Colloquial expressions, idioms, and slang once common, now archaic…

Mad as a Hatter:
Did you know that the saying “mad as a hatter” comes from milliners using mercury in their workshops. Milliners used to use mercury to extract the fur from rabbits and to improve their stiffening solvents, but it was known to have sent the average milliner barking mad before long.
 

horseless carriage said:
Mad as a Hatter:
Did you know that the saying “mad as a hatter” comes from milliners using mercury in their workshops. Milliners used to use mercury to extract the fur from rabbits and to improve their stiffening solvents, but it was known to have sent the average milliner barking mad before long.
Click to expand...
Right. In around 1960 I used to play pool at an establishment that was primarily a men's hat cleaning salon, but also had 5-6 pool tables, and was popular with teenagers. The strong chemical smell was always there, especially in the winter when they kept the windows closed. The owner's father was really cuckoo. I think he'd been around those chemicals way too long.
 
In certain parts of the midwest, especially Michigan, instead of using the word "soda" or "Pepsi" or even "sodapop", the word "pop" is used for all manner of carbonated, flavored soft drinks.

"fella" instead of "fellow" seems to be coming back.

"rad" meaning "radical" -- I think that one came out of California.

"Holy Toledo!" (I never did learn which Toledo they meant -- the one in Spain or the one in Ohio?)

"brewski" meaning beer

I didn't know this one -- "armored heifer" -- until now. A can of condensed milk.

ETA:

"swell" meaning "great!" or "cool!"
 

Last edited:
In 1960s Los Angeles rock 'n roll scene, the terms "boss", "tough", and "bitchin" were popular, all roughly meaning the same thing. For example a striking woman could be commented on, "She's really tough".

I guess those terms all went the way of "groovy"...:cool:
 
Eupher said:
"Holy Toledo!" (I never did learn which Toledo they meant -- the one in Spain or the one in Ohio?)
Click to expand...

At some point in my young young life, I thought they were saying "Holy TORPEDO". LOLOL Maybe I was mixing up the word with some WWII stories my step dad would tell about war while he was in the NAVY??

Like damn the "TOLEDOs", full speed ahead"? I was young, what can I say?
 
Fyrefox said:
Your use of slang and similar expressions once popular but now obscure can date you pretty quickly. Most of us can remember “cool,” “far out!,” and “groovy, baby!” from the 1960’s, but how many remember the expression, “Now you’re cooking with gas!” This meant that you were on to something, or doing the latest, greatest thing…

What are some expressions from your past that you don’t hear people using much anymore, or it dates you if you do? Please translate their meaning if they’re likely to be obscure in today’s world… 🤔
Click to expand...
see you later alligator after awhile cockatiel
 
CooCooforCoCoPuffs said:
"Cool". To this DAY I cannot break myself of saying "Cool".
My kids will probably engrave this on my headstone:


Aug 27, 1955 - Jun 10, 2055
Mom hit the big C
COOL
Click to expand...
Ha! That's funny. But "cool" has made a come-back in the past 20 years. In post war America, and up until the mid 60s or so "cool" meant hip-- in the jazz, be-bop, Beatnik sense. Now it seems similar to "likeable".

I had a boyhood pal whose last name was the Scottish, Coull. Naturally his father from Scotland was referred to as "Daddy Cool"....:cool:
 
911 said:
We also have the Amish expressions. “Throw the horse over the fence some hay.” ‘Make out the lights.” “Make mine dippy eggs.” “Gott in Himmel.” (God in Heaven.)

I know a lot of Pennsylvania Dutch, which is completely different than Amish, but more like German. For example: “Ach du Lieber.” The meaning in English is “Dear Heaven” or “Good Heaven.” A lot of Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch.
Click to expand...
More Amish-isms:

That cheese is loud! (Stinky)

The pie is all. (Gone)

My grandfather (not Amish) would say when the pie was gone, "That pie is singing the Doxology!"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top