LL-L 'Rhyming slang' 2006.08.16 (06] [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 16 August 2006 * Volume 06
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From: 'Hugo Zweep' <Zweep at bigpond.com>
Subject: LL-L 'Rhyming slang' 2006.08.16 (01) [E]

Dear all
So we are agreed that rhyming slang is for the "in" crowd and Gabriele is
very young.

But on this idea of "having a ball". The Oxford Australian National
Dictionary notes a "ball" as being a slang word for a glass of spirits - for
example high ball and then quotes an 1867 source as "Bill, come to the
'Badger' , and let's have a ball." In this context to "have a ball" is to
have a shot of whiskey.

In the same reference I noticed this quote from the Melbourne Times 29
August 1843 "Mr Baker stated that the man had been on a spree for the last
week , and being refused liquor within doors, was constantly going out for
'balls'. 'Balls', said the Major, what, is he such an inveterate waltzer?
No your Worship. Then, what do you mean by 'balls'? A 'ball' is a 'drain'
your Worship. And pray what is a drain? A 'drain' is a 'nobbler, your
Worship. And what is a 'nobbler'? A small glass of spirits, your Worship."

A further explanation has it that a glass of spirits is a nobbler and half a
glass is a nip or ball.

I think I'll have a ball with my trouble and strife now.

Hugo Zweep

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