1920's group, The Shifters- a Ponzi scheme

[MrBern]

FOR a few months in 1922, throngs of America’s youth — from schoolkids to shopgirls — were swept up in a leaderless pyramid scheme that promised “something for nothing” and encouraged promiscuous flirtation. These were the “Shifters.” This is their (brief) story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/opinion/sunday/a-ponzi-scheme-for-flappers.html?hp

Argot of the Shifters:

“It’s the patois of the wearers of the green earrings and insignia of the Mystic Order of Shifters. It’s the jazz talk of the Flappers and their cake-eating escorts.” — The New York Times, April 23, 1922

Oil Burner: girl who chews gum

Princess Mary: girl about to be married

Dud: a Flapper who can’t keep in the swim

Young Otis: chap from the country

Slam-book: diary in which you “knock” your friends

Egg Harbor: free-admission dance

Woofy: in place of nothing else to say; generally meaningless

Ankling along: taking a walk

Sinker: girl who is a wallflower

Red Mike: boy who never goes out with a girl

Darb: can be relied on to pay the checks

Monog: one who is “goofy” about one person at a time

Rug-shaking: shimmying

Blouse: let’s go

Flat-wheeler: chap whose idea of entertainment is a walk

Tomato: pretty girl who can dance but has no brains

Washout: maiden somewhat the worse for years

Snugglepupping: spooning, petting

Mad Money: streetcar money in case of a row with your fellow

Jammed: intoxicated

Strike-breaker: substitute girl when your steady is sore on you

Lollygagger: young man addicted to hallway spooning

Flat Tire: would-be Flapper over 30

Smudger: one who does all the new dances

Wrinkle: a chaperone

Crasher: Flapper or “Cakie” who goes uninvited

Finale-hopper: arrives after ticket-taker has gone

Goof: sap, guy, fish but different from “Goofy”

Destroyer: dances on your feet

Squirrel: hides or banks his or her money

Loaded: not drunk, but primed with information

Sharpshooter: dances well and spends money freely

Drag: to escort a Flapper somewhere

4-o: highest possible rating

She’s gottem: knows the ropes

Buried: Flapper who has become married

O.A.O.: One And Only

Knee Duster: Flapper’s dress

Nunnally Cowboy: cake eater, lounge lizard

Wallie: Goof with patent leather hair

The “Shifter” smile is enticing; the “Shifter” dance is “snuggling”; the “Shifter” method is cuddling; the “Shifter” handshake is feeling; and the “Shifter” pin is everything. — The Toledo News Bee, March 29, 1922

 

[Espee]

I heard a Martin & Lewis radio show (early 1950s) which included the term "darb"... I intended to try figuring it out, but now I've forgotten the context.
"Oh he's such a darb" maybe...

 

[skyvue]

Would love to find one of those Shifters buttons.

 

[LizzieMaine]

They weren't kidding when they called the Shifters the "flappers' Ku Klux." This movement appeared just as the KKK was picking up a full head of steam around the country -- and the Invisible Empire organized its recruiting in a very similar manner, with all sorts of rake-offs for different levels of the hierarchy. That's one reason the Klan's membership grew as rapidly as it did -- Kleagling was seen as a way to make fast, easy money, and was widely discussed. Likely it didn't escape the notice of these kids, who were able to turn the idea into something of their own.

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Rapidly — as with Shifter hats — commerce saw a niche. On March 24, The New York Times reported that “Shifter headquarters” was located at 303 Fifth Avenue, in the form of the “Official Shifters Emblem Company.” This utterly unofficial organization was the creation of the Kesternman Brothers Manufacturing Company of Providence — which monetized the Shifter fad by producing enameled lapel pins featuring a “hand of friendship” and the word “Shifter” in two colors (for 10 cents) or three colors (15 cents)

Looking at Google Maps I got a kick at how 303 Fifth Avenue in New York is now the home of Cheap Jack's Vintage Clothes. lol