1920s slang for woman

1920s slang for woman. Bee's knees: an extraordinary person, thing, idea. • Ameche: Telephone • Ankle: o (n) Woman o (v) To walk B • Babe: Woman • Baby: A person, can be said to either a man or a woman • Bangtails: Racehorses • Barber: Talk • Baumes rush: Senator Caleb H. A stylish, brash, hedonistic young women with short skirts and shorter hair. Dewdropper: like lollygagger, a slacker who sits around all day and does nothing Aug 8, 2011 · Flapper Slang: Talk the 1920s talk. Fly — cool; very hip. Bootlegger, itself a slang term of indefinite origin, was one reference to them. a chaperone. by Leona Quigley. flapper: the modern 1920’s Slang Dictionary A Alderman: A man's pot-belly. ) a girl or young woman, esp one's girlfriend (Collins Dict. Jordan's a nice girl, they oughtn't to let her run around without a fire extinguisher. 108. Behind the eight ball: In a difficult position, in a tight spot. Oct 6, 2013 · For all you 20s junkies, here are 59 more great slang phrases from the decade that keeps on giving. Wicked — excellent; great. The twenties were the first decade to emphasize youth culture over the older generations, and the flapper sub-culture had a tremendous influence on main stream America; many new words and phrases were coined by these liberated women. Flour-lover n 1. Bonus Fire Alarm n 1. Originally published August 8, 2011. " Big Cheese - The most important or Jun 23, 2015 · This 1920s slang refers to a hot-blooded or fiery woman. Along with this culture shift, language changed as well. 1). This term was used widely in the United States and other parts of the western world, and really just referred to any man. snake charmer. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Speakeasy, Bootleg, Guff and more. Term. Ab-so-lute-ly: Affirmative – Definitely. Flappers of the 1920s were young women known for their energetic freedom, embracing a lifestyle viewed by many at the time as outrageous, immoral or 1920's Slang. Fire Extinguisher n 1. Frizzler. Slang terms for alcohol during the 1920s were influenced by American prohibition, giving us such euphemisms as “moonshine,” “hooch” or “giggle water”. 1920s Slang 1 A • Alderman: A man's pot belly. Apr 15, 2011 · A parlor hound. One study found that by 1924, 92 percent of college women had tried petting. The Equal Rights Amendment was proposed by Alice Paul in 1923. Meaning: A woman with a lot of spirit and a Oct 13, 2021 · Here are 35 of the classiest-sounding slang terms for vagina and penis from the past 600-plus years. " 1920s slang was a mix of new and old words, sometimes English, sometimes French, slang of the 1920s was always descriptive and new. Syndicate (s) Newspaper Feature Service ( King Features Syndicate) Genre (s) Humor. Ab-so-lute-ly. 1 / 23. Flappers were seen as brash for wearing excessive makeup This blog is dedicated to the screen sirens (dolls) of the 1920s - 1950s, as well as a few notorious characters (molls) of the period. As with any era, the 1920's had time period specific slang. As in, “I agree!”. Published on November 18, 2022 / Updated on January 3, 2024. With the start of the Great Depression, people found it difficult, if not impossible, to keep up with their once-frivolous lifestyle and spending habits, causing the flapper We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Let’s bring this shit back. Father Time: any man over 30 109. Dumb Dora is a comic strip published from 1924 to 1936 distributed by King Features Syndicate. bees knees. Definition. Mauberley sees Pound responding to the last few decades of Feb 12, 2020 · Taken from Old English but popularized by Shakespeare, it means a demure or quiet darling, particularly a woman. S. Gundy – a prudish person. 1 a man who is prospecting for a rich wife Herein is contained an alphabetical listing of slang words used in the 1920's. Ameche: Telephone Ankle: (n) Woman; (v) To walk B Babe: Woman Baby: A person, can be said to either a man or a woman Bangtails: Racehorses Barber: Talk Be on the nut: To be broke Bean-shooter: Gun Beef: Problem Bee's Knees: An extraordinary person, thing or idea. Scandal- A short term for Scandal Walk. 18. [1] The term "dumb Dora" was a 1920s [2] American slang term for a foolish woman; [3] [4] the strip helped popularize the term. girl who powders too freely. Beef: to complain or a complaint. Darb: something deemed wonderful or splendid, similar to “berries” 17. doll: n. Mar 6, 2018 · General Photographic Agency / Getty Images. Bindle: the bundle in which a hobo carries all his worldly possessions. The first sign of this transformation was the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women suffrage. Some of these terms are solely of their time, some have survived Oct 12, 2015 · The thing about slang from different ages is that it tends to embody the societal values of that age — so lists of British and American The 1920s. Big One: Death. June 25, 1924. Get a hint. Chillin' — relaxing. Scandaler- A dance floor fullback. Sure, you've probably heard of the "heebie-jeebies", but what about a "face stretcher" (an older woman who tries, without success to appear younger)? There are almost 90 on my list and I created it to be used with my "A Night Out Jan 1, 2020 · Now, an egg, as slang for “a person,” goes all the way back … to the 1600s. One very common and generic term still used today which was popularized in the 1920s was “goofy”. If you're annoyed with an insulting comment in the 1920s, you might retort: "Buzzlepop". Jan 12, 2017 · Learn the slang terms and expressions used by flappers in the Roaring 1920s, such as "handcuff", "hush money", and "dropping the pilot". Origin. The wild and roaring years of the 1920s, which started with a boom and ended with a crash, brought a wave of slang terms. Few of the forged colloquialisms appeared to be about somber warnings or Sep 14, 2017 · 1920s slang was prevalent all through the decade: from gangsters to the everyday civilian, learn what was popular to say amongst each other with our list. One in a long line of feline vocabulary words used to describe the female gender, this one is a cut above because bearcats are generally Mar 12, 2020 · The 1920s was at the beginning of the modern era, and slang really began to become more mainstream. fire extinguisher: a chaperone 111. An era best known for its bustling nightlife scene and significant contributions to the arts and culture, the Roaring Twenties signaled a dazzling post-war period. Movies and detective novels from the Feb 5, 2013 · The 19th Amendment passed in 1920 giving women the right to vote. Everyone knows someone who loves to be the voice of opposition. Belle-chose (1386) Altar of Venus (1584) Netherlands (1591) Placket-lace (1593) Phoenix Aug 31, 2021 · Meaning: fancy clothes you wear on a night out. Not surprisingly, many of the terms used in the 1920s were related to alcohol—you know, since Prohibition was a thing and banned the Jan 16, 2023 · Here are 20 colorful slang terms from the 1910s. For instance, a person might say, “She’s got a great pair of busters. fish: (1) a college freshman (2) a first timer in prison 112. The same can be said about slang terms used in the 1920s. Bodacious — beautiful. Bim: Woman. The interior of dreadnought hat, Piccadilly suiting and shoes with open plumbing, size 13. , as is especially associated with this early 20 th-century creative period, was in fact first Specifically, I'd like my dialogue to feel authentic to the mid-20's characters I'm writing, who live in 1920's small town New Mexico. Find out how these words reflected the changing attitudes and behaviors of young women in this era. " A female bootlegger was called a: boot lady. In particular, women and minority groups experienced dramatic shifts in their societal positions and roles. Nov 18, 2022 · Language resources. Berries - is attractive or pleasing; similar to bee's knees, As in "It's the berries. A woman might also put the brakes on the proceedings by declaring “the bank's closed,” or she might be a wet blanket and want to go home Jan 28, 2024 · January 28, 2024. (noun) alcoholic liquor unlawfully made, sold, or transported, without registration or payment of taxes. Facebook. A dull witted, insipid, disappointing date. For enforcing prohibition up keeping skyward equal gangsters, coppers sure had their hands full within which decad! big house - prison. Same as pill, pickle, drag, rag, oilcan. Gnarly — exceptional; very cool. Mar 8, 2010 · Fish - (1) a college freshman. The most common slang term for police in the 1920s was “fuzz”. Mar 11, 2024 · W ords come in and out of fashion, and the slang we use today will probably be on the verge of extinction 100 years from now. Dame – a woman; synonym Jane. It wasn't so much a code go keep the police int the dark, as many cinema and legends would have you believe, but a special coding among those who required to shown as insiders. But as 1920s slang, it was apparently spelled “rhatz”! Nerts: Also a monosyllabic exclamation, “nerts” did not mean Oct 17, 2012 · The legacy of the 1920s is the most vibrant of the early twentieth century, and its slang terminology reflects it. A person regarded as physically attractive Our next LSC After Dark party, “ Science Speakeasy ,” is this Thursday night. To our early 20th-century Here is the actual sentence from the "College Slang" sidebar in chapter 2 ("The 1920s: The Flapper") of Tom Dalzell, Flappers 2 Rappers: American Youth Slang (1996) in which necking and petting are discussed: Necking replaced "petting" to mean kissing, while a party referred either to a girl who necked or necking itself. Discover the origins and meanings of these terms and how they reflect the changing social expectations and roles of women. Berries – That which is attractive or pleasing; similar to bee’s knees; as in Back in 1920 sign - 104th birthday sign ideas for Men, Women - INSTANT DOWNLOAD (2. People: Doll – an attractive woman. According to both the OED and Green’s Dictionary of Slang, the word “flapper” appears to have been in its earliest form a derogatory reference. The event is 1920s/Prohibition themed, so we’ve created a handy slang guide to help you converse your way through the Roaring Twenties: “And how!” – another way of saying “I agree!”. fag: a cigarette. fella: fellow. Jan 8, 2015 · Law. Jan 28, 2024 · January 28, 2024. Aug 25, 2022 · What does dogs mean in 1920s slang? “Dogs” was a 1920s slang word for feet. If you don’t know nothing from nothing about 1920’s slang, then grab a cup of Joe and sit back and relax. Mar 21, 2022 · Learn the slang words and phrases of the Roaring Twenties, a decade of progress, excess, and cultural change. APUSH 1920s Slang Terms. Sep 14, 2017 · Gangster Lingo of the 1920s. We begin our pick of the best 1920s poems with a poem from 1920, which is very much a watershed poem: the US-born Pound described it as his ‘farewell to London’, before he moved to Europe and worked on his more ambitious long work, The Cantos. Click the card to flip 👆. slang A gun moll was the female companion of an American gangster of the 1920s and 30s. Jan 28, 2024 · Learn the most common and specific slang terms for women in the 1920s, such as flapper, doll, dame, fire alarm, fire bell, rock of ages and tomato. The 1930s-era slang face stretcher: an old woman trying to look young 107. Beyond the bee's knees, phrases like French kiss, blind date, sexpert, and backseat driver were all coined in the roaring '20s. Applesauce – an expletive; same as horsefeathers; as in “Ah applesauce!”. 24. Digital Download 1920s Art Deco Slang Poster, Big Cheese Poster A popular figure of the 1920s was the man (or woman) from whom alcohol, officially illegal, could be obtained. 14. Againster. Invent a of the everyday slang, such while slang words for cash, crafted popular within the Jazz Age. The term "flapper" evokes the image of short fringe dresses, cigarette holders, bobs and stylish hair accessories. In 2010, two middle school students in Easton, Pa. The 1920s was a time of tumultuous change and uncertainty, particularly in the realm of societal norms and roles. Flat Tire. Big Sleep: Death. Cheaters: Glasses or bifocals. Flapper - A stylish, brash, hedonistic young woman with short skirts & shorter hair. v. Torpedo - A 1920s slag term to describe a guy hired to kill someone. LGBT slang, LGBT speak, queer slang, or gay slang is a set of English slang lexicon used predominantly among LGBTQ+ people. (Image credit Beezer: Nose. Birds are cute and fun and swell, which definitely sounds like a good thing. moll or gun moll: n. By: Mai Bouchet , Special to KCTS 9. We could all use a bit more cheer this year, so out of all the words on our list, we’re really hoping this bit of 1920s slang makes a comeback. Vagina. Moll – a gangster’s girl. Blow One’s Wig. hoochie mama. Mrs. A. Seetie- Anybody a flapper hates. Not for nothing were they called the Roaring Twenties, as is evident from the cool slang the people Flappers were a subculture of young Western women prominent after the First World War and through the 1920s who wore short skirts (knee height was considered short during that period), bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for prevailing codes of decent behavior. Slang of the 1920s. January 1936. Sep 14, 2017 · During the 1920s, gangsters and others used a lot of slang words to describe police, jail and other realities is law enforcement. It sure is the berries! Have a swell time, but make sure you don't upchuck! Bee's Knees - An extraordinary person, thing, idea. 1300, confused with burd (q. Women in the 1920s Fact 25: Margaret Sanger: In 1921 Margaret Sanger founded the American Birth Control League aiming to improve the lives of women and families. (Add on that two of the fellows are Hispanic Q-Chat. A dance itself was often called a “hops”. It was most often used for particularly suave or cool men, or at least men who were, in one way or another The Bee's Knees, copacetic. A set of principles granting greater sexual freedom to men than to women flapper A 1920s term used to describe a new type of young woman; rebellious, energetic, and bold, independent Apr 25, 2024 · Applesauce: an expletive. Busters is a slang term used to refer to a woman’s breasts. After three years of legal battles over lewdness The legacy of the 1920s is the most vibrant of the early twentieth century, and its slang terminology reflects it. With numerous phrases and words created for dressing up, dancing, entertainment, and flirting, the language itself seemed eager to be frivolous and carefree. divorced woman. "That John sure is a swell fella. e. Women began attending college. 1. Sep 29, 2023 · It was also a time when there was a cultural shift from tradition into a "modern" age of rebellion, which came in the forms of the cinema, radio, automobiles, jazz, and, most importantly, new slang terms. Jul 1, 2014 · her novel The Age of Innocence. If a dancer would not leave the dancefloor they were called a “floorflusher”. 00. Pick a few words and phrases to use at your 1920’s-themed murder mystery party! And once your 1920s Slang is The Bees Knees, grab your friends and solve A Flapper Murder at the 1920’s Speakeasy Theme Murder Mystery Party Game! A. stacked - a woman with an ample bosom; supermurgitroid - cool or “with it History. The two might spend a night on the snuggle bunny, the back seat of a car, assuming neither upchucked from drinking too much hooch. Synonymous with “horsefeathers,” use this term when you want to express exasperation or disbelief boot·leg. 1920’s Slang Dictionary A Alderman: A man's pot-belly. Not all slang are the 1920s tied directly for gangsters and law enforcement. Dec 20, 2014 · (Brit. 16. But it’s not all bad for egg because old egg, an affectionate 1920s slang term for one 1920’s Slang Dictionary A Alderman: A man's pot-belly. ”. Wrong Number (a man or a woman) Zoyneh (prostitute) Of course, a woman can also be a snowbird who’s a chiseler prone to pulling the Gooseberry Lay, but that’s for another day. 1920s Slang: Words and Phrases From the Roaring Twenties Aces! 1930s Slang and Phrases From the Dirty Thirties Jan 28, 2024 · Common terms for dancing or dancers in the 1920s included “hoofer” and “heeler” for a good and a bad dancer respectively. Baumes sponsored a New York law (the Baumes Law) Jan 16, 2024 · Cake-eater: in the 1920’s refers to a “ladies’ man”; later, slang for homosexual. baby - a term of endearment for one’s precious (male or female) bangtails - racehorses; bee’s knees - fabulous, outstanding, glorious, colossal Be on the lookout for part II in the coming week. 1920's Slang. Modern slang meaning "young woman" is from 1915, and probably arose independently of the older word. 15. Forty-Niner n. Culture. Goofy. Here is a sampling. Affirmative (agreeing) Click the card to flip 👆. Often done at a "petting party. “Glad” comes from various Germanic words for “shiny” or “smooth. 1 / 83. ) According to Etymonline, bird: "maiden, young girl," c. McKenzie_Johnson99. Oct 31, 2013 · But it’s this slang term for a woman’s bosom that is at the heart of a case that may be heading for the Supreme Court. Blind date: going out Jul 7, 2022 · Advertisement The word “flapper,” in popular culture, is most often associated with young, progressive, unconventional women of the 1920’s in the U. Dorgan, used the term “dog” to represent his foot. Slang from the 1920s has impacted language used in the current era. When people said their dogs were barking, they were referring to the fact that their feet were hurting. All Wet – Describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, “he’s all wet. “Applesauce!”. . That flour-lover got powder all over her daughter's hair. Advertisement. A slang term from 1929 that meant, according toGreen’s, “a disappointment, a failure; someone/something that promises much and fails to deliver. Apr 26, 2024 · 7: 1980s Slang Terms. But beyond these shorter hemlines and daring fashion attitudes was a strong undercurrent of change for women in the Jan 28, 2024 · Cat. face stretcher: an old woman trying to look young 107. 2. t. This was the most quintessentially 1920s term and was used broadly in the west, though mostly in the U. Railroad Bird: General term for a man or woman Blind Date: A date with someone you’ve never met Blotto: Drunk Blow: (1) a wild party (2) to leave (as in, “Let’s make like the wind and blow) Bluenose: An excessively puritanical person, a prude Bootleg: Illeagal liquor Breezer: A topless automobile Jan 14, 2020 · The 1940s were prime time for fun slang and this World War II-era compliment is calling out an amazing girl. It is a more playful and humorous term. End date. It has been used in various languages since the early 20th century as a means by which members of the LGBTQ+ community identify themselves and speak in code with brevity and speed to others. In the 1920s, the entire culture of The United States was changing as women gained more rights and black jazz came into popularity. Preppy — one who dresses in designer clothing and has a neat, clean-cut appearance. Big Cheese, Big Shot - The boss: Someone of importance and influence. Depending on where you were, you might also hear “Mazuma” and “moolah”. 18 terms Con-woman definition: A female con artist. Bank's closed: no kissing or making out. What were some slangRead More → Oct 20, 2017 · Alarmingly for many, petting was popular among both wild flappers and average young women during the 1920s. Flickr/TruckPR. also : Jan 2, 2018 · 1940s slang was born from the ashes of the Great Depression and the growth of an economy. Gandy Dancer. But by the 1920s, egg took a rotten turn, shall we say. Find out the meanings of terms like bee's knees, broad, cat's pajamas, and more. All wet: Wrong. A popular figure of the 1920s was the man (or woman) from whom alcohol, officially illegal, could be obtained. “Beat it!” – telling someone to get away from you. " 110. " (Other such phrases: " elephant’s Jan 28, 2024 · There were a variety of slang terms used to mean crazy in the 1920s, and they mostly had subtly different meanings that would depend on the circumstances. “Flattie” was also sometimes used in reference to police shoes. flapper: the modern Oct 19, 2012 · Bee’s knees is actually one of a set of nonsense catchphrases from 1920s America, the period of the flappers, speakeasies, feather boas and the Charleston. married woman. “Sauce” and “Juice” were also Aug 26, 2015 · THE SPEAKEASY GLOSSARY – Queer Slang of the Prohibition Era. The 13 very best 1920s slang terms. Egg as insult for an “obnoxious person” was popularized in the 1920s. They might also be called a “bull” or a “scorcher” in some contexts. Slang for money in the 1920s was Dec 15, 2019 · 1. Most of the slang terms for money from this time have survived until today and you’ll still be familiar with them. Our favorite bits of 1920s slang. To us, they’re a hater or a contrarian. Other more specific terms included “putting on the Ritz,” meaning a very showy dance. Bull Session - Male talkfest, gossip, stories Oct 30, 2023 · A person might compliment someone by saying, “You’ve got some killer humps, they’re a real asset. Air Tight: extremely desirable or attractive. H. Flivver - a Model T; after 1928, could mean any old broken down car. Post. Upchuck - To barf, throw up. go - ionely confinement in prison. However, other generic slang terms still in use today such as “booze” or “liquor” were still in use during the 1920s. The term "milquetoast" came about in the 1920s because of a: Although the flapper look and lifestyle remained popular and inspired many women in the 1920s, the movement ultimately lost momentum in 1929 when the stock market crashed. Bimbo: a tough guy. The most common slang terms for money in the 1920s were things like “buck” and “dough”. Gag me with a spoon — disgusting. Flat Tire - A dull witted, insipid, disappointing date. Apr 9, 2018 · For those of us who can’t get over The Great Gatsby or the awesome fedoras and flapper dresses, here are some common twenties slang words and phrases that are simply “berries!”. Discover more behind the meaning of the decade's slang with us. American English slang, from the trick of concealing something (originally a flask of liquor) down the leg of a high boot. "To the moon. 3. Sap- A 1920’s Flapper term for floor flusher. Sharpshooter- One who spends well and dances much. Whoopee - Loud fun. " "So's your old man. This 1920s phrase actually appeared in print in 1913 when a journalist for the New York Evening, T. Also a snooper or spy. hangs out to pick up women Dumb Dora: an unintelligent woman Face Stretcher: an old woman trying to look young Fall Guy: person blamed for others crimes Flapper: fashionable young woman, goes to clubs Flat Tire: boring person Frame: to pin a crime on someone to look guilty G-man: government man: a federal agent Gam: a woman’s leg Jan 28, 2024 · January 28, 2024. Dweeb — a nerd; someone who is not cool. A particularly bad egg was a double-yolker. Bee’s Knees – An extraordinary person, thing, idea; the ultimate. , defied their school’s ban on bracelets—meant to promote awareness of breast cancer —that said “I ♥ boobies!”. The changes on language from the past have big effects on the language of the present. Features. Women in the 1920s Fact 26: Nellie Taylor Ross: In 1925 Nellie Taylor Ross was elected the 14th Governor of Wyoming. Choice bit of calico: a desirable woman. 5k) $ 5. The gangster slang of the 20s, like the vernacular of any generation, was conception in the hives out counter-culture. I combed textbooks and the web to create an exhaustive list of my favorite slang words from the 1920s. A woman at my big old writing group suggested old newspapers, but it seems to me that might reflect more an educated, urbane populace than uneducated, rural folks. (2) a first timer in prison. * However, one early 30s glossary says a moocher is a “Single-handed thief, usually of low caste. An extraordinary person, thing, idea; the ultimate. Fire Bell n 1. Part of the fun of researching 1920’s and 1930’s Queer subculture in New York City was coming across a wide variety of specialized slang and coded terms that flourished among homosexual men and women of the time. Dewdropper – a lazy person; unemployed; synonym One could make out a case for identifying the 1920s as the decade when our current idea of modernity – as opposed to pre-modern Victorian ways – began to take shape (the term modernism, in its application to the visual arts, music, literature, etc. Sep 10, 2019 · Rhatz: Similar to today, this word means “darn” or “bummer!”. Description. Embalmer was another, and was not necessarily a negative aspersion on the product being provided, since being embalmed was slang for being intoxicated. Busters. ), but felt by later writers as a figurative use of bird (n. Feb 9, 2024 · In the 1930s, people had a less precise approach to unfathomable quantities—they used bazillion to exaggerate large and indefinite numbers of things. Eventually, this came to mean bright, gleaming or joyful. This had rather a tame meaning, and simply meant something which was a bit Bug-eyed Betty – unattractive or unpopular girl, often this term was used by college boys – other 1920’s slang include: pig’s coattail, washout, mess, flat tire, chunk of lead, crumb Bull - (1) a policeman or law-enforcement officer including FBI (2) nonsense (3) to chat idly, to exaggerate. Big House: Jail. As common in its day as "man," "dude," or "guy" is today. Absent Treatment: dancing with a shy person, inexperienced dancer or awkward partner. The blossoming of youth culture and the secretiveness tha Here’s a large list of 1920’s slang. World War I was over and men wanted Feb 24, 2024 · An attractive woman in 1920s slang was a Sheba, while a man was a Sheik. The slang was popular in the 1920s to describe a skilled dancer. L. You should like Thought Catalog on Facebook here. Bent Cars: Stolen cars. Jul 16, 2021 · Brush up on some of this nifty slang and learn about this time. Starting off with one of the most common and generic slang terms for men in the 1920s, first we have “cat”. Ezra Pound, Hugh Selwyn Mauberley. “And how!”. ht bd wc fc ol zm tq aa zw eb