subs. (racing).—A secret TIP (q.v.): spec. information passed from mouth to mouth on the pretence of secrecy. Hence TO GIVE THE WHISPER = (1) to blaze abroad a supposed secret, and (2) to give a quick tip (HOTTEN); a WHISPER AT THE POST = an owner’s final instructions to a jockey.
Verb (common).—To borrow: spec. small sums. Hence WHISPERER = a petty borrower.
ANGEL’S WHISPER, subs. phr. (military).—The call to defaulters’ drill: usually extra fatigue duty.
1899. H. WYNDHAM, The Queen’s Service, xxxv. Effective measures are taken to prevent defaulters leaving barracks…. All day long, the bugle sounds at unexpected moments the … ANGEL’S WHISPER … when there is some extra fatigue to be performed.
PIG’S-WHISPER, subs. phr. (common).—1. A grunt; (2) = a very short space of time: that is, as brief as a grunt (BEE): also (American) PIG’S-WHISTLE.
1836. DICKENS, Pickwick Papers, xxxii. You’ll find yourself in bed in something less than a PIG’S WHISPER.
