Slang and uncoventional english part 64 pdf

mastermind noun a railway official US, 1946
master of your domain noun a person who can refrain from
masturbation for a prolonged period. Coined and popularised by
Jerry Seinfeld in an episode of his television comedy The Contest
that first aired on 18th November 1992
US, 1992
masturbation noun self-indulgent nonsense. Used in a euphemistic
attempt to avoid
WANK UK, 2001
masturbation mansion noun a cinema theatre showing
pornographic films US, 1972
mat noun < go to the mat to engage in a full-scale struggle. From
wrestling US, 1908
mataby noun marijuana grown in Zaire, 1980
matador adjective a stylish, fashionable, independent woman TRINIDAD
AND TOBAGO
, 1956
Matapedia screwdriver noun a hammer. Matapedia is a small
town in Quebec, poised on the border with New Brunswick
CANADA, 2002
match noun approximately half an ounce of marijuana. An abbrevi-
ation of ‘matchbox’, which contains approximately the same
amount US, 1980
match verb < match dials the railways, to synchronise watches US,
1977
match bash noun a drag racing event built around a series of races
between two types of vehicles US, 1965
matchbox noun 1 an approximate measure, &half; ounce, 5–10
grams, of marijuana. Derives from the capacity of a matchbox, a
convenient measure US, 1996. 2 a small house IRELAND, 1920
matchbox Jimmy noun a cab over truck built by General Motors

Corporation US, 1971
match head; match-head noun 1 a small single dose of heroin sold
individually US, 1993. 2 a football fan, especially one who goes to the
game. Those interested in a specific football fixture refer to ‘the
match’; this combines with -HEAD (an aficionado). A derisory term
punning on the small size of a matchhead
UK, 2001
mate noun 1 a good friend; a buddy or chum. This word is used to
the near exclusion of its various synonyms in Australia. Originally
used only by men, but since the 1980s increasingly by women UK,
1380. 2 used as a form of address to a stranger. Generally used in a
friendly manner, but also used when being confrontational
UK, 1450.
3 in poker, a card that forms a pair US, 1988
maternity blouse noun a large, loose shirt worn untucked by a
heavy man US, 1981
mateship noun masculine friendship. In 1999 Prime Minister John
Howard tried to introduce this word into a ‘preamble’ to the
Australian Constitution and came under much criticism and
ridicule since it was seen to exclude women – the referendum on
the matter was not passed AUSTRALIA, 1864
mate’s rates; mate rates noun especially cheap prices applied to
one’s friends
AUSTRALIA, 1996
matey noun a man; a companion; a comrade. Used as an
affectionate form of address; in a friendly way for someone whose
name is not known; in a pseudo-friendly manner for patronising
effect US, 1841
matey adjective friendly. Whereas ‘matey’ as a form of address is gen-
erally used of a man, this usage ignores gender

UK, 1915
matey boy noun used dismissively, a man UK, 2002
math out verb to render a presentation beyond comprehension by
virtue of dense mathematical content US, 1991
’matic noun an automatic pistol UK, 1994
matinee noun 1 a sexual encounter in the mid-afternoon US, 1944. 2 a
repeat robbery of a victim
US, 1950
matlock noun a tooth. Hence ‘matlock mender’ (a dentist) UK, 2002
matrimonial peacemaker noun the penis US, 1967
matsakaw; matsakow noun heroin US, 1977
mattie noun a woman’s very close female friend BARBADOS, 1965
mattress noun a sexually active, promiscuous girl from a nearby
village
CANADA, 1992
mattresses noun < go to the mattresses; hit the mattresses
during gang warfare, to retreat in an armed group to a fortified
room, apartment or house
US, 1964
mattress fall noun uterine prolapse TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003
mattress joint noun a hotel catering to prostitutes US, 1956
Mattress Mary noun used as a personification of the stereotypical
sexually loose female
US, 1955
Matty Mattel; Matty Mattel mouse gun noun the M-16 rifle.
Named after the toy manufacturer because many soldiers in
Vietnam found the M-16 to be a seriously flawed rifle
US, 1978
matzoh ball; matzo ball noun a Jewish dance or party held at
Christmas. From a pun on a staple of Jewish cuisine, adopted

commercially for a series of events, and from there into wider
usage US, 2002
Maud; Maude noun a male prostitute. From the female name. Also
used amongst male homosexuals as an adopted name. Probably
since the 1940s UK, 1984
Maud and Ruth noun the truth. Rhyming slang UK, 1977
Maugerville slippers noun hip waders. Maugerville is a town on the
St John River near Fredericton, New Brunswick CANADA, 1991
Maui wowie; Maui wauie; Maui wowee; Maui noun apotent
marijuana cultivated in Hawaii. The island of Maui plus WOW (a
thing of wonder)
US, 1977
Maui-zowie noun a strain of marijuana. A variation of MAUI WOWIE
UK
, 2000
mauler noun a set of brass knuckles US, 1953
maulsprigging noun a beating BARBADOS, 1965
Mau-Mau noun a black person who uses the fact that he is black to
get his way with guilty white people US, 1965
mau-mau verb to bully, especially using confrontational political
arguments that play on racial guilt. Coined as a verb by Tom Wolfe
based on the name of a secret society organised to expel
European settlers from Kenya US, 1970
mauve noun a person who appears to be homosexual UK, 2002
mauzy adjective in Newfoundland, a foggy, misty day with a gentle
ocean breeze CANADA, 1969
maverick noun a stolen, or ‘reappropriated’, military vehicle. From
the western US sense of the word as ‘stolen cattle’
US, 1990
mavis noun a male homosexual. Gay slang, formed on the name

Mavis and originating among Cape coloureds SOUTH AFRICA, 2000
Mavis Fritter noun the anus. Rhyming slang UK, 2003
maw noun amotherUS, 1826
MAW noun an attractive woman who is highly visible at fashionable
events. An acronym of ‘model, actress, whatever’ UK, 1998
max noun 1 maximum; a maximum US, 1851. 2 a maximum security
prison US, 1961. < to the max as far as possible, to the limit US,
1971
max verb to wear UK, 2003
max adjective maximum security US, 1976
max and relax verb to take things easy, to take leisure with pleasure
US, 1994
max BBs noun a tactic in aerial combat of using the highest rate of
fire and filling the air with rounds
US, 1991
maxed to the onions adjective extremely large. US military usage
during the Vietnam war US, 1982
Max Factor noun an actor. Rhyming slang, formed from the name
of a cosmetics company UK, 1992
maximum brilliant adjective extremely good US, 1982
maxi taxi; maxi noun a van used as a taxi TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1979
Max Miller noun a pillow. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of
one of the greats of British stand-up comedy, 1895–1963 UK, 1992
423 mastermind | Max Miller
max out; max verb 1 to reach a limit US, 1977. 2 to complete a maxi-
mum prison sentence
US, 1972. 3 to relax US, 1984
Max Walls; maxies noun the testicles. Rhyming slang for BALLS from
the name of Max Wall (1908–90), a great British comedian
UK, 1992

Maxwell House noun a mouse. Rhyming slang, formed on an
instant-coffee brand
UK, 1992
may all your consequences by happy ones used as a humorous
farewell. A catchphrase television sign-off on Tr uth or
Consequences (1950–1987), a game show. Repeated with
referential humour
US, 1962
Mayflower noun a Plymouth car US, 1965
Mayne Nickless job noun in horse racing, an extremely large bet.
The amount bet is so staggering that it must have been stolen
from a payroll van of Mayne Nickless, Australia’s largest corporate
provider of health care
AUSTRALIA, 1989
mayo noun 1 cocaine, heroin, morphine US, 1949 . 2 mayonnaise US, 1960
Mayor Hunna; Mayor John noun marijuana US, 1968
maypop noun in the used car business, a tyre that is not guaranteed.
Because it may pop at any moment US, 1980
May snow noun on Prince Edward Island, a late spring snow,
supposed to help cure blindness and sore feet CANADA, 1988
maytag noun a weak prisoner, especially one who does laundry for
others as a sign of submission US, 1987
may you live in interesting times used as a curse. Generally
jocular. In a speech given in South Africa in 1966, US President
John F. Kennedy introduced this allegedly ancient Chinese curse
to the world
US, 1998
Mazatlans noun beach sandals made with tyre treads for soles US,
1965
mazawatee adjective crazy, foolish. Rhyming slang for POTTY,formed

from Mazawatee Tea, an old brand name for tea, perhaps also
punning on ‘(tea)pot’
UK, 1992
Mazola party noun group sex, enhanced by the application of veg-
etable oil to the participants’ bodies. An allusion and tribute to
Mazola Corn Oil™
US, 1968
mazoola noun money US, 1951
mazuma noun 1 money. From Hebrew to Yiddish to English US, 1901.
2 a female professor US, 1947
MB verb to return a carnival customer’s money. From ‘money back’
US, 1985
MBNWA noun < Management By Not Walking Around the
extensive use of e-mail to keep in touch with subordinates in
business CANADA, 2002
Mc- prefix used in combination with the noun that follows for
expressing a cheap, mass-produced product. From the
McDonald’s™ hamburger chain
US, 1984
MC; emcee noun 1 a master of ceremonies US, 1790. 2 a rap artist.
From ‘microphone controller’ US, 1996
MC; emcee verb 1 to serve as a master of ceremonies US, 1937. 2 to
perform US, 2000
McFired adjective fired from a low-skill, low-wage menial job US, 2003
McFly noun used as a term of address to someone who does not
think often or well. From a character in the Back to the Future
films US, 1989
McGimper noun a pimp US, 1949
McJob noun a temporary job; a job with little or no future prospects.
Characterised as the sort of work available at McDonald’s™, the

multinational fast food brand. A term coined and trademark-
registered by McDonald’s itself in 1983 as a positive expression of
an affirmative hiring program aimed at those with disabilities; by
the late 1980s a derisive term for the low-skill, low-wage jobs that
were proliferating in the US during the presidency of Ronald
Reagan
US, 1991
McJobber noun a person in temporary employment or employment
with little or no prospects. After MCJOB UK, 2003
McLean lane noun in trucking, the right hand or slow lane on a
motorway
US, 1976
McMudhole nickname McMurdo Station, Antarctica ANTARCTICA, 2003
McNamara Special noun a transport plane specially equipped for
flying dignitaries to Vietnam during the war
US, 1988
McNamara’s War noun the Vietnam war. Robert Strange McNamara
was US Secretary of Defense from 1961 until 1967, much of the
Vietnam war US, 1990 8see: MIS TER TRUMAN’S WAR
MCP noun a male chauvinist pig. In common usage by those
involved in the cause of women’s liberation
UK, 1971
McPaper noun a poorly researched, poorly thought out, and poorly
written term paper or essay. From McDonald’s™, the ubiquitous
purveyor of fast-food
US, 1991
McPhillips Str eet Station nickname the intersection of McPhillips
Street (Winnipeg) and the Canadian Pacific Railway main line
CANADA, 1987
McShit noun < go for a McShit to use a fast-food outlet’s toilet

facilities without purchasing from the restaurant’s menu. Based on
McDonalds™ but available at Burger King™, etc. UK, 2002
McTheatre noun a derisory categorisation of heavily marketed, big-
budget, low-brow musical theatre US, 1996
MD noun 1 Dr. Pepper™ soda US, 1967. 2 a managing director. Only
when spoken as ‘em dee’
UK, 1963
MDA noun a synthetic hallucinogen (methylenedioxy-amphetamine)
that also contains a central nervous system stimulant. Used as a
technical term in the late 1950s, in a slang sense later when the
drug became popular, largely with gays US, 1978
MDB noun a hospital patient with an appalling lack of hygiene. A
‘mega dirtball’
US, 1989
MDO noun a day missed at work due to a feigned illness. An abbrevi-
ation of ‘Maori day off’ NEW ZEALAND, 1998
me adjective my UK, 1947
meal noun a socially inept person. Youth usage US, 1949
meal-a-mat noun a vending machine dispensing food US, 1977
meals rejected by Ethiopians; meals refused by Ethiopians
noun military MREs (meals ready to eat) US, 1988
meal ticket noun a source of support, especially a person US, 1899
mealymouth noun a person who speaks insincerely or with a
complete lack of conviction UK, 1600
mean adjective excellent US, 1919. < so mean he wouldn’t pay a
dime to see the Statue of Liberty piss
very stingy CANADA, 1988.
< so mean he wouldn’t shit away from home used for
expressing a high degree of stinginess and bad temper CANADA, 1988
mean adverb very US, 1998

mean as black cat shit adjective used for expressing a high degree
of stinginess
CANADA, 1988
me and the devil, pretty soon just the devil in poker, said
when all players but two have withdrawn from a hand US, 1951
me and you noun 1 a menu. Rhyming slang, or merely a play on
words
UK, 1932. 2 in Bingo, the number two. Rhyming slang UK, 1998
meanest adjective best, fastest US, 1965
mean green noun phencyclidine, the recreational drug known as
PCP or angel dust. The ‘green’ is from the parsley or mint on
which the drug is at times sprinkled; the ‘mean’ is reduplicative
yet accurately describes the behaviour of most users
US, 1981
meanie noun copelandia cyancens or panaeolus cyanescens:a
mushroom with potent psychactive properties. A shortening of
‘blue meanie’
UK, 1999
meanies noun the police or other authorities of enforcement;
specifically those opposed to citizens’ band radio. Abbreviated
from ‘blue meanies’
US, 1981
mean mugging noun hateful glances US, 2004
mean out adjective good; bad. Hawaiian youth usage US, 1982
mean reds noun the bleed period of the menstrual cycle US, 1961
max out; max | mean reds 424
meanwhile, back at the ranch used as a humorous indication
that a story is about to change to another thread. From a clichéd
device used in cowboy films
US, 1956

meany noun an exceedingly mean person. The Beatles, in the
cartoon film The Yellow Submarine, 1968, popularised the term
‘the blue meanies’ as an intensification for those that cast a blight
on joyfulness
UK, 1927
me an’ you noun in Bingo (also House and Tombola), the number
two UK, 1981
measle sheet noun a military map with a large number of small
circled numbers indicating checkpoints
US, 1966
measly adjective contemptible, of little value, petty UK, 1864
meat noun 1 the penis UK, 1595. 2 the vagina US, 1973 . 3 the human
body US, 1834. 4 acorpseUS, 1949. 5 in a hospital, tissue taken for a
biopsy
US, 1994. 6 in motor racing, a large racing tyre US, 1993. 7 in
hot rodding, structural metal in the engine block
US, 1965. 8 a
musical instrument’s sound before any electronic alteration
UK,
1983
. < the meat athletes; in the entertainment industry, the
actors, the performers
US, 1967
meat verb < be on a meat-free diet to be a lesbian. A
euphemism formed on MEAT (the penis) UK, 1995
meat and two veg; meat noun used for Reg, a diminutive of the
name Reginald. Rhyming slang; an apparently teasing application
of the non-rhyming sense as ‘the male genitals’ UK, 1992
meat and two veg; meat with two vegetables noun the penis
and testicles

US, 1964
meat axe noun in television and film-making, a rod used on
scaffolding to hold light screens US, 1990. < as a meat axe as hell
AUSTRALIA, 1949
meatball noun 1 a dim-witted, gullible person US, 1939 . 2 afalseor
petty criminal charge
US, 1944. 3 a coloured light that serves as a
visual aid in an optical landing system for an aeroplane landing on
an aircraft carrier US, 1957. 4 in horse racing, a combination of
cathartics administered to a horse US, 1951
meat book noun at a college or university, a book with the names
and photographs of all incoming students US, 1996
meat box noun a prison service van for transporting prisoners UK, 1996
meat curtains noun the vagina UK, 2001
meat cutter noun a surgeon US, 1980
meat district noun an area where sex is available US, 1984
meat drapes noun the condition that exists when a tight-fitting pair
of trousers, shorts, bathing suit or other garment forms a wedge
between a woman’s labia, accentuating their shape US, 2004
meat eater noun a corrupt police officer who aggressively seeks out
bribes and other personal advantages US, 1972
meat factory noun a college or university that recruits athletes
solely for their athletic ability and without any real expectation
that they will graduate
US, 1978
meat fleet noun a military hospital ship. Gulf war usage US, 1991
meat hangers noun a pair of men’s close-fitting and revealing nylon
swimming trunks AUSTRALIA, 2003
meathead noun a stupid person; hence a general derogative
implying stupidity. No brains between the ears, just meat

US, 1928
meat hook noun in electric line work, a handline hook US, 1980
meat injection noun the sexual insertion of the erect penis
AUSTRALIA, 1942
meat mag noun a homoerotic, often pornographic, magazine US, 1979
meat market noun 1 a bar or other public place where people
congregate in search of sexual companionship UK, 1957. 2 a
modelling agency US, 1972
meat parlour noun an establishment where sex is the most import-
ant commodity US, 1969
meat-pie adjective of average quality AUSTRALIA, 1988
meat puppet noun 1 the penis UK, 2003. 2 a prostitute US, 1997
meat rack noun 1 a restaurant, bar or other public place where
people gather in search of sexual partners
US, 1962. 2 Piccadilly in
London’s West End, an area where homosexuals and homosexual
prostitutes offer their services. Like so much meat displayed in a
butchers UK, 1972. 3 agymnasiumUS, 1976
meat seat noun the vagina UK, 2001
meat shot noun 1 a photograph or scene in a pornographic film
focusing on a penis
US, 1974. 2 a bullet wound in a muscle, not
involving a bone or organ damage
US, 1992
meat show noun a striptease act or other performance featuring
naked or near-naked women US, 1943
Meat Street nickname West 14th Street, New York. An allusion both
to the meatpacking industry in the area and the transvestite
prostitutes who work there at night
US, 1997

meat wagon noun 1 an ambulance US, 1925. 2 a coroner’s ambulance
US, 1942. 3 medical evacuation equipment, especially a helicopter US,
1991. 4 a prison-service or police vehicle used for confining and
transporting prisoners
UK, 1954
meat whistle noun the penis US, 1965
meaty adjective (used of a wave) powerful US, 1991
mebbe adverb maybe. From North Country dialect UK, 1825
mech noun a mechanic UK, 1918
mechanic noun 1 in the underworld, a specialist for hire US, 1949 . 2 a
hired killer US, 1989. 3 in gambling, a cheat who manipulates the
cards or dice US, 1909 . 4 any safety device worn by a circus
performer US, 1980. 5 an accomplished, skilled lover US, 1985
mechanical digger; mechanical noun a black person. Rhyming
slang for ‘nigger’ UK, 1992
mechanic’s grip noun in card trickery, a method of holding the
deck that favours cheating US, 2003
Med noun < the Med the Mediterranean sea; the lands generally
known as the Mediterranean
UK, 1943
med adjective medical US, 1933
med head noun a member of the military police NEW ZEALAND, 1998
media flu noun a runny nose and consequent sniffing as symptoms
of cocaine use. Some symptoms of influenza translated to a pro-
fession noted for cocaine use, on the model of ‘Asian flu’, etc
UK,
2002
media whore; meeja whore noun someone prepared to do
anything for publicity UK, 1999 8see: MEEJA
medic; medico noun a medical doctor, whether physician or

surgeon; someone who uses medical skills in a professional
capacity UK, 1659
medical shot noun in a pornographic film, an extreme close-up of
genitals US, 1977
medicate verb to use an illegal drug US, 2003
medicine noun 1 alcohol; liquor US, 1847. 2 illegal drugs or narcotics
US, 1976
medicine line noun the border between Canada and the US,
especially in the west CANADA, 1987
meditation noun solitary confinement in prison US, 1990
meditation manor noun a prison cell used for solitary confinement
US, 1962
Mediterranean back noun a phoney injured back used as an
excuse for taking leave from work. A racial slur referring to New
Australians, many of whom were from a Greek, Italian or Lebanese
background
AUSTRALIA, 1972
medzers noun money. Parleyaree, theatrical and polari. Variants
include ‘medzies’, ‘metzers’, ‘metzes’, ‘metties’, ‘metzies’,
‘measures’ and ‘mezsh’ UK, 1933
meeces noun mice. From the Huckleberry Hound television cartoon
series of the late 1950s, in which Mr Jinx the beatnik cat regularly
described his feelings towards Pixie and Dixie, two mice, as ‘I hate
those meeces to pieces’ US, 1991
425 meanwhile, back at the ranch | meeces
meeja; meejah; meejer noun media. A phonetic slurring in
fashionable currency; slightly derogatory and generally used with
‘the’
UK, 1983
mee-maws noun the police. Echoic of a two-tone siren UK: SCOTLAND,

1988
meemies noun a feeling of anxiety and fear. A shortened form of the
SCREAMING MEEMIES US, 1946
meese adjective plain. Recorded in contemporary gay use UK, 2003
meet noun 1 a meeting, especially one convened to discuss illegal
matters UK, 1865. 2 a session in which musicians collectively
improvise; a jam session US, 1957
meet verb in poker, to make a bet equal to the previous bet US, 1990
meeting noun < take a meeting to attend a business meeting.
Entertainment industry terminology, used outside the industry in
a mocking, pretentious tone
US, 1977
meff’d adjective drunk UK, 2002
mega adjective great, successful, excellent, special. A multi-purpose
superlative, from Greek prefix mega- (great) UK, 1969
mega- prefix used for intensifying US, 1966
megablast noun a dose of crack cocaine US, 1993
megabuck adjective very expensive US, 1992
mega dirtball noun a hospital patient with an appalling lack of
hygiene US, 1989
megapenny noun ten thousand dollars (one cent times ten to the
sixth power) US, 1991
megg noun a marijuana cigarette US, 1942
megger noun in the television and film industries, a director. From
the long-gone practice of directors’ using megaphones
US, 1977
megillah noun all of something. For observant Jews on Purim, the
reading of the entire Megillas Esther is deemed an obligation US,
1954
MEGO my eyes glaze over US, 1977

Meg Ryan noun a homosexual male. Rhyming slang for ‘iron’ (IRON
HOOF
), POOF formed from the name of the US film actress (b.1961)
UK, 1998
meig noun a penny; a five-cent piece US, 1962
Mekong Delta nickname a neigbourhood with a large number of
Vietnamese immigrants and businesses US, 1979
mel noun in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, a conven-
tional, law-abiding citizen
US, 1994
melana cream noun a powerful variety of hashish from the Kulu
Valley in Himachel Pradesh UK, 2003
Melba noun < do a Melba (especially of an entertainer) to retire
and then come out of retirement over and over again. Referring to
Dame Nellie Melba, 1861–1931, Australian opera singer AUSTRALIA,
1971
Meldrew noun a middle-aged or elderly man who is a complainer or
a moaner, or is characteristically intolerant, pessimistic or
curmudgeonly. Named after Victor Meldrew, the central character
in BBC situation comedy, One Foot in the Grave (from 1990),
written by David Renwick and played by Scottish character actor
Richard Wilson
UK, 1990
mellow noun a good friend US, 1976
mellow verb to calm US, 1974
mellow adjective 1 pleasing, relaxed, good US, 1938. 2 mildly and
pleasantly drunk or drug-intoxicated UK, 1699. 3 (used of a friend)
close US, 1941
mellow d adjective relaxed, enjoyable. A glorious pun on ‘melody’ US,
1973

mellow man noun an attractive male US, 1945
mellow yellow noun 1 fried banana skin scrapings, sold for their
nonexistent psychoactive effect
US, 1966. 2 LSD US, 1971
melon noun 1 the head AUSTRALIA, 1907. 2 a fool. Probably a shortening
of melonhead
AUSTRALIA, 1937. < bust your melon to confuse.
Combines ‘bust’ (to break) with
MELON (the head) US, 2002. < twist
your melon
to confuse, to scramble your thoughts. Combines
‘twist’ (to derange) with MELON (the head). Survives as a
catchphrase with the meaning barely understood
UK, 1990
melon gear noun a crash helmet US, 2003
melon hut; melon noun a prefabricated red field hut ANTARCTICA, 2000
melons noun large female breasts US, 1957
meltdown noun the complete and total malfunctioning of a casino
slot machine
US, 1999
melted butter noun semen US, 1980
melted out adjective broke; without funds US, 1948
melton adjective hot. A pun on ‘melting’ originally recorded in 1885,
however current use is probably freshly coined. Recorded in
contemporary gay use UK, 2003
Melvin noun the condition that exists when someone pulls your
trousers or underpants forcefully upwards, forming a wedge
between buttock cheeks
US, 1989
Melvin verb 1 to seize someone’s testicles and twist them, especially

as a girl’s revenge for sexual harassment. Obviously extends from
the senses that convey a painful and forceful adjustment to
someone’s underwear
UK, 2003. 2 to dupe US, 1991
Melvyn Bragg; melvyn noun 1 a cigarette. Rhyming slang for FAG,
based on the name of author and television presenter Lord Bragg
of Wigton (b.1939) UK, 1998 . 2 an act of sexual intercourse. Rhyming
slang for SHAG, based on the name of author and television
presenter Lord Bragg of Wigton (b.1939); this term came into use
shortly after the explicitly sexual television adaptation of his 1990
novel A Time to Dance was first broadcast in 1992
UK, 1992. 3 a
contemptible person. Rhyming slang for SLAG,basedonthename
of author and television presenter Lord Bragg of Wigton (b.1939)
UK, 1998. 4 a sexually promiscuous woman, a slut. Rhyming slang for
SLAG UK, 1998
member noun a fellow homosexual US, 1970s
Memphis dominoes noun dice US, 1942
ménage à moi noun an act of female masturbation UK, 2004
menali noun potent hashish originating in the Himalayas, 1999
mender noun in circus and carnival usage, a claims adjuster US, 1981
men in white coats noun 1 medical or laboratory personnel UK, 1967.
2 psychiatric staff. Usually humorous, and in a context that
questions a person’s sanity
UK, 1968
menopause manor noun in the Canadian Forces, the Sergeants and
Warrant Officers’ Mess CANADA, 1995
mensch; mensh; mench noun an honourable person. German
mensch (a person) into Yiddish
US, 1953

mensh noun a mention; also, as a verb, to mention UK, 1984
mental noun an outburst of anger or madness AUSTRALIA, 1979
mental adjective 1 insane, crazy UK, 1927. 2 wonderful, amazing, mind-
blowing UK, 1998. < go mental to become very enraged, to have a
fit of ill-temper UK: SCOTLAND, 1985
mental blooter noun a spree of any kind of excessive behaviour UK,
1988
mentalist noun a crazy person; a lunatic; an eccentric UK, 1997
mentaller noun a mad or crazy person UK, 2001
mentalness noun a state of madness UK: SCOTLAND, 1996
mental pygmy noun a dolt US, 1968
menu noun 1 the list of services available in a brothel US, 1993.
2 grafitti describing sex preferences and telephone numbers US, 1972
merc noun a mercenary. With the official US use of the term ‘private
civilian contractor’ instead of ‘mercenary’ in the invasion and
occupation of Iraq, use of the term ‘merc’ in the future is
doubtful ZIMBABWE, 1967
Merc noun 1 a Mercedes car US, 1970. 2 a Mercury car US, 1951
Mercedes noun 1 in horse racing, odds of 10–1. Rhyming slang,
formed from Mercedes Benz AUSTRALIA, 1989. 2 a variety of MDMA,
meeja; meejah; meejer | Mercedes 426
the recreational drug best known as ecstasy. After the luxury car;
describing the logo stamped on the pill
UK, 1999
merch noun merchandise US, 1995
merchant noun a prisoner who sells goods to other prisoners US, 1958
merchant banker; merchant; banker noun a contemptible
person. Rhyming slang for
WANKER (a contemptible person), coined
in response to

YUPPIE (a young upwardly mobile professional),
many of whom were merchant bankers, moving into the East End
of London during the 1980s UK, 1992
merck; merk noun cocaine. From the name of a pharmaceutical
company
US, 1969
mercy! used for expressing mild surprise US, 1992
mercy buckets! thank you. An intentional butchering of the French
UK, 1960
mercy Mary! used for expressing surprise in a melodramatic
fashion US, 1970
mercy Miss Percy! used for embellishing any exclamation US, 1953
mercy sakes!; mercy’s sakes alive! used euphemistically in
citizens’ band transmissions to register anger, shock, surprise, etc
US, 1976
mere gook rule noun a belief during the Vietnam war that a crime
committed against a Vietnamese person was not a crime US, 1976
Merlin the magician; merlin noun a pigeon. Rhyming slang UK,
1992
merry noun marijuana. A play on the name Mary, featured in many
slang terms for ‘marijuana’
US, 1938
merry and bright noun light, a light. Rhyming slang UK, 1992
merry dancers noun the northern lights CANADA, 1946
merry-go-round noun 1 the visits to many different prison offices
the day before a prisoner is released
US, 1996. 2 a railway turntable
US, 1946. 3 a pound (£1). Rhyming slang; often reduced to ‘merry’
UK, 1961
merry hell noun < play merry hell; raise merry hell to make a

disturbance, to complain or quarrel noisily and angrily, to make a
din US, 1911
merry laird noun a beard. Glasgow rhyming slang (a good rhyme in
the local accent) UK: SCOTLAND, 1988
merry old soul noun 1 a hole. Rhyming slang UK, 1992. 2 the anus.
Rhyming slang for ARSEHOLE; a specialism of the previous sense.
Logically, this will be applied with irony to any ARSEHOLE (a
contemptible person) UK, 2003
merry syphilis and a happy gonorrhoea used as a humorous
replacement for ’Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’ AUSTRALIA,
1985
merry widow noun 1 a bust-emphasising corset US, 1957. 2 in pool, a
cue stick with a butt made with a single, unspliced piece of wood
US, 1983
mersh noun marijuana that is commercially produced for a mass-
market US, 2004
Meryl Str eep; meryl noun sleep. Rhyming slang, formed from the
name of the US film actress (b.1949) UK, 1998
mesc; mezc noun mescaline US, 1970
meself pronoun myself. Representing a common Australian
pronunciation AUSTRALIA, 1898
mesh noun on a computer keyboard, the # character US, 1983
meshugge; meshuga; meshuggener; meshigener adjective crazy.
Yiddish US, 1888
mesmeric adjective used for expressing approval UK, 2003
mess noun 1 a person who is dirty or untidy; a person who is
disorganised or incapable of being organised
UK, 1891. 2 excrement
UK, 1903. 3 a large amount US, 1826. 4 drugs US, 1978. 5 in poker, a draw
of replacement cards that fails to improve the hand

US, 1979
mess; mess with verb to confront; to mess with; to interfere; to
bother; to fight US, 1935
messages noun shopping; hence, message bag, shopping bag.
Dialect
UK: SCOTLAND, 1911. < d o the messages to go on a small
local shopping trip AUSTRALIA, 1902
mess around verb to engage in sexual foreplay; to have sex UK, 1896
messed up adjective drunk or drug-intoxicated US, 1963
messenger noun a bullet US, 1962
messer noun ajokerIRELAND, 1998
mess up verb to beat someone up US, 1914
messy adjective good. Another example of BAD meaning ‘good’ UK,
2002
met noun methamphetamine US, 1993
Met noun < the Met London’s Metropolitan Police, established in
1829
UK, 1962
meta- prefix used for indicating a higher level than super- or hyper-
UK, 2003
metabolic clinic noun a hospital tea-room. Medical humour UK, 2002
metalhead noun a lover of heavy metal music and the attendant
lifestyle US, 1982
metal jacket noun acondomUS, 1993
metal mouth noun any person with orthodontia US, 1978
meter noun twenty-five cents US, 1945
-meter; -ometer suff ix the conventional suffix that creates a means
of measuring, when used to make a flippant or nonce-word,
especially as a measurer of sexual arousal. In 2003 a brief search of
the Internet revealed ‘shagometer’, from

SHAG (to have sex),
‘hornometer’, from HORN (an erection) and ‘pain-in-the-assometer’
UK, 1837
meter maid noun a policewoman who checks cars on city streets for
parking infractions CANADA, 1965
meter reader noun in the US Air Force, a co-pilot US, 1946
meth noun 1 methamphetamine hydrochloride, a powerful central
nervous system stimulant, brand name Methedrine™ US, 1966.
2 methadone (a drug prescribed as a substitute for heroin) US, 1980.
3 marijuana. An abbreviation of METHOD (marijuana) US, 1994
mether noun a methylated spirits addict UK, 1995
meth head noun a habitual user of methamphetamine US, 1966
methical noun marijuana. A combination of METHOD and TICAL, slang
terms for ‘marijuana’ adopted as aliases by rap artist
Methical/Method Man US, 1994
meth monster noun 1 an amphetamine addict US, 1967. 2 any
paranoid delusion suffered after sustained methamphetamine use
US, 1989
metho noun 1 methylated spirits AUSTRALIA, 1933. 2 a habitual drinker
of methylated spirits AUSTRALIA, 1933
Metho noun a Methodist AUSTRALIA, 1940
method; method murder noun marijuana US, 1995
Methodist hell noun the epitome of heat US, 1975
meths noun methylated spirits AUSTRALIA, 1981
meth speedball noun methamphetamine mixed with heroin. A
combination of METH (methamphetamine) and SPEEDBALL (cocaine
and heroin mixed, or an UPPER and DOWNER mixed), 2002
metric miles noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang for ‘piles’ UK, 2003
metrosexual noun an urban, heterosexual male who, in matters of
style or recreation, has similar tastes to those stereotypically associ-

ated with women or homosexual men
UK, 1994
Metro Tux noun in Los Angeles, the police officer’s uniform except
for his shirt, which is replaced by a white t-shirt. With this slight
modification, policemen may drink at a bar without violating the
department rule against drinking in uniform US, 1994
Mex noun 1 a Mexican or Mexican-American. Offensive US, 1847. 2 the
Spanish language
US, 1858
Mex adjective Mexican. Offensive US, 1854
Mexi noun low quality marijuana, claimed to be from Mexico US, 2001
427 merch | Mexi
Mexican noun in eastern Australia, a person from a state south of
one’s own. In Queensland it refers to either New South Welshmen
or Victorians, whereas in New South Wales it refers to Victorians
AUSTRALIA, 1991
Mexican breakfast noun any combination of a glass of water, a
cigarette and the chance to urinate US, 1960
Mexican brown noun inferior heroin that originates in Mexico. The
adjective ‘Mexican’ has a negative value US, 1975
Mexican Buick noun a Chevrolet US, 1979
Mexican Cadillac noun a Chevrolet US, 1962
Mexican carwash noun a rainstorm US, 1950
Mexican cashmer e noun acottonsweatshirtUS, 1957
Mexican chrome noun aluminium paint US, 1955
Mexican cigarette noun a poorly made marijuana cigarette US, 1987
Mexican compromise noun a decision in which you lose property
but save your life
US, 1954
Mexican credit card; Mexican filling station noun a siphon

used for stealing petrol from a parked car US, 1979
Mexican diamond noun a stone cut and polished to look like a dia-
mond
US, 1950
Mexican fox-trot noun diarrhoea US, 1979
Mexican green noun an inferior marijuana cultivated in Mexico US,
1961
Mexican hayride noun a car overloaded with passengers US, 1962
Mexican horse noun brown heroin originating in Mexico. The
source plus HORSE (heroin) US, 1979
Mexican jumping bean; Mexican red noun a capsule of barbitu-
rate, especially Seconal™, manufactured in Mexico. Named for the
capsule’s appearance, not its effect, which is sedative US, 1971
Mexican locoweed; Mexican tumbleweed noun marijuana US,
1969
Mexican mud noun brown heroin that originates in the Sierra
Madre mountains of Mexico; heroin US, 1977
Mexican muffler noun a tin can stuffed with steel wool functioning
as a car silencer US, 1953
Mexican mushroom noun psylocybin or psylocin, powerful
psychedelic drugs extracted from Psilocybe mexicana and
Stropharia cubensis mushrooms which are native to Mexico
US, 1969
Mexican nose guard noun a jock strap (an athletic support). An
unkind linkage of the penis and nose US, 1979
Mexican overdrive noun while driving, coasting down a hill in
neutral gear US, 1955
Mexican paint noun silver paint US, 1954
Mexican red noun 1 a potent variety of marijuana with a red-brown
colour cultivated in Mexico US, 1971. 2 a capsule of secobarbitral

sodium (trade name Seconal™), a central nervous system depress-
ant US, 1977
Mexican retread noun a tyre that has been hastily and superficially
repaired US, 1962
Mexican shower noun a hurried washing of the face and armpits
US, 2004
Mexican sidewalls noun blackwall tyres that have been painted
white US, 1979
Mexican standoff noun 1 a situation in which nobody clearly has
the advantage or emerges a clear winner
US, 1891. 2 the quitting of
a poker game when a player is slightly ahead, slightly behind, or
even US, 1958
Mexican straight noun in poker, any hand, a knife and a threat to
use the knife. Reminiscent of the simple announcement, ‘My
Smith and Wesson beats your full house’
US, 1979
Mexican strawberries noun dried beans CANADA, 2002
Mexican time noun used for denoting a lack of punctuality US, 1967
Mexican toothache noun dysentery US, 1960
Mexican traffic light noun a speed bump US, 1992
Mexican Valium noun Rohypnol™ (flunitrazepam), popularly known
as the ‘date-rape drug’
US, 1995
Mextown noun a neighbourhood with a large population of
Mexicans and Mexican-Americans
US, 1957
mezz noun marijuana, a marijuana cigarette. An eponym honouring
Milton ‘Mezz’ Mezzrow, a jazz musician who was better known for
his missionary work on behalf of marijuana than his jazz, and who

is better remembered for his writing than his jazz US, 1937
mezzony; mizzony noun the money required for a purchase of
marijuana. A combination of
MEZZ (marijuana) and ‘money’ US,
1936s
mezzroll; mezz roll; Mezz’s roll; meserole; messorole;
mezzrow
noun an extra-large marijuana cigarette US, 1944
MF; em ef noun a motherfucker US, 1959
MFI noun 1 MI5, the UK’s security intelligence agency. From the
name of the retail chain that pioneered self-assembly furniture in
the UK, and became the butt of many jokes
UK, 2002. 2 a very large
myocardial infarction; a major heart attack. Medical slang,
elaborating the conventional abbreviation for the condition, MI,
with F for, presumably, -FUCKING MFI is also a well-known flat-pack
furniture retailer
UK, 2002
MFIC; MFWIC noun the person in charge of a situation. An abbrevi-
ation of motherfucker (who’s) in charge US, 1968
mf-word noun the word motherfuck, motherfucker or motherfucking
US, 1992
MIA adjective difficult to locate. From the military label for ‘missing
in action’ US, 2002
miaow!; mee-ow! used of a malicious gossiper, or as a
commentary on the gossip itself. Intended as an impression of a
cat’s mew, from
CATTY (spiteful) UK, 1984
mic noun a microphone. Pronounced ‘mike’ US, 1927 8see: MICRODOT
michael noun the vagina NEW ZEALAND, 1998

Michael noun an alcoholic beverage that has been adulterated with
a strong tranquilliser; the narcotic that is so used. An abbreviation
of MICKEY FINN US, 1942
Michael Caine; michael noun a pain. Rhyming slang, formed from
the name of the London-born film actor (b.1933)
UK, 1992
Michael Miles; michaels noun haemorrhoids. Rhyming slang,
‘piles’, formed from the name of a popular television ‘quiz
inquisitor’, host of Take Your Pick, 1955–68; or, less likely, from a
US banjo player
UK, 2003
michael-muncher noun a person who enjoys performing oral sex on
a woman NEW ZEALAND, 1998
Michael Schumacher noun tobacco. Rhyming slang, formed from
the name of the German-born world champion Formula 1 racing
driver (b.1969); the rhyme, while not perfect, is informed with
irony – Michael Schumacher has long been associated with
Marlboro cigarettes
UK, 1998
Michael Winner noun dinner. Rhyming slang, formed from the
name of the British film director (b.1935) perhaps better known,
in this context, as The Sunday Times restaurant critic (with his
column: ‘Winner’s Dinners’) UK, 1998
Michelle noun in cricket, a score of five wickets taken in an innings.
Rhyming slang, on the imperfect rhyme of the name of film
actress Michelle Pfeiffer (b.1958), with ‘five for ’
UK, 2001
Michigan bankroll noun a single large-denomination note wrapped
around small-denomination notes, giving the impression of a great
deal of money US, 1914

Michigan handshake noun a firm handshake that imparts a
farewell. Newspaper advice columnist Ann Landers used the term
in a column on 27th June 1996, in which she urged ‘Embarrassed
in Pittsburgh’ to give her friend Fred ‘a Michigan handshake’ ‘and
tell him to hit the bricks’ because he had taken a picture of her
sleeping in the nude. Landers’ use of the term generated a
number of inquiries as to its meaning, and placed the term into
the public lexicon. Landers herself pointed to Traverse City,
Michigan, in the 1960s as the source of the term
US, 1996
Mexican | Michigan handshake 428
Michoacan; Michoacan green noun a powerful grade of
marijuana, claimed to have been grown in the Mexican state of
Michoacan
US, 1973
mick noun 1 an Irish person or Irish-American US, 1850. 2 a car that is
used in Ireland before being imported into, and reregistered in,
England – the documentation on such a vehicle gives the
impression of a much newer car. Car dealers’ term
UK, 1968. 3 a
prisoner US, 1950. 4 the vagina NEW ZEALAND, 1998. 5 a young bull,
especially if unbranded. A shortening of
MICKEY AUSTRALIA, 1894
Mick noun a Catholic. From Mick, hypocoristic form of Michael, a
common name amongst Catholics in Australia
AUSTRALIA, 1902
mick adjective (used of a school or college course) easy UK, 1972
Mick adjective 1 Irish US, 1849. 2 Catholic AUSTRALIA, 1985
mickey noun 1 the vagina. Earlier also ‘michael’ (1950) and ‘mick’
(1930s)

AUSTRALIA, 1969. 2 the penis IRELAND, 1909. 3 a young bull,
especially if unbranded AUSTRALIA, 1876. 4 an ordinary fellow US, 1949.
5 a potato US, 1936. 6 an alcoholic drink adulterated with knock-out
drops. A shortened form of MICKEY FINN US, 1936. < throw a
mickey
to throw a tantrum. Perhaps related to MICKEY (a young
bull) AUSTRALIA, 1952
mickey; mickey out verb to drug someone’s drink US, 1946
mickey-dick verb to cheat, to engage in petty thievery UK, 2005
Mickey D’s noun a McDonald’s™ fast-food restaurant US, 1977
Mickey-Finn verb to incapacitate someone with a drink that has
been adulterated with a tranquillizer. From the noun US, 2002
Mickey Finn; Mickey Flynn; Mickey’s noun an alcoholic beverage
that has been adulterated with a strong tranquillizer; the narcotic
that is so used US, 1928
Mickey House noun in poker, an unplayable hand US, 1988
mickey juice noun sexual vaginal secretions AUSTRALIA, 1996
Mickey man noun a radar operator US, 1946
Mickey Mouse noun 1 a house. Rhyming slang UK, 1960 . 2 a
Liverpudlian. Rhyming slang for
SCOUSE, no doubt informed by the
use of ‘Mickey Mouse’ to mean ‘inferior’. Noted in mocking use
among London football supporters
UK, 1992. 3 Famous Grouse™
whisky. Glasgow rhyming slang
UK: SCOTLAND, 1988. 4 a wrist watch.
From the watches with the face of Mickey Mouse first popular in
the 1930s US, 1959. 5 a variety of MDMA, the recreational drug best
known as ecstasy, identified by the embossed motif UK, 2002. 6 in
American casinos, a $2.50 chip US, 1985. 7 an ultra-shortwave radar

used for aircraft spotting. From a distance, the apparatus may be
said to resemble a mouse US, 1947
Mickey Mouse adjective 1 inferior, trivial, cheap. Originally coined to
describe inferior dance music, then given a broader sense US, 1947.
2 outmoded, old-fashioned or unnecessarily conventional US, 1971.
3 excellent. Rhyming slang for GROUSE AUSTRALIA, 1973
Mickey Mouse around verb to fool around. School usage US, 1961
Mickey Mouse boots noun heavy rubber boots issued to soldiers
during the Korean war US, 1952
Mickey Mouse mission noun a simple, undemanding, relatively
safe military task US, 1990
Mickey Mouse money noun 1 any unfamiliar or foreign currency;
an unfeasible amount of any money. Originally used by the US
military for Japanese currency; contemporary usage may be
applied to, for instance, the Euro or Scottish banknotes US, 1945.
2 military scrip issued to soldiers in the Korean war US, 1957
Mickey Mouse movie noun a pornographic film that shows little or
no detailed activity UK, 1976
Mickey Mouser; mickey noun a person from Liverpool, a
Liverpudlian. Rhyming slang for SCOUSER UK, 2000
Mickey Rooney noun a madman, a crazy person. Rhyming slang for
LOONY formed from the name of US film actor and entertainer
(b.1920)
UK, 1988
mickey’s noun LSD UK, 2003
mickey-take; micky-take verb to make fun of someone; to pull
someone’s leg; to jeer at, to deride. From
TAKE THE MICKY (to
mock). Also used as a noun
UK, 1959

mickey-taking; micky-taking noun an act of derisive taunting UK,
1959
mickie noun a bottled alcoholic drink US, 1914
Mick Jagger noun lager. Glasgow rhyming slang (a good rhyme in
the local accent), formed from the singer with The Rolling Stones
(b.1943) UK: SCOTLAND, 1985
micks noun Michelin™ tyres US, 1971
Mick’s blood noun Guinness™ stout. The quintessential Irish beer
UK: SCOTLAND, 1996
Mick-takers nickname Scotland Yard’s anti-IRA Intelligence Unit. A
play on MICKEY-TAKE (to make fun) UK, 1974
Micky Duff; Mickey Duff noun unwell, rough. Rhyming slang,
formed from the name of a boxing manager and matchmaker
(b.1929) UK, 1998
micky muncher noun a cunnilinguist AUSTRALIA, 1988
microbod noun in caving and pot-holing, a small adult or child with
the ability to fit into narrow passages and around difficult corners
UK, 2004
microchip noun a Japanese person. Rhyming slang for NIP UK, 1992
microdot; mic; micro; mike noun a small tablet of LSD UK, 1996
Microsloth Windows nickname Microsoft Windows™ US, 1991
mid-air noun in the language of hang gliding, a collision involving
two fliers US, 1992
middle noun 1 in sports betting, a combination of bets that produce
a win no matter what the outcome of the game
US, 1975. 2 the
waist. From Old English middel and middil
UK, 2002
middle comb noun hair parted in the centre. Hawaiian youth usage
US, 1982

middle leg noun the penis. Still in popular use UK, 1896
middle name noun anything which is your passion or speciality or
outstanding characteristic may be claimed as your middle name
US, 1905
Middlesex adjective homosexual. A pun on the place US, 1948
middle-sexed adj ective homosexual US, 1950
middle stump noun the penis. From cricket UK, 1937
middlings noun in the illegal production of alcohol, livestock feed
used instead of grain
US, 1974
middy; middie noun a ten ounce glass of beer; a serving of beer in
such a glass AUSTRALIA, 1945
midget noun 1 a very young member of a youth gang US, 1981. 2 in
motor racing, a small, single-seat, open race car US, 1980
midgy adjective small. Probably derived from ‘midget’ UK, 1999
Midland Bank noun an act of masturbation. Rhyming slang for
WANK, formed from the name of a high street bank UK, 1998
midnight noun in dice games, a roll of 12 US, 1919
midnight auto parts; midnight auto service; midnight auto
supply
noun stolen car parts; their notional source US, 1966
midnight cowboy noun a homosexual prostitute, originally one who
wears cowboy clothes; hence a homosexual man. Brought from
gay subculture into wider use by the flim Midnight Cowboy, 1969.
The less subtle, general sense resulted from the film’s success
US,
1972
midnight lab noun a laboratory where illegal drugs are
manufactured US, 1970
midnight mass noun an informer. Rhyming slang (probably from

the north of England by the accent required for the rhyme) for
GRASS (an informer) UK, 1996
midnight oil noun opium US, 1949
midnight overdrive noun coasting down a hill with the car or truck
in neutral gear US, 1971
midnight revue noun serial consecutive sex between one person
and multiple partners, usually consensual
US, 1949
midnights noun the midnight shift, a work schedule beginning at
midnight and ending at 8am US, 1994
429 Michoacan; Michoacan green | midnights