Introduction to Dying Phrases from Childhood

Children are the custodians of culture, but their spoken language evolves as they grow. Some phrases and expressions from the past no longer hold relevance today. This article explores these changes, examining the evolution of currency, humor, social norms, and expressions in everyday conversation.

Currency and Rhyming Slang in Old UK Culture

Threepenny-bit Rhyming Slang

In the old days, Britons enjoyed colorful, rhyming slang. For example, the threepenny-bit equated to a shilling, resulting in expressions like 'have your two pennorth' or 'put in your two pennorth,' which meant 'give your opinion.'

Modern Relevance

These expressions are now obsolete, as the British currency has moved away from pennies and shillings, opting for pounds and pence. This shift in currency necessitates altered language and expressions.

Humor and Slang Phrases from the Past

Quaint Expressions

Children and adults alike used to use phrases like 'shant be here tomorrow, donkeys pissed on the strawberries,' which was a play on words meant to express uncertainty. Such phrases added a layer of humor and regional charm.

Classic Sayings

Other timeless expressions from childhood also faded away. For instance:

'That’s the pot calling the kettle black' Modern alternatives: 'It's not what you do, it's how you do it.'

Familiar to many, 'totally rad' and 'far out' were part of a generation's lexicon, but they have lost their appeal over time.

Pop Culture References

Pop culture icons and shows also contributed to the evolution of expression. References to Diff'rent Strokes like 'Whachu-talin'-bout Willis' or 'Sock it to me! ' from Lewis Black's show increasingly sound like remnants of a bygone era.

Cultural and Social Evolution

Currency and Everyday Language

Popular expressions are subject to rapid change. As currency shifts, so does day-to-day language. For example, 'noodles' is now shorthand for 'pasta,' and 'tuna' no longer requires a conversational suffix. 'Stewardess' morphed into 'flight attendant,' and 'waitress' into 'server.'

Social Changes

The evolution of language mirrors the broader societal changes. Not just in words, but in attitudes. As we moved away from antiquated gender attitudes, we said farewell to 'transvestites,' and embraced 'cross dressers.' 'Gender reassignment surgery' became 'a sex-change operation,' and a 'transgendered person' is now a 'transsexual.'

The language around disabilities and ethnicities also evolved. 'Developmentally disabled' is no longer 'mentally retarded;' 'Down syndrome' is 'mongolism;' 'deviants' are 'transsexuals.' 'Middle school' became 'junior high,' and 'Indian' for 'native American.'

Final Reflections

Many place names have also changed, such as 'Beijing' which was once 'Peking.' 'Sexual harassment' replaced the colloquial 'har-ASsed.' 'A broken record' made way for the durable 'record player,' but vinyl has made a comeback, retaining the original meaning.

Though many of these words and phrases are gone forever, they remain a cherished part of our history and serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of language and culture.