In historical slang, particularly associated with British vernacular and criminal cant, Toby refers to highway robbery or, more broadly, the road itself when associated with the practice of robbing travelers. It specifically denotes the act of committing highway robbery, often on foot.
Origin and Meaning
The term "Toby" is derived from the language of Irish Travellers, where the word "tober" means "road." This etymological connection highlights the fundamental link between the slang term and the physical location where such crimes would occur. Over time, "Toby" evolved from simply meaning "the road" to encompassing the criminal activity performed on it, particularly highway robbery.
Related Expressions and Usage
The concept of "Toby" extends beyond a single word to a set of related expressions that were once common in the argot of the criminal underworld. These phrases vividly illustrate the practice of highway robbery:
- To ply the toby: This expression specifically means to practice highway robbery on foot. It suggests the act of actively engaging in robbing people along a road.
- To ride the toby: Similar to "plying the toby," this phrase also signifies engaging in highway robbery, particularly for those operating on foot rather than on horseback.
- There were many other related expressions centered around the theme of highway robbery, all rooted in this original meaning of the "toby" as the road where such illicit activities took place.
The use of "Toby" and its associated phrases provides insight into the historical context of crime and the specialized language developed by those involved in such activities.
| Slang Term | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Toby | Highway robbery; the road used for such robbery | Derived from "tober" (road) in Irish Traveller language. |
| To ply the toby | To commit highway robbery on foot. | Historical criminal argot. |
| To ride the toby | To commit highway robbery, especially on foot. | Historical criminal argot. |
