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20 Slang Words We Should Bring Back From The 1940s and 1950s!

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Slang words go in and out of fashion – just look at these words popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Remember, these are not strict, traditional definitions, but rather how the words have been adopted to use in everyday speech.

But first, where did “slang” come from?

What Does “Slang” Mean?

Wondering.
Wondering. Image credit Q88 via Shutterstock.

The term “slang” likely originated from the Scandinavian word “slengenamn,” which means “a nickname or a term of abuse.” It evolved into the English word “slang” to describe informal, nonstandard words or phrases that are commonly used within particular groups or subcultures. Over time, “slang” has come to refer to informal language characterized by its creativity, novelty, and often transitory nature.

We find this amusing since the wannabe English teacher in us does look at some slang as abuse of the language! Okay, enough proselytizing; let’s get to the words popular then – and maybe not so much now. 

Ameche

Vintage phone.
Image credit RetroClipArt via Shutterstock.

This term originated from the name of American actor Don Ameche, who played Alexander Graham Bell in a film. In the 1930s and 1940s, “Ameche” became slang for a telephone because of the association with Bell’s invention.

Anchor Clanker

Sailor.
Image credit Studio KIWI via Shutterstock.

“Anchor Clanker” is naval slang that refers to sailors. The term likely originates from the sound of ship anchors being raised or lowered, which produces a clanking noise.

Bird

Pin up girl.
Image credit Julia Lutgendorf via Shutterstock.

In slang, “bird” is used to refer to a girl. Its origin is not entirely clear, but it may come from the idea of women being free-spirited like birds. Or a version of “chick”. Where do you think it comes from?

Bobbysox Brigade

Dancers.
Image credit Master1305 via Shutterstock.

This term emerged in the 1940s to describe young girls who were fans of swing music and often wore bobby socks (short socks) with their skirts while dancing. It refers to young jitterbugs, enthusiastic dancers of swing music.

Cheaters

woman wearing sunglasses.
Image credit True Touch Lifestyle via Shutterstock.

“Cheaters” is slang for sunglasses. In some contexts, “cheaters” is a slang term for reading glasses. These glasses are typically used by individuals who have difficulty focusing on close-up objects. The term “cheaters” playfully implies that these glasses provide an easy way to “cheat” by improving vision. For example, someone might say, “I left my cheaters at home, and now I can’t read this menu!” It’s like giving a nod to the fact that these glasses offer a sneaky shortcut to clearer vision

Chuck a Muck

Diner.
Image credit Jon Bilous via Shutterstock.

This slang phrase means to eat.

The slang term “chuck-a-muck” has an interesting origin! It comes from Chinook Jargon, a language that originated as a pidgin or contact language in the Pacific Northwest during the nineteenth century. Let’s dive into the details:

  1. Chinook Jargon Origins:
  2. The Evolution of “Muck-a-Muck”:
  3. Usage in English:

So, whether you’re talking about provisions or referring to someone of authority, “chuck-a-muck” has its roots in the fascinating linguistic history of the Pacific Northwest!

Clams 

pile of money.
Photo credit: John Guccione via Canva.

In slang, “clams” refer to money. This slang term originates from the practice of Native American tribes using clams and shells as a form of currency. European settlers observed this method of exchange during the colonial period and subsequently adopted the term as slang for money.

Cookin’ with Gas

couple dancing.
Image credit Stokkete via Shutterstock.

The expression “Now we’re cooking with gas” is often used to indicate that things are progressing well or efficiently. Here’s where it comes from:

  1. Gas Cookers and Hollywood Radio Comedians:
  2. Free Publicity and Widespread Usage:

Crumb

jerk guy.
Image credit Cookie Studio viaShutterstock.

In slang, “crumb” means a jerk or someone who is no fun.

The slang term “crumb” meaning “jerk” has an interesting etymology. Let’s explore its origins:

  1. Origins of “Crumb”:
  2. The Evolution to “Jerk”:

Dish

Cute girl with milkshake. Retro.
Image credit Dean Drobot via Shutterstock.

“Dish” is slang for a cute girl. It may come from the idea of someone being as appealing as a delicious dish of food. According to Merriam-Webster, the use of “dish” in this context dates back to the early 20th century.

Dopey

Dopey guy.
Image credit Kues via Shutterstock.

This term means not smart or nerdy. It likely originated from the word “dope,” which originally referred to a thick liquid or paste and later came to mean someone who is foolish or unintelligent.

Drip

Bored boy.
Boring. Image credit airdone via Shutterstock.

In slang, a “drip” is a boring person. The origin is uncertain, but it may come from the idea of someone being dull or lacking excitement, like a slow drip of water.

Floy Floy

Nonsense.
Image credit Studio Romantic via Shutterstock.

This term means nonsense.

The most commonly agreed-upon explanation is that it was simply a nonsense word invented by Slim Gaillard, who used many made-up words in his songs as “filler.” Think of it as the equivalent of modern rap artists talking over their beats.

There is a darker, alternative definition: “floy, floy” was slang for a sexually transmitted disease, probably syphilis. 

Gate

Dancers.
Image credit Master1305 via Shutterstock.-2

“Gate” is short for “alligator,” which was slang for a jitterbug, an enthusiastic male dancer of swing music. It was jazz jargon that caught on in the 40’s and continued to be used well into the 50’s. “A hep cat started some jive, / He said, ‘Come on, gates, and jump with me / At the Juneteenth Jamboree’.”

Goo and the Moo

stack pancakes.
Image credit Aimee Lee Studios via Shutterstock.

This phrase refers to pancakes, syrup, and milk. It likely originated as playful slang. You might have heard it in a diner.

Humdinger

Outstanding. Unique.
Image credit GamePixel via Shutterstock.

“Humdinger,” like many humorous-sounding words, has inspired various fanciful origin stories. One false tale claims it comes from Arnold Humdinger, who allegedly attempted to land his biplane on Mount Everest. However, the most credible evidence suggests that “humdinger” is a blend of two existing words with similar meanings: “hummer” and “dinger.”

“Hummer” has been used in slang since the 17th century, describing anything impressive, from vivacious women to fast horses and trains. “Dinger,” derived from the old dialect word “ding,” means something of exceptional quality or forcefulness. The two words combined to form “humdinger” in American usage by 1883.

Jalopy

Vintage car.
Image credit Everett Collection via Shutterstock.

The term “jalopy” is slang for an old, beat-up car. It first emerged in the United States during the 1920s. The most widely accepted theory suggests that the word comes from Jalapa, a place in Mexico where many used cars from the U.S. were reportedly sent in the early 1900s. However, the exact origins of the term remain unclear.

Jeepers Creepers

Shocked surprised woman.
Image credit Cast Of Thousands via Shutterstock.

“Jeepers creepers” is an exclamation of alarm or surprise. Its origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a minced oath, a way of avoiding saying “Jesus” or “Jesus Christ” as an expression of surprise or amazement.

Jive

whispering. Secrets.
Image credit Cate Frost via Shutterstock.

Originally, “jive” referred to a form of fast, lively jazz music and dancing. Over time, it came to refer more broadly to a style of talking or behaving in a deceptive or insincere way.

Keister

Man in jeans.
Image credit Alex Goncharov via Shutterstock.

In slang, “keister” refers to the rump or buttocks. Its origin is uncertain, but it may come from the idea of something being kept in one’s back pocket or carried on one’s person, similar to the way contraband might be hidden in someone’s keister.

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Sheetz Store 1.
Photo credit: Sheetz.

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Boy eating a hot dog.
Photo credit Suncity via Shutterstock.

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