Are you out getting your Charleston on this weekend? Well, while you’re out practicing your steps why not get down with the lingo too? Let Swing Patrol walk you through the slang of the flapper sub-culture! Why not memorise some of these and see if you can’t crowbar them in to some of your between dance conversations at the Speakeasy tonight. Stay tuned for more over the coming weeks. Enjoy!

All Wet – describes an erroneous idea or individual, as in, “he’s all wet.”

Applesauce - an expletive, As in “Ah applesauce!” See also horsefeathers

Attaboy - well done!; Can also be used for women…Attagirl!

Balled Up – confused, messed up

Baloney - nonsense!

Bank’s Closed – no kissing or making out – i.e. – “Sorry, Mac, the bank’s closed.”

Bearcat - a hot-blooded or fiery girl

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.”

Berries - That which is attractive or pleasing; similar to bee’s knees, As in “It’s the berries.”

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

Bronx Cheer – A loud spluttering noise, used to indicate disapproval. Same as raspberry

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