Most people today, who probably first tended to associate expressions like “far out”, “hip”, and “groovy” with the late 1960s, are probably aware by now that these expressions go back much further in time, at least as far as the 1930s, in association with jazz music. But few are aware that “outta sight” goes back at least as far as 1899, appearing in Frank Norris’ McTeague which was published that year. One can only wonder at the history and origin of this expression. Was it a local San Francisco expression, or did it have national currency? Did it come from the popular music scene of the time, or from elsewhere?
So the purpose of this thread then, is to provide a place to contribute any such facts of which you may be aware. If you know any other expression we associate with recent generations but actually go back 100 years or more, this is the place to mention it.