Tales of the Flapper Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1920s

Also called the Roaring Twenties, one of the characteristics of the era was the break from tradition - and boy, did the flappers do just that! A period of economic prosperity in the United States saw the creation of more jobs for women, and flappers, generally identified as young, single, middle-class women, took advantage of the opportunities available to them during the liberal era.

Answer: Any of these statements could explain why they were called flappers.

Still debated today, the answer to the question is largely unknown. It appears that already in 17th century, the word "flap" was used to describe a young prostitute, and by the 1890s the word was already in "A glossary of Berkshire words and phrases" as "vlapper".

It did not, however, necessarily carry with it a negative connotation, as it was also used to describe any young, lively girl. In fact, in northern England, the term was used to describe a young girl who still wore pigtails. In 1908 "The Times" suggested that a flapper was "a young lady who has not yet been promoted to long frocks and the wearing of her hair 'up".

There is also some discussion that suggests that a "flapper" wore her galoshes unbuckled, therefore, causing them to flap, although that explanation might be considered to be more in the line of an urban legend.

Incidentally, comparing a flapper to a baby bird flapping its wings seems to be a bit of an understatement, considering the fact that they became associated with extremes in behavior; they not only flew out of the nest, they appear to have hurled themselves into all sorts of misbehavior.

Answer: Rise of Nazi Germany

Events that took place after 1916, such as WWI, the Spanish Flu Epidemic and Woman's Suffrage Movement seem to have ushered in a more modern age. First of all, many young men did not return home from the war, leaving some households without a male head. With the coming of a new technological age, more jobs were available, and really for the first time, were available to women as well as men.

The death rates from the war and the flu epidemic made both men and women feel as if they should gain more enjoyment from life; young girls especially began to feel as if there was more to life than sitting at home waiting for a marriage offer.

After gaining the right to vote, many women believed it was time to be treated as more of an equal to men socially as well as politically. Men were able to drink and smoke. Why couldn't women do the same? Of course, the change in what was considered social convention did not stop there!

Answer: Bob

Throughout history, women, especially those of the upper and middle class, have normally worn their hair long. In fact, the cutting of one's hair was largely viewed as disrespectful until it was noted that long hair wasn't practical for girls who filled jobs that had become vacant during WWI. Flappers, however, seem to have made an attempt in some ways to become more boyish in appearance.

The bob cut, which was much shorter at approximately jaw level, also included fringe, or bangs. Similar styles, the Eton crop that was a short haircut without bangs, and shingle bob, which was shorter in the back than in the front, were also popular, and they worked well with the cloche, the favored hat of the flapper.

Answer: Automobile

Flappers wanted to be socially equal to men and automobiles gave them the mobility they sought. They could come and go as they pleased, driving to work, and engaging in an active social life at night. Speakeasies that sold illegal alcohol during Prohibition were favored destinations; in addition, cars could be used for "petting parties", which was the flapper term for what people today would call "making out" or "snogging".

Answer: Jazz

Apparently flappers created an entirely new vocabulary, and some of their slang words exist to this day in modern usage. The Roaring Twenties was also called the Jazz Age due to the style of music and dance that was popular. Speakeasies that were open for illegal drinking, also played jazz music, that had originated in New Orleans.

The term "jake" had a connotation of approval similar to "jazz", as in "That's so Jake"! Also called a "handcuff", a "manacle" was an engagement or wedding ring, while "sugar" was money.

A "dapper" was a flapper's father.

Answer: High Hemline

The usual flapper garb included a straight-waisted, loose-fitting dress with a hemline that was just below the knees; it was typically sleeveless, leaving the arms bare, and sometimes was strapless. High heels were also worn, along with stockings that were held up with garters. A cloche hat completed the ensemble, along with art deco style jewelry and, if needed, horn-rimmed glasses.

Answer: Corset

Some sources credit Catherine de' Medici with making corsets popular among women; apparently it was expected that women appeared at her court with slim waists! Although its construction and function have changed over time, the traditional corset was used to enhance the shape of the wearer's body, usually making the waist very slim and emphasizing the hips and breasts. Without a corset it was easier for a flapper to pull off the boyish look; in fact, some even bound their chests as it was considered unfashionable and unsophisticated to have too many curves!

Answer: Gabrielle Chanel

"Coco" Chanel helped to popularize a style in France that was called "garçonne", which made young women look more boyish with flat chests and short hair. Even the 1926 version of the "little black dress", for which she is so famous, was described by male journalists as having "no more bosom, no more stomach, no more rump..." In addition to promoting this rather androgynous look, Chanel also popularized the suntan, of all things! Pale skin was originally considered to be the mark of a lady - now a tan seemed to suggest that a woman lived a life of leisure and was healthy and fit!

Answer: The Great Depression

With the economic hardships that following the Wall Street Crash in 1929, the lifestyle of the flapper became unacceptable. Some states passed legislation which restricted the length of a skirt to no shorter than three inches below the knee, and some women were fired from jobs for wearing their hair in a bob cut. With so many people in need, it was not socially acceptable to wear fancy clothing and spend one's evenings hanging out at the local speakeasy.

The carefree lifestyle that was part of the flapper image was over - at least for the time being!