1920s slang insults

1920s slang insults. American English slang, from the trick of concealing something (originally a flask of liquor) down the leg of a high boot. Current Top 3: Bee's Knees, Cat's Meow, Wet Beezer: Nose. 1920s british slang I'm working on a story taking place in 1920s London, England but I don't want to have the language/slang come off as too American and inaccurate. Stronza, feminine, corresponds to “bitch”. Jan 28, 2024 · Cat. Often done at a "petting party. , variants of ass and asshole. Chillin' — relaxing. This appears to be another of Shakespeare’s inventions that became popular in Victorian slang. Feb 9, 2024 · Looking back on 1930s slang gives us insight into the coolest trends of the era. Big Sleep: Death. 1. ” Feb 1, 2024 · To vomit or throw up. Oct 6, 2020 · 100 Slang Terms From the 20th Century No One Uses Anymore. For instance, a character in a movie might say, “He’s just a punk, selling himself for a few bucks. Apr 15, 2020 · Insults All his eggs are double-yoakit – he’s full of rubbish Awa’ an bile yer heid – translating as away and boil your head, this simply means ‘get lost’ Nov 23, 2023 · Early Irish: a apaide acaite anachluim. See what the jargon was like and which words have stuck around today. Despite their continuing usage, these too tend to sound dated or corny, so they’re often employed slightly sarcastically. Historical Dictionary of American Slang. There was a spike in the 1920 s but most references seemed to relate to agriculture or the wilderness. LGBT slang, LGBT speak, queer slang, or gay slang is a set of English slang lexicon used predominantly among LGBTQ+ people. Jun 22, 2020 · The Jazz Age of the 1920s greatly influenced American slang with other words and phrases such as an “ Oliver Twist . Journalist @MichaelPDeacon on Twitter came across the Penguin Dictionary of Historical Slang and just had to share the wealth with everyone else. t. Definition - a dull-witted person. Dick: an idiot. Unless their name really is Stella, then your insult is just a friendly hello. goombah: an associate, especially a senior member of a criminal gang. Boy, was he surprised when I showed him my new erector set! ( n ) Opportunity. Air Tight: extremely desirable or attractive. 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. It is a playful insult and is often used in a light-hearted or affectionate manner. Features. M May 11, 2013 · Bitch can now be applied to men and women, as can cunt. But beyond these shorter hemlines and daring fashion attitudes was a strong undercurrent of change for women in the Roaring 1920s. Stronzo is turd in English, which means piece of excrement. 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. "Its origins are from old French verbs rifler, which means to spoil or Sep 23, 2021 · Not every person from Boston uses the same slang, and the proper use of some of these terms can be argued 'til the cows come home, but most Bostonians will recognize these phrases immediately. Meaning: fancy clothes you wear on a night out. Above my pay grade: Don’t ask me. Dec 20, 2020 · It's a gas. I find myself wanting to swear, but I find myself dissatisfied with using modern common swear words ("Let's fucking go now!", etc) Ex: The ship's navigator presents me with a note he received, which reads, "Meet me in Minneapolis". When the cops drove up, we had to beat it. 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. Above One’s Bend – Out of one’s power, beyond reach. initiation or induction: becoming a made man. These terms have something for everyone, from the silly to the sincere, and even some insults. So today, I’ve collected over 800 Irish slang expressions just for a bit of a laugh so you can lose a bit more time to the internet that you Mar 21, 2024 · The slang Geoffrey Chaucer uses is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Whoopee - Loud fun. I've tried finding terms they've used but keep coming up empty handed, does anyone have any articles or tips or knowledge of what their slang was like back then? Feb 5, 2024 · Definitely not. 12. The slang of the 1960s, with its drug and protest culture, was a paradise of slang. To access all the slang terms meaning "to leave", type Leave in the "Search" box. Eventually, this came to mean bright, gleaming or joyful. K. Heißluftgebläse. Dictionary Thesaurus Flapper could be an insult, Jay was another one (it’s where we get the term jay walking). Before 'gay' became common and accepted parlance, the world invented its own unofficial terms for men who dug men. Above-Board – In open sight, without artifice, or trick. To be a numpty means to be on the one hand very stupid, but it also means that someone is a loser and can’t get a grip on their life. 10. A woman punched a young Asian woman in the subway, possibly dislocating her jaw. Jan 8, 2015 · Law. Apr 22, 2020 · Stronzo – Asshole, bastard, mean. heavy: packed, carrying a weapon. Canary: Imagine referring to a singer as a “canary,” specifically a female singer with a sweet voice. A more explicit insult in Hawaiian slang is “pī pō”, which translates to “whitey” or “cracker”. Though . ( n ) To give false evidence. The Rolling Stones probably weren't talking about 19th century nitrous oxide parties—the slang's origin—when they sang about "a gas gas gas" in their hit song "Jumpin' Jack Flash. Hayburner - (1) a gas guzzling car (2) a horse one loses money on. Some names were self-created and others were thrust Aug 19, 2020 · The biggest rise of the word as an insult against women was in the 1920s. Let’s bring this shit back. 1920s Slang 1 A • Alderman: A man's pot belly. You greedy voracious ox. While writing our first book, The Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Here’s a large list of 1920’s slang. English Words. Some of these include: 1. " During the 60s, a gas was any activity likely to inspire laughter. 1920s Slang. •. People would use phrases like “square” to mock Magazines like Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang, a popular humor publication during the 1920s, showcased the language and slang terms of the Jazz Age, as did The Flapper, which advertised itself as “Not for old Fogies. The Berries. Early Irish: a chonadmairt chícaraig. Above Snakes – If you were “above snakes,” you were above ground – meaning still alive. You can also call someone a labertasche, or “babble bag Oct 3, 2023 · 16. If you want to fit in with the rest of "the Hub," this handy list of slang terms will have you sounding like a local in no time. "Go soak your head!" is an oldie but a goodie. Aug 27, 2022 · Flit. When the dance was performed in one area Dec 19, 2021 · Geebag – An unpleasant or foolish person. Birds are cute and fun and swell, which definitely sounds like a good thing. Lists about the hippest lingo that has slipped through the lips of people all around the world and throughout history that will have you going "WTF m8?" Over 1K fans have voted on the 30+ Weird Slang Terms From The 20s That Prove Young People Have Always Been Dumb. It is simply a tongue-in-cheek feminization of the term “chap”, which is an old fashioned term for men. Some of the slang terms below were actually insults that are still used today. "Esement," for instance, refers to a man's sexual release; "queynte" is a rude term for genitals. The tome drips with sex and scatological humor. “Giggle Water” was one of many slang terms for liquor during Prohibition and served as the title for Charles S. You shouldn’t get too upset if a friend throws this at you unless of course, they’re actually angry. Weirdly, puto is slang for boy (and not considered offensive). A particularly bad egg was a double-yolker. May 6, 2024 · 1950s slang wasn’t particularly colorful compared to other eras. This term is used to describe someone who is considered foolish, incompetent, or clumsy. For example, “Let’s head down to The Big Easy for some jazz and delicious food. / A-Y-N/iStock via Getty Images Plus. My best friend tried to frame me for flushing the cherry bomb down the john by putting the rest of them in my locker. Sep 27, 2021 · Looking for some good Cockney insults? Check out some from this list that show how genuinely clever these Londoners - and you - can be! Jan 14, 2020 · The 1940s were prime time for fun slang and this World War II-era compliment is calling out an amazing girl. Ann Ruscellocuesta. by Gillian Polack Ph. All wet: Wrong. Some of the hilarious slang included “firkytoodling,” “gay as a goose in a gutter,” and “arse-foot Oct 30, 2015 · But burns like "flapdoodle" and "mumbling cove," on the other hand, don't have quite the same bite. Bingo Wings – flabby underarms. It is important to promote inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. This is a pleasant term for a rather unpleasant thing Nov 30, 2017 · There are still remnants of ’40s slang familiar to us today—even people born well after the mid-century years. At Lighthouse Online, we are fascinated by the languages of the world in whatever form they take – including Mar 12, 2020 · The 1920s was at the beginning of the modern era, and slang really began to become more mainstream. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. You might think Chaucer's Canterbury Tales are prim and proper, but you would be very, very wrong. To access all slang originating in the 1920s, just type in 1920 in the "Beginning Year" field. The Big Easy. “Watch your apple when you’re near those low doorframes!”. This term is highly offensive and racist, and should never be used. TombStoneFaro. Arse, arsehole – n. Baumes sponsored a New York law (the Baumes Law) Aug 31, 2021 · Glad Rags. Jan 13, 2014 · 3. Handcuff - an engagement ring. Our favorite bits of 1920s slang. Other terms similar to flit include “fruit”, “pansy”, and “fairy”. " Basically, anyone or anything that's the berries is the best. Bugger off: go away; run along. Midwesterners only: vote up the slang you actually use. “Flit” is a 50s slang term for a gay person that was popularized by the novel Catcher in the Rye. Gnarly — exceptional; very cool. Gold Digger - A woman who associates with or marries a man for his wealth. Max is just another bimbo who goes around trying to pick fights in bars. The 20th century was a truly special time. Basically, it’s an insult against the other person’s mother. It was most often used for particularly suave or cool men, or at least men who were, in one way or another boot·leg. Abandons – Foundlings. ”. Ab-so-lute-ly: Affirmative – Definitely. Glad rags - "going out on the town" clothes. Dec 19, 2020 · 50 Vintage Slang Words That Sound Hilarious Today. Muttonhead is not quite so old as many of the words in this list, in use only since the early 19th century. With our archives now 3,500+ articles deep, we’ve decided to republish a classic piece each Friday to help our newer readers discover some of the best, evergreen gems from the past. Oct 6, 2013 · Insults: Bearcat - A hot-blooded girl; In Google Books, it came up quite a bit but it was mostly incorrectly read texts that actually said bearest. 1920s slang was the language of the extraordinary person, the bee’s knees, if you will. Punk (n), “A worthless person. Muttonhead. Hard Boiled - a tough, strong guy. Big One: Death. In Italian slang, “amico” is commonly used to refer to a friend or buddy. Jan 28, 2024 · Numpty. Shutterstock. 4. 20s Slang. Also applied to a street prostitute. These words clearly indicate that one should stop speaking, yet they still have a powerful effect today despite sounding somewhat dated. Big Cheese, Big Shot - The boss: Someone of importance and influence. Slang. Example: "Naw, don't invite her to the party. It is widely used to indicate that somebody is a bad, cruel, despicable and detestable person. It refers to a group of people and is synonymous with “you guys” or “you all. Bull Session - Male talkfest, gossip, stories May 12, 2021 · Italian slang spans centuries. Beyond the bee's knees, phrases like French kiss, blind date, sexpert, and backseat driver were all coined in the roaring '20s. Bedswerver. You should like Thought Catalog on Facebook here. You might not hear this one earnestly used all that much, but it is nonetheless an example of British slang for girl. He was so fried we rolled him to the car and he never came to. Preppy — one who dresses in designer clothing and has a neat, clean-cut appearance. This word, used to describe folks who were viewed as disreputable, was quite rude back in the '50s. Craic is pronounced “crack,” and it means “ general banter or fun . flapper girls invented Oct 3, 2023 · In a conversation about someone’s behavior, one might say, “She’s been acting like a hoochie lately. But it’s not all bad for egg because old egg, an affectionate 1920s slang term for one Abisselfa – By itself. An Oliver Twist was an extremely good dancer that could really cut a rug (hey look, more 1920s lingo!). After all, it's the central, beating-heart of a nation rich in diversity and complexity. at least) were cad, bounder and possibly chump. “He’s acting like a right numpty recently,” for example. The photo of the Burmese-American boy in the 20 Year Hero! Nov 8, 2007. This term was used widely in the United States and other parts of the western world, and really just referred to any man. i find these kind of questions interesting. • 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. See full list on mentalfloss. This article was originally published in March 2010. Example: "You gotta make it to my party tonight. As useless as a chocolate teapot – very useless. Punk is a slang term used to refer to a male prostitute or a young male involved in the sex trade. when they made the movie Gangs of New York, set in the mid 1800s, they Aug 8, 2011 · Flapper Slang: Talk the 1920s talk. Though the Midwest technically spans a swath of states and encompasses a mass of people, there's a pretty universal collection goomar or goomah: Americanized form of comare, a Mafia mistress . (Image credit Feb 5, 2024 · Looking at 1980s slang is an interesting and captivating way to notice how the slang of yesterday connects with the slang of today. December 19, 2020. ( adj ) Drunk, intoxicated. A lot of things in culture are cyclical. It can be used as a term of endearment or to address someone informally. Books tended to be very tame in the 19th century so real slang was not even preserved. It can also be used more broadly to describe a person who is seen as weak or insignificant. Calling them Stella means you think they're arrogant and full of themselves. Feb 5, 2024 · A New Way of Speaking. Originally, the word was spelled crack when it was used by Ulster Scots; the Gaelic spelling wasn’t widely Oct 3, 2023 · In a movie about Italian gangsters, a character might say, “Omerta is the only law we follow. Bindle: the bundle in which a hobo carries all his worldly possessions. 1920s. “Glad” comes from various Germanic words for “shiny” or “smooth. Mad as a hatter: mad—stemming from back in the day when hatters used a manufacturing process for felt that, indeed, made them mad (mercury poisoning) Gormless: clueless; slow witted. The term "flapper" evokes the image of short fringe dresses, cigarette holders, bobs and stylish hair accessories. Back in the 19th century, though, throwing one of these insults could get you challenged to a Apr 6, 2024 · Here’s a brief list of 1930s slang terms for objects and people that add flair to your vocabulary: Apple: Not just a fruit; an “apple” could be someone’s head. Absquatulate – To leave or disappear. I found a couple of webpages that might help you out here. Behind the eight ball: In a difficult position, in a tight spot. Warnock’s 1928 book on home-made mixed cocktails and other Apr 26, 2024 · 7: 1980s Slang Terms. Feb 11, 2024 · A teacher might scold a student for not paying attention, “Stop acting like a twit and focus on your work. You comb of a castrated cockerel, smoky-colored, bent and crooked. while we have a shot of knowing the answers to such queries about the 1920s, much further back and we are basically lost. Kotzbrocken. com 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. An adulterer. Thick as a brick – very stupid. In the 1950s, hot-rodders and Beats were a source of inspiration. Oct 6, 2013 · For all you 20s junkies, here are 59 more great slang phrases from the decade that keeps on giving. Early Irish: a Jan 3, 2019 · Midwestern Slang Nobody On The Coasts Knows. Wicked — excellent; great. hit: to murder; also see whack. Can also be used to mean bothered ("Can't be arsed") or acting the Choking the chicken – masturbating. November 5, 2019. British slang. Apr 5, 2016 · 15 Old-Timey Names for 'Gay'. Bobolyne. British slang is English-language slang originating from and used in the United Kingdom and also used to a limited extent in Anglophone countries such as India, Malaysia, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, especially by British expatriates. (Ireland, slang, derogatory) An objectionable person, usually Jul 15, 2021 · Soon the insult spread from the racing industry across the country to become another colorful addition to Australian slang. Boy! ( int ) An emphatic interjection. You'll get a "big tickle" from this walk down memory lane. But by the 1920s, egg took a rotten turn, shall we say. As they say: Midwest is best. e. This is a popular nickname for New Orleans, referring to the city’s laid-back and easygoing atmosphere. Punk. Mar 23, 2023 · 1. Mar 23, 2023 · 11. Bonus 1920's Slang. Dead Nuts On. #1. D. Internet meaning – Geebag (plural geebags) (Ireland, slang) A person who enjoys sex, usually female. Y’all: This term is a contraction of “you all” and is still widely used today. Another might comment, “That hoochie is just looking for attention. juice: the interest paid to a loan shark for the loan; also see vig. Originally published August 8, 2011. From hoosegow to hornswoggle, these vintage slang terms are sure to give you a chuckle. This term, which means “very fond of,” is a more emphatic version of the English “nuts on. A gas: A good time or something highly amusing. It might be used in the same way as “ladies and gentlemen. 9. They're cool for a few years, then fall out of favor for a decade or two, and then they go back to being cool again. It demonstrates the very fiber of an era that was all about breaking boundaries and experimenting with new ways of living. So here are 49 British swearwords with their definition. Word Up. Bent Cars: Stolen cars. fried. In the 1920s, people would throw this phrase around as anything attractive or alluring—similar to more well-known slang phrases like "the cat's meow. 22. Sayings. But beyond these shorter hemlines and daring fashion attitudes was a strong undercurrent of change for Them's Fighting Words: Old French Insults. Cutting a rug derives its meaning from when couples would dance the jitterbug. It is also used in the United States to a limited extent. Numpty is another great way to call someone a loser and it is perhaps the most quintessentially British term so far. This new generation of young woman, tired of men's dominance in society and of the old social norms Aug 13, 2018 · What was most notable about the 1930s was their slang and other insults of the time period. Muttonhead is a combination, obviously enough, of head, and mutton (“the flesh of a May 13, 2021 · Add a little spark to your vocabulary with Scottish slang. ( n ) A tough guy. Filho de puta means “son of a whore,” “son of a bitch,” or “motherfucker”. Apr 28, 2024 · The Art of Insulting. Expand your knowledge of the Italian language with this list of slang terms exclusive to the beautiful country and its people. Only ones that I imagine were common (in the U. Origin. And then there are the bathroom jokes. Trollop. (noun) alcoholic liquor unlawfully made, sold, or transported, without registration or payment of taxes. Slang Words. " 1920s slang was a mix of new and old words, sometimes English, sometimes French, slang of the 1920s was always descriptive and new. In COHA, the first uses of “bearcat” occur in 1920, with the intended meaning. ( v ) To leave. In the 19th century shit as a noun was reserved exclusively for men — the "West Somerset Word-Book" defines it as “a term of contempt Sep 29, 2015 · Hoosegow (jail or prison) Meathook (a hand) On the make (being flirtatious with the opposite sex) Short (a streetcar) Simp (foolish, stupid person) Steam up (build up, agitate) Vigorish (high interest on a loan) But not all 1910 slang words have disappeared from our vocabulary. Mar 20, 2021 · Flapper slang: The 1922 model girl has found it necessary to compile up-to-date dictionary From the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, SC) March 12 & 19, 1922 [Words included in list above] Flapperanto — the dialect of the modern girl — has made English a dead language, according to word from Chicago. This term is similar to “hoochie” and is used to describe a woman who is perceived as being sexually promiscuous. By Bob Larkin. An old Tudor English word for a fool that was coined by The Bee's Knees, copacetic. A “hot air gun” is someone who talks too much, but about nothing. Floozy, hussy, jezabel. Absent Treatment: dancing with a shy person, inexperienced dancer or awkward partner. 8. RELATED: This Is the Most Popular Slang Word the Year You Were Born. By: Mai Bouchet , Special to KCTS 9. 60s Slang. Dweeb — a nerd; someone who is not cool. A fairly common Italian insult is stronzo, which corresponds to “asshole” in English. Off their rocker: mad—they were off their rocker, they were. Feb 28, 2024 · Craic. The blossoming of youth culture and the secretiveness tha During the 19th century, there were several slang terms commonly used in the southern United States. A “lump of puke. Goofy - in love Hair of the Dog - a shot of alcohol. While you can call someone a filho da puta in a jokey way, it’s very offensive if it’s not in a fun context. Not for nothing were they called the Roaring Twenties, as is evident from the cool slang the people Dec 27, 2020 · This '70s slang was meant as an insult to disco dancers. To find a specific slang word, type it in the "Word" box. Muppet. Jan 1, 2020 · Now, an egg, as slang for “a person,” goes all the way back … to the 1600s. Bim: Woman. Starting off with one of the most common and generic slang terms for men in the 1920s, first we have “cat”. Fancy Words. Mar 23, 2023 · Here are the origins of some familiar insults that will make calling out all the rubes, bums, cretins, and punks in your life a more fulfilling experience. Jul 21, 2015 · 7) Shinning around -- moving about quickly. Amico. "It is shinning around corners to avoid meeting creditors that is sapping the energies of this generation," opined the Dallas, Texas, Daily Herald on Welcome to The1920sChannel where it's the 1920s all the time! I love making videos about the important people and events that made 1920s America so unique. In 1915, most of the books and articles published used the word “bitch” only to refer to a female dog. Aug 5, 2023 · Pī pō – Whitey or cracker. 2. In Dazed and Confused, one of the truly great works of art of the 1990s, the intellectual Cynthia The dictionary can be searched for slang words, their meanings, and dates. Old French insults would have been the most common insults to the end of the thirteenth century, not only among French native-speakers and nobles, but also among those with any sort of pretension to nobility or good breeding, unless the individual was Feb 20, 2024 · Hannah Burton/Bustle. Feb 9, 2024 · Noob is just one slang term that broke out in the 1990s. Apr 12, 2020 · A man chased an elderly Asian woman down the street with Purell. Gag me with a spoon — disgusting. Oct 4, 2023 · 9. For example, when greeting a friend, you might say, “Ciao amico!”. frame. 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. Jan 28, 2024 · Chapette. It makes up for this lack of lineage with a degree of oddity that sets it apart from the older words. Fly — cool; very hip. Back in the 1950s, it was common for people to express their displeasure with an annoying or stupid person by throwing around phrases like “stuff it” and “get bent. ISBN: 0-9722091-0-7. Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart in Home and Away, is best known for Jan 12, 2017 · The term "flapper" evokes the image of short fringe dresses, cigarette holders, bobs and stylish hair accessories. Egg as insult for an “obnoxious person” was popularized in the 1920s. Torpedo - A 1920s slag term to describe a guy hired to kill someone. Bodacious — beautiful. Jun 4, 2024 · Filho da puta. Big House: Jail. A tourist might say, “I can’t wait to experience the vibrant culture of The Big Easy. Having the painters in – having your period. Happy Returns. Upchuck - To barf, throw up. One day we were "cruisin' for a bruisin'" with some "greasers" at the "passion pit," the next we're telling a Valley Girl to "talk to the hand"—or shouting "boo-yah!" to our best buddies. So we're playing SOTC, using the world of Crimson Skies. Oct 16, 2020 · Manly Slang from the 19th Century. (Ireland, slang) A prostitute. Apr 15, 2024 · 19. za rr kl mv qz wq cs at bq gk