Contraband was a term commonly used in the United States military during the American Civil War to describe a new status for certain escaped slaves or those who affiliated with Union forces. The Army (and the United States Congress) determined that the US would not return escaped slaves who went to the Union lines and classified them as contraband.
Words and phrases that came from the Civil War
Bark juice = a slang term for liquor or strong adult beverage.
Bully = a slang term which, when used as an expletive (Bully) was an expression of approbation or strong encouragement; a hurrah of sorts.
Bust head = a slang term for home-brewed or camp-brewed beer or other alcoholic beverages
Cabbaging = a slang term for stealing.
Chin music = slang term for conversation.
Diggins = a slang term for the soldiers' camp.
Durance = Prison foul.
Fast trick = a slang term for a woman reputed to be morally loose.
Sleep tight = a slang meaning to “sleep well”.
Honkey Dorey = a slang term meaning "great" or "terrific".
Words and phrases that came from the Civil War
Bark juice = a slang term for liquor or strong adult beverage.
Bully = a slang term which, when used as an expletive (Bully) was an expression of approbation or strong encouragement; a hurrah of sorts.
Bust head = a slang term for home-brewed or camp-brewed beer or other alcoholic beverages
Cabbaging = a slang term for stealing.
Chin music = slang term for conversation.
Diggins = a slang term for the soldiers' camp.
Durance = Prison foul.
Fast trick = a slang term for a woman reputed to be morally loose.
Sleep tight = a slang meaning to “sleep well”.
Honkey Dorey = a slang term meaning "great" or "terrific".