The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-19
British Do Like Slang Says May Sinclair
By CAROLINE CRAWFORp

ny CAHOLlNE CRAWFOkD M AY SINCLAIR, first in point of IVN achievement of the women novel,
 ists of the British Isles, thinks our slang is simply ripping really, jolly good--but, dash it all, just what does it meang'
 Do they use slang in England?
 My word, yes! Trench slang, Cock ney slang, college and eyery day folks slang, but alasi when the author of The Divine Fire" Mary Oliver, The Immortal Moment" and "The Three Sisters and began to compare few slang phrases of America with those on the British Isles. it was discovered that the latter's slang consisted of expres- sions which go back to the days of the old song, "There'n Be Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight"
 Miss Sinclair is visiting New York as a British delegate to the P. 10. N., an international association of poets, editors, novelists, also playwrights, es- sayists and journalists. The associa- tion was founded by John Galsworthy two years ago and is holding it's annual international convention in New York city, May 13, 14 and 15.
 Although my appointment with Miss Sinclair was for 2 80, the dainty little British lady did not appear at the National Arts club, where she is stay ing, until almost 4. Someone had said she was shy and very gtimid about being interviewed, and so as the minutes tick ed by I wondered if she were lingering over, the luncheon tables to avoid i'm mediate contact with the press or wheth- CT, after all, it was just the typically British attitude toward time.
 My latter supposition was, right. when Mary Sinclair came slowly and gracefully up the stairs of the National Arts club which leads into the recep- tion room, she had no idea she was really just trifle late.
 Was to have been here at P" she asked as timidly and as gently as a child. And have you been here all this time? My heart bleedsi"
 May Sinclair is one of those charm ing women upon whoch middle life l rests lightly. Great novelist that she is, she is as timid and shy in her man. ner as a gentle gazelle taken from its wooded, soft banked surroundings and 1 placed on public exhibition. Her deep 1 set hazel eyes and finely chiseled femi- ! nine features make a lasting impress sion. Once you have seen May Sin ] clair, you will always be able to- close your eyes and recall beautiful mental picture of her.
 She seemed relieved when she found I wanted to talk about slang. Those hazel eyes twinkled merrily when ask ked her to recite the limerick which she fways has made her famous since she has visited us.
 Remember, it is not mine,' she ! warned. "It's just limerick founded on the English theory, which runs: There was young lady called Bright, Whose speed was faster than light.
 She ran off one day
 In relative way.
 And returned on the previous nighti
 Then we spoke of that modern slang phrase, Put it over" which has amused May Sinclair ever since she heard peo- pie using it here-yes, even in the very best literary circles!
 ''In London we say, Put it off !" laughed Miss Sinclair T think we adopted that from New York, but that is as near as we came to it."
 "'Can you beat it?' is another pet New York phrase which probably makes a good summary for wild tale and saves score of words. What has Eng land to substitute for thatY' I asked.
 Can you go one better Y"
 Bunk is another faVorite express sion which is most appropriate for kill ing hopeless inspirations, false plans any wildcat schemes. Have you a sub