Note 51 — A SHORT HISTORY OF SLANG, OR THE VULGAR LANGUAGE OF FAST LIFE.

“Swaddler” is also a phrase by which the low Irish Roman Catholics denominate those of their body who in winter become Protestants, pro tem., for the sake of the blankets, coals, &c., given by proselytizing Protestants. It is hard to say which are the worse, those who refuse to give unless the objects of their charity become converted, or those who sham conversion to save themselves from starving, or the tender mercies of the relieving officer. I am much afraid my sympathies are with the “swaddlers,” who are also called “soupers.”—Ed. [51]