Page:Farmer - Slang and its analogues past and present - Volume 1.pdf/87

 or neck-squeezer (q.v.), which is applied above the armpits.

Arm-Props, subs. (common).—Crutches; otherwise wooden legs (q.v.).

1825. W. T. Moncrieff. Tom and Jerry. Act ii.. Scene 6. Beggar: You did quite right; vell, vile I can get fifteen bob a day by gammoning a maim, the devil may vork for me. If any lady or gemman is inclined for a dance. I'll nash my arm-props in a minute. (Throws down his crutches.)

Arms and Legs, subs, phr. (common).—Poor, weak beer, because there is no body in it!--See Swipes.

Armstrong. To come Captain Armstrong.—See Captain Armstrong.

Arrow (vulgarism).—A corruption of 'e'er, a,' or 'ever a.'

1750. Fielding. Tom Jones, bk. V., ch, viii. 'I don't believe there is arrow a servant in the house ever saw the colour of his money.'

1771. Smollett. Humphrey Clinker, i., 126. 'I now carries my head higher than arrow private gentlewoman of Vales.'

'Arry, subs. (common).—The Christian name Harry without the aspirate. A popular embodiment of the vulgar, rollicking, yet on the whole good-tempered 'rough' of the great metropolis. His 'get-up' is, as he would himself put it, 'immense'; he is seen to most advantage—his own—on Sundays and bank holidays; his 'young woman'—generally 'Arriet'—is en suite; taken altogether he is a lively, jovial, but ill-bred 'cuss.' Mr. Punch in an inimitable series of sketches has 'hit off' his man 'to a T.'

1880. Millikin. Punch's Almanac.

January! Tailor's bill comes in. Blow that blooming snip! I'm short of tin. Werry much enjoyed my autumn Caper. But three quid fifteen do look queer paper. Want another new rig out, wuss luck. Gurl at Boodle's bar seems awful struck. Like to take her to pantermime; That and oysters after would be prime. Fan's a screamer; this top coat would blue it. Yaller at the seams, black ink wont do it. Wonder if old snip would spring another? Boots, too, rayther seedy; beastly bother! Lots o' larks that empty pockets 'queer.' Can't do much on fifty quid a year.

Febrywary! High old time for sprees! Now's yer chance the gals to please or tease. Dowds to guy and pooty ones' to wheedle. And give all rival chaps the needle. Crab your enemies,—I've got a many. You can pot 'em proper for a penny. My! them walentines do 'it 'em 'ot. First-rate fun: I always buy a lot. Prigs complain they're spiteful, lor' wot stuff! I can't ever get 'em strong enough. Safe too; no one twigs your little spree. If you do it on the strict Q.T. If you're spoons, a flowery one's your plan. Mem. I sent a proper one to Fan.

March! I'm nuts upon a windy day. Gurls do get in such a awful way. Petticoats yer know, and pooty feet; Hair all flying,—tell you it's a treat. Pancake day. Don't like 'em—flabby, tough. Rayther do a pennorth o' plum-duff. Seediness shows up as Spring advances. Ah! the gurls do lead us pretty dances. Days a-lengthening, think I spotted Fan Casting sheep's eyes at another man. Quarter-day, too, no more chance of tick. Fancy I shall 'ave to cut my stick. Got the doldrums dreadful, that is clear. Two d left!--must go and do a beer!

April! All Fools' Day's a proper time. Cop old gurls and guy old buffers prime. Scissors! don't they goggle and look blue. When you land them with a regular 'do?' Lor! the world would not be worth a mivvey. If there warn't no fools to cheek and chivy. Then comes Easter. Got some coin in 'and. Trot a bonnet out and do the grand. Fan all flounce and flower; fellows mad,