Slang, Idioms & American Culture

Mr. Cruz 06/12/2013

1940s
War time the U.S Women entered the workforce Whites and Blacks began to unite (beginning of crm) Economic recovery Televisions in houses for the first time (those that could afford it)

1940s slang
Bum rap This referred to a false accusation. Bust your chops This phrase was basically meant as a scolding, maybe to yell, but not to literally hit someone. Buzz We still use this word today and it still refers to being tipsy. Call girl This is another phrase that is used today. Back in the 1940s it referred to a by appointment only prostitute. Today it still refers to a prostitute, however more of an upscale prostitute. Cheesy Yet another word that has managed to stay in contemporary vernacular. Back in the 1940s it meant cheap. Go belly up- bankrupt/a failure- still used Gumshoe- a P.I Hi-de-Ho- Hellostill used (the Simpsons)

1940s Slang
Dope Back in the 1940s this word meant information, however now it is another word for drugs. Drop This word meant to kill. Fat-head In the 1940s people called stupid or foolish people a fat-head. Chicken In the 1940s this word referred to a person who was being a coward about something. Today it still means the same thing. Chrome-dome This used to be an offensive word for a bald headed man. While chrome-dome is not exclusively used to refer to any bald man, the word dome still refers to the head. Cold In the 1940s this word referred to leads that could no longer be pursued. Today it remains in contemporary vernacular meaning the same thing.

1940s Slang
Fix This word is sometimes still used today, and it means a dose of drugs (mainly narcotics); in the 1940s it was used when referencing drug fiends. Geezer This word was a derogatory term for an older person. Still used today. Cop- Police Officer Also (Copper). Chuck- to vomit Fruity- resembling homosexual acivity Crack open- to open a bottle (still used very much today) Deck out- nicely dressed-still used Dud- doesnt work properly- still used

1940s /Jive
Jive was a form a slang derrived from Harlem NY used by Jazz Musicians G-man- FBI agent _still used Alligator-A devotee of jazz or swing music. Chops- Refers to any musician's level of ability.[Government man. Especially ones who arrest or harass peaceful citizens. Gage- marijuana. Particularly associated with Louis Armstrong. Gate- Any man. usually used as a greeting. "Yo' gate, what's the word from the herd?". Gatemouth-A hornplayer who has a large mouth or a mouth that is habitually open. Hep-In the know. Later, hip. Hep cat-Knowledgeable person. Later, hipster. High-Happy.

1940s Culture/Music
Jazz
o o o o Ella Fitzgerald-Baby its cold outside Billie Holliday-Lady sings the blues Louis Armstrong-what a wonderful world Nat King Cole-L-O-V-E

Pop Music
o Frank Sinatra-New York, New York o Bing Crosby-White Christmas

Transition to Urban Blues in the 1950s

1940s products, stores and more

Kroger stores expand Robinsons Now Macys Sears becomes a retail store! Coca-Cola colorful advertising and Santa gets a Face

1940s products, stores and more

Abbott and Costello---aaaaabbbbooottt! Clark Gable- Gone with the wind- Frankly my dear, I dont give a Damn!

Last oneI promise