Bukowski peculiar slang terms
- Thread starter cirerita
- Start date
I've heard it in Woody Allen movies, Brighton Beach Memoirs I think.
Also I have heard it in Mel Brooks movies, so it could be a Jewish term like Putz.
Also I have heard it in Mel Brooks movies, so it could be a Jewish term like Putz.
Funny: the literal German translation of it ("Und wie!") is in use here too, and with exactly the same meaning still.
M
MULLINAX
___________
Well, he called his underwear "shorts".
And maybe any large boat was a "steamship".
And he used "Negro jazzband boys" in Tales of Ordinary Madness.
He was writing about events that had happened decades earlier and he wasn't one to drop words because they were no longer fashionable.
Yeah, I still use the term 86'd, fairly often, also use "deep-sixed" which has a more seagoing history. Both good terms. A lot of the terms are/were common to his generation, which would be the same as my fathers/uncles.
There's a few possiblilties regarding the meaning of 86'd. One meaning is to be barred ie. refused further service at a bar, as in "You've had enough. I can't serve you anymore."
I believe this is how Bukowski uses it.
It can also be used to suggest you've drunk enough to deserve the above, even if it hasn't happened.
Its also used in the restaurant business to describe when something on a menu is all gone. There are other meanings too, and there are conflicting stories about where the term comes from.
I believe this is how Bukowski uses it.
It can also be used to suggest you've drunk enough to deserve the above, even if it hasn't happened.
Its also used in the restaurant business to describe when something on a menu is all gone. There are other meanings too, and there are conflicting stories about where the term comes from.
For what its worth
Eighty-six "Do not sell to that customer" or "The kitchen is out of the item ordered. To remove an item from an order or from the menu."
Article 86 of the New York State Liquor Code
defines the circumstances in which a bar patron should be refused alcohol or '86ed'.
The Soup Kitchen Theory
during the depression of the 1930s, soup kitchens would often make just enough soup for 85 people. If you were next in line after number 85, you were '86ed'.
The Eight Feet By Six Feet Theory
A coffin is usually eight feet long and is buried six feet under. Once in your coffin you've been 'eight by sixed', which shortens to '86ed'.
Source-http://www.americandinermuseum.org/culture/culture-slang.php
Eighty-six "Do not sell to that customer" or "The kitchen is out of the item ordered. To remove an item from an order or from the menu."
Article 86 of the New York State Liquor Code
defines the circumstances in which a bar patron should be refused alcohol or '86ed'.
The Soup Kitchen Theory
during the depression of the 1930s, soup kitchens would often make just enough soup for 85 people. If you were next in line after number 85, you were '86ed'.
The Eight Feet By Six Feet Theory
A coffin is usually eight feet long and is buried six feet under. Once in your coffin you've been 'eight by sixed', which shortens to '86ed'.
Source-http://www.americandinermuseum.org/culture/culture-slang.php
found these for 86 at answers.com -
1. To refuse to serve (an unwelcome customer) at a bar or restaurant.
2.
1. To throw out; eject.
2. To throw away; discard.
[Perhaps after Chumley's bar and restaurant at 86 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village, New York City.]
Restaurant slang for being out of a menu item, such as "86 the lamp chops."
To throw away or get rid of something. From the number of the form originally used to remove an item from a stock record.
1. To refuse to serve (an unwelcome customer) at a bar or restaurant.
2.
1. To throw out; eject.
2. To throw away; discard.
[Perhaps after Chumley's bar and restaurant at 86 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village, New York City.]
Restaurant slang for being out of a menu item, such as "86 the lamp chops."
To throw away or get rid of something. From the number of the form originally used to remove an item from a stock record.
it's a little late now to explain the word. Has been done already here.
But I'll add two references to Buk on the term:
- in the Bukowski-Tapes, the episode, where he's driven through East-Hollywood, showing his old places (I think it was in this one), he tells (not verbatim): "They trew me out of the place, [was it 'The Playwrite?] - gave me the 86."
- in 'The Roominghouse Madrigals' (p. 139) there's a fine poem named '86'd', ending with the words:
"and finally the Great Bartender will lean forward
white and pure and strong and mystic
to tell you that you've had
enough
just when you feel like
you're getting
started."
Buk developed his ear for language on the colorful slang of L.A. in the 30s, so no surprise his work is peppered with terms like "86'd" and "high yellow". Some of these have passed from fashion, others are no longer considered polite.
A few years back I was given a dictionary of American slang, pub'd in the '40s. Just chock full of colorful terms, great stuff. Railroad slang, diner slang, gangster usage, military terms, etc. Plus a billion terms for 'drunk' in a separate index in the back. Whoever put this thing together knew what he was doing.
If you ever see an old dictionary like this at a thrift or book sale, pick it up.
-Charlie
A few years back I was given a dictionary of American slang, pub'd in the '40s. Just chock full of colorful terms, great stuff. Railroad slang, diner slang, gangster usage, military terms, etc. Plus a billion terms for 'drunk' in a separate index in the back. Whoever put this thing together knew what he was doing.
If you ever see an old dictionary like this at a thrift or book sale, pick it up.
-Charlie
I absolutely love "subnormal."
can you link to / point out / re-explain ATD? I could never figure that one out, searched and couldn't find the thread...
can you link to / point out / re-explain ATD? I could never figure that one out, searched and couldn't find the thread...
Moxie is actually a soda. I'm pretty sure it's manufactured somewhere in the New England area.
Yeah, we would drink Moxie from time to time as kids. Kind of a non-alcoholic Jagermeister:D
Have no idea if the stuff is still made.
Antidepressants.
Canned Heat/Typer
Canned Heat is indeed sterno - You filter it through a cloth, often a sock, and its also called "Squeeze" or "Pink Squeeze" because of the color of the petroleum jelly it comes from. It has a high wood alcohol content and can lead to all kinds of physical/mental problems, not least of all blindness & death.
Also, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the word "typer."
Canned Heat is indeed sterno - You filter it through a cloth, often a sock, and its also called "Squeeze" or "Pink Squeeze" because of the color of the petroleum jelly it comes from. It has a high wood alcohol content and can lead to all kinds of physical/mental problems, not least of all blindness & death.
Also, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the word "typer."
Yes, Moxie is the Jagermeister of soda, bitter tasting but it used to be my favorite. It's available in a lot of stores in Boston.
Bukfan
"The law is wrong; I am right"
The Blues man Tommy Johnson released a record in 1928 (1929?) called Canned Heat Mama, making the expression Canned Heat even more popular. Tommy Johnson is also said to have died from Canned Heat. In 1965 the blues band Canned Heat took their name from Tommy Johnson's record. On the cover of their first record you see a couple of Sterno cans.
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks for the ATD Ninjerk.
"Roundeye" another definite favorite I've been meaning to use more often.
"Roundeye" another definite favorite I've been meaning to use more often.
Yes. It is still made.
Father Luke
Founding member
Moxie is an American word meaning:
sass, courage, spunk, determination, attitude
Also, he used the phrase Duker (Duke' er) as in put up your dukes.
He was referring, of course, to boxing.
Put up your fists, and prepare to box. Prepare to Duke it out.
Interestingly enough, Boxing was much more popular years ago.
Maybe not like Soccer, but it was much more popular. Sort of a
cultural thing.
sass, courage, spunk, determination, attitude
Also, he used the phrase Duker (Duke' er) as in put up your dukes.
He was referring, of course, to boxing.
Put up your fists, and prepare to box. Prepare to Duke it out.
Interestingly enough, Boxing was much more popular years ago.
Maybe not like Soccer, but it was much more popular. Sort of a
cultural thing.
Reminds me of that funny story in 'South of no north', when he's beating the shit out of Hem.
...and of course His stone on Green Hills.
"bust his sack"
"kill the breath" - covering up the smell of alcohol
