Shadows of Doubt

Shadows of Doubt

198 ratings
Beat it, toots. these streets aren't what they used to be... (or a guide on how to talk like a 1940's la private investigator)
By Gary
a guide on how to talk like a 1940's la private investigator
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Opening
Well, well, well, if it ain't another dame lookin' for advice on how to talk like a private investigator from the 1940s. Ya see, back in those days, we had a way of speakin' that was as smooth as silk and as tough as nails. If you wanna talk like us, ya gotta have the right lingo and swagger. So, listen up, sweetheart, and I'll give ya the lowdown.
Accent and general niceties
First things first, ya gotta get the accent right. Ya gotta talk like ya got a mouth full of marbles, and like ya ain't got no time for nonsense. Drop your "g's" and your "r's," and say "dese" instead of "these," and "dat" instead of "that." Ya gotta sound like ya mean business.

Now, when ya talk to someone, always start with a greeting like "Howdy, pal," or "Hey, fella." And if it's a dame, ya gotta say "Hello, doll" or "Hey, toots." It's important to establish yourself as a tough guy or a dame who's not to be messed with.

When ya ask questions, make sure ya use the right lingo. Ask if they've got the "dirt" on someone or if they've "pinched" someone for a crime. If ya wanna know where someone is, ask if they've got the "scoop" or the "skinny." And if someone's given ya a hard time, tell 'em they're "cracking wise" or "talking out of turn."

And finally, when ya wanna end a conversation, ya gotta do it with style. Tell 'em to "take a powder" or "hit the bricks," and if they're really gettin' on your nerves, tell 'em to "scram" or "get lost."
Common words and phrases
Swapping out common words and phrases with others can add some spice to your conversations and make you sound like a real cool cat. Here are some more examples for ya:

Instead of saying "awesome," say "neat-o" or "swell."
Instead of saying "cool," say "groovy" or "far out."
Instead of saying "goodbye," say "catch you later" or "see ya in the funny papers."
Instead of saying "yes," say "you bet" or "absolutely."
Instead of saying "no," say "no dice" or "not on your life."
Instead of saying "money," say "bread" or "dough."
Instead of saying "girlfriend" or "boyfriend," say "doll" or "cat."
Instead of saying "police" or "cops," say "the heat" or "the fuzz."
Instead of saying "talk," say "shoot the breeze" or "chew the fat."
Instead of saying "hungry," say "famished" or "ravenous."

Remember, using these old-fashioned words and phrases might not be everyone's cup of tea, so use them sparingly and in the right context. But if you're looking to add some color to your conversations and stand out from the crowd, give 'em a try.
Ending
So there ya have it, sweetheart. If ya wanna talk like a 1940s LA private investigator, ya gotta have the accent, the lingo, and the swagger. And always remember, keep it tough, keep it cool, and keep it classy.
11 Comments
PuzzlePuddles passtime.tf 28 May, 2024 @ 7:17pm 
*insert L.A. Noire music*
Timen 13 Feb, 2024 @ 1:42pm 
Thanks a heap pal, now I can sound even more like a dingbat front of the broads. Cheerio
Amuduat 9 Nov, 2023 @ 4:27am 
NEATO
Blu Block 28 Jul, 2023 @ 8:17pm 
BTW, money in this game is called "crows" because they appear in the coins
Dogman 1 Jun, 2023 @ 1:17pm 
time to yeet a trash can at someone till they drop
Sailex ™ カエルのスタン 30 May, 2023 @ 5:18am 
Man, this is swell.
Profile Name 16 May, 2023 @ 9:03pm 
TRUE
Gary  [author] 16 May, 2023 @ 8:33pm 
Sounds like that's not going to be a problem for You then?
Profile Name 16 May, 2023 @ 1:31pm 
Okay but like, its not the 1940s and if you talked like this all the time people would think that your heavily autistic.
Micklov1n 15 May, 2023 @ 2:08pm 
Lookit dis guide, tryna tell people how ta talk like me. Clearly da guy ain't got a clue what he's blabberin' 'bout. Unless you want da real deal, ya better stick with me, kid.