What is a grass slang for?
The first known use of “grass” in that context is Arthur Gardner’s crime novel Tinker’s Kitchen, published in 1932, in which a “grass” is defined as “an informer”. The origin derives from rhyming slang: grasshopper – copper; a “grass” or “grasser” tells the “copper” or policeman.
What is a grass UK slang?
A grass is a rat who ‘sings’ to the authorities. By extension, it’s used by anyone who informs on another over bad or criminal behavior. The expression “Supergrass” (also the name of a British band of the 1990s) arose during the Irish “troubles” and was used to describe IRA members who were informers.
Why do they call it grassing?
The origin derives from rhyming slang: grasshopper – copper; a ‘grass’ or ‘grasser’ tells the ‘copper’ or policeman.” The original users of the term ‘grass up’ were from the London underworld and would have certainly been better acquainted with rhyming slang than the works of Virgil.
What does grass mean in Cockney?
GRASS – to squeal or inform. “This word is derived from Cockney rhyming slang ‘grasshopper,’ meaning ‘copper,’ i.e., ‘policeman. ‘ ‘Grass’ sometimes appears as a noun, meaning both ‘informer’ or ‘stool pigeon’ and the ‘act of informing’ itself.
How do the British say grass?
Below is the UK transcription for ‘grass’:
- Modern IPA: grɑ́ːs.
- Traditional IPA: grɑːs.
- 1 syllable: “GRAAS”
Why do British people say grass?
To grass in British slang is indeed to inform on a person to the authorities; a grass is an informer. The noun starts to appear in print in the 1920s and the verb a few years later.
What is a drip in British slang?
If you call someone a drip, you mean that they are rather stupid and lacking in enthusiasm or energy. [informal, disapproval]
What does shop mean in England?
shop in British English (ʃɒp ) noun. a place, esp a small building, for the retail sale of goods and services. an act or instance of shopping, esp household shopping. the weekly shop.
How do Northerners say grass?
British Accents When travelling through the North of England, people will say the words ‘bath’ and ‘grass’ using the short vowel sound ‘a’ (the same ‘a’ sound used in words like ‘cat’).
