Common 1940s Slang Has Much Weirder Origins Than Most People Suspect

Whether it's a clueless teen rocking bell-bottom jeans or pop artists recycling sounds that topped the charts decades before they were even born, it's true what they say: what goes around comes around! And the English language is no exception. Most of the time, at least. Slang terms from the 1940s seem to have all but disappeared from our everyday speech, even though the decade was bursting with vibrant and sometimes downright ridiculous idioms. These phrases need to be brought back in a jiffy! So kick off your stompers and grab yourself a cup of mud, because the following expressions are killer-diller.

1. Doll dizzy

If you had a reputation as the doll dizzy type, then you were well known to only have eyes for one thing — the ladies! This catchy phrase was reserved for people who were completely girl-crazy. However, girl-crazy simply does not have the same ring to it. Next time you meet a Romeo, why not call him what he is with this vintage term?

2. Dusty shincracker

Picture this: the strobe lights are flashing and you're busy busting some serious moves in a nightclub when you look up and you see someone across the floor. They're dancing their heart out beneath the disco ball. Shimmy on over and break the ice by letting them know they're the best dusty shincracker you've ever laid eyes on. Hopefully, they'll know you're paying their moves a high compliment!

3. Snap your cap

Uh oh, Uncle Jimmy has gone and snapped his cap again! Better run — and make it snappy. Although this turn of phrase means to lose your temper, let's be honest: how could you possibly snap your cap if someone described your fury by using such a ridiculous set of words? Cap snapping just sounds like fun nonsense!

4. Mud

Nothing puts a pep in your step first thing in the morning like a hot mug of mud. Boil some water, pour it over some grounds, then strain the liquid when you're ready to dunk. Yep, you guessed it — mud refers to a cup of the good stuff — coffee. Maybe hold off on using this at your favorite coffee house if you want to avoid any curious looks.