BUCK
Nowadays, bucks refers to money. The term comes
from 1856, when Europeans and Natives were often
trading buckskins with each other.
LEGIT
Simply used as a shorter version of the word
‘legitimate,’ the word ‘legit’ started appearing at the end
of the 19th century by theater folks. They used it to
describe “legitimate dramas” which were supposedly
well-written pieces.
DOPE
Dope, nowadays, is used to describe drugs, or
something that is really cool. The word was originally
used to describe a thick goo or lubricant in the 1800’s.
COOL
The word ‘cool’ being used as something other than a
way to describe the temperature started in 1933. It is
believed that the slang was used to describe something
‘fashionable’ in jazz circles. The word gained prominent
popularity thanks to tenor saxophonist Lester Young.
FLY
The term ‘fly’ isn’t all that popular anymore, but boy was
it big in the 80’s. It was even used back in the 1880’s
and 1890’s. Back then, it meant someone who was
clever and witty. It is believed that this was a reference
to the fact that a fly is quick and hard to catch. In more
recent years, it took on the meaning of something
fashionable and cool.
TO ‘DECK’ SOMEONE
‘Deck’ is a popular term that describes punching or
pushing someone with immense force. The term is said
to have originated in the early 50’s as a way to describe
someone hit so hard they hit the deck of a ship.
GEEK
The word ‘Geek’ started showing up in northern Britain
in around 1876. It was used to describe someone who
was a fool. In the 50’s, Americans started using the
word to describe someone who lacks social skills or
someone who ‘works too hard’ in school. Since the
introduction of computers in the 80’s, ‘geek’ has also
been used to describe someone who is an expert in
computers.
DUDE
The term ‘dude’ has been around since the 19th
century. It meant someone who was very snobby, stuck
up, and particular about what he or she wears in public.
GROOVY
Although the term ‘groovy’ often is linked to the 60’s
and 70’s, it originated in the 30’s. In jazz circle, ‘groovy’
described somebody who was really feeling the music
while he or she was playing it. It referred to the grooves
in vinyl records.
KINKY
Kinky has gone through a few changes over the years
as far as what it means to the general public.
It initially meant something that was ‘bendy.’ It then
became a word that represented something illegal or
stolen. Nowadays, we think of frisky $exual activity
when we hear the word ‘kinky.’ This is thanks to Colin
MacInnes and his book ‘Absolute Beginners’ published
in the late 50’s.
TOP NOTCH
When something is top notch, it means that it’s really
good. The term itself refers to the top mark or slit that
was used to record something. It started appearing
around the early 1900’s.
HAYWIRE
When something’s gone haywire, it’s gonecompletely
out of control. The term comesfrom thewire used to
hold together bails ofhay. The wire itself used to be
quite springy and hard to control.
BOOZE
Booze by definition is any potable liquid. So why does
everyone imagine alcohol when we hear it? Well, the
term ‘booze’ being used as a slang word can be found
back in the 19th century. It is believed thatthe term
derived from the Dutch word “busen” which means ’to
drink heavily.’
