"What's the row, Potty?" Mervyn demanded, as they reached the stage-struck youths.

Puffy (pafi) < Puffles (paflz). 1902. Ally Sloper's H.-H., 426 3. "It's a beastly nuisance," said Puffles, loud enough for everyone in the smoking. room to hear him, "but of course in the circumstances I can't possibly go."

"What's the matter, Puffy?" inquired Mordaunt, who is never so pleased as when he can take a rise out of our little Munchausen.

Rat (ræt)<Rattleton (rætltən). 1897. W. KINTZING POST, Harvard

Stories, 8.

Rattleton's weak nature was easily drawn to a strong one, and on the other hand "Lazy Jack Rat" was a source of amusement and interest to Varnum.

Rat (ræt) Rattray (rætrěi). 1899. R. KIPLING, Stalky & Co, 100. "And they look all right, too," said Stalky.

It can't be Rattray, can it? Rattray?"
No answer.

"Rattray dear? He seems stuffy about something or other. Look here, old man, we don't bear any malice about your sending that soap to us last week, do we? Be cheerful, Rat. You can live this down all right . . ."

Rhy (rai) Rhysworth (raizwǝp).

1870. OUIDA. Puck, i. 285.

It seemed that he (i. . Vaughan Rhysworth, cf. ibid., 286) was known as "Ruthless Rhy," from his duels, his intrigues, his fatality to married women, and many other wicked sports and pastimes.

Sed (sed) Sedley (sedli). 1847-48. THACKERAY, Vanity Fair, Ch. iv., p. 17.

"To-morrow your Papa and I dine out," said Mrs. Sedley.

"You don't suppose that I'm going, Mrs. Sed.?" said her husband...

Seffy (sefi) < Sefton (seftǝn)

1899. R. KIPLING, Stalky & Co, 157. "Now I'll tie you two up an' direct the bull-fight. Golly, what wrists you have, Seffy. They're too thick for a wipe; got a box-rope? said he.

"Lots in the corner," Sefton replied. (Dialogue between schoolboys).

Selly (seli) < Sellingplate (seliņplĕit).

1901. COTSFORD DICK, Society Snapshots, 60.

Sir Startin Price (oracularly). That it will be a very open race.

Mrs. Lightweight (disappointed), Oh,

you are no use!

Captain Sellingplate. Chirp up, Mrs. Lightweight; I'll put you on to some. thing good. You back Fleabite.

Lady de Handicap. Not an atom of good, Selly, after that trial. . . .. Don't you do it, Mrs. Lightweight; you'll only loose money

Sherry (seri) < Sheridan (Seridǝn). See quot. under 'Goldy'.

Sib (sib)<Sibwright (sibrǝit). 1854-5. THACKERAY, The Newcomes, i. 246.

The necessity of an entertainment at the Temple lunch from Dick's (as before mentioned), dessert from Partington's, Sibwright's spoons, his boy to aid ours, nay Sib himself, and his rooms, which are so much more elegant than ours, and where there is a piano, and a guitar.

Solly (soli) < Salisbury, or Salsberry (solzbri).

1849-50. THACKERAY, History of Pendennis, i., 234. Mrs. Solly Mrs. Salsberry.

In comic papers Solly is often met with as designating Lord Salisbury, the well-known English statesman. (Cf. Baumann, Londinismen).

Tempy (tempi) < Templeton (templtǝn).

1861. CH. LEVER, Horacl Templeton,

Tod, Toddy (todi)<Todhunter (todhantǝ).

1854-5. THACKERAY, The Newcomes, ii. 235.

He

When, then, "The Elopement in High Life", which has been described in the previous pages, burst upon the town in the morning papers, I can fancy the agitation which the news occasioned in the faithful bosoms of the generous Tod hunter and the attached Henchman. My Lord was not in his house as yet. and his friends still lingered on in the little house in Mayfair, the dear little bachelor's quarters, where they had enjoyed such good dinners, such good suppers, such rare doings, such a jolly time. I fancy Hench coming down to breakfast and reading the Morning Post. I imagine Tod dropping in from his bedroom over the way, and Hench handing the paper over to Tod, and the conver. sation which ensued between those wor. thy men. "Elopement in High Life excitement in N-come, and flight of Lady C N-come, daughter of the late and sister of the present Earl of D-rking, with Lord H-gate; personal rencontre between Lord H-gate and Sir B-nes N-come. Extraordinary disclosures". I say, I can fancy Hench and Tod over this awful piece of news.

"Pretty news, ain't it, Toddy?", says Henchman, looking up from a Perigord pie, which the faithful creature is discussing.

Top (top)<Toppleton (topltən). 1854-5. THACKERAY, The Newcomes, ii. 64.

"Toppleton slept next room to her at Groningham, and heard her; didn't you, Top? [Mr. Crackthorp addressing his friend Mr. Toppleton].

Torp (top) <Torpenhow (tɔpǝnhǝu).

1892. R. KIPLING, The Light that Failed, 42.

The afternoon was well advanced when Torpenhow came to the door and saw Dick dancing a wild saraband under the skylight. "I builded better than I knew, Torp", he said, without stopping the dance.

Tuppy (tapi) < Tupman (tapmən).

1837. DICKENS, Pickwick, i. 125.
"You're a rascal!" roared Wardle.
"Ha! ha!" replied Jingle; and then he

desires her compliments begs you won't trouble yourself

...

love to Tuppy

drive won't you get up behind? on, boys." Nothing in the whole adventure, not even the upset, had disturbed the calm and equable current of Mr. Pickwick's temper. The villany, however, which could first borrow money of his faithful follower (i. e. Mr. Tupman), and then abbreviate his name to "Tuppy", was more than be could patiently bear.

Van Van Galgebrok. (Dutch name.)

1839. W. HARRISON-AINSWORTH, Jack Sheppard, 42.

Three persons only were left in the room. These were the Master of the Mint, Van Galgebrok, and Mrs. Sheppard.

"A bad business this, Van," observed Baptist, with a prolonged shake of the head.

"Ja, ja, Muntmeester", said the Hollander, shaking his head in reply: "very bad very."

Atthie (æpi) < Athenæum (æþi nijəm). In quotation used as name of a horse.

1884. W. TUER, Quads for Authors, etc., p. 70.

A Successful publisher, who has started a carriage and pair on the strength of profits made out of his books, names his horses "Atthie" and "Caddie" (Athenæum and Academy).

Chim (im) < Chimpanzee (t/impǝn zij), t/impanzij). In quotation used as a nickname.

1881. J. S. WINTER, Cavalry Life, i. 52.

Mr. Drew might certainly have passed for the missing link we hear so much about, and his regimental cognomen of Chimpanzee, more often shortened into Chim, suited his personal appearance to a nicety.

Clotty (kloti) << Clotho (kloupo), as name of one of the three Fates in Greek Mythology. See quotation under 'Kessy'.

Cocky (koki) < Cockatoo (kokǝ tuw), as name of a bird.

1889. Boy's Own Paper, Dec. 7, 1581 (N. E. D.).

Cocky allowed every member of the family to scratch his dusty poll.

Ibid., Dec. 14, 163 3 (N. E. D.). The cockatoo . . saying.. poor old cockie a bit of bread!'

'Give

1902. Household Words, June 21, 514 3.

Cockie, a fine old cockatoo, has the honour of being often regaled with sugar by his royal mistress.

Cosmo (kosmo) < Cosmopolitan (kosmo politǝn). Used in quotation as name of a dog.

1870. OUIDA, Puck, i, 101.

He was called "Cosmo", "short for cosmopolitan", he explained to me. "You know that means a citizen of the world one who has seen many countries and many minds . . ."

Coz (kaz) < Cousin (kazn). Used in fond and familiar address, both to relatives and in the wider sense. (N. E. D.).

1559. BALDWIN in Mirr. Mag. (1563.) M iij b, (N. E. D.)

I drynk to you good Cuz ech traytor sayes. (Earliest quotation in N. E. D.) 1592. SHAKSPERE, Romeo & Julia, Act i, sc. 5.

Content thee gentle Cos. (N. E. D.) 1849. MISS MULOCK, Ogilvies, xliii, Good bye, fair coz. (N. E. D.)

1901. F. RUTTER and L. BLACK, A Muddied Oaf, 27.

Dear Hughie, "Just a line to say how glad and proud I shall be to see you playing against Oxford to-morrow, and to wish you the best of luck. Mind you give them a good beating or you will disappoint dreadfully, "Your affectionate coz. "Alice".

Di (dai) < Diogenes (dai odzìnĭjz). In quotation used as name of a dog.

1848. DICKENS, Dombey and Son, Ch. xviii, p. 158.

Come, then, Di! Dear Di! Make friends with your new mistress. Let us love each other, Di!" said Florence, fondling his shaggy head. And Di, the rough and gruff, as if his hairy hide were pervious to the tear that dropped upon it, and his dog's heart melted as it fell, put his nose up to her face, and swore fidelity.

Diogenes the man did not speak plainer to Alexander the Great than Diogenes the dog spoke to Florence.

Doc (dok) Doctor (doktǝ). 1850. Bentley's Miscellany, vol. xxvii. 88. The Life of a Louisiana "Swamp Doctor".

You see, Doc, I'd heerd so much from mam 'bout her dad's Shumach and his nigger Swage . . .

1902. Comic Cuts, Aug. 9. 63.

"Oh, bless you, doctor, I'm all right!" was Fisten's answer, given in a very boisterous, would-be hearty fashion.

...

The man's manner rather jarred on

me-it bordered on vulgarity in some indescribable way, and I answered stiffly:

"I do not think I have shown any undesirable curiosity to -"

"Oh, bosh!" interrupted Fisten. "Come off that high horse, doc. You're simply dying to know all about it.

1902. The Boys of the Empire, No. 88, 380 1.

"I'll take care of Bud", said he, "and, Doc, if thar's any saving the foot, you do it. Thar'd ort to be a chance, it seems to me."

"There is a chance-barely-if the inflammation can be kept down."

"I'll see that he keeps cool. You go ahead and do your part, Doc."

Gran, Grannie (grænì) < Grandmother (grændmapǝ) or Grannam (grænəm) (< Grandam = grandmother) (cf. N. E. D.).

1663. DRYDEN, Wild Gallant, II, i. I never knew your Grandmother was a Scotch woman. . .: pray whistle for her, and lets see her dance: come whist Grannee.

1870. OUIDA, Puck, i. 263.

I met her hard by, a pretty girl, gran', and a deal more respectable than I am.

Ibid., i, 272.

Gran' here is no grandmother of mine. (1878). The Shilling Nursery Rhymes and Stories, 9.

So the Wolf ran on as fast as he could
To distance little Red Riding Hood
He ran as he never had run before
Until he came to the old Gran's door.
He tapped, and cried, with a furtive
grin,

let

"I'm little Red Riding Hood me in. And the poor old Granny, in bed who lay,

Thinking her grandchild had come that way,

Cried, "Pull the bobbin; come in, my child!" And into the room leapt the Wolf so wild.

Grog (grog) Grogram (grogrəm).

"Old Grog" was a nickname of Admi ral Vernon (about 1745), from his grog. ram breeches or cloak (grogram, a sort of stuff <F. gros grain: coarse grain); afterwards transferred to the mixture which he ordered to be served out in

Hub, Hubby (habi) <Husband (hazbənd).

1798. MORTON, Secrets Worth knowing. Epilogue.

The wife poor thing, at first so blithe and chubby, Scarce knows again her lover in her Hubby. (Sl. & An.)

1807. STEVENS, Wks., p. 175.

Hubby do then, what could Hubby do? But sympathy-struck, as she'cry'd, he cry'd too. (Sl. & An.)

Ma (maa) < Mama (mǝmaa) (cf. Fl.).

Mam (mæm), Mamsey (mæmzi) < Mama (məmaa) (cf. Fl.).

Miss (mis) < mistress (missiz). This abbreviatian is most probably elliptical, and on a par with such curtailments as sis for sister, gran for grandmother, etc. (cf p. 69).

Nep (nep) Neptune (neptjŭwn), as name of the god of the sea in Roman Mythology.

1902. Ally Sloper's H.-H., May 17, 235.

Then, swoosh! and you're taking a delicious header into Father Nep. in less than two shakes of a duck's waggler.

Nunks (cf. Fl.), Nunky (nanki) <Uncle (ankl).

1854. THACKERAY, The Newcomes, i. 78.

"That's my uncle, that tall man with the mustachios and the short trousers, walking with that boy of his. I dare say they are going to dine in Covent Garden, and going to the play. How

dy-do, Nunky" and so the worthy pair went up to the card-room, where they sat at piquet until the hour of sunset and dinner arrived.

1902. Big Budget, June 14, 53.

And dost thou not remember, nunky, his Grace of Buckingham said't would be well for many if that bauble were put to no other use than to jingle to the antics of a fool?"

Od (od) < God (god), common in 17th and 18th century oaths.

5.

1695. CONGREVE, Love for Love, iii.

Odsbud, Madam, have no more to say to him.

1813. Letter 4.

MOORE, Twopenny Postboy, hiccup 'od

There Papist dogs

rot 'em! 1844. BUCKSTONE, The Maid with the milking Pail.

Lord P. Ods Fish, why this interest in poor Lady Lucy? (Cf. Sl. & An.)

Pa (paa) <Papa (pəpaa).

1840. DICKENS, Martin Chuzzlewit, i. ch. ii, p. 11.

At this exclamation, another Miss Peck. sniff bounced out of the parlour: and the two Miss Picksniffs with many incoherent expressions, dragged Mr. Pecksniff into an upright posture.

"Pa!" they cried in concert. "Pa! Speak, Pa! Do not look so wild, my dearest Pa!"

Pap (pap) < Papa (pǝpaa). 1876. L. B. WALFORD, Mr. Smith, ii. 34, 35.

"Don't shut it, it is for papa. He will be in in a few minutes.

Sis"; I know you're a good sort really, if you won't let yourself turn nasty so often."

Ibid., 131.

A big girl, leading by the hand a twoyear-old baby, met him. He hardly saw her till he heard her kind voice: "Hold up; there's a darling! Sissie will carry you back."

G. A. HENTY, Yarns on the Beach,

120.

"Then the little one said: "'Oo stoop down, Joe; sissy and me take hold round oor neck; then oo stand up and we det in'".

1902. Illustr. Chips, Aug. 30, 54. Little Reggie: "Who is that funnylooking man behind you, Sis? He looks just like one of my Noah's Ark toys!"

Strych (strik) (strik) Strychnine (striknin). In quot. used personnified.

1863. CH. READE, Hard Cash, ii. 4. Here Sampson, who had examined the patient keenly and paid no more attention to Osmond than to a fly buzzing, interrupted him as unceremoniously: "Poisoned", said he philosophically. "Poisoned!" screamed the people. "Poisoned!" cried Mr. Osmond, in whose little list of stereotyped maladies poisoned had no place. Is there any one you have reason to suspect.

"I don't suspect, nor conject, Sir: I know. The man is poisoned, the substance strychnine; now stand out of the way you gaping gabies and let me work: hy, young Oxford! you are a man: get behind and hold both his arms, for your life! That's you."

Maxley came to and gave a sigh of relief. When he had been sensible, yet out of pain, nearly eight minutes by the clock, Sampson cloroformed him again. I'll puzzle ye, my friend strych", said he. "How will ye get your perriodical paroxysm when the man is insensible? The Dox say y'act direct on the spinal marrow, etc.

Unky (anki) < Uncle (ankl). 1902. Comic Cuts, July 19, 8.

I. Uncle Tommyrot was always up to something. Last week he fixed some fans on to the squirrel-cage. What for?

2. Why, to keep his little self cool this hot weather, of course. When the squirrel started revoluting sea-breezes weren't in it beside unky's contraption.