Flying Squad (police). Often shortened to “Sweeney”.
Sweeney Todd
Example Sentences
"The Sweeney are coming!"
"Watch out for the Sweeney."
Etymology & History
Rhymes with "Flying Squad" (elite police unit). Named after the fictional murderous barber (1846 story). Rhyming slang from the early 20th century.
Word Details
📍
Region
London/Cockney
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Era
Modern
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Language
Mild
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Formality
Slang
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
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