Victorian Slang of the Week

Adam’s Ale—drinking water.  As early as the 18th century, probably used through the Victorian period.  “Walked miles without so much as a sip of ‘Adam’s Ale’

Victorian Slang of the Week

Adam—often used to express a very long time ago as in, “hasn’t been a thing like it since Adam was in leading strings”.  1839.

Fact and Fiction

My latest release from The Wild Rose Press is a vampire romance, but the story is based on a real Civil War battle that took place in Fredericksburg, Virginia on December 13, 1862. It was a Confederate victory. Union soldiers were pinned down on a field below what the locals called, Marye’s Heights. Dead men [...]

Thank a Veteran

This has nothing to do with the Victorian Era but I think given the day, it’s important.
 
Today is Veteran’s Day or Armistice Day around the world. It celebrates the end of World War I (or The Great War) on November 11, 1918 at 11am: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. [...]

Victorian Slang of the Week

Action: gambling activity, as in “now that’s my kind of ‘action’”.  Used in 1887 but appears to be used mostly in the 20th century.  As always, this is for writing.  In actual speech, especially at a gaming table or among gamblers, it may have been used for often.

A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE
I’m sharing a couple of my photos and stories of the life in Placerville, California in the gold rush era that began around 1849 and, in some circumstances, is still alive now.  These two buildings have quite an interesting history as one gave immediate gratification in the form of a drink and [...]

Victorian Slang of the Week

Ace–the best one, or a thing held in high esteem.  First used 1840, in The ‘Spirit of the Times’.   Contrary to what one might think, however, this word does not appear to be in widespread use, at least in written word, until the 20th century.  That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t used in spoken word, [...]