Francis Grose published the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, a book that includes a list of slang terms and expressions that were widely used in London and other English towns in the late 18th century. The dictionary gives definitions for numerous slang terms as well as information on where they came from, how to use them, and some real-world use examples. For linguists, historians, and anybody else interested in the evolution of slang and the history of the English language, Grose's book is an invaluable resource. It throws information on the attitudes and ideas of the individuals who employed these vibrant expressions in their everyday lives and sheds light on the social and cultural backdrop of the period.
Francis Grose (1731–1791) was an English lexicographer, antiquarian, and draughtsman. Grose was the son of a Swiss immigrant and his English wife, and he was born in Greenford, Middlesex. He pursued a career in the military rather than finishing his degree while attending Oxford University to study. To pursue his interests in archaeology and antiquities, he finally left the service. The illustrated works on antiquarian themes that Grose is most known for are "The Antiquities of England and Wales" and "The Antiquities of Scotland." His "A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" (1785), often known as the "Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue," was a compendium of slang and colloquialisms prevalent in 18th-century England. He was also a prolific lexicographer. In addition to his work as a lexicographer and antiquarian, Grose was a talented artist who created a large number of sketches and watercolors of old structures, landscapes, and other themes. He belonged to both the Royal Society of Arts and the Society of Antiquaries of London. Grose passed away in 1791, leaving a legacy of significant works on English language, culture, and history.
