Flappers 2 Rappers: American Youth Slang

by Tom Dalzell

"Spectacular vernacular—delivered with fresh flavor." —Playboy
"Hang with this slang and reep these righteous words!" This entertaining, highly readable book pulses with the vernacular of young Americans, tracing slang terms and expressions from the end of the nineteenth century to the present. In addition to alphabetical listings for each decade, it features fascinating word histories and sidebars about language and culture—jazz cat jive, the argot of Beat poets, gritty inner-city street talk, and other captivating colloquialisms.
A master storyteller and wordsmith, Tom Dalzell is the author of The Concise New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English and The Routledge Dictionary of Modern American Slang and Unconventional English . In Flappers 2 Rappers, he presents more than just lists of words. His introductions to each chronological chapter offer fascinating insights into the ways in which slang reflects the era's historical mood and significance. Great for browsing, this unique reference will delight students of history as well as word and language enthusiasts.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Language, Writing

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Typhani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fascinating! It's a great beginning place to write any sort of historical fiction from the last century. With a easy to read and chipper style it describes slang that really shows a deeper insight into the subcultures that created them. For instance flapper slang of the 1920's described wedding rings as "manacles" and divorce as "a declaration of independence." There's something for everyone in this little gem.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a dictionary of slang arranged by era - starting basically with the early 1900's and ending in the 1990's - though there is some mention of late 1800's college slang.

Each section has a some historical background (which was the part I found most interesting) and a list of words, with about a half-dozen or so terms explored in greater detail. The illustrations are amusing, but I'm not sure how much they add to the worth of the book as a whole.

As a reference book, it would be useful to writers trying to develop authentic dialog. For myself, it was an interesting read (tho I ended up skimming some of the longer lists), but not something I'd plan to buy for myself.

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slang vocabulary and the story behind the words from the "roaring twenties" to the rappers years. Interesting and well written.

Vocabolario dello slang americano e la storia dietro alcuni dei termini piú importnti, dai "ruggenti anni '20" fino agli anni attuali e alle parole dei rappers, Interessante e ben scritto.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book a decade ago. I've always been fascinated with slang and etymology but never delved into it in a theoretical or academic sense. This book won't either, but it's a pleasant diversion. I even found my company's ungainly name in it! (Once In A Dirty While)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to return to library, but want to buy a copy for myself. I think it's a book that's best when you pick it up and savor a couple of pages at a time. Some great choices of niche slang areas to highlight. Didn't realize how much computer/tech related slang influenced my language in high school.

[Holly Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's pretty eye-opening to see how old much of the "modern" slang we use really is. There's also a lot of great slang from the '20s I want to bring back.