This site is for the Mark & Naomi Iliff family. For Mark’s work persona go to Talespinner

Editor access Iliff-King phrasebook

subscribe
×

Enter your email address to receive an email notification of new entries to the phrasebook

You will receive no more than one a day. We will not use your email for any other purpose. Each email will include an unsubscribe link.

Search resultsClose

explore

For full picture view on a wider screen

Sort: Click on a column header—
Search: Enter your search term in the box(es) provided—

head word part definition collector added edited
 
 
 
0000
Location where everything is alright. Specifically the sofa Joy sits on at home
nLocation where everything is alright. Specifically the sofa Joy sits on at homeThe Triskele12/02/’2412/02/2024 15:13:2112/02/’2412/02/2024 16:13:25
1-2-3 wash yourself, ducky!
I am throwing a handful of wet sand at you
excI am throwing a handful of wet sand at youThe Sisterhood09/03/’2109/03/2021 00:10:43
14155
Iliff
nIliffM & N16/04/’2116/04/2021 14:31:1701/01/’2301/01/2023 13:54:33
81
Response to “night-night!”
expResponse to “night-night!”Francis19/03/’2119/03/2021 22:30:3908/01/’2208/01/2022 16:24:26
a boy is a boy…
A callback to the proverb: A boy is a boy; two boys are half a boy; three boys are no boy at all …a commentary on the…
expA callback to the proverb: A boy is a boy; two boys are half a boy; three boys are no boy at all …a commentary on the productivity of boys hired to do work, when child labour was considered acceptablePa16/05/’2116/05/2021 23:37:3209/03/’2209/03/2022 22:25:17
a chill wind in the Trossachs
The sensation of wearing a kilt¹ on a cold day
expThe sensation of wearing a kilt¹ on a cold dayM & N10/03/’2210/03/2022 18:03:24
a crow, letting
I am pressing lightly on your head with the fingernails of one hand, and am claiming that a crow has settled there in ca…
expI am pressing lightly on your head with the fingernails of one hand, and am claiming that a crow has settled there in case you should think that I am pressing lightly on your head with the fingernails of one handGranny Dixon12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:02:1812/03/’2112/03/2021 21:14:17
a day late and a dollar short
Applies to work that is both late and substandard
adjApplies to work that is both late and substandardMark09/03/’2209/03/2022 15:13:35
a kangaroo loose in the top paddick
Not wholly in command of events
adjNot wholly in command of eventsClare27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:19:3018/03/’2218/03/2022 00:59:05
a light to lighten the genitals
Graffito seen in the gentlemen’s convenience of The Perch inn, Oxford, written beneath the single dim lamp on the wall…
expGraffito seen in the gentlemen’s convenience of The Perch inn, Oxford, written beneath the single dim lamp on the wall above the urinalsMark06/07/’2106/07/2021 15:03:2729/11/’2329/11/2023 21:41:53
a peach of a boat
Literally: A very nice boat. Intended meaning: A fishing boat
expLiterally: A very nice boat. Intended meaning: A fishing boatMum05/03/’2105/03/2021 13:58:0007/03/’2107/03/2021 01:07:32
a pint of water’s a pound and a quarter, except in US where it’s less
Counter-mnemonic to Americans’ wholly misleading “A pint’s a pound the whole world around”
expCounter-mnemonic to Americans’ wholly misleading “A pint’s a pound the whole world around”Mark21/08/’2321/08/2023 08:29:3130/08/’2330/08/2023 22:43:01
a touch of the don’t-want-to-goes
Reluctance to go somewhere
expReluctance to go somewhereDad19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:08:2221/03/’2121/03/2021 15:46:57
A-flute
To campaign with the use of an A-frame adorned with corflutes proclaiming the campaginer’s message
vTo campaign with the use of an A-frame adorned with corflutes proclaiming the campaginer’s messageClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:40:3722/10/’2322/10/2023 10:39:14
aber eine wurst hatte zwei ende
But a sausage has two ends
expBut a sausage has two endsClare20/01/’2320/01/2023 01:00:35
abratadabra
Answer to the question “What’s the magic word?”
excAnswer to the question “What’s the magic word?”Nicholas30/03/’2130/03/2021 15:21:54
accident
An impulse purchase
nAn impulse purchaseMark02/01/’2202/01/2022 12:58:0308/01/’2208/01/2022 01:10:41
Action Town
Acton Town
nActon TownNaomi08/10/’2208/10/2022 01:11:57
add more lightness
Cut out anything superfluous
expCut out anything superfluousMark27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:29:19
AFM
Anger management
nAnger managementMark23/11/’2123/11/2021 22:50:42
ah-ahs
Poo
nPooMum19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:16:12
aha, Rasputin, the mad monk, climbing up those Russian steppés!
Here is the rice pudding. All hail the rice pudding
excHere is the rice pudding. All hail the rice puddingPa04/03/’2204/03/2022 00:43:42
ahiggit ahugget
That person is taking self-deprecation to extremes
expThat person is taking self-deprecation to extremesPa16/05/’2116/05/2021 23:20:58
alec tricity
Electricity
nElectricityDad25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:47:05
aleebee
Alibi
nAlibiRiverbankers21/08/’2321/08/2023 08:50:26
alibaba
The laundry basket at Greenmantle
nThe laundry basket at GreenmantleIliff family27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:14:2021/11/’2121/11/2021 13:10:26
all of a sudden a big black pudding came floating through the air
You are about to be struck during a pillow fight
excYou are about to be struck during a pillow fightGranny Dixon14/03/’2114/03/2021 13:48:1630/10/’2330/10/2023 11:27:09
all the way round sir?
Literally “shall I serve you everything?” Can be used to imply a hint of gluttony
expLiterally “shall I serve you everything?” Can be used to imply a hint of gluttonyMark06/11/’2106/11/2021 12:41:4206/11/’2106/11/2021 12:44:45
All’ Barone
The pub chain All Bar One
nThe pub chain All Bar OneMark29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:09:4017/01/’2317/01/2023 11:28:01
ambliance
Ambulance
nAmbulanceJeremy04/03/’2204/03/2022 16:02:41
American seat
A merry conceit
nA merry conceitPa27/02/’2127/02/2021 16:17:3705/03/’2105/03/2021 14:21:32
amontiddly-doh
Amontillado, a variety of sherry
nAmontillado, a variety of sherryNaomi20/06/’2320/06/2023 15:53:2926/06/’2326/06/2023 09:38:55
amtriguous
A phrase or utterance capable of three different interpretations
adjA phrase or utterance capable of three different interpretationsMark24/04/’2324/04/2023 14:31:03
ancestor tea
The weak tea resulting from topping a pot up with hot water a second or subsequent time
nThe weak tea resulting from topping a pot up with hot water a second or subsequent timePa26/05/’2126/05/2021 12:50:46
and hadn’t we the gaeity at Phil the fluter’s ball
A line that Dad would sing at the most unexpected of times
verseA line that Dad would sing at the most unexpected of timesDad19/03/’2219/03/2022 16:12:24
and the band played Believe it if you like
I don’t believe it
expI don’t believe itMark19/03/’2219/03/2022 15:50:25
another saucer of milk?
Goodness me, that was a catty [mean, spiteful] comment!
expGoodness me, that was a catty [mean, spiteful] comment!Mark07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:30:1301/01/’2301/01/2023 13:15:29
anti-cretinous
Anti-tetanus
adjAnti-tetanusMark26/05/’2126/05/2021 12:31:56
any more laid back his bum would fall off
Extremely relaxed, perhaps reprehensibly so
expExtremely relaxed, perhaps reprehensibly soMark26/05/’2126/05/2021 12:34:49
appalAchian contrOllay
Of French wines, appellation d’origine contrôlée… basically, not plonk
adjOf French wines, appellation d’origine contrôlée… basically, not plonkMark12/07/’2212/07/2022 01:07:00
aprishotts
Apricots
nApricotsSam11/02/’2411/02/2024 00:53:07
are bears Catholic?
Yes
expYesMark25/11/’2125/11/2021 11:38:18
are we gentry or do we stack?
In practice it seemed to mean “I’m clearing the table now” between the courses of a meal, though none of us made m…
expIn practice it seemed to mean “I’m clearing the table now” between the courses of a meal, though none of us made much sense of it at the timeGranny Dixon05/07/’2205/07/2022 01:06:08
ars bin
Wing bean
nWing beanClare08/03/’2208/03/2022 21:18:25
arsnip
Parnsip
nParnsipMark08/03/’2208/03/2022 21:02:32
as innocent as a nun at a bus stop
To all appearances, throughly innocuous
expTo all appearances, throughly innocuousMark11/02/’2411/02/2024 01:06:5311/02/’2411/02/2024 11:11:17
as thick as an elephant bap
Not conspicuously astute
adjNot conspicuously astuteMark07/11/’2207/11/2022 00:22:1607/11/’2207/11/2022 00:26:15
ashpan
Panache
nPanacheClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)07/11/’2207/11/2022 01:02:52
assumptions make an ass of ump and tions
Avoid making assumptions
expAvoid making assumptionsMark25/05/’2125/05/2021 16:11:23
Aunty Brute
Naomi’s name for Aunt Dorothy
nNaomi’s name for Aunt DorothyNaomi04/03/’2204/03/2022 00:56:5705/03/’2205/03/2022 16:10:38
Aunty Mark
Uncle Mark
nUncle MarkJoanna25/03/’2125/03/2021 12:42:3125/03/’2125/03/2021 13:53:04
Australian naming
The practice of assigning proper names that are unduly literal, such as Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Snowy Mo…
nThe practice of assigning proper names that are unduly literal, such as Great Barrier Reef, Northern Territory, Snowy Mountains, Great Sandy Desert, Mitchell Multilevel Falls, Great Dividing Range etcMark19/08/’2119/08/2021 13:07:5105/09/’2205/09/2022 13:29:21
autocucumber
The autocorrect function common on smartphones
nThe autocorrect function common on smartphonesRiverbankers24/04/’2324/04/2023 14:56:32
automagically
Automatically, and with impressive élan
advAutomatically, and with impressive élanMark21/01/’2421/01/2024 14:53:04
avian fornication
Thing of no regard
nThing of no regardMark03/09/’2303/09/2023 10:43:40
B I tish
A woman considered to be mean, overbearing or contemptible
nA woman considered to be mean, overbearing or contemptibleDad19/03/’2219/03/2022 15:14:24
B-fart
Beef heart, an allegedly scrumptious type of offal
nBeef heart, an allegedly scrumptious type of offalPa18/08/’2318/08/2023 16:03:4810/09/’2310/09/2023 12:20:52
babu peechi lal
Self-important person
nSelf-important personPa08/10/’2208/10/2022 01:26:27
baby abluga
Baby beluga
nBaby belugaJoy04/09/’2104/09/2021 13:34:37
back dazzler
A vehicle’s high-intensity rear foglight, especially when used at night in the wet
nA vehicle’s high-intensity rear foglight, especially when used at night in the wetMark07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:22:03
bagaloons
Capacious knickers
nCapacious knickersClare27/02/’2127/02/2021 23:58:5930/03/’2230/03/2022 00:49:44
Barley-sugar Legs
His sisters’ pet name for Dad
nHis sisters’ pet name for DadDad29/01/’2229/01/2022 00:37:56
barsteward
Bastard (in its pejorative rather than descriptive sense)
nBastard (in its pejorative rather than descriptive sense)M & N03/12/’2303/12/2023 00:36:57
Basingrad
Basingstoke
nBasingstokeMark23/04/’2123/04/2021 23:12:59
basking hickory stick
Lavatory bowl floater
nLavatory bowl floaterMark28/02/’2128/02/2021 00:02:0028/02/’2128/02/2021 12:29:23
bastardsphere
The inglorious company of spammers, hackers & phishers
nThe inglorious company of spammers, hackers & phishersMark13/05/’2213/05/2022 01:03:46
bat tsch-tsch
Bathroom cleaner
nBathroom cleanerRiverbankers17/03/’2117/03/2021 21:01:4621/03/’2121/03/2021 22:42:36
bathroom thought
A thought, had while using the facilities that exits your mind as you exit the smallest room
nA thought, had while using the facilities that exits your mind as you exit the smallest roomAoife12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:07:0212/03/’2112/03/2021 16:17:11
be told!
Don’t argue!
excDon’t argue!Pop28/02/’2128/02/2021 00:11:1902/03/’2102/03/2021 16:19:37
bearded mushrooms
Breaded mushrooms
nBreaded mushroomsM & N27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:32:46
bee-loud glade
Invoked when walking amongst busy insects in a rural setting
verseInvoked when walking amongst busy insects in a rural settingNaomi26/06/’2326/06/2023 09:31:47
beef cut
Crew cut
nCrew cutUncle Tony30/03/’2230/03/2022 01:19:59
beefa leefa
Beef olives
nBeef olivesPa02/03/’2202/03/2022 23:18:39
beep conveyor
One of those vehicles used in airports and hospitals for conveying loud, unsettling beeps around the place
nOne of those vehicles used in airports and hospitals for conveying loud, unsettling beeps around the placeMark24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:27:1222/01/’2422/01/2024 12:06:14
Beezlebub
Mispronunciation of Beelzebub
nMispronunciation of BeelzebubMark28/02/’2128/02/2021 00:06:38
Belgian pish
The beerish substance sold under the name Stella Artois
nThe beerish substance sold under the name Stella ArtoisM & N19/07/’2219/07/2022 23:54:0102/03/’2302/03/2023 15:28:35
Ben Yehuda
Pa’s nickname for Benno
nPa’s nickname for BennoPa09/03/’2209/03/2022 22:23:27
bet that’s cooled his biryani down a bit
He seems to find that drink refreshing
expHe seems to find that drink refreshingM & N27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:50:45
Betelgwayzay
Betelgeuse (aka α Orionis), red supergiant and 10ᵗʰ brightest star in the sky
nBetelgeuse (aka α Orionis), red supergiant and 10ᵗʰ brightest star in the skyAoife09/03/’2209/03/2022 15:06:25
betty swallocks
Perspiration of the gentleman’s area
nPerspiration of the gentleman’s areaM & N01/07/’2201/07/2022 13:30:15
bezz pawk
Bespoke
adjBespokeDad12/05/’2112/05/2021 22:30:38
biddle biddle
The ringing sound of a GPO Trimphone, the trendy alternative to the standard issue phone
expThe ringing sound of a GPO Trimphone, the trendy alternative to the standard issue phoneM & N06/09/’2106/09/2021 01:04:1321/11/’2121/11/2021 01:27:21
bidet
Rear wash-wipe mechanism (of a vehicle)
nRear wash-wipe mechanism (of a vehicle)Riverbankers05/07/’2205/07/2022 00:57:38
big clock
Thing to be coveted
nThing to be covetedGranny Dixon28/02/’2128/02/2021 00:12:49
big crisp
Poppadom
nPoppadomM & N09/03/’2209/03/2022 15:22:12
big organs run in the family
Gleefully puerile response to use of the word organ
expGleefully puerile response to use of the word organM & N25/11/’2325/11/2023 13:52:2825/11/’2325/11/2023 18:13:24
Biggles flies undone
1. (Meaningless interjection at any allusion to the fictional character James Bigglesworth, or to any other similarly im…
exp1. (Meaningless interjection at any allusion to the fictional character James Bigglesworth, or to any other similarly improbably ept aviator) 2. Your flies are undoneM & N26/05/’2126/05/2021 12:47:10
Bildad the Shuhite
The shortest man in the christian bible
nThe shortest man in the christian biblePa18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:13:27
bim
Bowel movement
nBowel movementKing family28/02/’2128/02/2021 00:15:3719/03/’2219/03/2022 22:42:50
bingbongabangbang
I predict the credits will roll, or an ad break will start, in the next few seconds (when watching TV)
expI predict the credits will roll, or an ad break will start, in the next few seconds (when watching TV)M & N07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:25:39
birdy num-num
Bird seed
nBird seedM & N11/01/’2211/01/2022 15:42:09
BKJ
Bright, keen & jolly
adjBright, keen & jollyMum24/02/’2124/02/2021 23:20:0524/02/’2124/02/2021 23:20:05
black-coated workers
Prunes
nPrunesIliff family11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:12:1402/01/’2202/01/2022 12:01:01
blick auf
Wake up!
expWake up!Naomi28/02/’2128/02/2021 00:20:2502/01/’2202/01/2022 12:02:42
blind mullet
Seaborne bolus
nSeaborne bolusJohn T30/03/’2130/03/2021 15:24:16
bloody great balloons
Callback to the desperate cry of a vendor of oversized balloons outside Madame Tussauds on a chilly spring day: “Ballo…
expCallback to the desperate cry of a vendor of oversized balloons outside Madame Tussauds on a chilly spring day: “Balloons! Balloons! Bloody great balloons!”M & N18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:28:20
blop
Like blob, but ploppier
nLike blob, but ploppierNaomi13/04/’2113/04/2021 13:07:14
BO-er
Deodorant
nDeodorantKing family27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:27:3012/02/’2212/02/2022 13:02:31
Bob Cox
The physicist Brian Cox
nThe physicist Brian CoxNaomi17/09/’2117/09/2021 21:54:05
bobaligoo
Boat fender
nBoat fenderNaomi28/02/’2128/02/2021 00:23:2714/02/’2214/02/2022 11:13:14
Bob’s your parent’s sibling
It’s as easy as that
expIt’s as easy as thatRiverbankers11/02/’2211/02/2022 12:03:44
body coddler
Sleeveless coat, or gilet
nSleeveless coat, or giletMark20/03/’2120/03/2021 16:07:1705/12/’2105/12/2021 15:37:50
bog
Dog
nDogJoy12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:15:0412/03/’2112/03/2021 16:10:39
bogflosher
Drain unblocker
nDrain unblockerMark25/05/’2125/05/2021 21:54:43
bogpaper music
Homogenised soulless featureless maundering lift music – tear off amount required
nHomogenised soulless featureless maundering lift music – tear off amount requiredMark19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:25:4319/03/’2119/03/2021 15:26:35
boil the billy
Make tea
vMake teaClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)07/11/’2207/11/2022 01:01:11
boinga
Kangaroo, especially when in motion
nKangaroo, especially when in motionClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)15/11/’2215/11/2022 19:38:03
boîte sur toit
A roofbox, one of those enclosed roofracks for cars
nA roofbox, one of those enclosed roofracks for carsNaomi12/11/’2312/11/2023 00:39:5412/11/’2312/11/2023 00:41:02
bonbon ching gum caramel!
(No real meaning – just a bonding cry)
exp(No real meaning – just a bonding cry)Bel06/11/’2106/11/2021 12:50:0424/12/’2124/12/2021 11:36:06
bong
Person defined by their location, role or relationship
nPerson defined by their location, role or relationshipNaomi28/02/’2128/02/2021 14:50:4703/03/’2103/03/2021 13:59:37
boom and scrunch
The parlour game zoom and screech
nThe parlour game zoom and screechMark22/03/’2122/03/2021 23:42:10
Boom-holé
Fictional planet
nFictional planetM & N27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:35:28
bouncealine
Trampoline
nTrampolineLyra30/03/’2130/03/2021 15:26:04
Brandywine Thistlebottom
The actor Benedict Cumberbatch
nThe actor Benedict CumberbatchNaomi24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:28:01
breathe in, it’s good for you
Please cease complaining about this stinky farmyard
expPlease cease complaining about this stinky farmyardGranny Dixon26/02/’2126/02/2021 15:49:30
brown katies
Bronchitis
nBronchitisDad25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:47:45
brunty
Brunette
adjBrunetteJoy30/03/’2130/03/2021 21:12:54
bug rake
Hair comb
nHair combBel16/03/’2116/03/2021 14:51:1828/02/’2228/02/2022 16:11:36
bum in the air
Hard at work
adjHard at workWin27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:27:28
bum of the flightle bee
Flight of the bumblebee, the Rimsky-Korsakov orchestral piece
expFlight of the bumblebee, the Rimsky-Korsakov orchestral pieceDad22/02/’2122/02/2021 21:57:2427/02/’2127/02/2021 16:00:20
bumbag aloo
Bombay aloo
nBombay alooPaul H25/03/’2125/03/2021 13:57:13
bumbalo bag
Bumbag (US: fannypack)
nBumbag (US: fannypack)Naomi15/11/’2215/11/2022 20:24:05
bumcack
Comeback
nComebackNaomi21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:30:27
bumhug
Humbug (the hard minty sweet)
nHumbug (the hard minty sweet)Mark24/03/’2124/03/2021 15:51:3831/03/’2231/03/2022 01:43:46
bumnuts
Eggs
nEggsWin27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:17:08
bumpity bolliko
Collision
nCollisionNaomi03/04/’2103/04/2021 13:25:20
bumpity-bolliko
Uneven or bumpy (of a road)
adjUneven or bumpy (of a road)Naomi07/04/’2107/04/2021 21:54:1824/12/’2124/12/2021 11:29:59
burgalarm
Burgler alarm
nBurgler alarmRiverbankers17/07/’2217/07/2022 00:28:33
Burly Chassis
The Welsh singer Shirley Bassey
nThe Welsh singer Shirley BasseyIliff family03/09/’2303/09/2023 10:24:28
buttons on a wall
Response to “so what?”
expResponse to “so what?”Mark18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:18:52
by gum I’m stuck. What am I?
[Riddle]
exp[Riddle]Pop10/09/’2310/09/2023 12:28:0515/09/’2315/09/2023 15:55:40
canned elephant’s prick
Tinned meat (eg Spam)
nTinned meat (eg Spam)M & N27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:49:59
can’t get his tongue round his Rs
Has difficulty saying the letter R
adjHas difficulty saying the letter RMum31/10/’2131/10/2021 23:45:08
case case case
In any case
expIn any caseBel02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:42:14
cash’n’flash
Pay-and-display car park
nPay-and-display car parkMark03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:57:0302/01/’2202/01/2022 12:52:34
cast nasturtiums
Cast aspersions
expCast aspersionsKing family02/02/’2202/02/2022 00:41:4102/02/’2202/02/2022 10:50:58
castrated
Decaffeinated (of coffee or tea)
adjDecaffeinated (of coffee or tea)Pa20/03/’2120/03/2021 21:06:3412/05/’2112/05/2021 21:51:24
catch a falling poo
Catch a falling poo and put it in a packet, Try not to make a mess. Catch a falling poo and put it in a packet, Send …
verseCatch a falling poo and put it in a packet, Try not to make a mess. Catch a falling poo and put it in a packet, Send it to the NHS. —to the tune of Catch a falling starMark20/06/’2320/06/2023 15:48:53
chained to the oar of a magnificent galley
Your humble labours in pursuit of a noble objective do not go unnoticed
expYour humble labours in pursuit of a noble objective do not go unnoticedPa16/05/’2116/05/2021 23:24:41
changed his 40 for two 20s and found he wasn’t wired for it
Catty comment about a man who proves over-ambitious in his philandering
expCatty comment about a man who proves over-ambitious in his philanderingPa29/10/’2329/10/2023 00:21:0022/01/’2422/01/2024 11:59:06
charge like a wounded bull
Charge exorbitantly
vCharge exorbitantlyMark02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:33:2219/03/’2219/03/2022 22:58:06
charming ladies
Naked women
nNaked womenFrancis15/09/’2315/09/2023 15:54:22
cheerum chorum chaw chocalorum
Callback to: Cheerum chorum chaw chocalorum Pinga Ninga nee-nay Pinga ninga nay Very werry goshy washy tie tie ting…
verseCallback to: Cheerum chorum chaw chocalorum Pinga Ninga nee-nay Pinga ninga nay Very werry goshy washy tie tie tingo Very werry goshy washy Goshy washy tingo …or something along those linesGranny Dixon23/11/’2323/11/2023 23:15:5028/11/’2328/11/2023 13:20:20
chill on the kidneys
A gloriously specific non-specific ailment you are sure to contract should you go outside between October and April [UK]…
nA gloriously specific non-specific ailment you are sure to contract should you go outside between October and April [UK] with your shirt untucked from your waistbandMum29/10/’2329/10/2023 00:32:56
chilli gone barmy
Chilli con carne
nChilli con carneKing family27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:31:18
chilly bin
Portable icebox
nPortable iceboxClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)20/01/’2320/01/2023 00:58:28
chocolate board
The rear boarding platform of a bus, specifically of the AEC Regent Three
nThe rear boarding platform of a bus, specifically of the AEC Regent ThreeMark21/11/’2121/11/2021 14:18:3105/12/’2105/12/2021 12:41:57
chutney
Lightning
nLightningSally07/04/’2107/04/2021 21:44:5808/04/’2108/04/2021 09:33:19
cigar-shaped aluminum tube in the sky
Aeroplane
nAeroplanePa07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:27:19
Claypots
Nickname of the Claydon family
nNickname of the Claydon familyClare11/02/’2411/02/2024 00:40:48
Cla’am
Gentrified pronunciation of the London district Clapham
nGentrified pronunciation of the London district ClaphamBrian25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:27:27
cleveh
Clever in a rather smug sort of way
adjClever in a rather smug sort of wayMark15/03/’2315/03/2023 12:31:07
clever people like me who talk loudly in restaurants
Expression of disapproval of people who talk loudly in restaurants
expExpression of disapproval of people who talk loudly in restaurantsM & N11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:28:35
clickage
Groceries purchased via a click-and-collect arrangement
nGroceries purchased via a click-and-collect arrangementM & N07/02/’2207/02/2022 14:57:16
clootie
Left-handed person
nLeft-handed personDad05/03/’2105/03/2021 14:11:47
cock a deaf ’un
Cock a deaf ear; ignore the thing a person has said
vCock a deaf ear; ignore the thing a person has saidMark12/07/’2212/07/2022 01:11:38
cock-a-leg
Scottish traditional dancing
nScottish traditional dancingMark21/01/’2421/01/2024 14:49:48
cockpit ape
One who drives with an arm resting along the door, in the manner of Clarkson J and Johnson B
nOne who drives with an arm resting along the door, in the manner of Clarkson J and Johnson BMark28/07/’2128/07/2021 18:47:4529/07/’2129/07/2021 11:46:04
code yellow
A pee, or going for a pee, or in need of a pee
expA pee, or going for a pee, or in need of a peeM & N25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:32:2710/08/’2110/08/2021 23:34:31
coffinated
Sold in a sealed punnet (of food)
adjSold in a sealed punnet (of food)M & N27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:22:25
collapsize
Capsize
vCapsizeG04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:22:56
Columbo bladder
The condition, familiar to some older gentlemen, that causes the bladder to suggest one last squirt after the micturiter…
nThe condition, familiar to some older gentlemen, that causes the bladder to suggest one last squirt after the micturiter has shut up shop, washed hands and headed for the doorMark25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:23:4628/01/’2228/01/2022 16:44:01
combine hoover
Combine harvester
nCombine harvesterIliff family11/03/’2111/03/2021 23:37:25
come to the cookhouse door, boys!
The meal is ready
verseThe meal is readyKing family27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:43:5205/03/’2205/03/2022 21:55:21
conkerbox
A small, noisy car that rattles and shakes
nA small, noisy car that rattles and shakesMark31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:24:4605/09/’2205/09/2022 13:31:55
contribute!
Your participation in the conversation must increase
excYour participation in the conversation must increaseMum10/02/’2210/02/2022 15:21:55
contrived delights of LA
Los Angeles’s theme parks
nLos Angeles’s theme parksM & N03/03/’2103/03/2021 23:39:17
cooking fat!
By jove, that cat is annoying me
excBy jove, that cat is annoying meJoy02/03/’2102/03/2021 13:30:4728/01/’2228/01/2022 20:48:20
Coorg’s
The American beer Coor’s
nThe American beer Coor’sPa25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:38:45
Copper Pisspot, The
The Golden Cross hotel & restaurant in a courtyard off Cornmarket, Oxford
nThe Golden Cross hotel & restaurant in a courtyard off Cornmarket, OxfordPa07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:31:28
Cornish nasty
1) A poorly made Cornish pasty. 2) A Cornish pasty …depending on your point of view
n1) A poorly made Cornish pasty. 2) A Cornish pasty …depending on your point of viewMark23/03/’2123/03/2021 22:57:27
couldn’t organise a black pudding
Scatty, disorganised, bumbling
adjScatty, disorganised, bumblingGranny Dixon03/03/’2103/03/2021 23:44:22
cover it over quick, Jemima!
You are displaying a little more flesh than you might wish
verseYou are displaying a little more flesh than you might wishMum08/03/’2108/03/2021 14:13:3105/03/’2205/03/2022 21:56:07
cowp
Capsize
vCapsizeJohn T01/07/’2201/07/2022 13:38:19
crack the sads
To become upset or unhappy, or throw a tantrum
vTo become upset or unhappy, or throw a tantrumClare12/07/’2212/07/2022 00:59:23
crank tea
Herbal infusion
nHerbal infusionMark20/04/’2120/04/2021 23:33:44
cronky donkey
Decrepit railway train, especially an old DMU
nDecrepit railway train, especially an old DMUMark06/03/’2106/03/2021 15:06:3006/03/’2106/03/2021 15:07:11
crop dusting
Letting a fart whilst in motion, particularly indoors
vLetting a fart whilst in motion, particularly indoorsBenno27/02/’2227/02/2022 15:01:27
crunchy plate
Poppadom
nPoppadomRiverbankers05/02/’2205/02/2022 21:36:44
cuddly tick bird
Hand-crafted birthday present for Naomi comprising a long white-bodied, yellow beaked, soft and cuddle-able tick bird, w…
nHand-crafted birthday present for Naomi comprising a long white-bodied, yellow beaked, soft and cuddle-able tick bird, with appallingly prickly feet fashioned out of wire covered in sticky black insulating tapeKing family01/03/’2201/03/2022 16:09:3001/03/’2201/03/2022 20:05:49
cunkspangle
Person of small wit and smaller manners
nPerson of small wit and smaller mannersMark18/03/’2218/03/2022 00:31:2118/03/’2218/03/2022 16:28:04
cunsternoon afterble
Good afternoon, constable
expGood afternoon, constableMark04/09/’2104/09/2021 13:31:45
curtains generation
Those who grew up when mental illness was shameful and the only treatment was “pull yourself together”
nThose who grew up when mental illness was shameful and the only treatment was “pull yourself together”Mark31/10/’2131/10/2021 23:38:2731/10/’2131/10/2021 23:39:48
da hoover’s broke
I’ve broken something and it’s your fault
expI’ve broken something and it’s your faultRiverbankers12/02/’2212/02/2022 11:01:42
daddy socks
A technique of putting on a sock whereby the heel is pulled up through the leg so that the sole can be placed over the f…
nA technique of putting on a sock whereby the heel is pulled up through the leg so that the sole can be placed over the footJoy30/03/’2130/03/2021 00:04:55
dance of the bogbrush fairies
Dance of the sugar plum fairies from Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet The Nutcracker
nDance of the sugar plum fairies from Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet The NutcrackerNaomi01/03/’2201/03/2022 15:18:37
dangleway
London’s Meridian Skyway cable car system (later known as Emirates Air Line¹) that crosses the Thames near the Millen…
nLondon’s Meridian Skyway cable car system (later known as Emirates Air Line¹) that crosses the Thames near the Millennium Dome (later known as O₂ Arena). By extension, any such cable car systemM & N05/03/’2205/03/2022 16:06:51
de petits pois
Two small pears… if your French is as bad as Mark’s was
nTwo small pears… if your French is as bad as Mark’s wasMark10/04/’2110/04/2021 13:32:3911/04/’2111/04/2021 11:41:18
dead, and never called me mother
General purpose acknowledgement of a tragic circumstance
expGeneral purpose acknowledgement of a tragic circumstanceNaomi25/05/’2125/05/2021 21:48:07
defillibrator
Defibrillator
nDefibrillatorMark01/07/’2201/07/2022 12:56:34
deg
Water
vWaterMum29/12/’2229/12/2022 14:51:49
Déjà Vu
Citroën Deux Chevaux (2CV)
nCitroën Deux Chevaux (2CV)M & N13/03/’2113/03/2021 16:22:40
delusions of adequacy
The mindset of someone attempting to outperform their competence
nThe mindset of someone attempting to outperform their competenceMark05/02/’2205/02/2022 15:26:2209/02/’2209/02/2022 10:10:56
Depeche Mode
The retailer Decathlon
nThe retailer DecathlonNaomi06/07/’2106/07/2021 14:48:21
der dee twiddly, dee twiddly, dee botty-cracks
We have reached the end of this book/film/TV series
expWe have reached the end of this book/film/TV seriesNaomi12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:24:1512/03/’2112/03/2021 16:11:14
dere ’tis!
After many hours’ travel towards the seaside, there at last is the actual sea!
excAfter many hours’ travel towards the seaside, there at last is the actual sea!G19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:45:3219/03/’2119/03/2021 22:49:59
desecrated coconut
Dessicated coconut
nDessicated coconutNaomi29/07/’2129/07/2021 12:20:4827/08/’2327/08/2023 23:11:26
dial, face, mug, pan or mat
Face
nFaceMark07/11/’2207/11/2022 00:25:07
diddle diddle dumpling, mice and John
Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John …the nursery rhyme
verseDiddle diddle dumpling, my son John …the nursery rhymeG26/05/’2126/05/2021 12:22:1212/11/’2212/11/2022 14:06:50
didn’t want it ANYway!
Said when irreversibly deprived of something, particularly if through one’s own actions
expSaid when irreversibly deprived of something, particularly if through one’s own actionsJeremy01/03/’2201/03/2022 16:12:3701/03/’2201/03/2022 16:17:25
disgusterous
Disgusting
adjDisgustingRiverbankers21/03/’2121/03/2021 22:24:47
do a Thomas
Race out to the loo in the middle of a meal to make room for more food
vRace out to the loo in the middle of a meal to make room for more foodClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)08/03/’2208/03/2022 21:14:17
do I have to eat the beak?
(No real meaning – just a bonding cry)
exp(No real meaning – just a bonding cry)M & N06/11/’2106/11/2021 12:55:06
do it self!
I firmly decline your offer of help
excI firmly decline your offer of helpJM04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:35:0304/03/’2104/03/2021 12:35:45
do not the gate
Don’t obstruct the gate
expDon’t obstruct the gateMark23/11/’2123/11/2021 22:56:41
do you want me to write a letter?
Mum’s response to an offspring complaining about unfairness or strife at school, and later at work
expMum’s response to an offspring complaining about unfairness or strife at school, and later at workMum07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:14:01
doit
Lose mental acuity (in the demotic: go ga-ga)
vLose mental acuity (in the demotic: go ga-ga)M & N27/02/’2327/02/2023 13:14:1127/02/’2327/02/2023 16:19:39
don fly!
Be gone, flying insect!
excBe gone, flying insect!Mark21/03/’2121/03/2021 14:40:12
donkey manure
An utterance of deniable disrespect for Afrikaaners
expAn utterance of deniable disrespect for AfrikaanersMark06/09/’2306/09/2023 13:21:23
donkeys
The key of D major
nThe key of D majorRiverbankers02/03/’2202/03/2022 22:51:3502/03/’2202/03/2022 23:08:06
don’t bandy legs with me
Don’t quibble
expDon’t quibbleRiverbankers06/03/’2206/03/2022 23:35:59
doobry
Thingummy. Doohickey. Item that need not be named because it is identified by the context. Can also be used when the s…
nThingummy. Doohickey. Item that need not be named because it is identified by the context. Can also be used when the speaker can’t recall the name of an itemJeremy25/11/’2325/11/2023 13:47:0725/11/’2325/11/2023 13:57:02
dots
A musical score
nA musical scoreMark10/03/’2210/03/2022 18:15:34
Douglas Badger
The WW2 fighter ace and hero Douglas Bader
nThe WW2 fighter ace and hero Douglas BaderMark17/07/’2217/07/2022 00:41:54
down the red lane!
Eat your food, child!
expEat your food, child!Dad23/11/’2323/11/2023 23:24:12
downside up
Upside down
adjUpside downDad05/02/’2205/02/2022 15:30:37
Dr Thos
A particular hot water bottle at Shelford
nA particular hot water bottle at ShelfordKing family21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:16:26
Draconia
Fabled land of uncompromising law and order
nFabled land of uncompromising law and orderRiverbankers28/02/’2328/02/2023 22:27:1019/08/’2319/08/2023 12:27:51
drafty draft
Precursor to a draft (of documents)
nPrecursor to a draft (of documents)Mark29/07/’2129/07/2021 11:49:43
dry as a Nullarbor rabbit
Thirsty
adjThirstyWin27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:43:2628/02/’2228/02/2022 14:50:10
ducklings
Collective term for various waifs and strays in one’s life
nCollective term for various waifs and strays in one’s lifeThe Triskele12/02/’2412/02/2024 15:19:0212/02/’2412/02/2024 16:16:15
dudu
Insect or bug
nInsect or bugKing family21/03/’2121/03/2021 14:41:59
dudu maki
Insect repellent
nInsect repellentClare04/03/’2204/03/2022 16:25:12
dumsey-whumnuts
Rough, uneven, pitted (of roads)
adjRough, uneven, pitted (of roads)Mark24/02/’2124/02/2021 23:25:0807/04/’2107/04/2021 21:54:45
dunny diver
Plumber
nPlumberWin27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:45:56
dusty end
The part of a violin’s fingerboard closer to the bridge than first position, where non-classical players rarely ventur…
nThe part of a violin’s fingerboard closer to the bridge than first position, where non-classical players rarely ventureMark04/09/’2104/09/2021 13:00:19
E-Type punt
Camping punt
nCamping puntM & N03/03/’2203/03/2022 14:11:02
earbash
A verbal harangue
nA verbal harangueClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)07/11/’2207/11/2022 00:57:18
East Ham
Mad
adjMadM & N21/03/’2221/03/2022 00:50:2122/01/’2422/01/2024 12:05:02
EBI
Even better if…
adjEven better if…Mark03/03/’2203/03/2022 14:00:06
ecilop
Police
nPoliceMark01/03/’2201/03/2022 15:01:3201/03/’2201/03/2022 15:07:18
effluent
Elephant
nElephantRiverbankers05/02/’2205/02/2022 21:41:46
eh bien, merde alors
Never mind, let’s move on
expNever mind, let’s move onMark15/11/’2215/11/2022 20:33:54
eh wallah
Appears equivalent to “and there you have it”
expAppears equivalent to “and there you have it”Mark21/11/’2121/11/2021 13:59:4619/01/’2419/01/2024 11:16:21
elderflosh
Elderflower cordial
nElderflower cordialNaomi19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:17:39
elephant paper
Kitchen roll
nKitchen rollIliff family03/03/’2103/03/2021 15:08:2726/01/’2226/01/2022 11:21:26
elephants and teaspoons
Callback to the motivational phrase “How do you eat an elephant with a teaspoon? One spoon at a time”
expCallback to the motivational phrase “How do you eat an elephant with a teaspoon? One spoon at a time”Mark17/07/’2217/07/2022 00:53:1119/07/’2219/07/2022 23:52:32
elsan position
An inelegant skiing posture remininscent of squatting upon a lavatory
nAn inelegant skiing posture remininscent of squatting upon a lavatoryJM17/07/’2217/07/2022 00:32:3917/07/’2217/07/2022 00:33:08
elsh
Elephant dung
nElephant dungKing family08/03/’2108/03/2021 14:03:0501/03/’2201/03/2022 16:04:28
emPHAHsis on the wrong syllAHble
Emphasis on the wrong syllable
expEmphasis on the wrong syllableNaomi04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:30:33
empty sugar bags
What couples actually say when they whisper sweet nothings
expWhat couples actually say when they whisper sweet nothingsNaomi27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:53:12
encambula
Ambulance
nAmbulanceMark30/03/’2130/03/2021 00:10:2901/03/’2201/03/2022 15:02:14
envelote
Envelope
nEnvelopeJoy30/03/’2130/03/2021 21:08:3430/03/’2130/03/2021 21:11:35
epoophany
A paradigm-shifting thought, reached while sitting upon the throne
nA paradigm-shifting thought, reached while sitting upon the throneGareth12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:12:4412/03/’2112/03/2021 16:16:40
everybody’s got to be somewhere
Response to “What are you doing here?”
expResponse to “What are you doing here?”M & N30/07/’2330/07/2023 23:53:3930/07/’2330/07/2023 23:54:54
extinguished
Distinguished
adjDistinguishedKing family25/03/’2125/03/2021 17:07:2125/03/’2125/03/2021 17:08:46
Fabrézé
The stench suppressant Fabreze
nThe stench suppressant FabrezeM & N08/03/’2208/03/2022 20:34:36
Fairy Nuff
Fair enough
expFair enoughM & N06/03/’2206/03/2022 23:23:22
fall over blackwards
Positive discrimination taken to extremes
expPositive discrimination taken to extremesPa16/05/’2116/05/2021 23:26:09
fart young smeller
Smart young feller
nSmart young fellerDad05/03/’2105/03/2021 14:13:33
fartidoodalus
One who messes around, or exhibits lack of focus and determination
nOne who messes around, or exhibits lack of focus and determinationGranny Dixon27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:29:20
fast thinking walk
A solo walk
nA solo walkRiverbankers12/07/’2212/07/2022 12:50:07
Father Twiss-Twiss
Saint Nicholas / Santa Claus / Père Noël / Father Christmas
nSaint Nicholas / Santa Claus / Père Noël / Father ChristmasMark29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:14:21
festive gooch
The period between Christmas & New Year when almost the whole of UK is on holiday
nThe period between Christmas & New Year when almost the whole of UK is on holidayFelix06/01/’2406/01/2024 23:54:3406/01/’2406/01/2024 23:55:39
FHB
Family Hold Back, a reminder at parties to let guests have a good crack at the nosh before piling in
expFamily Hold Back, a reminder at parties to let guests have a good crack at the nosh before piling inMum21/11/’2121/11/2021 01:12:02
fiat lux, a remark attributed to God
Let there be light
expLet there be lightMark12/03/’2112/03/2021 18:06:59
Fiddlywaxeye
Imaginary third person when sharing something out between two people – the person counting out ends up with ⅔ and th…
nImaginary third person when sharing something out between two people – the person counting out ends up with ⅔ and their good-natured companion with ⅓Granny Dixon11/03/’2111/03/2021 23:44:11
fimsy
Gentle fun wordplay
nGentle fun wordplayThe Triskele12/02/’2412/02/2024 14:05:3112/02/’2412/02/2024 15:04:04
fin de saison
Unwelcoming, with many facilities closed
adjUnwelcoming, with many facilities closedMum13/05/’2213/05/2022 01:21:10
fire eng truck
Fire engine
nFire engineBenno30/03/’2130/03/2021 21:06:35
fissle
Surreptitously investigate presents before breakfast on Christmas morning
vSurreptitously investigate presents before breakfast on Christmas morningMum29/12/’2229/12/2022 14:49:28
fizzy knitting
Overhead powerlines, particularly those for trolleybuses & trams
nOverhead powerlines, particularly those for trolleybuses & tramsMark13/03/’2313/03/2023 17:03:59
flaming brandinis
Game that involves pouring flaming brandy over a bowl of raisins and eating them while they’re still burning
nGame that involves pouring flaming brandy over a bowl of raisins and eating them while they’re still burningBel04/05/’2204/05/2022 00:22:1604/05/’2204/05/2022 14:19:19
flappy meats
Cooked meats, charcuterie, cold cuts
nCooked meats, charcuterie, cold cutsM & N04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:21:23
flappy plate
Flour tortilla
nFlour tortillaMark20/03/’2120/03/2021 21:09:29
flappyfishogram
Echocardiogram, an ultrasound scan of the heart
nEchocardiogram, an ultrasound scan of the heartRiverbankers29/07/’2129/07/2021 12:17:49
flaptop
Laptop computer
nLaptop computerMark29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:11:03
flat out, like a lizard drinking
Flat out
adjFlat outWin27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:41:2722/11/’2322/11/2023 16:03:06
flatusphere
The hazard zone of a flatus
nThe hazard zone of a flatusMark06/03/’2106/03/2021 15:01:23
flea rake
Hair comb
nHair combWin28/02/’2228/02/2022 16:10:3428/02/’2228/02/2022 16:11:54
flippin’ ug
Unprepossessing
adjUnprepossessingMark11/01/’2211/01/2022 15:50:44
flock of sparrows
A particularly satisfying and comprehensive defecation
nA particularly satisfying and comprehensive defecationM & N10/07/’2210/07/2022 16:17:08
floor sweepings
The type of bread so full of roughage that it barely hangs together, and is often understatedly sold as “multigrain”
nThe type of bread so full of roughage that it barely hangs together, and is often understatedly sold as “multigrain”Mark10/07/’2210/07/2022 22:43:08
floordrobe
The floor of a bedroom when scattered with clothing
nThe floor of a bedroom when scattered with clothingMark22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:27:33
flopsam & jepsam
Flotsam & jetsam
nFlotsam & jetsamUncle Tony03/03/’2103/03/2021 23:56:08
flosh
With qualifier: fizzy liquid. Without qualifier: elderflosh (qv)
nWith qualifier: fizzy liquid. Without qualifier: elderflosh (qv)Naomi19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:19:28
Floss
Clare’s pet name for her daughter Eve
nClare’s pet name for her daughter EveClare21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:08:29
fluff
To break wind
vTo break windJM24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:58:21
flutterby
Butterfly
nButterflyDad11/03/’2111/03/2021 23:35:3819/03/’2219/03/2022 22:44:20
fly squatter
Fly swatter
nFly swatterWin27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:12:46
FOFO
A basis for the valuation of stocks (inventory) hard-found by young auditors
nA basis for the valuation of stocks (inventory) hard-found by young auditorsMark10/09/’2310/09/2023 12:18:20
fok strongbody
Powerful, strong, intense
adjPowerful, strong, intenseMark03/03/’2103/03/2021 23:52:1906/03/’2106/03/2021 14:09:59
for Ron
For later on
adjFor later onMark19/08/’2119/08/2021 12:46:1930/10/’2330/10/2023 10:05:04
Forderism
A strangled conceit of the kind much employed by Rev H Forder to leaven his sermons
nA strangled conceit of the kind much employed by Rev H Forder to leaven his sermonsIliff family20/06/’2320/06/2023 16:00:41
forgetty bowl of naise
Spaghetti bolognaise
nSpaghetti bolognaiseNicholas29/03/’2129/03/2021 23:54:12
forn prongs
Travel adapters for electrical plugs
nTravel adapters for electrical plugsMark04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:36:39
foul infidel! Know you have trod on the toe of Abul Abulbul Amir!
You have trodden on my foot
verseYou have trodden on my footPa09/03/’2209/03/2022 16:01:3609/03/’2209/03/2022 16:03:57
fox’s puss
Faux pas
nFaux pasMark12/03/’2112/03/2021 18:09:1212/03/’2112/03/2021 18:11:30
fraggleflops
A particular kind of shoe, with very little potential as a weapon, issued to prison inmates
nA particular kind of shoe, with very little potential as a weapon, issued to prison inmatesNaomi25/05/’2125/05/2021 21:44:5205/02/’2205/02/2022 21:32:37
front loader
Bra with a zip at the front
nBra with a zip at the frontBel07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:09:17
full-fat electricity
Electricity from an EV rapid charger
nElectricity from an EV rapid chargerBel07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:34:15
fundo-cubital dislocia
The condition of being unable to distinguish between one’s arse and one’s elbow
nThe condition of being unable to distinguish between one’s arse and one’s elbowMark25/05/’2125/05/2021 21:32:55
furphy
A tall tale; an erroneous or improbable story that is claimed to be factual
nA tall tale; an erroneous or improbable story that is claimed to be factualClare12/07/’2212/07/2022 00:57:3112/07/’2212/07/2022 01:13:34
fustercluck
A mess resulting from several mistakes compounding each other
nA mess resulting from several mistakes compounding each otherMark11/03/’2111/03/2021 23:34:23
garnsed up
1) In a tangle. 2) Badly soiled
adj1) In a tangle. 2) Badly soiledIliff family04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:30:4910/03/’2110/03/2021 21:31:00
gash
Broken. Can also, in the same general sense, be a noun meaning rubbish
adjBroken. Can also, in the same general sense, be a noun meaning rubbishMark07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:25:37
gawn awf and gawt lawst
Gone astray
expGone astrayMark26/06/’2326/06/2023 09:27:12
gee what great looking kids – are they adopted?
Intended meaning: Your kids are a lot blonder than you two
expIntended meaning: Your kids are a lot blonder than you twoM & N30/03/’2130/03/2021 21:20:51
generation J
Baby boomers, those of us who grew up with affordable housing, generous pensions and free university
nBaby boomers, those of us who grew up with affordable housing, generous pensions and free universityMark31/10/’2131/10/2021 23:36:05
get aht t’road ye silly beggar!
Cease obstructing my passage!
excCease obstructing my passage!Granny Dixon27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:22:06
get off and milk it!
I am not very impressed with your vehicle
expI am not very impressed with your vehicleM & N17/03/’2117/03/2021 21:08:4711/01/’2211/01/2022 12:39:36
get off home with you!
Your round of golf is spoiling the view from my window
excYour round of golf is spoiling the view from my windowGranny Dixon08/03/’2108/03/2021 15:49:0408/03/’2108/03/2021 15:49:18
give every flying moment something to remember it by
Response to “I’m bored”
expResponse to “I’m bored”Granny Dixon10/02/’2210/02/2022 15:17:14
glass cherries
Glacé cherries
nGlacé cherriesClare27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:37:3228/02/’2228/02/2022 14:52:29
Gnomey Alewife
WordPerfect 4.2’s spellcheck suggestion for Naomi Iliff
nWordPerfect 4.2’s spellcheck suggestion for Naomi IliffMark31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:19:03
go commando
Perform a piece of music without referring to the score
vPerform a piece of music without referring to the scoreMark18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:22:45
go swimming with the children
Defecate
vDefecateNaomi18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:07:53
Goat Herders’ Guide to the Galaxy (or GHGTTG)
The christian bible
nThe christian bibleMark05/12/’2105/12/2021 18:23:51
gobble
Ogle. Observe lecherously
vOgle. Observe lecherouslyNaomi21/08/’2321/08/2023 08:47:28
god rest you jerry mentlemen
Mischievous variation on God rest you merry, gentlemen from the carol of the same name
verseMischievous variation on God rest you merry, gentlemen from the carol of the same nameIliff family11/02/’2211/02/2022 11:50:1205/03/’2205/03/2022 21:59:57
goggrybaggies
Mouldy, off, rotten (of food)
adjMouldy, off, rotten (of food)Naomi30/06/’2230/06/2022 22:56:5530/06/’2230/06/2022 23:00:23
Golliwog railway
The Festiniog (now Ffestiniog) Railway in N Wales
nThe Festiniog (now Ffestiniog) Railway in N WalesFrancis25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:29:05
good girl, Daddy
You have my approval, Father
expYou have my approval, FatherJM25/03/’2125/03/2021 12:37:53
good moaning
Good morning
expGood morningRiverbankers25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:45:12
goodndit
One of the good guys in a story
nOne of the good guys in a storyMark29/07/’2129/07/2021 12:23:53
goosegog
Gooseberry
nGooseberryIliff family28/01/’2228/01/2022 00:08:54
gorillas
The key of G major
nThe key of G majorRiverbankers02/03/’2202/03/2022 22:53:2802/03/’2202/03/2022 23:08:40
grabled exnaplation
Garbled explanation… but garbled
nGarbled explanation… but garbledMark14/03/’2114/03/2021 11:37:55
Grauniad
The UK-based newspaper The Guardian
nThe UK-based newspaper The GuardianM & N30/11/’2330/11/2023 08:12:11
graunty / gruncle
Great aunty / Great uncle
nGreat aunty / Great uncleLyra25/03/’2125/03/2021 12:41:1725/03/’2125/03/2021 13:50:06
Great Aunt Pottymouth
Naomi
nNaomiMartin16/05/’2116/05/2021 23:12:52
Grey Funnel Line
The navy
nThe navyMark26/06/’2326/06/2023 09:34:58
Grindelchomps
The historian, TV presenter and daughter of Reading Lucy Worsley
nThe historian, TV presenter and daughter of Reading Lucy WorsleyMark10/07/’2210/07/2022 16:26:39
grouse
Very good
adjVery goodBenno25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:30:47
gubby
Car sporting a GB plate when seen abroad
nCar sporting a GB plate when seen abroadMum14/03/’2114/03/2021 13:44:4517/12/’2317/12/2023 12:07:48
Gusto
A mystery friend
nA mystery friendJM19/08/’2119/08/2021 12:54:01
haddoncave
Participate in PE without a jockstrap
vParticipate in PE without a jockstrapMark27/06/’2127/06/2021 15:54:32
Hairy Pudder
The fictional character Harry Potter
nThe fictional character Harry PotterMark17/01/’2217/01/2022 00:00:5923/01/’2223/01/2022 12:40:03
hand in one’s badge and gun
Resign
vResignMark30/06/’2230/06/2022 22:59:26
hankerchoof
Handkerchief
nHandkerchiefJoy03/02/’2203/02/2022 15:37:2620/06/’2320/06/2023 16:24:24
Harwich for the Continent, {Frinton} for the incontinent
Old folk joke from the time when “Harwich for the Continent” would be generally recognised
expOld folk joke from the time when “Harwich for the Continent” would be generally recognisedPa18/08/’2318/08/2023 21:25:3526/08/’2326/08/2023 12:17:49
hatches, matches and despatches
The Births, Marriages & Deaths column of a newspaper, the avid perusal of which becomes the first priority of some w…
nThe Births, Marriages & Deaths column of a newspaper, the avid perusal of which becomes the first priority of some when it thuds on the matGranny Dixon10/03/’2210/03/2022 18:14:00
haus sik
Hospital
nHospitalClare02/03/’2202/03/2022 23:12:18
have speaks
Discuss
vDiscussJoy16/04/’2116/04/2021 14:37:46
he seems nice
He seems odious
expHe seems odiousRiverbankers25/01/’2425/01/2024 00:03:38
head-canon
Information about an intellectual property that is not explicitly in the text but is in one’s head to explain away an …
nInformation about an intellectual property that is not explicitly in the text but is in one’s head to explain away an inconsistency/fill in a detailThe Triskele12/02/’2412/02/2024 14:37:2112/02/’2412/02/2024 16:12:03
here’s a tanner each to go away
Mental reaction to carol singers knocking the door. Can be literal or ironic. Would not actually be voiced
expMental reaction to carol singers knocking the door. Can be literal or ironic. Would not actually be voicedIliff family11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:34:5119/08/’2119/08/2021 12:56:21
hey little horsey, don’t you stop
Call back to the song: Hey little horsey, don’t you stop, Just let your hooves go clicketty clop. Tail go swish, wh…
verseCall back to the song: Hey little horsey, don’t you stop, Just let your hooves go clicketty clop. Tail go swish, wheels go round Giddy up we’re homeward bound.Pa08/03/’2208/03/2022 21:50:02
hey, Mr Squirrel, pull your pants up!
Callback to a joke that clearly tickled Pa but was never given in full
expCallback to a joke that clearly tickled Pa but was never given in fullPa03/09/’2303/09/2023 10:39:07
he’s got that round his neck
He has deeply misunderstood and/or perpetrated a severe tangle
expHe has deeply misunderstood and/or perpetrated a severe tangleMark01/03/’2201/03/2022 15:10:4101/03/’2201/03/2022 15:14:05
hiding behind the door when the brains were handed out
Not notably astute
adjNot notably astuteM & N06/07/’2106/07/2021 14:52:1028/01/’2228/01/2022 16:36:53
Higwi Kombi
High Wycombe
nHigh WycombeM & N20/04/’2120/04/2021 23:35:3820/04/’2120/04/2021 23:36:55
His Majesty’s Lunchbox
The retailer Majestic Wines
nThe retailer Majestic WinesNaomi06/07/’2106/07/2021 14:46:29
hoddududuh
Hand-powered carpet sweeper
nHand-powered carpet sweeperRiverbankers04/09/’2104/09/2021 12:37:48
hoggry tiglets!
My, what a satisfying ending!
excMy, what a satisfying ending!Naomi14/03/’2114/03/2021 13:50:32
hogwashing hat
Impromptu sun hat made by drawing up a t-shirt until the neck band sits round the forehead and the remainder covers the …
nImpromptu sun hat made by drawing up a t-shirt until the neck band sits round the forehead and the remainder covers the neckNaomi03/03/’2103/03/2021 23:59:28
hoist on his/her/your own door-bomb
Hoist on his/her/your own petard
expHoist on his/her/your own petardRiverbankers20/07/’2220/07/2022 00:03:09
hold back my sleeve while I put my finger to my forehead
I am trying to bring a forgotten thing to mind
expI am trying to bring a forgotten thing to mindPa04/03/’2204/03/2022 00:49:3604/03/’2204/03/2022 15:37:35
hollow legs
One capable of eating large amounts of food while remaining slender
adjOne capable of eating large amounts of food while remaining slenderIliff family05/02/’2205/02/2022 15:32:02
holly bush
Mythical physical laxative
nMythical physical laxativeGranny Dixon10/04/’2110/04/2021 13:38:49
home again, home again, jiggedy jog
We are finally home! Pa would chant it upon arriving home after an outing with Mr Bump
verseWe are finally home! Pa would chant it upon arriving home after an outing with Mr BumpPa12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:20:1209/03/’2209/03/2022 22:18:56
homeopathic vodka
Water
nWaterMark27/06/’2127/06/2021 16:09:29
honey money
Proceeds of selling honey
nProceeds of selling honeyClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)28/02/’2228/02/2022 16:14:35
honker
Goose
nGooseJoy22/02/’2122/02/2021 01:18:4422/02/’2122/02/2021 01:18:44
hoof-hearted
Has the form of an adjective, but is just a surreptitious way of calling out someone else’s flatulence
expHas the form of an adjective, but is just a surreptitious way of calling out someone else’s flatulenceGranny Dixon31/10/’2131/10/2021 23:52:2631/10/’2131/10/2021 23:54:07
hopsital
Hospital
nHospitalRiverbanklings27/03/’2127/03/2021 15:20:3728/03/’2128/03/2021 15:07:50
hopt out
Opt out
vOpt outBel04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:28:14
Horrible Life
Herbal Life (now Herbalife), the brand of shampoo & similar products
nHerbal Life (now Herbalife), the brand of shampoo & similar productsIliff family12/05/’2112/05/2021 22:19:38
Horrids
The retail emporium Harrods
nThe retail emporium HarrodsBrian03/07/’2203/07/2022 12:22:15
horse apples
Horse shit
nHorse shitM & N22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:46:21
horse droppings
A hairstyle in which the hair is drawn up to sit on top of the head in multiple blobs
nA hairstyle in which the hair is drawn up to sit on top of the head in multiple blobsNaomi21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:28:41
horse’s douvers
Hors d’oeuvres
nHors d’oeuvresMark19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:27:5201/01/’2301/01/2023 11:29:25
hot bottyflosher
Cleansing lavatory of the kind often associated with Japan. Apt to be sold elsewhere as a Smart toilet
nCleansing lavatory of the kind often associated with Japan. Apt to be sold elsewhere as a Smart toiletM & N21/08/’2321/08/2023 08:56:5926/08/’2326/08/2023 12:15:30
hot holders
Oven mitts
nOven mittsKing family21/11/’2121/11/2021 01:10:2311/02/’2211/02/2022 00:49:58
hot will grow cold, if greedy will wait
If you had patience then your mouth would not be burning right now
expIf you had patience then your mouth would not be burning right nowGranny Collard12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:25:4404/03/’2204/03/2022 00:19:26
how awdinawy!
Depressingly dull. Disappointingly ordinary
excDepressingly dull. Disappointingly ordinaryM & N11/03/’2111/03/2021 15:47:5111/03/’2111/03/2021 15:48:05
how’s your belly off for spots?
How are you
expHow are youGranny Dixon21/03/’2121/03/2021 15:58:4021/03/’2121/03/2021 22:15:06
hullabaloo
One given to loud and/or exhibitionist behaviour, especially when boating
nOne given to loud and/or exhibitionist behaviour, especially when boatingM & N31/10/’2131/10/2021 23:43:1401/11/’2101/11/2021 22:10:11
humididity
Humidity
nHumidityM & N13/03/’2113/03/2021 22:42:21
hyper-bowl
Hyperbole
nHyperboleM & N17/03/’2117/03/2021 13:31:21
hypodemic nerdle
Hypodermic needle
nHypodermic needleM & N05/03/’2105/03/2021 13:47:29
I can walk from here
You have parked rather far from the kerb
expYou have parked rather far from the kerbM & N11/02/’2211/02/2022 01:35:50
I Clavdivs
I, Claudius, the book of Robert Graves
nI, Claudius, the book of Robert GravesM & N29/07/’2129/07/2021 12:31:07
I could have cooked at home
Rebuke for anyone who chooses the same dish as someone else at the table when eating out
expRebuke for anyone who chooses the same dish as someone else at the table when eating outMum30/11/’2330/11/2023 08:25:06
I did not know that death had undone so many
Blimey, what a lot of people! Generally used when caught up in a pressing crowd, or observing a teeming throng
expBlimey, what a lot of people! Generally used when caught up in a pressing crowd, or observing a teeming throngNaomi01/07/’2201/07/2022 12:30:5202/01/’2302/01/2023 13:33:35
I don’t boil my cabbages twice
I decline to repeat the words to which you failed to give proper attention
expI decline to repeat the words to which you failed to give proper attentionGranny Dixon04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:38:1224/12/’2124/12/2021 11:34:13
I expect nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.
(What it says)
exp(What it says)Naomi08/03/’2208/03/2022 21:01:4119/01/’2419/01/2024 11:10:38
I have had an elegant sufficiency
Used when turning down a second (or subsequent) helping at table
expUsed when turning down a second (or subsequent) helping at tableEvelyn07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:24:3121/01/’2421/01/2024 12:06:53
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons
Can be quoted to mean: 1) I have been engaged in trivia 2) I have drunk a lot of coffee
verseCan be quoted to mean: 1) I have been engaged in trivia 2) I have drunk a lot of coffeeNaomi26/08/’2326/08/2023 00:39:59
I laughed until I stopped
I didn’t laugh
expI didn’t laughM & N01/07/’2201/07/2022 12:44:46
I lift up my finger and I say tweet tweet
Callback to: I lift up my finger and I say tweet tweet, shush shush, come come, now now. I don’t think we ever work…
verseCallback to: I lift up my finger and I say tweet tweet, shush shush, come come, now now. I don’t think we ever worked out what prompted a recital…Granny Dixon29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:03:0516/09/’2316/09/2023 21:04:24
I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by
I hate deadlines
expI hate deadlinesMark28/02/’2228/02/2022 15:50:47
I only dropped them once
I only destroyed { the item in question } once
expI only destroyed { the item in question } onceUncle Tony27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:45:22
I remember being in Scotland
A callback to the song fragment: I remember being in Scotland Shooting peas up a nanny goat’s bottom …to the tune…
verseA callback to the song fragment: I remember being in Scotland Shooting peas up a nanny goat’s bottom …to the tune of Men of HarlechGranny Dixon25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:50:3905/03/’2205/03/2022 22:02:42
I saw Esau sitting an a seesaw
It was just one of those things grown-ups would come out with from time to time
verseIt was just one of those things grown-ups would come out with from time to timeGranny Dixon07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:05:20
I see said the blind man as he walked into a lampost
Sceptical response to the assertion “I see”
expSceptical response to the assertion “I see”Iliff family05/02/’2205/02/2022 15:23:52
I takin’ my sack and my boots
I’ve had enough of this
expI’ve had enough of thisCarmen26/02/’2126/02/2021 21:39:0725/11/’2325/11/2023 18:22:15
I thought we were having a PSA
Polite¹ way of saying “No, we’re not going out and stop making that racket”. PSA = peaceful Sunday afternoon
expPolite¹ way of saying “No, we’re not going out and stop making that racket”. PSA = peaceful Sunday afternoonBel28/02/’2328/02/2023 21:11:4902/03/’2302/03/2023 15:26:20
I thought you were complaining about the bouzouki
I could make no sense of what you just said
expI could make no sense of what you just saidM & N06/09/’2306/09/2023 13:14:19
I wanna beetroot
I really like the look of those toffee apples
excI really like the look of those toffee applesJohn T07/03/’2107/03/2021 21:14:05
I want gets nothing
Don’t ask for things
expDon’t ask for thingsIliff family11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:15:48
I want to watch me daddy pee
(What it says)
exp(What it says)Iliff family15/03/’2115/03/2021 21:35:1615/03/’2115/03/2021 21:36:47
I was a fool to think the old Percy was dead
I find myself amorously inclined
expI find myself amorously inclinedG06/09/’2106/09/2021 01:22:0710/09/’2110/09/2021 12:27:34
I would as lief ’erd ‘ens
I don’t want to do it
expI don’t want to do itKing family04/03/’2204/03/2022 00:53:39
idées au dessus de son gare
Ideas above his station, a classic put-down of those trying to advance themselves by those who consider themselves super…
expIdeas above his station, a classic put-down of those trying to advance themselves by those who consider themselves superiorAunt D04/02/’2204/02/2022 13:55:1404/02/’2204/02/2022 14:02:54
if he fell into basin full of boobs he’d come out sucking his thumb
He is serially unlucky
expHe is serially unluckyM & N28/02/’2228/02/2022 15:38:4028/02/’2228/02/2022 21:44:07
if I could walk that way I wouldn’t need the talcum powder
Response to “walk this way”
expResponse to “walk this way”Riverbankers29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:05:55
if I wasn’t a gunner I wouldn’t be here
Timing phrase used by the gunner during a gun salute to ensure the bangs are evenly spaced
expTiming phrase used by the gunner during a gun salute to ensure the bangs are evenly spacedM & N30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:15:10
if UCP on tripe don’t eat it
If you see pee on tripe don’t eat it
expIf you see pee on tripe don’t eat itUncle Tony12/02/’2212/02/2022 11:22:56
if you can’t help don’t hinder
Rebuke for an offspring whose attempts to be helpful prove unsuccessful
expRebuke for an offspring whose attempts to be helpful prove unsuccessfulMum24/04/’2324/04/2023 14:24:26
if you can’t trivialise it it’s not worth saying
Don’t treat TV reportage as accurate
expDon’t treat TV reportage as accurateMark27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:40:34
if you enjoyed it half as much...
Callback to the saying “If you enjoyed it half as much as we did, then we enjoyed it twice as much as you”
expCallback to the saying “If you enjoyed it half as much as we did, then we enjoyed it twice as much as you”Riverbankers13/09/’2313/09/2023 15:34:1022/10/’2322/10/2023 10:40:11
if you get there first, draw a chalk line; if I get there first, I’ll rub it out
(Laudable nonsense)
exp(Laudable nonsense)Uncle Tony11/03/’2111/03/2021 15:56:0511/03/’2111/03/2021 16:19:19
if you have been, thank you for listening
Customary end-of-gig sign-off of Simon Nicol, guitarist and founding member of the band Fairport Convention
expCustomary end-of-gig sign-off of Simon Nicol, guitarist and founding member of the band Fairport ConventionMark12/07/’2212/07/2022 13:23:5915/07/’2215/07/2022 10:25:17
if you’re up that way with your teeth
If you will be going anyway
expIf you will be going anywayJoy09/03/’2109/03/2021 16:33:5712/03/’2112/03/2021 16:16:05
Ikea name
A person’s first name modified in a particular way
nA person’s first name modified in a particular wayMark24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:23:17
Iliff Point
The remotest part of a beach, where we would go to be away from everyone else (even though it meant lugging everything m…
nThe remotest part of a beach, where we would go to be away from everyone else (even though it meant lugging everything miles from the car)Iliff family03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:20:1811/03/’2111/03/2021 16:11:43
Iliff Wight
Isle of Wight, a county of England
nIsle of Wight, a county of EnglandG03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:16:2721/01/’2221/01/2022 11:08:43
imaginary friend
A god
nA godMark13/09/’2313/09/2023 15:28:12
in all my born days
Ever
advEverDad18/08/’2318/08/2023 22:15:11
in days gone by
In the past
advIn the pastDad18/08/’2318/08/2023 22:13:5618/08/’2318/08/2023 22:15:24
in heated agreement
When people are arguing vehemently for their own point of view without realising that they coincide
adjWhen people are arguing vehemently for their own point of view without realising that they coincideMark10/07/’2210/07/2022 16:22:18
in the nothings
Naked
adjNakedKing family19/03/’2219/03/2022 15:48:0430/03/’2230/03/2022 01:01:01
include me out
I do not wish to participate in this activity, thank you
expI do not wish to participate in this activity, thank youDad23/11/’2323/11/2023 23:28:08
insult
Consult
vConsultKing family07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:28:32
is it not passing fair to be a King and ride in triumph through Persepolis?
I am pleased
expI am pleasedPa11/09/’2311/09/2023 15:12:2912/09/’2312/09/2023 12:42:42
it has a better chance now
The mistake that prevented a thing from working has now been rectified
expThe mistake that prevented a thing from working has now been rectifiedMark05/12/’2105/12/2021 15:48:17
it was in the last place I looked
I’ve found it
expI’ve found itM & N29/01/’2229/01/2022 00:42:49
it’s been a bad year for Scottish hill farmers
(Intended as a conversation stopper)
exp(Intended as a conversation stopper)M & N29/01/’2229/01/2022 14:51:1229/01/’2229/01/2022 14:51:51
it’s just an if-statement
Satirical take on people who expect software to perform miracles without having the first idea of what’s involved
expSatirical take on people who expect software to perform miracles without having the first idea of what’s involvedMark30/11/’2330/11/2023 08:34:31
it’s no skin off my teeth
I am not affected by this
expI am not affected by thisM & N04/09/’2104/09/2021 12:55:58
it’s not rocket surgery
It’s not difficult
expIt’s not difficultRiverbankers08/10/’2208/10/2022 01:13:53
it’s only a trifle said the monkey
Callback to: ”It’s only a trifle!” said the monkey as it peed onto the sponge fingers …an expression of disdai…
expCallback to: ”It’s only a trifle!” said the monkey as it peed onto the sponge fingers …an expression of disdain for the gallimaufric pudding known as a trifleDad26/12/’2126/12/2021 21:19:13
it’s only me Naymee!
I am exercising my self-conferred right to enter your house without an invitation
expI am exercising my self-conferred right to enter your house without an invitationNaomi27/02/’2127/02/2021 16:12:24
it’s the water
Expression of disdain for mass-market American beers
expExpression of disdain for mass-market American beersPa25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:36:31
it’s worse than the ticktolleroo
A little less fidgeting please
expA little less fidgeting pleaseGranny Dixon07/04/’2107/04/2021 21:38:2307/03/’2207/03/2022 00:27:45
I’ll have the other half now
Perhaps I could be persuaded to a little more beer
expPerhaps I could be persuaded to a little more beerDad19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:59:2308/01/’2208/01/2022 14:48:02
I’ll raise a bunion on his Spanish onion
I shall have my revenge, in a sort of easy-going way
verseI shall have my revenge, in a sort of easy-going wayGranny Dixon27/01/’2227/01/2022 23:56:3205/03/’2205/03/2022 22:04:01
I’m as old as my tongue and a little bit older than my teeth
Answer to the question “How old are you?”
expAnswer to the question “How old are you?”Granny Dixon29/01/’2229/01/2022 14:38:47
I’m taking it back
Granny’s almost invariable declaration on arriving home with a purchase
expGranny’s almost invariable declaration on arriving home with a purchaseGranny Dixon19/03/’2219/03/2022 15:22:49
I’ve got my big eating hat on!
Settle down, stop this noise/disagreement/kerfuffle
expSettle down, stop this noise/disagreement/kerfuffleUncle Percy13/03/’2113/03/2021 22:48:27
jagular
Jaguar – can apply both to panthera onca and to the car brand
nJaguar – can apply both to panthera onca and to the car brandRiverbankers19/03/’2219/03/2022 16:01:28
jam sandwich
Police car
nPolice carM & N13/04/’2113/04/2021 13:12:23
Japanese jibble-jobs
The sweet, savoury & crunchy party snack otherwise known (in UK at least) as Oriental Mix
nThe sweet, savoury & crunchy party snack otherwise known (in UK at least) as Oriental MixMark20/06/’2320/06/2023 16:10:5820/06/’2320/06/2023 16:12:18
Jo-Jo le Plongeur
The children’s bath toy Diver Dan
nThe children’s bath toy Diver DanRiverbankers03/03/’2203/03/2022 14:05:42
jock
Miss, skip, cut or otherwise fail to attend
vMiss, skip, cut or otherwise fail to attendMark11/02/’2211/02/2022 12:00:24
Joe Blake
Snake
nSnakeClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:56:47
jolly hockey sticks
Of school-age girls: Enthusiastic participant in sports, and in upholding unquestioningly the school’s stated values …
adjOf school-age girls: Enthusiastic participant in sports, and in upholding unquestioningly the school’s stated values – not necessarily used admiringlyMum10/07/’2210/07/2022 16:12:11
kabiss
Cabbage
nCabbageClare09/03/’2209/03/2022 22:37:50
Kahula
The flavoured alcohol more commonly known as Kahlúa
nThe flavoured alcohol more commonly known as KahlúaJoy12/02/’2412/02/2024 13:33:4812/02/’2412/02/2024 14:43:24
katsik
A dish Clare invented consisting largely of baked tomato with feta cubes
nA dish Clare invented consisting largely of baked tomato with feta cubesClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:18:5727/02/’2227/02/2022 14:24:02
kelp
Happy to go with the flow
adjHappy to go with the flowThe Triskele12/02/’2412/02/2024 15:09:1912/02/’2412/02/2024 16:12:49
kettle
Steam locomotive
nSteam locomotiveM & N12/11/’2312/11/2023 00:32:25
King Midas has ass’s ears
The sound of rustling grasses
expThe sound of rustling grassesKing family24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:47:0422/10/’2322/10/2023 11:33:14
kiss me WHAT‽
G’s reaction on being told we were off to the West End to see the musical Kiss Me Kate
expG’s reaction on being told we were off to the West End to see the musical Kiss Me KateG19/03/’2219/03/2022 16:06:56
kiwi
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
nKilowatt-hour (kWh)Mark24/04/’2324/04/2023 14:18:3624/04/’2324/04/2023 14:18:57
knicker picker
Picnic
nPicnicClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)20/01/’2320/01/2023 00:50:26
knock it on the head
A suggestion by Dad’s consultant for dealing with a UTI
expA suggestion by Dad’s consultant for dealing with a UTIDad16/03/’2116/03/2021 14:16:1616/03/’2116/03/2021 14:16:34
kom bibi, bibi!
Swiss German summoning cry for chickens, to be yelled at a high pitch and volume when serving them household scraps
expSwiss German summoning cry for chickens, to be yelled at a high pitch and volume when serving them household scrapsKing family07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:45:41
Krapy Rubsnif
Finsbury Park, a district of London
nFinsbury Park, a district of LondonMark30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:02:1512/11/’2312/11/2023 00:33:05
kumu
Greens
nGreensClare21/01/’2421/01/2024 15:09:03
kwinoa
Phonetic pronunciation of Quinoa
nPhonetic pronunciation of QuinoaMark22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:32:21
ky-oo Daddy!
On second thoughts, Father, I should like to take up your offer to carry me
excOn second thoughts, Father, I should like to take up your offer to carry meJM03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:52:37
ladies of negotiable affection
Female sex workers
nFemale sex workersRiverbankers07/02/’2207/02/2022 14:52:0207/02/’2207/02/2022 14:55:30
lah-pom
Lavatory
nLavatoryDad09/03/’2109/03/2021 00:07:15
land of hopeless Tories
Line to be sung to the tune of Elgar’s jingoistic roundelay Land of hope and glory
verseLine to be sung to the tune of Elgar’s jingoistic roundelay Land of hope and gloryMum07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:37:1408/01/’2408/01/2024 09:53:18
law of diminishing astonishment
The process by which we become less and less impressed by ever greater advances, especially in technology
nThe process by which we become less and less impressed by ever greater advances, especially in technologyMark05/12/’2105/12/2021 15:37:06
laxadaisical
Like lackadaisical, but laxer
adjLike lackadaisical, but laxerNaomi28/07/’2128/07/2021 18:45:1028/07/’2128/07/2021 18:45:38
le chien retourne a son propre vomissement
The dog returns to its own vomit
expThe dog returns to its own vomitNaomi19/07/’2119/07/2021 23:52:4729/07/’2129/07/2021 12:43:10
le grand fromage lui-même
The big cheese himself
expThe big cheese himselfM & N19/07/’2119/07/2021 23:57:1019/07/’2119/07/2021 23:58:44
le très chose
Just the thing I was seeking
nJust the thing I was seekingMark18/08/’2318/08/2023 22:18:12
leaf blower
A well-to-do man who is dissolute or promiscuous
nA well-to-do man who is dissolute or promiscuousM & N12/02/’2212/02/2022 21:23:10
leave it to cook
Said while waiting for digital data to download/transfer
expSaid while waiting for digital data to download/transferG07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:11:4507/01/’2407/01/2024 23:12:57
left hand down a bit
A navigation direction given when unsure, or to suggest that the navigator is unsure
expA navigation direction given when unsure, or to suggest that the navigator is unsureIliff family29/10/’2329/10/2023 00:41:10
let it cuik!
If you have an infected bite or splinter, or a boil or carbuncle, put a plaster on and let it take its course
expIf you have an infected bite or splinter, or a boil or carbuncle, put a plaster on and let it take its courseKing family21/01/’2421/01/2024 14:35:06
let my son have the ball!
Veiled threat to embarrass an offspring by intervening on their behalf in something they ought to have under control
excVeiled threat to embarrass an offspring by intervening on their behalf in something they ought to have under controlGranny Dixon22/03/’2122/03/2021 23:32:4023/03/’2123/03/2021 22:44:54
Lethal Festival
The Leith Hill Musical Festival
nThe Leith Hill Musical FestivalMark27/05/’2127/05/2021 21:18:12
let’s find out, shall we?
Response to “do you know what you’re doing?”
expResponse to “do you know what you’re doing?”M & N25/01/’2425/01/2024 00:05:2211/02/’2411/02/2024 11:13:36
let’s put the roof on first
Let’s do a thing that due reflection would reveal to be impossible
expLet’s do a thing that due reflection would reveal to be impossibleIliff family06/09/’2106/09/2021 00:57:20
let’s put the roof on first…
That task is being undertaken in an inauspicious sequence
expThat task is being undertaken in an inauspicious sequenceIliff family05/09/’2305/09/2023 11:47:5306/09/’2306/09/2023 01:39:08
Li Phook
The East Asian village in Hampshire otherwise known as Liphook
nThe East Asian village in Hampshire otherwise known as LiphookMark01/01/’2301/01/2023 00:44:17
lie like a flatfish
Tell extreme lies
vTell extreme liesMark02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:29:1412/01/’2212/01/2022 14:43:29
light a candle to Saint Anthony
A thing to do when searching for a lost item
expA thing to do when searching for a lost itemPa18/03/’2218/03/2022 00:26:37
like a goanna up a gum tree
Disappearing fast
adjDisappearing fastClare27/09/’2227/09/2022 23:59:27
like Lot’s wife
Emerging profusely (of salt)
adjEmerging profusely (of salt)Granny Dixon17/07/’2217/07/2022 01:07:3817/07/’2217/07/2022 21:44:46
like the fat lady – all behind
In arrears or running late
expIn arrears or running lateClare27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:10:00
limerish
Limerick that doesn’t quite follow the rules of that verse form
nLimerick that doesn’t quite follow the rules of that verse formMark11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:03:52
listen to the silence!
Isn’t it quiet?
excIsn’t it quiet?Granny Dixon19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:24:03
little birdie flying high
A callback to this ditty: Little birdie flying high Drops a present from the sky Angry farmer wipes his eye Thanking…
verseA callback to this ditty: Little birdie flying high Drops a present from the sky Angry farmer wipes his eye Thanking god that cows don’t flyUncle Tony12/05/’2112/05/2021 21:56:3005/03/’2205/03/2022 22:05:07
little teapots have big spouts
Let us continue this discussion later, when the children aren’t listening
expLet us continue this discussion later, when the children aren’t listeningMum26/02/’2126/02/2021 21:36:35
Liztrak
The Elizabeth Line, the west ⇌ east cross-London rail service
nThe Elizabeth Line, the west ⇌ east cross-London rail serviceMark03/12/’2303/12/2023 00:29:5303/12/’2303/12/2023 00:41:25
lobster pop
Lobster pot
nLobster potKing family17/09/’2117/09/2021 21:44:49
loggy sticks
Logistics
nLogisticsRiverbankers17/03/’2117/03/2021 13:10:30
long may your big jib draw
Wishing you a happy and successful life
expWishing you a happy and successful lifeIliff family19/03/’2219/03/2022 15:19:1320/03/’2220/03/2022 01:31:14
longhetti
Spaghetti (see Notes)
nSpaghetti (see Notes)Iliff family08/03/’2108/03/2021 15:54:4111/02/’2211/02/2022 00:48:36
longwe liklik
I have no idea how far away
expI have no idea how far awayClare28/02/’2228/02/2022 16:23:24
Lontink
London
nLondonPa25/11/’2325/11/2023 13:43:08
looks like you’ve been working on it for eight hours
Forthright critique of a hair-do that’s closer to a hair-don’t
excForthright critique of a hair-do that’s closer to a hair-don’tNathan29/12/’2129/12/2021 21:19:09
Lord Jesus hangs on a peg. Which peg does he hang on?
Deeply philosophical question posed by Felix aged about 6 when hanging a pine cone on the Christmas tree
expDeeply philosophical question posed by Felix aged about 6 when hanging a pine cone on the Christmas treeFelix24/04/’2324/04/2023 15:05:2424/04/’2324/04/2023 15:07:23
lubricants
Pedestrians who unwittingly help motorists exit a side road by using a crossing on the main road
nPedestrians who unwittingly help motorists exit a side road by using a crossing on the main roadM & N30/07/’2330/07/2023 23:16:1130/07/’2330/07/2023 23:16:40
lumps
Mumps
nMumpsIliff family21/03/’2121/03/2021 22:34:52
lumpy ming fruit
Beetroot
nBeetrootFelix08/03/’2108/03/2021 19:05:2208/03/’2108/03/2021 19:06:06
Ma son’s a prawn
The traditional fiddle tune Mason’s apron
nThe traditional fiddle tune Mason’s apronMark18/08/’2318/08/2023 15:36:01
madman in the attic
Negotiating technique along the lines of “I’d love to do that but the boss won’t let me”
expNegotiating technique along the lines of “I’d love to do that but the boss won’t let me”Mark03/03/’2203/03/2022 14:25:5103/03/’2203/03/2022 16:10:14
maflingo
Flamingo
nFlamingoRiverbankers05/02/’2205/02/2022 21:40:3005/02/’2205/02/2022 21:42:18
Maggie Murphy’s please park prettily
You can park better than that
expYou can park better than thatUncle Tony07/02/’2207/02/2022 14:40:07
make friends in cookhouse
Treat support workers with respect
expTreat support workers with respectPa23/04/’2123/04/2021 23:09:4426/08/’2326/08/2023 00:27:36
makes your eyebrows sweat
An unexpected consequence of eating blackcurrants
expAn unexpected consequence of eating blackcurrantsG05/03/’2105/03/2021 14:08:5506/03/’2106/03/2021 12:53:43
manchester
Household linen
nHousehold linenRiverbankers22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:25:39
Mangerton (going)
Finally snapping and expressing one’s wordless anger - particularly if this is due to moving goalposts
nFinally snapping and expressing one’s wordless anger - particularly if this is due to moving goalpostsAoife12/02/’2412/02/2024 13:54:4512/02/’2412/02/2024 16:08:31
Marcus Aurelius
Dad’s pet name for Mark
nDad’s pet name for MarkDad05/12/’2105/12/2021 18:18:08
mardy
Sulky, whiny
adjSulky, whinyClare07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:30:05
may your wheels turn square and your petrol turn to water!
A curse directed at disobliging drivers
excA curse directed at disobliging driversClare20/01/’2320/01/2023 00:55:40
mental floss
A brain teaser or exercise undertaken to develop mental acuity
nA brain teaser or exercise undertaken to develop mental acuityMark21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:12:16
mexicakes
Mexican pancakes when made at home from tortillas, mince, vegetables etc.
nMexican pancakes when made at home from tortillas, mince, vegetables etc.Riverbankers11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:20:3728/01/’2228/01/2022 01:22:04
Milly-Molly-Mandy house
A stereotypical house, absolutely symmetrical with one window each side of the porch, three matching windows on the firs…
nA stereotypical house, absolutely symmetrical with one window each side of the porch, three matching windows on the first floor (2ⁿᵈ if you’re American) & the pitch of the roof matching the pitch of the porchMum27/06/’2127/06/2021 16:07:43
mingo
Flamingo
nFlamingoJoy13/05/’2213/05/2022 01:08:56
Ministry of Tidy Folk
[1]. When composers in the classical tradition adopt folk music fatally by stabbing it through the soul with a baton. …
n[1]. When composers in the classical tradition adopt folk music fatally by stabbing it through the soul with a baton. [2]. People who believe that the version of a folk tune they know is the one true and only versionMark05/12/’2105/12/2021 16:03:1022/01/’2222/01/2022 21:11:30
Ministry of Tidy Ruins
Generic term for English Heritage, Historic Scotland and similar organisations dedicated to setting the ragged remains o…
nGeneric term for English Heritage, Historic Scotland and similar organisations dedicated to setting the ragged remains of long-gone buildings in neatly trimmed grassNaomi04/09/’2104/09/2021 12:45:4905/12/’2105/12/2021 16:03:53
misery bite
Comfort food when unwell
nComfort food when unwellFelix18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:24:42
misery chest
First aid kit taken on holidays, or medicine cupboard at home
nFirst aid kit taken on holidays, or medicine cupboard at homeMum26/05/’2126/05/2021 14:23:5527/05/’2127/05/2021 00:12:30
mismanglement
Mismanagement, only more so
nMismanagement, only more soMark14/03/’2114/03/2021 11:34:30
Miss Moppett
Aunt D’s pet name for her neice Kate Collard (later Baines, later Tomato)
nAunt D’s pet name for her neice Kate Collard (later Baines, later Tomato)Aunt D21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:04:0021/01/’2421/01/2024 12:32:41
Miss/Master Flum Bum
Handy moniker for anyone whose name you can’t, at that moment, remember
nHandy moniker for anyone whose name you can’t, at that moment, rememberAunt D06/03/’2206/03/2022 23:51:37
mloddy
Mouldy
adjMouldyRiverbankers11/02/’2211/02/2022 11:56:50
mollydooker
A left-handed person, a southpaw
nA left-handed person, a southpawWin03/12/’2303/12/2023 00:56:20
more of a meal than a drink
Tea served from a pot without a strainer
expTea served from a pot without a strainerPaul H27/06/’2127/06/2021 16:16:28
Moses
The most elastic man in the christian bible
nThe most elastic man in the christian biblePa18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:16:47
most highly flavoured gravy
Mischievous variation on Most highly favoured lady, a line from the carol The Angel Gabriel
verseMischievous variation on Most highly favoured lady, a line from the carol The Angel GabrielMark11/02/’2211/02/2022 11:46:5005/03/’2205/03/2022 22:06:23
Mount Ararat
Mount Alvernia hospital, Guildford, which is a long climb from the bus stop on the Epsom road
nMount Alvernia hospital, Guildford, which is a long climb from the bus stop on the Epsom roadGranny Dixon27/05/’2127/05/2021 21:15:2730/10/’2330/10/2023 10:16:47
Mount Toberead
The pile/stack/tower/mountain of books that a person wishes to read
nThe pile/stack/tower/mountain of books that a person wishes to readMark31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:11:3218/12/’2218/12/2022 11:51:51
move your lips!
Your diction is unsatisfactory
excYour diction is unsatisfactoryMum12/03/’2112/03/2021 14:47:14
mozarella
Tight over the belly, typically of a man’s white shirt
adjTight over the belly, typically of a man’s white shirtMark30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:04:18
Mr Brown upstairs smoking
The wholly fictitious person a young lad claimed would pay his bus fare, buying him time to scarper when the conductor w…
nThe wholly fictitious person a young lad claimed would pay his bus fare, buying him time to scarper when the conductor went upstairsPop06/07/’2106/07/2021 15:13:3019/08/’2319/08/2023 12:14:44
Mr Bump
An iterative navigation technique that eschews maps, plans and electronic devices and instead proceeds in the hope that …
expAn iterative navigation technique that eschews maps, plans and electronic devices and instead proceeds in the hope that each failed attempt will at least bring the traveller a little nearer to the destination. Characterised by scenic routes & late arrivalsPa01/03/’2201/03/2022 16:30:3001/03/’2201/03/2022 19:52:00
muchos cocineros!
My goodness, what a lot of people there are in the kitchen!
excMy goodness, what a lot of people there are in the kitchen!Carmen04/09/’2104/09/2021 12:50:5804/09/’2104/09/2021 13:15:00
Muggerborski
The composer Mussorgsky
nThe composer MussorgskyDad03/03/’2103/03/2021 21:29:0303/03/’2103/03/2021 21:29:16
Mulligan’s Tyres
Mull of Kintyre
nMull of KintyreIliff family30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:08:57
murano
Merino
adjMerinoM & N25/03/’2125/03/2021 17:06:11
my aunt, having made a telephone call, is feeling very much better
Mischievous mistranslation of the French expression Tant pis, tant mieux
expMischievous mistranslation of the French expression Tant pis, tant mieuxMum27/01/’2227/01/2022 23:50:0928/01/’2228/01/2022 00:10:58
my back, my belly and my two sides
Response to person complaining they feel unwell
expResponse to person complaining they feel unwellJM12/05/’2112/05/2021 22:24:18
my colleague of the sandpit
A playmate whose name escaped young Benno
expA playmate whose name escaped young BennoBenno11/02/’2411/02/2024 00:47:28
my wife’s wedding anniversary
Hallmark of an unromantic husband
expHallmark of an unromantic husbandMark06/09/’2106/09/2021 01:06:59
my word, Hetty
A callback to the song fragment: My word, Hetty If I catch you on the jetty I’ll saw your leg off And stick it on …
verseA callback to the song fragment: My word, Hetty If I catch you on the jetty I’ll saw your leg off And stick it on with jam In Amsterdam …to a tune that the compilers have yet to identifyGranny Dixon25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:54:1101/01/’2301/01/2023 13:30:05
myzled
Misled
vMisledM & N19/08/’2119/08/2021 12:50:54
Nacirema
The subject of a satirical article Pa once read in which an anthropologist reports upon the weird rituals of a tribe, be…
nThe subject of a satirical article Pa once read in which an anthropologist reports upon the weird rituals of a tribe, before eventually revealing that they are none other than AmericansPa17/09/’2317/09/2023 00:53:18
nanny nagface
One prone to give far more criticism or other feedback than the situation warrants
nOne prone to give far more criticism or other feedback than the situation warrantsNaomi11/02/’2211/02/2022 11:54:3911/02/’2211/02/2022 12:54:07
nice parking job, big guy!
I am deeply unimpressed with your attempt at parking
excI am deeply unimpressed with your attempt at parkingM & N17/09/’2117/09/2021 21:52:09
niggs
Eggs
nEggsNaomi30/03/’2130/03/2021 00:01:4327/08/’2327/08/2023 12:20:31
nim
Niece or nephew
nNiece or nephewHealiffs18/08/’2318/08/2023 22:03:5718/08/’2318/08/2023 22:11:01
nipple cake
Cherry bakewell
nCherry bakewellM & N19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:13:13
no bones in it!
Easy, little one, there’s nothing hard to swallow in my milk
expEasy, little one, there’s nothing hard to swallow in my milkMum27/04/’2127/04/2021 13:47:44
no fun allowed
You have tried to do something nice for yourself and the world will not permit it
expYou have tried to do something nice for yourself and the world will not permit itHealiff clan12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:04:4412/03/’2112/03/2021 16:15:51
no use to man or dog
No use to man or beast
expNo use to man or beastMark14/03/’2114/03/2021 15:53:08
no, it was a new one
Response to “was it an omen?”
expResponse to “was it an omen?”Riverbankers10/07/’2210/07/2022 22:37:53
no, it’s just the way I’m breathing
Time-honoured answer to the question “Are you coming?”
expTime-honoured answer to the question “Are you coming?”M & N16/03/’2116/03/2021 22:15:47
noddles
Noodles
nNoodlesRiverbankers27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:59:26
North Pole, duty penguin
Mischievous or stroppy phrase for answering a ringing phone
expMischievous or stroppy phrase for answering a ringing phoneMark21/11/’2121/11/2021 14:09:4719/12/’2119/12/2021 14:48:10
north-south-west
New South Wales
nNew South WalesM & N22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:49:33
nose pie
The yield from a nose-picking foray
nThe yield from a nose-picking forayGranny Dixon07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:33:08
not much of anything, but well and truly elegant
A more sophisticated and less substantial repast than usually appeared on the King family table
expA more sophisticated and less substantial repast than usually appeared on the King family tableGranny Collard04/03/’2204/03/2022 00:35:00
Notlob
Bolton
nBoltonM & N04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:44:0806/09/’2306/09/2023 13:15:20
now mighty Caesar turned to clay might stop a wall to keep the wind away
We are all humbled in death
expWe are all humbled in deathMark29/01/’2229/01/2022 14:44:36
now the weather turns quite dirty and the clock it strikes five-thirty
The weather is taking a turn for the worse
expThe weather is taking a turn for the worseM & N07/02/’2207/02/2022 23:04:47
noxious weed
Non-native species of plant
nNon-native species of plantClare11/03/’2111/03/2021 21:03:1430/03/’2230/03/2022 00:59:18
noy
1. Now 2. No
adv1. Now 2. NoMark28/09/’2228/09/2022 15:01:1628/09/’2228/09/2022 15:03:33
NQOTD
Not quite our type, darling
expNot quite our type, darlingJM26/02/’2126/02/2021 19:48:1702/03/’2102/03/2021 00:49:23
nucking futter
One whose behaviour defies reason
nOne whose behaviour defies reasonMark05/03/’2205/03/2022 15:58:23
oatygoats
Goats
nGoatsClare07/04/’2107/04/2021 21:39:3119/03/’2219/03/2022 22:33:59
obsquecious
Obsequious
adjObsequiousKing family17/09/’2117/09/2021 22:10:16
obstacular
Being an obstacle
adjBeing an obstacleGareth12/03/’2112/03/2021 14:57:4212/03/’2112/03/2021 16:15:10
oddfather / oddmother
A role akin to godfather / godmother suitable for an atheist
nA role akin to godfather / godmother suitable for an atheistJoy07/02/’2207/02/2022 23:08:43
Odgers
The TV presenter Mister Rogers, whose show was a favourite of Joy’s when she was about 2-3
nThe TV presenter Mister Rogers, whose show was a favourite of Joy’s when she was about 2-3Joy31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:32:30
oh bother!
Things are not going well
excThings are not going wellDad17/03/’2117/03/2021 13:15:5326/01/’2226/01/2022 11:19:25
oh dear… how sad… never mind
I acknowledge your unhappiness, but consider it overstated
expI acknowledge your unhappiness, but consider it overstatedM & N14/01/’2214/01/2022 12:44:45
oh Lucky Jim!
Well that’s not good
excWell that’s not goodNaomi05/07/’2205/07/2022 01:18:1510/07/’2210/07/2022 15:57:53
old bagaloon
Humourless older woman
nHumourless older womanNaomi06/03/’2106/03/2021 13:40:02
old folk joke
A joke so old that it tickles no-one, but must be trotted out when a suitable setup is given
nA joke so old that it tickles no-one, but must be trotted out when a suitable setup is givenPa11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:18:3630/10/’2330/10/2023 11:01:33
omzetbelasting
Imprecation that sounds ruder than it is
excImprecation that sounds ruder than it isDad27/07/’2127/07/2021 21:17:29
on pots hooray!
1. You have finally understood the thing I have been walking you to that I think is obvious. 2. We are looking at some …
exc1. You have finally understood the thing I have been walking you to that I think is obvious. 2. We are looking at some ancient pottery including some form of decoration. 3. We are about to watch The Great Pottery Throwdown (more recent usage)Joy12/02/’2412/02/2024 13:49:0412/02/’2412/02/2024 16:06:56
on the way to Meeting, I saw a butterfly and it reminded me of God
Ministry at a Quaker Meeting at Sidcot School, executed for a bet
expMinistry at a Quaker Meeting at Sidcot School, executed for a betClare01/03/’2201/03/2022 15:48:29
on the wonk
Askew
adjAskewRiverbanklings10/09/’2310/09/2023 14:51:22
one goat!
OK, I made a mistake. But I feel you’re attaching too much importance to it
expOK, I made a mistake. But I feel you’re attaching too much importance to itBenno’s family21/01/’2421/01/2024 14:23:38
One I love, Two I love, Three I love, I say
Callback to: One I love Two I love Three I love, I say. Four I love with all my heart Five I cast away. Six he loves Se…
verseCallback to: One I love Two I love Three I love, I say. Four I love with all my heart Five I cast away. Six he loves Seven she loves Eight they both love. Nine he comes, Ten he tarries, Eleven they court, Twelve they marry. Thirteen they quarrel Fourteen they part Fifteen one dies of a broken heartGranny Collard04/03/’2204/03/2022 00:28:1105/03/’2205/03/2022 22:08:40
one more shirt will do me
Don’t wash or iron me any more shirts as I’m going to drop dead any moment now
expDon’t wash or iron me any more shirts as I’m going to drop dead any moment nowBel12/05/’2112/05/2021 22:28:35
one up, one down, one polisher
British Army heuristic for lavatory paper usage
expBritish Army heuristic for lavatory paper usageMark29/01/’2229/01/2022 14:37:28
one-legged Santa at an arse kicking party
A now-retired Christmas decoration in Reading town centre
nA now-retired Christmas decoration in Reading town centreRiverbankers30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:37:47
ontray!
Special version of “come in” for room service when in France… because the food comes on a tray
excSpecial version of “come in” for room service when in France… because the food comes on a trayG07/04/’2107/04/2021 22:15:4310/04/’2110/04/2021 13:30:07
oomagoolie
Umami, the one of the five basic tastes that didn’t have an English word (so we took the Japanese one)
nUmami, the one of the five basic tastes that didn’t have an English word (so we took the Japanese one)Naomi21/11/’2121/11/2021 01:15:1017/08/’2317/08/2023 23:43:18
op
Any edible liquid/paste/stew
nAny edible liquid/paste/stewHealiff clan09/03/’2109/03/2021 16:37:4911/03/’2111/03/2021 13:45:06
open the breach and fire the gun
Callback to the couplet: Wakey wakey! Morning’s come Open the breach and fire the gun
expCallback to the couplet: Wakey wakey! Morning’s come Open the breach and fire the gunKing family15/11/’2215/11/2022 20:15:0915/11/’2215/11/2022 20:20:09
operator
One practised at getting her/his/their own way
nOne practised at getting her/his/their own wayJohn T18/03/’2218/03/2022 00:32:3518/03/’2218/03/2022 00:33:10
optical illusion, man!
It is an optical illusion
expIt is an optical illusionClare27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:16:08
optometrist method
A/B testing, in which users of a system, product or idea under development are asked “is it better like this… or lik…
nA/B testing, in which users of a system, product or idea under development are asked “is it better like this… or like this?”Mark24/04/’2324/04/2023 14:34:5924/04/’2324/04/2023 14:36:30
ordinary Australian tea
India tea
nIndia teaPa27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:00:06
organ donor
Cyclist
nCyclistMark08/10/’2208/10/2022 01:02:56
orpathedic
Orthopaedic
adjOrthopaedicJM29/07/’2129/07/2021 12:07:0519/12/’2119/12/2021 14:42:33
osh
Generic term for sauces, soufflés, jellies, dips, pastes, pickles and other comestibles of a similar consistency
nGeneric term for sauces, soufflés, jellies, dips, pastes, pickles and other comestibles of a similar consistencyKing family04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:59:4109/03/’2109/03/2021 16:38:44
oslo
An instrumental solo during a song
nAn instrumental solo during a songRiverbankers21/01/’2421/01/2024 14:55:26
our friend who travels on his belly
Snake
nSnakePa04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:59:38
ours
Our
adjOurJoy13/05/’2213/05/2022 01:10:32
ouzo
Ozone
nOzoneRiverbankers07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:26:4419/12/’2119/12/2021 14:25:46
Oyé
Evelyn’s name for herself when she was known as Joyce (which was up to her late teens)
nEvelyn’s name for herself when she was known as Joyce (which was up to her late teens)Evelyn09/03/’2209/03/2022 15:39:41
p-o-tat-oes
Callback to a song: p-o-tat-oes O OOOO O OO
verseCallback to a song: p-o-tat-oes O OOOO O OODad19/03/’2219/03/2022 14:28:2820/06/’2320/06/2023 16:26:22
PAC
1) Pissing awful coffee. 2) Pa’s awful coffee …depending on the audience
n1) Pissing awful coffee. 2) Pa’s awful coffee …depending on the audienceKing family13/04/’2113/04/2021 13:18:36
Page Nine
The Italian violinist & composer Niccolò Paganini
nThe Italian violinist & composer Niccolò PaganiniKing family14/01/’2214/01/2022 12:32:3219/08/’2319/08/2023 12:05:27
palanquin hee, palanquin ho
Bonding cry – no meaning
expBonding cry – no meaningM & N12/11/’2312/11/2023 00:54:0312/11/’2312/11/2023 00:54:20
pang!
Like bang, but clangier
excLike bang, but clangierClare03/03/’2103/03/2021 14:59:1904/03/’2104/03/2021 00:05:31
panty
Pantograph (in the context of current collection)
nPantograph (in the context of current collection)Naomi30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:32:02
par cark
Car park
nCar parkIliff family18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:31:06
park by ear
Park a vehicle with a lack of care, attention and skill
vPark a vehicle with a lack of care, attention and skillM & N30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:27:47
park-anywheres
Vehicle hazard warning lights (aka four-way flashers)
nVehicle hazard warning lights (aka four-way flashers)Aoife04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:25:1404/03/’2104/03/2021 12:57:41
parroty error
When your parrot says “pieces of seven”
expWhen your parrot says “pieces of seven”M & N01/03/’2201/03/2022 15:04:1322/01/’2422/01/2024 12:10:09
pas de freinage violent inutile
Drive carefully
expDrive carefullyM & N08/10/’2208/10/2022 01:09:25
pasteurised is best
Reflexive response to use of the word pasteurised
expReflexive response to use of the word pasteurisedM & N07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:45:2507/01/’2407/01/2024 10:46:29
paucey
Limp, pale or unprepossessing
adjLimp, pale or unprepossessingGranny Dixon21/03/’2121/03/2021 22:29:05
Pawdawfawdy
The main bus terminal in New York
nThe main bus terminal in New YorkMark11/02/’2411/02/2024 00:58:58
PEBUCK
The user – generally of a computer – is being a bit thick
expThe user – generally of a computer – is being a bit thickMark12/11/’2312/11/2023 00:31:04
peelywally
Unwell, washed out, under the weather, pale & uninteresting
adjUnwell, washed out, under the weather, pale & uninterestingGranny Dixon09/03/’2109/03/2021 21:13:3319/05/’2119/05/2021 14:26:49
peelywally baggie
Part-baked baguette
nPart-baked baguetteMark09/03/’2109/03/2021 21:15:4916/02/’2216/02/2022 16:20:17
peepy-eyed
Frowzy, especially if eyes swollen from lack of (or too much) sleep
adjFrowzy, especially if eyes swollen from lack of (or too much) sleepClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)27/02/’2227/02/2022 14:53:5621/01/’2421/01/2024 11:41:52
percussive maintenance
Trying to fix a thing by hitting it
nTrying to fix a thing by hitting itRiverbankers01/07/’2201/07/2022 21:12:25
perslongings
Possessions
nPossessionsMark10/03/’2210/03/2022 18:08:4010/03/’2210/03/2022 18:30:36
PhD point
A subtlety in a creative work so obscure that it will pass unnoticed, unless it becomes the subject of a PhD one day
nA subtlety in a creative work so obscure that it will pass unnoticed, unless it becomes the subject of a PhD one dayMark13/03/’2113/03/2021 22:23:0321/03/’2121/03/2021 22:53:49
pick a note or go home
I am pained by your excessive use of vibrato and/or coloratura
excI am pained by your excessive use of vibrato and/or coloraturaMark07/02/’2207/02/2022 22:59:39
pick up fagends
Pay attention to snippets of others’ conversation, particularly without the full context, often with a view to joining…
vPay attention to snippets of others’ conversation, particularly without the full context, often with a view to joining inMark07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:19:5530/03/’2230/03/2022 01:05:43
pictureskew
Picturesque
adjPicturesqueIliff family10/03/’2210/03/2022 18:26:48
piece of chelief
Chief of police
nChief of policeMark28/02/’2228/02/2022 15:41:51
pif-pof-paf
A ruleless, winnerless game that can be seen on beaches throughout Europe. It involves 3 or more people hitting a ball b…
nA ruleless, winnerless game that can be seen on beaches throughout Europe. It involves 3 or more people hitting a ball between them with wooden batsM & N31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:06:07
Piglet
Affectionate name for Eve, the youngest member of the Claydon family
nAffectionate name for Eve, the youngest member of the Claydon familyClare11/02/’2411/02/2024 00:38:5611/02/’2411/02/2024 00:41:59
pimps
Easy
adjEasyRiverbanklings27/02/’2327/02/2023 13:07:14
pince mie
Mince pie, the Christmas comestible
nMince pie, the Christmas comestibleRiverbankers18/03/’2218/03/2022 00:44:54
pingams
Belly button
nBelly buttonKing family03/03/’2103/03/2021 23:53:57
pinghole
Microwave oven
nMicrowave ovenMark08/03/’2108/03/2021 16:08:4908/03/’2108/03/2021 16:09:21
pither
Waste time; engage in displacement activities; avoid a task
vWaste time; engage in displacement activities; avoid a taskMum28/02/’2328/02/2023 22:32:00
PLAN AHE
Plan ahead
expPlan aheadMark26/08/’2326/08/2023 21:29:07
playback
The luggage area of an estate car
nThe luggage area of an estate carMum08/03/’2108/03/2021 16:11:4128/01/’2228/01/2022 16:55:22
plug
Conceal item in the rectum
vConceal item in the rectumNaomi05/02/’2205/02/2022 21:34:59
plup in a cup
Provide a semen sample
vProvide a semen sampleNaomi07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:39:2407/01/’2407/01/2024 00:40:09
POETS day
Piss off early, tomorrow’s Saturday (or, for sensitive ears, Push off…)
nPiss off early, tomorrow’s Saturday (or, for sensitive ears, Push off…)Mark27/05/’2127/05/2021 00:16:34
poffle
Pop filter for a microphone
nPop filter for a microphoneMark24/03/’2124/03/2021 15:40:49
pointèd stick
Pointed stick
nPointed stickM & N12/03/’2112/03/2021 18:16:01
poo tickets
Toilet roll, lavatory paper, bogroll, torchecul, bum fodder… call it what you will
nToilet roll, lavatory paper, bogroll, torchecul, bum fodder… call it what you willClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)28/02/’2228/02/2022 16:06:15
Pope scuttle
Passetto di Borgo, the 800 metre concealed passageway that connects the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo for purposes of …
nPassetto di Borgo, the 800 metre concealed passageway that connects the Vatican to Castel Sant’Angelo for purposes of running awayMark30/07/’2330/07/2023 23:21:0131/07/’2331/07/2023 00:03:17
Poppa Piccolino
Granny’s pet name for Pop
nGranny’s pet name for PopGranny Dixon23/11/’2323/11/2023 18:56:15
popular beat combo
A group or band that has enjoyed some success in the singles charts
nA group or band that has enjoyed some success in the singles chartsM & N29/10/’2329/10/2023 00:30:14
pornograph
Imaginary appliance for displaying pornography
nImaginary appliance for displaying pornographyPa05/03/’2105/03/2021 13:44:00
potato sock
Sock with several holes
nSock with several holesNaomi04/03/’2104/03/2021 13:18:57
poverty model
Bottom-of-the-range option, especally where the cost savings are conspicuous
nBottom-of-the-range option, especally where the cost savings are conspicuousUncle Tommy03/03/’2103/03/2021 15:03:58
practise beforehand which ruins the fun
Take preparation seriously. Callback to Flanders & Swann’s A song of patriotic prejudice: And all the world over…
verseTake preparation seriously. Callback to Flanders & Swann’s A song of patriotic prejudice: And all the world over each nation’s the same They’ve simply no notion of playing the game They argue with umpires, they cheer when they’ve won And they practise beforehand which ruins the funM & N27/06/’2127/06/2021 16:21:2305/03/’2205/03/2022 22:09:58
prat flaps
A particular type of men’s open leather sandal, especially if large, droopy and worn with socks
nA particular type of men’s open leather sandal, especially if large, droopy and worn with socksRiverbankers18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:35:37
premium bomb
Premium Bond, a savings product of UK’s NS&I
nPremium Bond, a savings product of UK’s NS&INaomi15/11/’2215/11/2022 20:26:36
prickly pig
Echidna, the spine-covered egg-laying mammal sometimes misleadingly known as spiny anteater
nEchidna, the spine-covered egg-laying mammal sometimes misleadingly known as spiny anteaterWin05/03/’2205/03/2022 22:26:5106/03/’2206/03/2022 11:11:42
priest car
Morris Minor
nMorris MinorMark05/12/’2105/12/2021 15:40:20
priestage
Prestige
nPrestigeGranny Dixon24/03/’2124/03/2021 15:42:42
pron
Can be used both for “Please would you turn on the printer” and for “I have now turned on the printer, my love”
expCan be used both for “Please would you turn on the printer” and for “I have now turned on the printer, my love”M & N22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:53:40
propelleper
Propeller
nPropellerFelix08/01/’2208/01/2022 00:40:4710/01/’2210/01/2022 11:31:51
prunt
Printed
vPrintedM & N21/08/’2321/08/2023 08:59:14
puffin break
When climbing, a puffing break with a pretext
nWhen climbing, a puffing break with a pretextNaomi04/03/’2104/03/2021 13:03:59
pugsaw jizzle
Jigsaw puzzle
nJigsaw puzzleMark13/03/’2113/03/2021 22:44:30
pump
Nonsense
nNonsenseMark24/03/’2124/03/2021 15:44:5124/12/’2124/12/2021 14:37:56
pumpkin time
Bed time
nBed timeNaomi21/11/’2121/11/2021 01:09:2718/03/’2218/03/2022 00:50:33
punctuality is a politeness of kings
Don’t be late
expDon’t be lateMark11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:08:03
pune or play on words
Pun or wordplay
nPun or wordplayRiverbankers21/03/’2121/03/2021 22:33:03
purple-headeds
Mountains
nMountainsG02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:24:0604/03/’2104/03/2021 00:06:25
pushen
Cushion
nCushionIliff family29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:27:4630/12/’2230/12/2022 11:07:59
put fur/hair round it!
You seem to be having problem getting this thing in the appropriate hole - perhaps if it was more akin to a more biologi…
excYou seem to be having problem getting this thing in the appropriate hole - perhaps if it was more akin to a more biological insertion you would have more success.Riverbanklings12/02/’2412/02/2024 13:42:5412/02/’2412/02/2024 15:06:08
put it away – nothing wrong with it
You are not unwell
expYou are not unwellKing family01/07/’2201/07/2022 13:26:46
put the lumps in the gravy
Make the gravy
vMake the gravyNaomi25/01/’2425/01/2024 00:01:00
p’daahlo
Pedalo
nPedaloMum24/03/’2124/03/2021 15:39:14
QB
That feeling of numbness that can result from sitting still for an hour
nThat feeling of numbness that can result from sitting still for an hourClare28/09/’2228/09/2022 00:05:0328/09/’2228/09/2022 14:57:58
queece
Breast meat (aka white meat) of a roast fowl
nBreast meat (aka white meat) of a roast fowlDad16/11/’2216/11/2022 16:59:2116/11/’2216/11/2022 21:31:30
rabbit of negative euphoria
One who is unhappy
nOne who is unhappyRiverbankers17/03/’2117/03/2021 13:18:4821/03/’2221/03/2022 00:06:49
rattle your dags!
Get a move on!
excGet a move on!Felix12/07/’2212/07/2022 01:02:3217/07/’2217/07/2022 00:27:44
ready-ready
Ready, this moment, to do the next thing (as opposed to starting to think about bringing the previous activity to a clos…
adjReady, this moment, to do the next thing (as opposed to starting to think about bringing the previous activity to a close… at some point… probably, which is some people’s idea of “ready”)G09/08/’2109/08/2021 15:38:3609/08/’2109/08/2021 15:43:02
rectal floss
The type of swimming attire that disappears up the wearer’s bum crack (intentionally)
nThe type of swimming attire that disappears up the wearer’s bum crack (intentionally)Mark23/04/’2123/04/2021 23:11:31
redbrick
A consequence of eating beetroot
nA consequence of eating beetrootNaomi30/07/’2330/07/2023 23:57:18
renana
Banana
nBananaMark15/11/’2215/11/2022 20:21:57
rent to the ideal
The cost of trust. The price paid for the comfort of trusting people
expThe cost of trust. The price paid for the comfort of trusting peopleNaomi04/02/’2204/02/2022 15:17:1124/01/’2424/01/2024 15:41:34
respectawiggle
Respectable
adjRespectableNaomi17/03/’2117/03/2021 13:03:28
richtigetonneohnenach­barnprüfenstolz
The pride felt at putting out the right bin without first checking what the neighbours have done
nThe pride felt at putting out the right bin without first checking what the neighbours have doneMark14/04/’2214/04/2022 01:38:4814/04/’2214/04/2022 10:36:01
Riding to Llandudno on a charabanc…
Callback to: Riding to Llandudno on a charabanc Fifty miles an hour and we don’t care a hang The engine’s full of…
verseCallback to: Riding to Llandudno on a charabanc Fifty miles an hour and we don’t care a hang The engine’s full of petrol and the driver’s full of beer. (If there was a next line we never heard it)Granny Dixon29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:20:07
roastby spuds
Roast potatoes
nRoast potatoesIliff family08/01/’2208/01/2022 00:32:2908/01/’2208/01/2022 01:25:42
rough as a badger
Rough (in the sense of not smooth, but not in the sense of approximate)
adjRough (in the sense of not smooth, but not in the sense of approximate)Mark17/09/’2117/09/2021 21:47:02
RTFM
Read the manual (instead of bothering me)
expRead the manual (instead of bothering me)M & N02/03/’2202/03/2022 23:06:24
rumble-tumble
Anglo-Indian dish comprising scrambled eggs, onions and whatever stuff needs eating up
nAnglo-Indian dish comprising scrambled eggs, onions and whatever stuff needs eating upPa05/03/’2205/03/2022 22:24:0405/03/’2205/03/2022 22:54:14
run around to get wet
Having a low rate of flow (of a bathroom shower)
adjHaving a low rate of flow (of a bathroom shower)Mum01/07/’2201/07/2022 21:09:35
SA0
One lacking in situational awareness
nOne lacking in situational awarenessMark28/02/’2328/02/2023 22:35:01
sadlydie
Die
vDieMark21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:25:53
saganaki!
Goodness me, what low-hanging testicles that chap has been blessed with!
excGoodness me, what low-hanging testicles that chap has been blessed with!M & N04/03/’2104/03/2021 13:15:2725/02/’2225/02/2022 16:40:09
said Aunt Helga
response to anyone saying “tis” (or “it is” without sufficient care)
expresponse to anyone saying “tis” (or “it is” without sufficient care)Gareth12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:28:5612/03/’2112/03/2021 16:14:54
Saint Sean
The French composer Camille Saint-Saëns
nThe French composer Camille Saint-SaënsMark14/01/’2214/01/2022 12:30:16
salad pie
Quiche
nQuicheMark13/04/’2113/04/2021 13:06:02
samting, nating
Not worth worrying about (or remembering or noticing)
expNot worth worrying about (or remembering or noticing)Clare28/02/’2228/02/2022 16:20:3728/02/’2228/02/2022 16:21:10
sat in a tyre
Reference to the phrase Dressed in silk and satin attire
expReference to the phrase Dressed in silk and satin attireKing family19/01/’2219/01/2022 23:45:11
sausinge
Sausage
nSausageNaomi13/03/’2113/03/2021 16:28:41
scraper
Violin
nViolinRiverbankers07/01/’2407/01/2024 00:06:48
seagull
One whose style of management or participation is irregular and unhelpful
nOne whose style of management or participation is irregular and unhelpfulMark12/11/’2312/11/2023 00:27:20
sealion
Senile
adjSenileKing family06/09/’2106/09/2021 00:53:30
second coffee
Weak brew made by re-steeping grounds that have already been used to make the nice coffee
nWeak brew made by re-steeping grounds that have already been used to make the nice coffeeClare28/01/’2228/01/2022 01:11:1329/01/’2229/01/2022 00:28:16
senseless man
Census man
nCensus manNaomi05/03/’2105/03/2021 13:39:3205/03/’2105/03/2021 14:40:03
shabby and miscellaneous
Disappointing
adjDisappointingRiverbankers02/03/’2102/03/2021 13:21:45
sham-PAG-nee
Champagne
nChampagneClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)20/01/’2320/01/2023 00:49:20
shenzi
Below standard, no good
adjBelow standard, no goodClare02/03/’2202/03/2022 23:15:50
sherman
Act of self-pleasure
nAct of self-pleasureMark27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:56:30
shith-ooze
Seat of ease, convenience, lavatory
nSeat of ease, convenience, lavatoryM & N13/05/’2213/05/2022 01:14:2017/01/’2317/01/2023 11:26:40
shitzu
A zoo without penguins
nA zoo without penguinsFelix12/11/’2312/11/2023 00:28:21
shivery bite
Biscuit or sweet issued after a swim
nBiscuit or sweet issued after a swimMum03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:50:1828/03/’2128/03/2021 13:05:29
short arms, deep pockets
Mean, stingy
adjMean, stingyMark08/03/’2108/03/2021 16:04:48
shot a bunny
Passed wind
vPassed windJM29/03/’2129/03/2021 23:58:54
showing all you possess
Wearing immodest clothing
adjWearing immodest clothingMum23/11/’2323/11/2023 23:17:26
shrapnel
Small change, especially foreign coins that would be worthless on returning home
nSmall change, especially foreign coins that would be worthless on returning homeJoy28/02/’2228/02/2022 15:35:13
shrimp-wrapped
Shrink-wrapped
adjShrink-wrappedMark25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:40:39
shusho
Expression used when walking with tiny steps, as when traversing ice or other slippery surface
expExpression used when walking with tiny steps, as when traversing ice or other slippery surfaceNaomi11/02/’2411/02/2024 01:19:59
shut up and give your arse a chance
You appear to be talking nonsense
expYou appear to be talking nonsenseM & N17/03/’2117/03/2021 21:07:15
sickly cake
Individual cake of the indulgent type served for afternoon tea at the right sort of hotel
nIndividual cake of the indulgent type served for afternoon tea at the right sort of hotelGranny Dixon11/03/’2111/03/2021 16:21:4321/12/’2121/12/2021 11:45:23
Silliam William
Intentionally pompous variation of the mild put-down Silly Billy
nIntentionally pompous variation of the mild put-down Silly BillyMark06/07/’2106/07/2021 15:09:2022/01/’2422/01/2024 01:08:20
Sister / Brother
Useful device for addressing someone when you’ve forgotten their name
expUseful device for addressing someone when you’ve forgotten their namePa08/03/’2208/03/2022 20:37:07
sixpence!
Exclaimed at top volume by the first person at a meal to find a bone in their fish
expExclaimed at top volume by the first person at a meal to find a bone in their fishKing family07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:36:1708/01/’2408/01/2024 01:39:59
SLAB DISH PIG GUFF
Mnemonic for recalling the then-15 members of the EU
expMnemonic for recalling the then-15 members of the EUMark30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:22:39
slap it in the middle and we’ll all get a bit
I propose (or threaten) to serve this jelly, rice pudding, trifle or other osh by striking it in the middle with a ladle
expI propose (or threaten) to serve this jelly, rice pudding, trifle or other osh by striking it in the middle with a ladleGranny Dixon19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:30:1204/12/’2304/12/2023 12:08:37
slimy ming fruit
Avocado
nAvocadoFelix28/02/’2128/02/2021 14:38:2508/03/’2108/03/2021 19:05:44
sloppies
Loose-fitting clothing worn inside the home. Daylight PJs
nLoose-fitting clothing worn inside the home. Daylight PJsRiverbankers10/02/’2210/02/2022 15:13:11
smells like coffee, looks like cocoa
WW1 army tea
nWW1 army teaPop14/03/’2114/03/2021 13:42:0714/03/’2114/03/2021 13:46:13
smoko
Morning tea, especially when taken in a shearing shed
nMorning tea, especially when taken in a shearing shedClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)15/11/’2215/11/2022 19:47:06
Smoky Tree, the
The vast ancient yew tree & friend in the middle of the meadow at Sheepleas that Iliffs would climb and sit in, or u…
nThe vast ancient yew tree & friend in the middle of the meadow at Sheepleas that Iliffs would climb and sit in, or use as a pavilion, when youngstersBel10/03/’2310/03/2023 01:09:2315/03/’2315/03/2023 12:35:02
Snablats
St Albans
nSt AlbansMark04/03/’2104/03/2021 12:49:3103/01/’2203/01/2022 15:26:40
sniggle
Like snigger, but with less implied criticism
vLike snigger, but with less implied criticismAl05/07/’2105/07/2021 12:44:4705/07/’2105/07/2021 15:34:26
snorker
Sausage
nSausageMark23/11/’2123/11/2021 23:00:17
snortelly snips
Sleep, especially in anticipation
nSleep, especially in anticipationNaomi17/03/’2117/03/2021 21:13:0119/03/’2119/03/2021 11:12:58
snot harpoon
Nasal swab
nNasal swabMark07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:35:47
snotty gobbles (or snot block)
Vanilla slices
nVanilla slicesClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:43:15
so you do that
Response to an inaudible PA announcement
expResponse to an inaudible PA announcementIliff family08/03/’2108/03/2021 14:34:13
sof
Like soft, but softer
adjLike soft, but softerJoy02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:35:02
soft day
A day that’s raining stair-rods (cats & dogs, the devil & pitchforks, bullfrogs or your own regional expressio…
nA day that’s raining stair-rods (cats & dogs, the devil & pitchforks, bullfrogs or your own regional expression to taste)Mum15/11/’2215/11/2022 20:40:39
soft poop
Soft scoop ice cream, noted more for its malleability than its delectability
nSoft scoop ice cream, noted more for its malleability than its delectabilityRiverbankers10/07/’2210/07/2022 16:05:36
some people really work at being miserable
Gosh, s/he doesn’t look for the silver lining!
expGosh, s/he doesn’t look for the silver lining!M & N06/07/’2106/07/2021 14:53:3806/07/’2106/07/2021 14:54:57
sooky
Timid and/or apt to complain and/or resistant to fun
adjTimid and/or apt to complain and/or resistant to funClare17/03/’2117/03/2021 13:23:46
sorry-pardon
I trust you will forgive my trivial error
excI trust you will forgive my trivial errorIliff family03/07/’2203/07/2022 12:26:57
sound as a pound
Highly reliable. Also: In very good health
adjHighly reliable. Also: In very good healthRiverbankers05/02/’2205/02/2022 15:59:33
soya sturvya
I am sorry to disturb you
expI am sorry to disturb youRiverbankers03/04/’2103/04/2021 13:16:28
spacemen drop-off
Specimen drop-off
nSpecimen drop-offFelix27/03/’2127/03/2021 15:22:0009/07/’2109/07/2021 11:31:47
spanish Tourette’s
The practice of unexpectedly swatting between the hands insects in flight that are too small for observers to see
nThe practice of unexpectedly swatting between the hands insects in flight that are too small for observers to seeJoy07/11/’2207/11/2022 00:31:5212/02/’2412/02/2024 13:35:44
sparkling plugs
Spark plugs
nSpark plugsIliff family27/04/’2127/04/2021 13:43:00
sparrow piss
A rain shower so nugatory that it doesn’t even wet the grass
nA rain shower so nugatory that it doesn’t even wet the grassWin18/03/’2218/03/2022 00:56:12
sparrowfart
Very early in the morning
nVery early in the morningGranny Dixon21/11/’2121/11/2021 01:30:3818/03/’2218/03/2022 00:56:45
spearmint wino
Problem drinker who erroneously believes that sucking a mint will hide the alcohol on their breath
nProblem drinker who erroneously believes that sucking a mint will hide the alcohol on their breathMark27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:45:4627/02/’2327/02/2023 12:46:32
spider
The green bit of stalk on a tomato
nThe green bit of stalk on a tomatoAunt D08/10/’2208/10/2022 01:23:59
spider werb
Spider’s web
nSpider’s webJoy27/06/’2127/06/2021 15:49:31
Spindleshanks
Dad’s pet name for Jane-Marie, and later for Bel
nDad’s pet name for Jane-Marie, and later for BelDad28/01/’2228/01/2022 01:02:0109/10/’2209/10/2022 00:07:02
splash and dash
Quick foray to the grocery shop
nQuick foray to the grocery shopRiverbankers01/01/’2201/01/2022 14:52:24
splash me boots!
Excuse me while I make a visit to the gents’ lavatory
expExcuse me while I make a visit to the gents’ lavatoryMark12/03/’2112/03/2021 21:17:2713/03/’2113/03/2021 22:39:03
spoons
The time and headspace required for a proposed undertaking
nThe time and headspace required for a proposed undertakingJoy11/02/’2411/02/2024 01:26:1411/02/’2411/02/2024 11:08:04
spose
Spouse
nSpouseMark28/02/’2228/02/2022 15:32:29
squabble & beak
Edited¹: The Westerhoff version of bubble & squeak, comprising shallow-fried leftover potatoes and cabbage
nEdited¹: The Westerhoff version of bubble & squeak, comprising shallow-fried leftover potatoes and cabbageClare07/01/’2407/01/2024 23:32:2521/01/’2421/01/2024 15:02:45
square eyes
One who watches a lot of TV
nOne who watches a lot of TVIliff family02/02/’2202/02/2022 00:42:48
square measles
A QR code, one of those 2-D barcode things like… like… well, like square measles
nA QR code, one of those 2-D barcode things like… like… well, like square measlesMark28/09/’2228/09/2022 14:53:33
squashed fly biscuits
Garibaldi biscuits, the ones with currants squashed between two thin rectangles of biscuit
nGaribaldi biscuits, the ones with currants squashed between two thin rectangles of biscuitKing family06/03/’2206/03/2022 23:49:05
squeamful
Like squeamish, but less indefinite
adjLike squeamish, but less indefiniteMark17/03/’2117/03/2021 13:08:30
St Reatham
Gentrified pronunciation of the London district Streatham
nGentrified pronunciation of the London district StreathamBrian25/05/’2125/05/2021 15:25:30
stabbing
Blood test. Can also refer to an injection
nBlood test. Can also refer to an injectionMark23/03/’2123/03/2021 23:03:3221/11/’2121/11/2021 11:55:21
Stephen Physics
1. Personification of physics 2. Any physical law that provides an obstacle in life
n1. Personification of physics 2. Any physical law that provides an obstacle in lifeGareth12/02/’2412/02/2024 14:17:5612/02/’2412/02/2024 16:11:19
Steve
The UK restaurant chain Bella Italia (formerly Bella Pasta)
nThe UK restaurant chain Bella Italia (formerly Bella Pasta)Felix11/02/’2411/02/2024 01:21:58
stiffie
A 3½ inch diskette, an obsolete removable storage medium for computers capable of storing 1·44 MB of data, or about a …
nA 3½ inch diskette, an obsolete removable storage medium for computers capable of storing 1·44 MB of data, or about a quarter of a typical 2023 digital photoMark30/07/’2330/07/2023 23:33:4430/07/’2330/07/2023 23:35:35
Stinkyniger
Rhosneigr, the seaside village in Anglesey
nRhosneigr, the seaside village in AngleseyDixon family12/05/’2112/05/2021 22:13:5012/05/’2112/05/2021 22:20:05
Stirling Moss, chica/chico!
Goodness me, you seem to be driving exuberantly today
excGoodness me, you seem to be driving exuberantly todayCarmen02/03/’2102/03/2021 12:56:3502/03/’2102/03/2021 16:20:15
straight-straight-straight
Straight on
expStraight onM & N11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:23:45
stuck in me clack
Stuck in my throat
expStuck in my throatGranny Dixon01/03/’2201/03/2022 15:21:59
stumps (or call stumps)
Declare the end of play – call a halt to an undertaking with no defined end, or simply decide it’s bedtime
expDeclare the end of play – call a halt to an undertaking with no defined end, or simply decide it’s bedtimeM & N13/03/’2113/03/2021 16:35:59
stunned mullet
One ill-suited to an employment, and apparently unaware of it
nOne ill-suited to an employment, and apparently unaware of itIliff family17/09/’2317/09/2023 00:44:5318/09/’2318/09/2023 07:33:25
subtropical swimming paradise
Swimming pool with doodads
nSwimming pool with doodadsPaul H11/09/’2311/09/2023 15:19:01
sun, sea, sand and, er…, palms
Manual self-stimulation
expManual self-stimulationRiverbankers28/07/’2128/07/2021 18:43:39
surface filing
A system of filing that involves leaving everything on the desktop, ie no system at all
nA system of filing that involves leaving everything on the desktop, ie no system at allMark28/02/’2228/02/2022 15:46:0901/03/’2201/03/2022 12:27:03
Suss-ar-ekal!
Pa’s take on his father’s take on a Sikh battle cry
excPa’s take on his father’s take on a Sikh battle cryPa09/03/’2209/03/2022 22:12:35
susu
Breast; breast milk.
nBreast; breast milk.Clare01/03/’2201/03/2022 20:02:5701/03/’2201/03/2022 20:04:51
susu bilong bulmacow
Cows’ milk
nCows’ milkClare01/03/’2201/03/2022 20:04:20
sweat cobs
Sweat profusely
vSweat profuselyGranny Dixon23/11/’2323/11/2023 23:34:23
swing-door face
One who enjoys eating out
nOne who enjoys eating outGranny Dixon22/10/’2322/10/2023 00:59:27
swooshbox
Dishwasher
nDishwasherM & N25/05/’2125/05/2021 16:09:00
T-rain
Train
nTrainClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)15/11/’2215/11/2022 19:52:54
tadpoles
A musical score
nA musical scoreMark02/03/’2202/03/2022 22:58:2202/03/’2202/03/2022 23:02:05
take the smooth with the rough
After physical or mental exertion, relax without guilt
vAfter physical or mental exertion, relax without guiltMark10/07/’2210/07/2022 22:49:13
takes the skin off your teeth
An effect of eating rhubarb
expAn effect of eating rhubarbBel09/03/’2209/03/2022 15:15:23
talkie-walkie
Walkie-talkie
nWalkie-talkieMark27/04/’2127/04/2021 13:39:44
tall, dark and handsome… and slightly out of focus
The putative ideal qualities of an attractive woman’s male consort
adjThe putative ideal qualities of an attractive woman’s male consortPa20/07/’2220/07/2022 00:09:5426/07/’2226/07/2022 01:29:51
taramadiddle
Like taradiddle, but taradiddlier
nLike taradiddle, but taradiddlierNaomi06/07/’2106/07/2021 14:56:3730/04/’2330/04/2023 10:22:44
tassel
Penis
nPenisMark19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:15:1121/11/’2121/11/2021 11:56:56
tasting diamonds
The experience of breathing in very cold air
vThe experience of breathing in very cold airJoy12/02/’2412/02/2024 14:02:2312/02/’2412/02/2024 16:09:31
teaching wolves to chase sledges
Misguided negotiation technique of making a concession without requiring the other party to do the same
expMisguided negotiation technique of making a concession without requiring the other party to do the sameMark03/03/’2203/03/2022 16:21:1027/02/’2327/02/2023 11:54:47
Teetee de Boof
Tête de Bœuf restaurant in Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire
nTête de Bœuf restaurant in Wootton Wawen, WarwickshireM & N05/03/’2205/03/2022 15:53:2705/03/’2205/03/2022 15:56:26
tell it not in Gath
Between you and me…
expBetween you and me…Mark06/03/’2206/03/2022 23:18:39
tentacles
Testicles
nTesticlesMum28/01/’2228/01/2022 01:06:00
Teshco
Tesco, the supermarket chain
nTesco, the supermarket chainPa27/06/’2127/06/2021 16:11:18
testiculae loquans
Talking bollocks
adjTalking bollocksMark05/12/’2105/12/2021 15:43:2807/12/’2107/12/2021 12:04:19
testiculate
Employ expansive gestures whilst talking bollocks
vEmploy expansive gestures whilst talking bollocksM & N11/08/’2111/08/2021 00:39:0211/08/’2111/08/2021 12:23:39
thalassa! thalassa!
After many hours’ travel towards the seaside, there at last is the actual sea! (thalassa = θαλασσα = sea)
excAfter many hours’ travel towards the seaside, there at last is the actual sea! (thalassa = θαλασσα = sea)Naomi19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:50:3919/03/’2119/03/2021 15:54:33
thank you Mrs Lowsborough Goosborough
Thanks for nothing
verseThanks for nothingGranny Dixon02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:26:2705/03/’2205/03/2022 22:14:02
that man did smack me with a needle!
Toddler Mark’s blubbing reaction to an inoculation which he had not expected
excToddler Mark’s blubbing reaction to an inoculation which he had not expectedMark16/04/’2116/04/2021 14:35:07
that’s an acquired taste: you either like it or you don’t
I don’t like it
expI don’t like itClare08/03/’2208/03/2022 21:22:2409/03/’2209/03/2022 14:53:32
that’s pissed on me chips!
Crikey, that occurrence has confounded my endeavours!
expCrikey, that occurrence has confounded my endeavours!Mark21/08/’2321/08/2023 08:39:2623/08/’2323/08/2023 14:18:40
that’s small onions
That is the end. We have done all that we are here to do
expThat is the end. We have done all that we are here to doJoy11/02/’2211/02/2022 11:36:49
that’s the badger!
Ah, *that* is the object/technique/problem/solution we were looking for
excAh, *that* is the object/technique/problem/solution we were looking forMark26/05/’2126/05/2021 12:20:3326/05/’2126/05/2021 12:27:52
that’s your shauri!
That is your problem / issue
expThat is your problem / issueClare21/01/’2421/01/2024 01:18:35
the artist is making a joke
Its creator intended this to be funny or clever
expIts creator intended this to be funny or cleverRiverbankers18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:48:35
the blind Doges of Venice
Response to any reference to Venice, blind, blinds or dogs
expResponse to any reference to Venice, blind, blinds or dogsPa21/01/’2421/01/2024 00:59:39
the camels are coming hurrah, hurrah!
Pa’s jingle, delivered in an Anglo-Indian lilt, to go with jiggling a small child on his knee
versePa’s jingle, delivered in an Anglo-Indian lilt, to go with jiggling a small child on his kneeClare05/03/’2205/03/2022 16:28:4705/03/’2205/03/2022 21:47:03
the chop
A vasectomy
nA vasectomyNaomi10/02/’2210/02/2022 15:10:3310/02/’2210/02/2022 23:29:10
the crow makes wing to th’ rooky wood
Light thickens, and the crow makes wing to th’ rooky wood. Good things of day begin to droop and drowse; While nigh…
verseLight thickens, and the crow makes wing to th’ rooky wood. Good things of day begin to droop and drowse; While night’s black agents to their preys do rouse. —Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Act III scene 2Naomi20/06/’2320/06/2023 16:08:30
the customer is always the customer
The supplier’s job is to satisfy the wants of the customer, however unhinged they might appear
expThe supplier’s job is to satisfy the wants of the customer, however unhinged they might appearMark12/04/’2212/04/2022 00:18:19
the door’s not shut on my genius but…
I’ll eventually prove to be brilliant
verseI’ll eventually prove to be brilliantNaomi08/03/’2208/03/2022 20:42:08
the full catastrophe
Everything; all of the thing we’re discussing
expEverything; all of the thing we’re discussingNaomi08/03/’2208/03/2022 20:54:03
the gap towns
Dorking, Woking, Reigate, Redhill, Guildford…
nDorking, Woking, Reigate, Redhill, Guildford…Pa01/07/’2201/07/2022 12:39:55
the good ship Slap-it-with-a-ruler
Meaning obscure, but it tended to be wheeled out when ships were spoken of
expMeaning obscure, but it tended to be wheeled out when ships were spoken ofGranny Dixon12/11/’2312/11/2023 00:44:50
the job’s a good ’un
We have achieved our objective
expWe have achieved our objectiveMark12/02/’2212/02/2022 21:27:37
the Marmalade Bush
The Cinnamon Tree, an Indian restaurant in Mortimer near Reading that was a favourite with the Arthurs
nThe Cinnamon Tree, an Indian restaurant in Mortimer near Reading that was a favourite with the ArthursM & N24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:38:1024/01/’2324/01/2023 23:54:13
the nut holding the steering wheel
The driver of a road vehicle
nThe driver of a road vehicleRiverbankers31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:27:54
the pit is in
The fruit still contains its pip or stone
expThe fruit still contains its pip or stoneM & N31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:17:23
the telephone upon the wall
Callback to: The telephone upon the wall Is useful when you want to call Just push the buttons on the front And hold …
verseCallback to: The telephone upon the wall Is useful when you want to call Just push the buttons on the front And hold the mouthpiece to your faceMark30/11/’2230/11/2022 00:53:2722/01/’2422/01/2024 12:28:37
the value of your investment can fall as well as plummet
Mantra of the risk-averse
expMantra of the risk-averseRiverbankers29/12/’2229/12/2022 14:46:59
The Whizzer There Was
The Wizard of Oz
nThe Wizard of OzJoy18/03/’2218/03/2022 00:24:05
then on Friday… no, tell a lie, it was the Saturday
Caricature of that particular variety of storytelling that is long on irrelevant detail and short on, well, story
expCaricature of that particular variety of storytelling that is long on irrelevant detail and short on, well, storyM & N22/03/’2122/03/2021 23:38:07
there are gazelles in the thicket
Your beard contains unwanted matter
expYour beard contains unwanted matterKing family03/09/’2303/09/2023 10:12:01
there was a young man of Tralee
Callback to the Limerish: There was a young man of Tralee Got stung on the nose by a wasp When asked “Did it hurt?…
verseCallback to the Limerish: There was a young man of Tralee Got stung on the nose by a wasp When asked “Did it hurt?” He said “No not a bit Thank goodness it wasn’t a hornet”Naomi27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:55:5805/03/’2205/03/2022 22:14:34
there we are then!
What a silly person!
excWhat a silly person!Bel27/06/’2127/06/2021 16:13:3927/06/’2127/06/2021 16:13:56
there’s a ghost, there’s a ghost, throw a flannel at its face!
I see you have a flannel on your face. I am about to throw another at you. The flannel already on your face will make th…
excI see you have a flannel on your face. I am about to throw another at you. The flannel already on your face will make this a shocking experienceRiverbanklings12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:00:3004/03/’2204/03/2022 00:13:57
there’s no show without Punch
Jobs don’t get done when the person who normally does them is away
expJobs don’t get done when the person who normally does them is awayPop21/03/’2121/03/2021 22:36:33
thermosk
Vacuum flask
nVacuum flaskClayhoffs (aka Westerdons)28/09/’2228/09/2022 00:19:03
they are curlews of the fenland!
Call and response upon seeing a seagull.
verseCall and response upon seeing a seagull.Naomi09/03/’2109/03/2021 16:30:3205/03/’2205/03/2022 22:15:25
they’ll never sell ice creams at that speed
An emergency vehicle is passing with its siren going
expAn emergency vehicle is passing with its siren goingIliff family11/02/’2211/02/2022 01:30:3019/02/’2219/02/2022 21:18:42
those aren’t bananas they’re plantains
A baffling and unfounded denigration of bananas
expA baffling and unfounded denigration of bananasGranny Dixon09/03/’2209/03/2022 15:20:09
thoughcus
A thought
nA thoughtMark17/07/’2217/07/2022 01:03:04
three ha’p’orth of gawd help us
Disorganised, uncoordinated, a shambles
expDisorganised, uncoordinated, a shamblesM & N05/03/’2105/03/2021 13:52:4008/02/’2208/02/2022 21:27:00
three-ee blice
Three blind mice …from the nursery rhyme
verseThree blind mice …from the nursery rhymeThe Sisterhood26/05/’2126/05/2021 12:27:1005/03/’2205/03/2022 22:16:03
thunderwobbler
Spin dryer, or washing machine when spin drying
nSpin dryer, or washing machine when spin dryingMark11/03/’2111/03/2021 23:39:33
tibbit!
Shout to be given if first to sight a yellow hydrant during a car journey
excShout to be given if first to sight a yellow hydrant during a car journeyG & A19/03/’2119/03/2021 22:42:2522/10/’2322/10/2023 11:44:01
ticky tacky
Shoddy building material
nShoddy building materialKing family16/05/’2116/05/2021 23:47:4825/05/’2125/05/2021 21:41:26
tight as a crab’s arse under water
Unduly economy-minded
adjUnduly economy-mindedMark08/03/’2108/03/2021 15:59:0310/02/’2210/02/2022 15:04:42
time to put clothes on
Time to get up
expTime to get upHerry21/03/’2121/03/2021 22:18:3421/08/’2321/08/2023 08:41:46
Tinkwinky Teapot
The TV adaptation of The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries
nThe TV adaptation of The Aurora Teagarden MysteriesM & N17/07/’2217/07/2022 00:49:2913/11/’2313/11/2023 11:03:01
tinkywinky
Cosy (of drama)
adjCosy (of drama)M & N27/08/’2327/08/2023 23:32:1527/08/’2327/08/2023 23:47:16
tiny dragon
The strange throat grumblings/squeakings/croakings made by an active digestive system
nThe strange throat grumblings/squeakings/croakings made by an active digestive systemAoife12/02/’2412/02/2024 13:59:5412/02/’2412/02/2024 16:09:08
tisbic
Biscuit
nBiscuitJeremy01/07/’2201/07/2022 12:41:19
tisswiss for Mummy
Cue phrase for emptying a sleepy child during the night
expCue phrase for emptying a sleepy child during the nightEvelyn13/05/’2213/05/2022 01:07:2213/05/’2213/05/2022 11:46:06
toasty bombola
Heated car seat
nHeated car seatMark02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:43:30
toed in the hole
Kicked up the bum
vKicked up the bumM & N24/04/’2324/04/2023 14:28:18
tolerably early night
An early night, which the children involved would likely find intolerable and the adults highly tolerable
expAn early night, which the children involved would likely find intolerable and the adults highly tolerableGranny Dixon21/03/’2121/03/2021 16:04:33
Tony Tortoise
Actor & TV presenter Tony Robinson
nActor & TV presenter Tony RobinsonM & N30/06/’2230/06/2022 23:11:23
too much admin
Mark’s objection to eating crab, artichoke, pomegranate, shrimp etc
expMark’s objection to eating crab, artichoke, pomegranate, shrimp etcMark04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:27:07
tramampoline
Trampoline
nTrampolineRiverbanklings12/02/’2412/02/2024 13:38:4712/02/’2412/02/2024 14:48:46
trivium
An incidental fact of little importance
nAn incidental fact of little importanceMark09/03/’2209/03/2022 15:11:18
tronken
Drunk
adjDrunkJoy12/02/’2412/02/2024 15:14:5712/02/’2412/02/2024 16:13:43
trough
Eat
vEatKing family29/12/’2229/12/2022 15:26:44
trowers
Trousers
nTrousersJoy11/02/’2211/02/2022 01:32:05
trypo
Intentional typo for typo
nIntentional typo for typoMark05/03/’2105/03/2021 14:16:09
Turd & Cabbage
Slug & Lettuce, the restaurant chain
nSlug & Lettuce, the restaurant chainMark27/06/’2127/06/2021 15:58:21
turn the knob on your side
Consciously unhelpful advice to someone struggling to get a door open. The ritual reply is “I haven’t got a knob on …
expConsciously unhelpful advice to someone struggling to get a door open. The ritual reply is “I haven’t got a knob on my side”M & N25/11/’2325/11/2023 14:10:51
two minutes’ silence for the joke that just died
That was a terrible joke that deserved to fall as flat as it did
expThat was a terrible joke that deserved to fall as flat as it didMark04/03/’2204/03/2022 15:34:3104/03/’2204/03/2022 15:35:38
two-six
Cue for concerted action; same meaning as the more customary one-two-three
expCue for concerted action; same meaning as the more customary one-two-threeMark12/07/’2212/07/2022 13:19:26
ump and tions
What assumptions make an ass of
expWhat assumptions make an ass ofMark20/08/’2120/08/2021 21:57:34
un joo lating
Undulating, usually in reference to rolling hills
adjUndulating, usually in reference to rolling hillsWin20/01/’2320/01/2023 00:45:21
undercrackers
Underpants
nUnderpantsMark05/02/’2205/02/2022 21:38:15
undercrunk
Strip of pebbles just below the waterline on an otherwise sandy beach
nStrip of pebbles just below the waterline on an otherwise sandy beachMark03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:46:3807/03/’2107/03/2021 12:05:26
underneath-th-th
A woman’s ladyparts
nA woman’s ladypartsM & N24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:31:54
uninvited guest at every conversation
TV
nTVGranny Dixon05/07/’2105/07/2021 18:08:16
unleaded
Decaffeinated
adjDecaffeinatedPa12/05/’2112/05/2021 21:50:33
unmatched pointer
A loose end; an unresolved issue
nA loose end; an unresolved issueNaomi18/03/’2218/03/2022 00:36:34
up to a point, Lord Copper
No
expNoPaul H27/06/’2127/06/2021 15:46:16
up your end
Phrase used when passing vegetable dishes around a dining table
expPhrase used when passing vegetable dishes around a dining tableArthur family18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:38:24
Useless
James Joyce’s Ulysses
nJames Joyce’s UlyssesRiverbankers13/05/’2213/05/2022 00:59:0813/05/’2213/05/2022 01:00:08
vacs up nice
Responds well to treatment with a vacuum cleaner
adjResponds well to treatment with a vacuum cleanerM & N08/03/’2108/03/2021 12:28:45
vauum
The sound of a vacuum-flush lavatory
nThe sound of a vacuum-flush lavatoryM & N04/03/’2104/03/2021 13:07:3105/03/’2105/03/2021 14:42:24
village aunty
Vigilante
nVigilanteIliff family19/08/’2119/08/2021 12:48:38
visitors! Not visitors AGAIN!
Refrain in a poem the 7-year-old Naomi wrote expressing the kids’ dislike of the use of their home as a University Vis…
verseRefrain in a poem the 7-year-old Naomi wrote expressing the kids’ dislike of the use of their home as a University Visitors’ Centre by PaKing family21/01/’2421/01/2024 15:06:13
Vladdy the Baddy
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, sometime thug and latterly president of Russia… and thug
nVladimir Vladimirovich Putin, sometime thug and latterly president of Russia… and thugM & N25/11/’2325/11/2023 16:23:5325/11/’2325/11/2023 18:14:08
vladivostok
(Exclamation for covering a belch )
exc(Exclamation for covering a belch )Granny Dixon17/03/’2117/03/2021 21:11:27
vogon
Vegan
adjVeganRiverbankers07/11/’2207/11/2022 00:20:03
vollay!
I am about to hit you
excI am about to hit youMark01/07/’2201/07/2022 12:50:33
vollyvongs
The small puff pastry cases known as vols-au-vent, used for appetisers and desserts
nThe small puff pastry cases known as vols-au-vent, used for appetisers and dessertsIliff family01/07/’2201/07/2022 13:37:05
vulture capitalist
Venture capitalist
nVenture capitalistMark05/12/’2105/12/2021 15:51:48
wadundudundu
Sleeping policeman (speed bump) intended as a traffic-calming measure
nSleeping policeman (speed bump) intended as a traffic-calming measureKing family21/03/’2121/03/2021 14:45:0828/08/’2328/08/2023 10:31:38
wall botherer
Hammer drill
nHammer drillAoife24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:33:11
Waly Disneq
Walt Disney
nWalt DisneyMark07/11/’2107/11/2021 23:09:50
wankpanzer
Large agricultural vehicle when chosen for use in an urban environment
nLarge agricultural vehicle when chosen for use in an urban environmentMark12/04/’2212/04/2022 00:14:2813/11/’2313/11/2023 10:52:07
warned in a dream
Take a different route
expTake a different routeM & N06/09/’2106/09/2021 01:00:5506/09/’2106/09/2021 01:07:54
warning-warning
Everything is fine
expEverything is fineM & N05/02/’2205/02/2022 21:31:3921/01/’2421/01/2024 11:35:25
Warr-Doorr
Wardour Street in London, a centre of the film industry
nWardour Street in London, a centre of the film industryM & N21/11/’2121/11/2021 01:22:56
wash horses
Wash hair
vWash hairNaomi02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:45:3024/03/’2124/03/2021 13:55:02
washing machine
A water’s-edge game: while able to stand, hold hands facing inwards in a ring; float & kick legs to make a splash,…
nA water’s-edge game: while able to stand, hold hands facing inwards in a ring; float & kick legs to make a splash, and if possible get some rotation going. For 4+ participantsMum28/07/’2128/07/2021 14:00:3328/07/’2128/07/2021 14:08:04
we are the cockyolly birds all red and green and gold
Fragment of a song Evelyn suddenly burst into after it sat dormant and unsung in her memory for 40 years
verseFragment of a song Evelyn suddenly burst into after it sat dormant and unsung in her memory for 40 yearsEvelyn07/03/’2207/03/2022 00:24:35
we won’t have to go to Wales now I brung yer ’ere
Now we have seen this poor model, imitation or ersatz version, we won’t have to visit the real thing
expNow we have seen this poor model, imitation or ersatz version, we won’t have to visit the real thingM & N20/07/’2220/07/2022 00:14:3409/12/’2209/12/2022 00:10:39
wee board
The pastry base of a tart
nThe pastry base of a tartUncle Frank03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:44:27
wee knights
Week nights
nWeek nightsM & N02/02/’2202/02/2022 00:39:5402/02/’2202/02/2022 10:53:01
well and truly sought after
Under pressure
adjUnder pressureNaomi08/10/’2208/10/2022 01:20:03
wellcome home
Welcome home
expWelcome homeBel16/03/’2116/03/2021 14:23:2322/01/’2422/01/2024 12:18:36
Wert
A bird sculpted in alabaster by Mum
nA bird sculpted in alabaster by MumMum11/02/’2411/02/2024 01:10:4812/02/’2412/02/2024 01:30:28
we’ve squeezed the goodness out of that
All the interesting or entertaining aspects of this topic have now been exhausted
expAll the interesting or entertaining aspects of this topic have now been exhaustedM & N01/03/’2201/03/2022 14:59:24
whackers
Lies
nLiesKing family02/03/’2102/03/2021 00:01:29
whackysticky
Border morris dancing, the flavour of that noble art that involves the percussive use of staves
nBorder morris dancing, the flavour of that noble art that involves the percussive use of stavesMark03/03/’2203/03/2022 14:03:02
what a day dad had!
Father has suffered some setbacks today
excFather has suffered some setbacks todayRiverbankers10/07/’2210/07/2022 16:00:45
what a fall of royalty!
Goodness, those picture cards were badly defeated!
excGoodness, those picture cards were badly defeated!Granny Dixon12/03/’2112/03/2021 18:04:02
what about a water bottle Wattle?
The sound of a fart while bathing
expThe sound of a fart while bathingMark24/01/’2324/01/2023 23:51:1325/01/’2325/01/2023 10:53:51
what mind is here o’erthrown
That is an uncharacteristically ill-considered remark, decision or action
expThat is an uncharacteristically ill-considered remark, decision or actionPa23/03/’2123/03/2021 23:02:04
what will you have? said the waiter
A callback to this ditty: “What will you have?” said the waiter, pensively picking his nose “Two boiled eggs, yo…
expA callback to this ditty: “What will you have?” said the waiter, pensively picking his nose “Two boiled eggs, you scoundrel – you won’t get your fingers in those”Dad12/05/’2112/05/2021 21:54:4529/12/’2129/12/2021 12:24:28
whearr be ye to?
Where are you?
expWhere are you?Clare27/02/’2327/02/2023 12:12:57
when a man is tired of Bracknell…
Callback to: When a man is tired of Bracknell he has been there 20 mins
expCallback to: When a man is tired of Bracknell he has been there 20 minsRiverbankers10/03/’2210/03/2022 18:25:10
when I was a little girl like you…
Pa’s teasing approach to storytelling: Pa: When I was a little girl like you… Small ♀: You weren’t a little gi…
expPa’s teasing approach to storytelling: Pa: When I was a little girl like you… Small ♀: You weren’t a little girl! Pa: Then, when I was a little boy like you… Small ♀: But I am not a little boy! ↻ repeat until one party cracksPa09/03/’2209/03/2022 16:13:18
when you get to the final, you win
When you make it to the final of a competition, you expect to win
expWhen you make it to the final of a competition, you expect to winM & N18/04/’2218/04/2022 00:44:4510/09/’2310/09/2023 12:24:33
where we have been no-one shall find, For not a trace have we left behind
Reminder to all, when leaving a spot they had spent time in, to look back to check they have taken all their stuff with …
verseReminder to all, when leaving a spot they had spent time in, to look back to check they have taken all their stuff with them. Callback to: Where we have been no one can find, Not a trace have we left behind. Only the people we’ve helped today Know that the Brownies have passed this way.Evelyn08/03/’2208/03/2022 22:59:5209/03/’2209/03/2022 13:12:15
where we have been, no-one can tell
We have left this picnic spot, beach or other location as we found it – well done us
expWe have left this picnic spot, beach or other location as we found it – well done usKing family03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:28:5206/03/’2106/03/2021 14:14:02
where’s the yucky bowl?
This meal is not entirely palatable
expThis meal is not entirely palatableLaurie23/04/’2123/04/2021 23:17:43
which wind begins with F?
Callback to a question asked while trying to figure out how to play mah jong
expCallback to a question asked while trying to figure out how to play mah jongDad07/11/’2207/11/2022 00:47:51
while you’re on your feet…
By standing up you have made yourself liable for any tasks that I want doing (such as bringing us all a cup of tea)
expBy standing up you have made yourself liable for any tasks that I want doing (such as bringing us all a cup of tea)Mum19/03/’2219/03/2022 15:33:18
whin
Gooseberry
nGooseberryDad07/11/’2207/11/2022 00:27:52
whipper snipper
String trimmer, the powered tool for trimming grass and brush.
nString trimmer, the powered tool for trimming grass and brush.Clare28/09/’2228/09/2022 00:16:06
white horse
A perfect guest
nA perfect guestJM21/03/’2221/03/2022 00:58:39
white seals
White folk swimming in the Thames, especially before the suntan season
nWhite folk swimming in the Thames, especially before the suntan seasonRiverbankers30/03/’2130/03/2021 15:32:16
whocares
County when filling in a web form
nCounty when filling in a web formMark03/04/’2103/04/2021 13:36:41
who’s died?
Your flies are undone
expYour flies are undoneWin30/03/’2230/03/2022 00:54:24
who’s going round the roundabout?
(Rhetorical)
verse(Rhetorical)Uncle Tony19/03/’2119/03/2021 15:42:1805/03/’2205/03/2022 22:17:46
who’s “she” – the cat’s mother?
Refer to women by their names, not pronouns!
excRefer to women by their names, not pronouns!Granny Dixon03/04/’2103/04/2021 13:21:1903/04/’2103/04/2021 13:37:13
Whydofools
The amber ale Doom Bar
nThe amber ale Doom BarMark31/08/’2231/08/2022 00:09:08
william-nilliam
Willy-nilly, which is to say haphazardly
advWilly-nilly, which is to say haphazardlyMark30/07/’2330/07/2023 23:25:24
windowscreen
A vehicle’s windscreen
nA vehicle’s windscreenM & N01/07/’2201/07/2022 13:40:46
winnebago
A Milwaukee brand tape measure
nA Milwaukee brand tape measureNaomi30/03/’2230/03/2022 01:24:26
wishywashy place
The under-bed compartment that serves as a laundry basket at Heron Island
nThe under-bed compartment that serves as a laundry basket at Heron IslandRiverbanklings27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:16:2921/11/’2121/11/2021 13:09:57
wisp
Whist
nWhistJoy30/03/’2130/03/2021 21:14:10
with two plombs
With consummate poise and assurance
adjWith consummate poise and assuranceMark25/11/’2325/11/2023 14:00:02
wi’ oor knickers hangin’ doon
Obligatory rejoinder to “we’re off tae toon”
expObligatory rejoinder to “we’re off tae toon”Naomi24/03/’2124/03/2021 15:49:47
wo der Kaiser zu fuss geht
The seat of ease, lavatory, boggo or whatever you choose to call it
nThe seat of ease, lavatory, boggo or whatever you choose to call itClare28/09/’2228/09/2022 00:08:36
wobblevoice
Singing with vibrato, especially when taken to excess
nSinging with vibrato, especially when taken to excessMark04/09/’2104/09/2021 13:13:3511/02/’2211/02/2022 01:18:00
wobulence
Mild turbulence
nMild turbulenceMark03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:23:14
WOMBAT
Waste of money, brains and time
nWaste of money, brains and timeMark05/03/’2105/03/2021 14:19:0705/03/’2105/03/2021 14:44:08
worms’ boggin’ holes
Worm casts on a lawn
nWorm casts on a lawnKing family28/09/’2228/09/2022 14:59:36
wut‽
Like what‽, but whattier
excLike what‽, but whattierRiverbankers16/04/’2116/04/2021 14:39:43
yam all right our kid?
Do you fare well, sibling?
expDo you fare well, sibling?Mark20/03/’2120/03/2021 16:04:23
yellow is mellow, but if it’s brown flush it down
Flush poo but not pee
expFlush poo but not peePa08/03/’2108/03/2021 14:11:13
Yizanastikov the Russian
He has a nasty cough
expHe has a nasty coughGranny Dixon30/01/’2230/01/2022 13:16:53
you are my sunshine, my only sunshine
The song: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine You make me happy when skies are grey You’ll never know, dear, how mu…
verseThe song: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine You make me happy when skies are grey You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you! Please don’t take my sunshine away!King family04/03/’2204/03/2022 16:21:2005/03/’2205/03/2022 22:18:24
You are very ugly today, Pa / Ma Ubu!
A gently loving greeting to one’s spouse in the morning
expA gently loving greeting to one’s spouse in the morningClare28/02/’2228/02/2022 15:59:35
you can go off people
A person I have hitherto admired has done or said something reprehensible
expA person I have hitherto admired has done or said something reprehensibleMum27/04/’2127/04/2021 13:36:54
you daft ha’p’orth!
That is entertainingly silly
excThat is entertainingly sillyGranny Dixon07/04/’2107/04/2021 21:50:4708/04/’2108/04/2021 09:34:43
you must give me the recipe
That meal was appalling
expThat meal was appallingPa20/03/’2120/03/2021 16:05:5821/03/’2121/03/2021 15:49:53
your egg’s broken
One of the things I’m cooking is less perfect than the other and I’ve decided to give it to you
expOne of the things I’m cooking is less perfect than the other and I’ve decided to give it to youM & N27/05/’2127/05/2021 14:48:51
your tiny hand is frozen!
Your hand (not necessarily tiny) is frozen
verseYour hand (not necessarily tiny) is frozenNaomi09/03/’2109/03/2021 16:26:4619/03/’2219/03/2022 22:38:55
you’ve all done very well
You’ve all done very well
expYou’ve all done very wellMum19/03/’2319/03/2023 13:41:18
yow cor wack it
That would be hard to beat
expThat would be hard to beatMark18/12/’2118/12/2021 14:56:5431/12/’2131/12/2021 13:37:17
yuckerypoogens!
Indicates that a thing is more than ordinarily messy or disgusting
excIndicates that a thing is more than ordinarily messy or disgustingNaomi10/07/’2210/07/2022 16:24:14
zembil
Large basket, tub, trug or storage bucket
nLarge basket, tub, trug or storage bucketNaomi30/07/’2330/07/2023 23:44:2519/08/’2319/08/2023 10:25:04
zizzer-zoof seeds
Features, especially in software, “which nobody wants, because nobody needs”
nFeatures, especially in software, “which nobody wants, because nobody needs”Riverbankers03/03/’2103/03/2021 13:25:1212/03/’2112/03/2021 16:13:19
zlotniks
A wedgie
nA wedgieMark12/03/’2112/03/2021 15:21:4129/12/’2129/12/2021 12:45:06
_y-tiger
Completed with the relationship e.g. mummy/wifey/spousey to mean being naturally protective of someone with whom you hav…
adjCompleted with the relationship e.g. mummy/wifey/spousey to mean being naturally protective of someone with whom you have that relationshipNaomi12/02/’2412/02/2024 14:13:5112/02/’2412/02/2024 16:10:24
’twill fit!!
Despite signs to the contrary, this jigsaw piece WILL fit!
excDespite signs to the contrary, this jigsaw piece WILL fit!Granny Collard08/03/’2208/03/2022 22:44:53
/phrase/explore.php 583