Tear-duster.

A handkerchief.

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

Thousand-mile shirt.

(Hobo) A shirt of very heavy serviceable fabric; a bright-colored shirt.

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

Three-card monte.

A card game of Spanish origin in which two red cards (hearts or diamonds) and one black (spades or clubs) are laid face down on the table after deft manipulation by the dealer. Players must draw the black card to win. In the three-card monte swindle, the black card is withdrawn from play during the manipulation.

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

Under the light.

Undergoing police questioning, often under third degree coercion.

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

White.

(Prohibition-era term used between retailers and customers) Gin.

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

White gold.

Sugar.

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

White line.

Alcohol. “Lam (get out of town). Whiskers (Federal Agents) is kicking in (raiding) all the white line plants in the county.”

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

White mule.

Raw alcohol.

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

White stuff.

Any of various powdered narcotics, as cocaine, heroin, and morphine. “There’s a nice buck (good money) pushin‘ (selling) white stuff. Junkeys (addicts) are easy to clip (swindle).”

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

White tin.

The silvered badge worn by uniformed policemen and precinct plainclothes men.
—Dictionary of American Underworld Lingo, Hyman E. Goldin, Editor in Chief, 1950.