They Say Em' From the Golden Era - Slang & Memorable Phrases

[K.D. Lightner]

I remember when I was very young, teenagers were saying "Hubba-Hubba" (I may have the spelling wrong). I don't know what it meant exactly, but got the idea that you said it was something was really neat or beautiful, i.e., a gorgeous new car.

Does anyone know about this saying? Time-line would have been mid or late 40's.

karol

 

[macawber]

Usually meant a gorgeous woman.

 

[happyfilmluvguy]

They Say Em' From the Golden Era

Many phrases came from various points in time. Phrases and expressions like "Just around the bend" or "keep it cool" and even "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going". A lot of phrases and expressions came from movies, others came from word of mouth, or the slip of the tongue (another expression). Do you know any phrases, expressions, or anything related that came from the Golden Era?

 

[moustache]

Maybe a wee bit earlier...

Many phrases came from various points in time. Phrases and expressions like "Just around the bend" or "keep it cool" and even "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going". A lot of phrases and expressions came from movies, others came from word of mouth, or the slip of the tongue (another expression). Do you know any phrases, expressions, or anything related that came from the Golden Era?

but i have always liked "some Kodak,eh?" and "monster!".
They sound bizarre today.My how language and slang evolve!!

JD in Vancouver,Wa

 

[Avalon]

I rather like "Grab a flop", though it's from the 1920s and not widely used today.

 

[Sunny]

I've found myself picking up words and epithets from old time radio. I'm using the term "louse" where I used to say "jerk," and using it all the time. I also say "film" or "picture" instead of "movie"; I have to stop myself so I don't confuse the person I'm talking to.

I like "solid," too, though I haven't nerved myself up to use it yet.

 

[The Wolf]

I use quite a few. One I noticed I've fallen into is "Let's hit the bricks." when it is time to go.
This might be fftopic: but I also say "bread and butter" when a post goes between my wife (or kids) and me.

Sincerely,
The WOLF

 

[Rick Blaine]

Wow, that's the bee's knees!

Slang of the 1920s... Now yer on the trolley!

 

[happyfilmluvguy]

Slang of the 1920s... Now yer on the trolley!

that's an intersting website....

I bet it came from TEXAS!


Is there one on other decades, 1930's or 40's lingo?

50's lingo?

 

[Girl Friday]

Wow... "upchuck" came from the 20's, very interesting.

 

[BegintheBeguine]

I'll read this later. A darb bought me some giggle water last night to celebrate my birthday, I got ossified, and now I have a katzenjammer. Reading the word 'upchuck' made me realize I don't feel very good.

 

[CharlieH.]

1930's slang

Get a loada dis, jack:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA04/hess/Slang/slangmenu2.html

And when in doubt about a modern woid:
http://www.etymonline.com/

Speaking of modern words, anyone know a 1930's equivalent for "nerd"?

 

[Benny Holiday]

Nerd = "Icky"

Someone who wasn't socially acceptable, a bit of a squarehead.

My Dad used to come out with some classic late 30's and 40's sayings. "Go to town," was a favourite, when someone did something with vigor. Then there was the classic expression of disgust, "Swallow me bloody tonsils!"

 

[happyfilmluvguy]

Get a loada dis, jack:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA04/hess/Slang/slangmenu2.html

And when in doubt about a modern woid:
http://www.etymonline.com/

Speaking of modern words, anyone know a 1930's equivalent for "nerd"?

haha, wow.....

I wonder who's making these websites and where they're getting their information. Maybe it's Johnny Twenties from Man of the Century. Or some other person who walks down the street and uses these phrases on a regular basis.

 

[Miss Sis]

Well, one old lady (86) I know still says 'fan me with a wet kipper!' if she is surprised or meaning worn out.
Another one which I still am not sure what it means is 'chase Aunt Fanny round the garden'. It has nothing to do with backsides, as it is an English saying, not an American one!
I think it might be another expression of surprise?

 

[LizzieMaine]

Speaking of modern words, anyone know a 1930's equivalent for "nerd"?

"Drip" might also fill the bill. Or if you're a hepcat, how about "moldy fig?"

 

[Fletch]

Since about 1945, a hepcat is a moldy fig. (As opposed to a mouldy fygge, who can't abide saxophones, rhythm guitar, or riffs.)

As to "icky" slang, may I quote from the 1940 Woody Herman opus Get Your Boots Laced Papa:
Don't be a square from Delaware...
Don't be a goon from Saskatoon...
Don't be an ick from Battle Crick...
Get Your Boots Laced Papa

 

[CharlieH.]

Drip... that's a good one!

"Chase aunt Fanny round the garden" sounds like "Go chase yourself!" as in "scram!".

 

[katiemakeup]

I like "Knock me a kiss!" and "What's it to ya?" ha ha! I've always thought 'masher' was amusing... probably not the act of mashing lol

 

[katiemakeup]

I rather like "Grab a flop", though it's from the 1920s and not widely used today.

And this means...?