St Giles' Greek

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English

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Etymology

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The term comes from the St Giles' area of present-day central London which, during the 17th and 18th centuries, was notorious as a refuge for thieves and other criminals.

Proper noun

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St Giles' Greek

  1. (cant) A secret language, as spoken by beggars and thieves.

References

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  • The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, originally by Francis Grose.