The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1907-06-11
GREEN BUG NOT ''23"
Latest Phrase Crowned King Of
Slang Domain.
STARTED IN WALL STREET.

Wheat Brain Storm on Chicago Board
Of Trade Makes Western insect Fa-
mous-Human countsrparts Of Emer-
aid 1uxxsr Plentiful
Don't be Z green bugr'
The green bug has been crowned
hing Of the slang domain. On the
e3d Of May Just past proud 20" sadly
doffed the srmine and passed out into
the cold rain, says the Chicago News.
Likewise the naughty lemon shambled
from It's golden salver back to the
fruit stand Of commerce. Apart from
this the coronation Vas a gala affair,
and the ceremony progressed without
q hitch. The new monarch is a pro-
tege Of the Chicago board OF trade, but
its influence will now be felt In every
part OF the United States where rules
English as she Is spoke.
Il is to Wall street the green bug
owes his new job. Dispatches said
that foes Of big financiers there are
denounced as green bugs" being do
clared worse than destructive insects
IN the western wheat plains. This
sanction of the green bug as term
IN correct language was followed by
evidences of its adoption in many cir
Giles in Chicago. Then conspirators,
seixing upon the ominous portend Of
the calendar, snatched the scepter from
poor "23" and placed the bauble in the
waiting claws Of the green bug.
For those who would tumble to the
inner significance of the emerald bug
ser the following Websterian defini-
tion will be useful:
GREEN BUG. n.-A knooker; a cold wa
ter sprayer; q damp blanket wielder; one
who planes the edge from another's en-
1oyment; Joy Jolter; hammer artist;
IN anvil chorister; one who spoils a good
thing; q person at whose approach the
Ore alarm is turned In; one who attempts
TO slip the bolt and burn the axle grease
In the wheel OF progress.
Are you next1
''Never mind those green bugs" said
q Lnsalle street broker In Chicago the
other day, referring to persons who
wero decrying certain securities.
"Jes' try some more green bug buzz
Ein' about me an my affairs an I'll
bend In yer chinw a messenger boy
outside remarked to a companion
through the corner Of his mouth not
occupied by cigarette.
'Them green bugs tried to crab my
act an told the manager had give a
lot Of whiskered wheezss q fresh
shave" complained Thespian In pearl
button shoes to fellow with curly
hair 1t Clark and Randolph streets, the
Chicago near Rialto.
These samples give you Whit of
the blast that Is to come. The brain
stDrm. 1t IL feared. will be mere cere-
bral soughing in comparison.
7 believe there Is q weather green
bug as well as crop pest" said
Charles Comiskey, idol Of the new
Knights OF the Garter, or supporters
Of the 6ox. He was gazing mournful-
II at tho American league diamond,
which from its watery eyed aspect re-
sembled plate glass. The skies grew
yellowish green at this and squeezed
q few tears.
On the board Of trade one must
handle the words "green bug" with kid
gloves. II you don't, you may have to
handle your bare fists. The best way
to discover whether man was "long'
on wheat or II no was caught short
on the rise Ii to call him green bug.
He will do one of two things-he will
drag you to the nearest pair OF wicker
folding doors or he will depress your
nose. II he does the latter, 1t Is 18 to
that he was bearing the market. II
he does the former, tits a certainty
that he was bulling 1t and now Is hog
cling 1t.
The real green bug multiplies Itself
Hike lightning. and Its slang use viii
spread itself over the map with tn"
same enthusiasm.