General
cut whids
What does cut whids mean?
By extension, to give a good account of oneself in cant, marking one as a true member of the crew.
"He could cut whids with the best of them and pass for a born rogue."
Origin
Recorded by Harman (1566), whose appended canting dialogue shows 'cut benar whyddes' (speak better words). 'Whid' for word persists in 'whiddle' (to inform or blab). Standard in canting glossaries through Grose (1785).
Frequently asked questions
What does cut whids mean in thieves' cant?
To speak or talk — 'whids' meant words. Harman's 1566 sample dialogue uses 'cut benar whyddes', to speak better words.
What is the difference between bene and queer whids?
'Bene whids' are good, fair words; 'queer whids' are bad words or threats.
Is whid related to any modern word?
Yes — 'whiddle', meaning to inform or blab, descends from this cant root for 'word'.
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