• Source: Glossary of early twentieth century slang in the United States

This glossary of early twentieth century slang in the United States is an alphabetical collection of colloquial expressions and their idiomatic meaning from the 1900s to the 1930s. This compilation highlights American slang from the 1920s and does not include foreign phrases. The glossary includes dated entries connected to bootlegging, criminal activities, drug usage, filmmaking, firearms, ethnic slurs, prison slang, sexuality, women's physical features, and sports metaphors. Some expressions are deemed inappropriate and offensive in today's context. Like a Dragon
While slang is usually inappropriate for formal settings, this assortment includes well-known expressions from that time, with some still in use today, e.g., blind date, cutie-pie, freebie, and take the ball and run.
These items were gathered from published sources documenting 1920s slang, including books, PDFs, and websites. Verified references are provided for every entry in the listing.




Background


Melodrama films captivate the audience by weaving narratives that evoke intense emotions. These films primarily focus on family dynamics, centering around characters who face adversity and exploring themes of duty and love. The melodramatic format portrays characters navigating their challenges with unwavering determination, selfless acts, and bravery. Movie critics and theater owners often use the certain expressions to describe the movies they are reviewing or showing.




0-9



86Main article: 86
1. Soda-counter term meaning an item was no longer available
2. "Eighty-six" means to discard, eliminate, or deny service




A



abe's cabe1. Five dollar bill2. See fin, a fiver, half a sawbuck
absent treatment Engaging in dance with a cautious partner
ab-so-lute-ly Affirmative, Yes
ace One dollar bill; see clam
air tight Very attractive
airedale Unattractive man
alarm clock Chaperone
alderman Man's pot-belly or simply a prominent belly of a man; see bay window
alibi Box of flowers or candy
all to the good Everything is all right
all wet Erroneous idea or individual e.g. "He's all Wet"
alley worker A woman thief who robs men in alleys
and how! I Strongly agree!
ankle To walk, e.g. "Let's ankle!"
anyhooused when you want to change the topic of conversation
ankle excursion Walk i.e. walk home
apple-knocker 1. Farm laborer mostly a Fruit picker2. country bumpkin or Hick

applesauce 1. Flattery2. Nonsense, e.g."Aw, Applesauce!"
armchair Love nest
attaboy! Well done! or Attagirl!




B



babeAttractive person usually a woman and sometimes meaning a significant other
babySomething of high value or respect including your sweetheart
baby grandHeavily built man
badger gameMain article: Badger gameAn extortion scheme that loosely takes its name from the illegal practice of badger-baiting. It revolves around a scheme to deceive someone, put them in a compromising position, and then extort money from them.
balled upConfused, messed up
bally nipperTomboy
baloneyNonsense
banana oilThe act of using insincere flattery and deception, particularly with the intention to deceive
bang to rights Caught in the act
bangtailsRace horses who's tail is cut horizontally to resemble a tassel e.g. "I wagered on those bangtails in the third race."
bank's closedNo kissing or making out e.g. Sorry, Mac, the bank's closed!
barberTalkative individual
barneyScandal walker
barneymuggingLove-making
barrelhouseMain article: Juke jointcheap saloon speakeasy or brothel
bathtub ginMain article: Bathtub ginHomemade spirit, made in a bathtub
bay windowFunny, yet unflattering nickname for a man's pot belly e.g. He's trim and tough, with no bay window and zero patience; see alderman
be on then nutTo be broke
bean-pickerPerson who tries to patch up trouble
bean-shooterGun
bearcatHot-blooded, vivacious woman
beat ItScram, get lost
beat one's gumsIdle chatter e.g. someone "beats one's gums"or "Flap one's gums"

bee's knees, theSomething or someone outstanding, remarkably fantastic, or awesome
beef Problem, e.g. "What's your beef?"
beeswaxBusiness, e.g. "none of your beeswax"
beezerNose; see also schnozzle smeller

behind the eight ballMain article: Behind the eight ballIn a difficult position e.g. In a § Jam
bell bottomMain article: Bell-bottomsSailor
bell polisherMan who lingers in apartment vestibule late at night
belly laughDeep, full-bodied laugh
beltDrink, swallow or swig of liquor

bent1. Individual who is intoxicated or inebriated; see § drunk; also derivative bent outta of shape; see bent outta of shape2. Spoiled and ruined 1910s3. Person who is criminal and corrupt 1910s
bent carsStolen Automobiles; 1930s
bent outta of shapeAlternate name for intoxicated; see § drunk
bent hairpinElderly maid
berriesGreat or Money e.g. "It's the Berries"
berry patch1. A man's special attraction to a girl2. The intimate area of a woman e.g."You won't be seeing my berry patch tonight, pal."
bible beltMain article: Bible BeltArea in the south and midwest where fundamentalism flourishes
big cheeseMain article: SupervisorSomeone of importance and influence e.g. the big boss;

big house Main article: Prison Prison
big oneDeath
big shotSomeone of importance and influence; Big boss; see big cheese
big sixFrom auto advertising, for the new and powerful six cylinder engines inferring a Strong man e.g. Go send our big six to collect the money
big sleepDeath
big timerCharming and romantic man
billboardFlashy man or woman
bimWoman
bimboMain article: BimboTough guy or strong man; see also hard-boiled Bruno

bindleMain article: Bindle The bundle containing cloths and possessions usually carried by a tramp
bindle Punk Or Bindle StiffTramps or hobos; Migratory harvest workers
bingSolitary confinement cell used for punishment
bird Broad term for a man or woman, sometimes indicating "unusual," behavior e.g. "what a funny old bird"
biscuitPettable flapper
bitPrison sentence
black hatsBad person, especially a villain or criminal in a movie, novel, or play; Heavy in a movie e.g. The Black hats show up at the mansion
blaahNo good
blind1. Alternate names for intoxicated; Drunken bout; see § drunk
blind dateMain article: Blind date An appointment is set for a show or dance where your partner is someone you don't know, usually a friend of a friend
blind pigMain article: SpeakeasyUnlicensed, illegal drinking establishment e.g. They just opened a new blind pig down the street serving some first-class hooch; see speakeasy
blind tigerMain article: SpeakeasyUnlicensed, illegal drinking establishment e.g. They just opened a new blind tiger down the street serving some first-class hooch; see speakeasy
blip offKill someone
blooeyCondition when one has gone to pieces
blottoAlternate names for intoxicated§ drunk
blouseLeave from somewhere
blow1. Crazy party2. Leave3. Big wad in nightclubs; spend one's money excessively or irresponsibly4. Cocaine
blow someone downKill or murder someone; blow someone away

blowerMain article: Telephone Telephone
blue sergeSweetheart
bluenoseExcessively puritanical person; prude
blushing violetPublicity hound
boMan; see also buster mac pal

bob cutMain article: Bob cutThere were various bob haircuts, but the most common involved cutting both the bangs and back in a straight line, typically with the back shorter and off the neck i.e. shingle bob; e.g. Most flappers had their hair bobbed
bohunkMain article: List of ethnic slurs1. Derogatory name for an Eastern European immigrant (out of use by 1930) except in certain anti-immigrant circles; See Ku Klux Klan2. Stupid, clumsy person
boiled as an owlAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
boilerAutomobile
boobDumb guy
boob-ticklerGirl who has to entertain her father's customers from out of town
bookkeepingThe art of making a date
bookleggerMain article: Rum-runningDealer in suppressed novels
bootlegIllegal alcohol
bootlegger Someone who makes or sells alcohol illegally
boozeMain article: Alcoholic beverageDrink or shot of Alcohol
boozehoundHeavy consumer of alcohol
bopTo kill
boxSafe or a bar
box job Safecracking
braceInterrogate informally; confront someone; Beg for money
braceletsHandcuffs (term originated before the 20th century) e.g. The house dick slapped a pair of bracelets on me
break It up Stop that; quit the nonsense; stop quarreling and fighting
breeze1. Breeze Off i.e. leave; depart2. Leave; move; go quickly
breezerConvertible car
breezyEasy going; jovial; cheerful e.g. One movie reviewer refer to the hero of a film A Stranger from Somewhere as a Breezy Westerner
brilloSomeone who lives fast and is a big spender
broadMain article: WomanExpression used solely by men to refer to a woman and widely considered offensive by women
bronx cheerMain article:Blowing a raspberry1. Loud spluttering noise mimicking fluctuance that expresses complete disapproval2. see raspberry
brownWhiskey in the 1920s
brunoTough guy, strong man, enforcer; see also bimbo hard-boiled
brush-apeAnyone from the sticks; hayshaker, farmer
bub(sFemale breast(s)
bucketAutomobile; see also cowpie crate heap jalopy
bug's ear1. Always with the connotation of being small e.g.Your baby is cuter than a bug's ear2. Attractive, Charming i.e. cute as a bug's ear
bug eyedAmazed: astounded in the 1920s i.e. He looked all bug-eyed
bulge, theAdvantage e.g. have the bulge on
bull(s)1. Uniformed policeman; law-enforcement official; plainclothes cop2. Chat idly, to exaggerate3. railroad security guard
bull sessionMale talkfest, gossip, stories of sexual exploits
bum's rushThrown out of an establishment
bumpKill, murder, assassination
bump gumsArgue; talk excessively; see run one's gums
bump offKill, murder, assassinate
bunkNonsense
bunnyTerm of endearment applied to the lost, confused, etc often coupled with "poor little"
burn powderFire a gun
busAutomobile, airplane, boat, large truck; 1910s
bustBoxer
bushwaEuphemism for "bulls#*%"
busterMan; see also bo mac pal
bustheadMain article: Moonshine
Illicitly distilled liquor
butt meMain article: CigaretteGive me a cigarette
butter and egg man1. Man with the bankroll or money2. Yokel is a derogatory term which can be used to describe a wealthy rural citizen who comes to the big city and extravagantly enjoys their newfound wealth e.g. blow a big wad in nightclubs
buttonThe chin; point of the chin

button manMain article: Contract killing
Professional killer
buttonsPolice
button shiningDancing very close to each other
butt(s)Main article: Cigarette1. Cigarettes2. Remainder of smoked cigarette or a cigarette
buzzSearches for person and arrives at their doorstep
buzzerPoliceman or private detective's badge




C



CMain article: Cocainecocaine
c noteMain article: United States one-hundred-dollar bill $100 e.g. pair of c's = $200
cabbageMain article: Federal Reserve Note Money
caboose Jail
cake basket Limousine

cake eater1. Often times a cake eater was the opposite of a flapper e.g.The individual is dressed in tight-fitting attire, including a belted coat with pointed lapels, one-button pants, a low snug collar, and a greenish-pink shirt with a jazzbo tie; see flaming youth2. Spoiled rich person; Playboy3. Lady's man4. self-indulgent effeminate young man

can1. Prison; holding cell at a police station; being imprisoned 1910s2. Dilapidated, run-down automobile; 1920s
canary1. Informer; stool pigeon2. Female vocalist typically fronting a band
can houseBordello; brothel
cannedMain article: Alcohol intoxicationIntoxicated; § drunk
canneryprison
canceled stamp Shy girl at a dance or party
can-opener Safecracker who opens cheap safes
caper1. Criminal act or robbery2. Drunken spree
carry a torch Developing strong emotions for someone, yet enduring unrequited love
case dough Using one's last remaining funds
cash Kiss
cash or check Do we kiss now or later?
cast a kitten1. Expressing intense and unexpected emotions; see have kittens2. Experience a sudden outburst of laughter, fear, or anger e.g. "He got so upset, I thought he was going to have kittens."
cat Man
cat's meowSomeone who is smug and content with themselves; see bee's knee's

cat's pajamassee bee's knee's
cellar smeller Man with a penchant for showing up where liquor is being served
celestialMain article: Celestial Empire Derogatory term for Chinese or East Asians
century One hundred dollars i.e. $100
charlie Man with a mustache
chassis Female body
cheatersMain article: Reading GlassesEyeglasses
check Kiss me later
check your hat Call me later
cherry smashes Weak kisses
chewing gum Doublespeak, or ambiguous talk
chicago lightning Gunfire
chicago overcoat Coffin
chicago typewriterMain article: Thompson submachine gun Thompson submachine gun; see chopper
chick Main article: Woman
Young woman
chilled off Killed; murdered
chin Conversation; talking
chin musicMain article: Chin music
Punch on the jaw
chinese squeeze Grafting by skimming profits off the top
chippy Woman of easy virtue
chisel Swindle or cheat
chiv knife; stabbing or cutting weapon
choice bit of calico Desirable female

chopper Main article: Thompson submachine gunNickname because of the damage its heavy .45 caliber rounds did to the human body; see chicago typewriter
chop squad A squad of hitmen wielding Thompson submachine guns; also chopper squad
chump Person marked for a con or a gullible person
ciggyMain article: CigaretteCigarette
cinemagoer Frequently attends motion pictures (1920)
clam Money i.e. One Dollar bills; see ace
clammed Close-mouthed e.g. he really clammed up!
clean sneak Escape from a robbery with no clues left behind
clip jointMain article: Clip jointNightclub where the prices are high and the patrons are fleeced
clipped 1. Shoot dead2. cheated or fleeced
close your head Shut up
clothesline Person who tells neighborhood stories
clout Shoplifter
clubhouse Police station

cocaine fiend
1916, the term "Cocaine Fiend" was fashionable. The term was used in trade journal of the period. However, movie reviewers revised the term to "Cocaine addict" as a replacement phase which seemed a little less harsh to readers

coffin varnish Bootleg liquor, often poisonous
coin Money; loot

cokeMain article: Cocainecocaine; cocaine addict
cokeheadMain article: Cocaine dependence Someone who engages in frequent and uncontrollable cocaine consumption

come to time1. The term was employed in prizefighting, specifically boxing2. The contestants are expected to resume the competition once the rest period is over and time is called3. Meet expectations; keep an appointment

con Confidence game, swindle
con artist Person who cheats or tricks others by persuading them to believe something that is not true
con game Scam in which the victim is persuaded to trust the swindler in some way
conk Head
cooler solitary confinement cell in a prison
copMain article: Police officer1. Police officer2. Catch; capture3. Steal; swipe
copacetic Wonderful, fine, all right e.g."everything is copacetic"
copped Catch; Capture: Arrested by the cops
copper Policeman
corn Bourbon; corn liquor; rum
corn shredderBad dancer i.e. young man who dances on lady's feet
corkedAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
corridor vamp Someone who ogles the opposite sex
cowpie Automobile; see also bucket crate heap jalopy
cowpie warmup Car ride
crab Figure out
crabhanger Reformer
crack wise Make a sarcastic, flippant, or sardonic comment
crape hanger Zealous reformer
crasherMain article: Gate crashing
Person who attends a party uninvited
crate Automobile; see also bucket cowpie heap jalopy
croak To die; to be Killed; murdered
croaker Doctor
crushMain article: Infatuation Have romantic interest; Infatuation
crushed out Escaped i.e. from jail:Prison break
cuddle-cootie Young man who takes a girl for a ride usually on a bus
cuddler One who likes to make out
cut downStrike down; kill; incapacitate
cutie-pieTypically a young woman who is charming or attractive; also Cutesie pie
cutting yourself a piece of cake Making yourself wait patiently




D



daddy Young woman's wealthy boyfriend or lover (sugar daddy)
daddy-o Term of address usually directed towards older males
daisy None too masculine
dame Female. did not gain widespread use until the 1930's
dance To be hanged
dangle Leave, get lost
dapper1. Fashionably attired, impeccably dressed2. Flapper's dad
darbMan who pays the check; gink with a roll of coin
daylight Similar to the idea of "letting the daylight in" or "fill him with daylight" i.e. create a hole by either shooting or stabbing
dead soldier Empty beer bottle
debMain article: DebutanteDebutant
deck1. Refers to a single-dose packet, bag, or glassine envelope of cocaine e.g. deck of cocaine2. Pack of cigarettes e.g. Deck of Luckies

declaration Of Independence Divorce
derrick Shoplifter
dewdropper Young man who sleeps all day and doesn't have a job
dib Share of the proceeds
dickMain article: DetectivePrivate investigator coined around 1900, the term finds major recognition in the 20's
dimboxMain article: TaxiTaxicab; see Hack
dimbox Jaunt Taxi ride
dincher Half smoked cigarette
dingledangler Person who persists in telephoning
dingus Thing
dip Pickpocket
dip the bill Have a drink
ditzek Anything funny
dish 1. Pretty woman2. Provide information to talk
dive Disreputable or low quality bar
dive ducat Subway ticket
dizzy 1. Deeply in love with a woman e.g. Are you dizzy with that dame2. Stupid; making a bad decision e.g. Don't do that – are you dizzy?
do the dance To be hanged
dog kennels Pair of shoes
dogs Feet
dog jock Man who walks his wife's dogs
doll Attractive woman
dolled Up Dressed up
don't know from nothing Doesn't have any information
don't take any wooden nickels Don't do anything stupid; also don't take any wooden dimes
dopeMain article: NarcoticAny form of illicit drugs
dope fiend Drug addict usually cocaine or opium
dope peddler Drug dealer
doublecrossMain article: Double cross
Cheat, stab in the back
dough Money
drag a sock Walk or dance
drift Go i.e. leave
drill Shoot
drop a nickelMain article: Informant
1. Place a phone call to the police and provide information about someone; Alternative expression – "drop a dime"2. Actually making a phone call
droppers Hired killers
dropping the pilot Getting a divorce
drugstore cowboy Well-dressed man who loiters in public areas trying to pick up women
drum Speakeasy
dryMain article: Prohibition
Place where alcohol is not served or person opposed to the legal sale of alcohol
dry Up Cover up; Keep quiet about; stop talking
dry-gulch Murder or kill someone
ducat Ticket
duck soup Easy Ticket
ducky Very good
dud Wall flower or dress up
dud up Dress up

dumb doraMain article: Dumb Dora1. Stupid, especially a woman2. Foolish woman often applied to a flapper
dummer 1. Thug who robs drunks
2. Thief who robs homes when the occupants are away
dumkuff Nutty
dump Roadhouse, club; more generally, any place
dust out Leave, depart




E



ear muffs Radio receivers
earful Enough
edged Intoxication, a buzz e.g. When he was edged, his personality completely changed
edisoned Questioned
egg 1. Person who lives the big life2. Man
egg harbor Fall dance
eggs in the coffee Easy
elbows Cops
electric cure Electrocution
elephant ears Police officer or detective
embalmedIntoxicated; see § drunk
embalmer Bootlegger
ethel Effeminate man; male homosexual
eye opener Marriage




F



face stretcher Older woman trying to look younger
fade Go away, get lost
fagMain article: CigaretteMain article: Faggot
1. Cigarette2. Sometime around 1920, the term meant a homosexual
fakeloo artist Con man
fall guyMain article: Fall guy
Victim of a frame
father time Any man over 30
feathers Small talk
feet Clumsy dancer
fellaMan, Guy, Fellow e.g. That john sure is a swell fella ; see also bo buster mac pal
few drinks, a Common euphemism for drinking an unspecified amount of alcohol usually in the context of attending a Speakeasy
fig leaf One piece bathing suit
filchesSteal or pilfer someone's possession, especially if it's something small

fin $5 bill and abe's cabe
finale hopper 1. Young man who arrives after all bills are paid2. Always eager to make empty promises and never present when it matters
finder The individual responsible for detonating the safe as part of a safe blowing crew; see yegg
finger Identify or direct someone, especially to a professional killer; Put the finger on or to finger someone
finger manfinger man snitch inside person find the finger man
finkMain article: Informant
Informant; stool pigeon
fire alarm Divorced woman
fire bell Married woman
fire extinguisher Chaperone at a dance or party
fish 1. First timer in prison i.e. a new fish2. Heavy drinker e.g. You drink like a fish
flaming youthIn the 1920s, the term referred to a group of young men known for their wild and flamboyant behavior; Male counterpart to a flapper; see cake eater

flapper(s)Main article: Flapper1. Unconventional young woman, often from a middle-class background, typically in her late teens or early twenties, defied her parents' wishes by embracing a bold, unconventional lifestyle with short bobbed hair, revealing outfits, lipstick, and a free-spirited attitude; Flappers are associated with the Jazz Age of the 1920s

flat Broke
flatfoot Policeman esp officer who walks a beat
flat shoe Dispute between flapper and her goof
flat tireDull insipid, disappointing date; see Drag, Oilcan, Pickle, Pill, Rag
flattie Flatfoot, cop
flatwheeler Young man who takes a young lady to an egg harbor
flimflamMain article: Scam
Swindle
flippers Hands

flivver 1. Ford model T2. After 1928, could mean broken down car
floater Person making trouble and then disappears
flogger Overcoat
floorflusher Insatiable dancer
flop1. Go to bed; fall asleep2. Grown-up who is disagreeable, socially awkward, and unsuccessful; 1920s3. Intentionally lose a fight by taking a dive; 1920s 4. Woman who is fat, clumsy, and lacks cleanliness; 1900-1930s 5. Cheap room in hotel or bed; 1910s 6. Abrupt change in political policy7. Seat8. Hit; knock down; 1910s
flophouseMain article: Flophouse
1. Cheap transient hotel used by people down on their luck
flour lover Girl with too much face powder
fluky Odd; Different
fly boyMain article: Airman
Glamorous term for an aviator
fog Attack; Assault;Shoot
foot juice Cheap red wine
for a row of Distance
for crying out loud Another way of saying – are you for real?
forty-niner Man who is prospecting for a rich wife
four flusherMain article: Four flush
Person who feigns wealth while mooching off others
frail Woman
frame Giving false evidence to set up someone
frauMain article: German honorifics
Wife
freebieThis offer can be used for a free sample or promotion; Also spelled freebie, freeby, freebee freebye
friedAlternate names for intoxicated e.g. fried to the hat; see § drunk
frog's eyebrowsNice; fine; outstanding
fryMain article: Electric chair
To be electrocuted
futz Euphemism for f*%k e.g. Don't futz around
fuzzMain article: List of police-related slang terms
Police officers(1930s)




G



g manMain article: G-manGovernment man; FBI employee
galWoman assistant, secretary; female factotum
gams Woman's legs
gander1. Dressing up; Getting ready and duding up2. Look, close scrutiny, glance e.g. Take a gander at those gams3. Criminal lookout
gandy dancerMain article: Gandy dancerA member of a crew responsible for attaching rails to ties, often called a section hand or track laborer
gashouserough
gas stationMain article: Filling stationPlace that sells gasoline; term was coined in 1925
gasperMain article: CigaretteCigarette
gatMain article: FirearmPistol, Hand gun; see roscoe
gatecrasherMain article: Gate crashingAttending party, type of entertainment without an invitation or ticket i.e. uninvited guest; see crasher
get-hot!Encouragement for a hot dancer
gayMain article: Gay1. Happy or lively Happy, joyful, and lively2. No connection to homosexuality in 1920
get a wiggle On Get a move on, get going
get in a latherGet worked up; angry; agitated e.g. Stay away from Eddy when he get's into a lather
get sore Get mad; angry
getaway sticksWomen's Legs; see gams
get it Killed; Murdered
get-up Outfit
giggle waterMain article: AlcoholIntoxicating beverage; alcohol; also Giggle Juice
gigoloMain article: GigoloHired escort or dancing partner for a woman
gimpCripple i.e. One who walks with a limp; Gangster Dion O'Bannion was called gimpy due to his noticeable limp
gimlet Chronic bore
gin millSeller of hard liquor; Cheap speakeasy
ginkMan or fellow
give the air Break a date
give the knee Dance cheek-to-cheek and Toe-to-Toe
glad rags Clothing to 'go out on the town; Attire to wear to parties or special occasions
glom The act of stealing; also glaum
glorious regalia Chic clothing of a flapper
go chase yourself Get lost; Scram
gold diggerMain article: Gold diggerWoman who associates or marries a man for his wealth (1915)
goods, The1. Incrimination evidence, the facts, the truth, e.g. make sure the cops don't get the goods on you 2. Narcotics of any sort
goof1. Bumbling, stupid person2. Flapper's boyfriend
goofy1. Crazy, Silly, foolish2. In love
goog Black eye inflicted by a blow to the head
goonMain article: Goon squadstrong imitating man; compensated troublemaker
gooseberry lay Stealing clothes from a clothesline
gowed-upHigh on dope
grab some airPut your hands up
grab a flop Sit down on a seat
graft Obtaining money through dishonest means, especially bribery
grandMain article: CurrencyOne thousand dollars; $1000
green apples Homely woman
green glorious Money and checks
greenland A park
griftMain article: ScamConfidence game or swindle; also grifter i.e. Con man
grill(ed) Interrogation; intense and prolonged questioning
grindhouse(s)Main article: GrindhouseLow-budget film theater that shows primarily exploitation films i.e. Term first appeared in 1920s and derived from burlesque theaters on 42nd Street in New York City; Origins based on early projectionists used a grinding or cranking motion

grubber One who borrows cigarettes
grubstake Invitation to dinner
grummyDepressed
grungyEnvious
gumOpium
gumshoeMain article: Private investigatorDetective or private investigator; also gumshoeing i.e. pertaining to a undercover investigation
gun forSearching for someone with the intention of causing them significant harm. e.g. He was out gunning for Tom
guns Pickpockets; Hoodlums
gussie Shy person
guyA gender-neutral way to address any individual (1910)




H



hack Taxicab
hair of the dogMain article: Hair of the dogTaking shot of booze to help recover from a hangover especially the day after going on a Toot; also The hair of the dog that bit you
halfFifty-cents; 50 cents i.e. $.50
half cut Happily intoxicated
half seas overAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
half underAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
handcuff Engagement ring or wedding band
happy-dustcocaine
hard Tough; see also bimbo hard-boiled Bruno
hard-boiledMain article: Hardboiled
Tough i.e. tough guy, e.g. "He sure is hard-boiled!" ; see also bimbo Bruno
harlem sunset Fatal injury caused by knife (1930s)
harp Irishman
hash house Cheap restaurant
hatchet man Killers, gunmen
heartwrenchingAppealing to one's deepest emotions or inner feelings; Tug at one's heartstrings; also heart-tugging
have the beesTo be rich
have kittens1. Expressing intense and unexpected emotions; see cast a kitten2. Experience a sudden outburst of laughter, fear, or anger e.g. "He got so upset, I thought he was going to have kittens"
hayburner1. Gas guzzling car i.e. automobile that uses a lot of fuel and gets poor gas mileage2. race Horse one loses money on3. Someone who smokes marijuana
head doctors Psychiatrists
heap Old automobile; see also bucket, cowpie, crate, jalopy
heat1. The police2. Pursuit by law enforcement
heater Gun, pistol, revolver; see gat; see roscoe
heavy sugar Indicator of wealth through possession or condition

heebie-jeebies
Main article: Heebie Jeebies
The state of being extremely nervous caused by fear, worry, stress, etc; named after the 1926 single by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five – hit song
heeler Poor dancer
hen coup Beauty parlor
hep 1. Wise; up-to-date2. Jazz musician
highbrowMain article: HighbrowIntellectually stimulating, highly cultured, sophisticated, cultured or learned person
high hatHaughty, Snobbish, Unapproachable
highjohnBoyfriend
high pillowPerson at the top; Individual in charge; the boss
highbinders Corrupt politician or functionary; highly pretentious, arrogant
hike Walk
hikers Knickerbockers
hinky Suspicious; curious
hiphound One who drinks hooch
hipster1. During Prohibition – person who wears a hip flask of alcohol dating from the 1920s2. A dancer, particularly a female one
3. one who espouses the bohemian life style of the period
his blue serge His girl
histrionicsMain article: Histrionics
Intentionally exaggerated, overly emotional behavior designed to provoke a response
hit on all sixesTo perform 100 per cent e.g. "hitting on all six cylinders"; also hitting on all cylinders
hitch a period of time spent in prison or jail
hitting on all eight In good shape, going well
hitting the pipe Smoking opium
hoary-eyedAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
hock shop Pawnshop
hogs Engines
hoaky1. Excessively contrived; Hackneyed; also hoakier, hoakiest, hoak2. Sentimental material in a film; alt spelling of hokey; see hokum

hoity-toityBehaviour adopted to demonstrate one's superiority; Pretentious or snobbish behaviour
hokumMain article: Nonsense1. An instance of excessively contrived, hackneyed, or sentimental material in a film
2. Pretentious; nonsense; insane trash

holaholy Person that objects to necking
holy smokes Probation officer
hombreMain article: ManMan or fellow
honest squeeze Female companion or girlfriend;see squeeze
hoochMain article: LiquorMain article: hoochAlcoholic drink made by Alaskan Indians (Hoochinoo), but more commonly refers to illicitly distilled liquor
hoodMain article: HoodlumHoodlum
hooeyNonsense; Bullsh*t; Popular from 1925 through 1930 and used sparingly later on
hoof Walk
hooferMain article: Tap danceDancer or chorus girl
hoosegowMain article: PrisonJail
hopMain article: Swing DanceMain article: Lindy Hop1. Type of swing dance e.g. Lindy Hop; organized dance (1900s)2. Opiate, marijuana, morphine or other type of narcotics
hopheadMain article: NarcoticMorphine addict
hope chest Pack of cigarettes
hopped up Under the influence of drugs
hopperMain article: Lindy HopDancer
horn in Get into a dance without an invitation
horsefeathersExclamation of disbelief contempt; Inoffensive expletive e.g. darn; see Applesauce
hot Stolen; Recently stolen illegal goods
hot dawgGreat!
hot dog Relishing something with much delight!
hot sketch Card or cut-up
hotsy totsy Fancy or sophisticated
house dickSecurity officer employed by a hotel or similar establishment; Hotel detective
houdini Arrive on time for a date
house peeper House or hotel detective
hush money Allowance from father
hype Shortchange artist




I



ice1. Diamonds e.g. That gal has more ice than the North Pole!2. Kill e.g. That mug better be careful or he's gonna get iced!
icy mittWhen you have one-sided feelings for someone or when one is given the cold shoulder in a romantic relationships
idler(s)1. A person who wastes time doing nothing; lazy person; sluggard

indian hay Marijuana
ing-bing As in to throw a fit
in stir In jail
insured Engaged
irish goodbye(s)Main article: Irish goodbyeEthnophobic term used for someone who leaves a social gathering without saying goodbye; also irish exit
iron1. Motorcycle, among motorcycle enthusiasts 1920s2. older automobile3. handcuffs4. carry iron i.e. armed
iron your shoelaces Go to the restroom e.g. It's time for me to iron my shoelaces
ish kabibble Retort e.g. I should care from the name of the musician in the Kay Kyser Orchestra

itMain article: It girlSex appeal; Actress Clara Bow was the "It" girl
it's the bunk I doubt that!




J



jack Money
jakeGreat, e.g. Everything's jake; see Copacetic

jalopyMain article: Decrepit carDumpy old car; see also bucket cowpie crate heap
jamTrouble; Tight spot
janeMain article: womanFemale
jasperMan; hick
jay bird Person who takes risks
javaMain article: coffeeCoffee
jaw Talk

jazzman Main article: Jazz Performer of jazz

jeepers creepers1. Polite expletive for Jesus Christ2. Exclamation!
jingle-brained 1. Addled or intoxicated (1910)2. Not that bright, muddled
jigabooMain article: List of ethnic slursDerogatory term for African-American (1920s)
jitneyMain article: Illegal taxi operation1. Car employed as a private bus i.e. travel by bus or small car2. Bus charging a fixed fare usually five-cents i.e. "Nickel"
jobbie Man or woman
joeMain article: CoffeeCoffee, e.g. A cup of Joe
joe brooks Perfectly dressed person
johnMain article: ToiletMain article: Client1. Prostitute's client2. Toilet or restroom
john d Individuals who use an abundance of polite language and insincere compliments
johnson brother Professional Criminal
joint1. Establishment, bar, tavern or club selling alcohol2. Place e.g. My Joint
jorum of skee Drink of hard liquor usually scotch whiskey; see skee
jugMain article: PrisonJail
juice Money from bribery, corruption, or loan sharking
juice jointMain article: SpeakeasyEstablishment for serving illegal liquor during prohibition
junkMain article: Heroin}}Opium or Morphine
jump the gun Act prematurely
jumping tintypes Moving pictures
junk headMorphine addict
junkieMain article: AddictionDrug addict, especially a heroin user (1923)




K



kale Money
keen Something or someone attractive or appealing
kick off Die
kicking the stemsmoking opium
kiddo A casual way for a man to address a woman he knows
killjoy Solemn person
kikeMain article: KikeDerogatory label for Jewish people, specifically those who immigrated from Eastern Europe as opposed to older German immigrants from previous decades
kippy Neat or Nice
kiss 1. Land a blow or punch2. Drink from a bottle
kisserMain article: MouthMouth
kitten Woman
kneeduster Skirt
knock Prison sentence
knock off1. Stolen2. Killed, murdered3. Beaten, defeated
knockover1. Murder, kill2. Rob or steal with violence3. Arrest especially after a raid4. Intentionally get someone in trouble
knock up Make a woman pregnant; impregnate
know your onions 1. Know one's stuff e.g. Joe really knows his onions when it comes to cooking2. Knowledgeable about a given subject or task; also know one's onions; knowing one's onions; knew one's onions; known one's onions




L



lalapazaza Good sport
lam, on the Main article: FugitiveOn the run
lammed off Ran away or escaped
largeMain article: United States dollar$1,000 e.g.Twenty large would be $20,000
law, the Police officer
Laying on the hipsmoking opium
lay off Smoke of opium
lay out1. Defeat or overcome i.e. to lay out someone2. Knock someone out in a fight3. Kill someone
leadTerm used for bullets e.g. Fill ya full of lead
lead cocktailMain article: bulletTo be shot; Bullets, specifically when embedded in the victim's body; also poisoning
lead poisoningMain article: BulletTo be shot; Bullets, specifically when embedded in the victim's body; also lead cocktail
lead pusher gun; gat
left holding The BagLeave someone holding the responsibility or blame is to abandon them
lens louise The person who dominated all the conversations
let george do it Work evading phrase i.e.Let someone else cover the cost of achieving the shared benefit
let's blouse Work evading phrase e.g.Let's blouse this clambake!
lettuce Green folding money i.e. lettuce leaves
level with me Be honest, trustworth, true
lidHat
limeyMain article: Glossary of names for the British
1. Englishman, Briton, or person of British descent; an English or British immigrant
2. English or British ship
line1. Untruth or exaggeration, often told to seek or maintain approval from others e.g. "to feed one a line"2. Insincere flattery
lip1. Underworld attorney i.e. criminal attorney e.g. Why don't you use Louie the Lip?2. backtalk
lip stickMain article: CigaretteCigarette
live wire Energetic, vibrant, individual e.g That joe is a real live wire
lollygagger1. Young man who enjoys making out2. Lazy person; slacker; see idler
loogan Man with a gun
looker Good looking person of either sex especially a women
look-outMain article: Lookout
Somebody keeping watch for approaching enemies, police, or any potential danger i.e. Person accompanying criminals while they commit a crime and warns them of approaching police or witnesses

lounge lizardMain article: Lounge lizardGuy that is sexually active; ladies man

lousy with Have abundance of
lugMain article: BulletBullet




M



mMorphine
macMain article: ManMan; see also bo buster pal
mad money Carfare home used by a flapper if she has a fight with her date
made Recognized
main drag Most important street in a town or city
main squeeze Primary female companion or girlfriend; lover; sweetheart; see squeeze
manacle Wedding ring
map Face
marbles Pearls
markMain article: Scam1. Targeted individual in a swindle or rigged game2. Search for a probable location for a theft
maroonAn idiot; a fool; Gullible person
mazuma Money, cash, dollar bills
mawkishSentimental in an exaggerated or insincere way

meal ticket When he calls, the flapper invites the man to have dinner
meat wagonMain article: Meat wagonAmbulance
mellerMain article: MelodramaMelodrama film; see melodrama
mellerdrammer Familiar or humorous name and spelling given to melodrama

melodramaMain article:MelodramaEmotional drama featuring passionate love and heart-wrenching situations; any situation or action that is exaggerated
meringue Personality
michigan bankrollFake bankroll consists of a large denomination bill wrapped around several smaller denomination banknotes; also michigan roll; michigan stake
mickMain article: List of ethnic slursDerogatory term for irishmen
mickey finn strong hypnotic or barbiturate put secretly into a drink
middle aisle Marry
millMain article: TypewriterTypewriter

milquetoastMain article:Caspar Milquetoast1. Henpecked male based on the Comic book character Caspar Milquetoast; very timid person; wimpy
mind your potatoes mind your own business
mittMain article: HandHand
mobMain article: Organized crimeOrganized crime family or gang (not necessarily mafia)
mohaska Gun, Firearm, Piece; see heat; also mohoska
moll Gangster's girlfriend
monikerMain article: Nickname
Name
monogolist Young man who hates himself
mooch Leave

moonshine{{defn|defn=Main article: MoonshineHomemade alcohol; whiskey made from unlicensed distillers
mop Handkerchief

mouthpieceMain article: Criminal defense lawyer
Lawyer especially criminal defense attorney
mrs. grundyMain article: Mrs GrundyA narrow-minded person or group that is overly concerned with censoring or criticizing personal conduct; priggish; tight-laced person; Prudish; derived from Grundy
mud pipe Opium pipe
mug(s) Men – especially refers to dumb ones; low, crude, fellow; lout
munitions Face powder
mulligan Irish cop; police officer; prison guard
mustard plaster A boy who lingers around and is not wanted




N



nailed Caught by the police
neck Kiss passionately
necker(s) Girl who wraps her arms around her boyfriend's neck while dancing
nerts! That's Amazing
nevada gas Cyanide
newshawk Reporter

newsieMain article: Newspaper hawkerperson who sells or delivers newspapers; reporter
nibble one Have a drink
nicked Stolen
nifty Great, excellent; competently
nippers Handcuffs
nobody home Used to describe someone who is perceived as unintelligent or mentally challenged
noodle juice Tea
noodle Head
nookieMain article: Sexual intercourseSex act; sexual activity
nosebaggery Restaurant
not so good! Personally disapprove
now you're on the trolleyNow you're right; now you've got it! (1920) i.e. Now you're on board
number clever resourceful Person




O



oatmeal mush The superficial conversation of a cake eater
obituary notice Eviction declaration
off the track This person becomes insanely violent when they go off the track
oh yeah! I doubt it!
oil burner Person who chews gum
oilcan An imposter
old fops People who are older than middle age
old man term of address; also old fruit; also old boy e.g."How's everything old boy?"
oliver twist Skilled dancer
omnibibulous Able to consume almost any alcoholic beverage, or likely to do so
on a toot On a drinking spree
on the lamMain article: FugitiveRunning away, usually from the police; see lam, on the

on the levelLegitimate, honest
on the up and up On the level
opMain article: Private investigatorDetective
orchid Expensive item
orphan paper Bad checks
ossifiedAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
ostrich Person who is a Know-it-all
out on parole Divorced
out on the roofAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
owl Person who's out late or stays up late
owledAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
oyster fruit Pearls




P



packing heat Carrying a gun
palMain article: Friendship
Man; see also bo buster mac
palookaMain article: Joe Palooka1. Social outsider based on comic strip character joe palooka first devised in 1921; also paluka; palooker2. Large, below-average or stupid man; mediocre or inferior boxer
panther pissRaw or inferior whiskey; rotgut; see panther sweat
paint the town redTo party and celebrate in a boisterous and unruly fashion, especially in public areas e.g. to show the big city how red paint should be applied
pan Face
panic Produce big favorable reaction from one's audience
panther sweat Raw or inferior whiskey; rotgut; see panther piss
pasteMain article: PunchHit; Strike very hard;Punch
pathosMain article: PathosThe characteristic of something that stirs emotions and passions, particularly evoking tender feelings like pity and sorrow

patsyMain article: PatsyPerson who is set up i.e. person takes the blame for a crime; victim; fool or chump
pawMain article: HandHand
peaching Informing
peeperMain article:Private investigatorDetective
peepersMain article: eye
Eyes
pen Penitentiary, jail
pen yen Opium
peppy Energetic and full of vitality
percolate1. To happen2. As of 1925, to run smoothly and well
pet1. Necking2. Making out
petermanMain article: Safe-crackingSafecracker who uses Nitroglycerin
petting pantry Movie theater or cinema
petting partyMain article: Petting parties1. One or more couples making out in a room; Devoted to hugging, or kissing games2. Social event devoted to hugging
phonus balonus Complete nonsense
pickpocketMain article: PickpocketPickpocketing involves the stealing of money or other valuables from the person or a victim's pocket without them noticing the theft

piece Gun
piffle Baloney
pigeonMain article: InformantStool-pigeon
piker1. Grasping person; cheapskate2. One who will take the least risk especially to help others; coward3. lazy person4. small time burglar; cheat
pill1. Someone who irritates you e.g. "That person is being a real pill"2. Teacher3. bullet
4. see Cigarette
pillowcase Young man who is full of feathers
pinch(ed) Arrested e.g. He was pinched by the coppers
pinkoMain article: PinkoLiberal; freespirit
pins Legs
pipe See or notice
pipe down Stop talking
pipes Throat
pipe that Did you listen to that
pitching wooMain article: Sexual intercourse
Making love
plasteredAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
plantSomeone who disguises themselves as neutral or affiliated with an organization, yet covertly works with another person or external group
playboy Older boyfriend
plug(s)1. Blow, punch; bullet wound2. People
pokeMain article: CurrencyBankroll; roll of money; money in general
police-dog Young woman's fiance
poop(ed) 1. Shoot or kill someone2. Information; the low-down
popMain article: Murder
Shoot or kill someone; poop
pottedMain article: Alcohol intoxication
Alternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
pos-i-lute-ly Affirmative see pos-i-tive-ly
primedApproaching a state of drunkenness; see § drunk
priscilla Stay-at-home girl
pro skirt Prostitute
produce the cash Kiss me!
prune pit Anything that is traditional
puffing smoke opium
pug Pugilist, Boxer
pull a daniel boone Vomit
pump Heart
pump metal Shoot bullets; see squirt metal
punch the bag Small talk
punch rustler Individual who spends the majority of their time at parties near the refreshments
punkMain article: Hoodlum
Hood, Thug
pushover Person easily convinced or seduced
puss Face
put down Drink
put the bee onTo beg from; to borrow money from
put the screws on1. Harass using extreme coercive pressure
putting on the ritzMain article:Puttin' On the Ritz1. Demonstration of affluence and lavishness; Pretend to be superior; After the Ritz Hotel in Paris (and its namesake César Ritz; see Ritzy2. Wear fashionable and attention-grabbing clothing: Ritzy; also put on the dog3. Puttin' On the Ritz is a song written by Irving Berlin in 1927




Q



queer 1. Counterfeit2. Mishandle something
quiff 1. Cheap prostitute e.g. I'm no quiff!
quilt Drink that warms one up




R



rag-a-muffinDisheveled, Dirty individual; hooligan, lout
rags Clothes
rain pitchforks Downpour; rain heavily
ranked Observed; Given the once-over
rap Criminal charge
rappers Informers; professional perjurer
ratMain article: InformantTreacherous; disgusting person; stool pigeon
rateMerit; deserve; count for something
rats and mice Dice, e.g. craps
rattler Train
rhatz Exclamation of disappointment; darn!
razz Main article:Blowing a raspberryTo make fun of someone
real mccoy Genuine item
redhot Sort of criminal
red-light Eject from a car or train

reeferMain article: Cannabismarijuana cigarette
regular Real; genuine; normal; average i.e. Regular fella
reel boy Man who likes to watch movies
reubenUnsophisticated country bumpkin; rube; fool
rhatz! Disappointing
rhino Money
right Indicating quality
right gee Quality guy
ringers Fakes
ritz Stuck up
ritzy Elegant; luxurious i.e. from the hotel
rock of ages Woman over the age of 30
rock, the Alcatraz
rodMain article: Gun
Gun
roscoe Gun

rotgutBad or cheap or bootleg liquor; see panther sweat
rub Dancing party
rube(s)Main article: YokelBumpkin; Easy mark
rub-out Killing
rughopper Man who does not date
rug shaking Dancing the shimmy
rumble, The News
rummyAlternate names for intoxicated; § drunk; also rum seller; bootlegger

rumrunnerMain article: Rumrunner1. Individual who smuggles any form of alcohol2. Vessel employed for the illegal transportation of alcoholic beverages
run one's gums Argue; talk excessively; see bump gums
rube Bumpkin; Easy mark
run out Leave or escape




S



sapFool, stupid person; see Finale hopper
sap poison Getting hit with a sap
sappy1. Emotional, nostalgic, mushy; see mawkish2. Foolish, stupid; see sap
savvyUnderstand
sawbuckMain article: Sawbuck$10 bill e.g. a double sawbuck is a $20 bill or half-sawbuck is $5.00
says you A response of skepticism; A defiant exclamation!
scatter1. Saloon or speakeasy2. Hideout; room; lodging
schnozzleMain article: NoseNose; see also beezer smeller
scofflawMain article: ScofflawA person who openly violates the law, particularly by not adhering to a law that is challenging to enforce
scram Leave immediately; flee; also scram out
screaming meemiesState of anxiety; jitters; state of nervous hysteria; see heebie jeebies
scratchMain article: MoneyMoney
scratcher Forger
screw1. In pre-1930 talkies, screw is used to tell a character to leave2. Get lost, get out3. Prison guards
screwyCrazy; eccentric e.g. "you're screwy!"
scroochedAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
see a man about a dogMain article: See a man about a dogI've got to leave now i.e. to have a drink
seetie Things that flappers despise
send over Send to jail
sentimentMain article: Sentimentality
Emotions, particularly gentle emotions, exist separately from logic or judgment, and are often seen as weak or foolish; Originating from emotions instead of reasoning; also sentimental
shamusMain article: Private investigator
Private detective
sharper(s)Main article: Sharper1. Swindlers, especially at cards2. Sneaky person

sharpshooter A good dancer who spends his money freely
shatting on your uppers To be in financial despair; see uppers
shebaStylish and attractive woman; woman with sex appeal; originates from the film The Queen of Sheba
sheikMain article: The Sheik1. A man who believes he is irresistible to women (from the Valentino movies)2. I'm going out in search of female conquests3. Young man dressed in a fashionable manner
shellsMain article: bulletBullets
shifter Grafter
shine boxClub showcasing live performances by black jazz musicians
shivMain article: ShivKnife
show caseWealthy man's wife decked out in jewels
shylock Unscrupulous moneylender
shyster Untrustworthy and despicable lawyer or politician
simoleon(s) Dollar(s)
sing Inform; incriminate oneself and others; see canary
sinker Doughnut or biscuit
sip Female dancer
sister Woman, girl
sitting pretty Being in a superior and extremely pleasant position
skate around Woman of easy virtue
skee1. Scotch Whiskey; see jorum of skee2. Opium (1930)
skid rowMain article: Skid rowArea or neighborhood often visited by homeless individuals, vagrants, wanderers; Struggling and without resources
skirt Attractive female
slat Young man or boyfriend
slant, get a Take a look
slapper Reformer or the antithesis of a flapper
sleuthMain article: Private investigator Detective
slug1. Knock unconscious2. bullet
smellerMain article: Nose
Nose; see also schnozzle beezer
smith brother Man who never pays i.e. coughs up
smoked1. Consuming inexpensive low-quality alcoholic beverages and becoming intoxicated; see § drunk2. Engaging in the act of smoking opium or a marijuana cigarette
smoke-eaterAny Smoker
smoothMan who cannot be trusted
smudger Close dancer
snake charmer Woman involved in bootlegging
snap a cap Fire a gun shot
snatchKidnapping
sneeze1. portion of a powered narcotic e,g, cocaine2. arrest3. kidnapped4. steal
sniffercocaine addict or user
snitch Informer, or to inform; see stool pigeon
snookerCheat, swindle
snooperMain article: Private investigator
Private detective
snort(s) Drink(s) of liquor
snowcocaine
snowbirdcocaine addict
snugglepup Young man who frequents petting parties
so's your old man Reply of irritation; retort to an insult or slur
soak1. Pawn used as collateral e.g. put into soak2. Drink; heavy drinking session3. despised person
sob sisterMain article: Sob sisterFemale newshawk attempting to provoke a response from her readers through her emotional reporting
sock Punch; clobber
sockdollager An event or action that holds great significance; An individual or object that is extraordinary, marvelous, or exceptional
soda jerkMain article: Soda jerkPerson who works at a soda fountain and dispense soda from a tap; also jerks soda
sodbuster Undertaker
soft shoeTrail behind someone
soupSoup-like mixture created by dissolving the stick of dynamite in hot water to create Gelignite nitroglycerin, then the crude nitroglycerin is used for breaking open safes
soup manskilled criminal specializing in using nitroglycerin to crack open safes
spade(s) Derogatory term for African-Americans

speakeasyMain article: SpeakeasyIllegal establishment selling liquor; see blind pig, bootleg
spifflicatedAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
spiffy Elegant appearance; smart; fashionable
spillMain article: Informant
Talk, inform; tell everything one knows
spinach1. Money2. nonsense, worthless matter
spoon To neck, or talk of love; flirtation
square Honest; regular man or women; respectable, upright
squeezeMain article: GirlfriendFemale companion or girlfriend; lover; sweetheart; see main squeeze
squirrel Hide
squirt metal Shoot bullets

staticConflicting opinion; difficulties, impudent; argumentative talk
statts Conversation that means nothing
step off 1. To be executed; die2. To get married
step off a wharf Ordering drinks and then refusing to pay the bill
stiffMain article: Alcohol intoxication1. Corpse, dead human body2. drunk passed out cold
stilts Legs
stingMain article: ScamCulmination of a con game; swindle
stool pigeonMain article: InformantInformer; see canary
stoolieMain article: InformantStool-pigeon; criminal informer
strangler What a spendthrift isn't
streeted Thrown out of a party
strike breaker Young woman who goes with her friend's "steady" while there is a coolness
struggle Modern dance
struggle buggy Backseat of a car; Parent's worst nightmare
stuck on You have a crush on someone
stutter bus Truck
stutter-tub Motor boat
suckerMain article: GullibilitySomeone who is vulnerable to being swindled by a scam artist
sugar Money
sugar daddyMain article: Sugar dating
Older boyfriend who showers girlfriend with gifts
swanky Good, Elegant, Ritzy
sweetie Anybody she hates
swell Great
swindler(s)Main article: SwindlerIndividual(s) who deceive with the intention of stealing money or possessions from others




T



tail Shadow or follow
take a bent stick Instead of hoping for a perfect partner, a woman who may not be easily marriageable should consider settling for a loyal elderly admirer
take a powder Leave; depart hastily
take for a rideTransport someone to an isolated area with the intention of killing them
take on Eat
take the air Leave
take the bounce To get kicked out
take the ball and run1. Carry on with an activity or process initiated by someone else, usually when they were unable to complete or succeed at it; also run with the ball2. Taking an opportunity and following it
take the fall for Endure punishment, blame, criticism, or even arrest for the actions of someone else, perhaps knowingly; Getting arrested for a specific crime, particularly when others are not held accountable for committing the same crime
tankedAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk
tasty Appealing; sexually alluring
tea1. Marijuana2. Whisky
tearjerkerMain article: Tearjerker
It's a tear-inducing performance in a film, novel, song, or opera that evokes strong emotions; a fomenter of pathos
teetotalerMain article: TeetotalismIndividual who refrains from consuming any form of alcohol
tell it to sweeney Expressing skepticism by dismissing a previous unrealistic claim
ten cent box Taxi cab; see hack
the advantage bulls Plainclothes railroad cops
the money man Man with the bankroll
the nuts Good!
the real mccoyMain article: The real McCoyThe genuine thing, neither a substitute nor an imitation
they Refers to objecting parents
three letter man Homosexual
three-spot Three-year jail term
throw lead Shoot bullets
ticket Private Investigator License (PI)
tiger milk Some sort of liquor
tight Attractive
tighten the screws To forcefully pressure someone through coercion, force, or violent threats
tin Police officers badge
tin pan alleyMain article: Tin Pan Alley
Music industry in New York, located between 48th and 52nd streets
tip a few Have a few drinks
tomatoAttractive woman or Good looking girl with no brains
toddler Related to someone who shows up once everything has already been paid for; see finale hopper
tooting The Wrong Ringer Asking the wrong person
torpedo(s)Main article: TorpedoHired thug or hitman
toss and hike Decide to pursue a new girl and reject the current one
trapMain article: MouthMouth
trigger man Man whose job is to use a gun
trip for biscuits Wild goose chase
trotzky Mature woman with facial hair
trouble boys Groups of young men known for causing mischief or getting into minor legal troubles
turn up Give up or turn in to law enforcement officers
twistMain article: womanWoman
two bitsMain article: Quarter (United States coin)
Twenty-five cents ($.25) or Twenty-five dollars ($25)




U



under glass In jail
unreal Special
up and down Gazing intently at someone
uppers To be in financial despair; see shatting on your uppers
upchuckMain article: VomitingVomit, yak, spew, especially after consuming too much Giggle juice
upstage Sobby
urban set New gown




V



vag Vagrancy; Homelessness
vampFemale seducer of men; Aggressive female flirt
voot Money




W



walk inParty crasher
wallop(s)1. A heavy blow, punch; thrash e.g. he gave him a mighty wallop2. Emotional impact; emotionally excited reaction; psychological force e.g. that film has some serious wallop

wasterA person who wastes or lavishly spends money; wastrel

water-proof Face that doesn't require make-up
weak sister Push-over
wear iron Carry a gun
weasel1. Young man who steals a girl from her boyfriend2. Informer; squeals; see Canary
WeepieMain article: Weepie
Film designed to elicit a tearful emotional response from its audience; Sad or sentimental film, often portraying troubled romance; see tear jerker
weeping willow1. Pessimist; one who doubts; see crepehanger;2. See killjoy; wet blanket
wet 1. Place where liquor is available or person who is in favor of legal alcohol sales2. Incorrect, mistaken e.g. you're all wet (1920)
wet blanket Person who spoils a fun moment i.e. Killjoy

whaled Heavy drinker who is drunk
whangdoodleMain article: JazzJazz music
what's eating you? What's currently irritating or troubling you? e.g. You seem to be in a sour mood today, What's eating you?
whiskbroom A man who cultivates whiskers
white lightningMain article: Moonshine
Moonshine; inferior whiskey e,g, they had a pint of bootleg white lighting
white stuff1. Morphine2. Grain alcohol used for making bootleg liquor
whoopeeMain article: sex1. Boisterous, convivial fun; wild celebration2. Having fun had with a romantic partner; making whoopee i.e. having sexual intercourse
windsucker Braggart
wise guy Smart aleck; individual who is showy and arrogantly knowledgeable
wise Head Smart person
wise to be To have a good understanding e.g. put us wise
wooden kimono Coffin
woof! woof! Ridicule
wopMain article: WopDerogatory term for an Italian; term means without papers
worker Woman who takes a guy for his money e.g. She Sizes Up As A Worker
wrestle Dance variant of Shimmy dance
wrinkle Girl's mother
wrong guy A person who is incompetent and untrustworthy; criminal; also wrong gee, wrong ghee, wrong Injun
wrong number Not a good fellow; dangerous person
wrong person Used in secretive conversations to indicate a mistake in identity, especially in dealings that required discretion
wurpsocially inadequate; see Killjoy




Y



ya follow Do you understand?
yapMain article: mouthMouth
yard One hundred dollars ($100)
yeggMain article: Safe-cracking
Safecracker who can only open cheap and easy safes; supposedly named after john yegg, first criminal to use nitroglycerin to crack a safe to break open a safe
yenopium
yellowbackVarious dominations of U.S. dollar having a yellow-colored back e.g. Out West during the Civil War California used currencies with yellowback, while out East, they used greenbacks
YensheeOpium; see yen
Yenshee babyOpium addict
you slay me! That's so funny; also you kill me




Z



zotzed Individual is murdered
zozzledAlternate names for intoxicated; see § drunk




Notes






References






Works cited


Books

Web Slang Dictionaries and PDFs

Websites




Further reading






See also


Art Deco
Glossary of Mafia-related words
Jazz Age
List of 1920s jazz standards
List of police-related slang terms
List of ethnic slurs
Prohibition in the United States
Roaring Twenties
Slang dictionary




External links


Slang of the 1920s on YouTube
Video (48:15) − America in color: The 1920s on YouTube
The Jazz Age In America
Roaring Twenties from U S History.com
The Roaring Twenties – History.com
Roaring Twenties Archived May 17, 2019, at the Wayback Machine study guide and teacher resources – timeline, quotes, analysis, multimedia

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Bahasa Inggris
• Glossary of early twentieth century slang in the United States
• Slang terms for money
• Polari
• Beard (companion)
• Languages of the United States
• Flapper
• Pussy
• Glossary of North American railway terms
• Modern liberalism in the United States
• Railfan