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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
What does it mean when you say I am from the streets?
When someone says they are "from the streets," it typically means they have experienced a challenging upbringing in a tough urban environment. It can imply they have had to navigate hardships and adversity in their surroundings.
Where does the term stand them on their ears come from?
The phrase "stand them on their ears" is an idiom that means to overturn or disturb something completely. It likely originated from the idea of disrupting or turning something completely upside down, like standing a person on their head.
What are some slang words from the 1970's-1990's?
- foxy (a fox is a really good looking woman)
- foxes (guys<--no, both sexes. id est: "fox on the run")
- far-out (like cool or groovy)
- fruit/ was used as "stupid" or "lame" . "hey man, that's fruit."
- fruit / also used as a slang for a homosexual
- jam or to jam/ getting into your music either by playing it or listening to it.
- jive/jive talk... B.S.ing
- turkey, a jerk jive turkey..a lying jerk
- takin' care of business, could also mean having sex either with or without another person
- "the man" government/ police
- my favorite would be cream, as in: cream in my jeans
- phyche! - as in to psyche someone out
- Dream on! - as in "you need to think again"
- "Good Night John-Boy!"
- the max - the best
- to book, or booking - to move quickly
- "Keep on Truckin'"
- "May the Force be With You!"
- boogie - to dance
- get down - to dance
- Neat ! - for something you liked a lot
- Cool ! - said in response to almost anything, just to show you were "cool"
- Cool Cat
- Onward and Upward - no matter what has happened or whatever obstacles, just keep (yourself) going toward your goal.
- Peace! - along with using the "V" Peace Sign by spreading your index finger and middle finger apart into a V
- Babe
- You Sexy Thing!
- "Gimme a Hit" - for smoking dope or borrowing a drag from a friend's cigarette
- "What a drag" - for a boring, uninteresting event or to express "condolences" about a pretty ordinary event (like your friend couldn't get out of the house, so you'd say "What a drag" about the friend's parents).
- "Study Hall" - skipping a class or classes and sneaking out of the building to our own "study hall" (which was anywhere but in school)
- Punk - someone who wouldn't amount to anything -- ever
- asking for "a dime" could mean you wanted drugs, but since pay telephones at that time cost a dime to make a local call, it could get confusing as to what the person wanted.
- "Just another Misty" - reference to the movie with a psycho woman who repeatedly requested a disc jockey play the same song "Play Misty for me..." -- Just another Misty meant judging someone as acting psycho especially in romance/about a boyfriend
A lot of slang were phrases adopted from the leading Rock 'n Roll bands and Ballad singers (ex. Jim Croce). After Croce was killed in an accident, for a time people would say, "That's a Croce" to indicate something that, sadly (very sadly), had come to an end.
There was also the (now bland) slang of the sub-culture world of drug use.
Check out this link. It has lots of terms from the seventies.
What does the expression cinders and ashes mean?
Its an expression used by the engines on Thomas and friends. They use it express surprise or shock. Similar to the phrase "oh my stars" and analogs of
What was the slang words for the 1950s?
- give me a bell; call me
- frampton; extremely cool
- dolly; a cute girl
- krump out; get tired
- lump lips; a kiss
- nosebleed; a stupid person
- on the hook; in love
- roach; an unpopular girl
- schnookle; a loser
- herd; drive a car
- boss; very good
- popcorn; someone with a real job
- cube; major square
- cat; hipster
- tapsville; broke
- wig out; go crazy
- boss; very good
- blast off; go away
- cut the gas; be quiet
- bomb; a very fast car
What does it mean when you call a person a hoss?
Calling a person a "hoss" typically means referring to them as strong, dependable, or capable. It is a term of endearment or admiration often used to show respect for someone's abilities or qualities.
What where some slang words in 1969?
Some slang words in 1969 included "groovy" (meaning cool or fantastic), "dig it" (meaning understand or enjoy), "far out" (meaning excellent or outrageous), and "bummer" (meaning a disappointment or unfortunate situation).
What is the origin of 'don't give a damn'?
The phrase "don't give a damn" originated in the 19th century as a way to express complete disregard or indifference towards something. It likely evolved from the phrase "don't give a damn for" which was used to signify lack of concern or importance.
When you call an Italian person daIgo what does it mean?
Per the Urban Dictionary, and also spelled "dago", the derogatory (and offensive) slang term "daigo" means an Italian who gives a bad name to all Italians. This type of Italian generally thinks he is a "tough guy" and can easily be spotted by being not very intelligent and a failure in most aspects of life. The daigo attempts to justify this by acting tough in an illogical manner.
What does rubbing one index finger down the other mean?
I think what you are referring to is the classic Shame on You gesture. That would be one index finger rubbed over the other several times whilst both are stiffly held out directly in front of the person, as that person is talking to someone whom he or she is trying to shame [often in a semi-jocular manner].
I have to say that the reason I understood this so quickly is that I've recently read a graphic novel sort of book called The Cardboard Valise by Ben Katchor, which is as wonderful as everything else created by Ben Katchor. In this book, he uses the exact gesture you mention and describes it almost thusly. Very funny. Maybe you had to be there.
"Labia slip" typically refers to a situation where a person's labia minora (the inner lips of the vulva) are accidentally exposed due to ill-fitting clothing or movement. It can be embarrassing, but it is a common occurrence for many individuals.
Who coined the terms highbrow and lowbrow?
The slang terms "highbrow" (cultured) and "lowbrow" (common) come from the psuedo-science of phrenology, where the size and shape of the head supposedly defined the talents and capabilities of the individual. Those with a "high brow" supposedly had a larger frontal cortex of the brain, and were smarter than "lowbrows."
What is a slang term for greasers?
Greasers IS a slang term - it means teenagers who wear lots of hair grease.
What is the slang spelling for something?
The slang spelling for "something" is often "sumthin" or "somethin".
What were swear words in the 1950's?
Swear words in the 1950s included terms like "damn," "hell," and "bastard." Stronger profanity such as the "f-word" and racial slurs were also used, but were more taboo and less socially acceptable at that time.
What is the meaning of the phrase She has a house in Virginia?
The person is trying to tell you she has HIV aka a "House In Virginia."
What does the slang word raspberry mean 1920?
It's when you stick out your tongue and you make that blowing, spitting sound. It's called giving someone the raspberry.
What ground is called uncle bills cabbage patch?
"Uncle Bill's Cabbage Patch" is a popular name for the softball field at Montford Park in Asheville, North Carolina. It is known for hosting local softball games and events.
A proper whore, or in some places, a slag is an extremely slatternly housekeeper.
What are some slang words from 1966?
Cool, groovy, far out, and hip are examples of slang words from 1966.
In Virginia, minors under 18 are generally considered to be under their parent's custody and control. If your mom tells you to leave the house at 17, you may not have the legal right to leave on your own. It's important to seek guidance from a trusted adult or legal professional to understand your rights and options in this situation.
Where did the term can you dig it come from?
The term "Can you dig it?" originated in African American slang in the 1960s and is a colloquial way of asking if someone understands, likes, or appreciates something. It was popularized by the 1979 movie "The Warriors."
