the
dictionary
I
strongly suggest that you read through the information on this
page thoroughly before proceeding to use the dictionary!
To
browse all entries in this dictionary please click HERE
To
search the dictionary please click HERE
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abbreviations used
Abbreviation
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Which
means...
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abbrev
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Abbreviation
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adj
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Adjective
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adj.
phr
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Adjective
Phrase
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Cf
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Compare
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interj
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Interjection
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intrns.
v
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Intransitive
Verb
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n
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Noun
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nphr
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Noun
Phrase
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ppl.
adj
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Participial
Adjective
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trns.
v
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Transitive
Verb
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vphr
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Verb
Phrase
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(Unsure
what one of these terms mean? There may be some sites or publications on
my Resources Page which may help!)
format of entries
There
are several fields provided for each entry in the dictionary. Below I
outline the most important fields and attempt to illustrate what each
contains and, where needed, use examples from the dictionary
itself.
It
looks a lot to take in but don't be daunted. Have a read and then look
at some entries in the dictionary - you'll get the idea I promise!
Headword:
Word
or phrase. Alternatives spellings are separated by
commas
Usage:
Whether a
general slang term, a derogatory one or a friendly insult.
Definition:
Definition of
word or phrase.
Some terms have multiple meanings
and so have been separated into two separate, numbered entries.
e.g.
'Lose the plot' 1: To become
confused.
2: To become angry.
In some
definitions I have suggested you compare my definition with
that given by other sites by providing a link direct to the site.
e.g.
'Scuffer:
A woman considered to be disgusting and
promiscuous.
Cf 'a policeman' OED.
(The link, in
this case to the OED website, will be active in the entry)
Etymology:
Where possible
I have tried to give a detailed etymology or provide
ideas as to source of the word or phrase.
For some entries the etymology may be totally unknown and so the
field is left blank.
I have used several websites to search for the etymology of
each
entry. However, the information provided often uses the word or
phrase in a different sense and could be misleading
so I have again
left the field blank.
e.g.
'Pissed':
The OED states that the etymology is PISS v. + ED suffix. However,
PISS v. relates to
the act of urinating and would have no connection to
the definitions I provide for the word, for example 'Angry or annoyed.'
Grammar:
For each
entry I have stated the grammatical information using the
abbreviations
listed in the table above.
Citation:
I have tried
to provide original citations based on the way the words
and phrases are used by the students I observed. If the citation
involves two people I have indicated this by using 'A' and 'B' to
represent the speakers.
-
e.g.
'Muppet':
A: "I dropped my phone in my drink!"
B: "You muppet"!
Got
all that? Now give it a try using the links at the top of the page!
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