What does the old slang limberlost mean?

"Limberlost" isn't exactly old slang, but rather a term with a specific meaning:

It refers to a dense, tangled swamp or thicket.

The word itself is likely derived from "limber" (meaning flexible) and "lost," reflecting the challenging and disorienting nature of such environments.

Here's how it gained popularity:

* Literature: Gene Stratton-Porter's 1909 novel, *The Limberlost*, popularized the term, depicting a specific swamp in northeastern Indiana. This gave the word a specific association with that location and its unique ecosystem.

* General usage: While not as common as other slang terms, "limberlost" still exists in some circles, particularly those with a connection to nature, wilderness, or the Midwest.

So, while not strictly "slang" in the modern sense, "limberlost" is a descriptive term with a strong connection to a specific type of environment and literary legacy.