1920s speakeasy slang

Don’t let the title fool you! This slang is not for learning to speak more easily.

I recently ran across a Time Life series book on the Roaring ‘20s that I really enjoyed taking a look at. The beginning of this decade brought us motorized vehicles, fairly decent prosperity following “The War to End all Wars,” airplanes and prohibition. This was also a time period where women felt free to “bob” their hair, smoke cigarettes and shorten their skirts. Bonnie and Clyde often come to mind when thinking of this time period.

Every year we hear about “new” words that are added to the dictionary. Weird terms like sexting, twerking and LOL are just a few.

You don’t know what those words mean? Then you will probably already know what these antiquated slang terms mean. Don’t understand the ’20s lingo? Then you are probably twerking right now!

LOL.

Here are some fun terms to throw out there and maybe we can bring some of these terms back:

All Wet – describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, “he’s all wet.”

Applesauce – an expletive same as horsefeathers, As in “Ah applesauce!”

Balled Up – confused, messed up

Beat one’s gums – idle chatter

Bee’s Knees – An extraordinary person, thing, idea; the ultimate

Big six – a strong man; from auto advertising, for the new and powerful; six cylinder engines

Caper – a criminal act or robbery

Cash or check? – Do you kiss now or later?

Don’t take any wooden nickels – Don’t do anything stupid

Flivver – a Model T; after 1928, could mean any old broken down car

Flapper – A stylish, brash, hedonistic young woman with short skirts and shorter hair

Gams – A woman’s legs

Jalopy – Old car

Joint – A club, usually selling alcohol

Kisser – Mouth

Moll – A gangster’s girl

Pill – (1) a teacher (2) an unlikable person

Rag-a-muffin – a dirty or disheveled individual

Says you – a reaction of disbelief

Wet Blanket – a solemn person, a killjoy

I hope you enjoyed these vintage “slang” terms. You may need this guide the next time you watch an episode of “The Little Rascals!”

Happy Collecting!

Jillinda Falen has been buying and selling antiques for over 30 years. She is a licensed REALTOR and estate liquidation specialist. You can contact her via email at jcfalen@gmail.com or through the Houston Home Journal.

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