1. Dictionaries and Glossaries:
* The Dictionary of American Slang: This comprehensive resource provides a historical overview of slang, including entries from the 1920s.
* The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Check the etymology sections for entries with origins in the 1920s.
* Online Dictionaries: Websites like Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com often include slang entries, though their coverage of historical slang may be limited.
* Specialized Glossaries: Look for glossaries specifically focused on the 1920s, such as those found in historical fiction books, academic articles, or websites about 1920s culture.
2. Historical Sources:
* Literature: Novels, short stories, and plays from the 1920s are rich sources of slang. Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Dashiell Hammett used contemporary slang to create authentic dialogue.
* Newspapers and Magazines: Publications from the era, like The New York Times or The Saturday Evening Post, can provide glimpses of popular slang used in daily life.
* Letters and Diaries: Personal correspondence from the period can offer a unique perspective on how people spoke and wrote.
* Songs and Music: Jazz, blues, and popular music of the 1920s often featured slang words and phrases in their lyrics.
* Films and Television: Movies and TV shows set in the 1920s can provide visual and auditory examples of slang.
3. Online Resources:
* Slang Websites: Websites dedicated to slang, like Urban Dictionary, often have sections dedicated to historical slang.
* Online Archives: Digital archives of historical documents, such as the Library of Congress or the National Archives, may contain materials featuring 1920s slang.
* Historical Forums and Blogs: Online communities focused on the 1920s can provide a platform for sharing and discussing slang words.
Remember that slang is constantly evolving, so the words used in the 1920s may not be familiar today. Be sure to use your research skills to determine the correct meanings and context of the slang you find.