"GUSHY" AND "TOP-HOLE."

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14778, 22 May 1918, Page 3

"GUSHY" AND "TOP-HOLE."

PDPULAH. SLANG IN EVER-YDJCf SJPJSECH. There is more slang talked to-day, probably, than at any previous time in our history. War-time conditions and the mixture of races have familiarised us with many allusive phrases which are new to this generation. "iNspoo," the-British soldier's, rendering of "11--ri'y en a plus," roughly .interpreted in England slang as .''jipV thing doing/ was one-.of the earheafc '6f the. topical, phrases to arise out ofwm: associations. "Camouflage" and" "barrage" have come to stjiy. It is; suggested by a close observer that in England some of the most overworked pieces of modern slang are these:— Over the oop (a modern equivalent of ■'iaidng the plunge"). Top-hole. . Perfectly topping. 'Dug-out's. ■ " Swinging the lead. Cushy and Old thing. ■ Less obvious' in its application is tha expression (said to be obtaining somo currency) "Be Marly." It is understood to liave- originated in a ruerenco to the Mnrylcbone Cricket Club, and to mean "Play the game." But "This way ror the early door/ the cry to wUjch, according to "Truth," British soldiers make a great advance, deserves not to be forgotten.