BAAING – ADJECTIVES
– baaing, bleating BALANT 1702 obs.
BABBLE, BABBLER, BABBLING – ADJECTIVES
– babbling, chattering SCLORIN c1870 Sc.
– babbling, full of empty or idle talk; loquacious, garrulous INANILOQUOUS 1721 obs.
– babbling, full of empty or idle talk; talking foolishly; speaking vainly or emptily INANILOQUENT 1656 obs. rare
– babbling maliciously, slanderous BLACK-BABBLING 1624
– babbling, senselessly talkative BLITHERING 1889
– babbling, talkative, garrulous RABBIN 1901 Sc.
– babbling, talkative, loquacious, babbling LINGUACIOUS 1652 obs. rare
• babbling, talkative, prating, gossiping, vindictive LONG-TONGUED 1899 Amer. dial.
• babbling, talking foolishly; given to silly talk STULTILOQUENT 1845 rare
• full of babble, chattering, prating, garrulous BABBLY 1865
• given to babbling; talkative, loquacious, garrulous, prating BABBLATIVE 1583
BABBLE, etc. – NOUNS
• a babble, jabbering; loud, confused talking GAREY Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• a confused babble or repetition of talking; unmeaning sounds or phrases; gibberish HIBBER-GIBBER 1592 obs.
• babble, chatter, gossip TONGUE-WORK 1866
• babble, noise BARBLY Bk1892 Chinese Pidgin
• babbling; idle talk; wrangling JANGLERY c1374 obs.
• discordant babble BRABBLE 1861
• foolish babbling, vain talk, idle speaking INANILOQUENCE 1727 obs.
• foolish babbling; vain talk, idle speaking INANILOQUUTION 1658 obs.
• senseless babble or prating; idle talk, chattering; a foolish tale BABBLERY 1532 obs.
• vain babbling, foolish talking, a talking like an ass ONOLOGY 1674 obs. rare
• vain babbling or talk VANILOQUENCE Bk1623 rare
• vain babbling or talk VANILOQUY Bk1928 rare
BABBLE, etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
• a babbler, a chatterer; a blabber; a tale-teller CLATTERFART 1552 obs.
• a babbler; a chatterer; a talkative person BABELARD 1678 obs.
• a babbler, a chatterer; a talkative person; a gossip TONGUESTER 1871
• a babbler, a foolish or idle talker, a chatterer BABLIAMINY 1608 obs. nonce word
• a babbler; a foolish talker BLATHERUMSKITE Bk1911 Sc.
• a babbler, a gossip MAUNDREL 1814 Sc.
• a babbler, a loquacious, talkative person GAFFER 1802 Sc. obs.
• a babbler, an idle chatterer; one who does nothing but twattle TWATTLE-BASKET 1715
• a babbler, a silly foolish person BLADDERSKATE a1680 Sc.
• a babbler, a talker of nonsense; an absurd or foolish person BABELAVANT; BABELAVANTE a1400 obs.
• a babbler, a tattler; a chatterer; one who talks nonsense TWITTLE-TWAT 1662 obs. rare
• a babbler, a tattler; a gossip; a chatterer CLATTERN 1725 Sc.
• a babbler, a tattler, a telltale; a revealer of secrets or of what ought to be kept private; a gossip BLAB c1374
• a babbler, a teller of secrets; a gossip, a blabber BABBLER 1555
• a babbler, a telltale BLETHER-LUGS Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• a babbler, a telltale BLETHER-TAIL Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• a babbler, a telltale BLETHER-TONGUE Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• a babbler; a term of contempt; a babbler SAUNTRELL c1440 obs. rare
• a babbler, one who blurts out anything he has heard; a foul-mouthed person WASH-MOUTH 1746 Eng. dial.
• a babbler, one who reveals secrets; a telltale BLABBER 1557
• a babbling, prating fellow; a vain talking fellow; a jester; a buffoon; a rascally base knave BALATRON 1623 obs. rare
• a female babbler; a talkative person BABLATRICE 1595 obs. nonce word
• a person who babbles, talks foolishly, or at great length, esp. to little purpose; a chatterer BABBLER 1366
• a senseless or foolish babbler or boaster; an idle talker BLATEROON c1645 obs.
• a vain babbler; one who needlessly repeats the same thing BATTOLOGIST 1653
BABBLE, etc. – VERBS
• to babble BRABBLE 1570 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• to babble MAUNDREL Bk1905 Sc.
• to babble PLAY THE MAUNDREL 1814 Sc.
• to babble away; to talk nonsense RAB 1898 Sc.
• to babble much, prate DEBLATERATE 1623 rare
• to babble or talk vainly or rapidly BLATERATE 1676 obs.
• to babble, to chatter; to talk excessively or noisily; to prate; also said of birds JANGLE a1300 obs.
• to babble, to chatter, to talk foolishly or heedlessly; to gossip GLAVER Bk1887 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• to babble, to gossip. to talk in a foolish or trivial manner; to speak nonsense HAIVER; HAVER 1721 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• to babble, to chatter; to talk loudly and merrily GAFF 1825 Sc. obs.
• to babble, to mutter, to mumble; to speak indistinctly or idly; to say or recite in an indistinct tone PALTER 1538 obs.
• to babble, to prate; to chat or talk in a long gossipy manner SCLORE c1870 Sc.
• to babble, to prattle; to express with gaggling or cackling GAGGLE 1577 obs.
• to babble, to talk loudly; to talk at the same time as another GAREY Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• to babble, to utter idly, to chatter TWITTLE 1577 obs.
• to babble; to waste time in gossiping; to spread a report or calumny; to exaggerate or misstate BLANDER 19C Sc.
BABOON – NOUNS
• a baboon MANCOWE a1400 obs.
• a baboon; an ape BABION 1599 obs.
• a baboon, which has a long doglike snout DOG-APE a1616
• a female baboon BABUINA 1882
• a nickname used of, or to, a baboon ADONIS 1882
BABY, BABYHOOD – ADJECTIVES
• of infants: gurgling, crowing GURLIE; GURLY 1823 Sc.
BABY, BABYHOOD – NOUNS
• a baby-bottle; a nursing-bottle TITTY-BOTTLE 19C Brit. colloq.
• an infant’s feeding bottle SUCKING-BOTTLE 1632
• a thatch of matted hair on a newborn child; it was believed that it should not be touched, but allowed to fall out of its own accord; otherwise it was thought to bring misfortune LADY’S TAIL 1981 Amer. dial.
• baby clothes, dolls’ clothes BAIRN-CLOUTS 1895 Sc.
• babyhood; infancy BABYDOM 1864 rare
• clothing or napkins for babies BABBY-CLOUTS 1864
• the arrival of a new baby VISIT FROM THE STORK L19 UK society sl.
• the clothes used for swaddling babies BABY-CLOUTS 1899 Amer. dial.
• the lodging and care of babies for payment BABY-FARMING 1867 derogatory
• the soft down or hair on new-born babies PADDOCK-HAIR 1827 chiefly Eng. dial.
BABY, etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
• a baby BAAYBY Bk1888 Eng. dial.
• a baby BABBLE 20C sl.
• a baby BABBY Bk1828 Eng. dial.
• a baby BABI c1230 obs.
• a baby BABIE 1533
• a baby BABY-BUNTING Bk1945 sl.
• a baby BASIN OF GRAVY 1960 UK rhyming sl.
• a baby BAWBY 1527 Sc.
• a baby BEEBY Bk1886 Eng. dial.
• a baby BIMBO c1920 Amer. sl.
• a baby BUBBELLY 1939 Amer. dial.
• a baby BUNDLE FROM HEAVEN 20C
• a baby BUNDLE OF JOY 1924 colloq.
• a baby LAP ORGAN 1939 Amer. dial., jocular usage
• a babyLULLABY-CHEAT 1665 cant
• a baby PACKAGE 1969 US sl.
• a baby PACKET FROM PARIS Bk1958 Aust. & NZ sl.
• a baby PARCEL FROM PARIS 20C Aust. & NZ sl.
• a baby SCALDY 1896 Irish sl.
• a baby SNORK 1941 Aust. & NZ sl.
• a baby TICKSY-WICKSY 1864
• a baby; a child BAB 1567 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• a baby; a child BABY-CHILD 1927 African-American sl.
• a baby, a child DOE 1904 US criminals’ sl.
• a baby; a child EXPENSE Bk2006 US sl.
• a baby; a child VARICOSE VEIN 1996 Sc. rhyming sl. for ‘wean’
• a baby; a child; also, a term of endearment BABA 1841 orig. & chiefly South Asian
• a baby, a child, esp. an impish one; a term of endearment to a child BOOGER; BUGGER 1892 Amer. dial.
• a baby, a child, esp. an impish one; a term of endearment to a child BUG 1950 Amer. dial.
• a baby, a little child GAURLAGH Bk1910 Ireland
• a baby; a little child KIDLING 1899 sl.
• a baby, an infant BABAN c1230 obs.
• a baby, an infant; a very young child, not yet able to walk BABE IN ARMS 1731
• a baby, an infant; a very young child, not yet able to walk BABY IN ARMS 1848
• a baby, an infant; a very young child, not yet able to walk INFANT IN ARMS 1731
• a baby, an infant; a young or small child; a brat; often used depreciatively, formerly used as a synonym of ‘bastard’, an illegitimate child BANTLING 1593
• a baby; a squalling child in arms BUNCH OF DOG’S MEAT Bk1890 sl.
• a baby; a term of endearment for a baby BABYKINS M20
• a baby; a toddler MOP 1440
• a baby, a toddler RUG-RAT 1964 sl., orig. US
• a baby, a toddler YUKKER 2001 UK juvenile sl.
• a baby; a very young child, not yet able to walk CHILD IN ARMS a1675
• a baby, a young child BAMBINO 1761
• a baby, a young child CHAP 1883 Amer. dial.
• a baby; a young child, esp. a girl; a darling, a favourite, a pet; often as a term of endearment MOPPET 1601
• a baby born in ambulance BBA Bk2006 UK medical sl.
• a baby born in the period after the ‘baby boom’ that followed World War II BABY BUSTER 1980s sl.
• a baby boy ONE NICK; ONE NITCH c1860 printers’ sl.
• a baby conceived to strengthen a faltering relationship BAND-AID BABY Bk2014 colloq.
• a baby-farmer ANGEL-MAKER B1889 Eng. sl.
• a baby girl SPLIT-ARSED ONE L19 sl.
• a baby girl TWO NICK; TWO NITCH c1860 printers’ sl.
• a baby-minder; a person who takes care of an infant BABY-TENDER 1845
• a baby of affluent professional parents BAPPLE Bk2006 sl., chiefly UK
• a baby old enough to sit alone SETTING-UP KID 1954 Amer. dial.
• a baby or a child fathered by a gangster who is living temporarily with a girlfriend or mistress while hiding from the authorities BEEF BABY 2003 African-American sl.
• a baby or a child, specifically a weak or feeble one BUTTER-PRINT 1616 sl. obs.
• a baby or a small child BLUNDERBUS 1966 Amer. dial.
• a babysitter; a rocker of cradles BERSATRIX Bk1708 obs.
• a baby small enough to be held in the arms; by extension, the youngest and smallest child in a family ARM BABY 1939 Amer. dial.
• a baby; someone who fusses all the time FUSSBUDGET 1904
• a baby too small to crawl BED BABY 1954 Amer. dial.
• a baby who has died in the womb or shortly after birth ANGEL BABY 1994
• a child born in wedlock, but is born within six months of marriage BARLEY-BAIRN Bk1873 Eng. dial.
• a child born in wedlock, but is born within six months of marriage BARLEY-CHILD Bk1879 Eng. dial.
• a crawling baby INSECT 1952 Amer. dial.
• a new baby, a new arrival; a fresh face NEWCOME 1821 sl.
• a newborn baby LITTLE STRANGER 20C sl.
• a newborn baby RABBIT c1780 sl.
• a nickname for a baby BUBBY 1889 Amer. dial.
• an unborn child HANS IN KELDER 1690 cant obs.
• a person employed to carry or transport a baby; later, a woman who carries a child in the womb BABY CARRIER 1853
• a person engaged to look after a baby or babies, esp. while their parents or guardians are at work BABY-MINDER 1856
• a person engaged to look after a baby or babies, esp. while their parents or guardians are at work BABY-MONITOR 1914
• a premature baby PREEMIE; PREMIE; PREMY 1927 N. Amer. sl.
• a term of endearment for a baby BUBELICKS 1930 Amer. dial.
• a term of endearment for a baby GITTSEY 1887 Eng. dial.
• a term of endearment for a baby PUDSY 20C sl.
• a term of endearment for a baby TENDER 1895 Eng. dial.
• a term of endearment for a baby boy or a male child MANITOODLIE 1824 Sc.
• a term of endearment for a baby enclosed in its mother’s arms PARROCK 1880 Sc.
• a tiny babe; an infant; also, a term of endearment BABELET 1856
BABY, etc. – PHRASES
• a baby is born BEES SWARM 1953 Amer. dial.
BABY, etc. – VERBS
• to make baby-like or babyish BABIFY; BABYFY M19
• to speak baby-like LALLATE 1623 obs. rare
• to tickle babies and make them laugh PLAY CREEP-MOUSE 1877 Eng. dial
• to wash a baby’s face and bottom without immersion in a bath TOP AND TAIL 20C
BABY BOOM – NOUNS
• the baby boom after World War II; hence, any short-term increase or notably large group, viewed statistically PIG IN THE PYTHON 1974 US
BABY CARRIAGE – NOUNS
• a baby buggy or stroller GO-CART 1853 rare
• a baby carriage BABY BUGGY; BUGGY 1862, orig. US
• a baby carriage BABY CAB 1864 rare
• a baby carriage BABY CART 1940 Amer. dial.
• a baby carriage BABY COACH 1866 Amer. dial.
• a baby carriage BABY WAGON 1853 Amer. dial.
• a baby carriage BUGGY CARRIAGE 1967 Amer. dial.
• a baby carriage BUGGY COACH 1976 Amer. dial.
• a baby carriage WAGON 1847 US
BABY CARRIAGE – VERBS
• to push a baby in its carriage WHEEL 1884 Amer. dial.
BABYISH, BABYISHNESS – ADJECTIVES
• babyish, childish, silly; used contemptuously BABISH 1553-87 arch.
• babyish; tiny TIDDY Bk1896 Eng. dial.
• made babyish or childishly silly BABISHED 1535-75 obs. rare
BABYISH, etc. – ADVERBS
• in a babyish fashion BABISHLY 1567 Sc.
BABYISH, etc. – NOUNS
• babyishness BABISHNESS 1557 obs.
BABYISH, etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
• someone who is babyish BABY ASS 2003 US teen sl.
BABYSIT – VERBS
• to babysit; to take care of a child or children HERD 1896 Amer. dial.
BACH, JOHANN SEBASTIAN
• J.S. Bach THE FUGUE DUDE 20C teen & high school sl.
BACHELOR – NOUNS
• a bachelor’s house SNAKE RANCH 1990 US sl.
• a bachelor’s quarters CABOOSE 19C Amer. sl.
• a body of unmarried men BACHELRY a1500 obs.
• apartments for bachelors BACHELOR HALL 1833
• a residence of unmarried men BACHELORS’ HALL 1746 UK sl.
• bread and cheese and kisses BACHELOR’S FARE; BATCHELOR’S FARE L18 sl.
BACHELOR – NOUNS, PERSON
• a bachelor BACH(E) 1857 sl.
• a bachelor BACHELDER 1739 Amer. dial.
• a bachelor BATCH 1855 US colloq.
• a bachelor BATCHELDER 1725 Amer. dial.
• a bachelor BATCHELOUR Bk1707 obs.
• a bachelor BATTER Bk1971 Boonville California usage
• a bachelor LAD 1825 Sc.
• a bachelor OLD BOY Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• a bachelor SINGLE MAN c1449
• a bachelor, a widower; one wanting a husband or wife; an unmarried person WANTER 1723 Eng. dial.
• a bachelor, irrespective of age YOUNG-MAN 1867 Amer. dial.
• a bachelor living alone SHACK 1867 Amer. dial., African-American usage
• a bachelor looking after his own house HATTER Bk1895 Aust. criminals’ sl.
• a bachelor, one who lives alone; an eccentric person, one who differs from others POT O’ ONE 1896 Eng. dial.
• a bachelor who has no intention of altering his status BAUDY KNIGHT; BAWDY BACHELOR 1680 UK sl.
• a confirmed bachelor OLD BACH M19 US sl.
• a confirmed bachelor OLD BACHELOR 1867 Amer. dial.
• a confirmed bachelor OLD BATCH 1899 Amer. dial.
• a female companion who accompanies a bachelor on his round of social amusements MUFFIN M19 Can. & US sl.
BACHELOR – VERBS
• to be a bachelor TRAIL A LIGHT HARROW 1891 Eng. dial.
• to be left behind as a bachelor, on a brother’s marriage DANCE IN THE HALF-PECK 1892 Eng. dial.
• to live alone and cater for oneself as a bachelor BACH 1879 Aust., NZ & N. Amer.
• to live alone as a bachelor SHACK 1890s African-American sl.
• to live as a bachelor BACHELORIZE M19
• to live as a bachelor LIVE BACH(E) 1909 colloq., society usage
• to remain a bachelor; to be unmarried WEAR BACHELOR’S BUTTONS 1857
BACK – NOUNS
• the back of anything, the end ARSEHOLD; ARSEHOLE 1940s sl.
• the back or tail end A-END 1955 Aust. sl.
• the back, the rear HAYSTACK 1955 Aust. rhyming sl.
• the back, the rear part; the end, the latter part AFTWARD a1000 obs.
BACK (body part) – ADJECTIVES
• long-backed MACKEREL-BACKED 1785 sl. obs.
• having a long, lank, flexible back TANGLE-BACKED 1896 Sc.
• on the back and unable to rise IN THE BOWFARTS Bk1911 Sc.
BACK (body part) – NOUNS
• a bent back; a humpback BOOLIE-BACK Bk1911 Sc.
• a painful or bad back BACK 20C sl.
• one’s back CADBURY(‘S) SNACK 2000s rhyming sl.
• the back CABOOSE 20C sl.
• the back HAMMER AND TACK 1977 Aust. rhyming sl.
• the back UNION JACK 1992 UK rhyming sl.
• the back, the small or middle of the back KEEL 1836 Sc.
• the breadth of one’s back; hence, a throw, a fall BACK-BREED Bk1898 Sc.
BACK (body part) – VERBS
• to be suffering from pain in the back BE DOWN IN THE BACK 1907 US colloq.
BACK (place) – ADJECTIVES
• backmost BACKERMOST 1669 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• farther back, hinder BACKER 1564 obs.
• farther back; more to the rear BACKERMORE Bk1888 obs.
• placed towards or at the back or rear BACKWARD 1610 obs.
BACK (place) – ADVERBS
• at the back, in the rear, behind AHIND 1806 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• back, backwards BACKLINGS; BACKLINS 1785 N. Eng. dial.
• further back BACKERMARE 1616 Sc.
BACK (place) – PREPOSITIONS
• at the back or in the rear of AHIND 1814 Sc. & Eng. dial.
BACK AND FORTH – ADVERBS
• back and forth; to and fro BACK AND TO 1856 Amer. dial.
BACK AND FORTH – VERBS
• to move back and forth SASHAY 1941 Amer. dial.
BACKBITE, BACKBITER, BACKBITING – NOUNS
• a centre of backbiting NAIL-BOX 19C printers’ usage
• backbiting, squabbling, acrimony NIP-LUG 1883 Sc.
BACKBITE, etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
• a backbiter BLACK-BACK Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• a backbiter; a deceitful person BENBITER Bk1898 Sc.
• a backbiter; a false-hearted fellow; a double-dealer RAMMACK 19C Sc.
• a backbiter; an evil speaker; a slanderer MALDISANT 1598 obs.
• a backbiter; a person; a rascal SCULPIN 1836 Amer. dial., derogatory
• a backbiter; one who compliments another grossly and to his face FACE-FLATTERER 1859
• a backbiting or spiteful woman; a term of contempt for a person; esp. one who scratches like a cat CAT a1225
BACKBITE, etc. – VERBS
• to backbite BRASS NAIL 19C sl.
• to backbite NAIL 19C sl.
• to backbite, to gossip, to discuss someone when absent DING OVER 1876 Eng. dial.
• to backbite, to gossip; to tell tales, to slander; to scold CANT 1776 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• to backbite, to slander RECKON UP 19C sl.
• to backbite, to slander, to malign GIVE GREEN RATS B1900 sl.
• to backbite, to talk over RAIL OVER Bk1905 Eng. dial.
BACK DOWN – VERBS
• to back down BACK UP 1910s US sl.
• to back down from a bargain RUE BACK Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• to back down from a confrontation GO OUT THE BACK DOOR 1981 US sl.
• to back down from a confrontation; to run away from danger BONE OUT 1993 US sl.
• to back down from a position DROP ONE’S FEATHERS 1843 Amer. dial. obs.
• to back down from a position LOWER ONE’S FEATHERS 1855 Amer. dial. obs.
• to back down from an untenable position; to ‘eat one’s words’; to assume the responsibility for what one has said or done EAT BOILED CROW 1877 Amer. dial.
• to back down from an untenable position; to ‘eat one’s words’; to assume the responsibility for what one has said or done EAT CROW 1885 Amer. dial.
• to back down from an untenable position; to ‘eat one’s words’; to assume the responsibility for what one has said or done EAT DOG 1928 Amer. dial.
• to back down from an untenable position; to ‘eat one’s words’; to assume the responsibility for what one has said or done EAT TURKEY 1965 Amer. dial.
• to back down GIG; GIG BACK Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• to back down in an argument BACKFIRE 1968 Amer. dial.
• to back down on a brag or dare; to retreat; to refuse a challenge TAKE BACK WATER 1902 Amer. dial.
• to back down or renege in a cowardly manner; to give in FLUNK E19 US sl.
• to back down or yield in an argument; to keep or become quiet HEAD IN 1949 Amer. dial.
• to back down speedily PIKE OUT QUICKER THAN A WHIRLYGUST CHASING A STREAK OF LIGHTNING 1864 Amer. dial.
• to back down; to fail or refuse to go with the crowd PIKE 1916 Amer. dial.
• to back down, to give up; to lose one’s nerve GEEK (IT) 1935 US sl.
• to back down; to lose courage; to fail to do as promised WUSS OUT 1977 US sl.
• to back down, to lose one’s nerve, to chicken out LOSE ONE’S ‘ARRIS c1950 sl.
• to back down, to lose your nerve BOTTLE; BOTTLE IT 1999 UK sl.
• to back down, to lose your nerve BOTTLE OUT 1979 UK sl.
• to back down, to retreat, to take refuge; to retract a statement TAKE WATER 1853 Amer. dial.
BACKER – NOUNS, PERSON
• a backer; a supporter; a partisan; an ally PART-TAKER 1768 Sc.
• a person who financially backs a robbery, confidence game, or gambling operation BANKER 1922 criminals’ sl.
• a person who provides the funding for an enterprise, project, etc. BANKROLLER 1930 colloq., orig. US
• a person who provides the funding for an enterprise, project, etc. BANKROLL GUY 1930 colloq., orig. US
• a person who provides the funding for an enterprise, project, etc. BANKROLL MAN 1930 colloq., orig. US
BACKGAMMON – NOUNS
• a backgammon board PAIR OF TABLES 1483 obs.
• a backgammon board TABLES 1573 obs.
• a backgammon board; hence, the game of backgammon or ‘tables’; also, a chess-board TABLER 1303 obs.
• a board for backgammon or any similar game TABLE-BOARD 1483 obs.
• an old form of backgammon VERQUERE a1700 obs.
• backgammon; a game at backgammon BACKGAME 1718
• in backgammon: a variant rule under which the game is started in positions other than the standard layout ACEY-DEUCEY 1944 US sl.
• in backgammon: the sixth point from the inner end of each table SIZE-POINT 1552
• one of the ‘men’ or pieces used in backgammon TABLEMAN 1483 obs.
• play at ‘tables’ or backgammon TABLE-PLAY 1550 obs.
• playing at ‘tables’ or backgammon TABLING 1553 obs.
• the ‘board’ on which backgammon chess, draughts, or any similar game is played TABLE c1470 obs.
• the game of backgammon GAMMON 1730-46 rare
BACKGAMMON – NOUNS, PERSON
• a player at backgammon GAMMON PLAYER 1814 rare
• a player at backgammon TABLE-PLAYER c1450 obs.
• a player at backgammon TABLER 1561 obs.
BACKGROUND – NOUNS
• the background; the distance; a distant view or prospect; the distant part of a view or prospect OFFSCAPE 1711 rare or obs.
BACKING – NOUNS
• backing, support BACK-STAND 1548 obs.
• backing, support; a following; a body of followers or supporters BACK 1566 obs.
BACK OFF, BACK OUT – NOUNS, PERSON
• a person who backs out of a commitment QUEEN WEEN 1990s US college sl.
BACK OFF, BACK OUT – VERBS
• to back off, to give in, to admit defeat BAG ONE’S FACE 1984 Amer. sl.
• to back off, to give in, to admit defeat BAG ONE’S HEAD 1863 Amer. sl.
• to back out RENIG Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• to back out of a place or situation ARSLE 1899 Amer. dial.
• to back out of fulfilling a promise, etc.; to shuffle ARSE Bk1898 Sc.
• to back out of something, owing to a lack of courage or spirit; to try to avoid or evade an undertaking, duty etc. FUNK OUT 1859
• to back out of something; to surrender in a cowardly fashion FUNK 1746 sl.
• to back out of, to shirk DINGO 1952 Aust. sl.
• to back out or withdraw from a venture or undertaking; to ‘chicken out’ DUFF 1883 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• to back out or withdraw from a venture or undertaking; to give up, esp. suddenly or abruptly JACK UP 1871 colloq. obs.
• to back out or withdraw from anything; to relinquish, to abandon, esp. to leave off or throw up work JACK; JAG 1873 Eng. dial.
• to back out; to avoid one’s responsibility; to renege COP OUT Bk1942 Amer. sl. colloq.
• to back out, to back out of a promise; to disappoint; to opt out of a round of betting FLUMMOX; FLUMMUX M19 sl.
• to back out; to be too frightened to act GO CHICKEN 1930s sl., orig. US
• to back out, to change one’s mind, to lose one’s nerve CHICKEN OUT 1943 Amer. dial.
• to back out; to hold oneself back PIKE L19 sl.
• to back out, to renege MUCKLE OUT 1950 Amer. dial.
BACKPACK, BACKPACKER – NOUNS
• a military backpack ALICE 1988 US sl.
• an A-frame backpack used by Koreans to carry large and heavy objects KOREAN FORKLIFT 1982 US Korean War usage
• a packsack TUSSOCK 1969 Amer. dial.
BACKPACK, etc. – NOUNS, PERSON
• a backpacker who has a considerable disposable income FLASHPACKER 21C
BACKSLIDE – VERBS
• to backslide, to relapse; to recede, to retreat GO BACKWARD c1400 obs.
BACKTALK, BACKTALKING – ADJECTIVES
• back-talking, cheeky, spirited SASSY 1833 colloq., orig. & chiefly US
BACKTALK, etc. – NOUNS
• backtalk BACK SLACK 1908 Amer. sl.
• backtalk, impudent replies; answering back in an insolent manner BACKCHAT 1901 UK sl., orig, military usage
• backtalk, insolent or nonsensical talk BACKWASH 1906 Amer. sl.
• backtalk; insults MOUTH 1896 UK sl.
• backtalk, insults, abuse VERBALS 1960s sl.
• backtalk, rudeness, insolence, impertinence, cheek JIMBER-JAW 1834 Amer. dial.
• impudent backtalk; impudence CHIN 1862 Amer. sl.
BACKTALK, etc. – VERBS
• to backtalk; to answer back, to be cheeky, to tease SASS; SASS OUT M19 US sl.
• to backtalk; to argue, to answer back, to be cheeky FATMOUTH 1968 sl., orig. African-American
• to backtalk; to speak insolently to BACK-LIP 1955 Amer. sl.
• to engage in backtalk; to talk in an abusive, rude, or argumentative fashion; to argue LIP 1898 sl.
• to engage in backtalk; to talk in an abusive, rude, or argumentative fashion; to argue LIP OFF 1943 Amer. dial.
BACK-TO-FRONT – ADVERBS
• back-to-front ARSE-FIRST 1962 Aust. sl.
• back to front, upside down; perversely ARSY-VERSY 1539 UK
BACK-UP, BACK UP – NOUNS
• back-up, usually in the form of physical power ASSIST 1990s sl.
BACK-UP, BACK UP – NOUNS, PERSON
• the person drawn in to provide back-up ASSIST 1990s sl.
BACK-UP, BACK UP – VERBS
• to back up the statements or actions of another person BACK SOMEONE’S PLAY 1970s US sl.
BACKWARD, BACKWARDNESS – ADJECTIVES (also see BACKWARDS)
• backward BAICH 1924 Sc.
• backward SCLACK 1880 Sc.
• backward, awkward, clumsy HALF-ASSED BACKWARDS 1969 Amer. dial.
• backward; back-handed AWKWARD 1866 Eng. dial.
• backward; behindhand, late BACKERLY 1849 Eng. dial.
• backward, behind time UNDERLY Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• backward, late, slow; chiefly said of fruit and crops ripening, and seasons of the year LATEWARD 1538 obs.
• backward, late, slow; chiefly said of fruit and crops ripening, and seasons of the year LATEWARDLY 1573 obs. rare
• backward; rural; unsophisticated CORNFED Bk2006 US sl.
• backward, slow; lacking in boldness; timid, bashful UNBOLD c897 obs.
• backward; slow, sluggish; tiresome, tedious LATESOME a1382 chiefly Sc. & Eng. dial. usage, rare
• pert. to a manner that is backward, awkward, or roundabout BACKASSED Bk2006 US sl.
BACKWARD, etc. – ADVERBS
• backward, behind AREAR Bk1898 Eng. dial. obs.
• backward, late BACKERLY 1892 Eng. dial.
BACKWARD, etc. – NOUNS
• backwardness; lack of proficiency; unskilfulness IMPROFICIENCE 1605 obs. rare
• backwardness; lack of proficiency; unskilfulness IMPROFICIENCY 1647 rare
• backwardness or lowness arising from timidity BAUCHNESS Bk1898 Sc.
BACKWARDS – ADJECTIVES
• backwards OFF THE COB 1930s US sl.
• backwards, confused, muddled BACK-ASSWARD(S) 1940s US sl.
• backwards, in the rear RERE Bk1775 obs. rare
• cast or thrown backwards BACK-CAST 1580
• directed backwards REFLUENT 1741 obs. rare
• turned backwards RETORTIVE E18
• turned or directed backwards, reversed RETROVERSE M19 rare
• turned or facing backwards RETORTED E18
• twisted or bent backwards RETORTED L16
BACKWARDS – ADVERBS
• backwards ABACKWARD 1205 obs.
• backwards ARSE-END-TO; ASS-END-TO 1943 Amer. dial.
• backwards ARSELING 1742 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• backwards ARSELINGS c1000 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• backwards ARSY-TARSY 20C Brit. sl.
• backwards ASS-END-BACKWARDS 1967 Amer. dial.
• backwards ASS END FOREMOST 1942 Amer. sl.
• backwards ASS-FRONTWARDS 1967 Amer. dial.
• backwards BACK-ALONG 1877 Eng. dial.
• backwards BACKASSWARDS 1947 Amer. sl.
• backwards BACKERTY-WYES 1932 Sc.
• backwards BACKIES 1923 Sc.
• backwards BACKIEWARDS 1923 Sc.
• backwards BACKRANS 1824 Sc. obs.
• backwards BACKS 1967 Amer. dial.
• backwards BACKWAYS 1968 Amer. dial.
• backwards BACKWITH 1932 Sc.
• backwards BACKWORTH 1932 Sc.
• backwards; askew; upside-down ASS-TO AND EVERY WHICHAWAY 1930s Amer. sl.
• backwards; askew; upside-down ASSWAYS 1934 Amer. sl.
• backwards; back BACKLINGS; BACKLINS 1785 N. Eng. dial.
• backwards, back to front, the wrong way round ARSEWARD c1386
• backwards, back to front, the wrong way round ARSEWAYS 1938
• backwards, back to front, the wrong way round ARSEY-VERSEY; ARSIE-VARSIE; ARSEY-VARSEY; ARSY-VARSY; ARSY-VERSY 1545 UK sl.
• backwards, hind-before ARSEWARD-BACKWARDS Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• backwards, hind-before ARSEWARDS 1648 Eng. dial.
• backwards, hind-part foremost BACK-END-FORE 1886 Eng. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position or confused order ASS-BACKWARD(S) 1937 Amer. sl.
• backwards; in reversed position or confused order BARSE-ACKWARDS 1975 Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position or confused order BASS-ACKARD(S) 1931 Amer. colloq.
• backwards; in reversed position or confused order BASS-ACKWARD(S) 1930 Amer. dial. colloq.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACK-END-BEFORE 1965 Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACK-END-FOREMOST 1965 Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACK-END-FRONT 1965 Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACK-END-TO 1926 Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACKSIDE-BEFORE 1920s Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACKSIDE-FORE 1920s Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACKSIDE-FOREMOST 1920s Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACKSIDE-FORWARD(S) 1920s Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACKSIDE-FRONT 1920s Amer. dial.
• backwards; in reversed position; inside out BACKSIDE-TO 1920s Amer. dial.
• backwards, inside out BACK-FRONT 1950 Amer. dial.
• backwards; inside out BACKSIDE OUTWARDS 1937 Amer. dial.
• backwards; inside out BACKWARDS-BEHIND 1967 Amer. dial.
• backwards; inside out BACKWARDS-FRONT 1967 Amer. dial.
• backwards; inside out BACKWARDS-IN 1967 Amer. dial.
• backwards; inside out BACKWARDS-WAY-BEFORE 1967 Amer. dial.
• backwards, inside out, in reversed position ASS-SIDE-BEFORE 1969 Amer. dial.
• backwards; said of direction ABAFT c1275 obs.
• backwards, the wrong way around TOTHER-END-FIRST 1881 Amer. dial.
• backwards, the wrong way around TOTHER-END-TO 1898 Amer. dial.
• backwards, the wrong way around TOTHER-SIDE-FORE 1944 Amer. dial.
• backwards, the wrong way around TOTHER-SIDE-FOREMOST 1843 Amer. dial.
• backwards, the wrong way around TOTHER-SIDE-TO 1868 Amer. dial.
• backwards, the wrong way around TOTHER-WAY-WHICH 1843 Amer. dial.
BACKWARDS – VERBS
• to move backwards, to push back ARSE Bk1898 Sc.
• to move backwards; to back out of a place or situation ARSLE Bk1898 Eng. & Amer. dial.
BACKWARD(S) AND FORWARD(S) – PHRASES
• backwards and forwards TO AND AGAIN Bk1828 Eng. dial.
• backwards and forwards; from wall to wall FROM WIG TO WALL E17 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. rare
• backwards and forwards; to and fro BACK AND FORE 1653 arch. or Eng. dial.
BACKWARD(S) AND FORWARD(S) – VERBS
• to go backward and forward; to stumble; to go unsteadily HALPER 1596 obs.
• to move back and forwards noisily or clumsily; to parade up and down with heavy steps PAMBERADE 1930 Sc.
BACKWOODS – ADJECTIVES
• dwelling in the backwoods; rustic, primitive PINEY 1809 Amer. dial.
• dwelling in the backwoods; rustic, primitive PINEY-WOOD 1809 Amer. dial.
• of the backwoods, rustic TURPENTINE 1958 Amer. dial.
BACKWOODS – NOUNS
• backwoods BACKBRUSH 1934 Amer. dial.
• backwoods JILLIKENS 1953 Amer. dial.
• backwoods PINEY WOODS 1909 Amer. dial.
• the backwoods, an out-of-the-way or a very unimportant place BOONIES 1956 Amer. dial.
• the backwoods, rough or wild country; rural backcountry; the sticks; an out-of-the-way place BOONDOCKS 1944 Amer. dial.
• the backwoods, the rural areas TALL TIMBER M19 US sl.
BACKWOODS – NOUNS, PERSON
• a backwoodsman BUSHWHACKER 1809 Amer. dial.
• a backwoodsman; accustomed to beat about or make his way through bushes; a bush-ranger BUSH-BEATER 1809
• a backwoodsman; a hermit BUSHNIPPLE 1930 Amer. dial.
• a backwoodsman; a hillbilly WOOD HICK 1911 Amer. dial.
• a backwoodsman; a trapper MOUNTAINEER 1837 US rare
• a backwoodsman; a trapper; a pioneer MOUNTAIN MAN 1847 US
• a backwoodsman; a woodsman BUSH RAT 1935 Amer. dial.
• a backwoods Southern White person regarded as ignorant, brutal, loutish, bigoted, etc.; used contemptuously CRACKER 1766 Amer. sl.
• an ignorant, uncouth backwoodsman URIAH 1953 Amer. dial.
• an uncouth backwoodsman YAHOO Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• a person living in the backwoods; a rustic MOSSBACK 1873 colloq.
• people who live in the back country BACK PEOPLE 1770 Amer. dial.
BACKWOODS – PHRASES
• from the backwoods; unsophisticated FROM HORSE AND BUGGY 2000s sl.
BACKWOODS – VERBS
• to live in the backwoods BUSHWHACK 1809 Amer. dial.
BACKYARD – see YARD
BACON – ADJECTIVES
• streaked; of two colours; said of bacon RANDED; RANDY’D 1866 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• streaky, having layers of lean and fat alternating; said of bacon INTERLEAN 1892 Eng. dial.
BACON – NOUNS
• a rasher of bacon and a thick slice of bread RASHER AND A DOORSTEP L19 sl.
• a rasher of bacon and chips RASHER AND FINGERS 1930s sl.
• a side or flitch of bacon BAND c1394 obs.
• a slice of bacon or ham GRUNT 1925 Amer. sl.
• a small piece of bacon for larding meat LARDET 1598 obs. rare
• a small piece of bacon for larding meat LARDLET 1659 obs. rare
• bacon ARKANSAS T-BONE 1967 Amer. dial., jocular usage
• bacon NEW YORK TURKEY 1905 Amer. dial.
• bacon OVERLAND TROUT 1903 Amer. West, sl.
• bacon RIB MEAT 1967 Amer. dial.
• bacon RUFF-PECK Bk1886 cant
• bacon SAWMILL CHICKEN 1967 Amer. dial.
• bacon SAWMILL TURKEY 1967 Amer. dial.
• bacon SAWNEY 1812 sl.
• bacon S.B. L19 US sl., (Sour Bosom/Belly)
• bacon SIDEHILL SALMON 1958 Amer. dial.
• bacon TIGER Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• bacon and beans STARS AND STRIPES 20C Amer. sl., World War I usage
• bacon and fried eggs TWO DOTS AND A DASH 1910s sl.
• bacon grease; fat GIPPO 20C Amer. sl., World War I usage
• bacon, ham, or pork of any kind JEW FOOD 20C sl., usually derogatory
• bacon or salt pork CHICAGO CHICKEN L19 US West. sl.
• bacon or salt pork MIDDLING MEAT 1909 Amer. dial.
• bacon or salt pork NED 1850 Amer. dial.
• bacon or salt pork OLD NED 1833 US sl.
• bacon or salt pork SEASONING MEAT 1966 Amer. dial.
• bacon, pork, or any pig-meat GRUNTING PECK M17 sl.
• bacon, salt pork, some meat other than chicken TENNESSEE CHICKEN 1966 Amer. dial.
• bacon, salt pork; meat from the side of a hog, usually salted or smoked SIDE MEAT 1868 Amer. dial.
• cured bacon or ham BLACK MEAT Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• fried bacon CHUCK-WAGON CHICKEN 1944 Amer. cowboy’s sl.
• in Ireland: unpopular imported US fatty bacon AMERICAN LAD Bk1997 Irish sl.
• side-bacon SOW-BELLY Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• the bottom piece of a flitch of bacon, including the hind leg; also, a smoked or cured ham GAMBONE; GAMMON(D) a1529
• the hard rind of bacon or cheese SCRAM 1881 Eng. dial.
• the middle part of a side of meat, esp. of bacon or salt pork MIDDLING 1777 Amer. dial.
• the rind of bacon BACON-SWORD 1859 Eng. dial.
• the skin of bacon SOORD Bk1886
BACON – NOUNS, PERSON
• a curer of, or dealer in, bacon BACON-MAN 1707 obs.
• a person who steals bacon or cheese from grocers’ shops; a bacon thief SAWNEY-HUNTER 1856 sl.
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