Obscure corners of the English language

Published on Sunday 20 September 2009 12:48

A new book of unusual words celebrates some of the more obscure corners of the English language.

Here are some of the highlights from The Wonder Of Whiffling:

• Continuations – 19th century word for trousers, so called because they continued a gentleman's waistcoat in a direction best left unmentioned in polite company.

• Shangle – Cumberland and Westmoreland dialect word meaning to fasten a tin or kettle to a dog's tail.

• Nottingham goodnight – phrase from the 1950s for the loud slamming of doors and saying goodnight by a courting couple, to reassure listening parents and allow the lovebirds – neither of whom have left – to retire to the sofa.

• Bunting time – term from the late 17th century for the time of year when the grass in the fields is high enough to hide young men and maids.

• Vice-admiral of the narrow seas – Regency phrase for a drunken man who relieves himself under the table into his companions' shoes.

• Witches' knickers – contemporary Irish slang for shopping bags caught in trees, flapping in the wind.

• Cochel – Sussex dialect word meaning "too much for a wheelbarrow but not enough for a cart".

• Slapsauce – one who enjoys eating fine food.

• Boondoggle – carry out valueless work to convey the impression that one is busy.

• Dottle – in the north-east of England, the tobacco left in a pipe after smoking.