Indigenous Ability

A few choice tidbits from George, W. Matsell’s, Vocabulum, or The Rogue’s Lexicon (1859.) Keep in mind these are underworld terms from the New York area, we see a different vocabulary in other regions of the US of A. Anointed -Flogged or beaten. “I anointed that Addle-cove.” “I beat the hell out of that ‘foolish-man.’ Barking-Irons —Pistols. Fibbing -Punch or strike with the fist in general. Flimp -To wrestle or grapple, all-in, not the sportsman version. Gigg -Nose. “ Snitchel the bloke’s gig.” “Bust the man’s nose .” Gutter lane -The Throat. “ Slice gutter-lane .” That means exactly what you think it does. Hackum -One who specializes in slashing assaults with knife or razor. Nope -Any blow be it punch, kick, elbows, knee, head-butt. Rabbit -A tough athletic man who can take care of himself in a melee.  [Coming to the RAW Program in 2019--applications of "Hackum" and a Savate-American Indian Hybrid of "grapple-stomping" that rea...

                                                                        "Big Jim" In the grand ol’ crazy days of New York, competitive fire mustering was a thing. Essentially it was whoever could get to a fire first would win the contract. Fires were frequent [as was a bit of serendipitous arson] and the competitions were not friendly. Many fire departments recruited from less than savory elements to give the upper hand in jockeying for superior mustering position. One such element was Jim Jeroloman, AKA “Big Jim.” Big Jim was a 6’4” shipbuilder and boxer with earrings that dangled to shoulders—which he removed for musters. Although a big man with what are described as heavy hands, he still relied on other tools of the rough and tumble trade—he was a noted biter. Post one scuffle,...