8.02.2011

The Fab 50's

I doubt that in fifty years people will want to have 2010's themed party where they can dress up in bright skinny jeans and listen to electropop music.

But we have 1950's parties and I think it's because we're still in love with that golden era.


Misc. Facts:
  • In 1954 the words "under God" were added to the pledge of allegiance.
  • Credit cards were introduced.
  • In 1952, 3D cartoons made their debut.
  • Barbie and Hula Hoops were some of the most popular toys.
  • McDonald's was founded in 1955.
  • Alaska and Hawaii become the 49th and 50th US state.
  • Minimum wage was 75 cents per hour.

The Trends:
  • drive-ins and diners
  • having a television (the average kid watched it 6 hours a day)
  • going steady
  • rock and roll
  • cruising the boulevard
  • hanging out at the malt shop
  • sock-hops

The Lingo:
  • actor - show off
  • agitate the gravel - to leave
  • ankle biter - a child
  • cast an eyeball - to look
  • cat - a hip person
  • cube - a normal person
  • cut the gas - be quiet
  • fat city - a great thing or place
  • in orbit - in the know
  • radioactive - very popular
  • royal shaft - badly/unfairly treated

The Movies:
  • Roman Holiday
  • Titanic
  • Father of the Bride
  • Sabrina
  • Old Yeller
  • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
  • The Shaggy Dog

(And of course) The Look:
  • Men wore gray flannel suits and women wore dresses with pinched waists and high heals.
  • The teenagers wore what we remember most though. Poodle skirts, crew tops, and saddle shoes.

It's so vintage - I love it!

5 comments:

l said...

Nice, Katy! I especially like the lingo. Can you imagine someone saying that today? :D Although I use "ankle-biter"--but to describe little yappy dogs, not kids!
Thanks for the fun post!

Brianna Renee said...

fat city!? hah, i love it! :)

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Interesting trivia, most of which I did not know even though I grew up in the 50s. (Maybe I was too little.) Some items in the list were quite surprising. (I thought credit card, for instance, came much later.)

Emily Ann Putzke said...

Love the 50's!!

Shelley said...

Nice post Katy! Wow, their lingo is so different and weird. You learn something new everyday! :)