EXTRA CREDIT
Name:_________________________________
Period:___________
GAB LIKE GATSBY – 1920’S SLANG DICTIONARY ACTIVITY
BELLRINGER. Respond to each of the following prompts in the space provided.
1. Using your prior knowledge only, define the word “slang” in your own words.
2. Give one example of slang you used in elementary or middle school, and one example of slang you use
now, along with the intended meaning of each word or phrase.
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3. Record your interpretation of the following sentence in the space provided:
"That ossified cake-eater with the cheaters on thinks his applesauce will land him a date."
DEFINITION. Record each definition of the word “slang” in the space provided.
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Slang is a kind of language that Merriam Webster describes as:
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Simply stated, slang is:
YOUR TASK.
Now that you have learned about various 1920’s slang words, you will apply your knowledge of them to a
creative assignment. Your task is to work productively in class to design a colorful and original poster of an
assigned 1920’s slang word or phrase. Your completed poster is due on Monday, March 26th, and will count
as a quiz grade for the fifth six-weeks.
Your posters must be colorful and creative and should clearly reflect a considerable amount of time and
effort. Additionally, all posters must include:
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The assigned 1920’s slang word or phrase
The definition of the word or phrase
The part of speech of the word or phrase
A sentence demonstrating a proper understanding of the word or phrase
A colorful, imaginative visual representation of the assigned word or phrase
A modern slang word or phrase that has a meaning similar to the assigned 1920’s slang word
Before submitting your poster, please consult the rubric on the following page for detailed grading criteria.
As this assignment counts as a quiz grade, I expect to receive a high-quality, wall-worthy piece of work
from every student.
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EXTRA CREDIT
RUBRIC: GAB LIKE GATSBY ACTIVITY
90-100%
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Assigned word or phrase
Definition of the word or phrase
Part of speech for the assigned word or phrase
Sentence using the assigned word or phrase correctly
Creative, colorful illustration
A modern slang word or phrase that has a meaning similar to the assigned 1920’s slang word
Visually appealing; clearly reflects effort
80-89%
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Assigned word or phrase
Definition of the word or phrase
Part of speech for the assigned word or phrase
Sentence using the assigned word or phrase correctly
Colorful illustration
A modern slang word or phrase that has a meaning somewhat similar to slang word or phrase
Somewhat visually appealing; shows some effort
70-79%
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Assigned word or phrase
Definition of the word or phrase
Part of speech for the assigned word or phrase
Sentence using the assigned word or phrase correctly
Illustration
A modern slang word or phrase that has a meaning vaguely similar to the slang word or phrase
Plain; not visually appealing
60-69%
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Assigned word or phrase
Definition of the word or phrase
Part of speech for the assigned word or phrase
Sentence using the assigned word or phrase correctly
A modern slang word or phrase that has a meaning dissimilar to the slang word or phrase
NO Illustration
Below 60%
 Missing Two or More of the Required Components:
 Word/Phrase
 Definition of the Word/Phrase
 Part of Speech
 Sentence Using the Word/Phrase Correctly
 Illustration
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EXTRA CREDIT
GAB LIKE GATSBY!
A DICTIONRY OF SLANG FROM THE 1920’S
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AB-SO-LUTE-LY: affirmative
ABE'S CABE: five-dollar bill
ACE: one-dollar bill
ALL WET: describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, "he's all wet."
AND HOW: I strongly agree!
APPLESAUCE: an expletive
ATTABOY OR ATTAGIRL: well done!
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C
BABY: sweetheart; also denotes something of high value or respect.
BABY GRAND: heavily built man
BABY VAMP: an attractive or popular female
BALLED UP: confused, messed up
BALONEY: nonsense!
BANK'S CLOSED: no kissing or making out
BEARCAT: a hot-blooded or fiery girl
BEAT IT: scam or get lost
BEAT ONE'S GUMS: idle chatter
BEE'S KNEES: An extraordinary person, thing, idea; the ultimate
BEEF: a complaint or to complain
BEESWAX: business (i.e. “None of your beeswax.")
BELL BOTTOM: a sailor
BELT: a drink of liquor
BENT: drunk
BERRIES: That which is attractive or pleasing; similar to bee's knees, as in "It's the berries."
BETTY: an unattractive girl
BIBLE BELT: Area in the South and Midwest where Fundamentalism flourishes
BIG CHEESE: The most important or influential person; boss. Same as big shot
BIG SIX: a strong man; from auto advertising, for the new and powerful; six cylinder engines
BIMBO: a tough guy
BIRD: general term for a man or woman, sometimes meaning "odd," i.e. "What a funny old bird."
BLIND DATE: going out with someone you do not know
BLUENOSE: an excessively puritanical person, a prude, Creator of "the Blue Nozzle Curse."
BOOTLEG: illegal liquor
BREEZER: an convertible car
BRONX CHEER: a loud spluttering noise, used to indicate disapproval.
BULL SESSION: Male talkfest, gossip, stories of sexual exploits
BUMP OFF: to murder, to kill
BUNNY: a term of endearment applied to the lost, confused, etc; often coupled with "poor little"
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EXTRA CREDIT
CAPER: a criminal act or robbery
CARRY A TORCH: To have a crush on someone
CASH: a kiss
CASH OR CHECK?: Do you kiss now or later?
CAST A KITTEN: to have a fit. Used in both humorous and serious situations.
CAT'S MEOW: Something splendid or stylish; similar to bee's knees; the best or greatest, wonderful.
CAT'S PAJAMAS: Same as cat's meow
CHASSIS: the female body
CHEATERS: Eyeglasses
CHECK: kiss me later
CHOICE BIT OF CALICO: attractive female
CHUNK OF LEAD: an unattractive female
CLAM: a dollar
COFFIN VARNISH: bootleg liquor, often poisonous
COPACETIC: Wonderful, fine, all right
CRASHER: a person who attends a party uninvited
CRUSH: an infatuation
D
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DADDY: a young woman's boyfriend or lover, especially if he's rich
DAME: a female
DAPPER: a Flapper's dad
DARB: An excellent person or thing; a person with money who can be relied on to pay the check
DEAD SOLDIER: an empty bear bottle
DEB: an debutant
DEW-DROPPER: a young man who sleeps all day and doesn't have a job
DOGS: feet
DOLL: an attractive woman
DOLLED UP: dressed up
DON'T KNOW FROM NOTHING: don't have any information
DON'T TAKE ANY WOODEN NICKELS: Don't do anything stupid
DOPE: drugs, esp. cocaine or opium
DOUBLE-CROSS: to cheat, stab in the back
DRUGSTORE COWBOY: a guy that hangs around on a street corner trying to pick up girls
DRY UP: shut up, get lost
DUCKY: very good
DUMB DORA: a stupid female
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EARFUL: enough
EDGE: intoxication, a buzz. i.e. "I've got an edge."
EGG: a person who lives the big life
F
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EXTRA CREDIT
FACE STRETCHER: an old woman trying to look young
FAG: a cigarette; also, starting around 1920, a homosexual
FALL GUY: Victim of a frame
FELLA: fellow; as common in its day as "man," "dude," or "guy" is today, i.e. "That John sure is a swell fella."
FIRE EXTINGUISHER: a chaperone
FISH: a college freshman; a first timer in prison
FLAPPER: a stylish, brash, hedonistic young woman with short skirts & shorter hair
FLAT TIRE: a dull witted, insipid, disappointing date. Same as pill, pickle, drag, rag, oilcan
FLIVVER: a Model T; after 1928, could mean any old broken down car
FLOUR LOVER: a girl with too much face powder
FLY BOY: a glamorous term for an aviator
FOUR-FLUSHER: a person who feigns wealth while mooching off others
FRAME: to give false evidence , to set up someone
FRIED: drunk
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GAMS: a woman's legs
GET A WIGGLE ON: get a move on, get going
GIGGLE WATER: An intoxicating beverage; alcohol
GIN MILL: an establishment where hard liquor is sold; bar
GLAD RAGS: "going out on the town" clothes
GOLD DIGGER: A woman who associates with or marries a man for his wealth
GOOFY: in love
GRUMMY: depressed
GRUNGY: envious
H
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HAIR OF THE DOG: a shot of alcohol
HANDCUFF: an engagement ring
HARD BOILED: a tough, strong guy
HARP: an Irishman
HEEBIE-JEEBIES: the jitters
HIGH-HAT: to snub
HIT ON ALL SIXES: to perform 100 per cent
HOOCH: bootleg liquor
HOOD: hoodlum
HOOFER: dancer
HOP: opiate or marijuana; a teen party or dance
HOPPED UP: under the influence of drugs
HORSEFEATHERS: an expletive
HOTSY-TOTSY: pleasing
I
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J
EXTRA CREDIT
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I HAVE TO GO SEE A MAN ABOUT A DOG: "I've got to leave now," often meaning to go buy whiskey
ICY MITT: rejection
INDIAN HOP: marijuana
INSURED: engaged
IRON: a motorcycle
IT: sex appeal
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JACK: money
JAKE: Okay, as in , "Everything is Jake."
JALOPY: old car
JANE: any female
JOE BROOKS: a perfectly dressed person
JOHN: a toilet
JOINT: a club, usually selling alcohol
JUICE JOINT: a speakeasy
K
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KALE: money
KEEN: attractive or appealing
KISSER: mouth
KNOW ONE'S ONIONS: to know one's business or what one is talking about
L
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LAY OFF: cut the crap
LEFT HOLDING THE BAG: to be cheated out of one's fair share; to be blamed for something
LET GEORGE DO IT: a work evading phrase
LEVEL WITH ME: be honest
LINE: insincere flattery
LIVE WIRE: a lively person
LOLLYGAGGER: a young man who enjoys making out; an idle person
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MICK: a derogatory term for Irishmen
MIDDLE AISLE: to marry
MIND YOUR POTATOES: mind your own business
MOLL: A gangster's girl
MOONSHINE: homemade whiskey
MRS. GRUNDY: a priggish or extremely tight-laced person
MULLIGAN: Irish cop
NECK: kissing with passion
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EXTRA CREDIT
NIFTY: great, excellent
NOBODY HOME: describes some one who is dumb
NOW YOU'RE ON THE TROLLEY: now you've got it, now you're right!
O
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OLD BOY: a male term of address, used in conversation with other males as a way to denote acceptance
ON THE LAM: fleeing from police
ORCHID: an expensive item
OSSIFIED: a drunk person
OWL: a person who's out late
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PERCOLATE: to boil over
PIFFLE: baloney
PIKER: a cheapskate; a coward
PILL: a teacher; an unlikable person
PINCH: to arrest
PIPE DOWN: stop talking
PULL A DANIEL BOONE: to vomit
PUSHOVER: a person easily convinced or seduced
PUTTING ON THE RITZ: after the Ritz hotel in Paris; doing something in high style
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QUIFF: a slut or cheap prostitute
R
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RAG-A-MUFFIN: a dirty or disheveled individual
RAIN PITCHFORKS: a downpour
RAZZ: to make fun of
REAL MCCOY: the genuine article
REUBEN: an unsophisticated country bumpkin
RITZY: elegant (from the hotel)
RUMMY: a drunken bum
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SAP: a fool
SAYS YOU: a reaction of disbelief
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EXTRA CREDIT
SCRATCH: money
SKIRT: an attractive female
SO'S YOUR OLD MAN: a reply of irritation
SPEAKEASY: an illicit bar selling bootleg liquor
SPIFFLICATED: drunk
SPIFFY: an elegant appearance
STATIC: empty talk; conflicting opinion
STILTS: legs
SUGAR DADDY: older boyfriend who showers girlfriend with gifts in exchange for sex
SWANKY: ritzy
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TAKE FOR A RIDE: to drive off with someone in order to bump them off
TASTY: appealing
TELL IT TO SWEENEY: tell it to someone who'll believe it
TOMATO: a female
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UPCHUCK: to vomit when one has drunk too much
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VAMP: a seducer of men; an aggressive flirt
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WATER-PROOF: a face that doesn't require make-up
WET BLANKET: a solemn person, a killjoy
WHITE LIGHTNING: bootleg liquor
WHOOPEE: to have a good time
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YOU SLAY ME: that's funny
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ZOZZLED: drunk
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