slang of the 1870s

[Douglas G. Wilson]

>... "Over the left" implied the reverse, as "He's a fine fellow -- over
>the left."

I suppose this refers to throwing something over the left shoulder to ward
off evil magic? Perhaps to avoid being cursed for lying? Like crossing the
fingers?

>"Gallus" meant something "tip-top."

What is this? "Gallus" = "chicken"? = "gallows"? = "suspender(s)"? The name
of a Roman poet or emperor?

>"He wouldn't tumble if a house fell down" was applied to unobservant people.

"Tumble" = "notice", I suppose.

>"His name is Denis" implied that one was goner.

Anybody recognize this reference?

>You were said to be "talking through your hat" when you appeared
>unfamiliar with your topic.

This is still used among older members of my family. Younger members tend
to prefer "bullshitting".

>The "boarding house reach" at the dining-room table was supposed, in the
>popular idea of humor, to be necessary in order to overcome restrictions
>as to food in boarding houses. ....

This is still used too. I always supposed that this long reach occurred
because (1) the boarding house dining table was large and/or (2) one might
be disinclined to ask a fellow diner who is a virtual stranger to pass
something.

-- Doug Wilson