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?
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
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
“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
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
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
“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
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:
- Chinook Jargon Origins:
- Chinook Jargon developed as a blend of French, English, and Native American languages. It was initially spoken in what is now Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, but eventually spread to other regions like Alaska, California, and Montana.
- The term “muck-a-muck” appears in a Chinook Jargon lexicon from Joel Palmer’s 1847 “Journal of Travels Over the Rocky Mountains.” In this context, it means “provisions” or “food” .
- The Evolution of “Muck-a-Muck”:
- The exact source language for “muck-a-muck” is uncertain, but it may come from the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) language. The Nuu-chah-nulth word “ma·ḥo·ma (q-)” means “choice whale meat.”
- The addition of “high” did not originally come from English. Instead, it stems from the Chinook Jargon phrase “hiyu muckamuck,” which means “plenty of food.” The word “hiyu” was later remodeled via folk etymology into “high” .
- Usage in English:
- By 1852, “muck-a-muck” was being used in English to refer to food. For instance, the New York Herald reported a giant cabbage from Oregon as “splendid muck-a-muck.”
- Over time, the term shifted to describe important people. In 1856, Sacramento’s Daily Democratic State Journal used it to refer to influential individuals .
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
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
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:
- Gas Cookers and Hollywood Radio Comedians:
- Around 1915, gas cookers began to replace wood-burning stoves.
- In December 1939, Hollywood radio comedians started using the phrase “Now we’re cooking with gas” in their shows.
- Gas companies later appropriated this expression to promote gas cooking, especially from around 1941 onward.
- The phrase has been attributed to Deke Houlgate, who worked in the gas industry and wrote the line for Bob Hope.
- Free Publicity and Widespread Usage:
- The phrase gained popularity through radio programs like the Maxwell Coffee Hour, Jack Benny, Chase and Sanborn, Johnson Wax, and Bob Hope.
- Gas companies listened closely, unsure whether to be glad or mad about the widespread free publicity.
- Hollywood also embraced the expression, using it to denote perfection.
Crumb
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:
- Origins of “Crumb”:
- The word “crumb” originally referred to a small piece of bread or cake.
- In the mid-nineteenth century, “crumb” took on a slang meaning related to a louse (as in the insect). This association likely contributed to its later use as an insult.
- By 1859, “crumb” was also used in slang to mean something shoddy, filthy, inferior, or poorly made. This sense likely evolved from the earlier meaning of “louse” and reflected disdain for something of low quality.
- The Evolution to “Jerk”:
- The transition from “crumb” to “jerk” is not directly documented, but it follows a pattern seen in other slang terms.
- “Jerk” likely emerged as a milder alternative to stronger insults. It retained the negative connotation but softened the impact.
- The transformation from “crumb” to “jerk” reflects the creative ways language adapts and invents new expressions over time.
Dish
“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
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
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
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
“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
This phrase refers to pancakes, syrup, and milk. It likely originated as playful slang. You might have heard it in a diner.
Humdinger
“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
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
“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
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
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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