Slang Terms From The 1800s We Wish Were Still Used Today
Many establishments and buildings take us on a history trip, helping us to learn about the days of the past. When you enter these venues it’s a cultural experience, from the décor to the drinks served, you feel as though you are taking a trip back in time. However, one thing you cannot see is the language that was used in yesteryear. Words have adapted over the years. ‘Selfie’ is the buzzword of today, but what words were used in the 1800s? By brushing up on the vibrant slang of the Victorian period you really can add some extra colour and fun to your vocabulary.
Here are ten of the best fun and fascinating terms that were used throughout the 1800s…
10. Gas Pipes – ‘That man over there has his gas pipes on!’ – This is a term that was used to describe an individual that was wearing extremely tight trousers.
9. Whooperups – ‘Whooperups’ is a term that is used to describe a group of terrible singers. If you enjoy visiting karaoke bars you will find plenty of opportunities to use this slang word.
8. Nanty Narking – This phrase was used frequently throughout the Victorian period, as it means that you were having a good time.
7. Church Bell – Church bell is used to describe a woman who doesn’t shut up. We all know one!
6. Fly Rink – This is a term that came about in 1875 to describe a polished bald head. You probably want to be careful about who you say this too; not every man appreciates their bald head being the center of attention.
5. Chuckaboo – ‘I’m off to the bar for a drink with Chuckaboo’. This is a nickname given to close friends.
4. Powdering Hair – This is a polite way to describe someone who is becoming increasingly drunk. If you see that your mate has had one too many and shows no signs of slowing down, you could say that they are ‘powdering their hair’. Again, another one to be careful with. Yes, it’s fine for a friend who gets drunk on a rare occasion. It is definitely not fine for someone seeking outpatient substance abuse therapy or any other type of help for their drinking. Plus, if someone gets drunk a lot, we don’t recommend encouraging it by making a joke, so there’s a fine line with this one.
3. Smothering a Parrot – Absinthe is a beverage that is characterised by its extremely high alcohol content. Unsurprisingly, they were fans of this drink in the Victorian era, and thus the phrase ‘Smothering a Parrot’ meant drinking a glass of Absinthe neat.
2. Arfarfan’arf – This is a figure of speech that was used to describe men that have had too much to drink. It means he has had many ‘arfs’, arfs being half-pints of booze.
1. Cat Lap – There really only was one phrase that could have taken the top spot! ‘Cat lap’ is a term that was used to describe a weak drinker. It is a derogatory phrase, referring to when a cat delicate laps up a bowl of cream. If you are capable of holding enormous amounts of large liquor and see someone struggling to keep up, feel free to call them this term.
