Every generation has its own collection of slang words or phrases. Some remain for several generations, others have a ‘short life span’. Knowing some of these key words and terms can help you better understand a great grandparent’s generation.
Also at the next family gathering to see how many people can correctly identify.
From the 1910s:
ding-bat — a stupid person
a gas — a good joke
noodle — a person’s head
snookums — term of endearment to a female
crumb — a bad person, dishonest
pug-ugly — something or someone very ugly
jake — everything is good, working fine
From the Roaring Twenties (1920s) – the phrase and then what it meant:
the cat’s meow — something is great, wonderful, super
giggle water — alcohol, wine, liquor
what’s eating you? — what is the problem, why are you upset?
dropping the pilot — getting a divorce
hit on all sixes — getting something 100% correct or function 100%
noodle juice — drink of tea
cash or check — to kiss someone then or later
berries — something very good
get a wiggle on — get moving
From the 1930s – era of the Great Depression:
mitt me, Kid — congratulate me
slip me five — shake hands with me
togging to the bricks — getting dressed up
blow your wig — getting very excited about something
cute as a bug’s ear — someone very cute in appearance
trip for biscuits — a chore or task that produced nothing
From the 1940s — during World War II
what’s buzzing, Cousin? — what is going on?
cook with gas — do something right
flap your lips — talking excessively
motorized freckles — insects
snap your cap — get angry
take a powder — leave the area
carry a torch — be fond of someone, have a crush on them
ducky shincracker — a great dancer
From the 1950s – age of rock-n-roll:
cloud 9 — very happy
bent eight — V-8 engine for hot-rodders
chrome-plated — all dressed up
fat city — a great, happy location
chariot — a person’s cart
frosted — very angry and upset
horn — the telephone
lighter — having a crew-cut – very short hair cut
paper shaker — cheerleader
shot down — failure at something
Related FamilyTree.com genealogy blogs:
Slang Used during the Civil War
Curse Words Used by Your Ancestors
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