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

From whispers in shadowed alleyways to coded messages passed in bustling 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 offers a glimpse into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of those operating outside the law, reflecting their unique social structures, values, and experiences. It’s a testament to the enduring human capacity for innovation, even in the pursuit of illicit endeavors. The evolution of this secret language mirrors the development of criminal enterprises, adapting and changing to stay one step ahead of the authorities. By exploring the origins, development, and eventual decline of thieves’ cant, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between language, crime, and society.

The Origins of Thieves’ Cant

Early Forms of Secret Communication

The roots of thieves’ cant can be traced back centuries, to a time when itinerant groups and marginalized communities needed ways to communicate secretly. Early forms of cant likely emerged from a mixture of regional dialects, slang, and coded words. These groups, often facing persecution and discrimination, used these secret languages to protect themselves and their interests.

One theory suggests that some of the earliest forms of cant originated in the Middle Ages with wandering entertainers and traders. These groups, often moving from town to town, developed specialized vocabularies to facilitate trade and protect their secrets. This practice would have laid the groundwork for the more sophisticated cant languages that would emerge later.

Another influence on the development of cant was the language of beggars and vagrants. These individuals, often living on the fringes of society, developed their own coded language to communicate about opportunities for alms and shelter, as well as to warn each other of potential dangers.

The Influence of Romani Language

The Romani people, a nomadic group originating from the Indian subcontinent, are often credited with playing a significant role in the development of thieves’ cant in Europe. Their language, Romani, contains many words and phrases that found their way into various cant dialects. This linguistic exchange likely occurred through interactions between Romani communities and other marginalized groups.

The Romani people’s history of migration and their experience with persecution contributed to their need for a secret language. This need intersected with the needs of other criminal communities, leading to a cross-pollination of linguistic elements.

The influence of Romani on thieves’ cant is evident in the shared vocabulary and grammatical structures found in various cant dialects across Europe. This linguistic connection highlights the historical interaction and shared experiences of these communities.

Cant in Elizabethan England

Thieves’ cant flourished in Elizabethan England, a period marked by social upheaval and a burgeoning criminal underworld. The rise of urbanization and poverty contributed to an increase in criminal activity, and with it, the need for a secret language to facilitate criminal enterprises.

The Elizabethan era saw the emergence of organized criminal gangs, each with its own specialized vocabulary and codes. This period also witnessed the first attempts to document and decipher thieves’ cant, reflecting a growing awareness and concern about criminal activity.

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 further popularized the image of the cunning rogue who spoke in a secret language.

The Evolution and Decline of Thieves’ Cant

Cant in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Thieves’ cant continued to evolve during the 18th and 19th centuries, adapting to changing social conditions and the evolving methods of law enforcement. The increasing professionalization of policing led criminals to develop more sophisticated forms of cant to avoid detection.

During this period, dictionaries and glossaries of thieves’ cant began to appear, offering glimpses into the complex vocabulary and grammar of the language. These publications, while intended to aid law enforcement, also inadvertently preserved and disseminated the language.

The rise of transportation and increased mobility further contributed to the spread and diversification of cant. Criminals moved between cities and countries, sharing and adapting their linguistic codes, resulting in a complex network of interconnected cant dialects.

The Impact of Slang and Jargon

Over time, many words and phrases from thieves’ cant gradually seeped into mainstream slang and jargon. This linguistic cross-pollination blurred the lines between the secret language of criminals and the everyday language of the general population.

The adoption of cant terms into common parlance reflects the dynamic nature of language and the constant exchange between different social groups. This process also contributed to the gradual decline of cant as a distinct, secret language.

The influence of cant can still be seen in modern slang, particularly in terms related to crime, deception, and money. These linguistic remnants serve as a reminder of the historical impact of thieves’ cant on the English language.

The Decline of Cant in the 20th Century

The 20th century witnessed a significant decline in the use of traditional thieves’ cant. Several factors contributed to this decline, including improved communication technologies, increased literacy rates, and changing social dynamics within criminal communities.

The advent of telephones, radios, and other communication devices made it easier for criminals to communicate without relying on a specialized secret language. These technologies also made it easier for law enforcement to intercept and decipher criminal communications.

Improved education and literacy rates meant that fewer individuals relied on oral traditions and specialized vocabularies. This shift further diminished the need for a secret language within criminal communities.

Examples of Thieves’ Cant

• Rum cove: A magistrate or judge.
• Dimber damber: A skilled thief.
• Sky lark: A swindle or confidence trick.

Conclusion

Thieves’ cant, a language born from the shadows, provides a unique window into the history of crime and the resourcefulness of marginalized communities. Its evolution reflects the constant struggle between criminals and law enforcement, a battle of wits played out in the realm of language. While traditional cant has largely faded from use, its legacy remains, woven into the fabric of modern slang and serving as a reminder of a time when secret languages flourished in the underbelly of society.