How to Sound Like the Bee’s Knees: A Dictionary of 1920s Slang
- Applesauce. Remember how we were going on and on about malarkey, thanks to Joe Biden’s use of it in the vice presidential debate, the other week?
- Bee’s knees.
- Clam.
- Dewdropper.
- Egg.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Gams.
- Hotsy-totsy.
In this post
What were common phrases in the 1920s?
The Best Of 1920s Slang
- The Cat’s Pajamas. Meaning: the most excellent; coolest.
- Juice Joint. Meaning: a speakeasy; night club.
- On A Toot. Meaning: to go on a drinking spree.
- Giggle Water/Juice. Meaning: alcohol.
- Egg. Meaning: a man; someone who lives extravagantly.
- Know Your Onions.
- Glad Rags.
How do you talk like a 1920s flapper?
- Alarm Clock: Chaperone.
- Bank’s Closed: No kissing.
- Bean Picker: An individual who attempts to patch up trouble (i.e. picks up spilled beans)
- Bee’s Knees: See “Cat’s Pajamas”
- Berries: Great (i.e. It’s the berries)
- Big Cheese: an important person (originated in this period)
- Blouse: Go, to go (i.e. Let’s Blouse)
How do you say cool in 1920s slang?
Berries: Something cool or desirable, similar to “the bee’s knees.” Wurp: This meant something similar to “bluenose”—a buzzkill-type person. Oliver Twist: Oddly enough, this is not slang for a small beggar boy from 19th century London, but slang for someone who is a particularly good dancer.
What are some gangster words?
Some of the most popular ganger slang words of the 20s included:
- bean shooter – a gun.
- beef – a problem or complaint.
- blow one down – to kill someone.
- bop – to kill.
- bruno – an enforcer; gangster tough guy.
- bump – to kill.
- button man – a hit man; killer for hire.
- can opener – safecracker.
What is a flapper slang?
The slang word “flap” was used for a young prostitute as early as 1631. By the 1890s, the word “flapper” was used in some localities as slang both for a very young prostitute, and, in a more general and less derogatory sense, of any lively mid-teenage girl.
What is a 1920’s slang?
Scram – Ask someone to leave immediately. Sheba – A woman with sex appeal (from the movie Queen of Sheba) Sheik – A man with sex appeal (from the Valentino movies) Speakeasy – An illicit bar selling bootleg liquor. Spiffy – An elegant appearance.
How did gangsters talk in the 1920s?
In the 1920s, gangsters like Jack McGurn – Al Capone’s main assassin and general of his troops – would begin many sentences with “Say.” For example: “Say, what’s the beef?” Or, “Say, I wasn’t anywhere near the place. See?” Say and see were like bookends to the street comment.
What does all wet mean in 1920s slang?
an erroneous idea
All Wet – describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, “he’s all wet.” And How – I strongly agree! Applesauce- an expletive same as horsefeathers, As in “Ah applesauce!” Attaboy – well done!; also Attagirl! Baby – sweetheart.
What is giggle water in the 1920s?
“For crying out loud!”: A phrase used to express frustration or anger. Giggle water: Even though Prohibition was vigorously enforced during the decade, alcohol was available. Flappers called it giggle water, while men preferred the more macho name “hooch.”
What did they call cops in the 1920s?
The fuzz, slang for the police, is from 1929, while cop a plea is from 1925.
What are the most popular slang words?
General
- Dope – Cool or awesome.
- GOAT – “Greatest of All Time”
- Gucci – Good, cool, or going well.
- Lit – Amazing, cool, or exciting.
- OMG – An abbreviation for “Oh my gosh” or “Oh my God”
- Salty – Bitter, angry, agitated.
- Sic/Sick – Cool or sweet.
- Snatched – Looks good, perfect, or fashionable; the new “on fleek”
What does crush mean in the 1920s?
Crush: An infatuation.
What is a female gangster called?
gun moll
A gun moll or gangster moll or gangster’s moll is the female companion of a male professional criminal.
What does OG stand for?
Original Gangster
History and Etymology for OG
Noun. Original Gangster.
What are P’s in top boy?
P’s/Pees. Meaning: Quite simply “p’s” or “pees” is another word for money or cash. Sentence use: “We’re going to make a lot of P’s when we sell this.”
What does Bob mean in slang?
Bend Over Boyfriend, slang term for a sexual practice.
What was petting in the 1920s?
“Cuddle” or “petting” parties were places where young men and women could explore kissing, touching, and other aspects of physical contact. However, it is important to note the parties included everything but sleeping together, and that those in attendance stuck to one partner.
What does you’re all wet mean?
Completely wrong, mistaken
Completely wrong, mistaken, as in If you think you can beat the system and win at roulette, you’re all wet. The original allusion in this expression is unclear, that is, how moisture or dampness is related to wrongness. [ Slang; first half of 1900s]
What are some old slang words?
11 Old-Fashioned Slang Words We Should Bring Back
- “DAP” (Or “Dead Ass Perfect”) The next time you’re really enjoying something, be sure to let everyone know you think it’s DAP.
- “Don’t Have A Cow”
- “Know Your Onions”
- “Happy Cabbage”
- “The Cat’s Pajamas”
- “Pang-Wangle”
- “The Bank’s Closed”
- “Twitterpated”
Why do gangsters say say?
In the 1920s, gangsters like Jack McGurn – Al Capone’s main assassin and general of his troops – would begin many sentences with “Say.” For example: “Say, what’s the beef?” Or, “Say, I wasn’t anywhere near the place. See?” Say and see were like bookends to the street comment.