The History of Thieves’ Cant: A Secret Language of Criminals

From whispers in shadowy alleys to coded messages passed in crowded marketplaces, the history of thieves’ cant is a fascinating journey into the underbelly of society. Thieves’ cant, also known as rogues’ cant or peddler’s French, is a secret language developed and used by criminals and marginalized communities to conceal their activities and communicate amongst themselves without being understood by outsiders. This cryptic language evolved over centuries, adapting to the changing social landscape and the ever-present threat of law enforcement. Its history offers a glimpse into the lives, struggles, and ingenuity of those who lived on the fringes of society, forced to rely on their wits and a shared secret language to survive. This article delves into the origins, evolution, and eventual decline of thieves’ cant, exploring its intricate connection to the social and historical contexts that shaped it.

The Origins of Thieves’ Cant

Early Forms of Criminal Communication

The roots of thieves’ cant can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with some scholars pointing to the jargon used by wandering entertainers and merchants. These groups, often operating outside the established social structures, developed their own specialized vocabulary to facilitate trade and communication within their communities. This early form of cant, while not explicitly criminal, provided a foundation for the later development of more secretive and specialized criminal dialects.

As organized crime began to emerge, the need for a more sophisticated form of secret communication became increasingly apparent. Criminals needed a way to discuss their plans and activities without alerting authorities or potential victims. This led to the development of more complex forms of cant, incorporating elements of various languages and dialects, as well as coded words and phrases.

The social and economic upheaval of the 16th century in England further fueled the development of thieves’ cant. The influx of refugees and migrants from various parts of Europe brought with them a diverse range of languages and dialects, providing a rich source of vocabulary for the burgeoning criminal underworld. This period saw a significant increase in vagrancy and crime, leading to a greater need for secrecy and clandestine communication among criminals.

The Influence of the Elizabethan Underworld

The Elizabethan era, a period of great social and political change, witnessed a flourishing of criminal activity and the corresponding development of thieves’ cant. The bustling streets and crowded marketplaces of London provided fertile ground for pickpockets, con artists, and other criminals. These individuals relied heavily on cant to coordinate their activities and avoid detection.

Playwrights and writers of the time, such as William Shakespeare, often incorporated elements of thieves’ cant into their works, providing valuable insights into the language and culture of the criminal underworld. These literary depictions, while often romanticized, offer a glimpse into the lexicon and social dynamics of the criminal communities of the time.

The Elizabethan underworld was a complex and hierarchical society, with different groups specializing in various forms of criminal activity. Each group often developed its own unique variations of cant, further complicating the language and making it even more difficult for outsiders to understand.

Cant and the Printing Press

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century played a significant role in the dissemination of thieves’ cant. The printing press allowed for the wider circulation of pamphlets and books, some of which documented the language and customs of the criminal underworld. These publications, often intended to warn the public about the dangers of crime, inadvertently provided a valuable resource for criminals seeking to learn and refine their cant.

The increased availability of printed materials also led to a greater awareness of thieves’ cant among the general public. This, in turn, prompted criminals to constantly evolve and adapt their language, adding new words and phrases to maintain its secrecy.

The interplay between the printing press and thieves’ cant highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the language, constantly adapting to the changing social and technological landscape.

The Golden Age of Cant

17th and 18th Century Canting Dictionaries

The 17th and 18th centuries are often considered the golden age of thieves’ cant. During this period, numerous canting dictionaries and glossaries were published, providing detailed accounts of the language and its various dialects. These dictionaries, while often intended to expose the secrets of the criminal underworld, ironically served to codify and standardize the language, making it more accessible to a wider range of criminals.

These canting dictionaries offer invaluable insights into the vocabulary, grammar, and social context of thieves’ cant. They reveal a complex and nuanced language, reflecting the diverse origins and experiences of the individuals who used it.

The publication of these dictionaries also contributed to the romanticization of the criminal underworld, further embedding thieves’ cant in the popular imagination.

Cant in Literature and Popular Culture

Thieves’ cant continued to feature prominently in literature and popular culture throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Authors and playwrights often employed cant to add a sense of realism and authenticity to their portrayals of criminal life. This further cemented the language’s place in the public consciousness.

The portrayal of cant in popular culture often romanticized the criminal lifestyle, contributing to the mystique and allure of the underworld. This romanticized image, however, often obscured the harsh realities of life on the margins of society.

The use of cant in literature and popular culture also reflects the enduring fascination with the criminal underworld and its secret language.

The Decline of Cant

With the rise of organized policing and improved communication technologies in the 19th and 20th centuries, the need for a specialized secret language like thieves’ cant began to diminish. As law enforcement became more effective at infiltrating criminal networks, the use of cant became increasingly risky. Criminals began to adopt more subtle forms of communication, relying on coded messages and nonverbal cues.

The decline of cant also reflects the changing social and economic landscape. As societies became more urbanized and industrialized, traditional forms of criminal activity began to evolve. The rise of new technologies and communication networks further diminished the need for a specialized criminal language.

While thieves’ cant is no longer widely used, its legacy can still be seen in modern slang and colloquialisms. Many words and phrases that originated in thieves’ cant have entered mainstream language, often with their original meanings obscured or altered.

Cant’s Legacy

Modern Slang and Colloquialisms

Although thieves’ cant has largely faded from use, its influence can still be detected in modern slang and colloquialisms. Many words and phrases that originated in the criminal underworld have been absorbed into mainstream language, often with their original meanings obscured by time and usage. Tracing the etymology of these words reveals a fascinating connection to the history of cant.

The enduring legacy of cant highlights the dynamic nature of language and its ability to adapt and evolve over time. Words and phrases once used exclusively by criminals have now become part of everyday conversation, demonstrating the enduring power of language to transcend social boundaries.

Studying the remnants of cant in modern language provides a unique window into the history of language and the social dynamics that shape its evolution.

Cant in Contemporary Media

Thieves’ cant continues to make occasional appearances in contemporary media, often used to add a sense of authenticity or historical context to portrayals of criminal activity. Film, television, and video games sometimes incorporate elements of cant to create a sense of realism and immerse the audience in the world of the story.

The use of cant in contemporary media also reflects the enduring fascination with the criminal underworld and its secret language. The continued use of cant in popular culture serves as a reminder of the language’s rich history and its enduring influence on language and culture.

Examples of Thieves’ Cant

• Other examples include “pinch” for steal, “fence” for a person who buys and sells stolen goods, and “queer” for counterfeit money.

Conclusion

The history of thieves’ cant is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. This secret language, developed by marginalized communities to navigate a hostile world, offers a unique perspective on the social and historical forces that shaped their lives. While thieves’ cant may have largely faded from use, its legacy continues to resonate in modern language and popular culture, reminding us of the enduring power of language to reflect and shape our understanding of the world.