Brilliant messages from the late physician and writer
Telling someone they're "the bee's knees" means they're really cute. This sweet compliment became popular in the 1920s.
In the '60s, saying anything was "outta sight" meant that it was amazing. For example, "That show was outta sight!"
A term used to describe a gentleman of character and integrity, it's credited to the one and only William Shakespeare.
A man in the 1920s proclaiming he was dizzy meant he was head-over-heels in love with a dame, or classy woman.
Dating back to Edwardian England, a "buck" was a fancily-dressed person, usually a man. "What a buck!"
In the 1970s, calling someone or something "a gas" meant it/they was/were light and a lot of fun!
Originally a class statement, this compliment from the 1800s meant a gentleman or somebody of high station was well-dressed.
Sounds like how you'd compliment a piece of toast, but this old-school phrase means "perfect young females." Maybe we can leave this one in the past...
This 1930s compliment was a generic term for an attractive woman, especially one with a certain allure and flirtatiousness.
Back when the jitterbug, swing, and the Lindy Hop were all the rage, this was how you complimented someone's dancing!
"Follow-me-lads" was a 1800s term for the curls that lay over a lady's shoulders. One could compliment a woman by saying, "Your follow-me-lads look great!"
This 1940s compliment meant that you were calling a woman amazing. "She's a swell bird!"
Calling someone an "oyster" in the 1800s meant they were an excellent person of amazing quality.
Originating in the Middle Ages, to say someone is your "peerless paramour" is to say they have your unbeatable affection.
This 1800s compliment meant someone or something was tiny and cute, much like the Japanese slang word kawaii today.
Want to compliment your significant other? Then use this phrase from 'The New Academy of Compliments,' a dating handbook published in 1799.
Saying something is "killer" is definitely a compliment even today. It comes from the 1940s-era slang for fantastic or amazing.
Sources: (Bustle) (Mental Floss) (Reader's Digest)
In the late 1800s, "bricky" meant someone was strong, brave, and fearless, just like a brick, apparently.
After your funniest friend earns a particularly big laugh, compliment them as the group’s beloved wag.
In Edwardian England, a "pippin" was a good person with high morals.
In the Victorian era, honesty and integrity were especially highly admirable traits. Telling someone they were a "truepenny" was a testament to their strong character.
While it might sound a bit crass, calling someone a "wonder-wench" actually means "sweetheart."
Originating in the 1930s, this compliment represents a sweet, miniature sort of cuteness.
Apparently Victorians loved butter and bacon, because this was the ultimate compliment back then!
Even though it doesn't sound that way, this 1950s slang means someone's particularly handsome!
While throwing shade today is slang for subtly insulting someone, back in the '50s shade was a good thing. Telling someone they had it "made in the shade" meant they’d achieved a really nice life.
If you wanted to tell someone in the 1880s that something was the best, you’d tell them it "takes the egg." For example, "Your hat takes the egg."
If someone is witty and sassy, then they're definitely a saucebox. And yes, it's another compliment from the 1800s.
Back in the 1950s, calling someone a "dreamboat" meant you were calling them beautiful or hunky.
Languages change constantly, and there's nowhere that's more apparent than looking at popular slang from the past. While some words and phrases endure from generation to generation, plenty of material goes forgotten. These include some cute and kooky compliments, which would all land you in good favor with those on the receiving end.
Instead of letting these compliments collect dust in old dictionaries, let's bring them back the next time you want to compliment someone. Ready? Click on for inspiration!
Hilarious old-fashioned compliments we should bring back
You’re as cute as a bug’s ear!
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
Languages change constantly, and there's nowhere that's more apparent than looking at popular slang from the past. While some words and phrases endure from generation to generation, plenty of material goes forgotten. These include some cute and kooky compliments, which would all land you in good favor with those on the receiving end.
Instead of letting these compliments collect dust in old dictionaries, let's bring them back the next time you want to compliment someone. Ready? Click on for inspiration!