You're the Cat's Meow! - Slang and Culture
"Flapper": The origin of flapper is unclear. It may have come from critiques of the flapper style of dance (like a bird flapping its wings), or from a reference to seemingly out-of-control high-spirited young women.
Why the 1920's? Actualy. many of the hallmarks of the flapper era - wearing make-up, dancing to jazz, or talking more openly about sex - began earlier, in working-class and urban neighborhoods. In teh 1920s, these elements moved into the mainstream of the middle-class, attracting new attention.
Try your hand at some 1920s slang!
- Alarm Clock: Chaperone
- Bank’s Closed: No kissing
- Bean Picker: An individual who attempts to patch up trouble (i.e. picks up spilled beans)
- Big Cheese: an important person (originated in this period)
- Blouse: Go, to go (i.e. Let’s Blouse)
- Cat’s Meow: Something highly sought after
- Cat’s Pajamas: Anything good, the best, the greatest
- Dapper: Flapper’s father
- Dudding Up: Dressing up
- Embalmer: A bootlegger
- Fire Extinguisher: A chaperone
- Fluky: Funny, different, odd
- Forty-Niner: Man who is prospecting for a rich wife
- Gimlet: A chronic bore
- Handcuff: Engagement ring
- His Blue Serge: His sweetheart, his girl
- Hooch: liquor
- Hopper: Dancer
- Out on Parole: A person who has been divorced
- Scofflaw: A lawless drinker of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor
- Sharpshooter: A good dancer who does not hold back while spending money
- Snake Charmer: A female bootlegger
- Weasel: Girl stealer
- Whangdoodle: Jazz music, jazz band
- Whiskbroom: Man with whiskers