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. Ab-so-lute-ly
Translation: Absolutely
Origin: The slang "Ab-so-lute-ly" emerged in the lively 1920s as an exaggerated and playful way to express strong agreement, reflecting the era's energetic social scene and rebellious youth culture.
Example: "Are you coming to the jazz club tonight?" "Ab-so-lute-ly! Wouldn't miss it for the world."
3. 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!
4. And how
Translation: Absolutely
Origin: The 1920s slang "And how!" likely originated from the era's emphasis on energetic and emphatic speech, becoming a popular way to strongly affirm or emphasize agreement.
Example: "That jazz band was incredible!" "And how!"
5. 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.
6. Attaboy
Translation: Well done
Origin: The term "attaboy" originated in the early 20th century, likely from the phrase "that's the boy!", used as a cheer of encouragement or approval.
Example: After acing his final exam, his dad clapped him on the back and said, "Attaboy! I knew you could do it."
7. Baby
Translation: Sweetheart
Origin: The slang term "baby" became popular in the early 20th century, particularly during the Jazz Age, and was widely used by the Greatest Generation as an affectionate or playful way to address someone, spreading through music, Hollywood, and everyday conversation.
Example: Hey baby, don't worry—I've got everything under control.
8. Balled up
Translation: Confused or messed up
Origin: 1920s slang for being in a confused state.
Example: I got all balled up trying to figure out those directions.
9. Baloney
Translation: Nonsense
Origin: 1920s slang for something that is not true.
Example: His story about winning the lottery is a bunch of baloney.
10. Bank's closed
Translation: No kissing
Origin: 1920s slang referring to keeping lips closed.
Example: Sorry, pal, the bank's closed tonight.
11. 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.
12. Beat it
Translation: Go away
Origin: 1920s slang for leaving quickly.
Example: Beat it before the cops show up!
13. Beat one's gums
Translation: Talk idly
Origin: 1920s slang for meaningless chatter.
Example: Stop beating your gums and get to the point.
14. Beef
Translation: A complaint or problem
Origin: 1920s slang for a grievance.
Example: What's your beef with me?
15. 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.
16. Beeswax
Translation: Business
Origin: 1920s slang, as in "mind your own beeswax."
Example: That's none of your beeswax!
17. Bell bottom
Translation: Flared trousers
Origin: 1920s Navy term, became fashionable in civilian wear.
Example: Those bell bottoms are the latest fashion.
18. Bible belt
Translation: Religious region of America
Origin: 1920s term for the conservative South.
Example: He's from the Bible belt, very religious.
19. Big cheese
Translation: Important person
Origin: 1920s slang for someone influential.
Example: He's the big cheese around here, so watch your step.
20. Big six
Translation: A strong, dependable person
Origin: 1920s slang for someone reliable.
Example: You can count on him, he's a big six.
21. Bimbo
Translation: An attractive but unintelligent person
Origin: 1920s slang, originally meant a tough guy.
Example: She may look like a bimbo, but she's actually quite smart.
22. Bird
Translation: A person, often a woman
Origin: 1920s slang for an individual.
Example: She's a funny old bird.
23. Blind date
Translation: A date with someone you haven't met
Origin: 1920s term for a setup date.
Example: My friend set me up on a blind date.
24. 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.
25. Bluenose
Translation: A prude or moralist
Origin: 1920s term for someone uptight.
Example: Don't be such a bluenose, have some fun!
26. Bootleg
Translation: Illegal alcohol
Origin: Prohibition-era term for illicit liquor.
Example: They're selling bootleg whiskey in the back alley.
27. Breezer
Translation: A convertible car
Origin: 1920s slang for an open-top automobile.
Example: Let's take the breezer out for a spin.
28. Bronx cheer
Translation: A raspberry or rude noise
Origin: 1920s term for a derisive sound.
Example: The crowd gave him a Bronx cheer.
29. Bull
Translation: Nonsense or lies
Origin: 1920s slang, short for "bullsh*t."
Example: That's a load of bull!
30. Bull session
Translation: An informal discussion
Origin: 1920s term for casual conversation.
Example: We had a bull session about politics last night.
31. Bum's rush
Translation: Forcible ejection
Origin: 1920s slang for being thrown out.
Example: They gave him the bum's rush when he got rowdy.
32. Bump off
Translation: Kill
Origin: 1930s gangster slang for murder.
Example: The mob boss ordered his goons to bump off the snitch.
33. Butt me
Translation: Give me a cigarette
Origin: 1920s slang for bumming a smoke.
Example: Hey, butt me, would ya?
34. Caper
Translation: A criminal activity or adventure
Origin: 1920s slang for a heist or scheme.
Example: They pulled off a big caper at the bank.
35. Carry a torch
Translation: To have unrequited love
Origin: 1920s romantic slang.
Example: He's been carrying a torch for her for years.
36. Cash
Translation: A kiss
Origin: 1920s slang for a smooch.
Example: Give me some cash, doll.
37. Cash or check
Translation: Now or later
Origin: 1920s slang for immediate or delayed.
Example: Do you want to settle this cash or check?
38. 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.
39. Cat's Pajamas
Translation: Something or someone wonderful or remarkable.
Origin: Similar to "bee's knees," it uses an animal metaphor to denote excellence.
Example: Her new flapper dress is the cat's pajamas, she looks swell!
40. Cheaters
Translation: Eyeglasses
Origin: 1920s slang for spectacles.
Example: I can't read this without my cheaters. Where did I put them?
41. Check
Translation: A kiss
Origin: 1920s slang, similar to "cash."
Example: How about a check, sweetheart?
42. Ciggy
Translation: Cigarette
Origin: 1920s slang for a smoke.
Example: Let me bum a ciggy off you.
43. Clam
Translation: A dollar
Origin: 1920s slang for money.
Example: That'll cost you five clams.
44. Crumb
Translation: A despicable person
Origin: 1930s-1940s slang for someone unpleasant.
Example: That crumb tried to skip out on the bill.
45. Crush
Translation: Infatuation
Origin: 1920s term for romantic attraction.
Example: I have a crush on that new girl.
46. Daddy
Translation: A wealthy man or boyfriend
Origin: 1920s slang, as in "sugar daddy."
Example: She's looking for a daddy to take care of her.
47. Dame
Translation: A woman
Origin: 1920s slang for a lady.
Example: That dame sure can sing.
48. Dapper
Translation: Well-dressed
Origin: 1920s term for stylish appearance.
Example: He looks dapper in that suit.
49. 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!
50. G.I.
Translation: Government Issue or soldier
Origin: WWII term for American soldiers.
Example: The G.I.s marched through town on their way to the base.
51. Gams
Translation: Legs
Origin: 1920s-1940s slang, often used to describe a woman's legs.
Example: That pin-up girl has gams for days!
52. 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!
53. Hooch
Translation: Alcohol
Origin: 1920s slang, often used during Prohibition.
Example: Got any hooch? This party needs some giggle water.
54. Hot diggity
Translation: Expression of excitement
Origin: 1930s slang, used to express enthusiasm.
Example: Hot diggity! We won the game!
55. Hubba Hubba
Translation: Expression of approval or attraction
Origin: 1940s slang, often used when seeing someone attractive.
Example: Hubba hubba! Look at that pretty gal!
56. 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.
57. Jinx
Translation: Bad luck or curse
Origin: 1940s term for bringing misfortune.
Example: Don't jinx it by talking about winning before the game!
58. Joe
Translation: Coffee or an average soldier
Origin: 1940s slang, "cup of joe" for coffee, "G.I. Joe" for soldier.
Example: Let's grab a cup of joe before we hit the road.
59. Juiced
Translation: Drunk
Origin: 1940s slang for being intoxicated.
Example: He got pretty juiced at the officers' club.
60. Keen
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something impressive.
Example: That's a keen idea! Let's do it.
61. Kilroy
Translation: A famous graffiti character
Origin: WWII phenomenon, "Kilroy was here" appeared everywhere.
Example: We found "Kilroy was here" written on the barracks wall.
62. Pin-up
Translation: An attractive person whose picture is displayed
Origin: WWII era, soldiers pinned photos of attractive women.
Example: Betty Grable was the most famous pin-up of the war.
63. 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!
64. Rookie
Translation: A beginner or new recruit
Origin: Military term from the 1940s.
Example: The rookies need to learn how things work around here.
65. Scuttlebutt
Translation: Rumors or gossip
Origin: Navy slang from water cooler where sailors gathered to talk.
Example: The scuttlebutt is that we're shipping out next week.
66. Snafu
Translation: Situation Normal: All Fouled Up
Origin: WWII military acronym for when things go wrong.
Example: The mission was a complete snafu from the start.
67. Swell
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something wonderful.
Example: That was a swell party. Had a real gas!
68. 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.