Era Vocabulary - Ever Get "Corned?"

 
As I have researched the pre-World War I era of auto racing I have come across the slang or "street language" of the time. To develop authentic diaglogue from this period of American history, the following is a list of words that are essential.

• Scorcher – Race driver, daredevil
• Kick – Complaint
• Crack – Standout, expert
• Snapper – Photographer
• Society – The wealthy class, usually inherited wealth
• Swell – A noun, someone who is special, usually privileged
• Going “Great Guns” – Doing extremely well, or with high energy or speed
• Corned – Drunk (the result of consuming corn whiskey)
• Bully – Great, exceptional
• Democratic – Not showing preference for social standing
• Chesterfield – one with savoir faire, like royalty – the Earl of Chesterfield
• Sport – A noun, someone who is ostentatious, “sporting” fancy clothes and jewelry.
• Derby – derived from horse racing, a term for an auto race.
• Game – sport, business, occupation
• Churchwarden pipe - a curved lengthy pipe for tobacco
• La Pompadour – Woman’s hairstyle
• Joshing – joking, teasing
• “Rag Time Airs” – Popular music from a band
• Voiture Legere – Light weight racing car class
• Duck – durable, closely woven cotton or linen cloth

For what it's worth...