Lag's Lexicon : A Comprehensive Dictionary and Encyclopædia of the English Prison of To-day (Routledge Library Editions: Prison and Prisoners)

Originally published in 1950, this Lag’s Lexicon was compiled for a variety of reasons, with the object of entertainment, amusement, or enlightenment. The amateur authority on slang could derive pleasure in picking it to pieces and finding words which, according to their belief, had an entirely different meaning. Now it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context and to see which words are still in use to this day.