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want to put in some notes, as short as possible, on Lon-
d
I on slang and swearing. These (omitting the ones that
everyone knows) are some of the cant words now used in
London:
A gagger—beggar or street performer of any kind. A
moocher—one who begs outright, without pretence of doing
a trade. A nobbier—one who collects pennies for a beggar.
A chanter—a street singer. A clodhopper —a street dancer.
A mugfaker—a street photographer. A glimmer—one who
watches vacant motor-cars. A gee (or jee—it is pronounced
jee)— the accomplice of a cheapjack, who stimulates trade
by pretending to buy something. A split—a detective. A flat-
tie—a policeman. A dideki—a gypsy. A toby—a tramp.
A drop—money given to a beggar. Fuhkum—lavender
or other perfume sold in envelopes. A boozer—a public-
house. A slang—a hawker’s licence. A kip—a place to sleep
in, or a night’s lodging. Smoke— London. A judy—a wom-
an. The spike—the casual ward. The lump—the casual ward.
A tosheroon—a half-crown. A deaner—a shilling. A hog—
a shilling. A sprowsie—a sixpence. Clods—coppers. A
drum—a billy can. Shackles—soup. A chat—a louse. Hard-
up—tobacco made from cigarette ends. A stick or cane—a
burglar’s jemmy. A peter—a safe. A bly—a burglar’s oxy-
acetylene blow-lamp.

0 Down and Out in Paris and London