Page:Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant (1889) by Barrere & Leland.djvu/130

 that instances have been known in which ladies living in the country have gone "to town" for the purpose of meeting with lovers, or making them, "in loco secreto." So it is said of one not quite above suspicion, that she has been there, and should a foreigner not understanding the phrase ask where, the answer may be, to Bungtown. In Philadelphia it is said of a very fast woman, that she has been to, or comes from Scranton, a town in Pennsylvania.

Beer barrel (pugilistic), the body.

Beerslinger (American), a term for a barman in a lager-beer "saloon" or tavern. It originated in Philadelphia in 1848-49, about which time lager-beer was first brewed in America. The word "slingers" had previously been commonly applied for at least forty years to other barmen, who were often spoken of as "whiskey - slingers" (a punning term). "Rum-slingers" or "gin-slingers," derived in this instance probably from gin-sling. In America "sling" is a very common expression, indicating to be engaged with, or to tackle, attack, &c. Hence "hash-slinger," one who eats at an ordinary table, or one who is eating in any way. "Ink-slinger" a writer. "Don't sling your sass at me," means give me no more of your impudence. "Jerk" and "jerker" are in every way exact synonyms for "sling" and "slinger," e.g., a beer-jerker.

Beeswax (common), poor, soft cheese, sometimes called "sweaty-toe cheese," the French equivalent of which is "pied de facteur." Applied to persons whom it is difficult to get rid of. Friends conversing together seeing one of this kind coming towards, them, frequently say, "Here's old Beeswax, let's be off."

Beeswaxers (Winchester College). Thick-soled, laced-up boots are so called, no doubt from being used in damp or snowy weather, after having been besmeared with beeswax, grease, or dubbin, in order to make them water-tight.

Bee - sweetening (American), honey, more jargon than slang.

Beetle-crushers (common), a person's foot. More frequently used with the sense of foot of large proportions, large flat foot. Also shoe or boot.