Have you ever heard of the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue? Captain Francis Grose wandered the dockyards and slums of London during the late night hours collecting slang words he compiled into a book that is as much a history reference as it is an amusing romp through the myriad of ways to call someone stupid or a whore. According to a BBC article on the subject, Grose loved anything rude, so if the word had any sexual connotation, it would be included. I’ve occasionally looked for fun words in Grose’s work, though usually for Colonel Fitzwilliam. I think he would’ve heard more of these words during his forays with the Regulars than Darcy would at White’s.
Today, we have a bit of fun with a Vulgar Vocabulary Lesson. May you use your newfound knowledge wisely 😉
ARSY YARSEY. To fall arsy varsey, i.e. head over heels.
BASTARDLY GULLION. A bastard’s bastard.
PETTICOAT HOLD. One who has an estate during his wife’s life, called the apron−string hold.
CAPTAIN QUEERNABS. A shabby ill−dressed fellow.
DIRTY PUZZLE. A nasty slut
NIGMENOG. A very silly fellow
HORNIFIED. Cuckolded.
LOBCOCK. A large relaxed penis: also a dull inanimate fellow.
Hope you enjoyed today’s Vulgar Vocabulary Lesson! Can you pick out any words from Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue I have in my books? Just curious!
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20150916-the-vulgar-tongue-a-dictionary-of-filthy-words
