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Slang

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History of American Slang Words

Language constantly evolves and the meanings of words in it

change.

Slang refers to words or phrases that begin to be used in a

widespread way.

Slang words show the attitudes of the group or sub-culture that

uses them.

Slang can appear as a brand new word, a new meaning for anexisting word, an abbreviation for a word, or a word that

becomes more generalized than its former, narrow meaning.

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Is it Slang?

Slang is not dialect, colloquialism, or catch phrases, where both

parties are familiar with the references.

i.e.Beam me up, Scotty from Star Trek.

It is not jargon, which is limited to a certain field.

slogans used in advertising.

i.e mmm mmm good, (Campbell's soup)

Graffiti is not slang.

Any special language used in a secret group.

http://www.yourdictionary.com/dialecthttp://www.yourdictionary.com/dialect

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The history of American slang words starts around the 17thcentury.

By the 18th century, the differences between America and

other English speaking countries prompted the evolution ofslang.

For a time, any words not used in Britain were consideredslang.

Originally considered to be the language of foreigners andcriminals, slang began to be used by writers in the 1900s.

The history of American slang words started as Americastarted and continues today.

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Why Use Slang?

It can be used just for fun or as a way to be witty or clever.

You can use it to be different or startling.

Even if you dont know it, slang enriches the language.

Many use it as a way to be friendly, or to show that they belong

to a certain group or profession.

Some engage in slang usage to be secretive, like those insecret societies, children, students, or prisoners.

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Slang is a way of using descriptive or figurative language.

It sometimes is irreverent and humorous.

Slang expressions describe activities or objects.

There is a high number of slang terms associated with the

activity or object if it is prevalent.

In 1901, G. K. Chesterton wrote All slang is metaphor, and allmetaphor is poetry, in Defence of Slang.

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+1900's popular expressions, slang...

Absent-minded beggar

The call of the wild

To face the music

To get one's bearings

More to something than meets the eye

s everybody happy? slang, the expression would have to be

ironic. Maybe this was a famous line from a novel or play, just

before all hell broke loose...Or of course it may have been a

song title.Any thoughts?

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+1900's popular expressions, slang...

Keep your shirt onjdj: yeah , ya ya Bowery boy....

Let the good times rolljdj: sounds early but I believe it

Long time no see

No harm in trying

Pardon my French

He doesn't have a pot to piss in

Someone is a big-shot

To get blotto (drunk)

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+1900's popular expressions, slang...

How's tricks?- a vulgar hello

Lay a patch: (Used when talking about someone peeling out in theircar... but can also be used to mean, someone getting out of the roomquickly) "Barb, sure did lay a patch when John walked in!

Lunachick- A crazy dame!

Bearcat - a hot-blooded or fiery girl

Big six -a strong man, comparing a man to the six cylinder engines that

were new at the time.

Applesauce: a curse same as horsefeathers, As in "Ah applesauce!

Edge - intoxication, a buzz. i.e. "I've got an edge.

Daffy- silly, crazy completely nuts

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+Slang of the 1920's

The twenties were the first decade to emphasize youth culture

over the older generations, and the flapper sub-culture had a

tremendous influence on main stream America; many new

words and phrases were coined by these liberated women.

Many of these are still used today!

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+Slang of the 1920's

Ab-so-lute-ly - affirmative

All Wet - describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, "he's all wet.

And How - I strongly agree!

Attaboy - well done!; also Attagirl!

Baby - sweetheart. Also denotes something of high value or res

Baloney - nonsense!

Dead Soldier- Empty drink

Cash or Check- to give a kiss now or later

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+Slang of the 1920's

Bank'sClosed - no kissing or making out - i.e. - "Sorry, Mac, the bank's closed."

Beatit - scam or get lost

Beatone'sgums - idle chatter

Bee's Knees-An extraordinary person, thing, idea; the ultimate

Beef- a complaint or to complain

Cat's Meow - Something splendid or stylish; similar to bee's knees; The best orgreatest, wonderful.

Cat's Pajamas - Same as cat's meow

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+Slang of the 1920's

Daddy - a youngwoman's boyfriend or lover, especially if he's rich

Dame - a female

Dapper- a Flapper's dad

Darb - An excellent person or thing (as in "the Darb" - a person with money who can be relied on topay the check)

Eggg A big shot- big man

Dick - a private investigator

Doll - an attractive woman

Dolled up- dressed up

The banks closed- no kissing or making out.

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+Lets see the slang in action

ilovelucy

http://www.primewire.ag/external.php?gd=1888708723&title=I+Love+Lucy&url=aHR0cDovL21vdnBvZC5uZXQvZnoxajRvNzF6MW90&domain=bW92cG9kLm5ldA==&loggedin=0http://www.primewire.ag/external.php?gd=1888708723&title=I+Love+Lucy&url=aHR0cDovL21vdnBvZC5uZXQvZnoxajRvNzF6MW90&domain=bW92cG9kLm5ldA==&loggedin=0