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Questions and Answers
In 1920s slang, if someone were described as the 'Bee's Knees,' what would that imply?
In 1920s slang, if someone were described as the 'Bee's Knees,' what would that imply?
- They are extraordinary or the best. (correct)
- They are clumsy or awkward.
- They are an average individual.
- They are deceitful or dishonest.
What is the most likely meaning of someone saying 'Everything is Jake' in the 1920s?
What is the most likely meaning of someone saying 'Everything is Jake' in the 1920s?
- Everything is fine. (correct)
- Everything is stolen.
- Everything is a joke.
- Everything is broken.
If a 1920s character says they need some 'Java,' what are they most likely looking for?
If a 1920s character says they need some 'Java,' what are they most likely looking for?
- Coffee (correct)
- Alcohol
- A car
- Money
In 1920s slang, what is a 'Speakeasy'?
In 1920s slang, what is a 'Speakeasy'?
If someone in the 1920s was described as a 'Flat Tire,' what would that imply about them?
If someone in the 1920s was described as a 'Flat Tire,' what would that imply about them?
In 1920s slang, what does it mean to 'Carry a Torch' for someone?
In 1920s slang, what does it mean to 'Carry a Torch' for someone?
What would 'Glad Rags' most likely refer to in 1920s slang?
What would 'Glad Rags' most likely refer to in 1920s slang?
If a 1920s character is described as a 'Wet Blanket,' what does this suggest about their personality?
If a 1920s character is described as a 'Wet Blanket,' what does this suggest about their personality?
In 1920s slang, what is 'dough' a reference to?
In 1920s slang, what is 'dough' a reference to?
Which of the following best describes a 'Flapper' in the 1920s?
Which of the following best describes a 'Flapper' in the 1920s?
In 1920s slang, what does 'Bronx Cheer' refer to?
In 1920s slang, what does 'Bronx Cheer' refer to?
What is the 1920s slang term for bootleg liquor?
What is the 1920s slang term for bootleg liquor?
If someone in the 1920s exclaims 'Horsefeathers!', what are they most likely expressing?
If someone in the 1920s exclaims 'Horsefeathers!', what are they most likely expressing?
What is a 'Gold Digger'?
What is a 'Gold Digger'?
What is the meaning of 'Putting on the Ritz'?
What is the meaning of 'Putting on the Ritz'?
What is a 'Fly Boy'?
What is a 'Fly Boy'?
What is the meaning of 'Don't take any wooden nickels'?
What is the meaning of 'Don't take any wooden nickels'?
What is the meaning of 'What's eating you?'?
What is the meaning of 'What's eating you?'?
What does 'Scram' mean?
What does 'Scram' mean?
What does the slang term 'Palooka' mean?
What does the slang term 'Palooka' mean?
Flashcards
Applesauce
Applesauce
An expletive, like 'horsefeathers'.
Beat one's gums
Beat one's gums
Idle chatter; pointless talking.
Bee's Knees
Bee's Knees
Extraordinary; the ultimate.
Beeswax
Beeswax
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Bootleg
Bootleg
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Breezer
Breezer
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Bronx Cheer
Bronx Cheer
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Carry a Torch
Carry a Torch
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Cat's Meow
Cat's Meow
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Cheaters
Cheaters
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Clam
Clam
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Dead soldier
Dead soldier
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Dolled up
Dolled up
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Don't know from nothing
Don't know from nothing
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Dough
Dough
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Ducky
Ducky
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Glad rags
Glad rags
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Jalopy
Jalopy
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Java/Joe
Java/Joe
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Wet Blanket
Wet Blanket
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Study Notes
- 1920s slang provides a glimpse into the unique language and culture of the era.
Expressions
- Applesauce: An expletive, interchangeable with "horsefeathers," used in expressions like "Ah, applesauce!"
- Beat one's gums: Idle chatter
- Bee's Knees: Refers to an extraordinary person, thing, or idea; considered the ultimate.
- Horsefeathers!: An expletive with the same usage as "applesauce."
- Jake: Signifies "OK," as in the phrase "Everything is Jake."
- Cat's Meow: Something splendid, stylish, the best, greatest, or wonderful; similar to bee's knees.
- Says you: Expresses disbelief.
- What's eating you?: Asks "What's wrong?"
People
- Flapper: A stylish, brash, hedonistic young woman with short skirts and shorter hair.
- Fly boy: A glamorous term for an aviator.
- Gold Digger: Describes a woman who associates with or marries a man for his wealth
- Palooka: (1) a below-average or average boxer (2) a social outsider, from the comic strip character Joe Palooka
- Pill: An unlikable person.
- Sap: A fool
- Swell: Wonderful, also describes a rich man
- Wet Blanket: A solemn person, a killjoy
- Fire extinguisher: a chaperone
- Live wire: a lively person
- Hoofer: Dancer
Business and Money
- Beeswax: Refers to business, as in "None of your beeswax."
- Clam: Represents a dollar.
- Dough: Means money.
- Speakeasy: An illicit bar selling bootleg liquor.
Illegal Activities
- Bootleg: Illegal liquor.
- Hooch: Bootleg liquor.
Actions
- Carry a Torch: To have a crush on someone.
- Dolled up: Dressed up.
- Putting on the Ritz: After the Ritz hotel in Paris; doing something in high style
- Scram: To ask someone to leave immediately
Truth and Honesty
- Level with me: Be honest.
- On the level: Legitimate, honest.
Items
- Cheaters: Eyeglasses.
- Glad rags: "Going out on the town" clothes.
- Jalopy: An old car.
Disapproval
- Bronx Cheer: A loud sputtering noise used to indicate disapproval, similar to a raspberry.
Judgement and Description
- Flat Tire: A dull-witted, insipid, disappointing date.
- Spiffy: An elegant appearance.
- Swell: Wonderful
- Ducky: very good
Being Uninformed
- Don't know from nothing: To not have any information.
Stupidity
- Don't take any wooden nickels: Don't do anything stupid.
Coffee
- Java/Joe: Coffee
- Dead soldier: an empty bottle (prohibition)
Vehicle
- Breezer: A convertible car.
Criminal
- Hood: hoodlum
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