The Silent Generation Slang
The Silent 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 Silent Generation slang, along with translations and example sentences, so that you can enter your next The Silent Generation conversation with confidence.1. Bee's knees
Translation: Outstanding
Origin: 1920s slang, used to describe something excellent.
Example: This jazz band is the bee's knees, just the cat's meow!
2. Big cheese
Translation: Important person
Origin: 1920s slang for someone influential.
Example: He's the big cheese around here, so watch your step.
3. Bump off
Translation: Kill
Origin: 1930s gangster slang for murder.
Example: The mob boss ordered his goons to bump off the snitch.
4. Cat
Translation: A hip person
Origin: 1950s jazz slang.
Example: That cat can really play the saxophone.
5. Cat's pajamas
Translation: Excellent or stylish
Origin: 1920s slang, used to describe something or someone outstanding.
Example: That new car is the cat's pajamas! It's the bee's knees, for sure.
6. Cool
Translation: Excellent or fashionable
Origin: 1950s jazz culture, became mainstream slang.
Example: That leather jacket is so cool.
7. Cruisin'
Translation: Driving around or doing well
Origin: 1950s slang for leisurely driving or succeeding.
Example: We spent Saturday night cruisin' Main Street.
8. Daddy-o
Translation: Term of address, like "man"
Origin: 1950s beatnik and jazz culture slang.
Example: Hey daddy-o, what's the word?
9. Dapper
Translation: Neat and stylish
Origin: 1920s slang for someone who is well-dressed.
Example: He's looking dapper in that suit. What a cool cat!
10. Dig
Translation: To understand or like
Origin: 1950s jazz slang.
Example: I really dig that new Sinatra record.
11. Doll
Translation: Attractive woman
Origin: 1920s slang, used to describe a pretty girl.
Example: That new girl is a real doll. She's the cat's pajamas!
12. Flapper
Translation: Modern young woman
Origin: 1920s term for a fashionable young woman.
Example: She's a real flapper, always dressed to the nines.
13. Gams
Translation: Legs
Origin: 1920s slang, often used to describe a woman's legs.
Example: Check out the gams on that doll. She's a real looker.
14. 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!
15. Greaser
Translation: A rebellious youth, often with slicked hair
Origin: 1950s term for working-class youth subculture.
Example: The greasers hung out at the malt shop.
16. Hep Cat
Translation: Someone who is in the know
Origin: 1940s-1950s jazz culture term for someone hip.
Example: He's a real hep cat, knows all the latest sounds.
17. Hooch
Translation: Alcohol
Origin: 1920s slang, often used during Prohibition.
Example: Got any hooch? This party needs some giggle water.
18. Hot diggity
Translation: Expression of excitement
Origin: 1930s slang, used to express enthusiasm.
Example: Hot diggity! We won the game!
19. Hotsy-totsy
Translation: Attractive or pleasing
Origin: 1920s slang for something or someone appealing.
Example: That new dress is hotsy-totsy! You're looking swell.
20. Jake
Translation: Okay or fine
Origin: 1920s slang for something satisfactory.
Example: Everything's jake here. No need to worry.
21. 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.
22. Jive
Translation: Talk or music, sometimes insincere
Origin: 1940s-1950s jazz slang.
Example: Don't give me that jive talk.
23. Keen
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something impressive.
Example: That's a keen idea! Let's do it.
24. Knuckle Sandwich
Translation: A punch in the face
Origin: 1950s slang for a physical confrontation.
Example: Keep talking and you'll get a knuckle sandwich.
25. Made in the Shade
Translation: Having it easy or successful
Origin: 1950s slang for being in a good position.
Example: With that new job, he's got it made in the shade.
26. Make the Scene
Translation: To attend or show up
Origin: 1950s beatnik slang.
Example: Are you going to make the scene at the dance tonight?
27. Moxie
Translation: Courage or nerve
Origin: 1920s slang, originally a brand of soft drink.
Example: That kid's got moxie, standing up to the bullies like that.
28. Pad
Translation: Home or apartment
Origin: 1950s beatnik slang for living space.
Example: Come by my pad later and we'll listen to some records.
29. 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!
30. Scram
Translation: Leave quickly
Origin: 1930s slang, used to tell someone to go away.
Example: Scram, kid! This is no place for you.
31. Solid
Translation: Great or reliable
Origin: 1950s slang for something good or trustworthy.
Example: That guy is solid, you can count on him.
32. Speakeasy
Translation: Illegal bar
Origin: 1920s Prohibition-era term for a secret bar.
Example: We're heading to the speakeasy tonight. Keep it on the down low.
33. Square
Translation: Conventional or uncool
Origin: 1950s slang for someone who doesn't get it.
Example: My parents are so square, they don't understand rock and roll.
34. Swell
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something wonderful.
Example: That was a swell party. Had a real gas!