The twenties were the first decade to emphasize youth culture over the older generations, and the flapper sub-culture had a tremendous influence on main stream America; many new words and phrases were coined by these liberated women. Many of these are still used today!
A
|
| Ab-so-lute-ly |
affirmative |
| Alderman |
A man’s pot-belly |
| All Wet |
describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, “he’s all wet.” |
| And How |
I strongly agree! |
| Applesauce |
an expletive same as horse feathers, As in “Ah applesauce!” |
| Ankle |
(n) Woman; (v) To walk |
| Attaboy |
well done!; also Attagirl! |
| B |
| Baby |
sweetheart. Also denotes something of high value or respect. |
|
| Balled Up |
confused, messed up |
| Baloney |
nonsense! |
| Bank’s Closed |
no kissing or making out – i.e. – “Sorry, Mac, the bank’s closed.” |
| Bearcat |
a hot-blooded or fiery girl |
| Beat it |
Get lost or scram |
| Beat one’s gums |
idle chatter |
| Bee’s Knees |
An extraordinary person, thing, idea; the ultimate |
| Beef |
a complaint or to complain – as in to have a “beef” with someone. |
| Beeswax |
business, i.e. None of your beeswax |
Behind the eight ball
|
In a difficult position, in a tight spot |
| Bell bottom |
a sailor |
| Berries |
That which is attractive or pleasing; similar to bee’s knees, As in “It’s the berries.” |
| Bible Belt |
Area in the South and Midwest where Fundamentalism flourishes |
Big Cheese
|
The most important or influential person; boss. Same as big shot |
Big Sleep
|
Death |
Big six
|
a strong man; from auto advertising, for the new and powerful; six cylinder engines |
Bimbo
|
a tough guy |
Bird
|
general term for a man or woman, sometimes meaning “odd,” i.e. “What a funny old bird.” |
Blower
|
Telephone |
|
Bluenose
|
An excessively puritanical person, a prude, Creator of “the Blue Nozzle Curse.” |
Boob
|
Dumb Guy |
|
Bootleg
|
illegal liquor |
|
Boozehound
|
Drunkard |
|
Breezer
|
an convertible car |
|
Bronx Cheer
|
A loud spluttering noise, used to indicate disapproval. Same as raspberry |
Bum’s rush
|
ejection by force from an establishment |
|
Bump Off
|
To murder,To kill |
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Butt me
|
I’ll take a cigarette |
|
Butter and egg man
|
The money man, the man with the bankroll, a yokel who comes to town to blow a big wad in nightclubs |
Button
|
Face, nose, end of jaw |
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