The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-08-03
Signals and Inverted Language Of the
English Gypsies.


The English gypsies have telegraph
lie language of sounds, which is used
when the sound of voices might warn
others of their presence, or be other
wise Objectionable. This consists of a
system of taps given on the floor with
the foot, as if in imitation of quick
step, or in some other audible manner.
And so rapidly can words be communi-
Gated in this way that ideas are convey
ed almost as quickly as if with Morse
instrument and the best of batteries.
Many times, when enjoying the pleas
ures of literary reception in London
and other cities, when the topic of gyp-
sizes has presented itself. have my wife
and / astonished the guests by commune
eating from either end of the room some
private message given to one or the
other. This teiegraphic signaling is oft
en- used in the woods when poaching
expedition is going on. The gypsies tap
on the tree in imitation of the wood
pecker. Thus, if any unusual or unac-
countable noise is heard. and danger is
suspected, they can ask if it is made by
any of their party. If no response is
given, they noiseiessly beat retreat,
for these romantic people have the still,
gliding motions of an old buShranger or
an Indian, when out on their dangerous
and unlawful ventures. The first time
of my appearance in the camp / was on
the qui ctUe for any popularity of Ian
guage, and, being an expert stenograph
er, quietly took down everything that
| heard. After Boswell had talket, for
some time with my friend, he turned to
one of the young women and said what
| afterward found to be: "Socleca! did
you ply your families on that dell we
met on the pad to-day? You'd benar
clay those buds from Purviss ruffmans,
ODDLY in the gefman, and mind you give
her pishyedal all the ben-whids she
wants." The girl replied: .Sya! I'd
have mooned them before, only saw
the old harmembech around. take my
salamon. I'd have LANDED him for a
gage of penthouse, if it had been dark
men. That l would if I'd had to trine
for it." Soon after this Boswell turned
to the pretty Vael and said: '.Dost thou
be Bluffor! Jael, my lamps are dasened,
end feel that if | were on my strum-
mel / could couch hogshead. The
translations of these sentences would
make them read as follows: ''Socleca,"
(the girls name) Ibid you use your
fingers Cor pick the pockets) on that
Young woman we met on the road to-
day? You'd better steal those clothes
from Purviss' hedges early in the morn
ing, and mind you, give her ladyship
(Mrs. Purviss, doubtless) all the good
words she wants" The girls reply
was: Eyes! I'd have had them before
only saw the old constable Cor beadle)
around. take my solemn oath I'd
have beaten him for a cup of liquor, if
it had been night. That would, if I
had to hang for itr' Boswel's speech
to his daughter meant: 'Dost thou be
host, Vael; my eyes are growing sleepy,
and feel that if / were on my straw
bed / could 90 to sleep" As far as 1
have been able to collect, the English
speaking gypsies only have about 120 OF
these slang phrases and words, The
remainder or their words, when spoken
for secrecy, are arranged as before ex-
planned.