Vocabulum; or The Rogue's Lexicon Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources

A seasoned New York police chief turned lexicographer shares how an unexpected career detour led him to master the secret tongue of thieves. Drawing on years of fieldwork, interviews with seasoned cut‑purses, and scattered historical sources, he assembles a comprehensive glossary of rogue cant that stretches from medieval Romany whispers to modern urban slang. The introduction frames the project as a practical tool for anyone who must decode the coded language that slips through courts, saloons, and even the speeches of the well‑to‑do.

Beyond its value for law‑enforcement, the volume reveals how these vibrant expressions have seeped into everyday speech, coloring politics, literature, and high‑society conversation. Readers will discover striking etymologies, vivid anecdotes, and clear definitions that illuminate the cultural interchange behind each term. Whether you’re a historian, linguist, or simply curious about the hidden vocabulary that binds the underworld, the lexicon offers a fascinating glimpse into a world spoken in plain sight.