In doing research for the book, I’ve come across a whole load of examples of Victorian criminal slang (also known as the Cant).  It’s become a minor obsession of mine, and I’ve started building up a collection.  Here are a few of my favourites:

Bang-up: very fine

Bludger:  A violent criminal; one who is apt to use a bludgeon.

Bulldog with six teeth: a revolver

Cocker: mate, pal

Cove:  A man

Cracksman: A Burgler, a safecracker.

Crusher:  A policeman

Davy’s Dust: Gunpowder

Devil’s claws: The broad arrows on a convict’s prison uniform.

Dipper:  Pickpocket

Fakement:  a forgery

Flat:  A person who is easily deceived.

Flying the Blue Pigeon: Stealing roof lead.

Gospel grinder: city missionary

Hook it: to leave quickly (let’s hook it!)

Kidsman:  An organizer of child thieves

London Particular: Thick London “Pea Soup” fog

Lushington:  A drunkard

Maltooler: A pickpocket who steals while riding an omnibus

Monkey (on the): begging (“he’s been on the monkey”)

Nibsome: good

Noisy dog racket: stealing knockers from front doors

Onion hunter: one who steals fobs from watch chains

Scaldrum dodge: Begging by means of feigned, or self-inflicted wounds

Shinscraper: The Treadmill  (used in workhouses)

Snoozer:  A thief that specializes in robbing hotel rooms with sleeping guests.

Starring the glaze: breaking a square of glass

Trotter cases: boots