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. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. Hooch
Translation: Alcohol
Origin: 1920s slang, often used during Prohibition.
Example: Got any hooch? This party needs some giggle water.
5. Scram
Translation: Leave quickly
Origin: 1930s slang, used to tell someone to go away.
Example: Scram, kid! This is no place for you.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. Flapper
Translation: Modern young woman
Origin: 1920s term for a fashionable young woman.
Example: She's a real flapper, always dressed to the nines.
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. Bump off
Translation: Kill
Origin: 1930s gangster slang for murder.
Example: The mob boss ordered his goons to bump off the snitch.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Hot diggity
Translation: Expression of excitement
Origin: 1930s slang, used to express enthusiasm.
Example: Hot diggity! We won the game!
14. 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.
15. Keen
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something impressive.
Example: That's a keen idea! Let's do it.
16. 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!
17. Swell
Translation: Great or excellent
Origin: 1930s slang for something wonderful.
Example: That was a swell party. Had a real gas!
18. Big cheese
Translation: Important person
Origin: 1920s slang for someone influential.
Example: He's the big cheese around here, so watch your step.
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.