0
Vintage Slang
Vintage slang refers to colloquial words or expressions in the English language, associated with a particular decade. Some examples of this are “catch 22” from the 1970s and “grandstand” from the 1940s.
1,017 Questions
Who does the slang cool cat mean?
"Cat" in slang means: female, person or friend. So, "Cool Cat" would just mean a cool person.
What does the 1950s slang yo-yo mean?
My mother used to say it -- I think it means "come out outside" as in "Yo-yo Elizabeth". They didn't have mobile phones back then, so as kids they'd just yell this from the outside of the house...
What does strictly for the birds mean in 50's slang?
It means something, someone or a situation is worthless or intolerable.
What did 'square' mean in 1950 slang?
It meant "un-cool" or not current with popular fashion and behavior.
What was 1920's slang for politicians?
In the 1920s, slang terms for politicians included "pols" and "big shots." "Pols" was a casual, often derogatory term for politicians, while "big shots" referred to influential or powerful figures in politics. These terms reflected a general skepticism and criticism of political figures during the era, particularly in the wake of World War I and the changing social landscape.
Not A groovy, just groovy. 60's slang for cool, sharp, good,feeling good, signifying agreement or approval.
What does twiddling the crystals mean in 1920's slang?
Changing the channels on a radio - radios back then used crystals to tune them to various stations.
What does the 1950 slang term 'bucket bag' mean?
Bucket bag was not a slang tern. A bucket bag was a purse. Shaped like a bucket but slightly oval. The top closure was 2 oval shaped flaps of soft leather that folded in on top of each other. Any girl who was "anyone" carried a bucket bag.
What does the phrase 'You're in hot water now' mean?
It means you're in trouble. You have to face the unpleasant consequences of your actions.
What are some slang words from the 1950's?
- actor - show-off
- baby - term of endearment
- cool - impressive or popular
- bash - party
- blast - a good time
- square - someone who is not fashionable or "with it"
- boss - great
- cat - a hip person
- cool it - relax
- Clyde, Daddy-O - terms of address for a guy
- dig - to understand
- drag - either a short race or a boring situation
- flick - a movie
- flip - to freak out
- greaser - someone who uses a lot of hair grease
- jets - brains, intelligence
- like wow, or like crazy - better than cool!
- make-out - a kissing/petting session
- nerd - same as modern meaning
- no sweat - no problem
- -ville added to a slang term - Nowheresville, Squaresville, etc - used to describe a place in slang terms
- pad - home
- peepers - glasses
- pooper or party pooper - no fun at all
- put down - to insult
- rap - to tattle on someone
- real gone - either unstable or very much in love
- righto - OK
- shot down - failed
- sounds - music
- spaz - someone who is uncoordinated
- split - leave
- threads - clothes
- tight - good friends
- weed - a cigarette
- wet rag - someone who is a bore
Where did the expression grandfathered in come from?
The Grandfather Clause was part of the American South's post-Civil War attempt to stop black people from voting. In order to vote, you had to pay a poll tax (most blacks couldn't afford it), and pass a literacy test which is impossible to pass.
But, what about poor, illiterate whites? They can vote, thanks to the Grandfather Clause, it basically said that if your grandfather could vote (for black people, their grandparents were generally slaves, and therefore couldn't vote), you could vote without needing to pay the tax or pass the test.
It is a term from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was used in the era of muck rakes and reform of political appointment system. It referred to a person who sat the fence on a politicial situation. They would not decide one way or another. Their "Mug" or face was on one side, and their wump, butt , was on the other.
What is the gesture for square in 1950s slang?
When a person thought someone or something was square they would draw the shape of a square with their forefingers in the air (out of sight of the so called "square").
What is a 1920s slang word for uninvited guest?
A 1920's slang term for an univited guest is "gate crasher."
