London slang has a rich history that reflects the city’s vibrant culture and social dynamics. One fascinating term from the 17th century is “fuddlecups,” which served as a euphemism for drunkenness. This playful language showcases how the people of London created unique expressions to describe everyday situations. In a society where humor often masked social issues, these terms helped to communicate in a way that was both clever and revealing.
Additionally, the vocabulary used by the canting crew, the term for London’s underworld of beggars and criminals, included words like “Adam–tiler.” This term specifically described a pickpocket’s accomplice, highlighting the intricate criminal terminology that existed among London’s thieves. Everyday vocabulary was often infused with a sense of community, where shared language served to bond those in the same social situations.
The canting crew’s slang reveals a tight-knit community among London’s thieves, showcasing unique terms like “Adam-tiler” for pickpocket accomplices.
Another example of such slang is the word “baggage,” which referred to a whore. This term reflects the societal attitudes towards women during that era and illustrates how language can reveal much about cultural views. The slang of the 17th century was not only descriptive but also served as a means of social commentary on the status of individuals within the community.
The importance of these terms is solidified in the dictionary titled “A New Dictionary of the Terms Ancient and Modern of the Canting Crew,” published in 1699. This dictionary captured around 4,000 entries related to London’s criminal slang, providing insight into the language used by beggars, thieves, and vagrants.
It serves as a historical document, allowing modern readers to understand the words and phrases that shaped the lives of those living in London’s underbelly.
