These Words and Phrases Will Help You Sound Like a Damnation Character

Wondering what in tarnation they’re talking about in USA Network’s new series, Damnation? The show’s creative team took special care to employ language straight from the 1930s, including slang terms that aren’t used much in modern society. So if you’re unfamiliar with certain words, don’t fret: Even if you initially think Seth Davenport (Killian Scott) and Creeley Turner (Logan Marshall-Green) are just bumping gums (see below), this glossary will help you better understand what’s being said.

Bit: A prison sentence

Example: “Dumb bastard busted a bottle over some copper's head and ended up serving a three month bit.”

Boozehound: A drunkard

Example: “He talks up a big story, but half the time that boozehound doesn’t even know what he’s saying.”

Broad (sometimes called a dame): An attractive woman

Example: “For the life of me, I couldn’t tell you why a broad like that would go out with an ugly mug like him.”

Bumping gums: Talking nonsense

Example: “Hoover won’t get reelected. Quit bumping gums.”

Chicago Typewriter (sometimes called a Tommy Gun): A submachine gun favored by criminals, known for its distinct shape and high volume of fully automatic fire

Example: “If you want to take out a gangster in style, use a Chicago Typewriter.”

Flapper: A young woman who behaves in an unconventional manner

Example: “She may look like an angel, but that flapper’s got the heart of the devil.”

Giggle juice: Liquor

Example: “You can’t trust a man who lets secrets spill after a little too much giggle juice.”

Hooch: Liquor, particularly whiskey

Example: “That dude slings back more hooch in one night than I can drink in an entire year.”

Horn: A phone

Example: “Get Stephen on the horn and let’s clear up this payment issue.”

Make tracks: To leave quickly

Example: “I don’t know how or who busted his head open, but we better make tracks before they throw the blame on us.”

Moonshine: Particularly strong liquor produced without government authorization

Example: “You put a shot of moonshine in Nicky and he’ll talk you half to death.”

Pinkerton: A semi-official detective agency that started in the United States around 1850

Example: “Even if the law isn’t smart enough to connect Bill to Tom’s murder, the Pinkertons will come after him in good time.”

Proprietor: Owner of a business establishment

Example: “He came out West with the intentions of being a saloon proprietor, but only found his way into an early grave.”

Sedition: Speech or behavior meant to incite rebellion against those in charge

Example: “These trouble-makers keep up with their rabble-rousing and they’re going to be charged with sedition.”

Speakeasy: A saloon that, during Prohibition, illegally sold alcoholic beverages

Example: “Finding a speakeasy in this town is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.”

Strikebreaker: Someone who breaks up worker-related rebellions by continuing to work regardless of protests.

Example: “That strikebreaker knows that if he shows his face again, I’ll beat him until Sunday.”

Revenuer: A government official who enforces the prohibiting of alcohol

Example: “I don’t care if he’s a Republican or Democrat, I ain’t voting for a revenuer.”

Trigger men: Hired gunmen; assassins

Example: "Al Capone and his trigger men took out some Irish enforcers during the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre.”

Whorehouse: A brothel

Example: “On Sunday mornings, you’re more likely to find Zachary in a whorehouse than a church."

Yankee: A native of the northern United States; often used derisively

Example: “Those arrogant Yankees are always sticking their noses where they don’t belong.”

Yonder: “At a distance” or, colloquially, “in heaven”

Example: "I have a mind to send you up yonder if you keep running that mouth!"

Visit the Damnation website to get the latest news, watch videos, and learn more about the series. New episodes of Damnation air Tuesday nights at 10/9c on USA Network.