Playback

FRESH - Cheeky, lecherous.


SUPER CHIEF - Flagship train of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Famous for carrying celebrities in luxury between Chicago and California.First Diesel-powered all Pullman train in America.

ABOVE AND BELOW: ADVERTS FOR THE SANTE FE SUPER CHIEF

YUCCA AVENUE - Marlowe's address as of Playback.


REDCAP - Taxi driver.


CONNEXION - Raymond Chandler's preferred spelling of 'Connection'. Both old-fashioned and rather classy.


'THIN AS A HOOFER'S WALLET' - Dancers were often poor, paid late if at all and this expression refers to the perceived thinness of their wallets as a result.


ZIPPO - Famous petrol/gasoline lighter used by Marlowe.

ZIPPO ADVERT

OPEN SHADOW - Private investigator trick; Operative tailing subject lets himself be seen deliberately, so as to be shaken off, allowing the real tail to take over.


GIBSON - Philip Marlowe's cocktail. Made with Gin and Vermouth. Often garnished with a pickled onion. dates from 1908. Origin unclear, with various theories for the name put forward.


ABALONE FISHER - Sea-snail fisherman notably wearing wetsuit.


DOODAD - see DINGUS.


CLAMMED - To stay silent, as in clam up.