1920's
The bee's knees
excellent; outstanding
Blow your wig
To get excited about something. Depictions of flying wigs and toupees was common in cartoons.
Blockbuster
a huge success
Big brother is watching you
someone of authority is monitoring your actions
Hippie
derived from hipster; a young adult who rebelled against established institutions
Speakeasy
a place where alcohol was illegally sold and drunk during Prohibition
I'll be a monkey's uncle
sign of disbelief; I don't believe it!
Cheesy
Cheap
Boo-boo
a mistake; a wound
Groovy
cool; hip; excellent
Hotsy-totsy
Perfect
Make tracks
To leave quickly. This is a nod to a time when trains were the fastest way to get around.
Keeping up with the Jones's
competing to have a lifestyle or socioeconomic status comparable to one's neighbors
Hipster
an innovative and trendy person
The Man
a person of authority; a group in power
Gams
Legs
Bumping gums
Talking nonsense. This one really deserves a comeback, because it just rolls off the tongue.
Bust your chops
Used as a scolding, maybe to yell, but not to literally hit someone
Hi-fi
high fidelity; a record player or turntable
Daddy-o
a man; used to address a hipster or beatnik
Moll
a female companion of a gangster
Girl Friday
a secretary or female assistant
Keeping up with the Joneses
Keeping up with the Joneses -- competing to have a lifestyle or socioeconomic status comparable to one's neighbors
cop a breeze
to leave
Chrome dome
Bald man