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Just For Fun

  • All Wet: Wrong or mistaken.
  • Applesauce: Nonsense: an exclamation of disbelief.
  • Bee's Knees/Cat's Meow/Berries: Something excellent or the best.
  • Big Cheese/Shot: An important person, the boss.
  • Balled Up: Confused or messed up.
  • Blow: To leave: to have a wild party.
  • A Boon: This word was used to mean a favor or a very helpful gift. A generous act itself
    could be called "a boon."
  • Bull Session: An informal talk among men, often about exploits.
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  • Cat's Pajamas: Something wonderful, same as the Cat's Meow.
  • Cheaters: Eyeglasses.
  • Darb: Something or Someone excellent.
  • Dumb Dora: A stupid girl or woman.
  • Fall Guy: A scapegoat, someone framed.
  • A Feather in (One's) Cap: This phrase was used to signify a significant achievementor honor.
  • Flat Tire: A dull or disappointing date or person.
  • Gams: A woman's legs.
  • Giggle Water: Alcoholic drinks.
  • Hip to the Jive: Cool or trendy; related to the music's vibe.
  • Hotsy-Totsy: Pleasing, just right.
  • Jalopy: An old, run-down car.
  • ​Joint: A club or establishment, often illegal.
  • Keen: Attractive, appealing.
  • Kudos: While a common word today, it was in use in the 1920s and means praise and honor received for an achievement.
  • Moll: A gangster's girlfriend.
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  • On the Level: Honest, legitimate.

  • Pinch: To arrest someone.

  • Putting on the Ritz: Dressing stylishly and elaborately.

  • Ritzy: Elegant, fancy, upscale.

  • Scram: Get lost, beat it.

  • Shoot the Breeze: To chat idly.

  • Snitch: An informant, someone who tells on others.

  • Speakeasy: An illegal bar during Prohibition.

  • Spiffy: Looking sharp or stylish

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