Glossary
Term
Definition
Bairn
Scottish slang for "child."
Odd Fellows
Fraternal organization dating back to the early 1800s - was the first national fraternity to accept both men and women come 1851.
Knights of Pythias
Secret fraternal organization dating back to the late 1800s.
Elk
Member of the American fraternal organization founded in the late 1800s. Originally a social club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is still one of the leading fraternal organizations in the U.S. today.
The Orpheum Circuit
A chain of theaters both vaudeville and cinema from 1886 to 1927.
Caul
A part of the amniotic sac that in rare cases can still be attached to or fully encapsulating a baby upon birth. Many cultures look upon an en-caul birth (or the caul itself) as a sign of good luck or superstitious good fortune.
Bunk
"In jig time"
Slang for "nonsense."
Slang for "very quickly."
Socials
A social gathering or event.
Lodges
Meeting place of many fraternal social organizations.
Gigalo
A male escort, often servicing an older wealthy woman.
"A fat lot"
Of little use/help/worth.
Cold Cream
A cleansing and softening of the face cosmetically.
"Variety"
A magazine reporting on vaudeville and theatre in the 1900s.
Pantages Circuit
A circuit of vaudeville theaters owned by vaudeville producer Alexander Pantages that started in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"Don't count your chickens"
Derived from the full saying:
"don't count your chickens before they've hatched", meaning do not get your hopes up for something that is not yet certain.
The Lunts
Referring to Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, the famous husband-and-wife acting duo that was most popular in the early to mid-1900s. The two rose to fame through vaudeville and grew to be known as the most famous husband-and-wife duo in theatre history.
Fanny Brice
A famous film, radio, and theatre actress in the mid-1900s. Fanny Brice is the basis of the musical and film Funny Girl, as well as other shows such as Rose of Washington Square and One Night with Fanny Brice.
Beau Brummell
A famous figure in both England and the United States in the 1800s, Beau was known for his roles in plays and film, and soon his name became associated with good looks and fashion.
Debonair
Vim
Jailbait
Tough Titty
Sacro
Schlepper
"Second banana"
Suave, stylish, charming.
Energy, confident enthusiasm.
Slang for a person who may be under the age of sexual consent who those older are attracted to still.
Slang phrase used to show little remorse or sympathy for something or someone.
Slang for something relating to the sacrum bone.
Dumb or inept.
A second choice, or backup plan to something or someone.
“À bientôt”
“Bonsoir, messieurs et messieurs. Je M'appelle Gypsy Rose Lee et je suis dans le jardin de ma mere - Eve Minsky.”
French; see you soon.
French; Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Gypsy Rose Lee and I'm in my mother's garden - Eve Minsky.
"Oiseau"
French; bird.