A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words

Delve into the bustling underworld of 19th‑century London with this richly illustrated guide to the city’s hidden tongue. From the cryptic symbols scrawled by wandering cadgers to the cheeky phrases whispered in university halls, the work catalogues nearly five thousand entries, each accompanied by vivid explanations and colorful anecdotes that bring the slang to life.

Beyond a straightforward alphabetic list, the volume offers a brief history of cant, glossaries of two secret languages used by costermongers and patterers, and a fascinating look at the “hieroglyphics” that marked thieves’ routes through the streets. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the colorful chatter that once echoed from St. James to the back alleys of Seven Dials, this revised edition provides a lively, accessible window into a world where words were both weapon and code.