noun General Slang

Budge

/bʌdʒ/ · noun · slang

A sneak-thief who slipped into houses to steal cloaks and coats off the pegs.

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Definitions

1

By extension, the trade of such sneaking theft — 'going on the budge'.

“He went on the budge through the cold months when no honest work could be had.”
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2

A thief who sneaked into houses or shops to steal cloaks, coats and small goods, often working with a partner. B.E. and Grose list 'the budge' as a recognised trade.

“The budge slipped in by the open door and was out with the cloak in a wink.”
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3

A 'standing budge' — a thief's scout or lookout, who stood watch and gave warning.

“Set the standing budge at the corner before you go in.”
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Budge In A Sentence

A budge needed quick feet more than a strong arm.
The standing budge whistled and the whole crew scattered.
They worked the budge in pairs, one to steal and one to watch.

Origin & Usage

Listed in canting dictionaries of the late 17th and 18th centuries — B.E. (1699) and Grose (1785) — both 'budge' (sneak-thief) and 'standing budge' (lookout). The earlier root of the word is uncertain.

Variants standing budgebudger
Tags #thieves-cant#cant#historical#british#crime

People Also Ask

What does budge mean in thieves' cant?

A sneak-thief who slipped into houses to steal cloaks and coats — a trade listed by B.E. (1699) and Grose (1785).

What is a standing budge?

A lookout or scout who stood watch and gave warning while the others stole.

Is this related to 'won't budge'?

The cant noun is distinct; the everyday verb 'budge' (to move) has a separate history, and the older root of the cant term is unclear.

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