subs. (old).—1. A ‘snid’ (Scots’) or sixpence.—[See quots., 1785 and 1885.] For synonyms, see BENDER.
1785. GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. CRIPPLE, six pence, that piece being commonly much bent and distorted.
1789. G. PARKER, Life’s Painter, p. 178, s.v.
1819. T. MOORE, Tom Crib’s Memorial to Congress, p. 25, n. A bandy or CRIPPLE, a sixpence.
1885. Household Words, 20 June, p. 155. The sixpence is a coin more liable to bend than most others, so it is not surprising to find that several of its popular names have reference to this weakness. It is called a bandy, a ‘bender’ a CRIPPLE.
2. (common).—An awkward oaf; also a dullard. Fr., malapatte (popular: properly mal à la patte). [Figurative for one that creeps, limps, or halts—whether physically or mentally.] Cf., sense 3, and GO IT, YOU CRIPPLES.
3. (Wellington College).—A dolt; literally one without a leg to stand on. Cf., sense 2, and GO IT, YOU CRIPPLES.
GO IT, YOU CRIPPLES! phr. (general).—A sarcastic comment on strenuous effort; frequently used without much sense of fitness; e.g., when the person addressed is a capable athlete. WOODEN LEGS ARE CHEAP is sometimes added as an intensitive.
1840. THACKERAY, Cox’s Diary. ‘Striking a balance,’ p. 229. ‘O! come along,’ said Lord Lollypop, ‘come along this way, ma’am! GO IT, YE CRIPPLES.
