1920s Slang Translator

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Direction: Plain English to 1920s slang

Sample 1920s slang

That is applesauce, pal. The jalopy was the bee's knees.

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This is a word list, not a language. Only whole words and phrases that have an entry change. Everything else stays exactly as you typed it.

Next step Set it in typewriter letters A century on: today's slang

All 121 slang words

Praise 24

a corker Something that settles the matter; a fine one. Replaces a stunner. The dictionary dates it to 1837.
a doozy Something extraordinary. Replaces something extraordinary and a big one. The dictionary dates it to 1916.
a humdinger A remarkable thing. Replaces something remarkable and a great one. The dictionary dates it to 1883.
a lulu A remarkable thing. Replaces a standout. The dictionary dates it to 1886.
a smash A great success. Replaces a big success. The dictionary dates it to 1923.
a wow A great success. Replaces a hit. The dictionary dates it to 1920.
the bee's knees The very best. Replaces excellent and the best. The dictionary dates it to 1923.
the cat's whiskers Something first-rate. Replaces superb. The dictionary dates it to 1923.
classy Of high class. Replaces high-class and top-quality. The dictionary dates it to 1891.
copacetic Fine, in good order. Replaces in order and all good. The dictionary dates it to 1919.
ducky Excellent. Replaces delightful. The dictionary dates it to 1897.
hard-boiled Tough and without soft feelings. Replaces tough and stern. The dictionary dates it to 1886.

Show all 121 slang words (109 more)

Praise, continued

hep Aware, up to date. Replaces up to date and with it. The dictionary dates it to 1908.
hip Informed, aware. Replaces in the know and aware. The dictionary dates it to 1904.
jake Fine, all right. Replaces okay and all right. The dictionary dates it to 1914.
jazzy Lively and showy. Replaces lively and flashy. The dictionary dates it to 1918.
nifty Smart, neat. Replaces handy and clever. The dictionary dates it to 1866.
peachy Very pleasing. Replaces fine and lovely. The dictionary dates it to 1900.
razzle-dazzle Noisy, dazzling show. Replaces showiness and dazzle. The dictionary dates it to 1886.
the real McCoy The genuine thing. Replaces the real thing and the genuine article. The dictionary dates it to 1881.
ritzy Smart and expensive-looking. Replaces stylish, fancy and classy. The dictionary dates it to 1920.
spiffy Smartly turned out. Replaces well-dressed and smartly dressed. The dictionary dates it to 1847.
swanky Showy and stylish. Replaces posh and showy. The dictionary dates it to 1842.
top-notch Of the highest grade. Replaces first-class. The dictionary dates it to 1840.

People 23

also-ran One who ran and did not place. Replaces loser. The dictionary dates it to 1896.
bad egg A person who turns out badly. Replaces troublemaker and bad person. The dictionary dates it to 1855.
big cheese An important person. Replaces important person, boss and vip. The dictionary dates it to 1914.
big shot An important person. Replaces celebrity and powerful person. The dictionary dates it to 1929.
champ Champion, cut short. Replaces champion. The dictionary dates it to 1868.
copper A police officer. Replaces cop. The dictionary dates it to 1846.
goof A silly or stupid person. Replaces silly person and clown. The dictionary dates it to 1916.
gumshoe A detective, from quiet rubber-soled shoes. Replaces detective and private eye. The dictionary dates it to 1906.
high-hat A swelled head, from the tall hat. Replaces big head and swelled head. The dictionary dates it to 1923.
highbrow A person of lofty tastes. Replaces intellectual and bookish. The dictionary dates it to 1884.
kiddo A friendly name for a child or a friend. Replaces kid and child. The dictionary dates it to 1893.
pal A friend. Replaces friend and buddy. The dictionary dates it to the 1680s.
palooka A clumsy or second-rate boxer, then any clumsy fellow. Replaces oaf. The dictionary dates it to 1926.
piker Someone who risks or spends very little. Replaces cheapskate. The dictionary dates it to 1872.
rookie A raw beginner. Replaces first-year player and new recruit. The dictionary dates it to 1868.
sap A simpleton, someone easily fooled. Replaces pushover and sucker. The dictionary dates it to 1793.
snooty Looking down the nose at others. Replaces snobbish and stuck-up. The dictionary dates it to 1900.
southpaw A left-handed person. Replaces left-hander and lefty. The dictionary dates it to 1885.
stooge A performer's stage assistant. Replaces stage assistant. The dictionary dates it to 1913.
tightwad Someone who holds on to money. Replaces miser and penny-pincher. The dictionary dates it to 1900.
wet blanket Someone who spoils the fun. Replaces killjoy, spoilsport and party pooper. The dictionary dates it to 1830.
wise guy Someone who thinks he knows it all. Replaces know-it-all and smart aleck. The dictionary dates it to 1896.
wisecrack A smart, quick remark. Replaces joke, quip and one-liner. The dictionary dates it to 1906.

Talk and exclamations 21

an earful A piece of someone's mind. Replaces a scolding and a lecture. The dictionary dates it to 1915.
applesauce Nonsense. Replaces nonsense. The dictionary dates it to 1921.
attaboy Well done, from that's the boy. Replaces well done, good job and nice work. The dictionary dates it to 1909.
ballyhoo Loud publicity. Replaces hype and publicity. The dictionary dates it to 1908.
baloney Nonsense. Replaces rubbish and hot air. The dictionary dates it to 1922.
blah Idle, meaningless talk. Replaces boring talk and empty talk. The dictionary dates it to 1918.
dish the dirt To gossip. Dirt is gossip. Replaces gossip and spread rumors. The dictionary dates it to 1926.
flapdoodle Nonsense. Replaces twaddle and silly nonsense. The dictionary dates it to 1833.
hokum Showy nonsense, first of the stage. Replaces phony talk and fake stuff. The dictionary dates it to 1917.
hooey Nonsense. Replaces silly talk and foolishness. The dictionary dates it to 1922.
horsefeathers Nonsense, said as a retort. Replaces no way and that is ridiculous. The dictionary dates it to 1921.
hot dog A shout of approval. Replaces wow and hooray. The dictionary dates it to 1906.
josh To tease in a friendly way. Replaces banter and kid around. The dictionary dates it to 1845.
kibitz To look on and offer advice nobody asked for. Replaces meddle and give unwanted advice. The dictionary dates it to 1915.
malarkey Lies and exaggeration. Replaces exaggeration and a pack of lies. The dictionary dates it to 1924.
nix No, nothing. Replaces nothing doing and not a chance. The dictionary dates it to 1789.
the once-over A quick look up and down. Replaces a quick look and a glance. The dictionary dates it to 1913.
phooey A word of disgust or contempt. Replaces yuck, ugh and boo. The dictionary dates it to 1921.
razz To tease loudly. Replaces tease, mock and make fun of. The dictionary dates it to 1920.
scram Leave at once. Replaces go away, get out of here and get lost. The dictionary dates it to 1928.
skidoo Leave in a hurry. Replaces time to go and let's leave. The dictionary dates it to 1905.

Things, money and the body 27

a grand A thousand dollars. Replaces a thousand dollars. The dictionary dates it to 1915.
bean The head. Replaces head. The dictionary dates it to 1905.
the bleachers The uncovered seats at a ball game. Replaces the stands and the cheap seats. The dictionary dates it to 1889.
cinch Something sure and easy, from a saddle strap. Replaces sure thing and easy win. The dictionary dates it to 1895.
dogs Feet. Replaces feet. The dictionary dates it to 1913.
dud A thing that does not work. Replaces useless thing and broken thing. The dictionary dates it to 1908.
eats Food. Replaces food and a bite. The dictionary dates it to 1889.
the flicks Films, from their flicker. Replaces the movies and the cinema. The dictionary dates it to 1926.
flivver A cheap car. Replaces cheap car. The dictionary dates it to 1905.
flop To collapse, to fail. Replaces fail badly and fall flat. The dictionary dates it to 1919.
getup A set of clothes. Replaces outfit and costume. The dictionary dates it to 1847.
gimmick A trick or a clever device. Replaces gadget and clever device. The dictionary dates it to 1910.
jack Money. Replaces spending money and pocket money. The dictionary dates it to 1890.
jalopy A battered old car. Replaces old car and clunker. The dictionary dates it to 1924.
jitney A bus that carried passengers for a small fare. Replaces cheap bus and shuttle. The dictionary dates it to 1915.
joint A place or building where people gather. Replaces hangout and meeting place. The dictionary dates it to 1877.
kale Money. Replaces earnings and wages. The dictionary dates it to 1902.
kisser The mouth. Replaces mouth. The dictionary dates it to 1860.
lid A hat. Replaces hat. The dictionary dates it to 1896.
mitts Hands. Replaces hands. The dictionary dates it to 1896.
moolah Money. Replaces money, funds and savings. The dictionary dates it to 1920.
mug The face. Replaces face. The dictionary dates it to 1708.
peepers Eyes. Replaces eyes. The dictionary dates it to 1700.
pushover Something easily done. Replaces easy task and something easy. The dictionary dates it to 1900.
sawbuck A ten-dollar bill. Replaces ten dollars and ten-dollar bill. The dictionary dates it to 1850.
simoleon A dollar. Replaces dollar. The dictionary dates it to 1895.
talkie A film with sound. Replaces movie and film. The dictionary dates it to 1913.

Feelings and states 15

all wet In the wrong. Replaces wrong and mistaken. The dictionary dates it to 1923.
bushed Tired. Replaces tired out. The dictionary dates it to 1870.
goofy Silly. Replaces silly. The dictionary dates it to 1921.
the heebie-jeebies A nervous, uneasy feeling. Replaces the creeps and an uneasy feeling. The dictionary dates it to 1923.
in a jam In a tight spot. Replaces in trouble and in a mess. The dictionary dates it to 1914.
the jitters Extreme nervousness. Replaces nervousness and the shakes. The dictionary dates it to 1925.
nuts about Very fond of. Replaces crazy about and very fond of. The dictionary dates it to 1785.
on easy street Living in comfort. Replaces comfortable and well off. The dictionary dates it to 1890.
pep Energy, short for pepper. Replaces energy. The dictionary dates it to 1912.
peppy Full of pep. Replaces energetic and full of energy. The dictionary dates it to 1915.
screwy Odd, not right. Replaces odd, weird and strange. The dictionary dates it to 1887.
sitting pretty In a comfortable position. Replaces doing well and in a good spot. The dictionary dates it to 1916.
sore Angry. Replaces angry, annoyed and mad. The dictionary dates it to 1738.
tickled pink Very pleased. Replaces delighted, thrilled and very happy. The dictionary dates it to 1909.
the willies A spell of nervousness. Replaces the shivers and a nervous feeling. The dictionary dates it to 1896.

Doings 11

beef To complain. Replaces complain and gripe. The dictionary dates it to 1888.
bring home the bacon To earn what the household needs. Replaces earn a living and earn the money. The dictionary dates it to 1906.
cram To study hard for an exam. Replaces study hard. The dictionary dates it to 1803.
double-cross To betray a partner. Replaces betray and cheat. The dictionary dates it to 1903.
dry up To stop talking. Replaces stop talking and be quiet. The dictionary dates it to 1853.
flunk To fail in school. Replaces fail a test and fail the exam. The dictionary dates it to 1823.
hoof it To go on foot. Replaces go on foot and walk it. The dictionary dates it to the 1640s.
kayo To knock out, from the letters K.O. Replaces knock out. The dictionary dates it to 1923.
lay off To stop bothering someone. Replaces stop it, quit it and leave me alone. The dictionary dates it to 1908.
lollygag To dawdle. Replaces dawdle and waste time. The dictionary dates it to 1859.
play hooky To stay away from school. Replaces skip school. The dictionary dates it to 1848.

How this list was compiled: Own list, written for this page: 121 slang words and phrases, most of them American, that were in print by 1929, each with the plain words it replaces. No word list was copied. Every row was checked on 2026-10-01 and again on 2026-10-02 in the Online Etymology Dictionary (https://www.etymonline.com/), each in the entry for its own word: a row is kept only where that entry dates the slang sense to 1929 or earlier, and the row's note gives the year. 25 rows are dated to the 1920s themselves; the others are older words still in use then. 28 candidate rows that the dictionary does not date, or dates after 1929, were left out. Left out on purpose: the decade's many words for drink and being drunk, for crime and guns and for women's bodies, and every word for a people. Licence: own work

How it works

This 1920s slang translator swaps plain words for slang that was in print by 1929: excellent becomes the bee's knees, rubbish becomes baloney, an old car becomes a jalopy. Each row gives the year a dictionary dates it to.

Read the full guide

Plain English in, 1920s slang out

The longest phrase wins, and only whole words change. Swap reads the slang back into plain words, roughly. A word with no entry stays as typed.

How each word was dated

A row is in the table only if the Online Etymology Dictionary dates the slang sense to 1929 or earlier. 25 rows were new in the 1920s, such as scram, dated 1928. The rest were older and still in use, such as wet blanket, dated 1830.

Praise converts best: excellent, stylish, fancy, fine and okay all have rows.
The table has no drinking, crime or gun slang, though the decade had plenty.

Questions and answers

What does the bee's knees mean?

The very best. The dictionary dates it to 1923 and calls it a survivor of a fad for slang about animal anatomy. The cat's whiskers is given the same year.

Which 1920s slang words are still used today?

Plenty. Baloney, scram, jalopy, big shot, hooey, malarkey and the jitters are all dated to the 1920s here, and all are still understood.

Why are some famous 1920s words missing?

The decade's many words for drink, crime and guns are left out, because children use this site. A word is also left out when the dictionary does not date it to 1929 or earlier.

Did people in the 1920s really talk like this?

The words are real and dated, but nobody used them all at once. Slang came and went by the year, and some rows are older words that were still around. Treat the result as a costume, not a transcript.