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.

If you are a girl it may be if you are ready for lip stick or if you want a new video game or new skirt or shoes?

Once adulthood slips into your life it is amazing how fast you become a mom or dad or even as a single adult you get a home, job and responsibilities.   Then whoosh! All of a sudden you are looking at retirement.  The calendar whips by and bingo! You are the older generation.

Now of course you just surprised yourself by getting older! You didn’t plan it. No one ever told you it would go so fast.  You still remember when you would be bored to death in the 40′s or fifties when they would roll up the sidewalks in town at 6 o’clock and every one you knew was in bed by 9pm or earlier because they had to get up at 4:30 or five am.

The kids and grand kids dated, married, had kids and didn’t ask you! They just called and told you that you were grand parents.  Wow!

Now you try skipping and it is ok except you can’t do it as long, and the neighbors look at you funny!  Your wife will probably tell you to “knock it off!” and the dog will bark at you.   Your husband might say don’t be silly or if he is still young at heart he might start skipping with you!  Have fun!

The important point here is that we don’t grow old in our mind. We don’t think of ourselves as old until possibly the last days of our life or if we get really sick.  Otherwise the only thing that happens is we are surprised by getting older. We are surprised when we can’t get up on the roof or carry as much stuff as far as we used to.  We try to cover up but deep down we know we are feeling our age a bit.

It is all good, but know this young folks. You too will be older before you know it so live well and do good things for others. Then when you get older you will have wonderful memories of joyous times and good friends.  It almost always will come back to you in blessings!

How do I know this stuff? I have lived it and want to share with the younger generation. No one ever told me this stuff.  I think they wanted me to get the joke later.  Older does have it’s advantages, but you have to make sure you keep a good attitude and forgive all others no matter what.  That is a very healthy thing for your own peace of mind and so you can stay a kid all your life!