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Slang

History of American Slang Words

Language constantly evolves and the meanings of words in it change.

Slang refers to words or phrases that begin to be used in a widespread way.

Slang words show the attitudes of the group or sub-culture that uses them.
Slang can appear as a brand new word, a new meaning for an existing word, an abbreviation for a word, or a word that becomes more generalized than its former, narrow meaning.

Is it Slang?

Slang is not dialect, colloquialism, or catch phrases, where both parties are familiar with the references.
i.e.Beam me up, Scotty from Star Trek.

It is not jargon, which is limited to a certain field. slogans used in advertising.

i.e mmm mmm good, (Campbell's soup)

Graffiti is not slang. Any special language used in a secret group.

Early Beginings

The history of American slang words starts around the 17th century.
By the 18th century, the differences between America and other English speaking countries prompted the evolution of slang. For a time, any words not used in Britain were considered slang. Originally considered to be the language of foreigners and criminals, slang began to be used by writers in the 1900s. The history of American slang words started as America started and continues today.

Why Use Slang?

It can be used just for fun or as a way to be witty or clever.

You can use it to be different or startling. Even if you dont know it, slang enriches the language.

Many use it as a way to be friendly, or to show that they belong to a certain group or profession.
Some engage in slang usage to be secretive, like those in secret societies, children, students, or prisoners.

Slang

Slang is a way of using descriptive or figurative language.

It sometimes is irreverent and humorous. Slang expressions describe activities or objects.

There is a high number of slang terms associated with the activity or object if it is prevalent.
In 1901, G. K. Chesterton wrote All slang is metaphor, and all metaphor is poetry, in Defence of Slang.

1900's popular expressions, slang...

Absent-minded beggar
The call of the wild To face the music

To get one's bearings

More to something than meets the eye s everybody happy? slang, the expression would have to be ironic. Maybe this was a famous line from a novel or play, just before all hell broke loose...Or of course it may have been a song title. Any thoughts?

1900's popular expressions, slang...

Keep your shirt on jdj: yeah , ya ya Bowery boy....

Let the good times roll jdj: sounds early but I believe it Long time no see No harm in trying Pardon my French He doesn't have a pot to piss in

Someone is a big-shot
To get blotto (drunk)

1900's popular expressions, slang...

How's tricks?- a vulgar hello

Lay a patch: (Used when talking about someone peeling out in their car... but can also be used to mean, someone getting out of the room quickly) "Barb, sure did lay a patch when John walked in! Lunachick- A crazy dame! Bearcat - a hot-blooded or fiery girl Big six -a strong man, comparing a man to the six cylinder engines that were new at the time.

Applesauce: a curse same as horsefeathers, As in "Ah applesauce!

Edge - intoxication, a buzz. i.e. "I've got an edge. Daffy- silly, crazy completely nuts

Slang of the 1920's

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!

Slang of the 1920's

Ab-so-lute-ly - affirmative
All Wet - describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, "he's all wet.

And How - I strongly agree! Attaboy - well done!; also Attagirl! Baby - sweetheart. Also denotes something of high value or res Baloney - nonsense! Dead Soldier- Empty drink Cash or Check- to give a kiss now or later

Slang of the 1920's

Bank's Closed - no kissing or making out - i.e. - "Sorry, Mac, the bank's closed."

Beat it - scam or get lost Beat one's gums - idle chatter Bee's Knees - An extraordinary person, thing, idea; the ultimate

Beef - a complaint or to complain

Cat's Meow - Something splendid or stylish; similar to bee's knees; The best or greatest, wonderful. Cat's Pajamas - Same as cat's meow

Slang of the 1920's

Daddy - a young woman's boyfriend or lover, especially if he's rich Dame - a female Dapper - a Flapper's dad Darb - An excellent person or thing (as in "the Darb" - a person with money who can be relied on to pay the check) Eggg A big shot- big man Dick - a private investigator Doll - an attractive woman Dolled up - dressed up The banks closed- no kissing or making out.

Lets see the slang in action

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