nevver:
- “CHIRKY”
From the late 19th century, meaning “cheerful.”
- “IN HIGH SNUFF”
An expression for “good mood,” used from the late 17th century until the 1930s.
- “OVER THE MOON”
Before humans literally went beyond the moon, this popular phrase from the 1930s means “overjoyed.”
- “GASSED”
Started out meaning “intoxicated,” but by the 1950s it just meant happy.
- “TICKLED”
As in “tickled pink.”
- “MERRY-PIN”
Also started as a reference to tipsiness, this referred to a general good ol’ time in the 19th century.
- “RICOCHET”
In the 19th century, this bouncy term also meant “splendid.”
- “ALL CALLAO”
This 19th century sailor’s slang either referred to the Peruvian port of Callo or acted as a play on the word alcohol. Or both.
- “GAUDEAMUS”
From the Latin for “let us rejoice,” this oldie refers to a merry jamboree.
- “KVELLING”
From the Yiddish for “so happy and proud my heart is overflowing.”
- “CHUFFED”
This current slang in the UK certainly needs to make a trip across the pond.
- “DELIRA AND EXCIRA”
A term the Irish use to mean “delirious and excited.” We need to borrow this one too.
- “GLADSOME”
This classic from the 14th century doesn’t get used enough anymore.
- “TO LICK THE EYE”
This confusing 19th century gem was used to describe someone who was extremely pleased.
- “COCK-A-HOOP”
From the phrase “to set the cock on the hoop,” meaning open the tap and let the good times flow.