1950's American Slang Word of the Day # 27

Our 1950's American Slang Word of the Day today is:

Heat.  1. n. Trouble. usu. for criminals and usu. in the form of intense police searches or other police activity.  Underworld use c. 1925- 2.  A town, country or area in which the police are actively looking for a criminal or are very active. c. 1930- 3. Mob violence. the resentment of a crowd or audience due to being cheated or fooled. c. 1935-Carnival use.- 4. any trouble , especially the anger or strict orders of a Boss, Superior or friend.  since c. 1940.- 5. A gun, usually a pistol. c. 1930.- 6. Gunfire; usually as in "Give someone the Heat." = to kill by shooting. prison use. 7. Drunkeness; a Jag. 8. In Boxing; a round. 9. In Baseball; an inning. The above two common sports usages since c. 1930, are taken from the standard racing term. -ed. adj. Reprimanded, chastised, punished. Rock and Roll use since c. 1955. -er. n. 1. a Gun, Revolver or Pistol . since c. 1930. Widely used in the underworld and in movies and books about the underworld.  2. A Cigar.

                    photo found at www.shorpy.com

                                          

Example:

Honest Johnny,  I don't know where they are!  Poppo says that Harold an' Wimpy are layin low for awhile

cuz the heat is crawling all over the place. Poppo says if they bring the heat down on them we'll all burn. I promised poppo I wouldn't say nothin Johnny, nothin! You know I won't say nothin, doncha Johnny? Johnny? Tell Poppo I never said, wouldja Johnny? I mean, I wouldnta said... not ever, Johnny. You know that, right Johnny? Right? Let Poppo know, would ya Johnny? Let him know I never said.

Clarification:

What I say to you John, is not deceptive or fraudulent in any way. I have absolutely no inkling as to the whereabouts of Harold and Winford. The Boss has suggested that the two are to remain hidden for quite some time. It seems that a large number of officers of law enforcement are in the act of observing  many of the places we all frequent for entertainment and socializing. The Boss has made it quite clear that if Harold and Winford are arrested then we are all in for a highly uncomfortable situation. I gave the Boss my word that I would not utter a sound about Harold and Winfords whereabouts. Not a sound. I get a strange feeling by your sober appearance that I may not have long to live. In that case, I would like to make it clear that I would not have broken my silence. Please let the Boss know that I was a man to the end, never having released the information entrusted to me.

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #26

Our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day Week today is:

Peepshow:   1. A supposedly private or surreptitious view, usually through a hole in a wall or tent, of nude women, couples engaged in sexual play or other lewd scenes. Once traditionally part of small carnivals and often conducted by brothels, such shows were likely to be hoaxes, the viewer seeing little or nothing but being too embarrassed to complain. --2. Any Burlesque show, nightclub act or other lawful entertainment featuring chorus girls in scant attire, strip tease dances or the like.

Stripper:   1. A strip tease dancer, a burlesque or nightclub entertainer who disrobes, (but usually not completely) slowly and sensually to music: she may also but not necessarily, dance, do bumps and grinds, or perform other erotic movements.

Example: My big brother Charley looks through that secret tent-hole at the carnival, Paulie. He's old enough to look. He says they calls it a peep show and he tells me there's ladies and their BOOBS there Paulie! Real live BOOBS! Big boobs, little boobs, fat boobs and all kinda boobs. There's  boobs all around, Paulie! Not only are there boobs, Paulie, but Charley says that you get to see their whatzits too! their whatzits he tells me! I cant stand it, Paulie! I can't think of nothin else. I close my eyes and all I can see is boobs and whatzits. We gotta sneak in to that peep show, Paulie!

Clarification: My older brother Charles paid a visit to the travelling show and he, possessing  the necessary qualifications,  made a visual inspection of a mysterious circular opening set high up on the wall of a private tent. (He expressed to me that this place is known among men as a "Peep Show") Charles was struck with a sudden feeling of wonder and excitement at the images before him...Women and their breasts, Paul! Breasts of all shapes and sizes danced before his eyes. He revealed to me that breasts are not the only thing, Paul, but the female sexual organs can be seen as well! Women and their sexual organs Paul! I can think of nothing else since I've heard. I try to intercept these visions with humdrum thoughts Paul, but alas, I am cursed. We must somehow witness these wonders ourselves!

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #25

Our 1950's American Slang Word (s) of the Day today is:

Note: The words I use are chosen from the Pocket Dictionary of American Slang. A popular abridgment of the finest dictionary of American Slang ever published. compiled by Harold Wentworth and Suart Berg Flexner. "contained here are definitions of almost all the slang words in common use today" The dictionary was published in 1960 and took ten years to compile. what you read here is copied word for word from the dictionary EXCEPT for the EXAMPLES and CLARIFICATIONS. Those are mine

Four Letter Man; A dumb or stupid man, usually a student. Some student use. The
four letters are "d-u-m-b."= dumb. See "Three Letter Man" for the derivation.



Three Letter Man; An effeminate man; specifically a Homosexual. The three letters are
"f-a-g"= fag. A pun on the collegiate term "Three Letter Man"= a student athlete. Reinforced by "three dollar bill". Some student use since c. 1935.


Three Dollar Bill; An odd or eccentric person; specifically a person who claims to
be what he is not or tries to assume the identity of another.
Because there is no such thing as a US three dollar bill. From the expression "As phony as a three dollar bill." -specifically a Homosexual; a sexual pervert. (also: The Third Sex; Homosexuals. Now the only common meaning.)

                                            image by Diane Arbus "Seated Man in Bra and Stockings"
Example:
Hey Joey, Waddya tink of dat Tony? What a Nancy, Huh? gives me the heebies! At first I was tinkin he was just a kook an' all dat but Willie, he tole me Tony's da real ting, a tree letter man! Can you beleedat? A tree letter man right here in our buildin'Joey, right here in our buildin'!

Clarification:
Hello Joseph. I was wondering, what is your opinion on Anthony? I have come to the conclusion that he is highly effeminate. I get an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness when I am near Anthony. Initially I reasoned that Anthony was merely eccentric but William plainly informed me that Anthony is in fact a Homosexual! Can you accept this  Joseph? We are actually cohabiting in the same rental property as a Homosexual!

1950's American Slang word (s) of the Day #24

Our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the day today is:

1. skid row; Skid Row: n.any old dilapidated street or section of a town containing very cheap bars, eating places and flop houses where the permanently unemployed vagrants, beggars, petty criminals, derelicts, degenerates and mainly unemployed alcoholics hang out. A variant of and from "Skid Road". "Skid Row" apparently developed some 60 years after "Skid Road".

2. Skid Road; skidroad: n. a street of district of a town containing employment agencies, eating places, gambling rooms and brothels such as cater to or are frequented by loggers, seasonal and migratory workers and the like: the cheap business street or section of a town. orig. logger use; hobo and underworld use since c.1915.

                                   image found at Shorpy   
                       Lower Douglas st. Omaha, Nebraska 1938

Example:
I aint seen Pete for a time. I hear'd he turned tail and hit the road hopin' he might find some kinda work in California. Today a man is Scrabblin' for anything, diggin for a penny here, a penny there...hopin' for a miracle and findin' skid road instead.

Clarification:
I haven't seen Pete around for quite a while. I heard that he gathered up his belongings and went on foot searching for employment in California. In this day and age a man is struggling for possession of a thing of any kind. Trying to earn an honest living any where he can find it. Believing that what he prays for might be had but instead ending up on a dilapidated street begging for a drink with a large group of degenerates.

1950s American Slang Word(s) of the Day #23

Our 1950's American slang word(s) of the day today is:

Jail bait: 1. Any person as a minor criminal, esp. a female with whom one makes an acquaintance at the risk of getting into trouble; specifically a woman of such compelling attractiveness that men will take to crime in order to furnish her wants. 2. Specifically an attractive girl who has not reached the legal age of consent;because having "carnal knowledge" of a minor is considered a major crime in most states.

Example: Hey Bruce, Homey and me heard you got some of that jail bait from down off the pier. Keep her away from us! You better watch yourself friend, before you know it you'll be pullin' three to five.

Clarification: hello there Bruce. Homer and I heard tell that you are keeping acquaintance with quite an attractive young girl who has not yet reached the legal age of consent. We ask that you please refrain from bringing her anywhere near us. You would do good to be closely observant of your behavior in this matter or before you even have time to become aware of it you will be serving a sentence of approximately three to five years in a penitentiary institution.

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #22

our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day Today is:

meatball: meat ball. n. a dull, boring person; an obnoxious person; anyone regarded with disfavor, especially one with a flat, uninteresting character; a creep, a drip, a square, a wet blanket. Fairly common WWII use, both by servicemen and civilians. v.t. To strike someone with the fist. some prison use.-ism. 1. anti-intellectualism, the state of willing ignorance or mediocrity. 2. a state of or instance demonstrating, decreasing standards of integrity, ethics, intelligence and individualism in culture, politics, education and the like; democratic rule by an uneducated, nonthinking authority.

Example: For crying out loud, that Horace is a real clod, a meatball! As far as I'm concerned he can take a flying leap at the moon.

Clarification: I am greatly annoyed. Horace is extremely dull and regarded with absolute disfavor by those around him, especially myself. In my opinion, I would like him to take an especially high jump up and away from my immediate surroundings.

1950's American Slang Special

A 1950's American Slang Special!

                                           found at PCL LINK DUMP

1950's American Slang word(s) of the Day #21

Our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the day today is:

Sofa Lizzard: 1. A male student who stays at home to avoid spending money for a social engagement or a date. 2. A male who does not take his girlfriend to social engagements, movies, dances or the like, in order to neck or pet with her in private. One who necks or pets ardently.

                                      image from Square America

Example:  Gosh, that Howard is forever trying to cop a feel from Pearl!  They left the movie right in the middle last night and we all knew why. What a sofa lizzard Howard is. Ick!

Clarification: I declare, Howard is eternally laboring to grasp Pearls breasts in a sexual way. They both departed from the motion picture theater last night before the film was even completed.  We all tended to believe, based on their past behavior, that they left in order to engage in strong sexual petting. Howard tends to want to neck and pet quite often. Egads!

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #20

I seem to have mixed up the count for the slang entries, this is actually post 20. I seem to have forgotten post 19. We're back on track though.
Our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day today is:

Swell; n. a stylishly dressed person, usu. male. a dandy, dude or sport. A genteel or refined person, a wealthy or socially prominent person, especially if somewhat of a dandy or sport. Colloq.; becoming archaic. adj. pleasing; excellent; grand; fine; elegant; stylish; wonderful; enjoyable; friendly; hospitable. colloq. since c. 1880; gained present popularity c.1920 adv. excellently; pleasingly; elegantly; wonderfully; enjoyably; stylishly; hospitably.

             "Gee Dad, that's swell!" Wally and the Beave, "Leave it to Beaver" 1957


Example:  Polly, did you hear that Ronnie's parents are throwing her sweet sixteen down at the Lake? There's going to be a bonfire and hot cocoa and sweet corn! Everyone's invited...it's going to be swell! Don't forget to bring your ice skates.

Clarification: Pauline, have you heard the latest news? Veronicas parents are holding a social gathering at the lake in celebration of her birthday. They will have a dizzying array of delights for the partygoers to indulge in. The whole class has been invited. It is sure to be a highly enjoyable evening. It has been suggested that partygoers bring their ice skating equipment.

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #19

Our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day today is :

Daddy-O; n. An affectionate term of direct address for any male who is hip, understanding or sympathetic, whether a father or not. original bop use, c. 1946. now one of the most common -O words. 

                               Fred MacMurray in his classic "My Three Sons" pose

Example:

Father:   Roland, I've been driving all over Hells half acre looking for you! Get your smart little @$$ into this car right now! I have had it up to here with your @$#%&$*! Your Mother and I can't take anymore of this and you'd better get that look off of your face right @*%# or I'll get it off for you!  We're sending you out west to to stay with your granddad for awhile. You think you have it hard now, Just you wait...you just wait and see fella!!


Roland: just relax Daddy o, everything is ok. No need to raise the roof.

Clarification:

Father: Roland, I have been driving the family automobile visiting more places than I originally intended and have been unsuccesful in finding you until now. Please get your obnoxiously impudent backside into the vehicle post haste. I have reached the absolute limit of my patience with your tomfoolery. Your mother and I are emotionally, mentally and physically spent with this unbearable situation and you had better remove that expression of arrogance from your face in a very short space of time or I will employ highly uncomfortable tactics in order to remove it for you. We have decided to send you to live with your grandfather for a while. You think your life is troubling and difficult now, your thought will soon be rudely displaced with another, my good chap.

Roland: There is no need for you to feel hostile, my sypathetic and understanding father figure. Everything is working satisfactorily. There is no reason to cause an embarassing disturbance.

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #18

Our 1950's Word(s) of the Day today is:
Cast a Kitten = have kittens. to express ones anger, anxiety, fear, excitement, amusement or the like, especially violently; to have a fit.

Image found at Square America

Example: We were having a gay old time until Mavis opened her trap and cast a kitten about the way Pearl dances...you know, two left feet? Anyhow, before anyone knew it, Pearl was howling and Clarence was on top of Wilbur trying to put his eyes out! Mavis never knows when to keep her darned mouth shut.


Clarification: We were all quite enjoying the company of one another until Mavis loudly exclaimed that she was not satisfied with the talent Pearl showed on the dance floor. Just between us, Pearls dance moves are of a highly inferior quality. Nevertheless, the prevailing psychological state changed very quickly and Pearl began to express emotional pain, grief, and distress by weeping and sobbing and Clarence was laboriously trying to extricate Wilbur's eyes. It was beyond understanding. I declare, Mavis never exercises tact when speaking aloud.

1950s American Slang Word(s) of the Day #17

Our 1950s American Slang Word of the Day today is:

Dame: n. a woman or girl, esp. a troublesome one. Orig. "Dame" implied a young woman considered attractive but not wholly respectable by the speaker. Depending on the emphasis, it can now mean a promiscuous woman, (probably the most frequent use since c. 1940) a sexually attractive woman, an unemotional, sexless woman worker, or even an ugly old woman.

                             Gloria Grahme in 'The Big Heat'; image from Film Noir Photos

Example:  "All any of these dames owe me is a night's work, one night at a time. They come and go like flies...Outside of my place, some of these babes keep pretty shady company. It figures. They know nobody cares much what happens to 'em...They're floaters, not much more than a suitcase full of nothin' between them and the gutter." (quote from "The Big Heat" 1953) 


Clarification: The young women who work for me can be quite troublesome. The lifestyles they lead cause them to work only occasionally. I've known them to spend time with characters of ill repute outside of the workplace. It makes sense because these young ladies often have no family or friends to care for them. They are vagrants; they change employment and travel from town to town. They have extremely little in the way of money or worldly goods and are close to living in squalid, degraded conditions.

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #16

Note: The words I use are chosen from the Pocket Dictionary of American Slang. A popular abridgment of the finest dictionary of American Slang ever published. compiled by Harold Wentworth and Suart Berg Flexner.  "contained here are definitions of almost all the slang words in common use today" The dictionary was published in 1960 and took ten years to compile. what you read here is copied word for word from the dictionary EXCEPT for the EXAMPLES and CLARIFICATIONS. Those are mine.

The 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day today is:

Jelly Roll: n. 1. A man extremely virile or obsessed with sex; a man who curries the sexual favors of women. 2. A lover; a sweet Papa or Sweet Mama. very common Negro use. Most popular with southern Negros. c. 1875-c. 1915   Now associated with and made known to white people by use in early jazz groups and lyrics; perhaps esp. by the early great jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton. still some Negro use.

                                                              image from Square America

Example: "Oh Louis, come here and talk to mama...hold mama in your big, strong arms. You're my Jelly Roll Baby, you're my  Sweet Papa tonight."

Clarification: "Louis, please come over here and use graphic word imagery in order to heighten the sexual pleasure between us. Physically acquire possession of me and assume control. I consider you extremely virile and capable of engaging and performing in a copulative manner. You are at my disposal tonight. "

1950s American Slang word(s) of the Day #14, #15

I've fallen behind drastically on my 1950's American slang posts so I'm going to post a couple of them today to make up for it.

So, our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the day today is:

1) Skate; v.i. To avoid paying, to evade a creditor, the image is of a person who "skates away", reinforced by 'Cheap Skate'. n. 1. An inferior, decrepit or useless horse. Ranch, farm and some racing use. 2. A contemptible person. since c. 1890. From "Cheap-Skate".

Example: Harlan just skates off into the horizon every time he sees Sal coming up the sidewalk with the meat bill. He sticks poor Mary Lou with it every time. I loaned her the dough to pay and this time I'm taking it out of Harlan's hide!

Clarification: Harlan disappears from the immediate area every time he notices the Butcher is coming to collect on the meat bill. He leaves Mary Lou to face the shame and humiliation of being unable to pay all by herself. I loaned her the money to pay the bill and this time I plan on bludgeoning Harlan with a knobby club until he begs for mercy and learns his lesson.

1950's American Slang word(s) of the Day #15;

Sizzle; v.i. To die in the electric chair; to fry. -r. n. 1. lit. and fig., anything that is or anyone who is hot or "hot" in any of their usages; anything that is or anyone who is hot, fast, exciting, sexually stimulating or stolen. 2. specif. a hard blow with a fist; a knockout, a punch. c. 1920 prize fight use. 3. specif. in Baseball; a fast, hard-hit, low line drive. 4. specif. an exciting, vivacious, sexually tempting woman. 5. specif. a Burlesque dancer or stripper. 6. specif. a sensational or lurid story or scandal. 7. specif. a funny joke, usually one about sex. 8. any extremely popular song, book or movie; or extremely popular entertainer, successful athlete or the like. 9. specif., an expensive item of stolen goods, a stolen car; a kidnaped person. 10. An inferior cook; especially a logging camp or ranch cook.  Sizzling; adj., "hot" in any of its usages. Stolen, paid as a kidnaping ransom.

Lili St. Cyr, aka "The Anatomic Bomb" image from Love The Gals' Flikr photostream

Example: Hey, Willie! Rollo and me went to the Blue Belle Saturday night. Have you seen that new hot tamale they've got dancing over there? OOOOoooooooEEEEeeeeeee she makes that stage sizzle man!! She is hot!

Clarification: Hello, Willard. Roland and I visited the drinking and entertainment establishment known as the Blue Belle on Saturday night. Have you been lucky enough to witness the exciting dance performance of their highly attractive new female employee? I'll be darned if she doesn't stimulate me sexually with her extremely provacative dance moves. She is one fine woman.

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #13

Our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day today is:

French Walk: 1.= Bums Rush, the. 2. Specifically ejecting a man from a place forcibly by grabbing the seat of his pants with one hand and the back of his collar with the other, thus forcing him to walk until he reaches the door.

Example: "Did you hear? Paulie got the french walk right outta Pops Bar last night! He was six sheets to the wind. He's sleeping in the doghouse tonight!"

Clarification: "I wonder if you've been made aware of the latest news involving our friend Paul? The staff had Paul forcibly ejected from the Pops drinking establishment last night. He was highly intoxicated. I'm sure that his wife is quite upset by it and is punishing him wholeheartedly."

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #12

 

Our 1950's American slang word(s) of the day today is:

Living Room Gig: An appearance on television, specifically of a Jazz musician. Some general jazz use.

             1958 Art Fords Jazz Party: image stills; prelinger archives                   


Example:  "Cole is doing a livingroom gig tonight! Why don't you and Maxine come over and watch?Georgie and Emma are coming too. Evelyn is whipping up a spread for all of us. You'd better be there!"

Clarification: "Coleman will be on television tonight. I would like it if you and Maxine came to the house to watch the program. George and Emmaline will be there as well. My very beautiful wife Evelyn is working hard to create an attractive display of food and beverages for us to indulge in during the show. Please come."

1950s American Slang Word(s) of the Day #11

The 1950's american slang word of the day today is:


Sausage: n. 1. An inferior athlete, especially one with rippling muscles, as a prize fighter, weight lifter or wrestler. 2. A prize fighter, especially an inept prize fighter whos face is swollen, bruised or scarred from many severe beatings in the ring. 3. Any dull, stupid person. one who is as alert as a real sausage.

anthony quinn in requiem for a heavyweight 1962


Example: That Jimmy, what a sausage! I don't see how Irene can stand it. You'd think all those beatings he takes in the ring would knock some sense into him!


Clarification: That poor James, his face is so deformed that I tremble at the sight. I am unsure as to how his wife Irene endures such a situation. You would suppose that by now, considering all of the severe beatings he has sustained, he would have been taught not to be so silly.

1950s American Slang Word(s) of the Day #10

Our 1950's american slang word(s) of the day today is:

Hep; adj. Aware; informed; knowing; specifically self aware, aware of, wise to, informed of and with a comprehension of and appreciation for a specific field of endeavor, modern mode, fashion or way of life. Some student use since c.1915. Common use since c.1935 when the word became associated with jive and swing use. Still considered a jazz term and fairly common with students and young adults since c.1945. Superseded by "hip", especially in jazz and beat use.


Hep Cat; Hepcat; n. 1. A person who is hep or well informed. archaic. 2. specific. a devotee of jive or swing music. Mainly used by non devotees who don't understand the meaning of Hep or Hepcat. Archaic. 3. A dude. A sport. A young man who dresses fashionably and garishly. Knows the latest news, witty sayings and cynical opinions, and enjoys or pursues women, jazz, and a fast, tense, unrefined way of life. orig. Harlem negro use. the most common use by hep people. archaic since WWII.



Cab Calloway




Example: "oooooh Daddy, you look so hep in those smooth threads, just being near you has got Baby hot to go!"


Clarification: "Well I exclaim, my handsome male lover. You look so confident, self aware and fashionable in that fine suit that is also quite free of bumps and irregularities. Standing so close to you has made me ready and eager to kiss and caress you intimately and passionately."

1950s American Slang Word(s) of the Day #9

Our 1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day today is:

Skin; n. 1. The hand as in the act of shaking hands. In several expressions=shake hands, e.g. "Give me some skin."; "Hand me that skin."; "Slip me some skin."; "Lay the skin on me."; and the like. Associated with jive use. 2. Ones life. Colloqu. 3. A stingy person; a skinflint. 4. A horse, esp. an old, worthless horse; specifically a racehorse. 5. A pocketbook; a wallet. orig. underworld use; since c. 1925; from leather of pigskin or of cowhide. 6. A dollar bill; a dollar. 7. any drum used in an orchestra or by a jazz musician, orig. and still predominantly jazz use since c.1930 8. a demerit. an official written reprimand. some WWII army and airforce use. some student use since c.1945 v.t. 1. to cheat, to take unwarranted advantage of. colloqu. 2. to defeat an opponent or opposing team decisively. skin-full. n. fig., containing a skin full of liquor. skin-ned. adj. Cheated; taken advantage of; having lost all or a large part of ones money to another in a gambling game or a business transaction, usually a dishonest one. Skin-s. n. plural. 1. a set of drums. jazz use. 2. Automobile tires. mainly hotrod use.

Example: "That Bastard Harry skinned my ass alive tonight. That sonofabitch is too goddamned lucky for my blood, too goddamned lucky!"

Clarification: "That Harold is despicable! I lost every bit of my money to him at the poker game tonight. I think he's a thoroughly mean, disagreeable man and I believe he must be cheating in order to have beaten me so badly!"

1950's American Slang Word(s) of the Day #8

Our 1950's American Slang word(s) of the Day today is:

Prom Trotter: n. 1. A very popular girl; especially a female student who attends many formal dances. Student use. -2. A male student who is very active in college social life; one who goes to all the dances and parties. -3. A ladies man.

Example: "Madge, did you hear? That Millicent! She got asked to Friday nights dance by Billy, Tommy, Bobby and Buzz! Can you believe it? She's a real Prom Trotter, that one!"

Clarification: "Madge, did you hear the news about Millicent? Several good looking, popular young gentlemen issued her an invitation to the Friday night dance. I can hardly trust what I've heard, can you? Millicent attends an astonishing number of dances!"