Green’s Dictionary of Slang

greengages n.

wages.

1932		‘P.P.’ Rhy. Sl. 15: When a bloke’s got his ‘greengages’ ‘fisherman’s’ ain’t no ‘Robin Hood’.
1935		Thieves Slang ms list from District Police Training Centre, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwicks 5: Green gages: Wages.
1938		L. Ortzen Down Donkey Row 116: Oh, I got my greengages alright.
1943		Larne Times 4 Mar. 4/5: ‘Manjory’ is food, ‘megrims’ are children, ‘greengages’ are the wages, a ‘bull and cow’ is a row.
1955		Index Jrnl (Greenwood, SC) 29 Nov. 5/4: Greengages — wages—.
1960		J. Franklyn Dict. of Rhy. Sl.
1971		J. Jones Rhy. Cockney Sl.
1977		D. Powis Signs of Crime 186: Greens (gages) Wages.
1998		I. Welsh Filth 134: Alimony cases and paternity suits have taken their toll on his greengages.
2002		Pete’s Aussie Sl. Home Page 🌐 green gages: wages.