A single
blow followed by rapid
cuffs with the
knuckles of the
right hand, delivered
backhand fashion,
fist unclenched, hand
semi-limp. This is a
gesture of profound
contempt, especially when done before onlookers. "
The old zool (Italian) started to play the dozens (use abusive language) on me, so I gave him the five-and-fifty-five and spit in his eye."
- american underworld dictionary - 1950