William Ashmore

“ But it may not be amiss for a learner to know that such a thing as slang not only exists, but that it is abundantly used. Every trade and occupation has its own slang best known to its own fraternity. In the market especially, trading operations are carried on between dealers and brokers by means of an extensive vocabulary of slang, used when occasion requires. Middle men who introduce a customer will conclude a bargain with the shop keeper about their own percentage, by the use of slang, in the presence of the country buyer himself who may not have the least idea of what is going on. ”

“ Analogous to the preceding, is a species of sign language which is extensively used. This, by some, is called, chhiú-gṳ́, hand talk. A man is said to use hand talk, ēng-chhiú-gṳ́; or, to use his hand to make signs, ēng-chhiú lâi-pí.
The thumb held up, signifies, number one; the best; important.
The little finger held up, signifies, the least; insignificant.
The fore-finger stroking along the mouth, signifies, eating.
The fore-finger stroking along the head, signifies, getting shaved.
Three fingers closed, the thumb and the little finger held up and on a level, signifies, asleep. ”