It is difficult to find word roots and especially dates of origin. As one blogger asks:

http://www.wordwizard.com/ch_forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18979

Any further hints and comments welcome

Online, probably best is Online Etymology Dictionary.

Arnie, good'n, thanks. Know of any like this for slang, etc

Eric Partridge's Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English is still in print and quite good.

Zmj, does it have etymology?

I love etymology discussions, too, Dale. I just hate those specialty dictionaries that just have a one-word or short definition. How do you know, then, if it's even a word?

Partridge gives citations, dates, and points to other lexicographers who've discussed the words, terms. Not really etymologies per se, but then much slang is made up of words that have normal meanings: e.g., panty wad.

I also can't believe I forgot to mention Charles E. Funk's A Hog on Ice : & Other Curious Expressions, Horsefeathers : & Other Curious Words, Thereby Hangs A Tale : Stories of Curious Word Origins, and Heavens to Betsy! : & Other Curious Sayings. He discusses previous theories and gives his own ideas about origins when he has one. Fun references that no word person should be without.

Wouuld anyone happen to know if Cassell's Dictionary of Slang, 2d ed, has been issued yet

Kalleh, agreed, and furthermore what gripes me is that many of them don't specify date of origin nor left-rightpond

zm: Thanks for those links. I'll add them to my birthday list

quote:

don't specify ... left-rightpond

There really ought to be a term for this. Podhandishness?

Ubipondian?