*Originally published on November 20, 2019
Updated on January 4, 2023:
It's been over 100 years since the Roaring Twenties, an era where flappers, speakeasies, and mobsters reigned supreme. It was also a time when there was a cultural shift from tradition into a "modern" age of rebellion, which came in the forms of the cinema, radio, automobiles, jazz, and, most importantly, new slang terms.
Not surprisingly, many of the terms used in the 1920s were related to alcohol—you know, since Prohibition was a thing and banned the importation and manufacturing of alcohol between 1920 and 1933. (Hey, peeps had to get their giggle water somehow!)
We've listed our favorite words/phrases from the Roaring Twenties below. Which slang term from the 1920s era is your favorite? Are there any that we missed on our list? Email us!
Ankle
To walk.
Bearcat
A woman who is spirited, strong-willed, and lively.
Berries
The best. Synonym to Bee's Knees.
Bee's Knees
The best. Synonym to Berries.
Bluenoses
Refers to an individual who is a prude or a killjoy.
Butt Me
Another way of saying, "I'd like a cigarette."
Cash
Nope, it's not money. It's a kiss, a smooch.
Clams
A dollar. Also, see Kale, Mazuma, and Voot.
Dewdropper
A young guy who is unemployed and spends his days sleeping away.
Ducky
Very good.
Dumb Dora
Refers to a woman who may not have a lot going upstairs, if you know what I mean.
Giggle Water
A word for alcohol, booze.
Handcuff
An engagement or wedding ring. (Seems appropriate!) Also, see Manacle.
Hayburner
It could mean one of two things: an automobile that guzzles gas, or a losing horse.
Hotsy-Totsy
A word for perfect.
Iron One's Shoelaces
A way to excuse oneself to the restroom.
Jake
Okay, fine. Example: "Don't worry, everything's jake."
Jorum of Skee
A swig of booze, particularly hard liquor.
Kale
Money. Also, see Clams, Mazuma, and Voot.
Know Your Onions
To know what's going on, stay up-to-date with the latest news.
Manacle
A wedding ring. Also, see Handcuff.
Mazuma
Money. Also, see Clams, Kale, and Voot.
Mrs. Grundy
An individual who's uptight, straight-laced.
Noodle Juice
Tea.
Oliver Twist
Someone who is a talented dancer.
On a Toot
On a bender.
Ossified
To be drunk. See Zozzled.
Panther Piss
Whiskey.
Petting Pantry
A movie theater/cinema.
Phonus Balonus
A way to say, "That's nonsense!"
Rub
A dance party for young kids, in high school or college.
Sinker
A doughnut.
Sockdolager
An event/action of great importance.
Tell It to Sweeney
What you say when you believe something is untrue. (We have no idea who Sweeney is ...)
Upstage
Snobby, arrogant.
Voot
Money. Also, see Clams, Mazuma, and Kale.
Zozzled
To be drunk. See Ossified.
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