The Lady in the Lake

JANE/JOHN DOE - Generic name for unknown person.

BUNK, THE - The truth.

THIRD-DEGREE - To interrogate. Possibly from the Third Degree of Freemasonry, allegedly the hardest to obtain due to the severity of the exam undertaken by candidates.

PHOTOSTAT - Early photocopier. Also applied to the copy itself.

EARLY PHOTOSTAT MACHINE

$25 A DAY AND EXPENSES - Philip Marlowe's wages as of 1943.

U.S.O. - United Service Organization. Still extant organization set up 1941 to entertain and provide recreation to US troops overseas.

CELOTEX - A type of insulated wallboard.

JASPER - see BIRD, CUSTOMER, MAC, JACK.

PHILO VANCE - Fictional detective. In The Lady in the Lake Philip Marlowe uses the name as a gag.

HIGH DUDGEON - Indignant outrage.

CLINK, IN THE - In jail.

TIGHT - Drunk.

FLIP TALK - Back chat, especially from a...

WISENHEIMER - Wise Guy. Generally, a smart-ass.

H.B.D. - Had Been Drinking. Police acronym for Drunk Driving/DUI.

BLIMP BRAIN - Air head.

SCATTER - Salon, speakeasy or hideout room.

SWIFT - Speed on the draw.