Elder Dictionary

Elderly Terms, Meanings and Definitions

Glossary

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cute as a button, phrase

A statement claiming someone, typically a baby, is cute. Why a physical "button" is cute is a legend few understand other than it may represent facial roundness and symmetry.
Betty's new baby boy is cute as a button.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

dime store, noun

A small store which sells minimal items specializing in nicknacks, candy, Hallmark cards, and hidden treasures in a desolate town.
Johnny went down to the dime store for a root-beer float.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

gingerly

Taking caution in your actions without causing much haste.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

little bugger

An insult to a child or youth for being a pest.
"You little buggers, I'll get you" the old man shouted at the truck full of young men as they hastily drove away.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

rotary, noun

A telephone. Originated from an old technology where pins and gears would have to be physically rotated on a device to place a phone call through to a switchboard center.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

whatchamacallit

/what-cha-ma-call-it/

When describing an item of an unknown title, such as a doodad, this phrase is used to make the sentence sound less silly, fully completed, and educated.
I was working on the whatchamacallit right before the pistons blew.

Added on May 8, 2011 by Terra M.

garments, noun

Garments, also known as under garments, are any type of underwear typically worn by women.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

greatest thing since sliced bread

A title given to someone or something for being an up and coming invention that is better than the invention of store bought pre-sliced bread.
The invention of the automatic transmission was the greatest thing since sliced bread I've ever seen.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

ice box

Refrigerator. Often used to store goods from the local market that once required quick consumption or pickling to retain their freshness.
I'll put this head of crisp lettuce in the ice box to prevent it from wilting as fast.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

linens, noun

White or lightly colored sheets typically used to sleep on.
A life without linens isn't a life worth living.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

long johns, noun

Also known as long underwear. The lining in which people will wear under pants to add a layer of warmth and protection from the bitter cold of winter.
You might want to put on a pair of Grandpa's long johns to keep your nubbins from freezing off.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

whipper-snappers

/hwip-er-snap-ers/

Members of youth. Typically those who are obnoxious or neglect authority or courtesy for others.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

going steady

A mutual agreement in dating someone without the intent of dating someone else.
Hillary and George are officially going steady according to the chatter in the study hall.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

kicking, adverb

Someone who's still alive.
I may be old, but I'm still kicking.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

old fart, noun

An old person.
Grandpa is such an old fart these days.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter