Jazz Age Slang

and

Slang of the 1920s

SOME EXAMPLES BELOW!

All wet, adj; Full of it and not in a fun way.
Example: Cordelia liked Max, she really did, but sometimes he was just all wet.

Applesauce, slang phrase; an expletive used like “oh sh**!”
Example: “Oh applesauce!” Astrid yelled after she accidentally tipped the tea tray into the pool.

Bank’s closed, slang phrase; an expression meaning “no kissing or funny business.” Used like “I have a headache.”
Example: Charlie was in an amorous mood but Astrid just sighed, “Sorry Charlie — bank’s closed.”

Bee’s knees, slang phrase; an expression meaning “the very best.”
Example: Before Letty went out on the town, she dressed in a sweet black dress that was just the bee’s knees.

Clam, noun; a dollar
Example: Astrid realized she had left her pocketbook in the car. “Applesauce!” she yelled. “Cordelia, spot me a clam.”

Fly boy, noun; an aviator
Example: Let the other girls have their doctors and lawyers, Cordelia was happy with her fly boy.

Gin Mill, noun; a bar where hard liquor is sold.
Example: Cordelia wasn’t trying to ignore Letty and Astrid — she was just so busy preparing her gin mill.

Handcuff, noun; an engagement ring
Example: Astrid went home for Sunday supper to flash her shiny, new handcuff at her doubting mother.

Pill, noun; a difficult person
Example: Letty was ready to leave the club but she didn’t say anything because she didn’t want to be a pill.

Sinker, noun; a doughnut
Example: Cordelia knew that her enviable figure wouldn’t last forever but until then, she was enjoying her share of sinkers.