subs. (Punch and Judy).—Punch. Hence SWATCHEL (or SCHWASSLE) -BOX = the Punch and Judy show; SWATCHEL-COVE = a Punch and Judy man: spec. the patterer. The other terms connected with this drama of the streets are:—MOZZY = Judy; DARKEY = the negro; VAMPO = the clown; VAMPIRE = the ghost; BUFFER = the dog; BUFFER-FIGURE = the dog’s master; CROCODILE = the demon; FILIO = the baby; THE FRAME = the street arrangement; PEEPSIES = the panpipes; NOBBING-SLUM = the bag for collecting money; THE LETTER CLOTH = the advertisement; TAMBOUR = the drum; THE STALK (or PROP) = the gallows; THE SLUM FAKE = the coffin; THE SLUM = the call.
1887. W. E. HENLEY, Villon’s Good-Night. You SWATCHEL COVES that pitch and slam.
