The Slang Dictionary

First published in the mid-19th century, The Slang Dictionary by John Camden Hotten is a groundbreaking exploration of the unofficial language of the streets, taverns, and stage—a vivid record of how people truly spoke outside the bounds of polite society. Far from mere curiosity, this collection reveals the living pulse of Victorian English, capturing the humor, wit, and rebellion encoded in its slang.

Hotten’s work gathers thousands of expressions from London’s underworld, soldiers, sailors, thieves, actors, and common folk, tracing their origins and meanings with scholarly precision and mischievous delight. Each entry tells a story of class, culture, and linguistic evolution, showing how slang reflects the ever-changing spirit of the people who use it.

At once linguistic study and social history, The Slang Dictionary remains an indispensable reference for those interested in the roots of modern English, offering a colorful glimpse into the hidden language of the 19th-century world.

Complete edition of John Camden Hotten’s classic compendium of Victorian slang

Includes thousands of historical terms, idioms, and colloquialisms

A foundational text in lexicography, linguistics, and cultural history

Essential for readers of language, literature, and the history of English speech