King's Shilling
Noun.
Historical definition:
During the Napoleonic wars, due to the lack of able seamen, sailors were recruited (press-ganged) by being paid a sign up fee - 1 King's Shilling.
Reluctant conscripts would be approached by one or more 'recruiters' who would ply them with alcohol until they were totally drunk. They would then hit them over the head with a 'cudgel' and place a King's Shilling in the drunkard's pocket. The inebriate would then be carried on board where they were woken up and convinced that they had joined in good faith. Any argument against the join would be discredited by the discovery of the King's Shilling.
Modern Usage
Discreet gay proposition.
Historical definition:
During the Napoleonic wars, due to the lack of able seamen, sailors were recruited (press-ganged) by being paid a sign up fee - 1 King's Shilling.
Reluctant conscripts would be approached by one or more 'recruiters' who would ply them with alcohol until they were totally drunk. They would then hit them over the head with a 'cudgel' and place a King's Shilling in the drunkard's pocket. The inebriate would then be carried on board where they were woken up and convinced that they had joined in good faith. Any argument against the join would be discredited by the discovery of the King's Shilling.
Modern Usage
Discreet gay proposition.
Historical Usage
"I don't know what happened! I was approached by two sailors who got me pissed. Next thing I know I woke up 'in the navy' having received a King's Shilling into my pocket!"
Modern Usage:
"Hello young man, will you let me pay you into the Navy with a King's Shilling?"
OR
"I was only 21 when I received the King's Shilling!"
OR
"I've been approached but am yet to accept the King's Shilling!"
"I don't know what happened! I was approached by two sailors who got me pissed. Next thing I know I woke up 'in the navy' having received a King's Shilling into my pocket!"
Modern Usage:
"Hello young man, will you let me pay you into the Navy with a King's Shilling?"
OR
"I was only 21 when I received the King's Shilling!"
OR
"I've been approached but am yet to accept the King's Shilling!"
King's Shilling by Tony du Angletere March 13, 2022
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