Slang of the 1920s

The1920sChannel
12 Mar 202014:25
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video provides an insightful look into the vibrant slang of the 1920s, offering a fascinating glimpse into the pop culture and language of that era. The narrator explores a range of slang words and phrases, from the common 'dough' for money and 'chic' for an attractive man, to more obscure terms like 'ragamuffin' and 'making whoopee.' The video delves into the origins and meanings of these vintage expressions, shedding light on the social dynamics, attitudes, and lifestyles of the time. Whether for historical interest or adding an authentic touch to 1920s-themed events, this video serves as an engaging guide to the lively and often playful slang that defined the Jazz Age.

Takeaways
  • 🗣️ The video provides insights into popular slang words and phrases used in the 1920s, offering a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of that era.
  • 👥 Slang was primarily used by younger generations and certain groups, reflecting the trends and norms of the time.
  • 💰 Words like 'dough' and 'bread' were commonly used to refer to money, reflecting the economic conditions of the era.
  • 👩 Terms like 'vamp' and 'tomato' were used to describe seductive or attractive women, highlighting the societal attitudes towards women at the time.
  • 👨 Words like 'sheik' and 'chic' were used to describe charming and handsome men, reflecting the idealized masculinity of the era.
  • 👗 Phrases like 'putting on the Ritz' and 'ritzy' were used to describe fancy or lavish things, reflecting the affluence and social status of certain groups.
  • 🥴 Words like 'fried' and 'whoopee' were used to euphemistically refer to alcohol consumption and sexual activities, reflecting the underground culture and societal taboos of the time.
  • 🚔 Slang words like 'hot' and 'hock' were used in reference to stolen goods and pawning, reflecting the prevalence of crime and petty theft during the era.
  • 💇‍♀️ The 'bob' hairstyle became an iconic symbol of the modern, liberated woman, reflecting the changing societal norms and attitudes towards women's fashion and independence.
  • ✨ The phrase 'having it' referred to possessing natural sex appeal and charisma, highlighting the importance placed on physical attractiveness and charm during the 1920s.
Q & A

  • Why does the script emphasize the importance of understanding slang from the 1920s?

    -The script emphasizes the importance of understanding 1920s slang as it reflects the pop culture of the time and provides insights into the social dynamics and trends of that era. It also aims to correct the overuse or misrepresentation of certain slang words in modern portrayals.

  • What common misconception about 1920s slang does the video address?

    -The video addresses the misconception that gangster and criminal slang were predominantly used in the 1920s, clarifying that such language was only used by a small part of the population.

  • How did the term 'dough' come to mean money, according to the script?

    -The term 'dough' came to mean money because earning one's living by making bread was common, making it unsurprising that 'dough' would be used to refer to money.

  • Who was Theda Bara, and how did she influence the term 'vamp'?

    -Theda Bara was a famous actress known for her roles as a seductive woman in early films. The term 'vamp' derived from such characters and referred to a woman who seduces men, influenced by Bara's portrayal of these roles.

  • What does the term 'chic' originally refer to, and how did its meaning evolve?

    -Originally, 'chic' referred to a handsome and lustful man, influenced by Rudolph Valentino's role in the film 'The Sheik'. Its meaning evolved to generally describe an attractive man.

  • Explain the origin of the phrase 'putting on the Ritz' and its meaning.

    -The phrase 'putting on the Ritz' originated from the prestigious Ritz hotels in Paris and London, and it means to dress very fancy or fashionably. It was popularized by Irving Berlin's song and a musical film starring Fred Astaire.

  • What does the term 'ragamuffin' imply, and what is its origin?

    -The term 'ragamuffin' implies a person looks messy or dirty, suggesting a resemblance to a homeless person. Its exact origin is unclear, but it likely originated in England centuries before the 1920s.

  • How was the term 'tomato' used in the 1920s, and what does it imply?

    -In the 1920s, 'tomato' was used to describe a very attractive woman, implying she was 'ready for the picking'. It was used generally, even though it appears lowbrow.

  • What activities might 'making whoopee' refer to in the context of the 1920s?

    -In the 1920s, 'making whoopee' could refer to having a really good time, including euphemisms for engaging in sexual activities. It was a common way to hint at such activities discreetly.

  • Describe the significance of the bob haircut in the 1920s.

    -The bob haircut symbolized a modern woman of the 1920s who was ready to embrace life's pleasures, such as parties, dancing, and flirting. It became so associated with flappers that it still conjures that image today.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Exploring 1920s Slang

This segment introduces the concept of slang in the 1920s, emphasizing its role in reflecting the pop culture and societal trends of the era. The video aims to correct common misconceptions about slang usage, noting that it was primarily utilized by younger, trend-aware groups and not just by gangsters and criminals. It highlights that while some slang terms were specific to the 1920s, many continued to be used into the 1940s. Key terms discussed include 'dough' and 'bread' for money, 'vamp' for a seductive woman, 'sheik' for a charming man, and 'Sheba' as its female counterpart, with each term providing insight into the social dynamics and cultural trends of the time.

05:04
🎩 Fashion and Social Etiquette of the Era

The second paragraph delves into more slang terms and phrases, focusing on appearances and social behaviors. 'Ragamuffin' is explained as a term for someone looking unkempt, while 'tomato' denotes an attractive woman, highlighting the era's gender-specific slang. The concept of a 'wet blanket' as a party pooper is introduced, alongside 'making whoopee' for having a good time, subtly alluding to the euphemism's broader implications. The segment also touches on Prohibition-era slang like 'fried' for drunk, showcasing the creativity used to discuss taboo topics like alcohol consumption and hinting at the societal undercurrents of the time.

10:11
🚓 Crime and Leisure in the 1920s

This part expands on the themes of crime and leisure, illustrating the lexicon's versatility in covering various aspects of life. Terms like 'hot' for stolen items and 'to hock' for pawning highlight the era's economic challenges and petty crimes. The discussion of 'petting parties' reveals the period's changing social norms and the youth's rebellion against conservative values. Hairstyles like the 'bob cut' symbolize the modern woman's emancipation, juxtaposing societal progress with lingering traditional judgments. The segment also explores the emotional lexicon with 'heebie-jeebies' for a feeling of discomfort, showcasing the 1920s as a time of cultural dynamism and linguistic innovation.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Slang
Slang refers to informal language that is often specific to a particular group or era. In the context of the 1920s, slang words and phrases are highlighted as a crucial part of popular culture, offering insights into the era's social dynamics, trends, and everyday life. The video script emphasizes the importance of understanding and correctly using period-appropriate slang to accurately portray or reenact the 1920s, illustrating how slang terms like 'dough' for money and 'vamp' for a seductive woman were mainstream.
💡1920s Pop Culture
The term '1920s Pop Culture' encompasses the societal trends, attitudes, and phenomena that were widely popular and influential during the 1920s. The video script discusses slang as an integral part of this culture, revealing how language reflects the spirit, values, and activities of the time. For example, terms like 'putting on the Ritz' to describe dressing fashionably highlight the era's emphasis on glamour and social status.
💡Vamp
A 'vamp' in the 1920s slang context refers to a woman who is adept at seduction and manipulation, often depicted in media and entertainment of the time. This term illustrates the gender stereotypes and societal perceptions of women in the 1920s, as well as the influence of cinema on slang. The video script mentions Theda Bara, a famous actress known for her 'vamp' roles, to exemplify how these characters shaped the slang term's usage.
💡Sheik
In the 1920s slang, a 'sheik' denotes a man who is charming, handsome, and masculine, epitomizing the ideal male image of the era. The script references the film 'The Sheik' starring Rudolph Valentino, showing how pop culture icons and media significantly influenced slang. This term, and its female counterpart 'Sheba,' reflect the era's fascination with romantic and exotic ideals.
💡And how
The phrase 'and how' is presented in the script as a slang expression of enthusiastic agreement, similar to saying 'indeed' in a more formal context. Its use exemplifies the casual and expressive nature of 1920s slang, where brevity and emotion in language were valued in social interactions. An example given is using 'and how' in response to a compliment, illustrating its conversational usage.
💡Ritzy
The term 'ritzy' is derived from the luxury and elegance associated with the Ritz hotels, used to describe something fancy, lavish, or elegant. This slang word reflects the 1920s societal preoccupation with wealth, status, and the pursuit of luxurious lifestyles. The script uses 'putting on the Ritz' and 'ritzy' to highlight how language captured the era's social aspirations and values.
💡Ragamuffin
A 'ragamuffin' refers to a person appearing disheveled, messy, or dirty, indicative of the wider societal awareness of poverty and class distinctions during the 1920s. The script mentions this term to discuss how slang also categorized and labeled individuals based on appearance, reinforcing social norms and stereotypes. The term's usage in the script underscores the contrast between the era's glamorous facade and its underlying social issues.
💡Tomato
In 1920s slang, a 'tomato' was a term used to describe an attractive woman, suggesting someone desirable or 'ripe for the picking.' This term exemplifies the era's objectification of women and the casual nature of gendered language in popular slang. The script's discussion of 'tomato' reflects on how slang terms often mirrored societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality.
💡Wet Blanket
The phrase 'wet blanket' describes someone who dampens the mood or is seen as a killjoy, reflecting the 1920s social emphasis on fun, entertainment, and lively parties. The script uses this term to illustrate how slang captured the social dynamics of the time, valuing excitement and energy in social settings while also identifying those who didn't conform to these expectations.
💡Making Whoopee
The phrase 'making whoopee' refers to having a good time, with a connotation of engaging in sexual activity, showing the era's coded language around taboo topics. The script mentions this term in the context of songs and entertainment, highlighting how slang served as a playful and euphemistic way to discuss and engage with topics considered inappropriate for open conversation.
Highlights

Introduction to the importance of slang in understanding the pop culture of the 1920s.

The use of 'dough' and 'bread' as slang for money, reflecting traditional means of earning a living.

'Vamp' as a term for a seductive woman, highlighting gender perceptions in media.

The emergence of 'sheik' and 'Sheba' as terms for idealized masculinity and femininity.

'And how!' as an enthusiastic agreement, illustrating casual speech patterns.

'Putting on the Ritz' and 'ritzy' to describe dressing fashionably or something lavish.

'Ragamuffin' indicating someone unkempt, with its likely English origins.

The term 'tomato' used to describe an attractive woman, showing casual slang for women.

'Wet blanket' as a term for a killjoy, indicating its lasting usage beyond the 1920s.

'Making whoopee' as a euphemism for having a good time or sexual activity.

Slang terms for being drunk, like 'fried,' reflecting the Prohibition era.

Gangster slang with 'bump off' indicating a desire to kill someone.

'Cheaters' as a term for glasses, showing playful language for everyday items.

Using 'hot' for stolen items, reflecting the slang of petty crime.

'Hock' meaning to pawn something, tied to the economic activities of the time.

The concept of 'petting parties' as social gatherings for young adults.

The 'bob' haircut as a symbol of modern women and its social implications.

Having 'the heebie-jeebies' to describe a state of fear or discomfort.

'It' as a term for natural sex appeal, popularized by Clara Bow.

Transcripts

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