You’re probably too young to remember the 1968 and 1972 presidential campaigns, and the popular bumper stickers and pins that read:
“NIX ON NIXON.”
It might have been used in 1960 as well.
Don’t forget the Offspring album Ixnay on the Hombre. Now, why they called it Ixnay on the Hombre I have no idea, but at least it’s got some good songs on it.
Sorry samclem. I posted too quickly.
I never would have thought that “nix” was that early. I’ve never seen it in any 19th century books.
“Nit Not Nay No NIX!”
Spoken by my father on occasion, to the three offspring…
Elegantly put, my friend.
I’m just a girl who can’t say no.
I’m in a terrible fix.
I always say ‘Come on, let’s go,’
just when I oughta say ‘Nix.’
- Annie, Oklahoma
I only meant that “scram” was a typical piece of '50’s slang that later went into decline. I think of it as being sort of characteristic of the '50s, not unique to the '50s.
But that’s the thing: “Scram” is actually 1930’s slang that was already starting it’s decline in the middle 1950’s.
Don’t forget Barnie Rubble’s subtle warnings to Fred every time Wilma was standing behind him as he made some incriminating remark, “Ixnay! Ixnay!”
I still use that line 