The phrases you've mentioned are indeed a fascinating peek into the slang of the 1920s! Here’s a breakdown of what each term generally means:
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Berries - This term was used to mean something that is excellent or great. For example, "That party was the berries!"
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Wurp - A lesser-known term, it might refer to a feeling of being confused or flustered, though specific definitions can vary.
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Mazuma - This is slang for money, often associated with cash or currency.
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Don't take any wooden nickels - An idiomatic expression advising someone to be careful and not be deceived or tricked.
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Noodle juice - This phrase humorously refers to brainpower or intelligence, suggesting something like "using your head." Sometimes it can also mean a drink (like a cocktail).
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Phonus balonus - This term means nonsense or deceit; it's akin to calling something a lie or foolish.
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Sniker - A word for a quiet laugh or snicker, showing amusement or disbelief.
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Rhat z - An expression used to show mild disappointment or annoyance, often used humorously.
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Bert's - Refers to a person who is considered dull or boring, perhaps referring to someone who doesn’t trend with the times.
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Upstage - To draw attention away from someone else; it originally comes from theater lingo, meaning to steal the spotlight.
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Go chase yourself - A dismissive phrase telling someone to leave or go away, often used when annoyed.
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Dewdropper - A term for a lazy person who is not industrious and lives off the efforts of others; sometimes refers to a young man who hangs around and doesn't work.
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Gasper - This was slang for a cigarette; it implies a casual, laid-back attitude, usually associated with smokers.
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Mind your potatoes - A playful way to tell someone to mind their own business or take care of their own affairs.
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Bee's knees - This phrase means something or someone is excellent or of high quality; very popular in the 1920s as a term of admiration.
These expressions reflect the vibrant and often playful language of the 1920s Era, which was filled with creativity and a spirit of rebellion, particularly in the context of the Jazz Age.