Keep it simple, stupid!
  • Keep it simple, stupid!

Continuing my Blogtown series, where I peruse my favorite book in the world, the Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume II, H-O by J.E. Lighter.

This week's slang is brought to you by the letter "K."

katzenjammer n. 1. an alcoholic hangover; (broadly) great nervousness.
1919: "He left... with... katzenjammer from a couple of milk punches I made for him last night."

have kittens phrase. to become very upset, nervous, or angry.
Used as early as 1900, but this quote is from 1955: "Your grandmother will have kittens when she finds out."

KISS Military, jocular interj. keep it simple, stupid!
1971: "The old 'KISS' formula, 'Keep it simple, stupid,' served as my guide as I built the biography."

knuckle soup n. a punch in the mouth.
1842: "Joe Marsh's distributing knuckle soup... and he wants you to take a sup... knockin' down time'll come afore tomorrow daylight!"