Grose's Vulgar Dictionary

Question 1

Give me 3 contextual facts about the dictionary.

Answer 1

It was published by Francis Grose.

Francis Gorse’s ‘classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue’ was first published in 1785

He also published a Provincial Glossary, with a Collection of Local Proverbs, and Popular Superstitions in 1787

Question 2

Why did Grose write the slang dictionary?

Answer 2

Grose produced slang dictionaries as they gave an unusual vivid picture of the speech of the day which would not normally find inclusion in standard English

Question 3

Explain how Grose’s slang dictionary holds an descriptivist attitude.

Answer 3

Francis Grose had a descriptivist attitude as he wanted to explore non-standard English which is why he and his assistant Tom Cocking took midnight walks though London, picking up slang terms in slums and adding them to their ‘knowledge-box’

Question 4

Why is this dictionary so successful?

Answer 4

‘The Vulgar Tongue’ was recognised throughout the 19th century as one of the most important collections of slang in the English language, and it would strongly influence later dictionaries of this kind.

Question 5

Examples of 2 recognisable words.

Answer 5

‘Goggles’ meaning eyes

‘Gob’ meaning mouth

Question 6

Examples of 3 obscure/obsolete words.

Answer 6

‘Gold finder’ – someone who cleans toilets
‘Poisoned’ – pregnant
‘Smack’ – to kiss