Elder Dictionary

Elderly Terms, Meanings and Definitions

Glossary

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clicker, noun

/clik-er/

Television remote control.
I can't find the clicker for the TV.

Added on May 12, 2011 by Anonymous

coin purse, noun

A tiny decorative bag which carries metal coins in a women's purse. Yes, it is like a mini purse you keep inside of your giant purse. Quite often the opening of a coin purse was made of a metal clasp to keep your precious copper secured.
I would love a copy of that news paper young lad. Allow me to get out my coin purse for a couple coppers.

Added on September 29, 2011 by danielslaughter

communist, noun

/kom-yuh-nist/

A person who is regarded as supporting politically leftist or subversive causes. Often used interchangeably with pinko, hippie or democrat.
Look at that communist trying to work at the food pantry.

Added on May 12, 2011 by Cheryl S

conkers, noun

/con-curs/

A game played in Autumn when large seeds called conkers fell off chestnut trees. Children bore holes into these conkers, and thread them onto pieces of string about a foot long. The goal behind the game is to swing your conker to hit the opponent's conker. The game ends when either player's conker breaks.
I may have welts on my arms, but I sure am good at conkers.

Added on May 11, 2011 by Anonymous

copper, noun

/cop-per/

A penny. A form of currency. The name comes from the original material in which the United States' penny, smallest financial denominator, was made from.
This brand spanking new bicycle only set me back two coppers.

Added on May 11, 2011 by danielslaughter

copse, noun

A small to medium forest dense with vegetation and limited view.
Quickly Harriet, we need to hide from your father in this copse so he cannot find us together.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

court

/core-t/

To romantically be involved with someone outside of marriage with the intention to someday marry.
Sally and George have been courting for so long they're pretty much wed as it is.

Added on May 10, 2011 by danielslaughter

cut your teeth, phrase

To gain initial experience or hands on skills to a new area of expertise.
Crikey Johnny! You sure cut your teeth real good on learning to lay bricks, didn't ya?

Added on October 17, 2011 by danielslaughter

cute as a button, phrase

A statement claiming someone, typically a baby, is cute. Why a physical "button" is cute is a legend few understand other than it may represent facial roundness and symmetry.
Betty's new baby boy is cute as a button.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

darling, adjective

/darr-lin-g/

A word used to describe someone who is your loved one; typically spouse. Often used by women to describe their husband or lads.
Darling, please go fetch me another tea from the teapot on the range.

Added on May 17, 2011 by Anonymous

darnedest thing, adjective

/darn-dist thing/

An event or action which is unbelievable and extraordinary. Derivative of damnedest.
It's just the darnedest thing! My brooch was pinned to my blouse, and then all of a sudden it was gone.

Added on May 22, 2011 by danielslaughter

davenport, noun

/dav-uhn-pawrt/

A large sofa, often covered in plastic in the "front" room that you are never allowed to sit on.
Bobby, get your toys off the davenport, you know that will wrinkle the plastic!

Added on May 9, 2011 by Dave P.

dime store, noun

A small store which sells minimal items specializing in nicknacks, candy, Hallmark cards, and hidden treasures in a desolate town.
Johnny went down to the dime store for a root-beer float.

Added on May 8, 2011 by danielslaughter

dipstick

A term given to someone who did, or often does, stupid things.
Henry can be such a dipstick.

Added on July 7, 2021 by Anonymous

dirty pool, phrase

Refers to shady behavior or dishonest dealings
Changing the Early Bird Special start time without warning was dirty pool in Herbert’s opinion.

Added on July 19, 2021 by Kenjamin