Francis Grose 
Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue 

The ‘1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, ‘ was written by Francis Grose (a British soldier) just after the American Revolution. In those days, the word vulgar meant slang (although some of Grose’s definitions are admittedly vulgar). The book was so controversial, it was banned in military camps at the time. Some of the definitions are really funny, even today. Others are educational, entertaining, or both. Readers of this book will have a better understanding of how people spoke over a century ago. Rife with put-downs, the book will also provide plenty of fodder for insulting friends. It is an old dictionary of words that will ‘pitch kettle’ (confound) people if you actually use them. Some of the phrases and terms, such as ‘to catch a crab’ (to fall backwards by missing one’s stroke in rowing), are still being used today. If you are into quirky dictionaries like this, you will enjoy this book!