Thieves Cant

Across the Engarlands and the civilized lands, Thieves Cant has become a staple of underworld culture, from the criminal network of The Hand, to vagabonds, and others who practice the 'Mixed Trades'. Where Thieves Cant originates is unknown, but is likely a conglomeration of several different individually developed codes and euphemisms, used by different underground groups throughout history. The language can be broken into 3 roughly distinct parts, Graffiti & Signs, Euphemism codes, and the coded speak of negotiations.

Graffiti:

Graffiti, similar to real-world Hobo-Sign is utilized to convey simple but important concepts about a location. These messages can vary dramatically, but detail our such things as easy places to rob, safe houses, places where you can fence goods, marking gang territories, and warning readers of various dangers.

Signs:

Members of the The Hand and the mixed trades often wear articles of jewelry, clothing, and occasionally even tattoos which serve as flags and messages for those that see them. These can indicate criminal specialties, affiliations with certain criminal groups, and similarly pertinent information.

Euphemisms:

Euphemism is one of the coded forms of language used in thieves cant. This is used to cover up and replace words and phrases with a directly criminal relation and meaning, with something banaler and easily overlooked.

Additional information on approaching and disguised langugage, as well as signs worn by members of the mixed trades can be found here.

Common Phrases

Uncle

a catch-all for criminal activity or signaling you are a member of the Hand. ex: "I got this gold ring from uncle" might mean you stole the ring."

Bread

Money

Quilt

a Reizering Caravan

Brass

fact or the truth of something

Shed

Dead

Badger

A fixer or someone who knows a lot of criminals in a city

Flute

A member of the watch or city guard

Carpet or Goose

A prostitude (regardless of gender).

Plow

Somone who is straight or otherwise law-abiding, and generally not to be trusted in regards to Criminal enterprise.

Jitter

Somone who has been wrecked by drug use.

Handyman

A pickpocket

Sharp as a Razor

Assassin or proffesional killer. ex: "My friend Tommin is sharp as a razor."

Up and Downer

To mug someone

Wedding Party

A Robbery