ajax

See also: AJAX, Ajax, and Ájax

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈeɪ.d͡ʒæks/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Etymology 1

Possibly from adjacent.

Preposition

ajax

1. (Polari) Nearby, over there
   • 1985, Peter Burton, Parallel Lives, page 38:

     In the bar we would stand with our sisters, varda (look at) the bona cartes (male genitals) on the butch homme (man, pronounced o-me) ajax (nearby), who, if we fluttered our ogle riahs (eye lashes) at him sweetly, might just troll over to offer a light for the unlit vogue (cigarette) clenched between out teeth. [The explanations in round brackets are by Peter Burton]

   • 2004, Paul Baker, Fanatabulosa: A Dictionary of Polari and Gay Slang, page 1:

     Oh, vada well that omee-palone ajax who just trolled in[.]

   • 2006, Matt Houlbrook, Queer London: Perils and Pleasures in the Sexual Metropolis, 1918-1957, page 152:

     [O]oh[,] will just vada that filiomi ajax[.]

Etymology 2

Humorous respelling of a jakes.

Noun

ajax (plural not attested)

1. (now rare, historical) A toilet.
   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, translated by John Florio, Essays, III.13:

     I say this much of this action, that it is requisite we should remit the same unto certaine prescribed night-houres, and by custome (as I have done) force and subject our selves unto it; But not (as I have done), growing in yeeres, strictly tie himselfe to the care of a particular convenient place, and of a commodious Ajax or easie close-stoole for that purpose, and make it troublesome with long sitting and nice observation.

Etymology 3

Phonetic similarity to ace jack.

Noun

ajax (plural not attested)

1. (poker slang) An ace and a jack as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em.

References

• Weisenberg, Michael (2000) The Official Dictionary of Poker. MGI/Mike Caro University. →ISBN

Anagrams

• JAXA