Each way (adj.): backing a horse for a win and (at reduced odds) a place. ‘They were “threepence each way” or “a tanner to win”’ (Hallowell 1972: n.p.). ‘They'd accept threepence-each-way bets at that time’ (Unwin 1984 [1920s– 30s]: 100). ‘I'll back it each way, three shillin’ stake’ (Sinclair 1999 [1930s– e40s]: 13). Recorded from m.19c.; the derivation is clear.

Ear-basher (n.): chatterbox; bore. ‘Ear-basher, one who talks too much; a garrulous person’ (Lane 1966: 32). Recorded from m.20c.; an extension of the slightly earlier Australian ‘to ear-bash’.

Earwig (v.): eavesdrop. ‘Trying to puzzle the eavesdropper (EARWIGGER)’ (Shaw 1959a: 33). ‘“Earwigging” is eavesdropping’ (Channon 1970: 102). ‘A spot of earwigging at the keyhole’ (Brown 1989: 66). ‘There was no denying I'd done more than enough ear-wigging’ (Fagan 2007 [1950s]: 58). Recorded from m.19c.; an extension of late-medieval ‘earwig’, ‘person who gains influence secretly, by whisper or insinuation’.

Easy six (n.): Sunday work (with extra pay) on the docks. ‘What the young ones do not know, in these days of a guaranteed week, worked or not, and reasonable overtime pay (such as double pay, the Gold Nugget or the Easy Six), is how bad conditions once were’ (Shaw 1959c: 6). ‘I ad an easy six. Sunday work (six hours: 8–11 a.m., 1–4 p.m.)’ (Shaw et al. 1966: 59). *NR; Sunday work on the docks was considered highly desirable because of the extra pay and the structure of the day.

Eat/get eaten (v.): to be beaten comprehensively – either physically or in sport. ‘I thought she was going to eat me when I said that’ (Hanley 1932: 182). ‘Dishonor faces the captain whose side takes the field to the cries of “Yiz ge ret” (“You will be eaten”)’ (Farrell 1950b: 4). ‘I stiffened ‘im. I ‘alf et ‘im’ (Shaw 1950a: 40). *NR; possibly from ‘to eat up’, ‘to ruin or destroy’.