Frank's Senior News

The following are ten old time sayings and little captions that show how we used to use them.  As time went by, I found that many folks in different parts of the US and elsewhere had little variations in meaning and use.  We have provided the Ryan family and West Coast USA versions, ” These are sayings like we used to hear at home and as I reflect and remember them” says Frak Ryan.  This page ran previously and we are showing it again.

We will update from time to time with new “old time sayings.”

An old shoe – an old person, usually some very kind or nice person with lots of character. Usually used as a fond expression.

An old soul – Used to describe a person with kind terms and referring to their wit, knowledge, or wisdom. IE noble, wise and very deep in personal character.  Could be an older or even younger person.

Bad apple – used to describe a person or an apple.

Collar Ad – used to describe a good looking man, as in out of a fashion magazine or catalogue of the 30s 40s or 50s.

Cool Cucumber – used to describe a person who was steady under fire or in extremely dangerous or threatening situations. “He was a cool cucumber!”

Dog Breath -usually used to depict a persons breath. In most cases about a boss or male, but sometimes even used to describe a female. Seldom used to describe the dog.

Faster than scat – indicating a very fast action, before the digital age. As in…
“She did the dishes faster than scat.”  Not sure what scat was or how fast, but that is the saying we heard many times.

Get up and go – used to describe an older person with a lot of energy. Usually for seniors that seemed to be very active beyond their years.  “That old guy has a lot of get up and go!”

Hot as a pistol – used to describe a person who was admired for looking good, or for some sales accomplishment or rapid advancement in faster than normal time. Also used to depict a gangster of the 30s. ( Hollywood romanticized the gangland folk and sold a lot of tickets to the movies with phrases like this.)

Turn down the covers – What Grandma would say just before turning out the lights and saying the bedtime prayers with the little children.