IPA pronunciation: 'ku ti (Koo tea)
Noun Plural: cooties ('ku tiz); alternate spelling: cooty
Originally coined in 1917, this was a British military slang term used during World War I for a body louse (the singular of body lice). This term came from the Malay word "kutu" which was used for parasitic insects that drink blood for nourishment.
In modern times this term is typically used by young boys to tease girls, though many who use it have no idea what it means or where it came from. Some even erroneously believe it's a type of STD.
"Aye, Timothy caught cooties on the battle field. He needs medical, ASAP."
"Stay away from me, you're gross! You have cooties!"
Noun IPA pronunciation: klaÊt / kl-ow-t
The first documented use of this word came about before the 900s. In Old English its spelling was "Clut." Its original definition was "a lump of something." The slang term came about in 1946 and was defined as "the personal influence one has." It was originally used by politicians.
Verb To hit or strike someone or something with your hand. This slang also derived from the original meaning of the noun form of this word. It holds the idea of striking someone with a lump (the lump, in this case, being one's hand). This term came about in the 14th century. Though, it was slowly phased out of its slang status and became an official definition during its increased usage in the English language.
Noun "I have a clout of pumpkin seeds ready for cookin'."
Slang "I've been building my clout for years. You'll never have enough power to truly tear me down."
Verb She clouted him across the face out of anger.
IPA: /zÉrf/ (z ar f)
Noun A term who's first documented English usage was in 1936.
It is a form of heat insulating device that goes over a cup filled with a warm substance (originally coffee) to protect the drinker from being burned. originally, zarfs were made of metal and could even have a handle on them.
This term came from the Arabic word زار٠/zarifon/ meaning "an object used to carry something within."
Yo, homie, can you pass me a zarf? My hot chocolate is a proper sizzler, no cap.
IPA pronunciation: /fÊÅ ki/ or fung-key
Adjective First documented use was in 1784 and meant "something that was old or smelled musty." It was first used to describe types of cheese but eventually started being used with the meaning of "repulsive," as well. It was around the 1900s that the term became a slang term used by jazz artists and listeners which holds the meaning of "an earthy or strong tone. Something that is deeply felt." This slang is the most common usage of this word today, even becoming a genre of music called Funk.
Though, around that time, many white people also used the term as a derogatory slang towards blacks by giving it the meaning of "the nasty body odor of a black person." This slang definition fell out of use.
Around the 1960s this word gained the meaning of "fine, stylish, or excellent," and could (and still can) be used for anything you like.
Adjective
¹ "This cheese is proper funky. I'll take three."
² "This house smells kinda funky... it's gross."
First Slang "That jazz solo was straight funky, my guy. It really spoke to me."
Modern slang "Now that painting is straight-up funky. I'd love to cop me one."
Noun Pronunciation: IPA: ËfÉrËaɪz/foh-er aiz
Originally coined in 1874 this term was a derogatory phrase used to attack people who wore glasses.
The origins of this word are unknown, but a few theories exist:
1. People thought of the glass lenses as a second set of eyes.
2. Due to how thick lenses used to be, they would sometimes reflect the things around them making it seem like the wearer had more eyes than usual.
This term is typically used by school children with intent to bully but can also be heard in more adult-oriented settings. Though, adults typically use it jokingly.
Its adjective counterpart: "four-eyed"
"Hey, four-eyes, why don't you give me your lunch money?"
"Hey, four-eyes. When are you gonna get your work done?"
Adjective "The four-eyed freak."