The canting or slang language A fascinating and hilarious collection of all the words and phrases that raised eyebrows in the 18th century. The original 1796 alternative dictionary of 'The Vulgar Tongue', educated readers in the correct usage of colloquialisms, slang and old English idioms. Includes those familiar entries such as 'mealy-mouthed', originally meaning over-modest, and revives classics that should never have been forgotten, such as 'apple dumplin shop' for a woman's bosom, 'nit squeeger' (a hairdresser) and 'flaybottomist' (a teacher). So, you won't be a 'Jason's Fleece' if you buy this book. In fact, take full advantage of the Vulgar Tongue and you'll be much less of a 'nigmenog'. No true aspiring vulgarite should leave home without it!

    Active (linked) table of contents added 4/28/2009. If you bought a copy before that date, you should be able to download the new version at no extra cost. According to Wikipedia: "Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was an Irish statesman, author, orator, political theorist, and philosopher, who served for many years in the British House of Commons as a member of the Whig party. He is mainly remembered for his support of the American colonies in the dispute with King George III and Great Britain that led to the American Revolution and for his strong opposition to the French Revolution... Burke also published philosophical works on aesthetics and founded the Annual Register, a political review. He is often regarded by conservatives as the Father of Anglo-American conservatism."