[Ads-l] Antedating of "Signify" (African-American Slang)

[Shapiro, Fred]

signify ("To boast, brag; to make insulting remarks") (OED, 6., 1932)

1927 _New Journal and Guide_ (Norfolk) 20 Aug. 10 (ProQuest)

Mrs. Evelyn Ralls, accused Farrington Owens of standing around "signifying." Owens did not quite understand her but felt that he had been insulted.  Seeking to avenge this insult he "made a pass" at Mrs. Ralls and her husband took up the burden of his wife and thrashed him. Both were fined $10 and cost but Owens does not know the meaning of the word "signifying" yet.

Fred Shapiro




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