Calling all bootleggers and flappers! Our next LSC After Dark party, “Science Speakeasy,” is this Thursday night. The event is 1920s/Prohibition themed, so we’ve created a handy slang guide to help you converse your way through the Roaring Twenties:
“And how!” – another way of saying “I agree!”
“Beat it!” – telling someone to get away from you
Bee’s knees – saying that something is terrific; such as, “Liberty Science Center is the bee’s knees”
Big Cheese – somebody important
Bird – a general term used to describe a man or woman; might be used along the lines of “she’s a funny old bird”
Bootlegger – someone who makes or sells alcohol illegally
Cat’s meow – similar to “bee’s knees,” something that is great or terrific; you can also say the “cat’s pajamas”
Doll – a pretty woman
Fire extinguisher – a chaperone at a dance or party
Flapper – a trendy young woman of the decade; the term comes from fledging birds that flapped and flapped but couldn’t yet fly
Flat tire – someone boring
“For crying out loud!” – another way of saying “are you for real?”
High hat – a snob
“Hot dog!” – means, “that’s great!”
“I have to see a man about a dog” – meaning you’re leaving to go get more alcohol
On the lam – running from police
Owl – someone who stays out late
Pill – someone who irritates you; as in, “that person is being a real pill”
Razz – to make fun of someone
Sap – a fool
Spiffy – looking good
Stuck on – another way of saying you have a crush on someone
Once you learn how to talk the talk, get your tickets to “Science Speakeasy.” See you there, old sport!