(literally 'dear.' Cf., French belle petite, 'little darling.')
The Spanish Germania has gaya to signify a prostitute. This is an exact equivalent of the French fille de joie or 'gay girl'; gaya in Spanish signifies 'gay.' Another name is found in germana, in explanation of which it may be briefly explained that the Spanish argot or Germania took its name from a band or brotherhood of thieves and robbers; and it would thus appear that germana, the name for a female member of the band was also used generically for a prostitute! Marca, or marquida and marquisa are also all used in the sense of a public woman. It may be noted that in the Italian marchesata stands for a woman when under menstruation, the physiological fact itself being called marchese; mercenario, a street walker, also signifies a nun of the religious order of La Merced.
Barracking, subs. (Australian).—Banter;
chaff. Cf., Barrikin.
Barrel-Boarder, subs. (American).—A
loafer in low drinking-saloons.
Barrel-Campaign, subs. (American).—Political
contests in which
bribery and corruption go
hand-in-hand with canvassing
and voting. A wealthy candidate
for office is said to have
originated the phrase by remarking,
'Let the boys know that
there's a bar'l o' money ready
for 'em,' or words to that effect.
The use of the term in this
sense became general about
1876.—See Boodle.
1884. Boston (Mass.) Journal, 1 Nov., 1. We are accustomed to barrel-campaigns here. Nobody supposes this district to be Democratic, but the Democrats depend upon carrying it with money.
1888. Florida Times Union, Feb. 11, p. 4. It will be remembered that Mr. Flower was the nominal candidate of the anti-Cleveland men four years ago, and with the aid of his barrel they really did achieve some show of success.
Barrel-Fever, subs. (popular).—An
indisposition caused by excessive
drinking. 'He died of
barrel-fever'; i.e., 'he killed
himself through drink.' For synonyms,
see Gallon distemper.
Barrel-House, subs. (American).—A
low groggery.
1888. Missouri Republican, Feb. 11. The West-Side police are still arresting barrel-house loafers in the hope of catching an expert cracksman among them.
Barrell's Blues, subs. phr. (military).—A
nickname given to the
Fourth Foot. [From its facings
and Colonel's name from 1734
to 1739] They are also called
'the Lions,' from the ancient
badge of the regiment.
Barres, subs. (gaming).—Money
lost at play, but not paid. The
term is an old one, and has long
been obsolete. A corrupt form
of 'barrace,' an obsolete plural
of 'bar.'
Barrikin, subs. (common).—Gibberish;
jargon; a jumble of
words. For usage, see quotation.
1851-61. H. Mayhew, London Lab. and Lon. Poor, vol. I., p. 15. 'The high words in a tragedy we call jaw-breakers, and say we can't tumble to that barrikin.' Ibid, p. 25. Can't tumble to your barrikin [i.e., can't understand you]. Ibid, p. 27. The rich has all that barrikin to themselves.
Barring.—See To bar.
