From LackaWiki
(Redirected from Inanna)
Jump to: navigation, search



Aloe vera

Aloe vera


Alors pas, peekon











A Bakelite letter opener from around 1920




Bench warrant













Bunny Hug






The Calinda is a dance derived from African martial arts. It migrated to the American South with the slave trade and evolved into a forbidden dance associated with Voodoo.[20] It is also the name of an episode of Lackadaisy and discussed in a bit more detail in a forum post by Tracy.

Chag Sameach

Chag Sameach is Hebrew for "joyous festival".[21] In "Tannenbaum", Mordecai wishes Viktor a Chag Sameach.


The Charleston was a dance that peaked in popularity around 1926, though the rhythm was popularized in 1923.[22] In "Wishy-washy", Ivy asks Freckle whether he knows the Charleston.

Chasing red death

"Chasing red death" is a phrase Rocky uses with regards to his mother in "Breakdown". This is a reference to Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The Masque of the Red Death", with the "Red Death" in particular being a fictional disease believed to have been inspired by tuberculosis.[23] Essentially Rocky is saying that his mother contracted tuberculosis, a frequently lethal infectious disease.

Chloral hydrate

Chloral hydrate is a sedative and hypnotic drug, as well as a chemical reagent and precursor. It was widely used and misprescribed in the late 19th century.[24]. In "Lassitude", Dr. Quackenbush tells Mitzi that he has given Viktor a dose of chloral hydrate while treating his chest injury.

Clara Bow

Clara Bow was an American actress who became a silent film star during the 1920s.[25] Tracy has stated that Mitzi's looks are somewhat inspired by Clara Bow.[3]

Congenital myopia

Congenital myopia is an eye defect present at birth in which an individual suffers from nearsightedness.[26] Mordecai suffers from congenital myopia.[27]





The Dakotas is a collective term referring to North Dakota and South Dakota.[28] In August of 1923, Rocky wrote Freckle a letter that mentioned the Dakotas.[2]



Dionysus was the god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness and ecstasy in Greek mythology.[29] In "Bunny-box", Rocky calls Mitzi, "Lady Dionysus".




Dyspepsia is a fancy term for indigestion.[30] In "Bee-line", Rocky muses that the "high-pitched, screechy noise" Ivy is making as she approaches him and Freckle may be due to dyspepsia.


Edward Gorey

Edward St. John Gorey was an American writer and artist known for playfully macabre illustrated books.[31] According to Tracy, Mitzi would have loved Gorey's works.[32]

English Cave


Escape artist

An escape artist is someone practiced at escaping from restraints or other traps. The art of doing this is called escapology.[34] In a partially-obscured letter to Freckle shown in "Correspondence", Rocky seemed to indicate that he might pursue becoming an escape artist for a circus.



The Famous-Barr Co. for most of the twentieth century was a major St. Louis department store with its flagship location at the ornate Railway Exchange Building. On August 30, 2005, the chain was bought out by the Midwest division of Macy’s, Inc.[35][36] In "Quantentheorie", Ivy mentions buying shoes at Famous-Barr.

Fé amae

Fé amae is an Irish expression that roughly translates as, "Woe is me!"[37] Upon seeing Rocky and Freckle making a mess of her rhododendrons in "Slipshod", Nina exclaims, "Fé amae!"


Flapperswere young Western women in the 1920s who were known for flaunting social conventions, frequently by wearing excessive makeup, smoking, driving automobiles, and wearing short skirts.[38] Ivy is a flapper.


A 1908 ad for a Flivver
Freckle's Flivver

A flivver is a car, generally a small, cheap, old car.[39] In "Latecomer", Ivy refers to Freckle's car as a flivver. As Ford Model T's in particular were called flivvers[40], this may suggest that Freckle's car is such a model.



A gadabout may be either a person who travels restlessly or aimlessly, or one who travels frequently for pleasure.[41] In a letter to Freckle, Rocky once referred to himself as a gadabout.[2]


A gam is a leg, particularly an attractive female leg.[42] In "Baby Vamp" Freckle refers to a passing woman's gams.




Hephaestus was the Greek god of technology, blacksmiths, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, metals, metallurgy, fire and volcanoes. His Roman equivalent was Vulcan.[43] In a letter to Freckle that Rocky sent while working as a grill cook, he said, "Hephaestus help me!"[2]

Hi Bell

Herman S. "Hi" Bell was a professional baseball player who lived from 1897 to 1949.[44] According to Tracy, Freckle would like something autographed by Hi Bell for Christmas.[45]


Hibernia (Ireland)

Hibernia is the Classical Latin name for Ireland.[46] In "Shenanigans", Nina refers to Ireland as Hibernia.


A hostler is a person employed in a stable to take care of horses.[47] In "Correspondence", one of Rocky's letters to Freckle seems to mention that a hostler suggested that Rocky would make a good escape artist.



Inanna is the Sumerian goddess of sexual love, fertility and warfare.[48] Tracy has said that Serafine would likely feel a spiritual affinity for Inanna.[45]

Irish reel

Irish reel is a style of dance that involves complex figurations and styling. It may be a solo or set dance. Reel itself is a musical style.[49] In a letter to Freckle dated August, 1923, Rocky notes that a number of wasps he found inside a fiddle did not appreciate Irish reel music.[2]


Ishtar is the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility, love, sex and warfare.[50] Tracy has said that Serafine would likely feel a spiritual affinity for Ishtar.[45]


Jack the Ripper

Jack the Ripper is a name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in London in 1888.[51] In "Preview 0029", Tracy compares Mordecai to what might result were Jack the Ripper and Seinfield to have a cranky baby.



Kali is the Hindu goddess associated with feminine empowerment.[52] Tracy has said that Serafine would likely feel a spiritual affinity for Kali.[45]


Kankakee, Illinois

Kankakee is a city located in Illinois.[53] Rocky moved to live with his uncle in Kankakee in 1921 after he was kicked out of the McMurray House.[54] He was still living there and working as a farmhand in July, when he wrote Freckle a letter.[2]


Kneecapping is a form of malicious wounding that involves injuring a victim's knee joint and kneecap, often with a firearm.[55] "Heartstrings" establishes that Mordecai kneecapped Viktor as part of an attempt to convince Viktor to retire, shortly before Mordecai left Lackadaisy.

Kus vola! Zabijem t'a!

Kus vola! Zabijem t'a! is Slovakian. It means, literally, "You piece of ox. I'll kill you!" and is equivalent to calling someone a son of a bitch or a horse's ass.[56] In "Quick-fix", Viktor says this to Mordecai in the midst of a heated argument.



Robert E. Lee

Robert Edward Lee (1807-1870) was a Confederate Army general during the American Civil War.[57] In "Somersault", Rocky states that Freckle is as, "dear to (him) as Dixie was to Lee", most likely a reference to Robert E. Lee.

Little Lord Fauntleroy

Little Lord Fauntleroy is an English novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It was first published as a serial between 1885-1886. The accompanying illustrations by Reginald Birch set fashion trends.[58] In "Academia", Rocky refers to Wick as Little Lord Fauntleroy, likely referring to his appearance and genteel personality.

Lindy Hop

The Lindy Hop is an American Swing dance that evolved in the 1920s and '30s in Harlem, New York City. It experienced a revival in the 1980s.[59] In "Wishy-washy", Ivy asks Freckle whether he knows the Lindy Hop and states that it is a new dance in New York.

Louise Brooks

Mary Louise Brooks was a dancer, model, showgirl and actress who lived from 1906 to 1985. She is known for popularizing the bobbed haircut. Louise Brooks was her stage name.[60] Tracy has stated that Louise Brooks inspired Ivy's hairstyle.[61]

Louisiana Purchase



Lutheranism is a branch of Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer.[63] Abelard is a Lutheran.[32]



Machiavellianism is "the employment of cunning and duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct". It is named for Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian philsopher, historian and writer.[64] In "Medicament", Bobby refers to Atlas as having been, "positively Machiavellian".

Maman Brigitte

Maman Brigitte is a Voudou death loa known for drinking rum infused with hot peppers.[65] Tracy has said that Serafine would have an affinity for Maman Brigitte.[45]

Maryland Heights

Maryland Heights

Maryland Heights is a suburb of St. Louis.[66]. "Scrapbook" reveals that Sable Stone and Quarry's new quarry, created in "Quarrymen", is located in Maryland Heights.

Mata Hari

Mata Hari

Mata Hari was the stage name of Margaretha Geertruida "M'greet" Zelle. She was a Dutch dancer and courtesan accused of espionage and executed by firing squad in France in 1917.[67] Mitzi used to perform what she referred to as the Mata Hari song.[68]




Missouri Pacific Railroad

The Missouri Pacific Railroad was one of the first railroads in the United States west of the Mississippi River.[69] On October 21, 1921, Rocky wrote a letter to Freckle while riding the Missouri Pacific Railroad.[2]

Missouri Synod


Molotov cocktail

A Molotov cocktail is an improvised explosive often used by those who do not have access to hand grenades, consisting of a bottle containing a flammable substance and an ignition source.[70] Rocky uses Molotov cocktails when he attacks the pig farm during the events of "Blitzwagen" through "Schadenfreude".


Nancy Carroll

Nancy Carroll was an American actress nominated for an Academy Award in 1930.[71]. Mitzi's appearance is somewhat inspired by Nancy Carroll.[3]

Nut zipper

Nut zippers

A nut zippper is a candy developed in the mid 1920s. It is a mix of caramel and peanuts.[72] In "Vaudevillian", Asa offers a nut zipper to Mordecai.


Palmer Raids




A peccary is a medium-sized mammal that closely resembles a pig. They are found in the southwestern area of North America and throughout Central and South America.[74] Avril, one of the pig farmers, speculates that some of the bones he and Emery discover in "Echolalia" are from peccaries.

Peter Cushing


Petit fours

Petit fours are small confections usually eaten at the end of a meal, or as part of dessert. The name is French, and means "small oven".[76] Tracy has noted that Ivy is fond of petit fours.[77]



Phylloxera are a type of insect originally native to eastern North America and known for feeding on the roots and leaves of grapevines.[78] In "Briar-patch", Wick refers to a phylloxera infestation in Europe.


Mordecai wears pince-nez.

Pince-nez are a style of eyeglasses that were popular in the 19th century. They lack earpieces and are supported by pinching the wearer's nose.[79] Mordecai wears a set of pince-nez.



Quicklime, also called burnt lime or calcium oxide, is a white, caustic chemical compound.[80] In "Quicklime", Mitzi mentions that the "mess" remaining after the pig farmers' failed attack on Lackadaisy can be cleaned up with quicklime, suggesting how she intends to deal with them.



Romanticism was an artistic/literary/intellectual movement that began in Europe and was generally at its peak from 1800 to 1840. In addition to being a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, it was also a revolt against aristocratic values and the scientific rationalization of nature.[81] Tracy has said that Rocky often analyzes matters from a Romanticist perspective.[32]


A roustabout is a laborer who typically performs temporary, unskilled work. The term often refers to circus workers or natural gas or oil rig workers.[82] Rocky once worked at a circus as a roustabout.[2]



A sanatorium is a medical facility for long-term illness, frequently tuberculosis.[83] Tracy has stated that Rocky's mother spent much of her adult life at a sanatorium.[77]

The Saturday Evening Post

The Saturday Evening Post

The Saturday Evening Post is a bimonthly American magazine, though during the timeframe of Lackadaisy it was a weekly publication.[84] The Saturday Evening Post published some of P.G. Wodehouse's work. Tracy noted The Saturday Evening Post as a specific example of a magazine in which Wodehouse's work would have appeared.[85]


Jerome Allen "Jerry" Seinfeld is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and television and film producer. He is often considered to be one of the best stand-up comedians of all time.[86] In "Preview 0029", Tracy suggests that Mordecai could be the result if Seinfeld and Jack the Ripper had a cranky baby.


A shiv.

A shiv is a slang term for any sharp or pointed instrument used as a knife-like weapon.[87] In "Academia", Rocky notes that while living with hobos sounds like fun, they tend to "shiv you and take your stuff".

Sickle Mower

A sickle mower.

A sickle mower is a farm implement that includes a long bar with sharp blades attached, used for cutting grass.[88] In "Dead-run", Rocky and Ivy try to stop a hearse from pursuing them by causing it to run over a sickle mower.

Sisters of Mercy




Snellen chart


Spiritus frumenti

Spiritus frumenti is Whisky, an alcoholic liquid.[93] In "Defiance", Rocky asks Viktor where he can obtain spiritus frumenti.

Spring house

A spring house.

A spring house is a building that was used for refrigeration in rural areas before electric refrigeration was available. It is usually a one-room building constructed over the source of a spring.[94]. Rocky and Ivy find a spring house holding liquor in "Begorra".


A Ukrainian vodka still

A still is a device used for producing alcoholic beverages.[95] The pig farmers had a working still in their barn."Scathefire".

Struggle Buggy

A 1920s slang term for the backseat of a car. The term generally carries romantic connotations.[96] Rocky in particular is fond of the term, especially in regards to Freckle and Ivy.[97][98]

"Success and glory are in the advan-"

"Success and glory are in the advance; disaster and shame lurk in the rear." -- Maj. Gen. John Pope, addressing his troops prior to the Second Battle of Bull Run, 1862.[99] Benjy Jessup begins to recite this quote while he and the pig farmers are breaking into Lackadaisy in "Myopia".

Sunshine Special



Tamara de Lempicka

Tamara de Lempicka was a Polish Art Deco painter who lived from 1898 to 1980.[101] "Dom - Lempicka" is done in the style of Lempicka's work.

The Perils of Pauline

The Perils of Pauline

The Perils of Pauline is a motion picture serial from 1914. Pauline is often cited as a famous example of a damsel in distress.[102] In "Formaldehyde", Rocky notes that the pig farmers intended to have him reenact The Perils of Pauline.

Tire Iron

(Bicycle) Tire Irons

A tire iron is a metal tool used in working with tires that have inner tubes. They have not been in common use since the 1950s.[103] In "Retinue", Rocky is holding a tire iron in a threatening manner as he surprises Wick, though he apparently only means to scare him.

Tommy Gun

Tommy gun
Freckle wielding a Tommy gun

The Tommy gun, more properly called a Thompson submachine gun, is a firearm that became infamous during Prohibition. It was named for its inventor, John T. Thompson.[104] The pig farmers are carrying Tommy guns when they break into Lackadaisy in "Drygulch".

Treasury Department


Tuatha Dé Danann

The Tuatha Dé Danann are a race of people in Irish mythology.[107] Nina refers to them while talking to Rocky and Freckle about the wonders of St. Patrick's Day in "Shenanigans".



Mitzi playing the ukulele.

A ukulele is a four-stringed form of Hawaiian guitar that originated in the 19th century.[108] Mitzi has played the ukulele as a member of Zib's band, and in "Loggerheads", Asa offers to let Mitzi and the band perform at the Marigold Room.



Rudolph Valentino

Rudolph Valentino was an Italian actor and sex icon of the 1920s. He was known as the "Latin Lover". One film he starred in was The Sheik.[109] In "Valentino", Viktor suggests that Mordecai return a woman's interested look with a Valentino-like expression. During the ensuing debate Mordecai at one point refers to Viktor as "Sheik".

Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair, April 1921

Vanity Fair is a pop culture, fashion, and current affairs magazine. It was established in 1913 when Condé Nast purchased a men's fashion magazine and renamed it Dress and Vanity Fair. The magazine was ultimately renamed Vanity Fair in 1914. [110] In "Bee-line", Ivy is planning to bring Viktor at least one copy of Vanity Fair.


Antonio Vivaldi

Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian Baroque composer, priest and violinist.[111] In a letter to Freckle dated August, 1923, Rocky notes that a number of wasps nesting inside a fiddle did not seem to appreciate Vivaldi's music.[2]


Vogue, May 1917

Vogue is a fashion and lifestyle magazine that was founded as a weekly publication by Arthur Baldwin Turnure in 1892.[112] In "Bee-line", Ivy is planning to bring Viktor at least one copy of Vogue.



A wag is a person given to mischievous behavior.[113] In "Misdemeanor", Zib refers to the cops who have arrested him as wags after they reveal that they have taken his money.


P.G. Wodehouse

P. G. Wodehouse was an English humorist for more than seventy years, who lived from 1881 to 1975. Wodehouse's work was serialized in magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post.[85]. Read more about him at Wikipedia here. In "Rhubarb", Ivy mentions that she was thinking about reading Viktor the latest Wodehouse.





  1. ^ Aloe vera at Wikipedia
  4. ^ Amygdala at Wikipedia
  5. ^ Arraignment at Wikipedia
  6. ^ a b "Misdemeanor"
  7. ^ Bail at Wikipedia
  8. ^ Bakelite at Wikipedia
  9. ^ The Barrymore family at Wikipedia
  10. ^ Forum post by Tracy
  11. ^ Bench warrant at Wikipedia
  12. ^ Bevo at Wikipedia
  13. ^ Blackguard at Wiktionary
  14. ^ Bolshevik at Wikipedia
  15. ^ Breakaway at Wikipedia
  16. ^ Breeches at Wikipedia
  17. ^ "Preview 0029"
  18. ^ A Google search of Bunny Hugs
  19. ^ Cad at Wikipedia
  20. ^ Tracy's notes on "Calinda"
  21. ^ Judaism 101:Expressions and Greetings
  22. ^ Charleston at Wikipedia
  23. ^ The "Red Death" at Wikipedia
  24. ^ Chloral hydrate at Wikipedia
  25. ^ Clara Bow at Wikipedia
  26. ^ Myopia at Wikipedia
  27. ^ Forum post by Tracy - September 9, 2009
  28. ^ Dakotas at Wikipedia
  29. ^ Dionysus at Wikipedia
  30. ^ Dyspepsia at Wikipedia
  31. ^ Edward Gorey at Wikipedia
  32. ^ a b c d Forum Post by Tracy - October 20, 2012
  33. ^ Tracy's notes for "Rumrunner"
  34. ^ Escapology at Wikipedia
  35. ^ Tracy's notes for "Quantentheorie"
  36. ^ Famous-Barr at Wikipedia
  37. ^ Sengoídelc - Exclamations
  38. ^ Flapper at Wikipedia
  39. ^ Flivver at Wikipedia
  40. ^ Model T on Wikipedia
  41. ^ Gadabout at
  42. ^ Gam at
  43. ^ Hephaestus at Wikipedia
  44. ^ Hi Bell at Wikipedia
  45. ^ a b c d e Forum post by Tracy - December 9, 2012
  46. ^ Hibernia at Wikipedia
  47. ^ Hostler at Wikipedia
  48. ^ Inanna at Wikipedia
  49. ^ Irish reel at Encyclopedia Britannica
  50. ^ Ishtar at Wikipedia
  51. ^ Jack the Ripper at Wikipedia
  52. ^ Kali at Wikipedia
  53. ^ Kankakee at Wikipedia
  54. ^ Forum post by Tracy - April 14, 2013
  55. ^ Kneecapping at Wikipedia
  56. ^ Forum post by Tracy - May 21, 2008
  57. ^ Robert Edward Lee at Wikipedia
  58. ^ Little Lord Fauntleroy at Wikipedia
  59. ^ The Lindy Hop at Wikipedia
  60. ^ Louise Brooks at Wikipedia
  61. ^ Character Profile Page
  62. ^ Louisiana Purchase at Wikipedia
  63. ^ Lutheranism at Wikipedia
  64. ^ Machiavellianism at Wikipedia
  65. ^ Maman Brigitte at Wikipedia
  66. ^ Maryland Heights at Wikipedia
  67. ^ Mata Hari at Wikipedia
  68. ^ "Vestige"
  69. ^ Missouri Pacific Railroad at Wikipedia
  70. ^ Molotov Cocktail on Wikipedia
  71. ^ Nancy Carroll at Wikipedia
  72. ^ Nut zippers on Wikipedia
  73. ^ The Palmer Raids on Wikipedia
  74. ^ Peccary at Wikipedia
  75. ^ "Abelard"
  76. ^ Petit four at Wikipedia
  77. ^ a b c Forum post by Tracy - January 27, 2011
  78. ^ Phylloxera at Wikipedia
  79. ^ Pince-nez on Wikipedia
  80. ^ Quicklime at Wikipedia
  81. ^ Romanticism at Wikipedia
  82. ^ Roustabout at Wikipedia
  83. ^ Sanatorium at Wikipedia
  84. ^ Saturday Evening Post at Wikipedia
  85. ^ a b "Rhubarb"
  86. ^ Jerry Seinfeld at Wikipedia
  87. ^ Shiv at Wikipedia
  88. ^ Sickle mower at Wikipedia
  89. ^ Sisters of Mercy at Wikipedia
  90. ^ "Formaldehyde"
  91. ^ "Tiny Narratives (Q&A)"
  92. ^ Snellen chart at Wikipedia
  93. ^ Spiritus Frumenti at Henriette's Herbal Homepage
  94. ^ Spring house at Wikipedia
  95. ^ Still at Wikipedia.
  96. ^ Struggle Buggy defined at the Antique Automobile Club of America
  97. ^ "Bee-line"
  98. ^ "Gallivant"
  99. ^ Tracy's notes for "Myopia"
  100. ^ Tracy's notes on "Sunshine"
  101. ^ de Lempicka Tamara de Lempicka at Wikipedia
  102. ^ The Perils of Pauline on Wikipedia
  103. ^ Tire iron at Wikipedia
  104. ^ The Tommy gun at Wikipedia
  105. ^ Bureau of Prohibition at Wikipedia
  106. ^ Department of the Treasury at Wikipedia
  107. ^ Tuatha Dé Danann at Wikipedia
  108. ^ Ukulele at Wikipedia
  109. ^ Rudolph Valentino at Wikipedia
  110. ^ Vanity Fair at Wikipeida
  111. ^ Vivaldi at Wikipedia
  112. ^ Vogue at Wikipeida
  113. ^ Wag at
  114. ^ Forum post by Tracy - February 24, 2011