Franklin Pierce Adams (FPA)
(1881-1960)
U.S. columnist/critic
Famous social and arts columnist in New York City, for newspapers The World and Herald Tribune. Mentor to literati of the 1920s, most notably Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley and George S. Kaufman, whom he joined regularly as a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table group.
Djuna Barnes
(1892-1982)
U.S. writer and illustrator in France
Still little known outside of literary and lesbian circles, Barnes is considered by many experts to have been one of the finest writers at work in Paris in the 1920s. Before moving there from New York in 1919, she had produced poetry, newspaper stories, pieces for the little review, and a satirical volume, The Book of Repulsive Women. In Paris, she published the semi-autobiographical novel Ryder (1928) and the satirical and gossipy lesbian book Ladies Almanack (1928). Her greatest novel is considered to be the James Joyce-influenced Nightwood (1936).
Robert Benchley
(1889-1945)
U.S. writer/humorist
Wrote humor and criticism for Life, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker in the 1920s. Of All Things (1921) was one of many compilations of his short prose pieces about the frustrations of domestic life. Later became a film comic. He was the gentle member of the Algonquin Round Table, with a subtle urbane wit just as sharp as the more aggressive, acid-tongued styles of his peers.
Stephen Vincent Benet
(1898-1943)
U.S. poet/novelist
One of the most famous, popular and acclaimed poets in U.S. history. His specialty was the epic in praise of America. His book-length panoramic poem of the Civil War, John Brown's Body (1928) won the 1929 Pulitzer Prize. Authored many more works and garnered many other honors.
Arnold Bennett
(1867-1931)
English writer
Famous for realistic novels about the lives of common people. He also wrote plays and essays. Most of his famous work was done before the 1920s, but one of his most highly regarded novels was published in 1923, the bleak tale of poverty, Riceyman Steps.
Jorge Luis Borges
(1899-1986)
Argentine poet, writer
One of Latin America's greatest literary figures; his career began in the 1920s, as founder of several literary journals and as a lyrical poet. His work was collected in Fervor de Buenos Aires (1923), Luna de enfrente (1925), and Cuarderno San Martin (San Martin Notebook) (1929). His poetry and later short stories are admired for their abstract, metaphysical, and philosophical qualities.
Andre' Breton
(1896-1966)
French writer/poet/philosopher
He was a leader of the Dada and Surrealism movements in the arts. He cofounded the surrealist journal Literature. He wrote the first surrealism manifesto in 1924. His novel Nadja (1928) is his most acclaimed work.
Van Wyck Brooks
(1886-1963)
U.S. writer/critic/historian
An influential analyst of cultural trends, especially literary, of modern and past America. Authored many books, most notably the Pulitzer Prize winner for history, The Flowering of New England 1815-1865 (1936). His most famous work in the 1920s was The Ordeal of Mark Twain (1920). He was a harsh critic of newcomers James Joyce and T.S. Eliot.
Heywood Broun
(1888-1939)
U.S. journalist
Arts columnist, sports writer, and social crusader in the press, Broun was a conspicuous part of the New York literary scene in the 1920s. His liberal views were expressed most famously in his ongoing published defenses of alleged anarchists and murder suspects Sacco and Vanzetti. After wranglings with his publisher on various issues, he was fired from the New York World in 1928. Thereafter he was a syndicated columnist. He was a key member of the Algonquin Round Table.
Karel Capek
(1890-1938)
Czech writer/playwright
Famous for his science fiction novels and plays, particularly R.U.R (1921), in which the word "robot" was first coined. Immortality was explored in his play The Makropoulos Affair (1922). In the novel Krakatit (1924) he prophesied the dangers of nuclear power. His later writings were more psychological and realistic.
Barbara Cartland
(1901-)
English writer
Her popular romance novels likely will never be proclaimed great literature, but the duration, productivity, and popularity of her career is impressive. Her output of more than 400 books may be a record. Her career began in 1923 with her first novel Jigsaw.
Willa Cather
(1873-1947)
U.S. writer
Regarded as one of America's finest novelists, she wrote many from 1913 to 1940--often depicting rural American life. In the 1920s, she wrote what some regard as her best work Death Comes for the Archbishop (1927). She won the Pulitzer Prize for One of Ours (1921). Other works in the decade included A Lost Lady (1923) and The Professor's House (1925).
G.K. Chesterton
(1874-1936)
English writer
A prophetic and highly opinionated journalist, he opposed the Boer War and in 1922 wrote an article warning of the dangers of eugenics that was scoffed at until Hitler's "final solution." From 1911 to 1936, he wrote a series of "Father Brown" stories, about a cantankerous detective priest, that were extremely popular and enduring. Christianity was a major theme of his works, including The Everlasting Man in 1925. His poetry was also popular.
Agatha Christie
(1891-1976)
English writer
Synonymous with the mystery novel, she published her first whodunnit, The Mysterious Affair at Styles in 1920. One of her most acclaimed books The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was published in 1926. She wrote prolifically until her death.
Paul Claudel
(1876-1944)
French writer, diplomat
Prolific man of letters, prose, poetry, etc. Part of the 1920s Paris scene.
Irvin S. Cobb
(1876-1944)
U.S. writer
Journalist, humorist, and general observer of Americana, Cobb was a prolific book author (more than 60 titles) and regular contributor in the 1920s to publications such as The New York Times, The Saturday Evening Post, and Cosmopolitan.
Jean Cocteau
(1889-1963)
French poet/playwright/novelist/filmmaker/designer
A jack of all arts and a true bohemian of the 1920s, Cocteau's endeavors put him in the center of attention even when collaborating with equally famous artists. His works crossed many disciplines and referenced many past and modern artistic trends from existentialism to surrealism and Greek mythology. He first gained fame as a poet in 1909, then as a designer for Sergei Diaghilev's Ballet Russes. He wrote modernist ballets, most notably Le boeuf sur le tiot with composer Darius Milhaud in 1920.In the 1920s, he concentrated mostly on prose and plays. Opium (1923) described his drug addiction. The play Orpheus (1926) combined the modern, the absurd and the mythical. His novel Children of the Game (1929) was followed by his first film, the surrealistic Le sang d'un poete (Blood of a Poet) (1930). He continued making classic surrealistic films until 1960.
Colette
(1873-1954)
French writer
One of the most admired and acclaimed novelists of the century; her often autobiographical works are respected and enjoyed for their honest insight into the emotional and physical aspects of human relationships and sexuality. The novel Cheri (1920) established her fame.
e.e. cummings
(Edward Estlin Cummings)
(1894-1962)
U.S. poet/writer
Famous for the unusual free syntax, punctuation and invented words in his poetry, his work in the 1920s included his first volume of poetry Tulips and Chimneys (1923) and XLI Poems (1925). His World War I experiences were chronicled in his novel The Enormous Room in 1922. Also wrote the play him in 1927. NOTE: The E.E. Cummings Society has decided that E.E. Cummings' name can and should now be capitalized.
John Dos Passos
(1896-1970)
U.S. writer
A prolific novelist, critic, and observer of the American scene. His first novel was One Man's Initiation-1917 (1920), but it was his uncompromising anti-military Three Soldiers (1921) that brought him popular and critical success. Manhattan Transfer was an epic view of New York City that established the kaleidoscopic style of his later works.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
(1859-1930)
English writer
The prolific creator of the Sherlock Holmes stories and historical novels was still at work in the last decade of his life, completing a six-volume history of World War I in 1920, writing volumes on spiritualism in 1926 and his autobiography Memories and Adventures in 1924.
Theodore Dreiser
(1871-1945)
U.S. writer
Acclaimed for his realistic novels of American life, his first, Sister Carrie (1900) was controversial for its sexual content. His greatest popular success came with the highly detailed account of a murder case An American Tragedy (1925). He became a stauch communist in the 1920s, and continued writing prolifically for the rest of this life.
W.E.B. du Bois
(1868-1963)
U.S. writer/civil rights leader
Will Durant
(1885-1981
U.S. historian, writer
His series of popular books on world history were bestsellers, starting with the multi-million selling The Story of Mankind (1926). His later titles listed spouse Ariel as co-author, even though she also worked with him on earlier titles.
Ilya Ehrenburg
(1891-1967)
Russian writer
Author of many novels in the 1920s and later. One of his best is considered to be Extraordinary Adventures of Julio Jurenito and His Disciples (1921), his first.
Paul Eluard
(1895-1952)
French poet
Co-founder of the surrealist movement, with Andre Breton and Louis Aragon, in the arts and literature in France. His works included Capitale de la douleur (1926).
William Faulkner
(1897-1962)
U.S. writer
One of America's most original and complex novelists, his work is notable for its ambitious stream-of-consciousness narratives and rambling paragraphs. His first novel was Soldier's Pay in 1926. His first masterwork was The Sound and the Fury (1929). Many renowned works followed. he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949.
Jessie Fauset
(1882-1961)
U.S. writer
A key figure in the "Harlem Renaissance" artistic movement of the 1920s, she wrote novels that explored middle-class black American life. Key works include There is Confusion (1924) and Plum Bun: A Novel Without a Moral (1928)
Edna Ferber
(1887-1968)
U.S. writer/playwright
An incredibly popular writer, practically everything she wrote turned to gold. Most of her works were big-scaled epics set in 1800s America, particularly the west. Her work was also notable for featuring strong female protagonists. Her 1924 novel So Big won a Pulitzer Prize. The 1927 production of her 1926 novel Show Boat was a legendary theatrical triumph. Among her many books that became popular films were Cimarron (1930) and Giant (1952). With George S. Kaufman, she wrote hit plays such as The Royal Family (1927), Dinner at Eight (1932), and Stage Door (1936). She published short stories also.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
(1896-1940)
U.S. writer
Quintessential 1920s author; his alternately angst-ridden and carefree lifestyle--marked by insecurity, alcoholism, and a mentally disturbed spouse (Zelda) is as well known as his work. He coined "flapper" and "the jazz age." His first novel, This Side of Paradise (1920) was a critical and popular success. His short stories about the unrealized dreams of the rich and the young were always popular, appearing in major magazines, and in many book collections of the period. His masterpiece The Great Gatsby (1925) was a commercial flop, but a critical success. His life in the 1930s, marked by heavy drinking and unfulfilling screenwriting work in Hollywood, hastened his early death.
E.M. Forster
(1879-1970)
English writer
In novels, short stories and essays, his work examined social customs and communication rifts within British society and in the presence of colonial ethnic cultures. One of his most acclaimed novels, A Passage to India, was published in 1924.
Robert Frost
(1874-1963)
U.S. poet
Chronicler of the humor and travails of rural New England life; his prolific output included New Hampshire (1923), A Poem with Notes and Grace Notes (1924), and West-Running Brook (1928). He won the first of four career Pulitzer Prizes in 1924.
John Galsworthy
(1867-1933)
English writer/playwright
The English social classes are examined in his work. A collection of his works The Forsyte Saga was published in 1922. It was followed by the novel The White Monkey in 1924, and many more. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1932.
Federico Garcia Lorca
(1898-1936)
Spanish poet/playwright
One of the greatest writers in the history of Spain, his works are widely translated. HIs works ranged widely in subject matter and genres-- from poems about nature, gypsys and bullfighters to tragic plays about rural life and farcical comedies. His poetry collections of the 1920s include Libro de poemas (1921), Canciones (1927), and Gypsy Ballads (1928).
Andre' Gide
(1869-1951)
French writer
A controversial poet, novelist and playwright, Gide powerfully examined the confusing pull within human beings to chose the order of traditionally defined morality or to pursue the temptations of sensual pleasure or lawlessness. His complex, popular novel The Counterfeiters was published in 1926.
Maxim Gorki
(1868-1936)
Russian writer
One of the most revered of Russian writers; his most famous works are a trio of autobiographical novels collectively known as "The Gorki Trilogy," published from 1914 to 1923.
Zane Grey
(1875-1939)
U.S. writer
Author of immensely popular, action-packed adventure westerns. Among his 60-book output was The Thundering Herd (1925). Almost all of this books were big sellers, especially in the 1920s.
Dashiell Hammett
(1894-1961)
U.S. writer
He began his career in the 1920s, writing in an emerging genre called the "hardboiled" detective story for cheesy pulp fiction magazines. His first novel Red Harvest (1929) displayed his trademark unsentimental, razor-sharp style. That work, as well as The Dain Curse (1929), The Maltese Falcon (1930), The Glass Menagerie (1931), and The Thin Man (1934) were all popular and continue to be admired.
Knut Hamsun
(1859-1952)
Norwegian writer
Considered one of Norway's great novelists; his early works explored the suffering of outcast loners, especially the famous study of a starving writer Hunger (1890). Later novels explored the problems of society. He won the 1920 Nobel Prize in literature for his masterpiece The Growth of the Soil (1917), a study of peasants. Another notable work, Vagabonds was published in 1927.
Jaroslav Hasek
(1883-1923)
Czech writer
His tragi-comic World War I novel, The Good Soldier Schweik (1920-1923) was a worldwide success.
Ernest Hemingway
(1899-1961)
U.S. writer
Novelist and short story writer lauded for the economy and unpretentiousness of his prose. Found subject matter from his prolific traveling and quest for adventure. His creative work first appeared in 1920. His most notable novels of the decade included his first critical success, The Sun Also Rises (1926), and A Farewell to Arms (1929).
Langston Hughes
(1902-1967)
U.S. writer/poet
Novelist and poet; his works expressed the trials of black American life. His poetry collections included The Weary Blues (1926). A key artist in the literary movement known as The Harlem Rennaissance of the 1920s.
Fannie Hurst
(1889-1968)
U.S. writer
Popular American novelist of the 1920s and 1930s; her sentimental works such as Star Dust (1921), Back Street (1930), and Imitation of Life (1933) examined the lives of common New Yorkers and the problems faced by modern women. She was controversial for her personal views about free love and open marriage.
Aldous Huxley
(1894-1963)
English writer
His versatility was shown in novels, essays and poems covering a wide range of subjects. Irony and pessimism are prominent in his works, particularly in the case of the grim future prophesied in his renowned science fiction novel Brave New World (1932). He published his first novel Crome Yellow in 1921, and one of this most famous Point Counter Point in 1928.
James Joyce
(1882-1941)
Irish writer
Acclaimed as one of the greatest novelists of all time, largely because of the towering, stream-of-consciouness masterwork Ulysses (1922). An incalculably influential force in the century's literature.
Franz Kafka
(1883-1924)
Czech writer in the German language
Angst, loneliness, hopelessness, torment, senseless entrapment are words that describe the claustrophobic absurd literary universe of Kafka. His precisely written, ironic stories and novels explored the darkness of the human condition. His posthumously published novels The Trial (1925), The Castle (1926), and Amerika (1927), as well as his earlier short stories such as "The Metamorphosis," established his reputation as one of the century's most enduring writers.
Ring Lardner
(1885-1933)
U.S. writer/humorist
On the beat as a newspaper columnist and sports reporter from 1907 to 1919, he developed a keen ear for the character and speech of Americans, which he used in his widely read, satirical short stories, compiled in numerous books in the 1920s.
D.H. Lawrence
(1885-1930)
English writer
The controversy surrounding the frank sexual content of his novels Women in Love (1921) and Lady Chatterley's Lover (1928) overshadowed his serious theme of finding genuine human connection despite barriers imposed by artificial social pretension and workaday necessity.
T.E. Lawrence
(1888-1935)
English adventurer/soldier/writer
He was a British intelligence officer who became known as "Lawrence of Arabia" for his efforts to unite Arabs in the fight against Turkish rule during World War I. He continued his diplomatic efforts to promote Arab independence in the early 1920s. His account of his adventures, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom was a critical and popular success.
Sinclair Lewis
(1885-1951)
U.S. writer
One of the great popular writers of the 1920s, his novels Main Street (1920) and Babbitt (1922) satirized American middle-class conformity, and were huge bestsellers as well as critical triumphs. "Babbitt" became a household word to describe boring businessmen. Other successful novels included Arrowsmith (1925), which reaffirmed idealism, Elmer Gantry (1927), which topically satirized evangelical hypocrisy, and Dodsworth (1929), which skewered upper class pretension. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930.
(Percy) Wyndham Lewis
(1882-1957)
English writer, painter
Equally admired as a painter (experimentalist and portraiture) and satirical writer. Novels included: Tarr (1919), The Childermass (1928), and The Apes of God (1930).
Walter Lippmann
(1889-1974)
U.S. journalist
Lippmann was one of the greatest intellects of 20th century journalism. The dean of American political writers, he was a newspaper columnist, editor, and book author. He coined the word "stereotype" in his influential 1922 best-seller Public Opinion.He was a co-founder of the liberal magazine New Republic. His potent grasp of world affairs influenced President Woodrow Wilson. He was editor of the New York World from 1929 to 1931, and thereafter started his internationally renowned "Today and Tomorrow" column in theNew York Herald Tribune. He published a landmark book of the 1920s A Preface to Morals in 1929. He later won two Pulitzer Prizes and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1964).
Anita Loos
(1893-1981)
U.S. writer/playwright
Loos was a successful Hollywood screenwriter for several decades, starting in 1912. In the 1920s, she created the character Lorelei Lee, the quintessential vacuous '20s flapper and central protagonist of her smash hit book Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1925). Loos adapted her book to a highly successful Broadway play of the same name in 1926.
Thomas Mann
(1875-1955)
German writer
One of the century's most influential writers; his novels explored the spiritual and intellectual plight of central protagonists who are outcasts in their environment. His most famous work, The Magic Mountain, was published in 1925.
W. Somerset Maugham
(1874-1965)
English writer
Distinguished novelist and short story author with a flair for the slightly melodramatic in his tales of outcast protagonists attempting to follow their bliss. He is perhaps most admired for his short stories, especially "Rain," published in the collection The Trembling of the Leaf (1921). His most famous works are the novels Of Human Bondage (1915) and The Moon and Sixpence (1919). He wrote several plays in the 1920s, including the Circle (1921) and Our Betters (1923). His works in the 1920s included the novels The Painted Veil (1925) and Ashenden: or the Secret Agent (1928), an early spy book.
Francois Mauriac
(1885-1970)
French writer
As a religious man and a complex novelist, his work explored the moral struggles within people to live spiritual lives. Many consider his 1920s novels to be among the century's greatest literary achievements. He published his first novel in 1922. His acclaimed works include The Desert of Love (1925) and Therese Desqueyroux (1927). Later (1952), he won the Nobel Prize for literature.
H.L. Mencken
(1880-1956)
U.S. journalist/critic
Mencken was one of the most hated and admired men of the 1920s. Ever quotable, he was the most potent opinion leader of the era. Not one to suffer fools, and controversial because of his unflinching, acid-tongued criticism of the great unwashed masses, patriotism, religion, paragons of virtue and other sacred cows, he was looked to as a sort of guru of progressive, liberal thought. He was really a more old-fashioned curmudgeon, steeped in traditional values that stressed libertarianism and self-improvement. He and critic George Jean Nathan co-edited the satirical magazine The Smart Set from 1914 to 1923. In 1924, they co-founded its successor, the hard-hitting American Mercury, the "in" magazine among college students and other rebellious youth. His essays were compiled in the six-volume Prejudices, published from 1919 to 1927. From 1936 to 1948, he published an exhaustive study of the history of American English, The American Language.
Edna St. Vincent Millay
(1892-1950)
U.S. poet
The most popular and acclaimed American woman poet of the 1920s, Millay was a master of traditional lyrical verse. Major works of the decade included A Few Figs from Thistles (1920) and the Pulitzer-Prize-winning The Ballad of the Harp Weaver (1923).
A.A. Milne
(1882-1956)
English writer
He wrote popular plays and other works in the 1920s, but his enduring fame came with the publication of a series of childrens' books that included the classic, Winnie the Pooh (1926).
Marianne Moore
(1887-1972)
U.S. poet
Her poetry was noted for its precise descriptive power. Of 1920s poets, her reputation has grown perhaps more than that of her once-lauded contemporaries. Her first collection Poems was published in 1921. From 1925 to 1929 she edited the literary magazine The Dial. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1952 for her Collected Poems.
(List taken from website about 1920s that is no longer in existence.)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
1920s: People, Aimee Semple McPherson
Aimee Semple McPherson
(1890-1944)
U.S. religious leader, evangelist
"Sister Aimee" was one of the most fascinating characters of the 1920s, an iconic figure who has a cult religious following even to this day. She was the first, and certainly the most successful, evangelist to use the accouterments of the modern world to build a church with a massive following. She started out using an auto, her so-called "Gospel Car" to take her "Jesus Saves" message from town to town, and also used the radio liberally to spread the word. After press reports about her alleged powers to heal the sick, her fame was secured. She founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and in 1923 moved it into the new 5,000-seat Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, complete with a revolving illuminated cross on top that could be seen for miles. Although she preached against the sins of entertainment, her own sermons were staged with a theatrical elan worthy of nearby Hollywood. For 20 years, she preached about Jesus for pilgrims at the temple as well as to the radio audience. Her own personal life was less than holy. She left her first husband to pursue her religious career, and eventually married and divorced three times. In 1926, she mysteriously disappeared and five weeks later claimed to have been kidnapped, but speculation was that she had staged the incident herself for either publicity or to be with a lover. She O.D'd on sleeping pills and died in 1944. Her exploits inspired the Sinclair Lewis' novel Elmer Gantry (1927).
(1890-1944)
U.S. religious leader, evangelist
"Sister Aimee" was one of the most fascinating characters of the 1920s, an iconic figure who has a cult religious following even to this day. She was the first, and certainly the most successful, evangelist to use the accouterments of the modern world to build a church with a massive following. She started out using an auto, her so-called "Gospel Car" to take her "Jesus Saves" message from town to town, and also used the radio liberally to spread the word. After press reports about her alleged powers to heal the sick, her fame was secured. She founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and in 1923 moved it into the new 5,000-seat Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, complete with a revolving illuminated cross on top that could be seen for miles. Although she preached against the sins of entertainment, her own sermons were staged with a theatrical elan worthy of nearby Hollywood. For 20 years, she preached about Jesus for pilgrims at the temple as well as to the radio audience. Her own personal life was less than holy. She left her first husband to pursue her religious career, and eventually married and divorced three times. In 1926, she mysteriously disappeared and five weeks later claimed to have been kidnapped, but speculation was that she had staged the incident herself for either publicity or to be with a lover. She O.D'd on sleeping pills and died in 1944. Her exploits inspired the Sinclair Lewis' novel Elmer Gantry (1927).
1920s: Slangs (more)
From: The Internet Guide to Jazz Age Slang (by David Larkins)
A
ab-so-lute-ly: affirmative
all wet: incorrect
And how!: I strongly agree!
ankle: to walk, i.e.. "Let's ankle!"
apple sauce: flattery, nonsense, i.e.. "Aw, applesauce!"
Attaboy!: well done!; also, Attagirl!
B
baby: sweetheart. Also denotes something of high value or respect.
baby grand: heavily built man
baby vamp: an attractive or popular female, student.
balled up: confused, messed up.
baloney: Nonsense!
Bank's closed.: no kissing or making out ie. "Sorry, mac, bank's closed."
bearcat: a hot-blooded or fiery girl
beat it: scram, get lost.
beat one's gums: idle chatter
bee's knee's: terrific; a fad expression. Dozens of "animal anatomy" variations existed: elephant's eyebrows, gnat's whistle, eel's hips, etc.
beef: a complaint or to complain.
beeswax: business, i.e. "None of your beeswax." Student.
bell bottom: a sailor
bent: drunk
berries: (1) perfect (2) money
big cheese: important person
big six: a strong man; from auto advertising, for the new and powerful six cylinder engines.
bimbo: a tough guy
bird: general term for a man or woman, sometimes meaning "odd," i.e. "What a funny old bird."
blow: (1) a crazy party (2) to leave
bohunk: a derogatory name for an Eastern European immigrant. Out of use by 1930, except in certain anti-immigrant circles, like the KKK.
bootleg: illeagal liquor
breezer (1925): a convertable car
bubs: breasts
bug-eyed Betty (1927): an unattractive girl, student.
bull: (1) a policeman or law-enforcement official, including FBI. (2) nonesense, bullshit (3) to chat idly, to exaggerate
bump off: to kill
bum's rush, the: ejection by force from an establishment
bunny (1925): a term of endearment applied to the lost, confused, etc. Often coupled with "poor little."
bus: any old or worn out car.
bushwa: a euphemism for "bullshit"
Butt me.: I'll take a cigarette.
C
cake-eater: a lady's man
caper: a criminal act or robbery.
cat's meow: great, also "cat's pajamas" and "cat's whiskers"
cash: a kiss
Cash or check?: Do we kiss now or later?
cast a kitten: to have a fit. Used in both humorous and serious situations. i.e. "Stop tickling me or I'll cast a kitten!" Also, "have kittens."
chassis (1930): the female body
cheaters: eye glasses
check: Kiss me later.
chewing gum: double-speak, or ambiguous talk.
choice bit of calico: attractive female, student.
chunk of lead: an unnattractive female, student.
ciggy: cigarette
clam: a dollar
copacetic: excellent
crasher: a person who attends a party uninvited
crush: infatuation
cuddler: one who likes to make out
D
daddy: a young woman's boyfriend or lover, especially if he's rich.
daddy-o: a term of address; strictly an African-American term.
dame: a female. Did not gain widespread use until the 1930's.
dapper: a Flapper's dad
darb: a great person or thing. "That movie was darb."
dead soldier: an empty beer bottle.
deb: a debutant.
dewdropper: a young man who sleeps all day and doesn't have a job
dick: a private investigator. Coined around 1900, the term finds major recognition in the 20's.
dinge: a derogatory term for an African-American. Out of use by 1930.
dogs: feet
doll: an attractive woman.
dolled up: dressed up
don't know from nothing: doesn't have any information
don't take any wooden nickels: don't do anything stupid.
dope: drugs, esp. cocaine or opium.
doublecross: to cheat, stab in the back.
dough: money
drugstore cowboy: A well-dressed man who loiters in public areas trying to pick up women.
dry up: shut up, get lost
ducky: very good
dumb Dora: an absolute idiot, a dumbbell, especially a woman; flapper.
E
earful: enough
edge: intoxication, a buzz. i.e. "I've got an edge."
egg: a person who lives the big life
Ethel: an effeminate male.
F
face stretcher: an old woman trying to look young
fag: a cigarette. Also, starting around 1920, a homosexual.
fella: fellow. As common in its day as "man," "dude," or "guy" is today. "That John sure is a swell fella."
fire extinguisher: a chaperone
fish: (1) a college freshman (2) a first timer in prison
flat tire: a bore
flivver: a Model T; after 1928, also could mean any broken down car.
floorflusher: an insatiable dancer
flour lover: a girl with too much face powder
fly boy: a glamorous term for an aviator
For crying out loud!: same usage as today
four-flusher: a person who feigns wealth while mooching off others.
fried: drunk
futz: a euphemism for "fuck." i.e. "Don't futz around."
G
gams (1930): legs
gay: happy or lively; no connection to homosexuality. See "fag."
Get Hot! Get Hot!: encouragement for a hot dancer doing her thing
get-up (1930): an outfit.
get a wiggle on: get a move on, get going
get in a lather: get worked up, angry
gin mill: a seller of hard liquor; a cheap speakeasy
glad rags: "going out on the town" clothes
go chase yourself: get lost, scram.
gold-digger (1925): a woman who pursues men for their money.
goods, the: (1) the right material, or a person who has it (2) the facts, the truth, i.e. "Make sure the cops don't get the goods on you."
goof: (1) a stupid or bumbling person, (2) a boyfriend, flapper.
goofy: in love
grummy: depressed
grungy: envious
H
hair of the dog (1925): a shot of alcohol.
half seas over: drunk, also "half under."
handcuff: engagement ring
harp: an Irishman
hayburner: (1) a gas guzzling car (2) a horse one loses money on
heavy sugar (1929): a lot of money
heebie-jeebies (1926): "the shakes," named after a hit song.
heeler: a poor dancer
high hat: a snob.
hit on all sixes: to perform 100 per cent; as "hitting on all six cylinders"; perhaps a more common variation in these days of four cylinder engines was "hit on all fours". See "big six".
hood (late 20s): hoodlum
hooey: bullshit, nonsense. Very popular from 1925 to 1930, used somewhat thereafter.
hop: (1) opiate or marijuana (2) a teen party or dance
hope chest: pack of cigarettes
hopped up: under the influence of drugs
Hot dawg!: Great!; also: "Hot socks!" Rarely spelled as shown outside of flapper circles until popularized by 1940s comic strips.
hot sketch: a card or cut-up
I
"I have to go see a man about a dog.": "I've got to leave now," often meaning to go buy whiskey.
icy mitt: rejection
insured: engaged
iron (1925): a motorcycle, among motorcycle enthusiasts
ish kabibble (1925): a retort meaning "I should care." Was the name of a musician in the Kay Kayser Orchestra of the 1930s.
J
jack: money
Jake: great, ie. "Everything's Jake."
Jalopy: a dumpy old car
Jane: any female
java: coffee
jeepers creepers: "Jesus Christ!"
jerk soda: to dispense soda from a tap; thus, "soda jerk"
jigaboo: a derogatory term for an African-American
jitney: a car employed as a private bus. Fare was usually five-cents; also called a "nickel."
joe: coffee
Joe Brooks: a perfectly dressed person; student.
john: a toilet
juice joint: a speakeasy
K
kale: money
keen: appealing
kike: a derogatory term for a Jewish person
killjoy: a solemn person
knock up: to make pregnant
know one's onions: to know one's business or what one is talking about
L
lay off: cut the crap
left holding the bag: (1) to be cheated out of one's fair share (2) to be blamed for something
let George do it: a work evading phrase
level with me: be honest
limey: a British soldier or citizen, from World War I
line: a false story, as in "to feed one a line."
live wire: a lively person
lollapalooza (1930): a humdinger
lollygagger: (1) a young man who enjoys making out (2) an idle person
M
manacle: wedding ring
mazuma: money
Mick: a derogatory term for Irishmen
milquetoast (1924): a very timid person; from the comic book character Casper Milquetoast, a hen-pecked male.
mind your potatoes: mind your own business.
mooch: to leave
moonshine: homemade whiskey
mop: a handkerchief
munitions: face powder
N
neck: to kiss passionately
necker: a girl who wraps her arms around her boyfriend's neck
nifty: great, excellent
noodle juice: tea
nookie: sex
Not so good!: I personally disapprove
O
ofay: a commonly used Black expression for Whites
off one's nuts: crazy
Oh yeah!: I doubt it!
old boy: a male term of address, used in conversation with other males. Denoted acceptance in a social environment. Also "old man" "old fruit." "How's everything old boy?"
Oliver Twist: a skilled dancer
on a toot: a drinking binge
on the lam: fleeing from police
on the level: legitimate, honest
on the up and up: on the level
orchid: an expensive item
owl: a person who's out late
P
palooka: (1) a below-average or average boxer (2) a social outsider, from the comic strip character Joe Palooka, who came from humble ethnic roots
panic: to produce a big reaction from one's audience
panther sweat (1925): whiskey
percolate: (1) to boil over (2) As of 1925, to run smoothly; "perk"
pet: necking, only more; making out
petting pantry: movie theater
petting party: one or more couples making out in a room or auto
piffle: baloney
piker: (1) a cheapskate (2) a coward
pill: (1) a teacher (2) an unlikable person
pinch: to arrest. Pinched: to be arrested.
pinko: liberal
pipe down: stop talking
prom-trotter: a student who attends all school social functions
pos-i-lute-ly: affirmative, also "pos-i-tive-ly"
punch the bag: small talk
putting on the ritz: after the Ritz Hotel in Paris (and its namesake Caesar Ritz); doing something in high style. Also "ritzy."
Q
quiff: a slut or cheap prostitute
R
rain pitchforks: a downpour
razz: to make fun of
Real McCoy: a genuine item
regular: normal, typical, average; "Regular fella."
Reuben: an unsophisticated country bumpkin. Also "rube"
Rhatz!: How disappointing!
rub: a student dance party
rummy: a drunken bum
S
sap: a fool, an idiot. Very common term in the 20s.
says you: a reaction of disbelief
scratch: money
screaming meemies: the shakes
screwy: crazy; "You're screwy!"
sheba: one's girlfriend
sheik: one's boyfriend
shiv: a knife
simolean: a dollar
sinker: a doughnut
sitting pretty: in a prime position
skirt: an attractive female
smoke-eater: a smoker
smudger: a close dancer
sockdollager: an action having a great impact
so's your old man: a reply of irritation
spade: yet another derogatory term for an African-American
speakeasy: a bar selling illeagal liquor
spill: to talk
spoon: to neck, or at least talk of love
static: (1) empty talk (2) conflicting opinion
stilts: legs
struggle: modern dance
stuck on: in love, student.
sugar daddy: older boyfriend who showers girlfriend with gifts in exchange for sex
swanky: good
swell: (1) good (2) a high class person
T
take someone for a ride: to take someone to a deserted location and murder them.
tasty: appealing
teenager: not a common term until 1930; before then, the term was "young adults."
tell it to Sweeney: tell it to someone who'll believe it.
tight: attractive
Tin Pan Alley: the music industry in New York, located between 48th and 52nd Streets
tomato: a "ripe" female
torpedo: a hired thug or hitman
U
unreal: special
upchuck: to vomit
upstage: snobby
V
vamp: (1) a seducer of men, an aggressive flirt (2) to seduce
W
water-proof: a face that doesn't require make-up
wet blanket: see Killjoy
wife: dorm roomate, student.
What's eating you?: What's wrong?
whoopee: wild fun
Woof! Woof!: ridicule
X
Y
You slay me!: That's funny!
Z
Composed by: David Larkins
A
ab-so-lute-ly: affirmative
all wet: incorrect
And how!: I strongly agree!
ankle: to walk, i.e.. "Let's ankle!"
apple sauce: flattery, nonsense, i.e.. "Aw, applesauce!"
Attaboy!: well done!; also, Attagirl!
B
baby: sweetheart. Also denotes something of high value or respect.
baby grand: heavily built man
baby vamp: an attractive or popular female, student.
balled up: confused, messed up.
baloney: Nonsense!
Bank's closed.: no kissing or making out ie. "Sorry, mac, bank's closed."
bearcat: a hot-blooded or fiery girl
beat it: scram, get lost.
beat one's gums: idle chatter
bee's knee's: terrific; a fad expression. Dozens of "animal anatomy" variations existed: elephant's eyebrows, gnat's whistle, eel's hips, etc.
beef: a complaint or to complain.
beeswax: business, i.e. "None of your beeswax." Student.
bell bottom: a sailor
bent: drunk
berries: (1) perfect (2) money
big cheese: important person
big six: a strong man; from auto advertising, for the new and powerful six cylinder engines.
bimbo: a tough guy
bird: general term for a man or woman, sometimes meaning "odd," i.e. "What a funny old bird."
blow: (1) a crazy party (2) to leave
bohunk: a derogatory name for an Eastern European immigrant. Out of use by 1930, except in certain anti-immigrant circles, like the KKK.
bootleg: illeagal liquor
breezer (1925): a convertable car
bubs: breasts
bug-eyed Betty (1927): an unattractive girl, student.
bull: (1) a policeman or law-enforcement official, including FBI. (2) nonesense, bullshit (3) to chat idly, to exaggerate
bump off: to kill
bum's rush, the: ejection by force from an establishment
bunny (1925): a term of endearment applied to the lost, confused, etc. Often coupled with "poor little."
bus: any old or worn out car.
bushwa: a euphemism for "bullshit"
Butt me.: I'll take a cigarette.
C
cake-eater: a lady's man
caper: a criminal act or robbery.
cat's meow: great, also "cat's pajamas" and "cat's whiskers"
cash: a kiss
Cash or check?: Do we kiss now or later?
cast a kitten: to have a fit. Used in both humorous and serious situations. i.e. "Stop tickling me or I'll cast a kitten!" Also, "have kittens."
chassis (1930): the female body
cheaters: eye glasses
check: Kiss me later.
chewing gum: double-speak, or ambiguous talk.
choice bit of calico: attractive female, student.
chunk of lead: an unnattractive female, student.
ciggy: cigarette
clam: a dollar
copacetic: excellent
crasher: a person who attends a party uninvited
crush: infatuation
cuddler: one who likes to make out
D
daddy: a young woman's boyfriend or lover, especially if he's rich.
daddy-o: a term of address; strictly an African-American term.
dame: a female. Did not gain widespread use until the 1930's.
dapper: a Flapper's dad
darb: a great person or thing. "That movie was darb."
dead soldier: an empty beer bottle.
deb: a debutant.
dewdropper: a young man who sleeps all day and doesn't have a job
dick: a private investigator. Coined around 1900, the term finds major recognition in the 20's.
dinge: a derogatory term for an African-American. Out of use by 1930.
dogs: feet
doll: an attractive woman.
dolled up: dressed up
don't know from nothing: doesn't have any information
don't take any wooden nickels: don't do anything stupid.
dope: drugs, esp. cocaine or opium.
doublecross: to cheat, stab in the back.
dough: money
drugstore cowboy: A well-dressed man who loiters in public areas trying to pick up women.
dry up: shut up, get lost
ducky: very good
dumb Dora: an absolute idiot, a dumbbell, especially a woman; flapper.
E
earful: enough
edge: intoxication, a buzz. i.e. "I've got an edge."
egg: a person who lives the big life
Ethel: an effeminate male.
F
face stretcher: an old woman trying to look young
fag: a cigarette. Also, starting around 1920, a homosexual.
fella: fellow. As common in its day as "man," "dude," or "guy" is today. "That John sure is a swell fella."
fire extinguisher: a chaperone
fish: (1) a college freshman (2) a first timer in prison
flat tire: a bore
flivver: a Model T; after 1928, also could mean any broken down car.
floorflusher: an insatiable dancer
flour lover: a girl with too much face powder
fly boy: a glamorous term for an aviator
For crying out loud!: same usage as today
four-flusher: a person who feigns wealth while mooching off others.
fried: drunk
futz: a euphemism for "fuck." i.e. "Don't futz around."
G
gams (1930): legs
gay: happy or lively; no connection to homosexuality. See "fag."
Get Hot! Get Hot!: encouragement for a hot dancer doing her thing
get-up (1930): an outfit.
get a wiggle on: get a move on, get going
get in a lather: get worked up, angry
gin mill: a seller of hard liquor; a cheap speakeasy
glad rags: "going out on the town" clothes
go chase yourself: get lost, scram.
gold-digger (1925): a woman who pursues men for their money.
goods, the: (1) the right material, or a person who has it (2) the facts, the truth, i.e. "Make sure the cops don't get the goods on you."
goof: (1) a stupid or bumbling person, (2) a boyfriend, flapper.
goofy: in love
grummy: depressed
grungy: envious
H
hair of the dog (1925): a shot of alcohol.
half seas over: drunk, also "half under."
handcuff: engagement ring
harp: an Irishman
hayburner: (1) a gas guzzling car (2) a horse one loses money on
heavy sugar (1929): a lot of money
heebie-jeebies (1926): "the shakes," named after a hit song.
heeler: a poor dancer
high hat: a snob.
hit on all sixes: to perform 100 per cent; as "hitting on all six cylinders"; perhaps a more common variation in these days of four cylinder engines was "hit on all fours". See "big six".
hood (late 20s): hoodlum
hooey: bullshit, nonsense. Very popular from 1925 to 1930, used somewhat thereafter.
hop: (1) opiate or marijuana (2) a teen party or dance
hope chest: pack of cigarettes
hopped up: under the influence of drugs
Hot dawg!: Great!; also: "Hot socks!" Rarely spelled as shown outside of flapper circles until popularized by 1940s comic strips.
hot sketch: a card or cut-up
I
"I have to go see a man about a dog.": "I've got to leave now," often meaning to go buy whiskey.
icy mitt: rejection
insured: engaged
iron (1925): a motorcycle, among motorcycle enthusiasts
ish kabibble (1925): a retort meaning "I should care." Was the name of a musician in the Kay Kayser Orchestra of the 1930s.
J
jack: money
Jake: great, ie. "Everything's Jake."
Jalopy: a dumpy old car
Jane: any female
java: coffee
jeepers creepers: "Jesus Christ!"
jerk soda: to dispense soda from a tap; thus, "soda jerk"
jigaboo: a derogatory term for an African-American
jitney: a car employed as a private bus. Fare was usually five-cents; also called a "nickel."
joe: coffee
Joe Brooks: a perfectly dressed person; student.
john: a toilet
juice joint: a speakeasy
K
kale: money
keen: appealing
kike: a derogatory term for a Jewish person
killjoy: a solemn person
knock up: to make pregnant
know one's onions: to know one's business or what one is talking about
L
lay off: cut the crap
left holding the bag: (1) to be cheated out of one's fair share (2) to be blamed for something
let George do it: a work evading phrase
level with me: be honest
limey: a British soldier or citizen, from World War I
line: a false story, as in "to feed one a line."
live wire: a lively person
lollapalooza (1930): a humdinger
lollygagger: (1) a young man who enjoys making out (2) an idle person
M
manacle: wedding ring
mazuma: money
Mick: a derogatory term for Irishmen
milquetoast (1924): a very timid person; from the comic book character Casper Milquetoast, a hen-pecked male.
mind your potatoes: mind your own business.
mooch: to leave
moonshine: homemade whiskey
mop: a handkerchief
munitions: face powder
N
neck: to kiss passionately
necker: a girl who wraps her arms around her boyfriend's neck
nifty: great, excellent
noodle juice: tea
nookie: sex
Not so good!: I personally disapprove
O
ofay: a commonly used Black expression for Whites
off one's nuts: crazy
Oh yeah!: I doubt it!
old boy: a male term of address, used in conversation with other males. Denoted acceptance in a social environment. Also "old man" "old fruit." "How's everything old boy?"
Oliver Twist: a skilled dancer
on a toot: a drinking binge
on the lam: fleeing from police
on the level: legitimate, honest
on the up and up: on the level
orchid: an expensive item
owl: a person who's out late
P
palooka: (1) a below-average or average boxer (2) a social outsider, from the comic strip character Joe Palooka, who came from humble ethnic roots
panic: to produce a big reaction from one's audience
panther sweat (1925): whiskey
percolate: (1) to boil over (2) As of 1925, to run smoothly; "perk"
pet: necking, only more; making out
petting pantry: movie theater
petting party: one or more couples making out in a room or auto
piffle: baloney
piker: (1) a cheapskate (2) a coward
pill: (1) a teacher (2) an unlikable person
pinch: to arrest. Pinched: to be arrested.
pinko: liberal
pipe down: stop talking
prom-trotter: a student who attends all school social functions
pos-i-lute-ly: affirmative, also "pos-i-tive-ly"
punch the bag: small talk
putting on the ritz: after the Ritz Hotel in Paris (and its namesake Caesar Ritz); doing something in high style. Also "ritzy."
Q
quiff: a slut or cheap prostitute
R
rain pitchforks: a downpour
razz: to make fun of
Real McCoy: a genuine item
regular: normal, typical, average; "Regular fella."
Reuben: an unsophisticated country bumpkin. Also "rube"
Rhatz!: How disappointing!
rub: a student dance party
rummy: a drunken bum
S
sap: a fool, an idiot. Very common term in the 20s.
says you: a reaction of disbelief
scratch: money
screaming meemies: the shakes
screwy: crazy; "You're screwy!"
sheba: one's girlfriend
sheik: one's boyfriend
shiv: a knife
simolean: a dollar
sinker: a doughnut
sitting pretty: in a prime position
skirt: an attractive female
smoke-eater: a smoker
smudger: a close dancer
sockdollager: an action having a great impact
so's your old man: a reply of irritation
spade: yet another derogatory term for an African-American
speakeasy: a bar selling illeagal liquor
spill: to talk
spoon: to neck, or at least talk of love
static: (1) empty talk (2) conflicting opinion
stilts: legs
struggle: modern dance
stuck on: in love, student.
sugar daddy: older boyfriend who showers girlfriend with gifts in exchange for sex
swanky: good
swell: (1) good (2) a high class person
T
take someone for a ride: to take someone to a deserted location and murder them.
tasty: appealing
teenager: not a common term until 1930; before then, the term was "young adults."
tell it to Sweeney: tell it to someone who'll believe it.
tight: attractive
Tin Pan Alley: the music industry in New York, located between 48th and 52nd Streets
tomato: a "ripe" female
torpedo: a hired thug or hitman
U
unreal: special
upchuck: to vomit
upstage: snobby
V
vamp: (1) a seducer of men, an aggressive flirt (2) to seduce
W
water-proof: a face that doesn't require make-up
wet blanket: see Killjoy
wife: dorm roomate, student.
What's eating you?: What's wrong?
whoopee: wild fun
Woof! Woof!: ridicule
X
Y
You slay me!: That's funny!
Z
Composed by: David Larkins
1920s: Fashion
Elegance After Dark
The twenties' silhouette was a variation of the elongated tubular form introduced in the previous decade. The waistline was lowered to the hip. Hemlines gradually rose and reached the knee by 1924. Within three years they began to descend again. Some fullness was achieved with flairs, flounces and pleats. Sleeveless dresses were deemed appropriate for evening wear only. During the 1920s, haute couture took on the structure it has today. Paris design houses developed two collections a year, one for the spring and one for the autumn social seasons. Each designer presented prototypes on models in his or her salon. Garments selected by clients would then be copied and made to order. This entailed several fittings and work by many seamstresses and apprentices. The simple shapes of this period were easily adapted to standardized sizes. This, along with the introduction of electronically powered sewing machines in factories, led to mass production and distribution of new clothing styles. Consumerism in the United States was revolutionized and the number of fashion magazines escalated, providing immediate information on fashion trends.
The twenties' silhouette was a variation of the elongated tubular form introduced in the previous decade. The waistline was lowered to the hip. Hemlines gradually rose and reached the knee by 1924. Within three years they began to descend again. Some fullness was achieved with flairs, flounces and pleats. Sleeveless dresses were deemed appropriate for evening wear only. During the 1920s, haute couture took on the structure it has today. Paris design houses developed two collections a year, one for the spring and one for the autumn social seasons. Each designer presented prototypes on models in his or her salon. Garments selected by clients would then be copied and made to order. This entailed several fittings and work by many seamstresses and apprentices. The simple shapes of this period were easily adapted to standardized sizes. This, along with the introduction of electronically powered sewing machines in factories, led to mass production and distribution of new clothing styles. Consumerism in the United States was revolutionized and the number of fashion magazines escalated, providing immediate information on fashion trends.
1920s: Songs
1920:
Look for the Silver Lining (from Sally by Jerome Kern)
Wild Rose (from Sally by Jerome Kern)
Rose of Washington Square (from the Ziegfeld Follies of 1920)
Second-Hand Rose
When My Baby Smiles at Me
I'll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time
1921:
The Sheik of Araby
I'm Just Wild About Harry (from Shuffle Along)
My Man (from the Ziegfeld Follies of 1921)
Love Will Find a Way (from Shuffle Along)
All By Myself (by Irving Berlin)
Ma--He's Making Eyes at Me
There'll Be Some Changes Made
1922:
I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
My Rambler Rose
Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goodbye)
Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)
Three O'Clock in the Morning
'Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
Kiss in the Dark
1923:
Yes! We Have No Bananas
Who's Sorry Now
That Old Gang of Mine
Downhearted Blues (sung by Bessie Smith)
I Cried for You
I Won't Say I Will, But I Won't Say I Won't
1924:
Deep in My Heart
All Alone (by Irving Berlin)
What'll I Do? (by Irving Berlin)
Fascinating Rhythm (by George and Ira Gershwin)
The Man I Love (by George and Ira Gershwin)
Lady, Be Good (by George and Ira Gershwin)
It Had to Be You
Tea for Two
I'll See You in My Dreams
Indian Love Call (from Rose Marie)
1925:
I'm Sitting on Top of the World
If You Knew Susie, Like I Know Susie (by Buddy de Sylva)
Manhattan
Yes Sir, That's My Baby
Sweet Georgia Brown
Alabamy Bound
Show Me the Way to Go Home
Always (by Irving Berlin)
1926:
Someone to Watch Over Me (by George and Ira Gershwin)
Blue Skies (by Irving Berlin)
Bye, Bye Blackbird
The Birth of the Blues
Are You Lonesome Tonight
When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along
Tip Toe Through the Tulips
1927:
Mammy (sung by Al Jolson)
My Blue Heaven (sung by Gene Austin)
The Varsity Drag (from Good News)
Me and My Shadow
Ain't She Sweet
Side by Side
Make Believe (from Show Boat)
Ol' Man River (from Show Boat)
Girl of My Dreams
Sidewalks of New York
Back in Your Own Back Yard
Lucky Lindy
'Swonderful (from Funny Face by the Gershwins)
1928:
I Wanna Be Loved By You (Boop Boop-a-Doop)
I Can't Give You a Anything But Love
Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)
Love Me or Leave Me
Button Up Your Overcoat
Lover Come Back to Me
Makin' Whoopee
Frankie and Johnnie (sung by Mae West)
1929:
With a Song in My Heart
Star Dust (by Hoagy Carmichael)
Ain't Misbehavin'
Puttin' On the Ritz
What is this Thing Called Love?
Orange Blossom Time
You Do Something to Me
Why Was I Born? (from Hit the Deck)
Without a Song
More Than You Know
Happy Days are Here Again (from Chasing Rainbows)
Look for the Silver Lining (from Sally by Jerome Kern)
Wild Rose (from Sally by Jerome Kern)
Rose of Washington Square (from the Ziegfeld Follies of 1920)
Second-Hand Rose
When My Baby Smiles at Me
I'll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time
1921:
The Sheik of Araby
I'm Just Wild About Harry (from Shuffle Along)
My Man (from the Ziegfeld Follies of 1921)
Love Will Find a Way (from Shuffle Along)
All By Myself (by Irving Berlin)
Ma--He's Making Eyes at Me
There'll Be Some Changes Made
1922:
I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
My Rambler Rose
Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goodbye)
Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)
Three O'Clock in the Morning
'Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
Kiss in the Dark
1923:
Yes! We Have No Bananas
Who's Sorry Now
That Old Gang of Mine
Downhearted Blues (sung by Bessie Smith)
I Cried for You
I Won't Say I Will, But I Won't Say I Won't
1924:
Deep in My Heart
All Alone (by Irving Berlin)
What'll I Do? (by Irving Berlin)
Fascinating Rhythm (by George and Ira Gershwin)
The Man I Love (by George and Ira Gershwin)
Lady, Be Good (by George and Ira Gershwin)
It Had to Be You
Tea for Two
I'll See You in My Dreams
Indian Love Call (from Rose Marie)
1925:
I'm Sitting on Top of the World
If You Knew Susie, Like I Know Susie (by Buddy de Sylva)
Manhattan
Yes Sir, That's My Baby
Sweet Georgia Brown
Alabamy Bound
Show Me the Way to Go Home
Always (by Irving Berlin)
1926:
Someone to Watch Over Me (by George and Ira Gershwin)
Blue Skies (by Irving Berlin)
Bye, Bye Blackbird
The Birth of the Blues
Are You Lonesome Tonight
When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along
Tip Toe Through the Tulips
1927:
Mammy (sung by Al Jolson)
My Blue Heaven (sung by Gene Austin)
The Varsity Drag (from Good News)
Me and My Shadow
Ain't She Sweet
Side by Side
Make Believe (from Show Boat)
Ol' Man River (from Show Boat)
Girl of My Dreams
Sidewalks of New York
Back in Your Own Back Yard
Lucky Lindy
'Swonderful (from Funny Face by the Gershwins)
1928:
I Wanna Be Loved By You (Boop Boop-a-Doop)
I Can't Give You a Anything But Love
Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)
Love Me or Leave Me
Button Up Your Overcoat
Lover Come Back to Me
Makin' Whoopee
Frankie and Johnnie (sung by Mae West)
1929:
With a Song in My Heart
Star Dust (by Hoagy Carmichael)
Ain't Misbehavin'
Puttin' On the Ritz
What is this Thing Called Love?
Orange Blossom Time
You Do Something to Me
Why Was I Born? (from Hit the Deck)
Without a Song
More Than You Know
Happy Days are Here Again (from Chasing Rainbows)
1920s: Slangs
Terms referring to people:
* Flapper: Outspoken young woman with boyish manners and dress. Flappers actually modeled their style based on the look of French prostitutes; the companions of many a lonely American soldier (or "doughboy") during World War I.
* Sheik: A sexy young man; often the boyfriend of the flapper. A sheik's girlfriend might also be called a Sheba. Term inspired by sexy movie star Rudolph Valentino, famous for playing sheiks in films.
* Jazz babies: Another term for flappers
* Beaut: A cute flapper
* Joe College: Male college student
* Joe Zilch: A loser
* Jazzbo, jellybean: More terms for hip, hot young males
* Gold-digger: Flapper on the make for a rich boyfriend or husband
* Cat's Meow, Cat's Pajamas: "He's the cat's meow;" means "he's cute," "she's cute (or wonderful)," etc. Could also refer to things.
* Bee's knees: Same as "cat's meow."
* Two-timer (or) Ex: Terms referring to cheating and rejected suitors
* Petter, heavy necker, heavy petter, snugglepup: Amorous, frisky young guys
* Playboy, sugar daddy, big cheese: Financially well-to-do men, often with reputations for being generous in spending for gifts. A good catch for a gold-digger.
* Dumb Dora, dumbell: Stupid girl; airhead
Dating terms
* Hickie: Red mark left on girlfriend's neck by heavy petting boy
* Park: Verb meaning to stop at lover's lane, etc. and make love
* Carry a torch: A jilted lover's inability to let go of a former relationship
* Blind date: Date between a boy and girl who'd never met before; usually arranged by friends
* Petting, necking, heavy petting, etc.: Making love, making out; usually meant kissing and "feeling up" more than actually "going all the way."
* Stuck on: Attached; in love. Those two are "stuck on" each other.
Prohibition/Drinking terms:
* Speakeasy, gin mill, whoopee parlor: Secret, illegal bars
* Fried, crocked, ossified, juiced, etc.: Among the many terms for being drunk
* Moonshine, sauce, giggle water, hooch, bathtub gin, Jake-leg, etc. : Among the many terms for bootleg liquor
* Hair of the dog: A shot of alcohol
* Upchuck: Vomit, puke
* Rumrunner: Someone who smuggled good (not bootleg) alcoholic beverages into the United States
General Slang terms:
* Copacetic: An exclamation meaning great, excellent, cool, I understand, I dig that, etc.
* Bunk (or) baloney: Exclamations meaning it's b.s., it's not true, that's nonsense, it's a lotta hooey, it's a scam
* Banana oil: Same as bunk
* Absolutely, Positively, Posi-lootly: Exclamations meaning yes, of course, you bet; used by flappers and usually said slowly to accentuate each syllable
* Nifty, swell: Cool, excellent, that's great
* Ritzy, swanky: High class, cool
* Peppy: Full of energy, giddy
* It: Sex appeal
* Goofy: Something or someone stupid. Can also mean in love. "He's goofy for her." Also, a goof is a goofy/silly person.
* Whoopee: Makin' whoopee meant heavy petting or having sex. Whoopee also just meant have fun in general, getting drunk, partying, etc.
* Fly a Kite! (or) Go fly a kite!: Shut up, get away from me, get out of my face, go to Hell, jump off a bridge, etc.
* For crying out loud!: Something outrageous, stupid, unbelievable.
* Hard-boiled: Someone, usually a guy, with cold manners, not sentimental, a hard case.
* Hot diggety! Hot diggety dog!: Expression of excitement; or an emergency situation (Hot diggety! I gotta get going!)
* Get Hot!: Dance floor, party expression. Used to encourage dancers to perform a wild Charleston dance.
* Flapper: Outspoken young woman with boyish manners and dress. Flappers actually modeled their style based on the look of French prostitutes; the companions of many a lonely American soldier (or "doughboy") during World War I.
* Sheik: A sexy young man; often the boyfriend of the flapper. A sheik's girlfriend might also be called a Sheba. Term inspired by sexy movie star Rudolph Valentino, famous for playing sheiks in films.
* Jazz babies: Another term for flappers
* Beaut: A cute flapper
* Joe College: Male college student
* Joe Zilch: A loser
* Jazzbo, jellybean: More terms for hip, hot young males
* Gold-digger: Flapper on the make for a rich boyfriend or husband
* Cat's Meow, Cat's Pajamas: "He's the cat's meow;" means "he's cute," "she's cute (or wonderful)," etc. Could also refer to things.
* Bee's knees: Same as "cat's meow."
* Two-timer (or) Ex: Terms referring to cheating and rejected suitors
* Petter, heavy necker, heavy petter, snugglepup: Amorous, frisky young guys
* Playboy, sugar daddy, big cheese: Financially well-to-do men, often with reputations for being generous in spending for gifts. A good catch for a gold-digger.
* Dumb Dora, dumbell: Stupid girl; airhead
Dating terms
* Hickie: Red mark left on girlfriend's neck by heavy petting boy
* Park: Verb meaning to stop at lover's lane, etc. and make love
* Carry a torch: A jilted lover's inability to let go of a former relationship
* Blind date: Date between a boy and girl who'd never met before; usually arranged by friends
* Petting, necking, heavy petting, etc.: Making love, making out; usually meant kissing and "feeling up" more than actually "going all the way."
* Stuck on: Attached; in love. Those two are "stuck on" each other.
Prohibition/Drinking terms:
* Speakeasy, gin mill, whoopee parlor: Secret, illegal bars
* Fried, crocked, ossified, juiced, etc.: Among the many terms for being drunk
* Moonshine, sauce, giggle water, hooch, bathtub gin, Jake-leg, etc. : Among the many terms for bootleg liquor
* Hair of the dog: A shot of alcohol
* Upchuck: Vomit, puke
* Rumrunner: Someone who smuggled good (not bootleg) alcoholic beverages into the United States
General Slang terms:
* Copacetic: An exclamation meaning great, excellent, cool, I understand, I dig that, etc.
* Bunk (or) baloney: Exclamations meaning it's b.s., it's not true, that's nonsense, it's a lotta hooey, it's a scam
* Banana oil: Same as bunk
* Absolutely, Positively, Posi-lootly: Exclamations meaning yes, of course, you bet; used by flappers and usually said slowly to accentuate each syllable
* Nifty, swell: Cool, excellent, that's great
* Ritzy, swanky: High class, cool
* Peppy: Full of energy, giddy
* It: Sex appeal
* Goofy: Something or someone stupid. Can also mean in love. "He's goofy for her." Also, a goof is a goofy/silly person.
* Whoopee: Makin' whoopee meant heavy petting or having sex. Whoopee also just meant have fun in general, getting drunk, partying, etc.
* Fly a Kite! (or) Go fly a kite!: Shut up, get away from me, get out of my face, go to Hell, jump off a bridge, etc.
* For crying out loud!: Something outrageous, stupid, unbelievable.
* Hard-boiled: Someone, usually a guy, with cold manners, not sentimental, a hard case.
* Hot diggety! Hot diggety dog!: Expression of excitement; or an emergency situation (Hot diggety! I gotta get going!)
* Get Hot!: Dance floor, party expression. Used to encourage dancers to perform a wild Charleston dance.
1920s: Them Fads
“(The flapper) symbolized an age anxious to enjoy itself, anxious to forget the past, anxious to ignore the future”
- Jacques Chastenet, "Europe in the Twenties" in Purnell's History of the Twentieth Century
The loosening of restrictions on women was one of the most significant legacies of the 1920s. In both America and certain countries in Europe, women were voting for the first time. Victorianism and the turn of the century Gibson Girl were out, and in her place was a saucy, booze-drinking, cigarette-smoking, knee-length-dress-wearing flapper.
Youthful rebellion was certainly not unknown before the 1920s, but flappers and flaming youth struck at the very foundations of tradition and morality. Black-influenced jazz music as well as dance styles (ie. the Charleston and the Black Bottom) captivated white youth to the dismay of parents, especially fathers flirting with membership in the Ku Klux Klan.
Young women were wearing dresses and shockingly tight bathing suits that showed leg skin from the knee on down--an unprecedented flaunting of flesh. They were caking on makeup, rouge no less, with the aplomb of streetwalkers--and mothers despaired. Women wanted to be "smarty" like the poet and short story writer Dorothy Parker or freewheeling like the dancer Isadora Duncan.
Talking about Freud and sex were signs of hipness. While showing feminine flesh, flappers also sported an androgynous look, cutting their hair like boys (bobbed hair), but adding a feminine touch through shingling. sennet girl Young men, the flaming youth, wore raccoon coats and drove around in old used Model Ts. Having a copy of H.L. Mencken's radical American Mercury magazine handy was also a sign of coolness and rebellion.
The 1920s was the decade in which dating as we know it today was invented. The unchaperoned date was something new, and when flappers and flaming youth got together, the results could be explosive. Parents worried about "petting parties," where eager, youthful hands explored the nether regions of the opposite sex. Car rumble seats were also notorious spots for necking or "petting in the park," and "billing and cooing" (to "bill and coo" was to whisper sweet nothings while "making whoopee").
- Jacques Chastenet, "Europe in the Twenties" in Purnell's History of the Twentieth Century
The loosening of restrictions on women was one of the most significant legacies of the 1920s. In both America and certain countries in Europe, women were voting for the first time. Victorianism and the turn of the century Gibson Girl were out, and in her place was a saucy, booze-drinking, cigarette-smoking, knee-length-dress-wearing flapper.
Youthful rebellion was certainly not unknown before the 1920s, but flappers and flaming youth struck at the very foundations of tradition and morality. Black-influenced jazz music as well as dance styles (ie. the Charleston and the Black Bottom) captivated white youth to the dismay of parents, especially fathers flirting with membership in the Ku Klux Klan.
Young women were wearing dresses and shockingly tight bathing suits that showed leg skin from the knee on down--an unprecedented flaunting of flesh. They were caking on makeup, rouge no less, with the aplomb of streetwalkers--and mothers despaired. Women wanted to be "smarty" like the poet and short story writer Dorothy Parker or freewheeling like the dancer Isadora Duncan.
Talking about Freud and sex were signs of hipness. While showing feminine flesh, flappers also sported an androgynous look, cutting their hair like boys (bobbed hair), but adding a feminine touch through shingling. sennet girl Young men, the flaming youth, wore raccoon coats and drove around in old used Model Ts. Having a copy of H.L. Mencken's radical American Mercury magazine handy was also a sign of coolness and rebellion.
The 1920s was the decade in which dating as we know it today was invented. The unchaperoned date was something new, and when flappers and flaming youth got together, the results could be explosive. Parents worried about "petting parties," where eager, youthful hands explored the nether regions of the opposite sex. Car rumble seats were also notorious spots for necking or "petting in the park," and "billing and cooing" (to "bill and coo" was to whisper sweet nothings while "making whoopee").
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