugilisrn, to remain prostrate for ten counted seconds, and thus lose the fight
CoveA "chap" or "bloke," q.v. (Gipsy)
CowA thoroughly unworthy, not to say despicable, person, place, thing, or circumstance;
CrackTo smite. s. A blow
Crack a booTo divulge a secret; to betray emotion
Crack hardyTo suppress emotion; to endure patiently; to keep a secret
CrayA crayfish
CribA dwelling
CroakTo die
CrookA dishonest or evil person
CrookUnwell; dishonest; spurious; fraudulent
Crool (cruel) the pitchTo frustrate; to interfere with one's schemes or welfare
CrustSustenance; a livelihood
Cut it outomit it; discontinue it

D

DagoA native of Southern Europe
Dash, to do one'sTo reach one's Waterloo
DateAn appointment
Dawg (dog)A contemptible person; ostentation. To put on dawg - To behave in an arrogant manner
DeadIn a superlative degree; very
DealTo deal it out; to administer punishment, abuse, etc
DeenerA shilling (Fr. Denier. Denarius, a Roman silver coin)
DerryAn aversion; a feud; a dislike
DickinA term signifying disgust or disbelief
DiggerAn infantryman; a comrade
Dile (dial)The face
DillyFoolish; half-witted
Ding DongStrenuous
DinkumHonest; true. "The Dinkum Oil"-The truth
Dip the lid, toTo raise the hat
DippedMentally deficient
DirtOpprobrium, a mean speech or action
Dirty leftA formidable left fist
DivviesDividends; profits
Dizzy limitThe utmost; the superlative degree
Do inTo defeat; to kill; to spend
Done me luckLost my good fortune
DopeA drug; adulterated liquor. v. To administer drugs
Dot in the eye, toTo strike in the eye
DouseTo extinguish (Anglo-Saxon)
Drive a quillTo write with a pen; to work in an office
Duck, to do a(See "break")
DudNo good; ineffective; used up
DudsPersonal apparel (Scotch)
DunnoDo not know
DutchGerman; any native of Central Europe

E

'Ead over TurkeyHeels over head
'Ead SerangThe chief; the leader
'Eadin'"Heading browns"; tossing pennies
'Eads (Heads)The authorities; inner council
'EavyweightA boxer of the heaviest class
'Ell fer leatherIn extreme haste
End up, to getTo rise to one's feet

F

Fade away, toTo retire; to withdraw
FagA cigarette
FairExtreme; positive
Fair thingA wise proceeding; an obvious duty
FakeA swindle; a hoax
Final ldckFinal leave
Final, to run one'sTo die
FingerAn eccentric or amusing person
FlamNonsense; make-believe
FlashOstentatious; showy but counterfeit
Float, toTo give up the ghost
Fluff, a bit ofA young female person
FlyA turn; a try
Foot (me foot)A term expressing ridicule
FooterFootball (Australian Rules)
FrameThe body
FrillAffectation
Funk, toTo fear; to lose courage
FurphyAn idle rumour; a canard

G

GalootA simpleton
GameOccupation; scheme; design
GawsaveThe National Anthem
GazobA fool; a blunderer
GeewhizzExclamation expressing surprise
Get, to do aTo retreat hastily
GiltMoney; wealth
Give it lip, toTo talk vociferously
Give, toIn one sense, to care
GizzardThe heart
GlarssyThe glassy eye; a glance of cold disdain
Glassey Alley, TheThe favourite; the most admired
GlimA light
Going (while the going is good)While the path is clear
Gone (fair gone)Overcome, as with emotion
Goo-goo eyesLoving glances
Gorspil-coveA minister of the Gospel
GraftWork
GrafterOne who toils hard or willingly
Grandstand playPlaying to the gallery
Griffin, the straightThe truth; secret information
GripOccupation; employment
GroggyUnsteady; dazed
GrouchTo mope; to grumble
GrubFood
GuffNonsense
GuyA foolish fellow
Guy, to do aTo retire
GuyverMake-believe

H

HandiesA fondling of hands between lovers
Hang outTo reside; to last
Hang-overThe aftermath of the night before
HankiesHandkerchiefs
High-falutin'High sounding; boastful
Hit things upTo behave strenuously; riotously
Hitch, toTo wed
HitchedEntangled in the bonds of holy matrimony
Hokey Fly, by theA mild expletive, without any particular meaning
HotExcessive; extreme
Hump, theA fit of depression
Hump, toTo carry as a swag or other burden

I

ImsheeBegone; retreat; to take yourself off
IntroIntroduction; knock-down, q.v.
It (to be It)To assume a position of supreme importance

J

JabTo strike smartly
JaneA woman
JiffA very brief period
Job, toTo smite
JoesMelancholy thoughts
JohnA policeman
Joint, to jump theTo assume command; to occupy the "joint" i.e., establishment, situation, place of business
Jolt, to pass aTo deliver a short, sharp blow
JorThe jaw
Jorb (job)Avocation; employment
JosserA simple fellow
JugA prison

K

Keekin'Peeping
Keep one downTake a drink
Keeps, forFor ever; permanently
KersploshSplash
KickLeave
Kick aboutTo loaf or hang about
KidA child
Kid StakesPretence
Kid, toTo deceive; to persuade by flattery
KiddiesChildren
King PinThe leader; the person of chief importance
KipA small chip used for tossing pennies in the occult game of two-up
KipsieA house; the home
KnobThe head; one in authority
Knock-downA ceremony insisted upon by ladies who decline to be "picked up"; a formal introduction
Knock-out dropsDrugged or impure liquor
Knock-out punchA knock-down blow
KnutA fop; a well-dressed idler

L

'LooWoolloomooloo, a part of Sydney
LarkA practical joke; a sportive jest
LashViolence
LeddingLeaden
LeeryVulgar; low
LeeuwinCape Leeuwin on the south-west coast of Australia
LidThe hat
LimitThe end; the full length
Line upTo approach; to accost
LingoLanguage
LipImpertinence
Little BourkeLittle Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia
Little LonLittle Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
Lob, toTo arrive
Lose or do in the block, toTo become flustered; excited; angry; to lose confidence
LummeLove me
LurkA plan of action; a regular occupation

M

MafeeshFinish; I am finished
MagTo scold or talk noisily
MalleeA species of Eucalypt; the country where the Mallee grows
MashTo woo; to pay court. s. A lover
MaulTo lay hands upon, either violently or with affection
Meet, aAn assignation
MillA bout of fisticuffs
MixTo mix it; to fight strenuously
MizzleTo disappear; to depart suddenly
MoAn abbreviation of "moment"
MollA woman of loose character
MonikerA name; a title; a signature
MoochTo saunter about aimlessly
MoonTo loiter
Mud, my name isi.e., I am utterly discredited
MugA fool; also the mouth
Mug, toTo kiss
Mullock, to pokeTo deride; to tease
MushySentimental

N

NailCatch
Narks., a spoil-sport; a churlish fellow
Nark, toTo annoy; to foil
NarkedAngered; foiled
NatchrilNatural
Neck and neckSide by side
Neck, to get it in theTo receive severe punishment; i.e., "Where the chicken got the axe"
NerveConfidence; impudence
NickPhysical condition; good health
NipperA small boy
NixNothing
Nod, on theWithout payment
Nose around, toTo seek out inquisitively
Nothing (ironically)Literary "something considerable"

O

'Ot socksGaily-coloured hose
Odds, above theBeyond the average; outside the pale
OopizootiesAn undiagnosed complaint
Orfis (office)A warning; a word of advice; a hint
Oricle (oracle), to work theTo secure desired results
Orl (all in)Without limit or restriction
Out, allQuite exhausted; fully extended
Out, toTo render unconscious with a blow

P

Pack, to send to theTo relegate to obscurity
PalA friend; a niate (Gipsy)
PardA partner; a mate
PartGive; hand over
Pass (pass 'im one)To deliver a blow
Pat, on one'sAlone; single-handed
PeachA desirable young woman; "fresh as a peach"
Peb (pebble)A flash fellow; a "larrikin"
PhizThe face
Pick atTo chaff: to annoy
Pick-up, toTo dispense with the ceremony of a "knockdown" or introduction
Pile it onTo rant; to exaggerate
PinchTo steal; to place under arrest
PinsLegs
PipA fit of depression
Pitch a taleTo trump up an excuse; to weave a romance
PlantTo bury
PlugTo smite with the fist
Plug along, toTo proceed doggedly
PlunkAn exclamation expressing the impact of a blow
PodgyFat; plump
PointThe region of the jaw; much sought after by pugilists
Point, toTo seize unfair advantage; to scheme
Pole, up theDistraught through anger, fear, etc.; also, disappeared, vanished
Pot, aA considerable amount; as a "pot of money"
Pot, the oldThe male parent (from "Rhyming Slang," the "old pot and pan"; the "old man"
PradA horse
PugA pugilist
Pull my (or your) legTo deceive or get the best of
Pull offDesist
Pull, to take aTo desist; to discontinue
Punch a cowTo conduct a team of oxen
PunterThe natural prey of a "bookie," q.v.
PushA company of rowdy fellows gathered together for ungentle purposes
Push up the daisies, toTo be interred

Q

Queer the pitchTo frustrate; to fool
QuidA sovereign, or pound sterling
QuodPrison

R

'RoyFitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne; its football team (now merged with Brisbane Bears)
Rabbit, to run theTo convey liquor from a public-house
RagSong in rag time
Rag, to chew theTo grieve; to brood
Rag, to sky theTo throw a towel into the air in token of surrender (pugilism)
Rain, to keep out of theTo avoid danger; to act with caution
RatA street urchin; a wharf loafer
RattledExcited; confused
RecomemberRemember
Red 'otExtreme; out-and-out
RegistryThe office of a Registrar
Renege.To fail to follow suit (in playing cards); to quit
RibuckCorrect, genuine; an interjection signifying assent
RileTo annoy
RiledRoused to anger
Ring, theThe arena of a prize-fight
Ring, the deadA remarkable likeness
RingerExpert
Rise, aAn accession of fortune; an improvement
RocksA locality in Sydney
Rook, to"To take down"
RortyBoisterous; rowdy
Roust, or RouseTo upbraid with many words
RuctionsGrowling; argument
Run 'is finalDied
Run againstTo meet more or less unexpectedly

S

'StruthAn emaciated oath
S.O.SSignal of distress or warning, used in telegraphy
SaintsA football team of St. Kilda, Victoria
Sandy blightOphtlialmia
SavvyCommon-sense; shrewdness
Sawing wood"Bluffing;" biding one's time
SchoolA club; a clique of gamblers, or others
ScootTo hurry; to scuttle
ScranFood
ScrapFight
Set, toTo attack; to regard with disfavour
Set, to haveTo have marked down for punishment or revenge
Shick, shickeredIntoxicated
Shickerlntoxicating liquor
ShookStolen; disturbed
Shook onInfatuated
Shyin' or ShineExcellent; desirable
SifintyA game resembling hockey
SightTo tolerate; to permit; also to see; observe
Sir GarneoIn perfect order; satisfactory
Skirt or bit of skirtA female
SkiteTo boast
SkiterA boaster
Sky the wipeSee "Rag"
SlabA portion; a tall, awkward fellow
SlamMaking all the tricks (in card-playing)
SlanterSpurious; unfair
Slap-upAdrnirable; excellent
SlatsThe ribs
SlaverOne engaged in the "white slave traffic"
SlickSmart; deft; quick
SlingDiscard; throw
Slope, toTo elope; to leave in haste
SloppyLachrymose; maudlin
SlushyA toiler in a scullery
SmoodgeTo flatter or fawn; to bill and coo
SmoodgerA sycophant; a courtier
SnagA hindrance; formidable opponent
Snake juiceStrong drink
Snake-'eadedAnnoyed, vindictive
SnareTo acquire; to seize; to win
SnarkeyAngry
SnideInferior; of no account
SnobA bootmaker
SnoutTo bear a grudge
SnoutedTreated with disfavour
Snuff, or snuff itTo expire
So-longA form of farewell
Sock it intoTo administer physical punishment
SolidSevere; severely
SoolTo attack; to urge on
Soot, leadin'A chief attribute
Sore, to getTo become aggrieved
Sore-headA curmudgeon
Sour, to turn, or getTo become pessimistic or discontented
SpankTo chastise maternal-wise
SparA gentle bout of fisticuffs
Spare me daysA pious ejaculation
SpecsSpectacles
SpellRest or change
SplashTo expend
SpliceTo join in holy matrimony
SpoutTo preach or speak at length
SpragTo accost truculently
SpruikTo deliver a speech, as a showman
SpudsPotatoes
SquareUpright, honest
Square an' allOf a truth; verily
SquizA brief glance
StajumStadium, where prize-fights are conducted
Stand-orfRetiring; reticent
Stiff-unA corpse
StiffenedBought over
StokeTo nourish; to cat
Stop a potTo quaff ale
Stop oneTo receive a blow
StoushTo punch with the fist. s. Violence
Straight, on theIn fair and honest fashion
Strangle-holdAn ungentle embrace in wrestling
Strength of itThe truth of it; the value of it
Stretch, to do aTo serve a term of imprisonment
StrikeThe innocuous remnant of a hardy curse
StrikeTo discover; to meet
Strike meThe innocuous remnant of a hardy curse
Strong, goingProceeding with vigour
StuffMoney
StuntA performance; a tale
Swad, SwaddyA private soldier
SwankAffectation; ostentation
SwapTo exchange
SwellAn exalted person
SwigA draught of water or other liquid
Swiv'lyAfraid, or unable, to look straight

T

TabbieA female
Take 'em onEngage them in battle
Take downDeceive; get the best of
Take it outTo undergo imprisonment in lieu of a fine
TartA young woman (contraction of sweetheart)
TaterPotato
TennerA ten-pound note
Throw in the alleyTo surrender
Time, to doTo serve a term in prison
Time, to have no time forTo regard with impatient disfavour
TipTo forecast; to give; to warn
TipA warning; a prognostication; a hint
TippleStrong drink; to indulge in strong drink
ToffAn exalted person
ToggedGarbed
TogsClothes
TonyStylish
TookArrested; apprehended
Top off, toTo knock down; to assault
Top, off one'sOut of one's mind
TornA girl
Toss in the towelSee "rag"
Tossed out on my neckRejected
TouchManner; mode; fashion
ToughUnfortunate; hardy also a "tug," q.v.
Tough luckMisfortune
Track withTo woo; to "go walking with"
Treat, aExcessively; abundantly
Tucked awayInterred
TuckerFood
TugAn uncouth fellow; a hardy rogue
Tumble to, or to take a tumbleTo comprehend suddenly
Turkey, head overHeels over head
Turn downTo reject; to dismiss
Turn, out of one'slmpertinently; uninvited
TwigTo observe; to espy
Two-up SchoolA gambling den

U

UmptyAn indefinite numeral
UmptydooFar-fetched; "crook"
Up to usOur turn; our duty
Upper-cutln pugilism, an upward blow
UppishProud

V

Vag, on theUnder the provisions of the Vagrancy Act

W

Wade inTake your fill
WallopTo beat; chastise
WasterA reprobate; an utterly useless and unworthy person
Waterworks, to turn on theTo shed tears
WeltA blow
Wet, to getTo become incensed; ill-tempered
WhipsAbundance
White (white man)A true, sterling fellow
White-headed boyA favourite; a pet
Willin'Strenuous; hearty
Win, aSuccess
Wise, to getTo comprehend; to unmask deceit
Wise, to putTo explain; to instruct
WolfTo eat
WordTo accost with fair speech
Wot priceBehold; how nowt
WowserA narrow-minded, intolerant person

Y

YakkerHard Toil
YapTo talk volubly
YowlingWailing; caterwauling