Planning a 1920s-themed murder mystery party? You can’t just look the part—you’ve gotta talk the part. Whether you’re a ritzy flapper or a slick mobster, nothing sells the scene like tossing around some authentic Roaring Twenties slang. Don’t worry, doll, this guide has your back. From jazzy jive to wise-guy lingo, we’re diving into the bee’s knees of vintage vocabulary.

And the best part? You don’t have to piece it all together alone. The Murder Mystery Company will bring the plot, the props, and the pizazz—all you need to do is show up and maybe drop a “cat’s pajamas” or two.

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What Made 1920s Slang So Iconic?

The Roaring Twenties was an era of breaking rules, drinking gin in secret, and dancing all night to hot jazz. The language of the time was just as bold and playful, loaded with color, charm, and mischief. Perfect fuel for a thrilling murder mystery game night set in the shadowy back rooms of speakeasies and gangster dens.

Death of a Gangster is the real McCoy if you’re lookin’ to throw your own swanky speakeasy shindig—but before the giggle water starts flowin’, let’s give you the lowdown on the lingo of the times.

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30 Swell 1920s Slang Terms to Use at Your Mystery Dinner Party

Here’s your cheat sheet of flapper talk, mobster lingo, and vintage expressions to sprinkle into your conversations like confetti on New Year’s Eve.

1. The bee’s knees – Absolutely the best
2. The cat’s pajamas – Just as fabulous as it sounds
3. Giggle water – Booze (usually illegal, always fun)
4. Juice joint – A speakeasy
5. Moll – A gangster’s girlfriend
6. Bump off – To murder (handy for a mystery, no?)
7. The big house – Prison
8. Hooch – Bootleg liquor
9. Know your onions – Be well-informed
10. Heebie-jeebies – The creeps
11. Hotsy-totsy – Just right; perfect
12. Doll – A good-looking dame
13. Flat tire – A boring person or situation
14. Putting on the Ritz – Dressing fancy
15. Swanky – Elegant, upscale
16. Ritzy – Super fancy, often a little too much
17. Applesauce – Nonsense
18. Sheba – A woman with sex appeal
19. Sheik – A man with charm
20. Drugstore cowboy – A guy who hangs out trying to look cool
21. Jake – Everything’s fine
22. Speakeasy – An illicit bar during Prohibition
23. Swell – Excellent
24. Spiffy – Sharp-looking
25. Bearcat – A fiery woman
26. Scram – Beat it, get out
27. Snitch – An informant
28. Joint – Any place or establishment
29. Edge – A buzz or slight intoxication
30. Blow your wig – Get overly excited or lose your temper

Slide a few of these into your interactive mystery game and you’ll sound like a seasoned flapper or mob boss in no time.

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Bring the 1920s to Life with The Murder Mystery Company

A murder mystery party game set in the 1920s is more than just a theme—it’s an experience. Picture it: jazz music floating through the air, guests arriving dressed to kill (figuratively), and a script full of twists, turns, and suspicious motives. Best of all, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

The Murder Mystery Company makes it easy to plan a one-of-a-kind mystery party that’ll have guests raving. Whether it’s at home, at a restaurant, or for a private event, they’ll help you throw a bash that’s the bee’s knees.

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Call 888-643-2583 or fill out a contact form on this page to start planning your roaring good time. After all, every great themed mystery party needs a killer cast—and with The Murder Mystery Company, you’re already halfway to solving the case.