Grassing

/ˈɡræsɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The act of covering with grass or seeding an area with grass; also slang for informing on someone to authorities.

Etymology

Present participle of 'grass' (Old English 'gærs' used as a verb), plus '-ing' (Old English '-ing'). The slang meaning emerged in British English in the 20th century, possibly from rhyming slang or extended meaning.

Kelly Says

The dual meaning of 'grassing'—both agricultural (seeding grass) and criminal slang (informing/betrayal)—shows how the same word can develop completely different meanings in different communities; British criminals likely chose 'grass' for the rhyming slang connection 'grass→grass in one's mouth' (shut your mouth).

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