Have you ever wondered about the quirky names people used for marijuana in the past? Let’s take a fun journey back in time to explore some of the old-timey slang for weed, especially from the 1920s and 1930s.
First, let’s start with the 1980s. Back then, people had a playful name for marijuana: “Wacky Backy.” This term actually evolved from “wacky tobacky,” which was a humorous way to refer to tobacco. It might sound a bit odd, but it’s just the beginning of the creative names people have come up with over the years.
Now, let’s travel further back to the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, blunts were called “goof butts” or “Muggles.” The famous jazz musician Louis Armstrong was such a fan that he even named one of his songs “Muggles” as a nod to this nickname. It’s fascinating to see how language and culture intertwine, especially in the world of music.
The substance itself had some interesting names too. One of them was “Gigglessmoke,” which is pretty self-explanatory—it suggests that smoking it would lead to giggles and laughter. Another term was “muta,” which likely comes from “Mota,” a word in Mexican Spanish slang for marijuana. This shows how different cultures have influenced the language surrounding cannabis.
Speaking of Spanish influence, there’s also the term “fu,” which is thought to be short for “fumar,” the Spanish verb for smoke. It’s a great example of how languages borrow from each other, creating new and interesting slang.
We can’t forget about the jazz scene’s impact on marijuana slang. MZ Mesro, a well-known jazz musician, was so associated with smoking and selling marijuana that people started calling it “MZ.” It’s amazing how influential figures in music and culture can shape the language we use.
So, there you have it—a glimpse into the colorful and creative world of old-timey slang for weed. It’s fascinating to see how language evolves and how different cultures and subcultures contribute to the words we use today. Who knows what new slang terms the future will bring?
Choose one of the old-timey slang terms for marijuana mentioned in the article, such as “Wacky Backy” or “Muggles.” Research its historical context and any cultural influences that contributed to its popularity. Prepare a short presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting how language and culture influenced the term.
Write a short story or a poem using at least three of the slang terms from the article. Set your story in the 1920s or 1930s, and incorporate elements of the era’s culture, such as jazz music or the social atmosphere. Share your creative piece with the class and discuss how the slang terms enhance the narrative.
Create a timeline that traces the evolution of marijuana slang from the 1920s to the present day. Include the terms from the article and research additional slang terms that have emerged over the decades. Present your timeline to the class and discuss any patterns or cultural shifts you observe.
In small groups, role-play a scene set in a jazz club during the 1930s. Use the slang terms from the article in your dialogue, and incorporate elements of the era’s culture, such as music and fashion. Perform your scene for the class and discuss how the slang terms contribute to the authenticity of the setting.
Participate in a class discussion about the influence of different cultures on language, using the article as a starting point. Consider how terms like “Muta” and “Fu” reflect cultural exchanges. Discuss how language continues to evolve today and predict what future slang terms might look like.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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[Music] Happy 420, or as I like to call it, Wacky Backy Day! “Wacky Backy” was 80s slang for marijuana that evolved from “wacky tobacky,” referring to tobacco. That might sound strange, but it’s nothing compared to what people were calling weed back in the 20s and 30s. Blunts were referred to as “goof butts” or “Muggles.” Avid smoker Louis Armstrong even titled a song “Muggles” as a nod to the nickname. The substance itself was called “Gigglessmoke,” which is pretty self-explanatory, or “muta,” likely derived from “Mota,” a term in Mexican Spanish slang for marijuana. We might also have Spanish to thank for “fu,” thought to be short for “fumar,” the Spanish verb for smoke. And we can’t forget jazz musician MZ Mesro, who smoked and sold so much that people literally started calling it “MZ.” MZ, you would have loved Seth Rogen!
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This version removes any potentially inappropriate language while maintaining the original context.
Slang – Informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker’s language but are used in particular social groups. – The use of slang in song lyrics can make the music feel more relatable to younger audiences.
Marijuana – A psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used primarily for medical or recreational purposes. – Some musicians have claimed that using marijuana helps them to relax and enhance their creativity when composing music.
Music – The art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. – Music has the power to evoke emotions and bring people together across different cultures.
Jazz – A genre of music that originated in the African-American communities in the early 20th century, characterized by swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms, and improvisation. – Jazz music often features complex rhythms and spontaneous improvisations that challenge both musicians and listeners.
Culture – The arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. – Music is a significant part of culture, reflecting the values and experiences of a society.
Language – A system of communication used by a particular community or country. – Music can be considered a universal language that transcends linguistic barriers.
Influence – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. – The influence of classical music can be heard in many modern film scores.
Creative – Relating to or involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something. – Songwriters often have to be creative in finding new ways to express common themes in their music.
Names – Words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to. – Many bands choose unique names to stand out in the music industry.
Giggles – Light, silly laughter. – The band members couldn’t help but break into giggles during rehearsal when someone played a wrong note.
