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Ikey . a Jew “fence.” Corruption of Isaac, a common Hebrew name.
Imperence . servant-girl currency for impudence or impertinence. “Now, then, Mr. IMPERENCE, leave off now, do,” seems, however, to have faded away with Greenwich, Bartlemy, and kindred fairs.
Improve the occasion . a slang term much in use among Chadbands and Stigginses, who never lose an opportunity of IMPROVING the condition of either pockets or stomachs at the expense of the credulous.
In . “to be IN with a person,” to be even with, or up to him; also, to be on intimate terms, or in partnership, with him.
In for it . in trouble or difficulty of any kind. As, “You’re IN FOR IT, I wouldn’t stand in your shoes for a trifle.”
In for patter . waiting for trial, referring to the speeches of counsel, the statements of witnesses, the summing up of the judge, &c.,—the fuss of which the prisoner sets down as “all so much PATTER.”
Inexpressibles . UNUTTERABLES, UNMENTIONABLES, UNWHISPERABLES, or SIT UPONS, trousers, the nether garments. All affected terms, having their origin in a most unpleasant squeamishness.
Infantry . nursery term for children; LIGHT INFANTRY, fleas.
Innings . earnings, good fortune; “he’s had a long INNINGS,” _i.e._, a good run of luck, with plenty of cash flowing in. From the distinction between INNINGS and outings at cricket and kindred games.
Inside lining . dinner, &c.
Interesting . “to be in an INTERESTING situation,” applied to females when _enceinte_.
Interview . to inspect privately with a view to obtaining information which shall be afterwards published. Both the verb and its use have their origin with our Transatlantic cousins, and “interviewing” by means of special reporters, who question most minutely, is of frequent occurrence,—of occurrence whenever opportunity offers. Should a man be found guilty of murder, or start as a candidate for the Presidency, he will be INTERVIEWED by “our special correspondent,” and there are already signs of this objectionable form of newspaper work finding its way here. Should a visitor of importance arrive in New York, the conversation which passes, or is supposed to pass, between him and the reporter will be found minutely described, with an elaborate introduction. It is but fair to Americans, however, to say that the gentleman to whom the credit, or discredit, of the invention of this system belongs was a native of Great Britain, who invented many other startling Americanisms during his residence in New York.
Into . “hold my hat, Jim, I’ll be INTO him,” _i.e._, I will fight him. In this sense equivalent to pitch INTO, or slip INTO.
Invite . an invitation—a corruption used by stuck-up people of mushroom origin. Often used, also, by people who know better, from their desire for slang of any kind.
Ipsal dixal . Cockney corruption of _ipse dixit_—said of one’s simple uncorroborated assertion.
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