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St Giles' Greek. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
St Giles' Greek, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
St Giles' Greek in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
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
St Giles' Greek
- (cant) A secret language, as spoken by beggars and thieves.
References
- The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, originally by Francis Grose.