A delightful throwback. by Team Home Insemination Kit
Updated: March 21, 2022
Originally Published: Feb. 29, 2020
When the 1920s come to mind, images of flappers, speakeasies, and The Great Gatsby likely surface. And why not? The ‘20s are making a comeback! Did you know that much of today’s youth culture has its roots in this era of change and extravagance? While alcohol was banned, sexuality became more open, and a wave of artistic and cultural movements transformed society forever.
The Roaring Twenties, also referred to as the Jazz Age, marked the emergence of the “liberated woman,” bringing forth the iconic flapper. Outspoken and free-spirited, she reveled in her right to vote, sought sexual freedom, and embodied the spirit of fun and independence. With daring fashion choices, she danced the night away, smoked, and sometimes even earned her own paycheck. It’s no wonder that a century later, we continue to be captivated by their stories.
This decade also witnessed the Harlem Renaissance, a pivotal movement that amplified Black voices in music, literature, theater, and art. Thinkers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston reshaped American culture, leaving an enduring legacy we still feel today.
Additionally, the 1920s gave rise to the speakeasy as Prohibition drove nightlife underground. As people navigated this secretive world, slang evolved to help them communicate discreetly about the ever-present threat of law enforcement.
As we dive into this new decade, let’s explore how people conversed a century ago. Here’s a collection of over 400 nifty 1920s slang terms and phrases (along with their meanings) that are simply the cat’s pajamas and the bee’s knees.