Question

what upstage mean in 1920's slang

Answer 1

In 1920s slang, "upstage" had a couple of meanings related to the theater. Primarily, it referred to the area of the stage that is farthest from the audience. However, it was also used in a figurative sense to describe someone who overshadows or draws attention away from another person, akin to how an actor further back on the stage might steal the spotlight from someone who is more front and center. Essentially, to "upstage" someone meant to outshine or outdo them in social situations or conversations.