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Don't bother

Posted by ESC (U.S.) on July 05, 2004

In Reply to: Don't bother posted by Lewis on July 05, 2004

: : :
: : : Hi, I learn English as second language. I was watching this DVD movie 'The Gangs of New York' and came upon this phrase 'back-alley amusers'. Who or what are they? Are they thieves or pick-pockets working in the back alley? Many thanks for your answers.

: : I never heard of the expression but from the context of the script your guess seems pretty much correct. A "back-alley amuser" sounds like a low level street punk.

: : "But if Bill hadn't spent the last five
: : years taking over more and more of Goodge's former duties and actions within the Nativists -- everything ranging from collection and enforcement to running rival gangs out of the Points -- Goodge would never have
: : been able to accomplish his own transformation: From back-alley amuser, to gang chieftain, to respected citizen and "community leader."

: the film is largely rubbish and misleads people about the history. another heap of stinking poo like "Braveheart", but without the charm.

: Leonardo de Crappio? Best ever moment on film? Drowning in Titanic.
: Talent-deficient pretty boy.

: Do not waste your time translating "Gangs" - just make it up and it will be almost as valid.

I couldn't find "back-alley amuser" in any of my regional slang books. I did find:

back alley -- noun. late 19th century. U.S. black. The main street of an otherwise run-down or "red-light" area. A term of approval "back alley" is another variety of the Black reversal of White values.

back-alley deal -- noun. late 19th century. U.S. black. a deal between one unsuspecting victim and the person who intends and succeeds in cheating him.

From Cassell's Dictionary of Slang by Jonathon Green (Cassell, Wellington House, London, paperback edition, 2000).

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