A recent episode of Have I Got News For You included a discussion of Emojis as a form of language and communication, and it struck me how much language and communication can change (and, of course, stay the same). Emojis are, in a way, based on interpreting facial expressions. However, I should probably state here that my use of Emojis is restricted to smiley faces and I am definitely not a connoisseur of modern technology!

Anyway, it got me thinking about language and time, and sent me on a hunt for words, phrases and expressions which were used in Regency England.

Out of all of the weird and wonderful words I found, here is a list of my top ten favourites…

1. Faradiddles – lies
2. To not give a tinker’s damn – to not care (about something)
3. Pluck to the backbone – to be brave
4. Leg-shackled – married
5. A fudge – a false rumour
6. An Ace of Spades – a widow
7. The boot is quite on the other leg – The situation is quite the reverse
8. Calf-Love – The immature love of a young man
9. Gingerbread – money
10. A Jobation – a telling off