“V for Victory” was a sturdy symbol, daily before the civilians on Homefront, U.S.A. In many forms and in many ways, it guided Americans through the war.

By the time World War II arrived, the famous chewing gum was chewed not only by civilians, but also reached the front lines, being vigorously chewed by soldiers, sailors, even generals, as a stress-reliever. In fact, if Wrigley’s had never “gone to war”, it might not still exist today.

While Popeye was telling children to eat their spinach, children’s books of the period, particularly before and during the war, upheld high morals through thinly disguised lessons taught to puppies and trains.

During the war, even children had a patriotic sense of duty. “Know what we are fighting for, love your country more than ever, keep calm, help with war work, and do today’s work well.”

Each era has its own set of colorful vocabulary. Following is a selection of slang, phrases, and expressions—some of which we still use today.

During the era, children were creative. It was a time when simple amusements could entertain youngsters for hours.