• I’FADS!
int. 1672 obs. – In faith
• IF AND AND
n. 1944 US rhyming sl. – a band (musical)
• IF ANYONE CAN, A KIWI CAN
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – reinforces Kiwi’s self-image as resourceful folk
• IF BET
n. 1947 US sl. – in horse racing: a bet that is made contingent upon winning a bet in an earlier race
• IF BRAINS WERE DYNAMITE HE WOULDN’T HAVE ENOUGH TO BLOW HIS NOSE
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an insult: he’s not very intelligent, he’s stupid
• IF BRAINS WERE DYNAMITE HE WOULDN’T HAVE ENOUGH TO PART HIS HAIR
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an insult: he’s not very intelligent, he’s stupid
• IF BRAINS WERE SHIT HE WOULDN’T HAVE ENOUGH TO SOIL HIS COLLAR
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an insult: he’s not very intelligent, he’s stupid
• IF BULLSHIT WAS MUSIC HE’S BE A BIG BRASS BAND ON HIS OWN
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an insult: he talks too much nonsense
• IF BULLSHIT WAS MUSIC, YOU’D HAVE YOUR OWN ORCHESTRA
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – response to hearing a load of rubbish
• IF BULLSHIT WAS RUBBER, YOU’D FLY TO THE MOON
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – you are talking rubbish
• IF CASH
n. 2001 UK sl. – in gambling, a type of conditional bet: an instruction to re-invest all or part of a winning return on another bet
• I FEEL YOU
phr. 1990s African-American sl. – a phrase of affirmation, agreement
• I’FEGS!
int. 1610 obs. exc. Eng. dial. – a trivial oath, “In faith, by my faith”
• I FELL OFF MY DINOSAUR
phr. 1965 Amer. dial. – used to indicate that a joke is outdated
• I FELL OUT OF MY CRADLE
phr. 1965 Amer. dial. – used to indicate that a joke is outdated
• I FELL OUT OF MY CRIB
phr. 1965 Amer. dial. – used to indicate that a joke is outdated
• I FELL OUT OF MY CRIB LAUGHING
phr. 1965 Amer. dial. – used to indicate that a joke is outdated
• I FELL OUT OF MY HIGH CHAIR
phr. 1965 Amer. dial. – used to indicate that a joke is outdated
• IF EVER!
int. E19 sl. – would you believe it? is it possible?
• IFFEY
adj. 1. 1930s sl., orig. US – marginal, not wholly acceptable, unpalatable
adj. 2. 1930s sl., orig. US – ambiguous
adj. 3. 1930s sl., orig. US – involved with criminality
adj. 4. 1930s sl., orig. US – difficult
• IFFINESS
n. 2001 UK sl. – a quality of unreliability, subject to doubt
• IFFING-AND-OFFING
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. – in a state of indecision
n. 1896 Eng. dial. – (as ‘iffing and offing’) indecision
• IFFY
adj. 1. 1930s sl., orig. US – marginal, not wholly acceptable, unpalatable
adj. 2. 1930s sl., orig. US – difficult
adj. 3. 1930s sl., orig. US – involved with criminality
adj. 4. 1937 sl. –tenuous, unsure, undecided, uncertain; unreliable, unpredictable
adj. 5. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – of a questionable, dubious, suspicious or odd nature
adj. 6. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – dangerous, risky
• IF GODDIL!
int. 1746 Eng. dial. – an exclamation; if God will
• IF HE BOUGHT A KANGAROO IT WOULDN’T HOP
phr. Bk1999 Aust. sl. – said of a hopeless or unlucky person
• IF HE HAD A SHIT HIS HEAD WOULD CAVE IN
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an insult to someone who is dumb, stupid, unintelligent
• IF HE LAUGHED HIS FACE WOULD CRACK
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an insult: he always looks morose, he never smiles
• IF HIS BRAINS WERE BELLS, THEY WOULDNT’ MAKE HIS EARS RING
phr. 1920s sl. – underlines the absolute stupidity or inadequacy of the person so assailed
• IF HIS BRAINS WERE DYNAMITE HE COULDN’T BLOW HIS HAT OFF
phr. Bk1999 Aust. sl. – said of a dull-witted person
• IF HIS BRAINS WERE DYNAMITE, THERE WOULDN’T BE ENOUGH TO BLOW HIS HEAD OFF
phr. 1920s sl. – underlines the absolute stupidity or inadequacy of the person so assailed
• IF HIS BRAINS WERE DYNAMITE, THERE WOULDN’T BE ENOUGH TO BLOW HIS NOSE OFF
phr. 1920s sl. – underlines the absolute stupidity or inadequacy of the person so assailed
• IF HIS BRAINS WERE GAS, THEY COULDN’T POWER A FLEA’S MOTORCYCLE AROUND THE INSIDE OF A CHEERIO
phr. 1970s African-American sl. – underlines the absolute stupidity or inadequacy of the person so assailed
• IF HIS BRAINS WERE MADE OF ELASTIC, THERE WOULDN’T BE ENOUGH TO MAKE A GARTER FOR A CANARY’S LEG
phr. 1990s African-American sl. – underlines the absolute stupidity or inadequacy of the person so assailed
• IF HIS CAP BE MADE OF WOOL
adv. 17C sl. –certainly, without any doubt
• IF I CAN’T BE BORN I WON’T BE SHUCKS
phr. 1968 Amer. dial. – if I can’t be in charge I won’t be a subordinate
• IF I HAD MY RATHERS
phr. Bk1997 Amer. dial. – if I had my choice
• IF I’M LYING I’M DYING
phr. 1930s African-American sl. – implies the speaker’s absolute honesty and good faith
• IF I’M LYING I’M FLYING
phr. 1930s African-American sl. – implies the speaker’s absolute honesty and good faith
• IFING-AND-ANDING
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. – hesitating
n. hesitation …Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• IFING-AND-BUTTINGS
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. – invalid excuses; hesitation combined with unwillingness
• IFING-AND-OFFING
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. – in a state of indecision
n. 1896 Eng. dial. – (as ‘ifing and offing’) indecision
• IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT
phr. 1961 US sl. – used as humorous suggestion to leave well enough alone
• IF IT AIN’T YOU, IT’S SOMEBODY ELSE
phr. 1930s African-American sl. – a phrase in which the speaker indicates a belief that trouble is imminent
• IF IT AIN’T YOU, IT’S SOMEONE ELSE
phr. 1930s African-American sl. –a phrase in which the speaker indicates a belief that trouble is imminent
• IF IT HAD BEEN A BEAR IT WOULD HAVE BIT YOU
phr. 17C sl. –used to ridicule someone who can’t see something that is right in front of them
• IF IT HAD BEEN A SNAKE IT WOULD HAVE BIT YOU
phr. 17C sl. – used to ridicule someone who can’t see something that is right in front of them
• IF IT MOVES, SHOOT IT; IF IT DOESN’T, CHOP IT DOWN
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – a glum view of the way sportsmen and bushmen destroy native flora and fauna
• IF IT RAINED PALACES, YOU WOULD GET HIT ON THE HEAD WITH THE KNOB OFF THE TOILET DOOR
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a very unlucky person
• IF IT’S TOO LOUD, YOU’RE TOO OLD
phr. 1995 US sl. – used for dismissing complaints of loudness at rock concerts
• IF IT TAKES A LEG!
int. 1872 US sl. – threat of a desperado, in search of revenge
• IF IT WAS RAINING
phr. 1965 Aust. sl. – I am extremely unlucky
• IF IT WAS RAINING PALACES, HE’D BED HIT ON THE HEAD BY A DUNNY DOOR
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – said of an exceptionally unlucky person
• IF IT WAS RAINING VIRGINS HE’D BE LOCKED IN THE DUNNY WITH A POOFTER
phr. Bk1999 Aust. sl. – said of an exceptionally unlucky person
• IF IT WERE RAINING PEA SOUP I’D GET HIT IN THE HEAD BY A FORK
phr. 1920s Aust. sl. – an expression of continual bad luck
• IFLE
vb. 1879 Eng. dial. – to drive away roughly; to hustle
• IF LOOKS COULD KILL, I’D BE DEAD
phr. Bk1996 Aust. & NZ sl. – referring to someone who is frowning, scowling or looking at you with disdain or anger
• IF-LOSE
n. 2001 UK sl. – in gambling, a type of conditional bet: a bet is required only if the prior selection loses or is a non-runner
• IF MY AUNT HAD BEEN A MAN, SHE’D HAVE BEEN MY UNCLE
phr. M17 sl. – used as a rejoinder to a speaker who has just finished a long and laborious explanation of the obvious
• IF MY AUNT HAD WHEELS SHE’D BE A TROLLEY CAR!
int. 1932 Amer. dial. – used to express disbelief or derision
• I-FREOND
n. c1000 obs. – friends
• IFS, ANDS OR BUTS
n. 1982 US sl. – conditions, contingencies, exceptions
• IF SHE TURNED SIDE-ON, SHE’D SLIP THROUGH A CRACK IN THE FLOORBOARDS
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – said of a very thin person
• IFSOEVER
adv. 1847-57 nonce word – if in any circumstances; if ever
• IF STANDS STIFF IN A POOR MAN’S POCKET
phr. Bk1905 Eng. dial. – used to imply the difficulty poor people find in obtaining their wishes where money is concerned
• IF THAT DOESN’T TAKE ALL!
int. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an expression of amazement or disbelief
• IF THAT DON’T TAKE ALL!
int. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – an expression of amazement or disbelief
• IF THAT LUMP ON YOUR SHOULDERS EVER COMES TO A HEAD, SOMEONE SHOULD SQUEEZE IT
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – expresses dislike
• IF THE CAP FITS, WEAR IT
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – if an opinion, judgement, or assessment applies, accept it
• IF THE CAT WENT A POUND
phr. 1990s Irish sl. – an expression of impossibility
• IF THE HAT FITS, WEAR IT
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – if an opinion, judgement, or assessment applies, accept it
• IF THE MISSUS OF THE HOUSE CAUGHT A MOUSE IN HER BLOUSE WOULD SHE ROUSE? – BY JOVE SHE WOULD
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – a parental reaction to being pestered by children
• IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – if an opinion, judgement, or assessment applies, accept it
• IF THEY BACK UP THE TRUCK
phr. 2001 US sl. – in the entertainment industry: used to express a recognition that if the offer is lucrative enough, the actor speaking will accept the role despite its dramatic limitations
• IF THEY’RE BIG ENOUGH, THEY’RE OLD ENOUGH
phr. 1910s sl. – used among men to suggest that, whatever actual age a girl is, if she has reached puberty biologically (menstruation, body shape, etc.), she is old enough for intercourse
• IF THEY’RE BIG ENOUGH TO BLEED, THEY’RE BIG ENOUGH TO FUCK
phr. 1960s sl. – used among men to suggest that if a girl is old enough to menstruate she is old enough for intercourse; similarly used by homosexuals of young boys
• IF THEY’RE OLD ENOUGH TO BLEED, THEY’RE OLD ENOUGH TO BUTCHER
phr. 1960s sl. – used among men to suggest that if a girl is old enough to menstruate she is old enough for intercourse; similarly used by homosexuals of young boys
• IF THEY’RE OLD ENOUGH TO BLEED, THEY’RE OLD ENOUGH TO FUCK
phr. 1960s sl. – used among men to suggest that if a girl is old enough to menstruate she is old enough for intercourse; similarly used by homosexuals of young boys
• IF-WIN
n. 2001 UK sl. – in gambling, a type of conditional bet: a bet is required only if the prior selection wins or is a non-runner
• IF YA WANDERS, THEN YA IS
phr. 1998 US sl. – used in twelve-step recovery programs, such as Alcoholic Anonymous, as a judgement on those who stop to wonder if they might be an addict
• IF YOU CAN GET OVER THE DOG YOU CAN GET OVER THE TAIL
phr. 1958 Amer. dial. – once a major difficulty has been overcome, minor ones are easily surmounted
• IF YOU CAN’T BE GOOD, BE CAREFUL!
int. Bk1996 Aust. & NZ sl. – a form of farewell with sexual innuendo, intimating that if one can’t refuse sexual advances, then one should protect oneself with contraceptives; advice to take precautions
• IF YOU CAN’T DO THE TIME, DON’T DO THE CRIME
phr. 1960s sl., orig. US criminals’ usage – don’t take an action if you cannot deal with the concomitant responsibilities
• IF YOU CAN’T USE IT, ABUSE IT!
phr. M20 US sl. – a citizens band radio sign-off expression meaning, “If you can’t copulate, masturbate!”
• IF YOU DON’T HELP YOURSELF, NOBODY ELSE WILL
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – advice to be self-reliant
• IF YOU DON’T MIND
phr. L17 sl. – used as a form of reproof, esp. to someone who barges in, pushes one aside, etc.
• IF YOU FELL INTO A BARREL OF TITS, YOU WOULD COME UP SUCKING YOUR THUMB
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of an unlucky person
• IF YOU FELL OFF THE ARAHURA, YOU’D COME UP WITH A MOUTHFUL OF FISH
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a lucky person, with reference to the unlikely fish-catch of someone falling off an interisland ferry
• IF YOU FELL OFF THE ARATIKA , YOU’D COME UP WITH A MOUTHFUL OF FISH
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a lucky person, with reference to the unlikely fish-catch of someone falling off an interisland ferry
• IF YOU FELL OFF THE MAORI, YOU’D COME UP WITH A MOUTHFUL OF FISH
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a lucky person, with reference to the unlikely fish-catch of someone falling off an interisland ferry
• IF YOU FELL OFF THE TAMAHINE, YOU’D COME UP WITH A MOUTHFUL OF FISH
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a lucky person, with reference to the unlikely fish-catch of someone falling off an interisland ferry
• IF YOU HAD A BRAIN IT WOULD BE LONELY
phr. Bk1996 Aust. & NZ sl. – an insult to someone who is dumb, stupid, not very intelligent
• IF YOU HAD ANOTHER BRAIN, YOU COULD START A ROCK GARDEN
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a stupid person
• IF YOU HAD A SHIT, YOUR HEAD WOULD COLLAPSE
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a stupid person
• IF YOU LAUGHED, YOUR FACE WOULD CRACK
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a morose person
• IF YOU PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – if you do the correct or expected thing, or act wisely, you will reap the benefits
• IF YOU PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT YOU CAN’T MISS
phr. Bk1996 Aust. sl. – if you do the correct or expected thing, or act wisely, you will reap the benefits
• IF YOUR AUNT HAD BALLS, SHE’D BE YOUR UNCLE
phr. 20C sl. – used as a rejoinder to a speaker who has just finished a long and laborious explanation of the obvious
• IF YOUR AUNT HAD ‘EM, SHE’D BE YOUR UNCLE!
int. 1969 Amer. dial. – used after somebody says’ ‘balls!’
• IF YOUR BRAINS WERE BARBED WIRE, YOU COULDN’T FENCE A DUNNY
phr. B1945 NZ sl. – said of a stupid person
• IF YOUR BRAINS WERE SHIT, YOU WOULDN’T NEED ANY TOILET PAPER
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. –no visible means of intellectual support
• IF YOUR HEAD WAS FULL OF DYNAMITE, IT WOULDN’T BLOW YOUR HAT OFF
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a thick-headed or stupid person
• IF YOU SAY SO
phr. 1956 UK sl. – used for indicating (grudgingly, or to place) acceptance of what has been said
• IF YOU THINK THAT, THEN YOU’VE GOT ANOTHER THINK COMING
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – you are wrong
• IF YOU’VE GOT IT, FLAUNT IT
phr. Bk1996 Aust. & NZ sl. – if you have certain talents or physical attributes, make the most of them
• IF YOU WERE SIDE-ON, YOU WOULD BE INVISIBLE
phr. Bk1998 NZ sl. – said of a thin person
• IG
n. 1963 Amer. dial. – a rebuff, a snub, rejection
vb. 1. 1930s sl., orig. African-American – to overlook something; to ignore the facts
vb. 2. 1946 Amer. dial. – to ignore; to snub; to reject
• IGAD!
int. 1671 – “By God!”
• I GANNIES!
int. 1965 Amer. dial. – an exclamation of surprise, annoyance, etc.
• I GANNY!
int. 1969 Amer. dial. – an exclamation of surprise, annoyance, etc.
• IGAREE
int. 1910s sl. – hurry up! quickly!
vb. 1910s sl. – to hurry up, to go quickly
• IGARETSAY
n. 1940s US Pig Latin – a cigarette
• IGG
n. 1963 Amer. dial. – a rebuff, a snub
vb. 1946 Amer. dial. – to ignore; to snub; to reject
• IGGERANT
adj. 1880 Sc. – ill-mannered, presumptuous, forward
• IGGERY
vb. 1880 Sc. – to hurry up, to go quickly
• IGGIE
n. 1961 US circus & carnival usage – a feigned ignorance
• IGGLE
n. 1790 Eng. dial. – an icicle
• IGGRY
int. 1910s sl. – hurry up! quickly!
vb. 1910s sl. – to hurry up, to go quickly
• IGGY
adj. 1910s sl. – ignorant
• IGHT
phr. 1990s African-American & college sl. – all right
• IGLOO
n. 1989 Aust. sl. – a $100 note
• IG MAN
n. 20C African-American sl. – an ignorant man; a fool
• IGN’ANT
adj. 2002 US sl. – ignorant
• IGNANT
n. 1940s African-American sl. – an ignorant, stupid person
• IG’NANT OIL
n. 1960s African-American sl. – alcohol
• IGNARO
n. 1620 obs. – one that is ignorant; a fool, a blockhead, a dunce, an ignoramus
• IGNAVE
adj. 1657 obs. rare – slow, sluggish
• IGNAVY
n. 1543 obs. – sluggishness, slowness, sloth
• IGNEAL
adj. 1669 obs. rare – fiery
• IGNEAN
adj. 1635 obs. – fiery
• IGNEDUCT
n. 1676 obs. rare – a vent or passage for fire
• IGNEO-AQUEOUS
adj. 1882 – due to the agency of both fire and water
• IGNEOUS
adj. 1664 – of the nature of fire; fiery
• IGNESCENT
adj. 1828 rare – kindling, bursting into flame; firing up
• IGNIBLE
adj. 1612 obs. rare – pert. to fire
• IGNICOLIST
n. 1816 – a fire worshipper
• IGNIFEROUS
adj. 1618 – producing fire; fire-bearing
• IGNIFIC
adj. 1753 – producing fire
• IGNIFLUOUS
adj. 1623 obs. rare – flowing with fire
• IGNIFORM
adj. 1744 rare – of the form of fire
• IGNIFY
vb. a1586 rare – to set on fire; to cause to burn
• IGNIGENOUS
adj. 1727 rare – produced by fire, or by the action of fire
• IGNIPAROUS
adj. 1684 obs. rare – productive of fire
• IGNIPOTENCE
n. 1727 obs. – prevalency against or power over fire
• IGNIPOTENT
adj. 1656 – ruling or having power over fire; mighty by fire
• IGNITE
n. 1980s African-American sl. – whisky
• IGNITE OIL
n. 1980s African-American sl. –whisky
• IGNITIOUS
adj. 1753 obs. rare – susceptible of ignition
• IGNITIVE
adj. 1823 rare – having the property of igniting or taking fire
• IGNIVOMOUS
adj. 1603 – vomiting fire
• IGNIVOMOUSNESS
n. 1727 – fire vomiting quality, such as that of volcanoes or burning mountains
• IGNO
n. 1970s US sl. – a fool
• IGNOBLESSE
n. c1611 nonce word obs. – the quality of being ignoble
• IGNOMINIOUS
adj. 1526 – involving shame, disgrace, or obloquy; shameful, disgraceful, discreditable
• IGNOMINY
n. 1540 – dishonour, disgrace, shame; infamy; the condition of being in disgrace, etc.
• IGNOMIOUS
adj. 1574 obs. – involving shame, disgrace or obloquy; disgraceful, shameful
• IGNOMY
n. 1534 obs. – dishonour, disgrace, shame; infamy
• IGNORAMO
n. 1623 obs. – an ignorant person
• IGNORAMUS
n. 1569 sl. – a stupid and unlettered person; first applied to ignorant lawyers
• IGNORAMUS JURY
n. 1889 sl. – a Grand Jury
• IGNORANCE
n. 1940s W. Indies sl. – extreme anger that threatens the other person
• IGNORANCY
n. 1526 obs. – ignorance
• IGNORANT
adj. 1. 1880 Sc. – ill-mannered, presumptuous, forward
adj. 2. 1940s W. Indies. & Black British sl. – angry, irascible, short-tempered
adj. 3. 1940s W. Indies. & Black British sl. – arrogant, ill-natured, bullying
• IGNORANT AS OWL SHIT
adj. 1978 Amer. sl. – very ignorant
• IGNORANT AS PADDY’S PIG
adj. 1974 NZ sl. – very ignorant; very stupid
• IGNORANT END
n. 1990 US sl. – in poker: the low card in a five-card sequence
• IGNORANTNESS
n. 1632 rare – ignorance
• IGNORANT OIL
n. 1954 US sl. –alcohol, esp. cheap and potent alcohol
• IGNORANT SPOON
n. 1954 US sl. – in oil drilling: a shovel
• IGNORANT STICK
n. 1950s US sl. – a shovel
• IGNORATION
n. 1. 1612 obs. – the fact of being ignorant; mistaking or misunderstanding through want of knowledge
n. 2. 1865 – the act of ignoring or treating as unknown; disregarding; the fact of being ignored
• IGNOSCENCY
n. 1647 obs. rare – forgiveness; forgiving spirit
• IGNOSCIBLE
adj. 1656 obs. rare – fit to be forgiven or pardoned; tolerable
• IGNOTE
adj. 1623 obs. – unknown
n. 1639 obs. – a person unknown
• IGNOTION
n. 1647 nonce word obs. – an ignorant notion; a notion falsely so called
• IGNOTISM
n. 1737 obs. – a mistake due to ignorance
• IGNUTS
n. 1934 US sl. – an ignorant fool
• I-GOD!
int. Bk1997 Amer. dial. – a common exclamation
• I’GODLIN!
int. 1874 Eng. dial. – a petty oath
• I GONNIES!
int. 1907 Amer. dial. – an exclamation of surprise, annoyance, etc.
• I GORRY!
int. 1915 Amer. dial. – an exclamation of surprise
• I GOT IT LIKE THAT
phr. 1980s African-American teen sl. – indicates that one is doing well
• IGRI
vb. 1910s sl. – to hurry up, to go quickly
• IGSY-PIGSY
adj. 1899 Eng. dial. – confused, higgledy-piggledy
• I GUESS YES!
int. L19 US sl. – yes indeed! absolutely!
• I GUESS YOU LAID THAT
phr. 1930s African-American sl. – a compliment to a person who has just made a clever retort
• I-GUY
n. 1997 US sl. – a member of a team who thinks of himself more than the team
• IGXAGXA
n. 1950s S. Africa Black sl. – a poor White
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Lexicophilia 