This site is in danger of going away; please consider the Donate link above...

Tofsy-turvy (Grose 1811 Dictionary)

Tofsy-turvy

The top side the other way; i.e. the wrong side upwards; some explain it, the top side turf ways, turf being always laid the wrong side upwards.

Definition taken from The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, originally by Francis Grose.

Topping Man * Torchecul

Nearby

Nathan Bailey's 1736 Dictionary of canting and thieving slang

John S. Farmer's collection of canting songs and slang rhymes

Buy a modern reprint of this book from Amazon CA; US;

About

Francis Grose was independently wealthy, having inherited money from his father, a jeweller. Finding himself overspending, he published a number of books; his Provincial Glossary seems to have been the starting-point for the Vulgar Tongue reproduced here.

To Top
Top Diver
Top Heavy
Top Lights
Top Sail
Toper
Topping Fellow
Topping Cheat
Topping Cove
Topping Man
Tofsy-turvy
Torchecul
Tormenter of Sheep Skin
Tormenter of Catgut
Tory
Toss Pot
Toss Off
Totty-headed
Touch
Touch Bun For Luck
Tovt