I have always been fascinated by how the English language has changed over the centuries. Heck, even looking at how differently folks in different parts of our country refer to the same objects is pretty intriguing, not to mention how that changes when you fly over to the UK or make a trip north to Canada.
One of the best ways to look at the evolution of our words and phrases is to take a gander at the slang we've picked up from different eras — and no, I don't just mean the naughty words!
In 1909, a novelist named James Redding Ware decided to create a dictionary of all the euphemisms he'd heard bandied about during the Victorian era, titled Passing English of the Victorian Era: A Dictionary of Heterodox English Slang and Phrase. You can read the whole thing yourself, but I decided to pick out a few of my favorites that I honestly wish would come back in style these days.
Take a look below to see the charming words and phrases and let us know if we missed any terms you love from the era.
And don't forget to SHARE with your friends!
1. Batty-Fang
As James Redding Ware explains in his dictionary, this was used to say, “to thrash thoroughly,” or beat the heck out of something (or someone!).
2. Fly Rink
This delightful term for a man's bald head brings to mind images of flies in roller skates having a blast atop his shiny dome.
3. Afternoonified
Oddly having nothing to do with the time of day, this refers to how "nice" something is, as in Ware's example, "The goods are not 'afternoonified' enough for me.”
4. Butter Upon Bacon
This was used for something that is way too fancy, which one might argue about Queen Victoria's fine jewelry in this photo.
5. Bricky
This meant someone who was strong (like a brick) and fearless, similar to calling someone "plucky."
6. Whooperups
Victorian folks used this delightful word to describe people who are not only bad singers, but loud about it too.
7. Chuckaboo
Kids of the era might use this term of endearment in the same way those today deem someone their "bestie."
8. Enthuzimuzzy
This quirky way of referring to someone who's enthusiastic was coined by someone named Braham the Terror.
9. Bags O'Mystery
A troubling nickname for sausage, as Ware explains, “because no man but the maker knows what is in them," back in 1850 when it was tossed around in conversation.
10. Skilamalink
You would use this to describe someone who is secretive and shady.
11. Got The Morbs
Playing off "morbid," this phrase was used for those feeling sad or melancholy.
12. Take The Egg
This was a popular way for Americans to say they had won a competition.
13. Shoot Into The Brown
This was for those who had lost. It was likely taken from the sad, disheartening, and embarrassing moment when someone's bullet hits the ground rather than their target at rifle practice.
Did we miss any of your favorite Victorian slang words or phrases? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
