"Ii" in Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English docx

Ii
I noun < the I an interstate highway US, 2003
I ain’t even tryin’ to hear you! I am not listening US, 1993
I ain’t here to brag used for demonstrating that the speaker
understands that he is bragging. A paralipsis of the first order.
Many grammatical variants exist, as well as the simpler, ‘Not to
brag’
US, 2004
I am a Ranger. We live for the One, we die for the One. used
with humour as an affirmation of support. The motto of the
interplanetary police on the US science fiction television
programme Babylon (1994–98) US, 1994
IamCanadiannoun a drink made with fruit juice, Quebec maple
syrup and whisky or Molson Canadian beer
CANADA, 2002
I am so sure! used for expressing strong doubt about what has just
been said US, 1982
I and I noun used in the military as a jocular substitute for the
official ‘R and R’ (rest and recreation). An abbreviation of
‘intercourse and intoxication’, the main activities during rest and
recreation
US, 1960
I believe you but thousands wouldn’t a catchphrase retort that
is used to express doubt or, at best, reserve judgement about the
veracity of the person being addressed. This phrase exists in a
number of minor variations, and is so well known that ‘I believe
you but!’ carries the full sense UK, 1927
I bet!; I’ll bet! I am certain. Elliptical for ‘I bet you did’ or ‘do’ or
‘did’; often derisive or ironic UK, 1939
Ibiza Hilton noun the police station of the Guardia Civil Ibiza. An
ironic reference to the international Hilton hotel chain SPAIN, 1999

IBM noun 1 a smart, diligent student US, 1960. 2 a member of an
organized crime family; an Italian businessman US, 1997
IBM discount noun a price increase US, 1991
iboga noun 1 amphetamines. A reference to the African shrub
tabernathe iboga and ibogaine, a natural stimulant that is
compounded therefrom UK, 2003. 2 MDMA, the recreational drug
best known as ecstasy
UK, 2003
IC noun during the Vietnam war, an innocent civilian US, 1985
Icancatchnoun the US Interstate Commerce Commission. A back
formation from the agency initials: ICC
US, 1971
I can read his lips, and he’s not praying used as a humorous
comment on a profanity. Popularised by ESPN’s Keith Olberman
US, 1997
I can’t fight that! used by a clever boy for expressing approval of a
girl who has just passed by US, 1955
I can’t HEAR you! used as a humorous soliticitation of more
enthusiastic support. A signature line of marine drill instructor
Vince Carter on the television situation comedy Gomer Pyle,
USMC (CBS, 1964–69). Repeated with referential humour
US, 1966
I can’t take you anywhere used as a humorous, if stock, tease of
someone who has commited a faux pas US, 1994
ice noun 1 diamonds UK, 1905. 2 cocaine, especially in blocks US, 1971.
3 smokeable amphetamine or methamphetamine US, 1989. 4 heroin
US, 1987. 5 protection money paid by a business to criminals or by
criminals to the police
US, 1887. 6 a pay-off, a bribe; an added
charge

US, 1968. 7 the difference between the listed price and the
price actually paid for theatre tickets for a very popular show US,
1973. 8 in poker, a stacked deck US, 1967. 9 solitary confinement in
prison US, 1990. 10 any computer program designed as a system
security scheme US, 1995. < on ice incarcerated US, 1931. < on the
ice
(of a racehorse) being secretly, and illicitly, kept from running
to win AUSTRALIA, 1966
Ice noun in-car entertainment, especially audio equipment UK, 2003.
< the Ice Antarctica ANTARCTICA, 1834
ice verb 1 to kill US, 1941. 2 to place in solitary confinement US, 1933.
3 to ignore with a vengeance US, 1932. 4 to give up; to stop US, 1962.
5 to reject; to stand up US, 1997. < ice it 1 to stop doing
something US, 1974. 2 to forget something US, 1960
iceberg noun 1 an emotionally cold person, especially a woman UK,
1840
. 2 a sexually frigid woman US, 1949
iceberg act noun unfriendly treatment US, 1953
ice blink noun a whitish glow on the horizon or on clouds caused by
light reflecting off ice CANADA, 1995
ice-block noun an ice confection on a stick AUSTRALIA, 1948
icebox noun 1 amorgueUS, 1928. 2 a jail or prison. An extension of
themorecommon
COOLER (jail) US, 1938
ice cold noun a chilled beer AUSTRALIA, 1968
ice cold adjective rude US, 1990
ice cream noun a white child; white children. Used defensively by
children of different hues
UK, 1979
ice-cream freezer; ice-cream noun a man. Rhyming slang for

GEEZER UK, 1962
ice-cream habit noun the irregular consumption of drugs by an
occasional user. ‘Ice-cream eater’ and ‘ice-creamer’ are obsolete
slang terms for an irregular user of opium, an earlier application
(late C19 to the 1930s) based on the notion that ice-cream is an
occasional pleasure and not an every day diet
US, 1970
ice-cream man noun a drug dealer, especially one selling opiates US,
1952
ice-cream truck noun < and the ice-cream truck you rode in
on!
used to extend and emphasise an absolute rejection US, 2001
ice cube noun crack cocaine US, 1994
iced adjective drunk, drug-intoxicated US, 1953
iced down adjective wearing many diamonds US, 1998
iced out noun wearing a great deal of diamond-bearing jewellery US,
2000
ice down verb to completely cover with graffiti US, 1997
icehouse noun a jewellery store. From ICE (a diamond) US, 1949
Icelandic Air Force noun (around Gimli, Manitoba) flocks of
pelicans
CANADA, 1987
ice luge noun a block of ice used in a drinking game in which a
shot of vodka, tequila or other alcoholic drink is poured down the
ice into the drinker’s mouth US, 2001
iceman noun 1 a person who bribes a government official or
otherwise ‘fixes’ difficult situations. From ICE (a bribe) US, 1981. 2 in
horse racing, a jockey who rides without using the whip or
vigorous kicks
AUSTRALIA, 1989. 3 a mechanic who works on truck

refrigeration units US, 1971
ice money noun money used to bribe US, 1993
ice pack noun high quality marijuana US, 1971
ice palace noun 1 a jewellery store US, 1956. 2 a hockey rink CA NADA,
1955
ice widow noun a woman whose husband is in Antarctica NEW
ZEALAND
, 1971
icing noun cocaine US, 1984
ick noun 1 any unpleasant sticky substance UK, 2002. 2 in the language
surrounding the Grateful Dead, a bacterial or viral infection that
quickly spreads among those following the band on tour. Always
with ‘the’ US, 1994. 3 a social outcast US, 1942
ick adjective mawkishly sentimental, hence unpalatable. An abbrevi-
ation of ICKY
US, 2001
ickies noun foreign money of any type. Royal Navy usage, possibly a
variation of
ACKER (money). One ‘ickie’ equals one hundred
KLEBBIES UK, 1989
ickle adjective little. A small child’s pronunciation employed archly by
those old enough to know better
UK, 1864
icky noun a rich person US, 1953
icky adjective 1 unattractive, distasteful. First found in jazz to describe
oversweet music other than jazz, then migrated into general use
with the more general meaning
US, 1929. 2 unwell. Probably from
baby-talk variations of ‘sick’ or ‘sickly’ UK, 1939. 3 overly sentimental,
especially of music or of a taste in music. Originally from jazz US,

1929
icky-poo adjective unwell. Baby-talk variation of ‘sick’ or ‘sickly’ UK,
1920
ICL used as shorthand in Internet discussion groups and text
messaging to mean ‘in Christian love’ US, 2002
I could cure the plague used by a woman to describe her con-
dition when experiencing the bleed period of the menstrual cycle
US, 2000
I could just scream! used as an expression of frustration. A
signature line of Captain Wallace B. Binghamton on the television
comedy McCahle’s Navy (ABC, 1962–66). Repeated with referential
humour US, 1962
icy-pole noun an ice confection on a stick. Generic use of a
trademark term AU S TRALIA, 1932
ID noun an identity card or other means of identification US, 1941
ID verb to identify someone. Derives from the noun uses as
‘identification/identity’ US, 1944
idea hamster; ideas hamster noun a person who is employed to
generate new ideas
UK, 2001
identity noun a noted person; an odd or interesting person AUSTRALIA,
1874
idi adjective cruel. Probably after Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, 1925(?)-
2003; recorded in use in contemporary gay society UK, 2003
idiot blocks noun options placed at the end of a staffing paper
designed to allow the reader simply to tick the option which
describes his decision US, 1986
idiot board noun in television, an out-of-camera board on which a
performer’s lines are displayed UK, 1952
idiot box noun 1 the television US, 1955. 2 an automatic car trans-

mission US, 1993
idiot card noun in the television and film industries, a poster board
with the dialogue written in large letters for actors to read US, 1957
idiot-head noun a stupid person. Used by young children AUSTRALIA,
1988
idiot juice noun any alcoholic beverage brewed in prison, especially
a nutmeg/water mixture US, 1974
idiot light noun in a car, a warning light on the dashboard in place
of a gauge
US, 1968
idiot pill noun a barbiturate or central nervous system depressant US,
1953
idiot’s delight noun in dominoes, the 5-0 piece US, 1959
idiot spoon noun a shovel US, 1947
idiot stick noun 1 a small carved copy of a totem pole CANADA, 1989.
2 a shovel US, 1930. 3 a digging bar US, 1980
idjit noun 8see: EEJIT
I don’t think so used as a humorous rejection of the sentiment
that has been expressed US, 1969
I don’t want to know used as refusal to accept unwelcome news
or facts UK, 1946
idren noun friend; friends. West Indian, Rastafarian and UK black
patois for ‘brethren’ (brothers), with religious and political
overtones UK, 1994
idyat bwai noun a fool. West Indian patois (idiot boy) UK, 1997
if bet noun in horse racing, a bet that is made contingent upon
winning a bet in an earlier race
US, 1947
if cash noun in gambling, a type of conditional bet: an instruction to
re-invest all or part of a winning return on another bet UK, 2001

iffiness noun a quality of unreliability, subject to doubt. From IFFY
UK
, 2001
iffy adjective 1 tenuous, uncertain US, 1937. 2 dangerous, risky. Extends
from the previous sense UK, 2001
if I’m lying, I’m dying I am telling the truth. There are multiple
reduplicative variations
US, 1981
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it used as a humorous suggestion to
leave well enough alone US, 1961
if it isn’t (used as an acknowledgement of someone) it is that
person
US, 1951
if it’s too loud, you’re too old used for dismissing complaints of
loudness at rock concerts. A saying attributed to Kiss. US, 1995
if-lose; if-win noun in gambling, a type of conditional bet: a bet is
required only if the prior selection loses/wins or is a non-runner
UK, 2001
ifs, ands or buts noun conditions, contingencies, exceptions US, 1982
if they back up the truck used in the entertainment industry for
expressing a recognition that if the offer is lucrative enough, the
actor speaking will accept the role despite its dramatic limitations.
The phrase conjures up the image of a truck full of bags of money
backing up the driveway to be emptied. US, 2001
if ya wonders, then ya is used in twelve-step recovery
programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous as a judgment on
those who stop to wonder if they might be an addict
US, 1998
if you say so used for indicating (grudgingly, or to placate)
acceptance of what has been said UK, 1956

ig verb to ignore US, 1946
iggie noun a feigned ignorance. Circus and carnival usage. Often
used in the phrase ‘give them the iggie’ US, 1961
igloo noun a one-hundred-dollar note. From the resemblance
between ‘100’ and ‘loo’ AUSTRALIA, 1989
ign’ant adjective ignorant US, 2002
ignorant adjective < make ignor ant to make angry. A south
London term UK, 1977
ignorant end noun in poker, the low card in a five-card sequence US,
1990
ignorant oil noun alcohol, especially cheap and potent alcohol US,
1954
ignorant spoon noun in oil drilling, a shovel US, 1954
ignuts noun an ignorant fool US, 1934
I-guy noun a member of a team who thinks of himself – the individ-
ual – more than the team. Related to the sports adage: ‘There is
no "I" in "team"’
US, 1997
I hate it! used for expressing solidarity with the misfortune just
described by another
US, 1984
I hate it when that happens used for introducing humour,
usually after someone else has described an extremely unlikely
situation
US, 1987
I have nothing more to say about this that is either relevant
or true
used as a humorous comment when there is nothing
worthwhile to say. Popularised by ESPN’s Keith Olberman,
paraphrasing Winston Churchill’s claimed reaction when

confronting an entrance essay at Eton
US, 1997
I heard it on the marl road used for expressing rumour as the
source of information
CAYMAN ISLANDS, 1985
I heard that! I agree with you! US, 1992
I heard ya used for expressing assent US, 1992
ike noun a feeling of displeasure, a bad mood UK, 1998
ick | ike 352
Ikey noun 1 a Jewish person. Derogatory; an abbreviation of the
name Isaac
UK, 1835. 2 a student of the University of Cape Town,
especially a member of one of the University’s sports teams SOUTH
AFRICA
, 1921
Ikey Mo noun a Jewish person UK, 1922
I kid you not used for humorously assuring the truth of the matter
asserted. The signature line of Jack Parr, host of the late-night Jack
Parr Show (NBC, 1957–62). Repeated with referential humour
US,
1967
Ilie Nastase noun a lavatory. Rhyming slang for KARZY,formedfrom
the name of the Romanian tennis player (b.1946)
UK, 1998
I liiiiike it! used for expressing approval. A catchphrase from the
film The Rocketeer, 1991 US, 1991
ill verb 1 to perform excellently; to do anything superbly. Originally
black usage, generally ‘to be illin’ rather than ‘to ill’; became
widespread with hip-hop culture US, 1992. 2 to undergo severe
mental stress

US, 1989
ill adjective 1 good, pleasing, desirable, admirable US, 1991. 2 wild or
crazy. Originally black usage, from the verb sense; spread through
hip-hop culture US, 1979. 3 wrong. Originally black usage, probably a
variation on ‘sick’; widespread with hip-hop culture
US, 1994
ill-ass adjective excellent, superb US, 2001
I’ll be buggered!; I’m buggered! used for registering surprise UK,
1966
I’ll be damned!; well, I’m damned! used as a general-purpose
exclamation; also as an intensification of a personal opinion UK,
1925
ill-behaved adjective said of a computer program that becomes
dysfunctional because of repeated error US, 1991
I’ll bet! 8see: I BET!
I’ll be there noun a chair. Rhyming slang UK, 1961
I’ll bet you a fat man used for expressing supreme confidence US,
1963
illegal tegel noun any native or game bird taken illegally for food.
Tegel™ is a brand of dressed poultry NEW ZEALAND, 1989
illegit noun a person or thing of questionable legality US, 1954
illegits noun dice that have been altered for cheating US, 1977
iller adjective worse US, 1979
illest adjective best US, 2002
I’ll holla used as a farewell US, 1998
illies noun marijuana UK, 2003
illin’; ill verb to behave in a wild or crazy manner. Originally black
usage, generally ‘to be illin’ rather than ‘to ill’; became widespread
with hip-hop culture US, 1986
illing noun marijuana UK, 2003

illing adjective bad, troubling US, 1980
illo noun an illustration US, 1982
ill piece noun a male homosexual despised by his peers US, 1970
I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do used as a humorous, self-
explanatory if nonce announcement of intent. Popularised by Sid
Stone, announcer on the Texaco Star Theater, hosted by Milton
Berle (1948–1951). One of the very first television-spawned
catchphrases to become part of the national vocabulary
US, 1948
illy noun 1 a cigarette infused with embalming fluid US, 2001.
2 marijuana, especially sensimillia (a very potent marijuana from a
plant with seedless buds) US, 1995
illywhacker noun a confidence trickster. Agent noun from the
obsolete phrase ‘whack the illy’ (to swindle; to perform confidence
tricks). ‘Illy’ may possibly be a variant of obsolete ‘eelie’ (a confi-
dence trick) which in turn is possibly from ‘eeler-spee’, a Pig Latin
variant of SPIELER. This word was all but dead prior to gaining new
life due to Peter Carey’s 1985 novel Illywhacker AUSTRALIA, 1941
I’ma used to preface an intention. A slurred elision of ‘I am going
to’, or ‘I’m
LIKE’ US, 2001
I’m about it! I agree with your plan of action! US, 1999
imaginitis noun an overactive imagination AUSTRALIA, 1944
I’m all right, Jack! a smug declaration of self-satisfaction. Used as
the title of a 1959 film
UK, 2002
I-man noun an investigator from the Interstate Commerce
Commission
US, 1938
I’m Audi; I’m Audi 5000 I’m leaving now US, 1995

imbo noun a fool; an imbecile AUSTRALIA, 1953
I’m deep enough I quit, pay me US, 1954
I mean used for emphasis on that which follows US, 1967
I mean that! I agree with what you just said! US, 1977
I mean to say! used as an emphasis of the speaker’s sincerity UK,
1843
I’m gone used as a farewell US, 1993
I’m history used as a farewell US, 1984
IMHO in my humble opinion. A ubiquitous piece of computer
shorthand US, 1991
immo adjective imitation US, 1994
immortal noun in stud poker, any hand that is certain to win; the
best possible hand US, 1947
IMNSHO used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘in my not so
humble opinion’ US, 1995
IMO used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘in my opinion’ US, 1995
Imp noun a Chrysler Imperial car US, 1961
impact zone noun an area where the waves are breaking. Surfer
usage SOUTH AFRICA, 2003
import noun a date who comes from out of town US, 1926
impressionist noun a person who is more interested in the
impression they are making than they are in their substance
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1989
improve noun < on the im prove improving AUSTRALIA, 1959
Improved Scot noun in Hudson Bay, a person of mixed Scottish and
Indian blood CANADA, 1987
imps file noun a journalists’ dossier on an important person or
persons UK, 1976
I’m serious! used for expressing strong agreement with what has
just been said US, 1981

I’m sideways used as a farewell US, 1993
I’m sure!; I’m so sure! used for expressing great doubt US, 1982
I’m there! I agree! I approve! US, 1977
in noun 1 an inside connection US, 1929. 2 an introduction US, 1945. 3 in
a casino, the amount of cash collected at a table in exchange for
chips. An abbreviation of ‘buy-in’ US, 1980. < the in exclusive and
positive access to something UK, 2003
in adjective 1 fashionable UK, 1960. 2 socially accepted; popular US, 1929.
3 assured of having amatory success AUSTRALIA, 1960. 4 experiencing
good luck or the like AUSTRALIA, 1960. 5 incarcerated US, 1903
in preposition < be in it to be actively and ethusiastically involved
AUSTRALIA, 1928
-in suffix used in combination with a simple verb to create a
communal activity as a means of protest, as in ’love-in’ or ’teach-
in’ US, 1937
in a minute used as a farewell US, 1992
in-and-out noun 1 sex at its most basic US, 1996. 2 the nose. Rhyming
slang for ‘snout’ UK, 1960. 3 a tout; a ticket tout. Rhyming slang UK,
1998. 4 a cigarette; tobacco. Rhyming slang for SNOUT UK, 1998
in-and-out-man noun an opportunist thief or burglar UK, 1957
in a pig’s vali se! used for expressing how very unlikely something
is. The title of a late-1990s play by Eric Overmyer US, 1957
in betweens noun amphetamine tablets; depressant tablets; a
mixture of amphetamines and barbiturates US, 1975
inbred noun a doctor with doctor parents. Medical slang UK, 2002
353 Ikey | inbred
Inca message noun cocaine. A specific allusion to Peru, but gener-
ally a reference to South America as a source of cocaine
US, 1984
incandescent adjective furiously angry UK, 2004

incantation noun in computing, an esoteric command US, 1991
incense noun 1 amyl nitrite or butyl nitrite. The pungent vapours are
inhaled, hence the term US, 1980. 2 heroin UK, 2003
incest noun sex between two similar homosexual types, such as two
effeminate men US, 1972
inch-and-a-half noun overtime pay at the standard overtime rate of
one and a half the regular rate US, 1984
inch boy noun a male who has or is thought to have a small penis
US, 1997
include me out! leave me out! A catchphrase coined by film
mogul Samuel Goldwyn, 1882–1974
US, 1938
include war noun a prolonged inflammatory debate in an Internet
discussion group in which the mass of former postings and
counterpostings included make it impossible to follow who is
saying what and when
US, 1995
income tax noun fines paid by prostitutes UK, 1947
incoming noun enemy fire, especially artillery or mortar fire that is
about to land US, 1977
incoming! used as a warning of impending enemy mortar or rocket
fire US, 1976
increase the peace! used as a call for an end to violence US, 1990
indeedy adverb indeed. An intentionally folksy and intensifying
addition of a syllable US, 1856
In Deep Shit nickname Iain Duncan Smith, Conservative Party leader
(2001–2003). Back-formation from Smith’s initials: IDS UK, 2001
index noun the face US, 1945
India noun marijuana. Variations of INDIAN HAY or INDIAN HEMP. Also
known as ‘Indian’ UK, 1978

Indian noun 1 an Indian meal, especially in, or prepared by, a
restaurant UK, 1998. 2 an active firefighter, as distinguished from a
Chief and other officers US, 1954
Indiana gr een noun green marijuana claimed to have been grown
in the state of Indiana US, 1965
Indiana pants noun boots US, 1964
Indian boy marijuana UK, 2001
Indian charm noun the arm. Rhyming slang UK, 1998
Indian cocktail; Indian tea; Indian tonic noun liquid poison as a
means of suicide TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 1985
Indian Country; Injun Country noun during war, any area with a
strong enemy presence US, 1945
Indian hand-rubbed noun a powerful hashish from Himachel
Pradesh in Northern India, 2003
Indian hay noun marijuana US, 1936
Indian Heads noun the Second Infantry Division, US Army. So
named because of the Division’s insignia US, 1991
Indian hemp noun marijuana. From ‘East Indian hemp’, the familiar
name for Cannabis indica US, 1986
Indian ice cream noun a bitter confection made from soopolallie
berries, water, and white sugar CANADA, 1989
Indian Indian noun an American Indian who has retained his
indigenous culture and language US, 1963
Indian list noun the Interdict list, a law forbidding a person from
buying, selling or consuming alcohol; by extension any list of
those who may not buy alcohol CANADA, 1958
Indian nigga noun a member of a British Indian (Hindi) urban
youth gang or subculture UK, 2006
Indian rope noun marijuana. A play on ‘hemp’ as a material used in
the making of ropes, HEMP (marijuana) and, perhaps, the Indian

rope trick as a magical method of getting high US, 1986
Indian steak noun bologna US, 1963
Indian talk noun in trucking, smoke rising from a diesel smoke
stack. An allusion to smoke signals used by American Indians to
communicate over long distances
US, 1971
Indian time noun used for denoting a lack of punctuality US, 1963
Indian weed noun marijuana. A variation of INDIAN HAY or INDIAN
HEMP US
, 1986
indie noun a vague categorisation within rock music, familiar since
the 1980s and identified as ‘serious’ music that is marketed as
independent and non-commercial, in its bid for commercial
success. Also used as an adjective UK, 1993. < the Indie the
Independent (the youngest of the UK’s national daily newspapers)
first published in October 1986. The Sunday edition is less well-
known as ‘the Sindie’
UK, 2003
indie; indy adjective independent US, 1928
Indo noun 1 Indonesia AUSTRALIA, 1991. 2 an Indonesian AUSTRALIA, 1966.
3 marijuana cultivated in Indonesia US, 1993
Indon noun an Indonesian. This has for the most part died out in
favour of INDO AUSTRALIA, 1966
Indonesian bud noun 1 marijuana cultivated in Indonesia UK, 1998.
2 heroin UK, 2003
industrial language noun swearing, profanity US, 1984
Indy nickname the Indianapolis Speedway, home to a 500-mile race
every May
US, 1965
inexplicable mob noun a large crowd that materialises in a public

place to perform a scripted action for several minutes before
dissolving US, 2003
infant killer noun a paedophile. Prison use UK, 2002
infant mortality noun the tendency of computer components to
fail within the first few weeks of operation US, 1991
infernal adjective execrable, detestable, annoying UK, 1764
infernally adverb detestably, execrably, annoyingly UK, 1638
infil verb (of military troops or spies) to infiltrate. Military UK, 1995
infinitely fine adjective in computing, used as the ultimate praise
US, 1990
in flaggers noun in flagrante delicto (in the commission of a crime;
red-handed). The first syllable elaborated by application of the
Oxford -ER AUSTRALIA, 1973
influence noun < under the influence drunk or drug-intoxicated
UK, 1937
info noun information US, 1907
Ingerland noun England, especially the England football team. A
phonetic representation of the word England as chanted by a
sports crowd
UK: ENGLAND, 2005
Ingersol Willie noun in horse racing, the track’s official timer of
morning workouts US, 1951
In Hock Constantly noun the owner of an International Harvester
Company truck. A back-formation from the company’s initials: IHC
US, 1971
ink noun 1 space or coverage in a newspaper US, 1953. 2 oil US, 1976.
3 inexpensive wine US, 1917. 4 alcoholic drink. Probably a back-form-
ation from INKED which appears from C19 AUSTRALIA, 1977. < ink in
the pen
the ability to achieve erection and to ejaculate US, 1967

ink verb in the production of comics books, to draw over pencil art
with a pen US, 1997
ink-and-paper man noun a counterfeiter who uses a printing press
US, 1985
inked; inked up adjective drunk AUSTRALIA, 1898
inked in adjective planned UK, 1994
inkie noun in the television and film industries, an incandescent
light bulb UK, 1960
inkie-dinkie noun in the television and film industries, a 250-watt
light source UK, 1960
ink-slinger noun a clerical employee US, 1889
ink stick noun afountainpenUS, 1942
Inca message | ink stick 354
inky noun 1 a newspaper, especially one dedicated to music
journalism
UK, 2003. 2 a felt-tipped pen. Used in Glasgow schools UK:
SCOTLAND
, 1988
inland squid noun a surfer who does not live at or near the beach
US, 1987
inmate noun used as a term of derision, applied to a prisoner who
follows prison rules and curries favour with the prison adminis-
tration
US, 1984
innards noun 1 the entrails, the stomach, the guts. A dialect and
vulgar alteration of ‘inwards’
UK, 1825. 2 the inner workings of a car’s
engine or transmission
US, 1993
inner space noun a person’s deepest psychological being US, 1967

innie noun an inward-turned navel US, 1966
innit isn’t it?; also used as a general purpose tag regardless of
grammatical context. Originally, and still, a lazily pronounced inter-
rogative referring back to the verb ‘is’ in the preceding sentence,
e.g. ‘It’s raining, innit?’
UK, 1959
in on preposition being a part of something; participating in or
sharing in something UK, 1923
ins-and-outs noun < want to know the ins-and-outs of a cat’s
arse; want to know the ins-and-outs of a duck’s arse
to be
very inquisitive. Generally in catchphrase form as ‘you want to
know’, ‘he’d want to know’, etc. Variations include ‘the ins-and-
outs of a nag’s arse’, also ‘of a duck’s backside’ and ‘of a duck’s
bum’
UK, 1984
insane adjective 1 excellent US, 1955. 2 fearless; willing to try anything
for fun US, 1997. 3 ridiculous, in either a good or bad way US, 1997
insanely great adjective in computing, magnificent to a degree that
can be fully grasped by only the most proficient practitioners US,
1991
insaniac noun a lunatic. A compound of ‘insane’ and ‘maniac’ UK,
1999
insanity stripe noun in the US armed forces, the insignia
designating a three-year enlistment
US, 1946
insects and ants noun men’s underpants. Rhyming slang UK, 1960
insensitive care unit noun a hospital’s intensive care unit US, 1989
inside adverb imprisoned UK, 1888
inside job noun a crime committed by, or with the assistance of,

someone who lives or works in the place where it occurs UK, 1908
inside man noun in a big con swindle, a confederate to whom the
victim is turned over once he has been lured into the enterprise
US, 1940
inside oil noun inside information AUSTRALIA, 1966
insider noun a pocket US, 1945
inside the Beltway noun literally, the area of Washington D.C.
surrounded by a motorway known as the Capital Beltway;
figuratively, the Washington political and journalistic establishment
US, 1977
inside track noun a position of advantage; information which
provides such an advantage. A figurative use of racing wisdom US,
1857
inside work noun any internal alteration of dice for cheating US, 1963
instaga; instagu noun marijuana UK, 2003
Instamatic noun a police radar unit used for measuring vehicle
speed. A brand name extrapolation from CA MER A (a generic term
for radar) US, 1976
Instant Dictator Kit noun in the Canadian military, items of brass
and braid that transform an ordinary uniform into a ceremonial
one CANADA, 1995
instant LZ noun a 10,000- to 15,000-pound bomb used to clear
jungle and create an instant landing zone in Vietnam. The bomb
was designed to create a wide but shallow crater in the jungle,
literally creating an instant landing zone
US, 1981
instant zen noun LSD US, 1972
insurance cheater noun in oil drilling, a safety belt US, 1954
intel noun military intelligence AUSTRALIA, 1961
intellectual noun in the army, a member of the intelligence section

UK, 1993
intellectual hour noun all time spent watching cartoons on
television
US, 1980
intelligence centre noun a field latrine. Gulf war usage US, 1991
intense adjective extreme, wild. A conventional adjective rendered
slang by attitude and pronunciation, emphasis on the second
syllable
US, 1982
Inter nickname the intermediate examination taken after completing
the first three years of secondary school in Ireland IRELAND, 1998
Interc ourse 80 nickname Interstate 80, a major east–west motorway
in the US
US, 1977
intercoursed adjective exhausted. Archly euphemistic for FUCKED UK,
1979
interesting adjective in computing, annoying or difficult US, 1991
interesting, yes – provocative used for expressing possible
interest in what has just been said. A catchphrase from the film
Tommy Boy
US, 1997
interior decorating noun the act of having sex during the day.
Upper-class society usage UK, 1982
Interlake potato noun arockCANADA, 1987
internal noun a person who smuggles drugs inside their bodies US,
1997
internals noun intrusive medical examinations as part of sexual role-
play, especially when advertised as a service offered by a prostitute
UK, 2003
International House of Pancakes noun a hospital ward for severe

stroke victims, who lie in bed muttering in their own language
US,
1978
international milk thief noun a petty thief. An example of police
humour; heavily ironic UK, 1977
interrogation by altitude noun the reported practice by US troops
of interrogating a group of suspected Viet Cong in a helicopter,
throwing those who refused to answer to their death below and
thus encouraging cooperation from those left US, 1990
in the nude noun food. Rhyming slang UK, 1979
in there; in thar adjective excellent. An allusion to surfing inside the
hollow of a breaking wave
US, 1991
into preposition 1 in debt to US, 1893. 2 in organised crime, in control
of US, 1985. 3 interested in; participating in US, 1965
intro noun an introduction UK, 1923
intro verb to introduce US, 1986
invertebrated adjective very drunk US, 1982
investment noun a bet, especially on a horse race NEW ZEALAND, 1944
invitation noun a speeding ticket. A humorous euphemism US, 1976
invite noun an invitation. A verb-as-noun that began as standard
English and then evolved into slang UK, 1659
in with preposition in a friendly or social relationship with someone
UK, 1677
in you go, says Bob Munro used as a toast. If a real Bob Munro
gave his name to this toast, he is lost in the alcohol fog of history
NEW ZEALAND, 1999
in-your-chops adjective direct, provocative UK, 2004
in-your-face; in-yo-face adjective aggressive, provocative US, 1988
in your oils adjective delighted; in your element. From Welsh hwyl

(mood) UK: WALES, 1985
IOW used as Internet shorthand to mean ‘in other words’ US, 1997
I owe you money or what? why are you looking at me that way?
Hawaiian youth usage US, 1981
IQ anniversary noun the anniversary of a person’s quitting
smoking. The ‘IQ’ stems from ‘IQuit’, punning on the more
commonly understood sense of the abbreviation US, 1998
355 inky | IQ anniversary
IQ Charley noun a half-wit. Teen slang; unkind US, 1955
irie; irey adjective good, great, wonderful JAMAICA, 1994
iris noun an Indian homosexual male. Gay slang, formed on the
name Iris, probably elaborating the initial ‘I’ for ‘Indian’, and orig-
inating among Cape coloureds
SOUTH AFRICA, 2000
Irish noun Irish imports, such as snuff, whisky, linen, tea, etc. Linen
from 1784, snuff from 1834 and whisky from 1889
UK, 1982
Irish nickname any athletic team from Notre Dame University. An
abbreviation of the fuller
FIGHTING IRISH US, 1975
Irish apple noun apotatoUK, 1896
Irish baby buggy noun a wheelbarrow US, 1919
Irish banjo noun a shovel US, 1941
Irish clubhouse noun a police stationhouse US, 1904
Irish confetti noun 1 semen spilled on a woman’s body US, 1987.
2 stones, bricks, etc, when used as offensive missiles US, 1913.
3 small stones kept in a pocket for disciplining sheepdogs NEW
ZEALAND
, 1961
Irish curtain noun on Prince Edward Island, a cobweb inside the

house
CANADA, 1988
Irisher noun a person of Irish descent US, 1807
Irish horse noun 1 salted beef UK, 1748. 2 a flaccid or impotent penis
US, 1987
Irish hurricane noun a flat calm sea US, 1803
Irish jig; Irish noun a wig. Rhyming slang UK, 1972
Irish lace; Irish lace curtains noun a spider’s cobweb US, 1950
Irish linen noun in pool, the cloth used as a grip on the end of a
cue stick US, 1993
Irishman’s gate noun any makeshift gate NEW ZEALAND, 1977
Irish pennant noun a dangling thread on a recruit’s uniform.
Marine humour, marine usage US, 1941
Irish picnic wagon noun a police van US, 1996
Irish pop noun a shot of whisky and glass of beer US, 1982
Irish rose noun the nose. Rhyming slang UK, 1961
Irish shave noun an act of defecation US, 1979
Irish steak noun cheese. An allusion to Irish poverty UK: SCOTL AND,
1988
Irish sulk noun a fit of depression after being spirited and happy
CANADA, 1982
Irish toothache noun 1 an erection UK, 1882. 2 pregnancy US, 1972
Irish turkey noun corned beef US, 1915
Irish waterfall noun a manner of cigarette smoking in which smoke
is drawn into the mouth and then allowed to drift out and
upwards for inhalation through the nose UK, 2003
Irish wedding noun masturbation US, 1987
Irish whip noun in handball, a stroke hitting the ball close to the
body US, 1972
iron noun 1 a gun, especially a handgun US, 1838. 2 the penis UK, 1706.

3 money UK, 1705. 4 in the used car business, collectively the worst
cars on the sales lot US, 1975. 5 an old, dilapidated truck US, 1971. 6 in
hot rodding, a custom-built chrome bumper
US, 1956. 7 an older
mainframe computer US, 1991. 8 a railway track US, 1977. < push
iron; bump iron; drive iron; pump iron
to lift weights. Prison
use US, 1965
Iron Age noun in computing, the period approximately between
1961 (the first PDP-1) and 1971 (the first commercial
microprocessor)
US, 1991
iron ass noun a stern, demanding, unrelenting person US, 1942
iron ben noun a bullet-proof vest US, 1949
ironbender noun a severe foreman, a strict disciplinarian CANADA, 1956
iron bomb noun a conventional aerial bomb that is simply dropped
from the sky without any targeting capability in the bomb US, 1962
iron box noun a domestic iron INDIA, 1979
iron cure noun the sudden and complete deprivation of a drug to an
addict in jail who suffers intensely
US, 1973
iron curtain noun agirdleUS, 1968
iron dog noun a snowmobile US, 1961
iron do or noun < behind the iron door in prison US, 1992
iron duke noun in poker, a hand that is either certain to win or at
least played as if it is certain to win
US, 1967
iron girder noun a murder. Rhyming slang UK, 1998
iron God noun the Burroughs B-550 computer US, 1968
iron hat noun a safety helmet. Most commonly known as a ‘hard

hat’ US, 1954
iron hoof; iron noun a male homosexual. Rhyming slang for POOF
UK
, 1936
iron horse noun a tank or other armoured vehicle US, 1918
iron idiot noun an imprecise but easily manoeuvred manual sight
on a tank’s main gun US, 1986
Iron Lady nickname British Prime Mininster (1979–90) Margaret
Hilda Thatcher (b.1925). Coined by the Soviet media for Thatcher’s
unyielding anti-communist sentiments; always used with ‘the’ UK,
1976
iron lot noun a used car business specialising in old, inexpensive
cars
US, 1975
iron lung noun a tip, a gratuity. Glasgow rhyming slang for BUNG UK,
1985
iron man noun one US silver dollar ($1). From the metal coin US, 1908
Iron Mike noun 1 a bicycle. Rhyming slang for ‘bike’, formed from
the nickname of US boxer Mike Tyson (b.1966)
UK, 1998. 2 a pair of
brass knuckles US, 1949
iron mouth noun any person with orthodontia US, 1979
iron nose noun in British Columbia, a steelhead trout CANADA, 1963
iron out verb 1 to correct a misunderstanding, to negotiate differ-
ences and achieve agreement, to put right UK, 1930. 2 to knock a
person down; to flatten AUSTRALIA, 1953
iron pile noun the area in a prison recreation yard where the
weightlifting equipment is kept
US, 1962
iron pony noun a motorcyle US, 1945

irons noun 1 handcuffs. Also used in the singular US, 1929. 2 in horse
racing, stirrups US, 1951. 3 tyre chains used for winter driving US, 1971
iron skull noun on the railways, a boilermaker US, 1946
iron tank noun a bank. Rhyming slang UK, 1960
Iron Triangle noun 1 a major North Korean industrial complex
between Pyongyang to the north, Chorwon to the west and
Kumhwa to the east
US, 1968. 2 a dense jungle area near the Cu Chi
District of South Vietnam, about 20 miles northwest of Saigon,
dominated by the Viet Cong and the scene of heavy fighting US,
1966
iron undies noun the notional underwear worn by a woman who is
not willing to have sex NEW ZEALAND, 2002
iron worker noun a criminal who specialises in breaking into safes
US, 1949
iron yard noun the area where weight lifting equipment is left and
used, especially in prison US, 1995
I say! used for attracting attention or for registering surprise or
pleasure UK, 1909
I say, I say, I say! used as a catchphrase introduction to a corny
joke. From music hall comedy routines UK, 1927
isda noun heroin US, 1977
I see nothing used as a humorous expression of complicity. A
catchphrase from the unlikely wacky-Nazi-POW-camp-comedy
television programme Hogan’s Heroes (CBS, 1965–71). Uttered
frequently by Sergeant Hans Schultz, the full phrase was ‘I see
nothing. I hear nothing. I know nothing!’. Repeated with
referential humour US, 1965
IQ Charley | I see nothing 356
I see, said the blind man (and he saw) used for expressing

sudden comprehension in a teasing and humorous way
US, 1991
ish noun an issue (of a magazine, especially a single-interest fan
magazine)
US, 1967. < the ish a Royal Marine issued with all poss-
ible kit; or a full complement of equipment. Derives from ‘issue’
UK, 1987
-ish suffix 1 added to an adjective or phrase to form a less precise
adjective, or to suggest a vaguer, often wider, interpretation of the
proceeding adjective or phrase
UK, 1815. 2 added to a proper name
to form an adjective
UK, 1845
I shit them I am superior UK, 1979
I shit you not I am very serious US, 1986
I should cocoa!; I should coco! I should say so. Rhyming slang,
‘coffee and cocoa’, unusually reduced to its second element.
Derisive and sarcastic
UK, 1936
I shouldn’t wonder! I should not be surprised UK, 1836
ishy adjective disgusting, unappealing US, 1968
is it? 1 used for registering a mild disbelief UK, 1994. 2 used for indi-
cating polite interest, astonishment, incredulity, etc. Used
rhetorically without regard to gender, subject or number.
Sometimes spelt ‘izzit’
SOUTH AFRICA, 1970
Island noun < the Island the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of
England; in particular the prisons: HMP Camp Hill, HMP Albany or
HMP Parkhurst UK, 1956
Isle of Man noun a pan. Rhyming slang, formed on the name of

the island off the north west of England UK, 1992
Isle of Wight noun a light. Rhyming slang UK, 1998
Isle of Wight adjective 1 right; both as an expression of approval and
indicative of direction. Rhyming slang, formed from the name of
the island off the south coast of England
UK, 1960. 2 tight (in a state
of drunkenness or mean with money). Rhyming slang UK, 1992
I smell bacon! there are police nearby! A catchphrase from Wayne’s
World, heard before but popularised by it
US, 1993
isn’t it? used rhetorically, without regard to gender, subject or
number: is that not so? SOUTH AFRICA, 1956
isn’t that special? used for expressing sarcastic disdain. From
Dana Carvey’s ‘Church Lady’ skit on Saturday Night Live US, 1987
Israelite noun someone who is temporarily without money JAMAICA,
1969
issue noun a problem. Often used in a mocking way, borrowing from
the lexicon of self-improvement and popular psychotherapy. Most
often heard in the plural
US, 1999
issues noun crack cocaine UK, 2003
-ista suffix when combined with a subject-noun, a follower or
aficionado of something or someone. From Spanish. An example
is FASHIONISTA UK, 2003
is the Pope (a) Catholic? yes; a nonsense retort used as an
affirmative answer to a silly question, often sarcastic. Often mixed
with the synonymous DO BEARS SHIT IN THE WOODS? to achieve DOES
THE POPE SHIT IN THE WOODS?
Used in the UK since the 1970s US, 1977
I suppose noun a nose. Rhyming slang UK, 1859

I swallow! used as a cry of submission UK, 2000
iswas noun a contemptible, very much disliked person. This appears
to be a compound of ‘is’ and ‘was’ and is therefore perhaps
implying that the person so described is (soon to be) in the past
tense. Noted in connection with a legal dispute over rap lyrics by
BBC News, 6th June 2003
UK, 2003
is your father a glass maker? used to suggest that somebody in
front of you at a public event sit down and stop blocking your
view
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 2003
it noun 1 sex UK, 1599. 2 the penis US, 1846. 3 a short-term sexual
partner, a casual pick-up UK, 2002. 4 in male homosexual usage, a
heterosexual male or a homosexual male who is not part of the
speaker’s inner circle US, 1981
It noun sweet vermouth. Originally Italian vermouth as used in ‘gin
and it’ UK, 1937
it ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings used as a humorous aphorism
meaning that something is not over until it is over. The battle cry
of those who are about to lose
US, 1992
ital adjective natural, unadulterated; (of food) organic, salt-free; (of sex)
without a condom
JAMAICA, 1994
Italian airlines noun walking US, 1987
Italian mausoleum noun a car boot (trunk). From the stereotype of
the corpses of Mafia murder victims being stuffed in car boots
US,
1982
Italian shower noun a liberal application of aftershave or scent UK,

1997
ITALY written on an envelope, or at the foot of a lover’s letter, as
lovers’ code for ‘I trust and love you’. Widely-known, and well-used
by servicemen but, apparently, has not transferred to the coded
vocabulary of texting
UK, 1960
itch noun < he (she) wouldn’t gi ve you the itch said of a
person with a reputation for meanness. In Glasgow use UK, 1988
itch verb to have a desire to do something UK, 1225
itch and scratch; itch noun a match (a vesta) UK, 1931
itchy backside noun said of a restless person SINGAPORE, 2002
itchy feet noun 1 attributed to a person who is restless UK, 1984.
2 attributed to a prison inmate who is considered to be a potential
absconder. A specialisation of ‘have itchy feet’ (to be restless) UK,
1978
itchy pussy noun a Mitsubishi car US, 1992
ite all right (as an adjective, or a greeting). A shortening of ‘all right’.
Teen slang UK, 2003
item noun a romantically-linked couple. Expressing a commitment
that the two individuals be considered as a single item
US, 1981
Itie noun an Italian. Variation of EYETIE UK, 1941
Itie adjective Italian AUSTRALIA, 1988
-itis suffix used to create imaginary medical conditions, such as
lazyitis (congenital laziness) and cobitis (an aversion to prison food)
US, 1912
it’s all good used for expressing optimism or a sense that all is well
in the world US, 1995
it’s been great used as a farewell US, 1969
it’s been real used as a farewell, suggesting that the time spent

together has been enjoyable US, 1982
it’s better to give than receive used as a declaration that it is
better to be the active rather than passive partner in homosexual
anal intercourse. A charitable philosophy
UK, 2000
it’s br eakfast! used by firefighters in the woods to mean that the
fire is out and their work is finished US, 1991
it’s dead the issue being discussed need not be discussed any
further US, 2002
it’s hard to feel good about that used as an intentionally laconic
expression of sympathy or commiseration US, 1987
it’s not my job used for expressing a lack of interest in helping to
do something. A signature line of comedian Freddie Prinze on the
television comedy Chico and the Man (NBC, 1974–78). Repeated
with referential humour
US, 1974
it’s not the end of the world! offered as consolation to someone
who has suffered a mishap UK, 1984
it’s on! used for announcing the start of hostilities between youth
gangs
US, 1953
it’s the oil that counts in oil drilling, used for expressing doubt
about any new process, equipment or idea
US, 1954
it’s there used as a stock answer about something that is
acceptable but not great CANADA, 1993
itsy bitsy noun the vagina. Childish euphemism US, 1998
itsy-bitsy adjective tiny US, 1938
it’s you used as a greeting US, 1973
it takes all sorts an elliptical variation of the homespun philos-

ophy: it takes all sorts to make a world (or a universe) UK, 1951
357 I see, said the blind man (and he saw) | it takes all sorts
it takes one to know one you are as bad as the person you are
criticising
UK, 1984
itty adjective tiny. A childish form of ‘little’ UK, 1798
itty-bitty adjective tiny. A reduplicated variation of ITTY, perhaps by
combination with
BITTY UK, 1938
Ivan noun a Russian, especially a soldier; the nation of Russia;
sometimes used in the plural to represent Russians in general.
Originally military; the popular male forename is the Russian
equivalent to John
US, 1944
ivories noun 1 the teeth UK, 1782. 2 the keys of a piano or a similar
instrument
UK, 1818. 3 dice US, 1962. 4 billiard or pool balls UK, 1875.
< spank the ivories play the piano in a jazz-style US, 1944.
< tickle the ivories to play the piano UK, 1930
ivory flake noun cocaine US, 1983
ivory soap noun in dominoes, the double blank piece US, 1959
ivory tower noun used as a metaphor for an attitude that is elitist,
intellectual and removed from the real world US, 1911
I wonder! I doubt it!, I can’t believe it!; I think it may be so UK, 1922
I wouldn’t fuck her with your dick used as a jocular
disparagement of a woman’s sexual attractiveness
US, 1974
I wouldn’t kick her out of bed; I wouldn’t kick that out of
bed used as an expression of general sexual interest. Sometimes
elaborated as ‘I wouldn’t kick her out of bed for farting’ or ‘ for

eating crackers’ UK, 1984
ixnay no. Pig Latin for ‘nix’ US, 1929
-iz- infix used as an infix to hide the meaning of a word. Used in
prison and other fields with a tentative relationship to the law.
‘Dope’ becomes ‘dizope’
US, 1976
-iz-i infix an embellishment that adds no meaning to a word.
Popularised by Frankie Smith in the 1999 song ‘Double Dutch
Bus’ US, 1999
IZM; ism; izm noun marijuana US, 1992
Izzy noun any Jewish male US, 1949
it takes one to know one | Izzy 358