30 Words and Phrases from Victorian Theatrical Slang

(via Mental Floss)  In 1909, the English novelist and writer James Redding Ware published a dictionary of 19th-century slang and colloquial language.  It was this firsthand experience that helped flesh out his dictionary with a host of slang words and expressions used by Victorian actors, actresses, theatrical producers, and backstage workers. From nicknames for incoherent actors to mooching companions and noisy babies, although many of the entries have long since dropped out of use, they’re no less useful or applicable today.