Red-hot.

(South, scattered) 1. A thief; crook. “That redhot’s gonna wind up in lag (prison) if he don’t take a powder (go away from here).” 2. A gunman or professional killer. 3. A fugitive from justice.

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Red hot.

1. Recently stolen; hence, easily identifiable. 2. Actively sought by police. 3. Teeming with police activity. 4. (Prison) Characterized by a tense atmosphere, as a result of an escape, riot, general search, or similar serious occurence. 5. In a state of intense readiness or preparation, as for the commission of a crime; working with abnormal skill or intensity.

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Red lead.

(Prison) Jelly served in prison mess-hall.

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Red one.

(Carnival) Any thing, place, or person that offers especially lucrative opportunities for carnival swindle, as a game, town, or particular crowd of patrons. “Man, this tank (little town) is a red one! Start weeding (choosing victims).”

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Ride on the green.

(Chiefly through far West) To give railroad brakeman a dollar or two in lieu of an I.W.W. card as authority for stealing a train ride.

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Ride on the red.

(Chiefly through far West) To exhibit an I.W.W. card as authority for stealing a train ride.

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Snake-eyes.

(Scattered rural areas) A double-ace in craps; hence, hard luck.

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Squint.

(Carnival) The appraising glance at a prospective victim’s money to see if he is worth swindling. “This hoosier (hick) looks ready (gullible). Put the squint on and see what he’s holding (how much money he has).”

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Straw hat and red tie.

(Prison) Formerly, standard accessories to civilian attire in which inmates, committed from prisons to mental institutions, were dressed. [Note: The term survives the custom.]

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.

Tear-drops.

Pearls.

—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.