The Greatest Generation Slang
The Greatest Generation slang can be difficult to understand, particularly if you do not yourself belong to this generation. Below we have gathered a list of some of the most popular The Greatest Generation slang, along with translations and example sentences, so that you can enter your next The Greatest Generation conversation with confidence.
1. 23 Skidoo
Translation: Leave quickly
Origin: Early 1900s, used to describe making a quick exit.
Example: When the cops showed up, we had to 23 skidoo out of there!
2. All wet
Translation: Completely wrong
Origin: 1920s slang for someone who is mistaken.
Example: If you think I'm going to that boring lecture, you're all wet!
3. Applesauce
Translation: Nonsense
Origin: 1920s slang for something that is foolish or silly.
Example: That excuse is pure applesauce. Don't try to pull a fast one on me.
4. Baloney
Translation: Nonsense
Origin: 1920s slang for something that is not true.
Example: His story about winning the lottery is a bunch of baloney.
5. Beat feet
Translation: Leave quickly
Origin: 1930s slang for making a hasty exit.
Example: We better beat feet before the boss catches us slacking off.
6. Bee's knees
Translation: Outstanding
Origin: 1920s slang for something excellent.
Example: That new car is the bee's knees! It's the cat's pajamas.
7. Big cheese
Translation: Important person
Origin: 1920s slang for someone influential.
Example: He's the big cheese around here, so watch your step.
8. Blow your wig
Translation: Get very angry
Origin: 1940s slang for losing one's temper.
Example: Don't blow your wig, it's just a small mistake.
9. Bump off
Translation: Kill
Origin: 1930s gangster slang for murder.
Example: The mob boss ordered his goons to bump off the snitch.
10. Cat's meow
Translation: Excellent
Origin: 1920s slang for something or someone outstanding.
Example: That new dress is the cat's meow! You're looking swell.
11. Cheaters
Translation: Eyeglasses
Origin: 1920s slang for spectacles.
Example: I can't read this without my cheaters. Where did I put them?
12. Doll
Translation: Attractive woman
Origin: 1920s slang for a pretty girl.
Example: That new girl is a real doll. She's the cat's pajamas!
13. Giggle water
Translation: Alcoholic beverage
Origin: 1920s Prohibition-era slang for liquor.
Example: Let's head to the speakeasy for some giggle water. It'll be a gas!
14. Hooch
Translation: Alcohol
Origin: 1920s slang, often used during Prohibition.
Example: Got any hooch? This party needs some giggle water.
15. Hot diggity
Translation: Expression of excitement
Origin: 1930s slang, used to express enthusiasm.
Example: Hot diggity! We won the game!
16. Jalopy
Translation: Old car
Origin: 1930s slang for a beat-up old vehicle.
Example: He drove up in a jalopy, but it got us here just fine.
17. Keen
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something impressive.
Example: That's a keen idea! Let's do it.
18. Ritzy
Translation: Luxurious
Origin: 1920s slang, derived from the Ritz Hotel.
Example: We're staying at a ritzy hotel tonight. It's the bee's knees!
19. Swell
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something wonderful.
Example: That was a swell party. Had a real gas!
20. The skinny
Translation: The information or gossip
Origin: 1920s slang for the inside scoop or details.
Example: Give me the skinny on what happened at the party.