Flapper Dictionary
As defined by Wikipedia, "Flappers were a generation of young Western women in the 1920s who wore skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behavior. Flappers were seen as brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, smoking cigarettes, driving automobiles, treating sex in a casual manner, and otherwise flouting social and sexual norms."
A "Flapper Dictionary" appeared in various newspapers and magazines in 1922. Selections below. Even more flapper terms can be found at Book Flaps and Click Americana.
A "Flapper Dictionary" appeared in various newspapers and magazines in 1922. Selections below. Even more flapper terms can be found at Book Flaps and Click Americana.
New Castle Herald - Apr 1922
Comments
Some are probably in the Beatnik Dictionary. Probably "blow the joint." Maybe "hoof it" & "squirrel". "Woof! Woof!" translates to many languages, I'd say.
Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 10/08/19 at 11:30 AM
Am I right in thinking flappers also refused to wear bras? I thought that was where the term “flapper” came from.
Posted by Judy on 10/09/19 at 10:46 AM
Most of my knowledge of that era comes from watching movies made at the time, but I think going without a bra was partly because the super-skinny look was the height of fashion (decades before Twiggy re-popularized it) and to twist the noses of the Edwardian matriarchs with their sixteen layers of undergarments.
I do know the term flapper predates the invention of the bra (as we know it).
I do know the term flapper predates the invention of the bra (as we know it).
Posted by Phideaux on 10/09/19 at 12:18 PM
Originally, a "flapper" was a young bird who could flap its wings but not (yet) fly. It started in the 1890s, Example was the extra rear seat on a motorcycle being call a "flapper seat".
In the 1920s in Britain, married women could vote at age 21, but unmarried women not until they turned 30. An unmarried woman aged 21-29 was called a "flapper".
In the 1920s in Britain, married women could vote at age 21, but unmarried women not until they turned 30. An unmarried woman aged 21-29 was called a "flapper".
Posted by Joshua Zev Levin, Ph.D. on 10/10/19 at 08:46 PM
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Category: Languages | Slang | Subcultures | 1920s