Whiz Mob

[From front jacket flap] A Correlation of the Technical Argot of Pickpockets with Their Behavior Pattern. This book is an experiment in what might be called the social structure of language. The language discussed is limited to argot a specialized mode of speech used by organized, professional groups operating outside the law €”and the lexical and semantic elements used are largely differentiate which separate argot from non-argot American usage. The argot selected reflects either directly or indirectly the technology of one category of thieves and €”pickpockets. Moreover, only those elements in the behavior pattern connected with making a living by theft from the person are discussed. Not an expose, this study is a serious attempt to correlate language and behavior in one criminal subculture. The author has written this book for those educated people who have a serious interest in language and social structure.