tube n.1
1. [mid-18C+] the penis.
2. [late 19C–1950s] a telephone [the telephone’s short-range predecessor, the SE speaking tube].
3. [1910s] (Aus.) in pl., a pair of trousers.
4. [1910s+] the London Underground, orig. the twopenny tube under twopenny adj.; also attrib.
5. [1920s–50s] (US) the New York Subway.
6. [1940s–70s] a cigarette.
7. [1940s+] (UK prison) a prison officer who makes a habit of listening for information from prison informers.
8. [1950s+] (orig. US) a television set.
9. [1950s+] (orig. US) television, as a medium, the industry [abbr. cathode ray tube, a basic component of the TV].
10. [1960s] (US prison) a Benzedrine inhaler, esp. used recreationally.
11. [1960s] (US campus) a very promiscuous young woman.
12. [1960s] (US campus) an easy course [? surfing imagery].
13. [1960s+] (orig. Aus.) a bottle or can of beer; also attrib.
In phrases
[1950s+] (Aus.) to open a can of beer.
[1960s+] (orig. US) to fail badly, to collapse completely.
[1950s] (Aus.) to eat.
1. [1910s+] to travel on the London Underground.
2. [1950s+] to watch television.