Right now we are currently living through the 21st century 20’s. But compared to the 1920’s our language and slang are completely different. Here are the top 5 slang words used in the 1920's.
- The Cats Pajamas
You may have heard this phrase before, but this was a very common phrase back in the roaring 20's
This expression was used when referring to someone who was seen as cool or good at what they do.
The word ‘Cat’ in this since was used to express when something was seen as ‘cool’. Pajamas refer to the article of clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable. In the 20’s loose fitting clothes was in style, so calling someone the ‘cats pajamas’ was essentially saying that they were cool and ‘with the times’.
Other versions of this sayings were “The eel’s ankle” or “The monkey’s eyebrows”. These phrases did not catch on as much as the “Cats Pajamas”.
2. The Bee’s Knees
This phrase was used to describe a very extraordinary person, idea, or thing. This was also used when talking about people who widely admired or really liked.
3. Juice Joint
This was slang and a code word for a bar, speakeasy, or a night club. In the 20’s prohibition of alcohol was happening all over America. So illegal bars and nightclubs were created, along with the code word juice joint.
If someone wanted to go get a ‘drink’ they would head for a juice joint. Other phrases such as “I have to go see a man about a dog” (code for going to buy whisky for yourself) were also created.
4. Giggle water (or juice)
This was yet another code word used during the prohibition to talk about alcohol. If someone wanted a drink they would say that there are going out to get “juice” or “giggle water”. They came up with a lot of creative ways to talk about drinking during this time.
5. Egg
This slang word is often times used as a insult in modern times. But in the 20’s when someone was called and ‘Egg’, it was used to describe a man who lives a wealthy and extravagant life style. Or was used as another word for a man, for example someone would say “ whats up egg”, instead of saying “whats up man”.
