Ubonics
n.— «During slavery, oration was used as coded speech to “hide collective action from slave owners.” Today this principle is exemplified in speech such as Ubonics—a “slang” version Ebony-phonics, also knows as Ebonics—and rap.…Even if one is not a fan of rap or a supporter of Ubonics—the expression of commonness through words, and in our private space—informal speech is the manifestation of this principle.» —“In search of a unified Black culture” by Tricia Hylton Rabble.ca (Canada) Feb. 23, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Oofless is an antiquated bit of British slang that describes someone temporarily short on cash. It’s from ooftisch, a Yiddish-derived term for “cash placed on the table,” from German auf Tisch. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Carpe diem! A new book reveals the surprisingly unfamiliar stories behind familiar quotations. Also: Rock climbers have gumbies, and surfers have kooks. What do those words say about beginners who have more confidence than experience? Plus, if...