english slang terms and phrases of the 1920s
English Slang Terms and Phrases of the 1920s
Let's turn back in time and slip into the Jazz Age of the 1920s, relive the era by getting zozzled on some jag juice - it will be the bee's knees! Don't have a clue about what we're saying? This Buzzle article is a comprehensive compilation of the most popular 1920s' slang.
Bootleg
boot·leg
(noun)
alcoholic liquor unlawfully made, sold, or transported, without registration or payment of taxes.
Origin
American English slang, from the trick of concealing something (originally a flask of liquor) down the leg of a high boot.
Not for nothing were they called the Roaring Twenties, as is evident from the cool slang the people used back then. We've listed some of the very best twenties slang in this Buzzle article―it's a little amusing to read, but it can get offensive in no time. But then, such was the Jazz Era, and the societal norms bore heavily into the mannerisms and vernacular of the time. So, just sit back and enjoy.
List of American Slang Words and Phrases
A - D
Ankle
To walkApple sauce
Flattery/nonsenseAmeche
A phoneAir Tight
Desirable/attractiveBaby
A person (endearment)Beef
Problem/ComplaintBee's Knees
Extraordinary thing/personBig Cheese
Someone important/the bossBug-eyed Betty
An unattractive womanCat's Meow
The best/finestChicago lightning
GunfireChicago overcoat
CoffinClubhouse
Police stationCopper
PolicemanDaisy
EffeminateDish
Pretty womanDope fiend
Drug addictDope peddler
Drug dealerDough
MoneyDrill
ShootDroppers
Hired killersDump
Roadhouse/clubDrugstore Cowboy
A guy that hangs around on a street corner trying to pick up girls E - H
Egg
Man living a wealthy lifestyleEdge
A buzz/highFall Guy
Victim of a frame-upFlat Tire
A disappointing dateFlivver
A Ford model TFry
To be electrocutedGams
A woman's legsGlad rags
Fancy clothesHeebie-Jeebies
The jittersHotsy-Totsy
PleasingHard-boiled
A tough personHandcuff
Engagement ringFlapper
A stylish, brash young woman with short skirts and shorter hairI - L
Indian hop
MarijuanaIron
MotorbikeJack
MoneyJoe
CoffeeJoint
A clubJalopy
Old carKisser
MouthKitten
WomanKnock off
KillKnee-Duster
A skirtLead
BulletsLimey
British soldierLooker
Pretty womanLarge
A thousand dollarsM - Q
Map
FaceMarbles
PearlsMoll
A gangster's girlMob
GangNeck
Kissing with passion Nailed
Caught by the policeNevada gas
CyanideNewshawk
ReporterOp
DetectiveOrchid
Something priceyPalooka
Stupid manPinch
To arrestPetting Party
Make-out partyPiker
Cheapskate/cowardPooped
KilledPinko
LiberalR - T
Ritzy
ElegantRap
Criminal chargeReefers
Marijuana cigarettesReal McCoy
A genuine itemSpeakeasy
An illicit barSheba/Sheik
Girlfriend/BoyfriendSkirt
An attractive girlSap
A fool/idiotShylock
Loan sharkSpiffy
ElegantTea
MarijuanaTorpedo
HitmanTight
AttractiveTrouble boys
GangstersU - Z
Upchuck
To vomitUpstage
SnobbishWhoopee
To have a good timeWet blanket
A boring personYa follow?
You understand?Zozzled
drunkProhibition's Contribution to 1920s' Slang
As the most coveted and covertly traded item of the twenties, alcohol had quite a few names. Some of these are straightforward, while others are downright funny. Take a look:
- Corn (Bourbon/Corn liquor)
- Hooch
- Giggle juice
- Tiger milk
- Belt
- Busthead (Homemade liquor)
- Coffin varnish (Bootleg liquor, often poisonous)
- Rotgut
- Strike-me-dead
- White lightning
- Giggle Water
- Panther piss/sweat