30 words and phrases from the 1920s that are ‘cat’s pajamas’
It’s been a hundred years since these words were part of the everyday American lexicon. Do any of these old sayings deserve a closer look in modern times?
Editor’s note: This article is a re-run as part of our countdown of top stories from the past year.
Never underestimate the power of words to communicate culture and define the spirit of the age. In 2020, the words “pandemic,” “lockdown,” “COVID,” “remote,” “anti-masker,” “unprecedented” and “unmute” were all chosen as “meaningful terms” or as “word[s] of the year.”
To further explore how words can capture and transmit the ideas and beliefs of the time, let’s take a look at the 1920s in words. One hundred years ago, you might have overheard these expressions in a café or while riding the bus. (Definitions from Merriam-Webster, Wordnik, Dictionary.com, and Wikipedia.)
1. Bees knees — someone or something splendid or stylish; admirable (also, cat’s meow); a cocktail with gin, lemon and honey that dates back to the Prohibition era.
2. To be on the nut — to be without money; broke
3. Bimbo — a brutish, unintelligent man; a bully
4. Cat’s pajamas — a term of endearment
5. Clam — a dollar or a buck
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