elrig

English

Etymology

Back slang for girl.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɛlɹɪɡ/

Noun

elrig (plural elrigs)

1. (obsolete, costermongers) A girl.
   • 1912 May 11, A. J. Heighway, “Whitechapel”, in The Evening Post (New Zealand)‎^[1], volume LXXXIII, number 112, page 9:

     It is still in considerable vogue, and the enquirer will at times hear some good examples—though the chances are a hundred to one against his ever understanding them. A couple which were interpreted for my benefit were: "Hi, yob, kool that enif elrig with the nael ekom. Sap her a top of reeb and a tib of occobat," and "Islema, ogda the opperca." After the reader has sufficiently puzzled over these hieroglyphics he or she may be glad to learn that the quotations respectively mean: "Hi, boy, look at that fine girl with the lean moke. Pass her a pot of beer and a bit of tobacco," and "Misle, dog the copper!"

   • 2011, Ruth Hamilton, The Corner House, Random House, →ISBN, page 86:

     I see you've had an elrig hanging round your stall.

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:girl

Related terms

• yob (“boy”)

Anagrams

• Rigel, e-girl, egirl, girle, liger