It’s an older expression I’ve never really understood or liked, but here you go (help from gemini)
“”
The expression “It’s a gas” likely originated from Irish slang, where “gas” meant “a joke” or “something frivolous”. This usage gained traction in the 1920s and 1930s within the African American community during the Jazz Age, and James Baldwin used it in print in 1957. It was further popularized by the hippie movement in the 1960s.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Irish Slang:
The earliest documented use of “gas” to mean “joke” or “frivolity” is in Irish slang, appearing in print by James Joyce in 1914.
Jazz Age:
This usage of “gas” spread within the African American community during the Jazz Age of the 1920s and 1930s.
James Baldwin:
The phrase “It’s a gas” appeared in print for the first time in 1957 in a short story by James Baldwin.
Hippie Movement:
The expression was further popularized by the hippie movement of the 1960s.
Eheran@lemmy.world 7 months ago
A gas?
FlyingSpaceCow@lemmy.ca 7 months ago
It’s an older expression I’ve never really understood or liked, but here you go (help from gemini)
“” The expression “It’s a gas” likely originated from Irish slang, where “gas” meant “a joke” or “something frivolous”. This usage gained traction in the 1920s and 1930s within the African American community during the Jazz Age, and James Baldwin used it in print in 1957. It was further popularized by the hippie movement in the 1960s.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Irish Slang: The earliest documented use of “gas” to mean “joke” or “frivolity” is in Irish slang, appearing in print by James Joyce in 1914.
Jazz Age: This usage of “gas” spread within the African American community during the Jazz Age of the 1920s and 1930s.
James Baldwin: The phrase “It’s a gas” appeared in print for the first time in 1957 in a short story by James Baldwin.
Hippie Movement: The expression was further popularized by the hippie movement of the 1960s.