1. Hotsy-Totsy
“Hotsy-totsy” is a term that comes from the jazz age and was used to describe something or someone who was really stylish, attractive, or just right. Imagine a 1920s movie star or flapper, and you’ll likely picture someone being called “hotsy-totsy.” It was a fun way to say someone was “on point” or that everything was just perfect. But, if you used it today, you’d probably get a puzzled look.
The origins of the phrase are debated, but it likely derived from the American slang of the time, with “hotsy” referring to something heated or exciting. It’s a quirky reminder of the excess and exuberance of the Roaring Twenties, a time when people didn’t just dress to impress—they created whole new languages for doing so. While “hotsy-totsy” might sound charming today, it’s definitely a term that could use some context if you plan to bring it up.
2. Gams
“Gams” is a term that used to be synonymous with a woman’s legs, often in a flattering way. If someone said a woman had great “gams,” they were complimenting her shapely legs, typically in a playful, flirtatious context. This was especially common in the 1930s through the 1950s, when pin-up models and movie stars were often admired for their glamorous physiques.
The origin of the term is thought to stem from “gams” being an old-fashioned word for a person’s leg, possibly inspired by the way a bird’s legs are shaped. Nowadays, this term would likely sound dated or even slightly inappropriate to many people, but it’s a charming throwback to a different era when compliments were often more colorful and unique.
3. Scram
“Scram!” might still be used in some places today, but it’s definitely a phrase with a history. This one was often used in the early to mid-20th century to tell someone to leave quickly or get out of the way. It was especially popular among children, but it was also used in the context of someone who was unwanted or needed to leave an area. It’s short, to the point, and kind of sassy.
While it’s still somewhat familiar to older generations, “scram” isn’t as commonly heard now. It’s been replaced by more casual “go away” or even the more neutral “leave me alone.” However, if you want to sound a little retro or dramatic, “scram” is still a fun one to pull out. Just be prepared for puzzled reactions if you use it around younger people who aren’t familiar with the term.
4. Cat’s Pajamas
One of the more whimsical phrases from the early 20th century, “cat’s pajamas” was used to describe something that was exceptional or cool. In the 1920s, it became a popular way to compliment someone or something, as in “That’s the cat’s pajamas!” But the meaning isn’t as clear today. Most young people probably wouldn’t have a clue what’s so great about a cat wearing pajamas. It’s one of those phrases that fell out of fashion, but if you were to say it now, people might give you a confused look.
The phrase likely originated from the flapper era, when many strange expressions entered the American lexicon. Terms like “the bee’s knees” and “the cat’s whiskers” were all part of this fun-loving slang, which linked everyday objects to a sense of elegance and class. Saying something was the “cat’s pajamas” meant it was the best of the best, something you’d want to aspire to. Today, you might hear someone use it ironically, but it’s a great example of how slang can quickly go from cutting edge to utterly baffling.
5. 23 Skidoo
“23 skidoo” was once a popular phrase that meant to leave quickly or make a quick exit. The term gained notoriety during the early 20th century and is often associated with New York City, especially around the early 1900s when streetcars and tall buildings were just becoming a fixture of the urban landscape. It was even used as an exclamation of excitement or approval. Imagine being at a speakeasy in the 1920s and yelling, “23 skidoo!” as you made your exit.
The origins of the phrase are a bit of a mystery, but one theory is that it comes from the idea of someone being shooed away or “skedaddling” in a hurry. Another theory ties it to the number 23, which was often associated with something happening quickly in certain New York neighborhoods. In today’s world, most people wouldn’t know that “23 skidoo” means to rush off, and it sounds almost like an alien phrase if you’re not familiar with it.
6. Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels
This is a phrase that might confuse young people today, though it’s still kind of charming when used in a retro context. “Don’t take any wooden nickels” was a warning, usually given to someone about to embark on a new venture or decision. It was meant to tell someone to avoid being fooled or scammed. The wooden nickel itself was an artifact from the 19th century, when fake or counterfeit coins were a serious problem.
The expression likely arose as a cautionary tale to steer people away from making bad deals. Wooden nickels were often used in early American times as promotional items, so if you were offered one, it probably meant something wasn’t quite right. While you won’t hear this one used often today, it’s a colorful reminder of a time when scams and counterfeiting were real concerns in everyday life.
7. Gollywobbler
This is one of those phrases that just sounds fun, but most people today would be scratching their heads if you used it. “Gollywobbler” was used in the early 1900s to refer to something that was amazing, overwhelming, or just outright impressive. It could also describe someone who was very flustered or caught off-guard, like saying, “That’s a real gollywobbler!” It had a sense of surprise or awe to it.
The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but it’s thought to be a product of the fanciful wordplay that characterized the early 20th century. In fact, the word “golly” is a soft expression of surprise, so adding “wobbler” to it made the phrase even more playful. Today, it’s a perfect example of how slang can fade into obscurity, leaving us with nothing more than a curious sound and a lost meaning.
8. Applesauce
“Applesauce” wasn’t always about a delicious fruit puree—it was once used as a slang term for nonsense or something that didn’t make sense. Back in the 1920s and 1930s, if someone was spouting off lies or tall tales, you might hear someone say, “That’s just applesauce!” It was a way to call out a story as being completely fabricated or absurd.
The phrase likely came from the fact that “applesauce” was seen as a harmless, bland food, something that could be substituted for more important or meaningful things. It may also have roots in vaudeville performances, where it was used to describe an overly sugary or insincere remark. Today, if you called someone’s argument applesauce, you might confuse them, as they’d likely think you were just hungry.
9. Chiseler
A “chiseler” was someone who was a cheat or a scam artist, especially someone who took advantage of others with little regard for honesty. Back in the day, calling someone a chiseler was a serious insult, but the word has mostly faded out of use today. It’s the kind of term that might make someone pause, wondering if you meant to call them a “cheese-eater” or something equally obscure.
The origins of the term are believed to come from the idea of someone “chipping away” at something, like a chiseler would at stone, but in a shady, underhanded manner. While you won’t hear people using this one anymore, it’s a solid reminder of how old-fashioned slang can serve as both a warning and a mark of disapproval. It’s unlikely anyone would know what you meant today, making it a perfect phrase for some vintage flair.
19. Knee-High to a Grasshopper
This phrase was often used to describe someone who was very young, especially in a nostalgic, affectionate sense. If someone said they were “knee-high to a grasshopper,” it was a way of indicating that they were just a child, or at the very least, much smaller than they are now. It’s one of those sayings that might be recognized by older generations, but anyone under 40 would probably have a hard time picturing a time when “knee-high to a grasshopper” was a common phrase.
The charm of this phrase lies in its imagery, drawing a comparison between the small stature of a grasshopper and the size of a child. It was often used to describe someone’s growth over time, with older folks reminiscing about how small they once were. Nowadays, you’d probably get a chuckle, but it’s another example of how regional phrases and slang change over the decades, evolving and falling out of favor.
11. Whoopee
“Whoopee” used to be a fun expression that meant to have a good time, often in a celebratory way. People in the 1920s would exclaim “Let’s whoopee!” when they were in the mood to party, or when something exciting was about to happen. The term was so popular that it even found its way into popular songs and movies from the era, cementing its place in American culture.
But like many slang terms, “whoopee” eventually lost its zing. Today, the word is still recognizable, but it’s more likely to be associated with the older term “whoopee cushion” than an actual party invitation. It’s an example of how words can shift in meaning over time, from being lively and full of energy to sounding outdated or even silly.
12. Whiz-Bang
The phrase “whiz-bang” was used to describe something that was extremely impressive, flashy, or exciting. Back in the early 20th century, it was often applied to new inventions or even to describe a high-energy person. If someone was particularly impressive, someone might say they were a “real whiz-bang,” as in a person who stood out from the crowd with a lot of pizzazz.
The phrase is believed to come from the sound of early fireworks or military shells, making it an energetic description of something that had a big impact. Today, however, “whiz-bang” sounds like a relic from a bygone time. It’s one of those terms that would probably have people smiling with curiosity, even if they had no idea what it meant.
13. Bee’s Knees
Much like the “cat’s pajamas,” “bee’s knees” was used to describe something exceptional or high-quality, usually in a playful or affectionate way. It came out of the 1920s and was one of many quirky expressions that flapper culture embraced. Something or someone described as the “bee’s knees” was considered to be top-tier, something worth admiring.
The phrase is part of a group of similar terms from the period, including “cat’s whiskers” and “the cat’s meow.” Today, however, these sayings have fallen out of favor, and “bee’s knees” especially might sound like a joke if you tried to use it with younger people. Still, it’s a fun phrase to keep in your back pocket when you want to sound a little retro.
14. So’s Your Old Man
This phrase was used as a retort or insult, often aimed at dismissing someone or their comment. If someone made an accusation or comment, you could respond with “so’s your old man,” implying something negative about their father. It was a childish insult, more commonly used in playground banter than in serious discourse.
The phrase was popular in the mid-20th century but quickly faded as slang became more varied and people became more politically conscious about language. Today, it’s one of those phrases that might elicit laughs for its childish nature but is far too outdated for regular use. Still, it’s an interesting example of how language changes over time, especially in informal settings.
