The fashion industry took its time to develop new trends after the end of World War II. There were still clothing rations and fabric restrictions that influenced style, but as the economy began to climb, certain changes began to take shape. Significant during this time was America’s exposure to the tropical prints of exotic locales, which featured leaf and floral patterns such as palm fronds and hibiscus blooms. The styles of Mexico and Latin America brought new colors like terra-cotta and turquoise to women who craved brightness and fun, inspired by the popular artist Frida Kahlo.
40th Anniversary Gala Preview: 1940s Fashion Overview Part Two
April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
40th Anniversary Gala Preview: 1940s Slang
April 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In anticipation of the 1940s Classic Hollywood themed Gala, which will take place on Saturday May 12th, the NW Film Center thought you might like a little exposure to the relevant slang and phrases of the time. So here they are, in no particular order:
- Take a powder – to leave
- Eager beaver – enthusiastic helper
- In cahoots with – conspiring with
- Doll dizzy – girl crazy
- Ducky shincracker - a good dancer
- Above my pay grade – don’t ask me
- Cook with gas – to do something right
- Killer-diller – good stuff
- Stompers – shoes
- Flip your wig – to lose control of yourself
- Pennies from heaven – easy money
- Gas - either a good time or something that was really funny
- Grandstand – to show off
- What’s buzzin’, cousin? – how’s it going?
- Hi-de-ho - hello
- Applesauce – an expletive; same as horsefeathers, As in “Ah applesauce!
- Broad- a woman
- Carry a Torch – to have a crush on someone
- Cat’s Meow – something splendid or stylish; The best or greatest, wonderful
- Dame- a woman
- Gams – a woman’s legs
- Hard Boiled – a tough, strong guy
- Hooch – bootleg liquor
- Hoofer – dancer
- Horsefeathers – an expletive; same usage as applesauce
- Hotsy-Totsy – pleasing
- Jalopy – old car
- Joint – a club, usually selling alcohol
- Keen – attractive or appealing
- Kisser – mouth
- Line – insincere flattery
- Moll – a gangster’s girl
- Pushover – a person easily convinced or seduced
- Ritzy – elegant (reference to the Ritz hotel)
- Scram – ask someone to leave immediately
- Soitently- sure!
- Speakeasy – an illicit bar selling bootleg liquor
- Spiffy – an elegant appearance
- Spread Out!- Get out of the way! Give me some room! Stop crowding me!
- Stuck On – having a crush on
- Swanky – ritzy
- Swell- wonderful
- Wise guy- a smart ass
- Whoopee – to have a good time
Taking place on Saturday May 12th, the 1940s Classic Hollywood themed Gala will be an evening of film-related auction items, delicious food and drink, phenomenal music, and A-list company. For more information and tickets to the event, please visit the NW FIlm Center’s website. For further discussion of 1940s slang, check out the online essay From Hep Cats to Full Birds: Slang of the 1940s by Michelle Carr, courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History.
40th Anniversary Gala: Lights, Camera, Action!
March 29, 2012 By 1 Comment
Over the last four decades, the Northwest Film Center’s myriad exhibition, education, and artist service programs have become a vital part of Oregon’s cultural fabric. The Film Center’s 40th Anniversary Season provides an opportunity to look back at its founding and celebrate the fostering of a media arts community internationally recognized for its vibrant talents, enthusiastic audiences, and creative collaborations.
