Definitions by C L G

Collie Shangles 

A Victorian slang term meaning quarrels or arguments. It was referenced in Queen Victoria's journal 'More Leaves' in 1884.

More Leaves : “At five minutes to eleven rode off with Beatrice, good Sharp going with us, and having occasional collie shangles (a Scottish word for quarrels or rows, but taken from fights between dogs) with collies when we came near cottages.”

Collie Shangles by C L G January 31, 2021

Church-Bell 

Church-Bell is a Victorian slang phrase originally used to reference talkative women. Though slightly sexist at the time, the term usually now covers all genders.

“Your wife is a real church-bell when it comes to badminton.”
“So what? You're a real church-bell when it comes to knock-off pizzas and pirated movies, but you don't see me complaining.”

Church-Bell by C L G January 31, 2021

Cat-Lap 

A Victorian society term used scornfully/sarcastically by drinkers of strong beer and other liquors to refer to tea and coffee.

“I'll take a beer. I'm not into that Cat-Lap like the people you might be used to seeing around here.”

Cat-Lap by C L G January 31, 2021

Butter Upon Bacon 

The 1800's slang 'butter upon bacon' is used to as a similie-style reference of extravagance or something over the top.

“Aye, I think it's a good idea to add the classical music performance to tonight's event, but don't you think making a kangaroo juggle eight toddlers is a little bit butter upon bacon?”

Butter Upon Bacon by C L G January 31, 2021

Bubble Around 

Bubbling around is a piece of Victorian slang usually used to refer to a verbal attack, perhaps via gossip or the media.

“If you bubble around again, we will be forced to evict you from our most noble society.”

Bubble Around by C L G January 31, 2021

Bow Wow Mutton 

A Victorian slang term used to describe meat that tastes so bad that it could theoretically be from a dog, although it was usually meant in humour/sarcasm rather than a literal sense.

“Did you get any meat from the market?”
“Nah, the best they had was bow wow mutton.”

Bow Wow Mutton by C L G January 31, 2021

Batty-Fang 

Batty fang is a Victorian slang term originating in London which means 'to thrash thoroughly'/'to damage beyond repair'/'to smash to death'. Although not necessarily the case, it has been speculated that it could have come from the French term 'battre a fin'.

“If you ate my last sandwich, I'll Batty-Fang you.”

Batty-Fang by C L G January 31, 2021