The Thieves' Cant vol 1

The Thieves' cant was a secret language for the criminal underground.  Devised in the 1500s it was used by thieves, beggars and hustlers of various kinds in Great Britain and to a lesser extent in other English-speaking countries. The classic, colourful argot  was “to the end that their cozenings, knaveries and villainies might not so easily be perceived and known"  It is now largely relegated to the realm of literature and fantasy, although individual terms continue to be used in the criminal subcultures of both Britain and the United States