Slang Dictionary: Etymological, Historical and Andecdotal

"e;All ridiculous words make their first entry into a language by familiar phrases; I dare not answer for these that they will not in time be looked upon as a part of our tongue."e;-SPECTATOR. "e;Rabble-charming words, which carry so much wild fire wrapt up in them."e; SOUTH. "e;Slang derivations are generally indirect, turning upon metaphor and fanciful allusions, and other than direct etymological connexion. Such allusions and fancies are essentially temporary or local; they rapidly pass out of the public mind: the word remains, while the key to its origin is lost."e;"e;Many of these [slang] words and phrases are but serving their apprenticeship, and will eventually become the active strength of our language."e; H. T. BUCKLE.