Browse dictionary
Showing 1-20 of 1266 results in 1266 entries
1. Aaron's rod, n. View full entry 1631
...In similative and allusive use: a powerful force which devours or overwhelms everything around it....
2. Abyssinia, int. View full entry 1932
...‘I'll be seeing you!’ (said on parting)....
3. ackamarackus, n. View full entry 1933
...Something regarded as pretentious nonsense; something intended to deceive; humbug. Freq. in the old ackamarackus....
4. Adam and Eve, n. View full entry 1789
...N. Amer. Any of several similar North American orchids, esp. the putty-root, Aplectrum hyemale, with a tuber formerly (and sometimes still) used medicinally or carried to protect...
5. Afghanistanism, n. View full entry 1948
...Preoccupation (esp. on the part of journalists) with distant events, as a diversion from controversial domestic issues (see quot. 1950)....
6. aka, adv. View full entry 1948
...‘Also known as’: introducing an alternative name for a person (esp. an alias or nickname)....
7. Albert, n.2 View full entry 1840
...(usually in pl.) a type of boot popularized by Prince Albert, orig. and esp. one having a fabric upper and patent leather toecap....
8. alickadoo, n. View full entry 1961
...A person who is attached to or associated with a rugby game or club but does not play, esp. an administrative official or committee member....
9. Ally Pally, n. View full entry 1933
...The familiar nickname of Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill, north London, the original headquarters of BBC television....
10. Ally Sloper, n. View full entry 1890
...Used attrib. to designate a person or thing resembling, characteristic of, or relating to Ally Sloper, esp. in appearance or behaviour. Also (occas.): a person resembling Ally Sloper....
11. Arthur, n. View full entry c1425
...Astron. In the genitive, forming names for the distinctive group of seven bright stars in the constellation Ursa Major called the Plough (also the Big Dipper), and...
12. asap, adv. (and adj.) View full entry 1954
...As soon as possible; as quickly as possible, straightaway. Also as ...
13. back o' Bourke, n. View full entry 1918
...Remote inland country; the ‘back of beyond’....
14. bad, adj., n.2, and adv. View full entry 1203
...Of poor quality or little worth....
15. bada-bing, int. View full entry 1965
...Suggesting something happening suddenly, emphatically, or easily and predictably; ‘Just like that!’, ‘Presto!’...
16. Baker day, n. View full entry 1988
...Any of several days in the state school year set aside for INSET training (see INSET); an INSET day....
17. banjax, v. View full entry 1956
...trans. To batter or destroy (a person or thing); to ruin; to confound, stymie....
18. bap, n.1 View full entry c1600
...A small loaf or ‘roll’ of bakers' bread, made of various sizes and shapes in different parts of Scotland....
19. barf, v. View full entry 1960
...intr. To vomit or retch. Occas. trans. (also with up)....
20. barnet, n. View full entry 1857
...In full Barnet fair, the hair; hence, the head....
