Dictionary

elrig en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈɛlɹɪɡ/

Etymology

Back slang for girl.

Meanings

1. (obsolete, qualifier:costermongers) A girl.
   • It is still in considerable vogue, and the enquirer will at times hear some good examples—though the chances are a hundred to one against his ever understanding them. A couple which were interpreted for my benefit were: "Hi, yob, kool that enif elrig with the nael ekom. Sap her a top of reeb and a tib of occobat," and "Islema, ogda the opperca." After the reader has sufficiently puzzled over these hieroglyphics he or she may be glad to learn that the quotations respectively mean: "Hi, boy, look at that fine girl with the lean moke. Pass her a pot of beer and a bit of tobacco," and "Misle, dog the copper!" 1912 May 11, A. J. Heighway, “Whitechapel”, in The Evening Post (New Zealand), volume LXXXIII, number 112, page 9:
   • I see you've had an elrig hanging round your stall. 2011, Ruth Hamilton, The Corner House, Random House, →ISBN, page 86:

Forms

Relateds

yob

Synonyms

girl