US Underground Slang Explained
The Evil Language of the American Criminal
Paul Rance on Cockney Rhyming Slang
I've taken you down the dangerous streets of Cockneyland, and the home of the Cockney, and revealed to you their mysterious rhyming slang. But, underground slang is a scarier perversion of the English language all together. Get out a very stiff drink, and prepare to be shocked and amazed by how gangsters, robbers and the like, communicate.
Here, we will cover US underground slang. Some places in the United States of America can be even scarier than Cockneyland.
The ne'er do well can come in many guises. The lowest include the lush roller, who likes to rob drunks, a troupe, who are a group of gangsters and racketeers, and, if you love your Bible, beware of the fire-proofer.
If you become involved with criminals, it is advisable to avoid a torpedo - a gangster who will kill you. Don't spill (inform) to the police, or be a canary (police informer), because that may well get you a rod (revolver) to the head. Don't rabbit (run away), because when you are known as one of the folks (criminals associate) you will end up wishing for the relief of a magazine (six month prison sentence). You would be meshuga (crazy) to mess with the mob. They will put you on the spot (arrange for your demise).
Anyway, I hope I'm not filling you with fear. As long as you avoid criminal types, underground slang is not necessary to know. If you get lost in the middle of nowhere, it would be a good idea to remember some of these words. There may be a scatter (hide-out for criminals) nearby, and it will help you communicate with these scumbags on their level. And look out for the pick-up man (stealer of bags, etc.).
In the world of the underground fiend, a lighthouse is very important, as he knows every detective, and he is THE look-out man. I would urge you, though, to respect any flatty (policeman), and be wary of any eye (private detective).
You may like junk (jewellery), and if you are happy to go down the criminal route to get some nice stuff, then a derrick (shoplifter) could be of good use to you.
I hope I've been able to acquaint you with the language of these sinister people, and maybe help you keep out of TROUBLE. If this article makes you want to become a criminal, please don't come looking for me, as I WILL sing like a canary.
Jennifer Waite's articles on prison slang - or are you too afeard to visit?
Prison Slang 103: Prison Life
Prison Slang 104: Chicano Slang
Source
The Reader's Digest Great Encyclopaedic Dictionary (1964)
Published by Paul Rance
Paul Rance is the co-founder, with Andrew Bruce, of small UK publishing company, Peace & Freedom Press, which began publishing in 1985. Paul founded the booksmusicfilmstv.com website in 2005. View profile
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22 Comments
Post a CommentHa! I guess you're ready to come visit me in the big house now.
This is awesome, my favorite was always helicopter, which in LA was a "ghetto bird". They circle you know.
Straight dope, dawg!
Is it worse to be a canary or a rabbit?
Haha, you're meshuga.
Fun piece here, Paul! And thanks for the nods :) Though I thought at first this must be slang from London....haven't heard most of these around the states, but then I'm typically a coastal gal! Maybe the heartland thugs are walking around talking like this all day long and I just don't know!
As the element might say... this article is dope... lol great job Paul.
Very creative. :)
Good job Paul. Don't worry..I have no plans of becoming a criminal :-)....Like your new default pic.
I've read the Jennifer Waite articles also. This one is great, too, Paul!