Slang of the 1920s

        Slang in the 1920s was drastically different from modern day slang.  For example, when somebody today would say, "that's awesome" somebody in the 1920s would say it's the "bee's knees" or it's the "cat's meow."  If somebody in the 1920s were going to kill somebody, they would "bump them off."  In the 1920s, you might drive a "breezer," or a convertible.  You would also wear shoes on your "dogs," or feet.  "Don't take any wooden nickels" means not to do anything stupid.  Money was called "Jack" or "dough."  If you were "on the lam," you would be running away from the police.  If somebody asked, "What's eating you?" they want to know what's wrong.  If you have a "beef" with somebody, then you have a problem with them.

Noah