Elder Dictionary

Elderly Terms, Meanings and Definitions

Glossary

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got me hanging

To be left in a state of suspense, uncertainty, or waiting for something, like a decision or answer, without receiving it.
When asked a question and you don't know the answer, one might reply... "You got me hanging."

Added on March 21, 2025 by Frances

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

had a ball

To previously undergo excitement at an event.
Gregory and I had a ball last weekend at the drive-in. We even bought a popcorn to share!

Added on April 23, 2012 by danielslaughter

handsome woman, phrase

/hand-some woe-man/

Often used kindly to express the beauty of a woman, just like we would nowadays with a man, without directly implying she's beautiful.
I've always found Hillary to be a handsome woman.

Added on May 10, 2011 by danielslaughter

hankering, noun

/hank-er-ing/

A want or desire that just won't let you go.
He had a hankering to learn to fly.

Added on August 24, 2016 by Anonymous

hanky panky, phrase

To mess around inappropriately (in a sexual way) against the will of parents.
I dated her 'cause I knew she would do the hanky panky in the back o' my daddy's Buick.

Added on July 9, 2011 by Turner

have a cow, phrase

To have a hissy fit over something. To complain or react strongly to something.
Don't have a cow, mom... it's just a small speeding ticket!

Added on May 14, 2011 by Cheryl S

hippie, noun

/hip-ee/

A person sporting tie-dye, sandals or hair longer than a regulation flat top. Often interchangeable with communist, pinko or democrat.
Is that hippie a girl or a boy, mommy?

Added on May 12, 2011 by Cheryl S

hitch in your get-along, phrase

When a person is hobbled or slowed in some way by an obstacle or other impediment.
Harvey would love to go to the dance, but with the cold and his bum leg he's got a real hitch in his get-along.

Added on May 9, 2011 by Ken Clinkenbeard

hogwash

What an older person says when something is worthless or meaningless.
This coleslaw is hogwash to my already horrible taste buds.

Added on May 10, 2011 by Kristine S.

hunky dory, phrase

/hun-key door-ee/

Everything is fine, going well, as planned.
Life is just hunky dory today.

Added on May 11, 2011 by Bob P.

I'd buy that for a dollar, phrase

An item with so much value it's worth the price of a dollar as if that dollar came from the early 1920s.

Added on May 8, 2011 by John S.

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

ice cream parlor

A brick and mortar business that sells ice cream, sherbert, and malteds.

Added on July 14, 2021 by danielslaughter

in a jiffy, phrase

Quick speed. Often used to describe getting something done fast.
I will have these trousers tailored for you in a jiffy.

Added on May 13, 2011 by danielslaughter