1920 s Slang Dictionary

1920s Slang Dictionary Siân Barry Ms. Scott Period 1

AAttaboy • Definition: “Well done!” “Great job!” “Nice Work!” (also Attagirl)

BBee’s Knee’s • Definition: The best The ultimate An extraordinary person, thing, or idea

BBootleg • Definition: Illegal liquor during Prohibition in the 1920s An embalmer is a bootlegger

BButt me • Definition: Synonymous with the phrase “I’ll take a cigarette” Cigarettes during the time period were called fags

CCash or Check? • Definition: “Do we kiss now, or later?” • Cash meant now • Check meant later

DDaddy • Definition: A young woman’s boyfriend who took this name, especially if he was rich

Eegg • Definition: A person who lives the big life Used as a synonym for a man in the 1920s

Fflapper • Definition: A typical, modern woman of the 1920s who is stylish, brash and hedonistic; have short skirts and short hair

Fflivver • Definition: AFord Model T After 1928, it could also mean any broken down car

GGet a wiggle on • Definition: Another way of saying “Get a move on” “Get going”

HHandcuff • Definition: An engagement ring

I I have to go see about a Man’s Dog • Definition: “I’ve got to leave now” (In reference to going to buy whiskey illegally)

Nneck • Definition: To kiss someone passionately To make out

MMind Your Potatoes • Definition: “Mind your own business” “Mind your own beeswax”

Oossified • Definition: To be drunk • Synonyms: On edge Zozzled Splifficated

RRitzy • Definition: Elegant, classy (With pertinence to the luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel)

SSpeakeasy • Definition: An illicit bar during the time of Prohibition that sold bootleg to its customers

TTen cent box • Definition: A taxi cab With the popularization of the automobile, the taxi cab company Checker Cabs grew in the 1920s

U upchuck • Definition: To vomit as a result of consuming too much alcohol

Y You slay me • Definition: The same as saying “You’re hilarious” “That’s funny”