Flappers 2 Rappers: American Youth Slang

By Tom Dalzell

Book Overview

"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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486475875
• ISBN13: 9780486475875
• Release Date: July 2010
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Baloney, cooties, and 23 skidoo

This book is so much more than a dictionary. It's a look at the evolution of American life, a glimpse of history, and an affirmation of how similar we are when we are young. One of my all-time favorite reads, believe it or not!

Good Stuff

This book is excellent! Especially good for historical role-players who want to keep it authentic. BTW, did you know the word "Homie" dates back to the '40's?

I Couldn't Write Without This Book

As an author with my debut novel in its initial release, I freely admit the debt I owe to Tom Dalzell's FLAPPERS 2 RAPPERS. Without Dalzell's collection of youth slang from the 19th Century to the present day, my novel would not have likely received the rave reviews it is receiving. I use this book while writing to give my characters the voice of their time and place. One of the most meaningful compliments I ever received about my writing came from a reader who was a Chavezista in her youth. She told me I handled Chicano slang perfectly in my novel (which features a Latino protagonist). I didn't tell her Tom Dalzell's book was my primary source for proper usage. It still is. I admit it freely. This book is fabulous.

More than just a reference guide

Mr.Dalzell's book, is, as it was designed to be, a first-class reference source for anyone who wants to know how American youth spoke and when they spoke that way. But, in fact, this book is a great deal more than just a reference resource. The text can indeed be read as an incisive, compassionate, witty, and ultimately, quite moving account of American youth - a time of life when we are all at the mercy of our dreams. From the opening quaintnesses of the 1850's, to the jagged, scarey rhythms of rap in the 1990's Dalzell establishes a through line to make it all of a comprehensible piece. He ends his book with a valediction that will make you smile and maybe dab at your eyes for a moment too, as he makes manifest his enormous affection and respect for all embattled youth, no matter when they were young.

Way Cool Reading for the Hip Hop Generation

Dalzell chronicles the use of slang from decade to decade, ranging from G.I. slang from WWII to the lexicon of the Beat movement to inner-city speak for such taboos as drugs and sex. Dalzell also created smaller highlighted sections for slang that was used in smaller circles, such as Chicano vocabulary that one is likely to hear on the streets of East L.A. (take it from someone who has been there). Each section is illustrated by a different, well-known artist, which really brings the text to life. Flappers 2 Rappers is an intriguing study of youth and culture throughout this century. It would make an excellent addition to any classroom dealing with English as a Second Language or American idioms and slang.