Talk like a thief

The Lexicon of Thieves Cant

Thanks to Kit Whitfield of Benighted fame for tipping me off to this link. I declare it one of the coolest things ever, and will no doubt endeavor to write a book someday written entirely in thieves cant.

For those of you who haven’t clicked on the link yet, the lexicon is a compilation of terms and phrases once (and still?) used by thieves, con men and others of scurrilous nature. The first edition of the dictionary this is based on (Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue–A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit and Pickpocket Eloquence) was printed in the 1800’s and reprinted a few times after.

I think thieves cant should become the next big slang fad. Come on. Are there any moon cursers out there who are up for making some noisy dog racket and then go see if we can’t have a little fun with some milch cow before we burn the ken back to the dive? I call Dimber Damber. Just so long as we don’t get cackled to some hamlet and end up on the deadly nevergreen.

I showed Jen this link, and upon seeing how delighted I was simply reading through it, she said “Oh dear. I’m marrying a geek.” Well, at least she realized it sooner than later.

I see that smile.