The Original Hipster Dictionary
Anyone under the age of 40 know what I’m talking about here?
Courtesy of my pal Bob Fergusson comes the “Slim Gaillard Vout- O-Reenee Dictionary”.
Slim Gaillard was an American jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist, noted for his vocalese singing and word play in a language he called “Vout”. Hence the dictionary. Some of the pages are missing, but its worth taking a look to relive a classic bygone age (oh for a time machine) and revel in his ingenuity and creativity.
I’d never heard of this – cool. I’m guessing 1940s? I admit to Googling for the answer, but didn’t find it.
Pamela Villars said this on April 11, 2009 at 8:37 am
Love this blog I’ll be back when I have more time.
mrred said this on April 22, 2009 at 4:30 am
thanks! glad you like it, come back and visit soon.
john said this on April 22, 2009 at 9:46 am
Wasn’t this publication the one the actors in ‘Swing Kids’ were reading out loud in that film?
J.L. Myers said this on August 24, 2009 at 9:26 am
I have not seen the movie, but will check into it. I know that there is a Slim Gailliard song on the movie soundtrack though, “Flat Foot Floogie”. Thanks for stopping by, hope to hear from you again.
john said this on August 24, 2009 at 10:40 am
Cool! Any chance to find the page for “A” & “B”? Or was there some taboo-a-reenee on words starting with those letters
Thanks!
Olde Edo said this on June 21, 2010 at 4:26 pm
I’ll keep looking, but I haven’t been able to find that page anywhere….thanks for stopping by though!
john said this on June 22, 2010 at 6:38 am
How much do you think this book is worth? I have one for sale.
Hahn Furst said this on October 13, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I don’t know how much the book is worth, guess depends somewhat on condition and if all the pages are still there etc.
How much are you asking?
from the other side of the mirror said this on October 14, 2010 at 10:05 am
The dictionary looks as good as the one pictured here. All the pages are in tact. I haven’t determined an asking price, yet. As far as I can tell, mine is the only one available.
Hahn Furst said this on October 14, 2010 at 10:11 am
Let me know when you do settle on a price, I might be interested in buying it.
Cheers
John My Website
from the other side of the mirror said this on October 14, 2010 at 6:15 pm
From what I can gather, this dictionary is worth $20,000. But for you…I’ll take $19,000. Thanks, Hahn Furst
Hahn Furst said this on October 15, 2010 at 9:29 am
JUST reading this…Nice try!
I am Slim’s daughter so I know what’s up with the dictionary…I can assume no takers at 19,000…Happy to know that people still speak of him and that he brought a lot of fun into music. Miss him…Vout.
Jan Gaye said this on May 9, 2012 at 9:30 am
Hey Jan, Has anyone ever offered to buy your copy? Do you know what people will pay? I’m not looking to sell mine, but I’m curious to know if I’ll be spending my golden years in Hawaii or Piscataway:) Also, is there still a film about Slim in the works? I’d love to see it. Have you seen the BBC documentary?
pocreations said this on May 9, 2012 at 11:07 am
Hi Jan – thank you so much for stopping by my blog, your father is very much still thought of and I play his music on my radio show whenever I can. He was so far ahead of his time and a real inspiration to many.
I certainly don’t have $19,000 to pay for a dictionary, but hope to pick one up someday. Vout!! Cheers, John.
john said this on May 9, 2012 at 11:24 am
I often used to see Slim Gaillard late at night in the WAG Club, (Whiskey-A-GoGo), in Wardour Street, London, around the late seventies / early eighties. At that time Slim had a room in The Chelsea Arts Club, who provided accommodation for him. Slim would turn up at various venues around London to see The Chevalier Brothers perform. Occasionally he’d join them for a few numbers on piano or guitar, which was just amazing. I feel so very very privileged to have seen him play. Incidentally The Chevalier Brothers still play if you’d like to look them up!
Andrew Conway said this on March 31, 2013 at 5:13 am
Incidentally, I notice a word missing from the Vout Dictionary… Stashframe… Slim’s word for his bed, ha ha ha
Andrew Conway said this on March 31, 2013 at 5:21 am
Andrew, many thanks for stopping by, I wish I had seen Slim live!
john said this on April 8, 2013 at 11:04 am