1920's Slang

I tried to think of something fabulous to discuss about silent picture shows, but I couldn’t come up with anything remotely interesting. Although I did find today’s showing of The Freshmen amusing, if not predictable. I suppose there cannot be an element of surprise in movies that had no real voice. Your acting would really have to be good, for the dialogue leaves something to be desired.

I’ve been thinking about my first paper (and my report) and I would really like to do something with language. The movies may have been silent, but the Roaring Twenties had a vocabulary all its own. I found a list of terms on-line that I will be introducing Tuesday for my report, but I though I would add a few terms here, just for fun. A few terms or phrases used are very foreign. I have never heard the expression “Bank’s Closed,” which translates to simply mean no kissing or making out. “Sorry, mac, Bank’s closed.” Interesting way of telling a guy you’re not in the mood. And if someone was to say “apple sauce” in the twenties, they may not want mashed apples for a snack, but merely letting you know that they believe you’re full of nonsense. And the phrase “bee’s knee’s” meant terrific. Of course, any animal may be substitutes for the insect and the sentiment still meant the same.

The twenties had such a vibrant language and culture all its own. It’s too bad that is not expressed, from what I’ve seen so far, in the movies. I imagine theater during this time was fantastic. I’m looking forward to delivering this report, even if I’m unsure how I’ll go about doing it. I’d like to identify terms that we’ve read in class, but apparently more appear in Sinclair Lewis’ novel. I’ll work on it. For now, thanks for reading. It’s time I “pipe down” and “mooch”.