Old-Fashioned Words Used on My Three Sons...?

[biffbronson]

What are some old-fashioned words we hear on the series, no longer in common usage?

Steve: "larder" (food storage area)

Chip: "jalopy" (old car)

[stevea]

Hobo, bum, gypsy

[biffbronson]

"gy" -- shortened version of "golly"

[OH Nuts!]

“Rat pack” for a bunch of guys giving a new/inexperienced teacher a hard time

[biffbronson]

Uncle Charley said to Ernie, "Don't snow your dad..." We might be able to add the verb form of snow meaning "to deceive, persuade, or charm glibly." What do you think?

[Hazel Anyday]

You know you're old when all these supposedly old phrases sound perfectly normal to you. My grandparents always called their couch "the davenport". I thought that was unusual, as we always called it the couch. For that matter my Dad always called the refrigerator "the icebox", that was odd to me also. But that's what they had in the house when my Dad was a kid. The iceman used to come around and they'd put a big hunk of ice at the bottom. That was my Dad's time, we had a "Frigidaire" when I was little. Funny though, those particular terms never worked their way into my lexicon. Though the terms you hear used by Beaver, Wally & Eddie I still use today and used as a kid. One word I used to use all the time as a kid was "tough" to describe something neat or really great. Somehow over the years that one escaped me, but as a kid it was a favorite.

[stevea]

Tough as you used it was common slang, at least in South Jersey.

I think my grandparents always used "davenport," we always said "sofa." Around here (midwest), it's couch. My grandmother never said homework, it was always "lessons." And "scrub" your teeth, not "brush."

I know this is M3S we're talking about, but I've heard some other odd words. On Father Knows Best, Jim referred to someone as feeling "logey." Another time the newspaper circulation manager hoped Mr. Anderson didn't have "the grippe." And they use the word "rheumatism"--you never hear that anymore. And on Dennis the Men. Martha said George was "bilious" one time.

[stevea]

On Beaver they frequently used the word "gyp" for a dirty deal or a swindle. It's another one of those now frowned-upon words.

We had some other phrases that are now frowned upon, like disparaging items that were "Made in Japan"--this was not long after WWII ended. Back in those days there were Helen Keller jokes, which were really nasty.

[Hazel Anyday]

I still use the word gyp and have never and still don't see a thing wrong with it. It's a gyp to tell anyone not to say gyp.

If any woke jerk or pc sap dares tell me not to use any word at all I be sure to use it as many times possible. I refuse to allow these censorship happy clowns dare to rule my language or thoughts. They will not get a away with it. Everyone needs to adopt this attitude. This whole woke/pc thing is just lib censorship, plain and simple. I abhor censorship.

[stevea]

It's short for gypsy, supposedly. All the sitcoms from that time had gypsy episodes, and I hated them--not due to being "woke"--they were all just lousy episodes.

[stevea]

Now, I think I'll look for a few Dr. Seuss books, a Mr. Potato Head, some Aunt Jemima syrup, and Uncle Ben's rice.

[biffbronson]

My godmother would visit a couple of times a year and used the word "davenport," which was about the only time I would hear it.

When i was growing up, my parents, uncle, and grandmother all used "ice box" frequently. "Gyp" or "gypped" was not uncommon either. I was probably high school age by the time I realized its origin...!

When it came to homework, my mom referred to it with a Greek word that translates to "reading." Her spoken English to this day remains very weak (turns 88 this year).

Regarding the Dr. Seuss books, it's ironic that some of the most obscure titles are now in the spotlight -- if the sleeping dog had been left alone, there would be no bite right now. I'm beginning to suspect it's a publicity stunt designed to increase sales on the many remaining titles.

Thanks for the replies.

[Hazel Anyday]

Here's where we are IF you allow it:

[stevea]

For me, it's a lucky thing these "watchdogs" don't watch old cartoons.

[omg65]

I can see Uncle Charley or Bub saying Toots, Dame and Mack. I'm almost certain they did but not 100 percent. I really need to start up watching the old DVD's of this show again. It's been years since I have.