Prestige--This word has a strangely metamorphosed meaning. The Latin proestigioe means juggling tricks, hence prestidigitateur (FR.), one who juggles with fingers. We use the word for that favourable impression which results from good antecedents. The history of the change is this: Juggling tricks were once considered a sort of enchantment; to enchant is to charm, and to charm is to win the heart.
Showing posts with label argot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label argot. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Lingo
From Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, The Classic Edition by E. Cobham Brewer, originally published in 1870, current edition undated published by Tess Press:
Friday, August 11, 2006
Lingo
Working Blue
Every performer knows the definition of blue material. It is performance material, usually sexually explicit, “dirty” or curse words. To work “blue” means that you use that kind of material. It has also used as the term “blue law” which puts limits on performances.
But, why do we call it “blue” or “blue material”?
In the late 1800s, industries such as steel, traction, gas, and oil were being consolidated into monopolies. Vaudeville was no different. One of those who controlled the theaters was B. F. Keith.
The Keith-Albee circuit owned the most important theaters and the most theaters. Only a handful of performers had the fame or power not to follow the Keith-Albee rules and if you didn’t follow the rules, you didn’t work.
As Keith expanded his theater chain and as the bills were expanded to continuous, all-day Vaudeville, he needed to clean up the normally crass performances for an audience of more than just men. Mrs. Keith took on the task.
“At her behest, all manner of blasphemy and lewdness was expunged.”
First, “notice to performers” signs listed the don’ts and don’ts for onstage performances.
Later, managers for the organization would send “suggestions” back to the performers in little blue envelopes. The performer must then change the offending material or be barred from the circuit.
That is why performers today use “blue” to describe any kind of offensive or barred material.
The quote and background comes from, " No Applause--Just Throw Money, The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous" by Trav S.D. This is a terrific history of Vaudeville. You should click over to Amazon.com and buy it. Now.
Every performer knows the definition of blue material. It is performance material, usually sexually explicit, “dirty” or curse words. To work “blue” means that you use that kind of material. It has also used as the term “blue law” which puts limits on performances.
But, why do we call it “blue” or “blue material”?
In the late 1800s, industries such as steel, traction, gas, and oil were being consolidated into monopolies. Vaudeville was no different. One of those who controlled the theaters was B. F. Keith.
The Keith-Albee circuit owned the most important theaters and the most theaters. Only a handful of performers had the fame or power not to follow the Keith-Albee rules and if you didn’t follow the rules, you didn’t work.
As Keith expanded his theater chain and as the bills were expanded to continuous, all-day Vaudeville, he needed to clean up the normally crass performances for an audience of more than just men. Mrs. Keith took on the task.
“At her behest, all manner of blasphemy and lewdness was expunged.”
First, “notice to performers” signs listed the don’ts and don’ts for onstage performances.
Later, managers for the organization would send “suggestions” back to the performers in little blue envelopes. The performer must then change the offending material or be barred from the circuit.
That is why performers today use “blue” to describe any kind of offensive or barred material.
The quote and background comes from, " No Applause--Just Throw Money, The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous" by Trav S.D. This is a terrific history of Vaudeville. You should click over to Amazon.com and buy it. Now.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Lingo
Nut
Did you ever hear anyone say, “I have to make my nut”? Did you say it?
Ever wonder where or when the term “nut” started to mean your rent or expenses?
In poker, “the nuts” describes a hand that can’t be beat or cracked.
“Making your nut” has nothing to do with the poker definition.
In has nothing to do with that hard-shelled treat at the baseball game.
It comes from the carnival. Many games, food vendors, and sideshows rented their space from the main carnival operator who supplied the rides and other parts of the show.
In the old days, the carnival boss or Lot Man would remove a nut from every wheel on an attraction’s wagon so a grifter could not skip out on paying their rent. When the rent was paid, the nuts were returned.
So, the next time you hear someone say they need to make their “nut” remember they are keeping a carnival tradition alive. Share this story with them. It will make you seem smarter.
And you both are on the way to being “With it”.
Did you ever hear anyone say, “I have to make my nut”? Did you say it?
Ever wonder where or when the term “nut” started to mean your rent or expenses?
In poker, “the nuts” describes a hand that can’t be beat or cracked.
“Making your nut” has nothing to do with the poker definition.
In has nothing to do with that hard-shelled treat at the baseball game.
It comes from the carnival. Many games, food vendors, and sideshows rented their space from the main carnival operator who supplied the rides and other parts of the show.
In the old days, the carnival boss or Lot Man would remove a nut from every wheel on an attraction’s wagon so a grifter could not skip out on paying their rent. When the rent was paid, the nuts were returned.
So, the next time you hear someone say they need to make their “nut” remember they are keeping a carnival tradition alive. Share this story with them. It will make you seem smarter.
And you both are on the way to being “With it”.
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