One of my favourite discoveries while writing Speakeasy—both as someone who loves the 1920s, and as a linguistics student—was the wealth of Jazz Age slang that was used in that time. Most of it has long since fallen out of use over the years. Of what remains, some of the meanings have shifted over time; while others few people would probably realise hark back to that era.

Of them all, my very favourite is undoubtedly cash or check? meaning shall we kiss now or later? There’s something so wonderfully romantic about it; of the anticipation leading up to a first kiss.

Art turns Heath until his hands rest at the small of his back as he pulls him into his chest. “Cash,” he whispers, the tip of his nose nudging against Heath’s. “Or check?”

“Cash,” Heath replies without a moment’s hesitation. He stands on his toes as he joins their lips with his heart beating so loudly he’s sure that Art must be able to hear it in the quiet of the subway station.

If you’re interested in finding out about some more 1920s era slang, pick up a copy of Speakeasy and check out the handy little glossary tucked in at the back…