Buzz
For enthusiasts of history and lovers of words, calling someone "you jerk" falls short compared to the more colorful "you unlicked cub," a biting remark from Georgian England. And there's plenty more where that came from, especially in the work of English lexicographer Francis Grose, who compiled them in his 1785 book A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. His collection of slang terms, many of which Samuel Johnson had rejected in his authoritative A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), offers a treasure trove of the most amusing and old-fashioned insults, conveniently listed in alphabetical order for your enjoyment. (And if you're in the mood for more, take a look at some entertaining Victorian slang as well.)
1. Addle Pate
“A thoughtless, foolish person.”
2. Back Biter
“Someone who maliciously speaks ill of another in their absence.”
3. A Blowse, or Blowsabella
A disheveled woman: “A lady whose hair is in a mess, hanging untamed around her face; a slattern.”
4. Blunderbuss
“A foolish, bumbling person.”
5. Bob Tail
“A lascivious woman, or one who flaunts her backside; also used to describe an impotent man or a eunuch.”
6. Bull Calf
“A large, awkward, or clumsy individual.”
7. Corny-Faced
“A face covered in red, inflamed pimples.”
8. Death’s Head Upon a Mop-Stick
“A wretched, gaunt, and hollow individual.”
9. Duke of Limbs
“A tall, gangly, poorly put-together individual.”
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10. Fussock
“A sluggish, overweight woman… an untidy, elderly woman.”
11. Gollumpus
“A big, awkward individual.”
12. Gundiguts
“A bloated, portly man.”
13. Hang in Chains
“A contemptible, wretched person.”
14. Hell Born Babe
“A lewd, graceless young person, one with a naturally wicked nature.”
15. Jolterhead
“A big-headed person; figuratively, a fool.”
16. Just-Ass
“A humorous term for a judge,” or a witty name for a magistrate.
17. Lobcock
“A drooping, flaccid member; also a slow-witted, lifeless individual.”
18. Puff Guts
“A corpulent man.”
19. Scrub
“A contemptible, petty individual, often tasked with menial and unpleasant chores.”
20. Shabbaroon
“A poorly dressed, shabby person; also a lowly, spiteful character.”
21. Shag-Bag
“A pitiful, cowardly individual, a man devoid of courage.”
22. Squire of Alsatia
“A feeble, reckless spendthrift.”
23. Tatterdemallion
“A shabby, ragged person, whose clothes are tattered and torn.”
24. Thingumbob
“A crude or impolite term used for someone whose name is unknown... Thingum-bobs, testicles.”
25. Unlicked Cub
“A rough, uncultured young man.”
