Let’s face it, back in the good ole’ days people had some pretty nifty ways of saying things. Of course, we have our own vocabulary today (just take a look at urban dictionary), but sometimes just because something is new doesn’t necessarily mean it is better. Without a doubt, however, this works the other way around too. To clarify, we aren’t trying to imply that everything was better back in the day and that society has just fallen apart and that kids these days are no good and that music is awful and just take us back to the 60’s when everything was rosy. No. Not at all. For starters, everything wasn’t rosy….ever. In fact, by most metrics, we live in a more peaceful world than ever before; we live longer; and we live more comfortably. But that is neither here nor there. Today’s list is about language and the way people have used it over time. Without getting political, we’re just going to get a little nostalgic and take a tour of how the English language has evolved. Although we have our cool little modern slang, these are 25 Old Words And Phrases That Should Make A Comeback!
Featured Image: Antonio Litterio via wikimedia
Old hat
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: liz west via flickrIt used to mean something that is past its prime, but now this phrase is just old hat.
Curmudgeon
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: publicdomainpictures.netSomebody who complains a lot
Big cheese
Source: thefreedictionary.com, Image: pixabayThe boss
Put a sock in it
Source: thefreedictionary.com, Image: CGP Grey via flickrShut up!
Shake a leg
Source: thefreedictionary.com, Image: Snuff13 via wikimediaGet moving!
Ratfink
Source: oxforddictionaries.comTo snitch on somebody
Cad
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: Vladimer Shioshvili via flickrA rude and selfish man
The Cat's Pajamas
Source: wiktionary, Image: pixabaySomebody who is the best at what they do. (“Oh wow, he’s the cat’s pajamas!”)
Dapper
Source: oxforddictionaries.comIt means to have a neat appearance.
Gone
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: Alan Levine via flickrAs in “cool.” For example, “Dude that’s so gone man.”
Scoundrel
Source: oxforddictionaries.comDo we even need to tell you what this means?
Dandy
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayAs a noun, it refers to a man who cares too much about his appearance. As an adjective, it describes something that is very good or impressive.
Balderdash
Source: oxforddictionaries.comThese are foolish words or ideas.
Some words may not leave a language but change meaning. Check out 25 Words That Don’t Mean What They Originally Did.
Nincompoop
Source: oxforddictionaries.comA foolish or selfish person
Donnybrook
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayIt’s a public argument.
Ballyhoo
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayThis refers to talk or writing that is designed to get people excited about something.
Tomfoolery
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayAnother word for “playful or silly behavior.”
Fisticuffs
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0050236.html (CC BY 4.0)It means “fist fight.”
Overmorrow
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayThis refers to the day after tomorrow.
Old sport
Source: enotes.com, Image: Library of CongressThis was supposed to sound antiquated even in the 1920’s. It’s a term of endearment used for friends.
Galoot
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayYour grandma may have affectionately called your dog this although the true meaning referred to a clumsy person.
Thrice
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayOnce, twice, thrice!
That's the ticket!
Source: thefreedictionary.com, Image: pixabaySaid when something is right
Fellas
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: Vaibhav Sharan via flickrThis one is still used in some places (short for fellows).
Scram
Source: oxforddictionaries.com, Image: pixabayMeans, “Get out of here!”
Enjoy this list? Take a look at 25 Unique English Words You Should Add To Your Vocabulary.
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