“Knickers in a Twist” by Jonathan Bernstein, 2006, Canongate Books, Ltd., $14, softbound, 194 pages: Written by a Scotsman, “Knickers in a Twist” is something a little different for the language lover. It’s a dictionary of British slang, and it’s been offered on PBS as an incentive to patrons to offer pledges. It starts with acronyms, such as GBH (“grievous bodily harm”) and OAP (“old age pensioner,” or senior citizen). Some of them have a distinct note of humor attached, which one may assume is the author’s, as in the term CV (“curriculum vitae,” or resume – list of lies).
The book is then broken into further categories – bad behavior is one, in which the reader will find words like “wangle” (a devious scheme); and “flit” (to duck out of an apartment or other rented space without paying the rent). Another category is body language, and words like “bonce” (head), “Wally dugs” (false teeth, a mainly Scottish term) and “laughing gear” (mouth).
With some of the categories, Bernstein offers information, such as background for a particular type of slang. For instance, Cockney rhyming slang began in the 15th century, but was highly popularized in the 1800s, when both criminals and street traders used it as a sort of code to conceal underhanded dealings. “Dog and bone” is Cockney rhyme for “telephone,” and “Mutt ’n’ Jeff” is slang for “deaf.” Others are harder to unravel, such as “have a butcher’s,” which starts with “butcher’s hook” rhyming with “look;” therefore, have a butcher’s is “have a look.” The book is invaluable for understanding these types of rhymes.
In an interesting note, the clothes section tells the reader that the term “dirty mac” is short for dirty mackintosh, which is a synonym for a well-worn raincoat, as well as for perverts and the tabloid press – who, presumably, might wear such a coat. Some of the definitions are simple, but some come with an explanation: “The Yard,” for example, is short for Scotland Yard, while “Fleet Street” refers to the press, because most of the nation’s newspapers were once printed there.
Included, too, are a few black and white photos, which seem to be there mostly for comical affect. Someone’s “knickers” (“underwear”) are shown, a shot of the police is shown to illustrate the word “Filth” (“the police”) and a young woman playing the part of a “chavette” helps the reader understand what these highly mocked British working class youths look like.
Note: Contains language some readers may find offensive.
Lee’s take: An intriguing look into another culture.
J.J.’s take: An amusing read.
LEE AND J.J. MACFADDEN are twins and voracious readers living in Bristol, Tenn. E-mail them at leeandjj.doubletake@yahoo.com.
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