Frank-Speak

Expressions attributed to or used by Sinatra over the years:

Bag: As in “my bag,” a person’s interest.

Beard: A male friend who acts as a cover for extramarital affairs.

Big-leaguer: Resourceful person who can handle any situation.

Bombsville: Any kind of failure in life.

Bunter: A man who fails at almost anything in life, as in cannot really hit.

Charley: A general term for anyone whose name he has forgotten.

Clyde: Once one of the most frequently used words in the Sinatra vocabulary, a pronoun for almost any subject. “Pass the clyde” might mean pass the salt. “I don’t like her clyde” would mean he didn’t like a singer’s voice.

Dying: As in “I’m dying,” which means “I’m slightly upset.”

Endsville: Total failure; similar to bombsville.

Gasser: Someone highly admired; opposite of bunter.

Rain: As in “I think it’s going to rain.” indicating it’s time to leave a dull party.

Twirl: A woman who loves to dance.