The A-Z’s Of 1920s Slang

Let’s bring back the fast talk, because it’s the bees-knees junior.

1. A is for Ankle

To walk, i.e. “Let’s ankle!”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

2. B is for Boozehound

A drunkard. “Get that boozehound out of here.”

3. C is for Canceled Stamp

A wall flower or shy girl. “Shelly? She is such a canceled stamp don’t even bother.”

Source: blackandwtf.tumblr.com

4. D is for Drugstore Cowboy

A well-dressed man who loiters in public areas trying to pick up women. “I’ve seen that drugstore cowboy around.”

5. E is for Egg

A person who lives a life of extravagance. “He’s a funny egg.”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

6. F is for Flivver

Any old broken down car. “I’m stuck driving this flivver for now.”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

7. G is for Glad Rags

“Going out on the town” clothes. ” Girls, get on your glad rags and lets go!”

8. H is for Handcuff

An engagement ring. “Let me see that handcuff!”

Source: redeyeofjupiter.tumblr.com

9. I is for Icy Mitt

To reject as a suitor; a cold or hostile reception. i.e. “She gave him the icy mitt.”

Source: screamforpleasure.tumblr.com

10. J is for Juice Joint

An illegal bar (also called a speakeasy) that sold alcohol during prohibition. “We’re all headed to that juice joint tonight.”

Source: scheong.wordpress.com

11. K is for “Know Your Onions”

To know one’s business or what one is talking about. “Oh, he know’s his onions there is no doubt about that.”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

12. L is for “Let’s Blouse”

Lets get outta here! “This party is a drag, let’s blouse.”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

13. M is for Mrs. Grundy

A bookish prude or uptight woman. “She is such a Mrs. Grundy that she refuses to go into the water.”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

14. N is for Nifty.

A common phrase meaning neat, cool, or handy. “She was wearing this really nifty, low-cut dress with a fringe around the hem”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

15. O is for Oliver Twist

A very skilled dancer. “Look at you, Oliver Twist!”

Source: herbstzeitlose.tumblr.com

16. P is for Petting Pantry

A movie theatre. Also used when one or more couples were making out in a room. “What’s showing at the petting pantry?”

Source: fineartamerica.com

17. Q is for Quilt.

A drink that warms you up! ” I need a nice quilt.”

Source: gylleneungdom.tumblr.com

18. R is for Rub

A student dance party. “Will I see you at the rub tonight?”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

19. S is for Splifficated.

To get very drunk. “My word, i’m positively splifficated.”

Source: weheartit.com

20. T is for “Tell it to Sweeney!”

“Tell someone who cares.” This saying also became a slogan for the New York Daily News. ” Go tell it to sweeney”.

Source: cardcow.com

21. U is for Upchuck

Getting sick from alcohol. “Oh, Peter is going to upchuck.”

Source: pourzz.com

22. V is for Vamp

An aggressive tease or flirt. “What a vamp Carol is!”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

23. W is for Wurp

A wet-blanket, kill joy, or debbie downer. ” No need to be such a Wurp.”

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

24. X was tough, so here’s a nifty cat instead.

Source: fuckyeah1920s.tumblr.com

25. Y is for “You slay me!”

A phrase used if you find someone particularly funny. “Are you serious? You slay me.”

26. Z is for completely Zozzled.

Drunk, wasted, or completely gone. “The entire speakeasy was zozzled.”

Source: drinkoftheweek.com

Source: readyaimfiree.tumblr.com