Rital of Proof (43 page)

snap-branch—
an irritating sassbit.

snip-butt—
an upstart.

snob-bobs—
underwater creatures, a delicacy coveted by the
Slice.

snogglehound pudding—not
really made from snogglehounds.

snuffle treat—
makes you snuffle, but it tastes good.

spark—
young male prostitute.

spirit-law—
a higher law.

spleened—
vexed.

stateswoman—
orator.

sunpods—
pods that turn in the direction of moisture.

swaggers—
obnoxious, strutting She-Lords.

T9-disc—
small disc worn on a chain, usually holds household codes.

tag—
punch.

tasteslikerooster—
it does.

tight one—
someone who is strictly by the book.

tilla—
the leaves of this plant are particularly beloved by Kloo and are used for their beds.

Tops—
nobs.

Top Slice—
the aristocracy.

torque—
a tough character who can turn it around.

touch—
slang for money and/or sex.

trapper—
mouth.

tribeswoman—
from the South Region.

Twine of Night—
meteor-blade form.

unscrolled child—
a bastard.

veils—
virgin males.

velvet petal—
sexual slang for men, as in "He's a fine velvet petal."

velvet touch—
slang for getting sex.

Victorias—
rural community in Hadley Tip.

vid-tomes—
multimedia, multidimensional books.

visionaries—
perched on top of the roofs of houses, these rooms were originally built for defense, but later became places for romantic trysts.

waggering—
taking advantage of name-bearing hopefuls, i.e., fornication.

waggers—
male hopefuls of the Season.

waistlet—
chain worn around the waist that holds T9 discs.

waiting-servants—
escort new name-bearer to the fastening chamber.

weavermouth—
hideous, evil alien life forms that you never want to invite for lunch.

wilding—
an untamed one.

woman of the town—
an experienced, well-connected aristocrat, who knows her way.

wristview—
great for viewing vid-tomes.

zip
—sex, i.e., "getting the zip."