Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98, April 5, 1890

APRIL 5, 1890.

MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES.

JOURNALISTIC.

"_The Prisoner, who was fashionably attired, and of genteel appearance_;" i.e., An ill-got-up swell-mobsman.

"_A powerful-looking fellow_;" i.e., An awful ruffian.

"_A rumour has reached us_"--(in the well-nigh impenetrable recesses wherein, as journalists, we habitually conceal ourselves).

"_Nothing fresh has transpired_;" i.e., The local Reporter's invention is at last exhausted.

"_The Prisoner seemed fully alive to the very serious position in which he was placed_;" i.e., He occasionally wiped his mouth on his knuckles.

"_The proceedings were kept up until an advanced hour_;" i.e., The Reporter left early.

SOCIAL.

"_I'm so sorry I've forgotten to bring my Music_;" i.e., I'm not going to throw away my singing on these people.

"_Dear me, this is a surprise to meet you here! I didn't, you see, know you were in Town_;" i.e., By which I wish her to understand that I hadn't seen that prominent account of her Mid-Lent dance (for which I had received no invitation) that appeared in last Thursday's Morning Post.

"_Never heard it recited better. Wonder you don't go on the Stage_;" i.e., Then one needn't come and hear you; now one can't keep out of your way.

FOR SHOW SUNDAY.

"_Shall you have many Pictures in this year?_" i.e., He'll jump for joy if he gets one in.

"_Is your big Picture going to Burlington House or the Grosvenor?_" i.e., They wouldn't have it at an East-End Free Art Show.

"_By Jove, dear boy, Burne-Jones will have to look to his laurels?_" i.e., Green mist and gawky girls, as usual!

"_What I love about your pictures, dear Mr. Stodge, is their Subtle Ideal treatment, so different, &c., &c.?_" i.e., 'Tisn't like anything on earth.

"_Best thing you've done for years, my boy; and, mark my words, it'll create a sensation!_" i.e., Everybody says it'll be a great go, and I may as well be in it.

"_Entre nous, I don't think Millais' landscape is to be compared with it?_" i.e., I should hope not--for MILLAIS' sake.

"_Fancy hanging him on the line, and skying you! It's too bad?_" i.e., His picture is.

"_Glad you haven't gone in for mere 'pretty, pretty,' this time, old man_;" i.e., It's ugly enough for a scarecrow.

"_My dear Sir, it's as mournfully impressive as a Millet_;" i.e., Dull skies and dowdy peasants!

"_Well, it's something in these days to see a picture one can get a laugh out of_;" i.e., Or at!

AUCTIONEERING.

"_Every Modern Convenience_;" i.e., Electric-bells and disconnected drain-pipes.

"_Cheap and Commodious Flat_;" i.e., Seven small square rooms, with no outlook, at about the rent of a Hyde Park mansion.

"_A Desirable Residence_;" i.e., To get out of.

PLATFORMULARS.

"_And thus bring to a triumphant issue the fight in which we are engaged_;" i.e., Thank Heaven, I managed to get off my peroration all right.

"_Our great Leader_;" i.e., "That's sure to make them cheer, and will give me time to think."