Euphemism
A fate worse than death
Meaning
The reputed opinion of sexual intercourse by prim Victorian ladies.
Examples
Lord Carruthers dragged me to his bedroom and left me in no doubt I was to suffer a fate worse than death.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but now considered rather old-fashioned and used mainly by the older generation.
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All the way
Meaning
Referring to something that is done fully, especially as a euphemism for full sexual activity.
Examples
I hear Jill’s parents were away for the weekend so she and Jack took the opportunity to go all the way for the first time.
Where did it originate?
USA, mid-20th century (with the sexual connotation)
Where is it used?
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Baby snatcher
Meaning
Someone who enters into an amorous relationship with a much younger person.
Examples
Jerry Lee Lewis never really recovered from being labelled a baby snatcher after he married his 13 year old cousin.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
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Bat from the pavilion end
Meaning
Slang term for a homosexuality.
Examples
If Julian didn’t want us to know he was batting from the pavilion end he shouldn’t keep wearing those lilac loafers.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 20th century. An allusion to the game of cricket.
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Bought the farm
Meaning
Died, especially in a violent way which may give rise to an insurance claim.
Examples
Henry’s parachute failed at 20,000 feet – he really bought the farm.
Where did it originate?
USA, 20th century.
Where is it used?
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Chasing tail
Meaning
Of a man pursuing women.
Examples
Jack is a borderline sex addict. He’s certainly always chasing the tail.
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Comfort women
Meaning
women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese in WWII.
Examples
The Japanese called their prostitutes comfort women – nothing comfortable for them I think.
Where did it originate?
WWII
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Discussing Uganda
Meaning
Euphemism for sex.
Examples
Julie and Jack have been all over each other all evening and have gone upstairs. I expect they’ll be discussing Uganda.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 1970s. Popularised in the satirical magazine Private Eye.
Where is it used?
Britain.
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Enhanced interrogation techniques
Meaning
Euphemism for torture.
Examples
The CIA might call water-boarding an enhanced interrogation technique – most people call it torture.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 20th century.
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Excuse my French
Meaning
Please forgive me for swearing.
Examples
Bugger – excuse my French.
Where did it originate?
Britain, mid 20th century.
Where is it used?
Britain, mostly by the older generation.
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Hobson's choice
Meaning
1. A choice forced upon someone. 2. Cockney rhyming slang for voice.
Examples
1. There was only one room left in the hotel when we arrived, so we got Hobson’s choice. 2. I’ve had a sore throat for a couple of days – now I’m beginning to lose my hobsons.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century. Derived from the name of the carrier Thomas Hobson.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, although mostly amongst the older generation.
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Kick the bucket
Meaning
Die.
Examples
Grandad kicked the bucket last week. No real surprise – he was 96.
Where did it originate?
Britain – 18th century.
Where is it used?
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Mellow yellow
Meaning
Dried banana peel, used as an intoxicant.
Examples
He’s tried everything else – grass, acid, speed, magic mushrooms. Now he’s started on mellow yellow.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1960s. Referred to in the Donovan song of the same name, as ‘electrical banana’.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, as the song title although few are aware of the drug connection.
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Silver threads amongst the gold
Meaning
Blonde hair that is turning grey.
Examples
Thirty years ago Janine had strawberry blonde hair. These days she’s going grey, or as she prefers to say silver threads among the gold.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but rather old-fashioned.
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The bull in the bowler hat
Meaning
Jokey term for artificial insemination.
Examples
Leaving things to nature hasn’t worked down here on the farm – only 10% of the cows are pregnant. We need a visit from the bull in the bowler hat.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain.
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Winter drawers on
Meaning
British euphemistic joke.
Examples
Autumn is over and these summer clothes aren’t keeping the cold out – winter drawers on I suppose.
Where did it originate?
Britain, early 20th century. A pun on the expression ‘winter draws on’ (that is, winter is approaching). ‘Drawers’ is a British slang term for knickers.
Where is it used?
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