Ikey, a Jew “fence.” Corruption of Isaac, a common Hebrew name.
Imperence, servant-girl currency for impudence or impertinence. “Now, then, Mr. Imperence, leave off now, do,” seems, however, to have faded away with Greenwich, Bartlemy, and kindred fairs.
Improve the occasion, a slang term much in use among Chadbands and Stigginses, who never lose an opportunity of IMPROVING the condition of either pockets or stomachs at the expense of the credulous.
In, “to be IN with a person,” to be even with, or up to him; also, to be on intimate terms, or in partnership, with him.
Inexpressibles, UNUTTERABLES, UNMENTIONABLES, UNWHISPERABLES, or SIT UPONS, trousers, the nether garments. All affected terms, having their origin in a most unpleasant squeamishness.
Infantry, nursery term for children; LIGHT INFANTRY, fleas.
In for it, in trouble or difficulty of any kind. As, “You’re IN FOR IT, I wouldn’t stand in your shoes for a trifle.”
In for patter, waiting for trial, referring to the speeches of counsel, the statements of witnesses, the summing up of the judge, &c.,—the fuss of which the prisoner sets down as “all so much PATTER.”
Innings, earnings, good fortune; “he’s had a long INNINGS,” i.e., a good run of luck, with plenty of cash flowing in. From the distinction between INNINGS and outings at cricket and kindred games.
Inside lining, dinner, &c.
Interesting, “to be in an INTERESTING situation,” applied to females when enceinte.
Interview, to inspect privately with a view to obtaining information which shall be afterwards published. Both the verb and its use have their origin with our Transatlantic cousins, and “interviewing” by means of special reporters, who question most minutely, is of frequent occurrence,—of occurrence whenever opportunity offers. Should a man be found guilty of murder, or start as a candidate for the Presidency, he will be INTERVIEWED by “our special correspondent,” and there are already signs of this objectionable form of newspaper work finding its way here. Should a visitor of importance arrive in New York, the conversation which passes, or is supposed to pass, between him and the reporter will be found minutely described, with an elaborate introduction. It is but fair to Americans, however, to say that the gentleman to whom the credit, or discredit, of the invention of this system belongs was a native of Great Britain, who invented many other startling Americanisms during his residence in New York.
Into, “hold my hat, Jim, I’ll be INTO him,” i.e., I will fight him. In this sense equivalent to pitch INTO, or slip INTO.
Invite, an invitation—a corruption used by stuck-up people of mushroom origin. Often used, also, by people who know better, from their desire for slang of any kind.
Ipsal dixal, Cockney corruption of ipse dixit—said of one’s simple uncorroborated assertion.
Irish American, an Irishman who has been for some time resident in the States; sometimes a man born in America of Irish parents. The Irish American body is a power in the United States, and is the fount-spring as well as the maintaining power of all Fenianism.
Irish apricots, potatoes.
Irish Cockney, a child born of Irish parents in any part of the southern counties of England. It is a singular fact that Irishmen born profess great abhorrence of Irish Cockneys, while the latter despise all Irish, and use the word as one of reproach. Irish Cockneys were originally only Cockneys born of an Irish strain, but the term has proved very elastic, and threatens soon to mean any English-born person whose descent is Hibernian. Liverpool will, however, always prove an exception to the rule, as the name “Liverpool Irishmen” is given to those who would in any southern part be called Cockneys.
Irish theatre, the temporary prison, guard-room, or lock-up in a barracks. The fond fancy of the soldier supplies it with other figurative appellations, as “the mill,” “the jigger,” “the house that Jack built.” In Edinburgh Castle it is termed “the dryroom.”
Irons in the fire, a man is said to have too many IRONS IN THE FIRE when he turns his attention to too many occupations or enterprises at once.
Isthmus of Suez, the covered bridge at St. John’s College, Cambridge, which connects the college with its grounds on the other side of the river.—See CRACKLE.
Ivories, teeth; “a box of IVORIES,” a set of teeth, the mouth; “wash your IVORIES,” i.e., “drink.” The word is also used to denote dice.