De Boeventaal Zakwoordenboekje van het Bargoensch, of De taal van de jongens van de vlakte

A rare glimpse into the secret slang used by Dutch street‑wise circles at the turn of the twentieth century, this compact handbook gathers the baffling expressions of the so‑called “Bargoens” into a handy alphabetical list. Written with the explicit aim of aiding police officers, magistrates and prison officials, the preface explains why understanding these cryptic utterances can be the difference between catching a gang of “boys from the flatlands” and letting them slip away.

Inside, dozens of colourful terms are set out with clear translations – from “aankwatsen” (to flirt) to “gajes” (a person worth exploiting) – offering listeners a vivid taste of the underworld’s everyday chatter. While the book is a practical tool for professionals, it also serves anyone fascinated by linguistic quirks, revealing how a hidden code once shaped communication in taverns, courtyards and the darker corners of the city.