Language – my everyday English slang – B

Babe – attractive young woman (I can’t remember ever using this word)

Originally it dates from the early 13th century with “baban” which may be nothing more that the imitation of baby talk, later it would be replaced by “baby”. In many languages “baba” meant old woman. “Baby” was used figuratively for a “childish person” from the 1520’s. The meaning “attractive young woman” dates only from 1915, although it was used for “young woman or girlfriend” already in 1839. It has been reported that around that time men could call each other “baby” without any romantic connotations. “Baby” only started to take on a romantic connotation in the 1860’s, and in fact it was only again in 1973 that you could start to call a man or woman “babe” as a romantic nickname. On the other hand, I remember well Sonny & Cher (above all Cher) singling “I Got You Babe” in 1965, so maybe I did use “babe” after all.

Romantic nicknames are a topic in themselves, but you could call your partner “cinnamon” already in 1405, honeys (1513), heartikin (1530), ding-ding (1564), pug (1580), sweetikin (1596), duck (1600), sucket (1605), flitter-mouse (1612), nut (1699), treat (1825), hon (1906), sugar (1930) and lamb-chop (1962). Interestingly the only child you would call today “babe” is Christ as Christmas.

Back burner – set a low priority, as in “put on the back burner“

The origin of the expression comes from the rear ring of a stove, which did not heat up as hot or as quickly.

Back of an envelope – speedy calculation, rough guess

“Back of an envelope” is associated with the way Enrico Fermi practiced physics. However the expression appears to have numerous different interpretations, from someone bragging or doing things out of order, to someone on top of their game. Over the last 10 years the expression has become a bit old fashioned and less frequently used, presumably due to the arrival of email and messaging apps.

Back seat driver – giving unwanted advice

Oddly the “back seat driver” often occupies the front seat next to the driver. This term is quite different from “to take a back seat”, meaning to be humble and inconspicuous. And equally it is completely different from “in the driver’s seat” meaning to be in control, a term dating from at least 400 years ago, and referring to driving horses.

Bad – good, as in “She’s a really bad girl“, meaning she is “good” (nudge, nudge)

Frankly I know “bad” can mean “good” but I’m not sure when that dawned on me. We all know that “bad” means “bad”, but already by 1771 “not bad” meant “good”, and by the 1890’s it had taken on a uniquely ironic meaning. With African-Americans, as more and more whites used “bad” as a negative, they adopted it to mean good, i.e. they stood up to injustice. Later it took on the connotation of “awesome, good, excellent” and later still “good looking” and “stylishly tough, smooth”.
So “bad-ass” also evolved from being a worthless belligerent, to being a bully and dangerous, then to being a rebel, and finally a very good, tough guy, daring, and intimidating.

Bad news – a trouble-maker, as in “avoid him at all costs, he’s bad news“

“Bad news” is said to be a slang term from the 1920’s.

Bad news travels fast – a comment on people being more interested in failure than success

The phrase was first found in print between 1582 and 1592, with “evil news fly faster still than good”.

Bag or box of tricks – containing everything that’s needed

This would appear to be related to what a magician might have in their “bag of tricks”, but later also meant the set of skills a person had. Interestingly “box of tricks” in Cockney rhyming slang means flicks (cinema), however “bag of tricks” is a far more popular expression.

Baksheesh – a bribe

Originally of Persian origin and meaning a tip or present, but appears now to mean a demand by beggars, servants and officials. “Baksheesh” has been around since the early 1800’s, but is almost certain much older.

Bail out – help someone

Originally it meant a pilot bailing out of an aircraft, and dates from 1928. It made the transition into high finance in 1932. However the true origin might be linked to letting a “bale” of hay through a trapdoor, which would suggest that the expression if far older. An alternative might be to bail out water from a boat.

Ball – a good time, as in “having a ball“

It obviously relates to the fun people had going to balls, as in grand dance parties. But as someone wrote “having a ball” means old people having fun (even if it was a very popular expression until about 10 years ago).

Ball-breaker – a task or person excessively demanding

Origin unknown, but an increasingly popular expression with the younger generation.

Bollocks – testicles, but used to mean nonsense or rubbish, often used in contempt, as in “that’s a load of old bollocks“

As a variant on testicles “bollocks” dates from 1744 and “ballokes” dates back to 1382. At that time the word was just descriptive and had no associated connotations. “Bollocks” or “ballocks” was allegedly used as slang for a clergyman, and it is even suggested that the modern meaning of nonsense may have come from the fact that clergymen were notorious for talking nonsense. At the time the word was even defined as “rubbish by the priest”. I guess the uses of “Balls” to mean rubbish or nonsense has the same origins.

Balls-up – making a mess of things, as in “what a balls-up“

Generally “balls-up” means a bungled action, a confused situation, or a complete foul-up. In America in 1856 “ball up” meant failing a recitation or examination. One intriguing definition involves the fact that ships should display a black ball from a prominent position by day and a white ball at night to warn other vessels to keep clear. If a ship has lost steerage, power, etc. it must display two black balls, and the captain must instruct the crew to hoist the “balls up” to show that the vessel is not under command. If the vessels runs aground it must hoist up three black balls, indicating a total “balls up”.

Bananas – go crazy, as in “she is driving me bananas“

The expression may have derived from the expression “to go ape”, but it’s true that bananas excite tropes of apes and monkeys. This is very much an expression that emerged in the 1960’s. In addition a “banana” is an Asian person who acts like a white person, i.e. yellow on the outside, white inside. And for those who actually read this entry, a coconut is for a latino who acts like a white person.

Bang – have sex

Origin unknown, but can be used in the figurative sense as in “The concert last night was banging” meaning “really good”. Evidently some girls could be called “bangers”, e.g. she goes like a banger, and equally obviously it was not very complimentary.

Banger – sausage, as in “bangers and mash“

The expression comes from the slight ‘bang’ when the skin splits open while cooking a sausage.

Banger – old or decrepit car, as in “I’m not getting in that rusty old banger, its a death trap“

Calling an old car an “old banger” is presumably based upon the fact that it makes a noise like a sausage bursting. Others slang words were “jalopy”, “bucket” and, of course “death trap”. The word “jalopy” is quite odd, and originated in America in 1925-26. One idea is that wrecked cars were sent to scrapyards in Jalapa in Mexico.

Barking mad – crazy, insane

At least one suggestion is that “barking mad” was first used to describe the insane American sport of auto-polo in 1927. Another suggestion is that it refers to Barking in England where there was a mental institution attached to the abbey back in medieval times. It is said that references to this go back to 1826. But in the same year there was a reference to a horse going “barking mad” after being bitten by a mad-dog. But most of this information has not been collaborated, and it looks like the earliest well-documented reference is from 1933, and the use of the phrase itself in a modern context might be as young as the 1960. In any case it only gained popularity in the 1980’s.

Barmaid/Barman – serves drinks in a pub/bar

“Barman” appeared in 1837, and the American equivalent “bartender” also appeared in 1837, whereas barmaid is at least 200 years older (ca. 1658).

Barmy – crazy, foolish

Initially “balmy” meant week-minded or idiotic. Later it was combined with “barm” (a froth that forms on the top of fermented malt liquors), to create “barmy”, meaning flighty or excited. By 1896 writers were unsure which to use, and one suggested that there was a person already called “Barmy Billy” of weak intellect, so writers stuck with “barmy”. Much later the Barmy Army became an informal supporter group for England’s cricket team.

Barrel – at a disadvantage, as in “he has me over a barrel“

The expression originated before mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, when lifeguards placed drowning victims over a barrel, and rolled them back and forth to try to revive them.

Bash – to beat up (hit) someone

Bastard – as in “you lucky bastard!” or “you jammy bastard“

Bastard comes from the old French, and originally referred to ‘basts’, a kind of bed used by provençal mule drivers. The idea is they must have fathered many illegitimate children because the original expression was “fils de bast”, which came to mean a natural child. The idea of a “lucky bastard” appears to date from the 1920’s, and it has become a very popular expression in the last 20 years.

Batting order – in cricket it’s the order in which each batsman will play

In cricket the order of batting is divided into openers (two people), middle order (3rd to 8th batsman), and the tail-enders (the 9th to 11th batsman). These expressions date from ca. 1625. Interestingly the expression “batting order” is often used to explain any kind of ordering from first, second, and so on.

Bat out of hell – go fast

The origin of “bat out of hell” probably came from the fact that bats fly fast to escape light, e.g. the light of a fire. The RAF in WW I, used the expression to mean “to fly extremely fast”, but the expression itself was popular during WW II.

Battle-axe – formidable older person, often a difficult teacher as in “old battle-axe“

The original battle-axe was the most powerful arm of man until the invention of firearms, and it was often associated with a strong man. However, the reference to a woman as an “old battle axe” probable dates from the early 20th century.

Beat it – run away, as in “Beat it, go back home”

The old English word “betan” had one meaning “action of feet upon the ground” and this might be the origin. “Beat it” was used by both Ben Jonson and Shakespeare meaning “go”. Also the route walked by a policeman was called “a beat”, and a route often taken became to “beat a track”. Now “beat” does not mean to run away, but it’s the definition of “beat it”. And the expression “beat a retreat” actually comes from the beating of the drums which signal retreat. Interesting “Beat it!” can also be an order to someone to leave you alone, as in “Beat it! I need some time alone”.

Bedsit – as in “I found a bedsit, but I have to share the kitchen and bathroom“

Bedsit is a simple rented room furnished with a bed and somewhere to sit. An expression of increasing popularity through and into the 2000’s.

Get into bed with… – to merge or become a partner with …, as in “finally we got into bed with our main distributor“

Firstly “get into bed with someone” is not the same as “jump into bed with someone”. The idea of merger or partnership is not always so simple, as “the local mayor was in bed with many of the local building contractors”, suggests corruption and fraud.

Beeb – the BBC

This is a colloquial shortening of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), dating from 1967.

Beef – complain, as in “stop beefing about it“

Origin unknown

Beehive – £5

This is Cockney rhyming slang from the 1960’s, and in fact “beehive” meant five already in the 1920’s.

Beer Tokens – money and in particular the £1 note

In the 1970’s many younger people would spend a lot of money on beer, and I’m told that breweries issued token for their beer (never saw one myself). As inflation hit and prices went rocketing, sometime in the late 1970’s a beer cost a £1 note, and it became almost like a beer voucher.

Bees and honey – money

This is Cockney rhyming slang for money.

Beetle – the original VW

The name “beetle” simply came from the translation of the German name of the car “käfer”, meaning beetle.

Belisha beacon – a orange flashing light indicating a zebra crossing

The beacon was named after the then Minister of Transport Leslie Hors-Belisha in 1934. A zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing introduced in the 1930’s.

Belly-up – dying, dead, bankrupt

The origin of the word has been attributed to the 18th century American William Douglass, who created the metaphor between bankruptcy and the death of an animal, i.e. “belly-up”. Until the 1940’s the word was seldom used, but it became an increasingly popular expression in the 1960’s.

Below – as in “below 0°C“

The origins are not clear, but it’s generally accepted that “below” is used for all temperatures, i.e. “it stayed below 30°C” and “it often drops below zero”. Under, as in “under 20°C” should not be used to indicate negative temperatures, but “minus 20°C” is acceptable.

Belt – to rush, as in “he belted for it“

The expression “get something under one’s belt” first came into use in the late 1700’s, and expressed the amount of alcoholic drinks someone had consumed, and in 1839 it also included food. “Below the belt” to mean unfair, came from pugilism in 1889, and “tighten one’s belt” meaning endure privation, dates from 1887. As a verb, to fasten with a belt dates from the 14th century, and to thrash with a belt dates from the 1640’s. As an expression “to thrash someone”, as in “give him a good belting”, dates from 1885. And to sing loudly, as in “to belt out a good song”, dates from 1949. In America a ring highway is often called “a beltway”, which was first used in 1964. And the southern part of America has, since 1969, often been called the “sun belt”. In the British press in 1954 a slightly different meaning was introduced with the phrase “His wife had 135,000 miles driving in the States under her belt, but she still failed”. And phrases such as “he wanted to get plenty of Latin and Greek under his belt …” echo the same idea (now one might say the same thing for computer skills). This figurative use of “under one’s belt” appears to actually date back to 1753. And an old Scottish saying “My Tongue is not under your Belt” dates back to 1721 (it means you can’t make me hold my tongue).
Other meanings include to “belt down” meaning to eat or drink quickly, whereas I guess a “belt of rum” means just a quick glass or swig. Finally “to belt for it” means to move or act fast, and we should not forget that batsmen often give the ball “a good belting”.
Interestingly, and keeping on the same topic of the belt, “to buckle down” means to start to work hard, as in “you had better buckle down or you won’t pass the test”. This expression was often used after WW I, and during WW II.

Belt-and-braces – do something with great care and thoroughness

In Britain the expression dates back to 1921 when a pessimist was defined as someone who wears belt and braces. The Americans preferred the expression “belt and suspenders”, which was a “translation” of the first reference in the British press. However, the American expression “belt and suspenders” actually dates back to 1912, when someone wrote to a newspaper asking why men wore both a belt and suspenders. The answer was that optimists wore only a belt and no suspenders.

Belting down – raining very hard, as in “don’t go outside now, it’s belting down“

Origin unknown, but you also find the expression “pelting down” which provides a much more interesting history. Firstly, the use of pelt for the untanned hide/skin of an animal certainly dates from the around 1500, and through the Middle English word “peltry” dates back to circa 1300. And equally the use of pelt as a blow (e.g. throwing stones at someone, and hurling insults at someone) and pelt as speed, and the repeated beating of wind, rain or snow, also all date from about the same time.

Belt up – be quiet, as in “will you belt up, I’m trying to listen to the radio“

It would appear to have been an expression from the RAF dating to circa 1937. However, it took on a new meaning in 1983 when Britain started to enforce the wearing of car seat belts, e.g. “drivers should belt up”.

Bender – get drunk, as in “go on a bender“

At least one definition is an extended drinking spree, and named after “elbow bending”. Today this is called “binge drinking”, and a bender can now mean excessive drug use at a drug party. Another definition put it as a veering from the “straight and narrow”.
An interesting alternative, and possible at the origin of the expression, is that in the 1800’s the old sixpence was called a “bender” because since it was made of solid silver, people would bite and bend it to see that it was real, i.e. fakes were made of harder materials and did not so easily bend. And at the time the value of a sixpence was enough to get you drunk, because you could drink all day for tuppence. So the expression “go on a bender”.

Bend over backwards – to try very hard to please or to do everything possible, as in “he bent over backwards to try to be objective in his judgement“

The expression “bend over backwards” has its origins with gymnastics, but surprisingly it dates back to 920 AD where back bending was considered a prized athletic act. However as a colloquial expression it was first used in America in the 1920’s. Some people think that the expression is tinged with excessive submissiveness.

Bent – criminal, crooked, stolen (and also homosexual), as in “when he offered you a ‘bent car’ he didn’t mean damaged?”

Naturally something can be “bent” in the sense of being damaged, and people can also be “bent” (determined) on doing something, possibly harmful. Equally people can have “a particular bent” for a topic, subject, or set of beliefs. As an inclination or disposition to something, it dates back to the 1570’s, presumably linked to the idea of something that is not straight or is being turned from its true course (ca. 1530’s). The idea of being “bent” towards a particular objective might derive for the Latin “inclinatio”, meaning “directed in a course” and dating from the 1690’s. There are references to “bent” as being drunk, dating back to 1833. References to “bent” (and the word “crooked”), in the sense of illegal or corrupt, appear to date from the 20th century. It was in the 1980’s that bent meaning “queer” or homosexual first appeared in America (i.e. in opposition to “straight”). But there are references in the Britain to being “bent” as early as 1957, and the language at the time was usually aggressively negative.

Berk – fool, idiot, prat, twit

To some people the word “berk” appears to be slight less harsh than idiot, prat, etc., but many references point to the 1930’s and Cockney rhyming slang as a shortened version of Berkshire Hunt, which would mean that it is far stronger than other insults (if you know what I mean, nudge, nudge, wink, wink).

the Bible – any book that is considered an authority on a topic

The origin of the word “bible” is simply Middle English, via Old French, and from the Latin “biblia”, meaning book, and the early meaning of book probably just meant any written document. Later book would have taken on the meaning of many pages bound together. The idea of entering something into a book dates from the early 13th century (i.e. to grant or assign by charter). The “Book of Life” dates from the mid-14th century, and doing something “by the book” (i.e. according to the rules) dates also from the same period (there are abundant references to proceeding “by the book”, dating after 1845). You could already “book a performer” in 1872. By 1926 the “book” also meant the sum of criminal charges, and was at the origin of the expression “throw the book at him”. And “book of the month” also dates from 1926. And surprisingly, the expression “don’t judge a book by the cover” only dated from 1944.

Big Ben – £10

Cockney rhyming slang for ten.

Big-head – conceited person, as in “he’s got such a big-head I’m surprised he got through the door“

The starting point is “big” which dates from around 1300, meaning powerful or strong, and possibly from Norwegian “bugge” meaning great man. So by the late 14th century “big” meant great size, grown up or important and powerful. The idea of being conceited dates from the 1570’s, and the exact expression “big-head” was first recorded in 1850. The expression “big-head” is also related to the idea of something “going to someones head”. And this can be either related to conceit, or to the way alcohol or drugs affect the brain. You can also have someone “getting into someones head”, as in “she really got into his head”. The idea of being “big” in terms of generosity is American and dates from 1913. “Big business” dates from 1913, “big top” from 1895, “big game” (i.e. large animals) from 1864, and “big ticket” from 1956.

Big-mouth – talks excessively, boastfully, indiscrete

As a person who talks too much, “bigmouth” is American and dates from 1889.

Big shot – important person

The origin of “big shot” comes from a 90mm cannon used by the Italians against the Austrians. Garibaldi’s American followers called it the “big shot”, and this came to mean a big, important person. An alternative is that it derives from “big guns”, used to describe gang lords.

Big sleep – death

American slang, having its origin with Raymond Chandler’s novel “The Big Sleep“.

Big time – at the highest level, as in “finally he made it, big time“

As a general term for a party or fun event it dates from the late 19th century, however as the upper reaches of a profession it first appeared as vaudeville slang in 1909 (and as opposed to “small time acts”). As far as I can tell it really meant more time on stage, and thus more money. It is also possible to like something or someone “big time”.

Bilge – to talk nonsense

Originally bilge was the dirty water collected in the bottom of a ship, and was originally called “bulge”. So the term is certainly naval, and may be linked to the nonsense spoken by someone who was “bilge free”, i.e. drunk.

Bill – police

The “bill” or “old bill” has so many possible origins that you can take your pick. One is that when the police was originally formed by Robert Peel, King William IV (“Bill”) was on the throne. Less likely, it could be rhyming from “the boys in blue”, i.e. “bill and coo”.

Bin – throw away, reject, or abandon a project, as in “finally I had to bin it“

“Bin” originally just meant a receptacle, possible for containing grain, bread, or other foodstuffs. As a receptacle for rubbish it dates from the mid-19th century.

Binge – a spree, as in “binge watching” or “binge-drinking“, but can mean “spending spree“

The word first appeared in English in the mid-1800’s and meant “to soak”, and by WW I it also meant to eat or drink too much (TV “binge-watching” arrived in 2003). I can remember using the word but without a specific significance, or perhaps it was “bingie/bingy”, which for me meant dirty and tatty. In any case it looks to be a word that became popular post-2000.

Bird – a young woman, girl

Originally “bird” was used by the Americans in expressions such as “He’s a perfect bird of a man” or “He’s a strange old bird”. “Bird” is British slang for a girl, and dates from 1880.

Birthday suit – naked

An expression known to have existed already in 1771, and probably linked to the clothes worn by English kings on their birthdays. This expression is also probably linked to expressions such “mother naked” and “naked as the day one was born”.

Bit – the name for some kinds of coin, as in “a thruppenny bit“

The word “bit” dates from 1609 and was firstly just thieves slang for a “bit of money”. Later it came to mean the smallest silver coin. By 1829 in England it referred to a fourpenny coin, and in the 19th century to the silver threepence (thruppence), sixpence, and florin (two shillings or “two bob”). And finally to the wonderful twelve-sided thruppenny bit. In 1967 there was the “ten-bob bit”.

Bit much – excessive

A shortened version of “a bit too much” and it is speculated that it has it origins in the late 1800’s simply to express excess, and the shorter version “bit much” appeared in early 1920’s.

Bit of a lad – someone who is always chasing women

Firstly “lad” appears to derive from Middle English “ladde”, ca. 1300. They were “foot soldiers” or “young male servants”, and in Britain the word is still used for those who look after horses. Over time the meaning shifted to foolish youth of a lower social status. Lad is often interchangeable with boy, as in “he’s only a lad” or “when I was a lad”. Phrases such as “He was a bit of a lad, always had an eye for the girls” are quite common, but their origin is unknown.

Bit of all right – an attractive woman

“All right” is a typical British understatement, originally just meaning quite satisfactory, and possible dating from as early as 1150. The sexual connotation is just one possible interpretation, since you can also find expressions such as “Yes, that’s all right”, “All right, I’ll go with you”, and “they are all all right, safe and sound”.

Bit on the side – adultery, mistress

This expression dates from the late 19th century, and was adapted by British soldiers to mean “girlfriend”, before becoming somewhat derogatory with time. The word “bit” is associated with a “little bit of…” so not very much, stressing the insignificance of the subject, as in “a bit too much” or “a bit player”. It is used often with a sexual undertone, e.g. “bit of fluff”, “bit of rough”, “bit of skirt”, “bit of stuff”, etc. There is also a strong correlation with “bite”, as in “get a bite to eat”, since a “bite” is just a small “bit” of food. 

Bits and bobs – bits and pieces, odds and ends (occasionally “odds and sods“)

“Bits and bobs” is English slang for a collection of small items too numerous to name individually. Bits originated from a carpenters tool box containing drills, whilst bobs were routing or screw-driving drill attachments. Originally the expression was “bits and bats” with “bits” being fragments, etc., and “bats” being pieces. The expression was certain in use in 1896. Interestingly “bats” could include morsels of food, but it is likely that “bits and bobs” actually did not refer to any particular type of things, and was probably just a qualifier for “stuff”.

Blabbermouth – someone who can’t keep a secret

“Blabber” could have emerged as a word echoing the sound of “blabbering”, in any case “to blab” as short for “blabber” was used by Chaucer.

In the black/red – in profit/loss

An American expression derived from the fact that accounting records marked net profit or surplus in black ink and net losses in red.

Black and white – as written and thus binding, as in “it must be right, black on white“, and also meaning a clear division between two options, as in “its so easy, its just black or white, one or the other“

Origin unknown

Black-out – temporary loss of consciousness

The term “black-out” in reference to printed or written material deemed objectionable and covered in black ink, dates from 1888. By 1911 blackouts involved the cessation of lighting in a theatre, and was used to separate scenes in a play or the closing of a burlesque or musical comedy. Blackouts in terms of the loss of electricity dates from ca. 1932. The dousing of lights during an air raid dates from 1935, and the “loss of memory” dates from 1934. It must be noted that something that was “blacked out” dates from much earlier, possibly as early as 1811.

Blag – obtain something through a trick or deception

To “blag” derives from French “blague” (to joke or tell a funny story), which derives from Old Provençal “blager”, “to chat”. It means to get something for free, by guile or deception. And it can mean obtaining “blagging” confidential information, and it can also mean violent robbery. But you can just as easily “blag” (“cadge”) a “fag” or cigarette. I think originally in English it meant a falsehood (ca. 1857), but to rob often with violence appears to be much more recent (ca. 1930). To “blag” in the sense of “cadge”, scrounge, bamboozle, etc. appears to have already existed in the 1950’s. There are also even more recent references to “blagging” one’s way into closed events, etc. (which I think might actually be called “ligging”) but that might be a bit after my time (in the 1980’s).

Blah-blah-blah – nonsense, boring, worthless talk

The expression initially meant that the listener did not respect what the speaker was saying, and probably dates to the 1800’s. By 1918 it meant idle or meaningless talk.

Bleating – complaining, as in “shut up, and stop bleating“

The word derives from the Old English “blætan” and as the cry of a sheep, goat or calf, dates from circa 1500. It is presumed that the animal is whining or complaining, and so a bleating is also, for example, whining about a boss who gives difficult assignments.

Bleeding – to add intensity, as in “bleeding fantastic“

Bleeding, as in loss of blood, has its origins in the Old English “bledan”. To extort money dates from the 1670’s, the washing out of colours dates from 1862, and the figurative sense of suffering dates back to the late 14th century.

During my teen years “bleeding” was usually replaced by something far more “colourful”, and used very, very frequently to describe almost anything, good or bad.

Blimey! – exclamation of surprise, as in “Cor blimey!”

Is said to be an abbreviation of “God blind me”, as an old expression of shock or surprise.

Blind drunk – very drunk

To be so drunk as to have one’s vision impaired, dates back to the 17th century. There is also the word “blinder” meaning a drunken spree. Other expressions meaning to be drunk include “drink like a fish”, drunk as a lord”, “pissed as a newt”, “bombed out of your skull”, “one over the eight”, “under the table”, “up to the gills”, and just “tight” (and not forgetting the delicate “worse for wear” or even “under the influence”).

A blind bit of notice – ignore, as in “when I asked her, she didn’t take a blind bit of notice“

Origin unknown, but looks to be an expression dating from the 1920’s.

Blind date – an arranged meeting with someone you have never met before

This is American student slang, dating from 1821.

Blind them with science – explain something that discourages understanding, and hopefully stops them asking questions

Origin unknown, but looks to be an expression dating from ca. 1915.

Blink – out of order, as in “on the blink” meaning it does not work properly or will soon breakdown

This word may derive from the late 1800’s when early electric lights flickered on and off, i.e. “blinks”. Some sources say the earliest examples of “on the blink” actually references American domestic affairs and the lack of success of a stage show. The earliest reference to a machine “on the blink” appears to date from 1896.

To blitz – a short, intensive action (obviously from Blitzkrieg)

The lightning war (Blitzkrieg) is of course of German origin, but The Blitz was the sustained bombing of Britain in the period 1940-41. Today in Britain “to blitz” something is to liquidise it in a blender, but in American football it’s a particular defensive play. More generally “blitz” refers now to any short, sharp or rapid action.

Block – meaning head as in “block-head” for stupid, or “knock his block off” for punch to the head

Interestingly “block-head” derives from the 14th century when head-shaped blocks of oak were used to shape hats and wigs, and the term already meant a person with no brains. A barbers block was a head-shaped piece of wood on which clients could place their wigs. An alternative is that it derived from the block of wood on which the head was placed during an execution, which obviously resulted in brain-death. “Block-head” has many synonyms such as airhead, deadhead, fathead, knucklehead, meathead, pinhead, and thickhead, some being more ancient than block-head. On the other hand “knock his block off” appears to date from London in the 1930’s.

Blockbuster – make a considerable impact

The blockbuster was a high-explosive bomb used in the beginning of WW II, and which could “bust” an entire block of buildings. More recently a blockbuster is typically a feature film that becomes very popular and financially successful. The term first appeared in the American press in 1942, and by 1943 had started to take on a metaphorical meaning. There was a wrestler nicknamed “the blockbuster”, and there was actually a comedy film called “Block Busters” produced in 1944. Jaws (1975) was the first film to be actually labelled a summer blockbuster.

Bloke – man, chap, fellow, as in “he’s a nice bloke“

The modern use of the word comes from America, but it’s possible that it’s origin is from Hindistani “lake” meaning ‘man’, or Dutch “blok” for ‘fool’, or Celtic “ploc” for a large bull-headed person.

Bloody – to intensify or stress something, as in “bloody awful” or “you can bloody well do it yourself“

Bloody has been an objectionable adjective in Britain since the 1800’s, but before that it just meant “very”. It need not have a negative connotation, e.g. “bloody awesome” and “bloody chuffed”. Some say the use of “bloody” references back to the blood shed on the Cross. “Bloody” can be used a lot, presumably because it’s less offensive than other expletives, but there are signs that the younger generation use it less than old people. Other similar expressions include “bleeding”, with “bloody ‘ell, watcha your bleeding attitude, mate”.

Bloody-minded – pig-headed, obstructive, vindictive

The first use of “bloody minded” appears to be in Shakespeares King Henry VI, Part III, dating from 1592. It refers to someone being bloody minded enough to have a child.

Blow – to leave, as in “let’s blow this place” meaning “let’s leave”

“Blow” comes from the Old English “blowan” meaning “to blow wind, etc., breathe, kindle, inflate, etc.” Blowing noses dates from the 1530’s, whereas “blow money” dates from 1874, “blow a fuse” dated from 1902, and blow an opportunity from 1943. To “blow” as to leave a place, appears to be American and date from 1969, but there is a suggestion that “depart suddenly” dates from around 1902. “Blow me down”, as a maritime expression appears to date from 1781, and surprisingly “to blow hot and cold” dates from the 1570’s. You would have to have waited until 1967 to “blow your mind”.
An alternative is to “blow” as in hit hard with the fist, dating from the mid-15th century. “Come to blows” dates from the 1650’s, but “blow-by-blow” only appeared in 1921 (obviously for prize-fighting).

Blower – telephone, as in “he’s on the blower“

Clearly “blower” originates from the Old English “blawere” (to blow), and was used in the 12th century for horn-blowers. In 1795 it was used for mechanical devices that blew air, and in 1922 it was a colloquial word for a “speaking-tube”, hence the extension to the telephone. There is a strong argument for its use as a speaking tube much earlier that 1922, probably more likely ca. 1830’s.

There are numerous other expressions relating to blowing, e.g. “blow away” (to defeat or kill), “to blow in” (to arrive), “to blow out” (extinguish), “blow over” (subside), “blow up” (inflate, explode), “blow a fuse” (explode with anger), “blow hot and cold” (to change one’s opinion), “to blow off steam” (vent pent-up emotion), “blow one’s cool” (lose composure), “blow the lid off” (divulge a secret), etc.

Blow the whistle on… – to reveal secret information on …

Originally people actually blew whistles to call the attention of the police. Started in Britain, but it was the American police force that were first called “whistleblowers” (ca. 1883). The expression “whistle blower” was retained in modern language by the blowing of a whistles by basketball or football officials after a foul has been committed. The modern-day sense appears to be linked to the reports of the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam (1968). So over time “whistle blower” changed to “whistle-blower”, and then in the 1970’s to “whistleblower”.

Bluebottle – policeman

The word was first recorded in ca. 1545, presumably describing the fly called a “blue bottle“. Otherwise “bluebottle” is simply registered as an antique word describing an old-style police uniform.
There are an enormous number of “blue-” related expressions, such as “blue blood” (nobility), “blue boy” (policeman, and origin of “boys in blue”), “blue cheese”, “blue-collar” (manual workers), “blue moon” (rare occurrence), “blue-mould” (on cheese), “Blue Peter” (flag), “blue streak” (vividness), “blue water” (open sea), etc.

Blue in the face – shouting, arguing or excessive effort, often ignored by others

The basic idea is that if you are shouting or speaking a lot, you run out of oxygen, and your face turns blue. The expression appears to have been used first in 1864.

Blue murder – to scream or shout in alarm, as in “she screamed blue murder“, which is a description of the intensity of the scream and not the words shouted or screamed

The expression does not necessarily have to involve murder, for example “that bank is getting away with blue murder” means that they appear to do what they want and ignore all the rules. So questionable actions are ignored (i.e. “blind eye” and “deaf ear” of the authorities). The origin of “blue murder” is said to be the translation of the French word “morbleu”, which is a mid-17th century word expressing annoyance and surprise. Originally it was “Mort Dieu” (“God’s death!”) but was probably toned down over time. The French also have another “blue” expression of terror or astonishment, “scare blue”, which is a toned down version of “sacre Dieu”.

Blurb – what is written on book covers, meaning little more than advertising and usually totally unmemorable

The origin of “blurb” dates from 1907, and the book of Gelett Burgess “Are You a Bromide?”. The publisher distributed the book at the annual dinner of their trade association with a comic bookplate drawn by the author. On it he had lifted a sweet young woman from a tooth-powder advertisement, and added some nonsense about a “Miss Belinda Blurb”.

Bob – a shilling, as in a “worth a bob or two” meaning expensive

Always expressed singular, you had “thirty bob” or a “few bob” (which actually meant and still means a lot of money). The word was so popular you even had the local cubs and scouts offering “bob a job”. Today “bob” appears to just mean money, but still it means more than you think, since “he’s worth a few bob” actually means he’s well-off.
The word “bob” may have been inspired by Sir Robert (Bob) Walpole, who was at different times UK treasurer, Chancellor and Prime Minister, but the word was first used some 65 years after his death. However, it’s possible that it dates to the late 1700’s and is connected with the church and bell-ringing, since “bob” meant a set of changes rung on the bells. For example, it is thought that schilling comes from the Germanic *skell” meaning sound or ring. Another option is the link to the “bob” of a masons “plum-bob”. Another suggestion is “bob” derives from slang for half-penny, which in turn derives from the French “bas billon” meaning debased copper money. “Bob a nob” meant in the early 1800’s “a shilling a head” for meals, and a “bobstick” was a shillings worth of gin.

Bobby – policeman

The word “bobby” presumable came from Sir Robert (Bob) Peel, the British Home Secretary who remodelled the London police force in 1830.

Bodge/Botch – to make a mess of a job

Firstly, to “bodge” something is a British expression meaning to be clumsy and do a poor quality job, often as a repair. Secondly, to “botch” something is to do a task in an unacceptable or incompetent manner, i.e. to ruin, to spoil or destroy. So “bodge” derives from the Middle English “bocce”, to mend, and certainly dates from before 1865. However, “a bodger” is a chair maker, so completely different from the term “bodge”. The word “botch” is said to be a Victorian term derived from Thomas Bouch who is thought to have been responsible for the Tay Bridge Disaster in 1879. It must be said that Bouch had successfully developed the first roll-on/roll-off train ferry service and helped in the development of the caisson and use of lattice girders, but he is known for “a botched job”.

Boffin – scientist or inventor

The origin of “boffin” is obscure. For some reason the word was very popular between 1860-70, and again around 1900.

Bog – lavatory

“Bog” appears to be a 16th century Scottish/Irish word meaning “soft and moist” ground. The guess is that a hole dug in the ground, and used as a toilet would eventually look like a bog. It’s not surprising that “bog roll” just means a roll of toilet paper.

Bogged down – difficult to complete what you are doing, as in “I’m bogged down and can’t see a way to get to the end of this work“

The obvious suggestion appears the best, it just means stuck in deep mud/bog/swamp, which slows you down. A classic quote is “to be bogged down by red tape” (“red tape” was much associated with the two world wars).

Bog-standard – very standard, no refinements or options, as in “John drives a bog standard car, cheap bastard“

Originated in Britain it means something ordinary or basic, but it only appeared in the 1980’s, although many people like me remember it from earlier times. One unlikely story goes that “BOG” stands for “British or German” who established engineering standards in Victorian times. Another suggestion is that it actually means “box standard” in that it is just how it comes out of the box, however the expression “box standard” does not appear to exist.

Bollocks – nonsense, rubbish, as in “what a load of old bollocks“, but there also exists the expression “he gave me a right bollocking“

It would appear that the word comes from Old English, and in one definition it refers to a twin pulley block found at the top of a ship’s mast. However, more appropriately in the 18th century, priests sermons were colloquially referred to as “bollocks”. It has been said that the Sex Pistols album “Never Mind the Bollocks” avoided a ban under British obscenity laws for just this reason. Later “bollocksed up” came to mean messed up, mixed up or spoiled, and “bollocksed” means broken beyond repair. Finally, “I’m bollocksed” means tired.

Bolshie – bloody-minded, pig-headed, obstructive

The word “bolshie” is a simple corruption of “bolshevik”, who were the left-wing or radical reformers of the Russia Social Democratic Party. It was in 1903 that the majority (Bolshevik) accepted the views of Lenin. It was the Bolsheviks who overthrew the Russian government in 1917.

Bomb – drive fast, as in “he bombed it down to the coast“

It’s interesting to note that in Britain “bomb” is positive, stressing its explosive force, whereas in America its destructive power means that it is used in the negative sense. For them a theatrical production “bombs” means failure, whereas in Britain it would be associated with a success as in “it made a bomb”.

Bomb proof – untouchable, as in “they can’t touch me, I’m bomb-proof“

The expression certainly dates from ca. 1950, or earlier. There are WW I military references to “holding a bomb proof job”, i.e. a safe job. Of course if such a job turned out not to be as safe as originally envisaged, it would be a “bombshell” to those holding that job. “Bombshell“, as an unpleasant surprise, has been around since 1960.

Bone-idle – lazy as in “bone tired“

“Bone-idle” appears to date from 1830, and various versions (“bone-lazy”, “bone-sore”) have retained the same basic definition. “Lazybones” is said to date from the 16th century. “To the bone” has always meant deep, through to the marrow, etc., as in “I feel it in my bones”, “Frozen to the bone”, “Cut to the bone”, “bone dry”, etc., and then you have other expressions such as “bone of contention”. I’ve read that “bonfire” was originally “bone fire” where they burned animal bones they had collected throughout the year.

Bonkers – crazy or mad, as in “she is totally bonkers“

The word “bonkers” is a British term that first meant “slightly drunk”, but may have had its origins in the navy.

Boobs – woman’s breasts

This is just one slang word for woman’s breasts, and it was first seen in print in 1932, but certainly existed before. A boob can also mean foolish or stupid, and this definition might have come from the Spanish “bobo” meaning “dunce”, which comes from the Latin “babus” meaning stammering. The word “booby” dates the late 16th century and meant also “fool” or “dummy”, later birds of the Sula genus were called Booby. Later “booby” was associated with a number of other expressions such as “booby trap” and “booby prize”. It is believed that the origin of “boobs” actually is linked to “bubbly”, possible either from the German “bübbi” meaning “teat” or more likely simply via baby talk such as “buh-buh”. In any case the first reference to “bubby” or “bubbies” used to describe breasts, dates from 1686, and it is these words that resulted in today’s “boobs”.

To book/booked – reserve something, or to be stopped for a bad deed (e.g. yellow/red card in football) or criminal activity (e.g. arrested by the police)

Firstly, the word “book” has many meanings linked to recording or registering something, such as officially “placing a bet on the books”. This sense was already found in the 13th century. It was in the 1700’s that “book” also acquired the meaning “to reserve”, producing the expression “booked up” and “fully booked”. Also in the 1700’s, “book it” meant to study intensely, a bit like “hit the books” today. There was a black American expression of the 1930’s where “to book it” meant to run away quickly. “Book it” also had a sense of “bet on it”, and in the 1800’s the “book” became the place for registering bets. We use today the expression “booking in” and “booking out” of a hotel, which some have suggested comes from the days of ocean liners where you “booked passage”.

Boozer – public house (pub), as in “when he left the boozer he could hardly walk“

The word certainly derives from a certain Booze who, in circa 1840, distilled and sold his booze under his own name. However “booze” is Middle English for “to drink deeply”. In Britain “booze” is associated with beer and ale, whereas in America it’s associated with hard liquor.

Bottle – nerve, courage, as in “to bottle it“

“Bottle” means courage, as in “she’s got a lot of bottle”, but the expression “to bottle it” means to chicken out or give up for lack of courage. It would appear that in 1846 “not much bottle” or “no bottle” meant useless, or no good for anything, and this is probably at the origin of the expression. Americans still prefer “chicken out”. This expression has no relationship to unsuccessful performers being “bottled off” by a crowd throwing bottles, nor is it related to emotions being “bottled up”.

Bottom line – the final result

The “bottom line” is the sum total at the bottom of a financial document, and as such it first dates from 1831. In my opinion it also means conclusion, as in “the bottom line is that you don’t want to do it”.

Bottoms up – empty you glasses when drinking, as in “bottoms up, I’ll get the next round (of drinks)“

There is a story that in the 18th century the English navy recruited men by offering them a King’s shilling. If they accepted, the recruitment was considered consensual (the practice was stopped in 1879). One trick was to drop the shilling in their beer, and by drinking the beer it was as if they had accepted the coin. Bar owners started to serve beer in glasses and warned people to look in the bottom by saying “bottoms up!”. This story is certainly a myth. It’s more likely just a toast, an expression to lift your glass and drink. It would appear that the expression actually dates from the early 1900’s. This is a great little webpage about the equivalent expression in different cultures.

Bouncer – someone employed to eject troublemakers or drunks

As you might expect a “bouncer” is someone expert in bouncing people, e.g. thumping them. The terms appear to date from 1833 and covers bully, braggart, enforcer, etc. In American in 1879 there is a reference to a bouncer being a cross between brakeman and bruiser on trains, and who was responsible for ejecting tramps. In Britain in 1883, bouncer was a “chucker out”, who selected the “gayest of the gay” (i.e. drunkest) and bounced him.

Bovver boots – steel-studded boots, can be an offensive weapon

Bovver probably derives from “bother”, related to aggro, and later football hooliganism. Fans were even warned that to attend a match they would have to remove their boots. The Bovver boot has always been associated with Dr. Martens, and with people looking for “bovver” (i.e. trouble).

Bovver boy – skinhead, lout

A bovver boy was a young person (usually a skinhead) behaving violently in Britain in the 1960’s. And of course there were also “bovver birds” as well.
Bovver was really an imitation of a working-class Londoner pronouncing “bother”, as in “a spot of bother”. However bother dates from the 18th century and could mean annoyed or even deaf, and Victorian and Edwardian lades could be heard saying “Botheration!” when vexed. There are even the very polite English expressions “its no bother at all” and “please don’t bother yourself”.
However “bovver” was part of a world of understatement, with “a good seeing-to” meaning murder, “having a word with” meaning a maiming. So “bovver” was just extreme aggression, and it became the signature word of skinheads. In the 1970’s British working-class skinheads, and in particular the so-called chav-girls always answered everything “not bovvered”, “Am I bovvered?”, or “Does my face look bovvered?”, and in fact “bovver” was Word of the Year 2006.

Box clever – cunning, shrewd, skilful

The phrase originated in 1910 when in an account of a boxing match, one contestant was praised for “boxing clever”.

Brass – money

The word “brass” describes an alloy of copper with tin or zinc, and the word was originally Anglo-Saxon. The earliest reference is of “peasant’s brass” and dates from 1597, whereas the well known expression “where there’s muck there’s brass” dates from the mid-19th century. This expression suggests that there is money in dirty or mucky jobs, i.e. if you are willing to get your hands dirty. There is also a proverb “muck and money go together”, dated to 1678.
In Elizabethan times “brazen” meant “seamless imprudence” and is at the origin of the expression “bold as brass”. Later the British used “brass hat” for high-ranking military officials, and the expression was adopted by Americans in WW I and streamlined to “top brass”, etc. in WW II.
There are few other, more specialised, expressions associated with coinage. One is “right on the money” which comes from surveying. They used steel rods hammered in to the ground as “benchmarks”, and over time they became difficult to see in the viewfinder. The trick was to place on the benchmark top a shiny coin, which would be visible in the viewfinder, and so their measurements would be “right on the money”. This expression today means doing something right on budget. “Money for old rope” means money that is easy earned (because you could easily sell old rope). The mention of “brass tacks” comes from the use of brass tacks to hammer into a table and set at standard distances. When selling fabric or cloth, the supplier would “get down to brass tacks” in measuring out the material the customer was ordering. Today the expression means getting down to the details of a business or transaction.

Brass Maggie – £1

The story goes that the coal miners strike (1984-85, so outside “my period”) coincide with the introduction of the new pound coin. Given the conflict that was ragging at the time, the coins was nicknamed a “Brass Maggie” because it was “a hard, unpopular brassy piece that thinks it’s a sovereign”. A typical expression was “I wouldn’t give a Brass Maggie for that”, i.e. something overpriced but of low value.

Brass monkey weather – bitterly cold weather

The story goes that cannonballs were stored on deck on a brass frame or tray called a monkey, and named after the “powder monkey”, i.e. boys who ran the gunpowder to the ship’s cannons. It was said that in cold weather the brass would contract slightly and the cannonballs would fall off, thus the expression “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey”. The problem with this nice expression is there is no known use of a brass monkey on a ship, brass is unlikely to contract that much, cannonballs were not store on deck, and the original expression was actually “freeze the tail off a brass monkey”, so no mention of cannonballs.
The alternative mentioned in the Wikipedia article is that the reference is to small Japanese tourist items of the three monkeys, as in “hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil”. And the mention of the tail above, was also accompanied by similar expressions with nose, ears and even whiskers, along with “its hot enough to singe the hair of a brass monkey”.

Brassed-off – fed-up, disgruntled

One suggestion was that it was linked to navy cleaning brasswork as a punishment. Another suggestion was that it followed from “brass monkeys”, and that being out in the cold you would be “brassed off”. The expression may have been around in the late 19th century, possibly linked to the navy term “brass-rags” meaning to quarrel (raggies were friends or at least partners in polishing stanchions, etc.). The expression “brassed-off” was particularly popular starting in 1939 and though to about 1950. This would suggest that it was linked to military service, and probably associated with “browned off”, although being a shade milder. There is the suggestion that in 1939 it meant “to reprimand severely”, another suggestion from 1941 was that it meant “fed-up”, and yet another suggestion is that it was linked more with boredom that menial work. Another text mentioned that you could be “browned off” or “brassed off”, but worse still you could be “completely cheesed off”.
One finally comment, totally outside the above descriptions, is that brass being relatively soft, engineers would dull new drill bits to stop then bitting into the brass. And the drill bits were called “brassed off”.

Bread – money

The use of “bread” for money is an underworld term dating from 1935. It could be related to the link between bread and one’s livelihood (e.g. “taking the bread out of someone’s mouth”), but probably is more likely linked to “dough” another word for money.
It interesting that “bread and honey” was Cockney rhyming slang for money, and then “bread” was then rhymed with “poppy red”, which was finally shortened to “poppy” (so becoming another word for money). Bread appears in the Bible as also linked to money, and we also have the expression “earning a crust” meaning making enough money to pay for one’s daily bread.

Break – usually for good luck, as in “I got a break, and then it was easy“, but a “bad break” is bad luck

The word “break” might come from a medieval tradition that performers would pause or break their acts to collect money. In the late 19th century when criminals went to trail or left prison, friends would collect money to help them “get a break” or have some good luck.

Have him for breakfast – something easy to do, or a person easy to beat, as in “if he tries that again, I’ll have him for breakfast“

Origin unknown

Breather – a short rest, as in “wait a minute, give us a breather“

Apart from the obvious meaning, origin unknown, but it would appear to date from the beginning of the 20th century.

Breeze – something that was easy

Originally it was adopted by John Hawkins from the Spanish “breza”, the northeast trade winds. Its original meaning was a lovely refreshing breeze, but by the 17th century it had also acquired its modern definition.

Brew – a pot of tea, as in to “brew up a pot of tea“

To “brew” is to allow time for the taste of the tea to be extracted from the leaves by the hot water (yet “brew” is really slang for beer). There is an expression “builder’s brew” for a strong cup of tea. The phrase “brew” comes from Middle English but just referred to a drink or potion. So “brew up” is just the process of making a good “brew”.
“Brew” can be used metaphorically, as in “brewing up a plan or plot”, “trouble is brewing”, or “a storm was brewing out as sea”. Interestingly, in both Britain and India, tea can also refer to the evening meal.

Brick – a loyal, dependable person

The word “brick” appears to have come from King Lycurgus of Sparta, who was questioned about the absence of a defensive wall. He replied, pointing at his men, “every man is a brick”. It’s also used for a dependable friend.
You can also say that someone is “as thick as a brick” (i.e. stupid) and there is even the expression “built like a brick shithouse” (which means solidly built, but which some people actually used to describe women of a certain morphology).

Bricking it – frightened, as in “I was bricking it“

Basically it means “scared shitless” or “shitting bricks” (others might suggest “scared silly”), and there is a similar expression in French with “avoir les jetons” or possibly “chier dans son froc”.

Bright spark – clever person

The only thing I’ve seen on this is an oldish reference to “Teach wit’s bright spark by chimie aid to gleam”, dating (I think) from about 1750. There is a related expression with “he had a sparkle in his eye” (also found with “twinkle in his eye”). And there is the idea of a “spark” describing the “instant chemistry” between people, but you can also have a disagreement “where sparks fly”.

Broad – woman, as in “what a dumb broad“

Possible originating in the 1920’s and meaning a promiscuous woman, it now just means a respectable young woman. The Americans may have derived the same word, but related to broad breasts and buttocks, allowing for a less respectable use of the term.

Broad brush – general outline

Apart from the obvious meaning, origin unknown, but probably dating from about 1890.

Broke – short of money, bankrupt, as in “I’m broke“

This meaning was first recorded in Shakespeare Merchant of Venice (ca. 1596) with “he cannot choose but break” referencing the “shattering of his worldly estate”, i.e. bankrupt and financially ruined. Of course there are plenty of similar expressions, such as “I’m skint”, “don’t have a penny to my name”, and “don’t have two pennies to rub together”. It is also possible to “break the bank”, and it would appear that a certain Charles De Ville Wells won, in 1891, enough money to “break the bank” in Monte Carlo.

Brolly – umbrella, as in “it’s brolly weather“

The word dates from 1866, and is just a clipped and shortened word from umbrella. In the past big umbrellas have been called “gamps”, and it would appear that Americans once called the brolly a “bumbershoot”, possibly from “umbr” mixed with shoot as in -chute in parachute. I’ve also see the phrase “brolly hop” used for a parachute jump.

Broody – taciturn, moody, sullen, as in “he’s a broody sort of bastard“

It would appear that in the early 16th century “broody” meant “fit to breed”, but by 1851 it meant “inclined to think long and deeply”. It’s possible that a modern definition is again “full of maternal yearnings”. I guess “broody” is related to “broodiness“, i.e. the incubation of eggs.

Brothel-creepers – suede shoes

A type of suede boot with crepe rubber, used in WW II, but why “brothel” is unclear. A “silent shoe” might be quite useful, however the Americans called them “brothel stompers” (which sounds like they may have had some difficulty in keeping quiet). The shoes were popular with Teddy Boys and Punks, and now many other subcultures.
As an aside shoes were often used as proof in the divorce courts. Two pairs of shoes would be left outside a hotel room (one mens and one ladies pair). A photograph was enough to suggest adultery. Later the level of proof was increased and hotel maids were paid to jump into bed for a few photographs. Some wrote they were called “dry tarts” or for some unknown reason “lemon tarts”.

Brown bread – dead, as in “You’re brown bread, mate!“

This is more Cockney rhyming slang, and “brown bread” has been around forever.

Browned off – disgruntled or depressed

This is British service slang, dates from 1938, and originally meant angry or annoyed (it might date back to 1880 but there is no proof). It has been suggested that in 1883 something that was “browned” meant ruined or rendered useless, i.e. if fruit was “browned off” by the damp or cool weather, they were rendered useless. It is not clear why the meaning now means depressed or bored.

Brownie points – marks in one’s favour or credit

One suggestion is that the points derive from Brownies, 7-10 year old Girl Guides/Scouts, who do good deeds. However, it is possible that it refers to the brown points that were used to buy meat during WW II rationing. But it might refer to “brown-noser”, which appeared around 1939. The guess is that it percolated into the military as a sarcastic comment, and then by 1951 gained traction with the general public.

Brush-off – to dismiss or snub, as in “she quickly gave me the brush off“

This is clearly related to brushing an imaginary speck off a shoulder. The term is said to have originated in 1820, but to have become popular in the 1930’s. Initially it meant to “give someone the air”, but now it just means dismiss and move on. There is a hint in one of the many definitions of “brush”, i.e. meaning “move briskly”, and dates from around 1670. You can brush past someone as if they don’t exist, and you also have “brush something off”, as in cleaning, which also dates from the early 1600’s.

Brush up – to revise on a subject

To “brush up” in the sense of reviving or refreshing one’s knowledge, dates from 1788.

Bubbly – champagne

Already in the 1590’s things could be “full of bubbles”, but you had to wait until 1910 for bubbly water, 1920 for bubbly champagne, and 1939 for bubbly people.
And we should also remember that already in 1720 the “South Sea Bubble” burst, giving us another definition of “bubble” (whereas the earlier tulip mania of the 1630’s was not called a “bubble”). The word “bubble” became quickly associated with trickery and deception, later it took on a meaning of fragility, emptiness and worthlessness.

Buck – dollar

The word “buck” may have its origin in animal skins that were classified as “buck’s” and “doe’s”, the “buck” being more valuable.

Bug – an error in a machine or computer, a person who is obsessed by something (e.g. “got the bug“), to irritate (e.g. “to bug someone“), and to hide a microphone in a room

The word “bug” originally had nothing to do with insects, and it’s not clear how, why and when the link was made. As an irritant the expression was first recorded in the 1950’s in America. The idea of a bug causing an error in early computers has been debunked, since the word was already used before the first computers, and it probably derives from bogey, a “real thing that causes worry”.

Bugger – a person (e.g. “a poor bugger“), could be mildly derogatory (e.g. “silly bugger“), or to irritate (e.g. “to play silly buggers“)

First recorded in ca. 1350 the Middle English was “bougre” and before that from Latin “Bulgarus” or “heretic”, but actually literally meaning someone from the Balkans which was at the time associated with heretical sects who allegedly had deviant practices. It would appear that in America “he’s just a little bugger” means a child, but that was not the case in Britain, where the use of the word in print was actionable for many years.
The word “bugger” is associated with numerous expressions, e.g. “bugger about” (to waste time, as in “he’s just been buggering about all day”), “bugger all” (meaning “nothing”), “buggered” (emphatic negative, as in “I’m buggered if I know”), and “bugger off” (to leave, as in “bugger off, and leave me in peace”). There are substantial variations in the use of “bugger”, as with “bugger the cost”, “silly old bugger”, “a friendly/cute little bugger”, “they are playing silly buggers”, “I’m buggered” (as in tired), “bugger me” (not literally, but as an expression of surprise), etc.

Bull/bullshit – to talk rubbish, as in “another load of bull from the prime minister“

The use of “bull” as a lie or exaggeration may have passed into English from the French “boule” meaning fraud, or it could have come from “cock and bull story” which dates back to at least the early 17th century. Bullshit was first recorded in America in 1914, but was probably older.

Bum – to beg or cadge, or to get a bad deal (e.g. “that’s a bum deal“)

Interestingly, there is an expression “a hobo will work, a tramp won’t, a bum can’t”. The use of “bum” was first recorded in 1855 and was used to describe foraging soldiers. In English “bum” meant both a drunk and buttocks (and initially it was not a vulgar word), and in German “bummer” was a high-spirited, irresponsible person. However, today “a bum” has lost its nobility and just means a no-good person.

Bump off – to kill someone

Bump also means both a knock or blow, and also the resultant swelling. The origin of the expression is unknown, but it appeared around the time of WW I.

Bundle – a big roll of money, as in “he’s worth a bundle“

Obviously the origin is simply “bundle” as in a collection of things, which is from the early 14th century, and the Old English “byndele”, or “binding”. To “make into a bundle” dates from the 1620’s, and when people slept together clothed this was called a “bundle” in 1781. “Bundle some off” dated from 1823, and “bundle up”, as in wrap in warm clothes dates from 1853. “Bundle of money” dates from 1899, and a “bundle of nerves” from 1938.

Bun in the oven – to be pregnant

The phrase is modern in that it is said to have been first used only in 1951, however it would appear that the womb has been referred to as an oven since the 17th century.

Bunk – run away, as in “to do a bunk“

The origin of “bunk” as a form of bed probably dates to the mid-17th century. The idea is that “bunk” means nonsense comes from “bunkum”, a simplified spelling of “Buncombe”. In 1820 a certain American Felix Walker, spoke in the US House of Representatives, and people realised he was talking irrelevant nonsense. His answer was that his constituents expected him to make a speech about Buncombe, so “Buncombe”, “bunkum”, and “bunk” became shorthand for nonsense. To “do a bunk” has meant to run away since 1870, and appears to have been an expansion of its meaning, as it changed from nonsense to trickery and dishonesty. Remembering that “bunco” meant a con or swindle using dice or cards, and so “to do a bunk” implies a dishonest escape of one sort or another.

Business – to be really good, as in “That car is the business“

This is “busy” and “-ness”, and from the mid-14th century meant “state of being much occupied or engaged” (replacing busyness). The idea of a livelihood activity dates from about the same time, and by the 1590’s it was also “what one is about at the time”. The sense of trade, etc. dates from 1727. So a business letter dates from 1766, the business card dates from 1849, and “business as usual” from 1865. To “mean business” is from 1856, but “mind your own business” dates back to the 1620’s. You can “be the business” meaning really good, or cool, but I don’t know the origin.

Busker – playing music in the street for money

“Busker” has meant an itinerant entertainer since 1857, and comes from “to busk” or offer good for sale in bars and taprooms. An older definition, puts “busk” to mean “to cruise as a pirate”, dating from 1841. The Germans had a sailing term in the 1600’s about “pulling about or tack”. The French “busquer” meaning “to seek”, and the Italians and Spanish have “buscare” and “buscar” respectively, for selling from place to place. The idea is that the English “busk” might have come through this route.

Bust – raid by police, as in “the police busted the world’s biggest video-game-cheat operation“

There are references dating to 1897, where thieves “bust a house open” or “stick a bust”. Also it appears “to bust” someone, as in “to arrest them” also is a 19th century term. We see this expression in use today with “he was busted for selling drugs”.

Butch – a woman who is assertively masculine, as in “I find her just a bit butch“

The exact origin is unknown, but may derive from “butcher” (ca. 1870’s). I’ve also seen an early 20th century reference to “butch” meaning “tough kid”. Also in the 1930’s it referred to a gay male’s masculinity, before shifting to lesbian masculinity in the 1940’s.

Butcher’s – to have a look, as in “it will cost you, if you want to have a butchers inside“

I also remember “have a dekko” meant more or less the same thing. “Have a dekko” comes from “dekho” a Hindi word meaning “look”, and appeared in 1856. There was also “take a shufti”, another expression imported from the Arabic “šufti” meaning “have you seen”. “Have a butchers” or “have a gander” were local London expressions. Cockney rhyming slang is “butchers hook” for “look” (as is a Captain Cook). “Gander” is just a reference to a goose’s habit of stretching out its neck when looking for predators.

Butterfingers  – a person who regularly drops or fails to keep hold of things

Butterflies in the stomach – tremors of apprehension or excitement

The original reference dates from 1908 with a sad feeling and “butterflies in his stomach”. The modern definition comes from 1943 and was a description of a training parachute jump.

Butty – bread with butter and something else (e.g. “jam butty“)

Clearly, as in the definition dating from 1827, it refers to bread with butter in it, but today you can have a “fish butty”, or a “chip butty” or probably an “anything butty”. Today I think two pieces of bread with some butter would actually be the only thing people would not call a “butty”, or would they call it a “butty butty”?

Buzz – rumour, news, or call someone on the phone, as in “give him a quick buzz“

“Buzz” comes from Middle English and dates back to around 1350, and as expected was the sound bees make. “Buzz”, as in rumours and gossip, came from the early 1600’s, and it took the meaning to be busy in the 1620’s. “Buzz off” came in 1914, but appears to have initially meant to ring off the telephone (at the time they buzzed to signal a call). In 1922 you could “give someone a buzz” by calling them on the telephone. You find this expression still today with “Buzz off, I need to concentrate”. To “buzz someone” as in to fly low over them, dates from 1940. The V1 rockets were called “buzz bombs” in 1944.

Buzzword – impressive sounding but meaningless word

“Buzzwords” date from 1946, came from Harvard University, and was a way to help students get better results, i.e. help student recall items of importance. The results was that student appeared to master subjects because they mentioned all the right words. There are hundreds of buzzwords listed on Wikipedia, from alignment to win-win. If you are looking for a few good ones, try disruptive, streamline, organic growth, leverage, and mission critical, but you might have to look up the meaning of hyperlocal, offshoring, reverse fulfilment, growth hacking, and of course don’t every forget to finish with sustainability and privacy (always good for a round of applause).