6 chapters across the catalog
A segment titled "The Dirty Thirty" explores slang terms from the 1930s. Terms discussed include "Roscoe" and "Gat" for guns, "Blower" for a telephone, "Big Apple" for a city, and "Cinder Dick" for a railroad detective. The hosts discuss the etymology and potential for bringing these phrases back into modern usage.
More 1930s Slang, Chicago Overcoat and Typewriter
The "Dirty Thirty" slang segment continues with terms like "Chicago Overcoat" (a coffin) and "Chicago Typewriter" (a Thompson submachine gun). Other terms discussed include "Cinder Dick" (railroad detective), "Dog Soup" (water), and "Cement Mixer" (a bad dancer).
The "Dirty 30s" segment explores slang terms from the 1930s, including "Chicago overcoat" (coffin), "Chicago typewriter" (Thompson submachine gun), and "Cinder Dick" (railroad detective). Other terms discussed include "clip joint" and "crust" (to insult). The hosts also touch on the 1970s term "boob tube" for television.
"Dirty Thirties" Slang: Butter and Egg Man
A segment on 1930s slang terms defines "Butter and Egg Man" as a man with a large bankroll and "Cabbage" as cash. Other terms explored include "Canary" (female vocalist), "Buzzer" (police badge), and "Sweet Patootie" (an attractive woman). The hosts express a desire to bring back these vintage phrases into modern conversation.
A game involving 1930s-era slang terms explores the meanings of words like "Roscoe" (gun), "Blower" (phone), and "Brody" (a mistake or failure). The hosts discuss the etymology of "Gat" from the Gatling gun and the origins of "The Big Apple" for New York City. The segment aims to bring colorful historical language back into modern usage.
The hosts open the program by discussing a list of 1930s slang terms known as the Dirty 30s. They define the term Abercrombie as a know-it-all and review other vintage phrases like absinia and keen.
