an old penny weighs 1/3rd of an ounce (dwt), so 80 ounces to £1 sterling. Or 5lbs weight to £1 sterling, the name Pound in money terms comes from Libra or Libre which is still used in parts of France and why an L or £ (fancy L ) is used. D is from Dinara, florin from Florina, the flower in it's centre... etc. The Farthing was once divided into 1/2 and 1/3 farthings. Origonaly there were no shillings and 241 pennies to the pound, when pennies were silver coins.

Thanks very much Jennifer.

I am English (therefore, by definition British). I grew up with 'real money' (LOL) and my mother was from Deptford in London.  I can vouch for virtually all you have written and can well believe the rest!

It's great to see all these pearls of wisdom in one place.  An excellent idea.

Susie

Wonderful idea. A bit short on the Cumbrian/North East/Tyne,Wear&Tee side slang,and the comments are almost as much fun as the post.
Cheers Jennifer.

This is a must-read for anyone who likes to watch British telly programmes.  Of course, to fans of Monty Python or Red Dwarf, this is a refresher.

Patricia, Ass is not Modern English - it is primarly used in America only while Arse remains dominant in other English speaking countries

One entry I find interesting and I can't help speculating on it's origin.  --

"‘arris (harris) Slang term for one’s backside (ie I kicked him in his ‘arris.)" --

I have to wonder if that isn't from a mispronunciation of "Arse" Old English.  Modern English translation "Ass" as in buttocks.  -- See Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tails" -- "...hit him across the arse with a hot poker..."

     Slang is fascinating. Thanks for the work, and I hope you'll add more. Cockney Rhymning Slang is odd - but I also find Rap odd. Was it invented to avoid understanding by the police, or simply as an "in" thing for that class/culture?
     As you add words it would be useful to know how common their useage is, and whether or not the words are limited to certain groups, classes or geographic areas, and who finds them acceptable. Would hate to write about someone from The City saying 'blimey.
     Interesting that the Brits use "swear words" like bloody and others dealing with pain/death, while Americans always swear in words relating to sex. Sorry our cultural weirdness has now spread so that the quite agreeable notion of "F--- You!" is now so negative all over the world.
     Thanks again, and I'm looking forward to additions.
RJMcD