General
budge
What does budge mean?
By extension, the trade of such sneaking theft — 'going on the budge'.
"He went on the budge through the cold months when no honest work could be had."
Origin
Listed in canting dictionaries of the late 17th and 18th centuries — B.E. (1699) and Grose (1785) — both 'budge' (sneak-thief) and 'standing budge' (lookout). The earlier root of the word is uncertain.
Frequently asked questions
What does budge mean in thieves' cant?
A sneak-thief who slipped into houses to steal cloaks and coats — a trade listed by B.E. (1699) and Grose (1785).
What is a standing budge?
A lookout or scout who stood watch and gave warning while the others stole.
Is this related to 'won't budge'?
The cant noun is distinct; the everyday verb 'budge' (to move) has a separate history, and the older root of the cant term is unclear.
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