Common slang terms for fun in the 1920s included terms like “jumpin’”, “on a toot,” or “berries”. These were terms that would describe going out and having fun, or a particularly fun or eventful night or show. “The cat’s pajamas” was another common term used to describe something most fun and excellent.
The 1920s were a time of extremely fun and interesting slang.
Many different and colorful terms arose to describe every aspect of life, and if there’s one thing that the 1920s, in the U.S. in particular, were known for, it was the roaring parties and fun everyone was having.
With that, came a lot of slang words to describe it.
Let’s find out more.
1920s Slang For Fun
Bee’s Knees
“Bee’s Knees” was a popular 1920s slang term used to describe something outstanding or extremely fun.
If an event, person, or thing was “the bee’s knees,” it meant it was the best of the best, often used to describe an exciting night out or a particularly enjoyable experience.
For example, someone might say, “That jazz club was the bee’s knees!”
The phrase is a nonsensical but charming expression, similar to other 1920s terms like “the cat’s pajamas” or “the monkey’s eyebrows,” all of which conveyed a sense of delight and admiration.
Examples in sentences:
- “That new speakeasy is the bee’s knees!”
- “Your outfit is the bee’s knees, darling!”
- “Last night’s party was the absolute bee’s knees!”
- “This new jazz record is the bee’s knees!”
- “She’s the bee’s knees on the dance floor!”
Berries
In the 1920s, “berries” was a slang term used to describe something that was really good or extremely fun.
If a night out, a performance, or an experience was top-notch, people would say it was “the berries!”
For example, someone might say, “This party is the berries!”
The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it likely comes from the idea that berries were considered sweet and desirable, making it a way to describe something that was enjoyable or top-quality.
Examples in sentences:
- “This new jazz band is the berries!”
- “That Charleston dance contest was the berries!”
- “Our trip to the boardwalk was the absolute berries!”
- “These new cocktails are the berries!”
- “The way she sings is the berries!”
Giggle Water
In the 1920s, “giggle water” was a lighthearted term used to refer to alcoholic beverages, particularly those that made people feel happy and uninhibited.
Since Prohibition was in effect in the U.S., this term was often used to discreetly talk about booze.
For example, someone might say, “Let’s sneak off to the speakeasy for some giggle water!”
The phrase perfectly captures the carefree, fun-loving spirit of the Roaring Twenties, when drinking and partying were key parts of the social scene, especially in underground bars known as speakeasies.
Examples in sentences:
- “Pour me another glass of that giggle water!”
- “After a few sips of giggle water, everyone was dancing the Charleston!”
- “This giggle water sure packs a punch!”
- “Nothing like a little giggle water to get the party started!”
- “They say the best giggle water is hidden behind that bookcase.”
Hotsy-Totsy
“Hotsy-totsy” was a popular 1920s phrase used to describe anything that was top-notch, exciting, or impressive.
If a party was wild, a person was stunning, or an event was spectacular, it was called hotsy-totsy!
For example, someone might say, “That new jazz club is absolutely hotsy-totsy!”
The phrase was often used to express approval or admiration, capturing the glitzy and glamorous energy of the Roaring Twenties.
Examples in sentences:
- “That flapper’s outfit is totally hotsy-totsy!”
- “We had a hotsy-totsy time at the speakeasy last night!”
- “This jazz band is really hotsy-totsy!”
- “I need to get a hotsy-totsy new dress for the party!”
- “Everything’s hotsy-totsy when the gin is flowing!”
Jumpin’
“Jumpin'” was a common 1920s slang term used to describe a place that was full of energy and excitement.
If a club, party, or gathering was packed with people having a great time, it was said to be “jumpin’!”
For example, someone might say, “This speakeasy is really jumpin’ tonight!”
The term was especially popular in jazz culture, where a great performance or a lively dance floor would make the whole place feel like it was “jumpin’!”
Examples in sentences:
- “That new dance hall is always jumpin’ on Fridays!”
- “We need to find a club that’s really jumpin’ tonight!”
- “The joint was jumpin’ with laughter and music all night long.”
- “The party won’t be jumpin’ until the band starts playing!”
- “You could hear the jazz club jumpin’ from a block away!”
On a Toot
“On a toot” was a popular 1920s expression for a night of revelry, often involving heavy drinking and celebration.
If someone was “on a toot,” it meant they were out having an especially fun and eventful time.
For example, someone might say, “We were on a toot all night and didn’t get home until sunrise!”
This phrase was similar to today’s “on a bender,” emphasizing a lively, often alcohol-fueled adventure.
Examples in sentences:
- “Let’s go on a toot this weekend and dance till dawn!”
- “He’s been on a toot for three nights straight—hope he survives!”
- “We went on a toot last night, and now I need a nap!”
- “Whenever she visits the city, she goes on a toot with her old friends.”
- “They were on a toot after winning the big game!”
Ritzy
“Ritzy” was a stylish 1920s slang term used to describe something elegant or extravagant. It often referred to fancy parties, expensive clothing, or exclusive places.
For example, someone might say, “That new nightclub is so ritzy—only the high society folks go there!”
The word was inspired by the luxurious Ritz hotels, which symbolized wealth and sophistication. If something was ritzy, it meant it was top-tier and glamorous.
Examples in sentences:
- “She wore a ritzy dress to the gala and stole the show!”
- “They threw a ritzy party with champagne and a jazz band!”
- “That ritzy restaurant charges a fortune for dinner.”
- “He bought a ritzy car to show off his new success.”
- “The hotel was so ritzy, even the bathrooms had gold faucets!”
Swell
In the 1920s, “swell” was a common way to describe something wonderful or enjoyable. Whether it was a fun time, a great person, or an exciting event, if it was “swell,” it was top-notch.
For example, someone might say, “That party was absolutely swell!”
The word had a positive and upbeat tone, making it a go-to slang term for anything exciting or delightful.
Examples in sentences:
- “We had a swell time at the jazz club last night!”
- “That new movie is just swell—you have to see it!”
- “He’s a swell guy, always helping people out.”
- “The dinner was swell, and the company was even better!”
- “This vacation has been nothing but swell!”
The Cat’s Pajamas
“The cat’s pajamas” was a playful 1920s slang term used to describe something or someone as the absolute best. Whether it was a party, a person, or a new trend, if it was “the cat’s pajamas,” it was the height of fun and excellence.
For example, someone might say, “This new jazz band is the cat’s pajamas!”
The phrase is credited to cartoonist T.A. Dorgan, who coined several whimsical expressions during the era.
Examples in sentences:
- “That new speakeasy is the cat’s pajamas—everyone’s talking about it!”
- “Your dress is the cat’s pajamas, darling!”
- “That vacation was the cat’s pajamas—pure perfection!”
- “This car is the cat’s pajamas, just look at that engine!”
- “She threw a party that was the cat’s pajamas—nobody wanted to leave!”
Whoopee
In the 1920s, “whoopee” was all about cutting loose and having an amazing time.
It was often used to describe a lively party, a night out, or any exciting celebration.
For example, someone might say, “Let’s go out and make Whoopee tonight!”
The phrase was popularized by the 1928 song *Makin’ Whoopee*, which humorously described marriage and wild nights out.
Examples in sentences:
- “We made whoopee at the Gatsby-style party last night!”
- “After winning the championship, the whole team went out to make whoopee!”
- “The jazz club was packed, and everyone was making whoopee!”
- “It’s the weekend—time to go out and make some whoopee!”
- “Back in the day, they really knew how to make whoopee at a speakeasy!”
More in 1920s Slang
- 1920s Slang For Alcohol
- 1920s Slang For Cool
- 1920s Slang For Crazy
- 1920s Slang For Dancing
- 1920s Slang For Fun
- 1920s Slang For Man
- 1920s Slang For Money
- 1920s Slang For Nonsense
- 1920s Slang For Party
- 1920s Slang For Police
- 1920s Slang For Woman
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Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.
Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.
Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.