Vassavussa
/vahsahvusah/
adj.
1) A word with multiple meanings depending on it’s context, most often used to express satisfaction. The word can be abbreviated; vassa, vussa and even said backwards vussavassa.
Examples in sentences:
“that brisket is vassa.” Depending on where one accents the vassa the above quote can mean that the brisket was delightful or merely average. “Your mom sure makes some vassa brisket,” the vassa would most likely imply that the brisket was boss.
n.
2) A greeting or concluding remark.
Examples in Sentences:
As a musician walks to the back of a club and sees other musicians and familiar faces he/she may exchange hello or what’s up for “Vassavussa?”
When one is dropping someone off in his/her car, instead of saying goodbye or talk soon, just say “Vassa.”
n.adj.
3) Vassavussa can be abbreviated or used backwards while speaking in code. I.e., when two friends are rapping about private romantic excursions and want to be discreet, they might say “the vassa was vussa,” or “the vussa was vassa.” The phrase leaves much to the imagination and prevents a mincing of words.
Origin
A word created by Lester Young at some point between August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959. Pianist Gil Coggins played with Lester Young in 1952 and quickly integrated the word into his vernacular, vibe and persona. When Gilly’s name was dropped or he appeared on the scene, fellow musicians would immediately acknowledge him with, “Vassavussa, vussavassa, vussi-vassa, vassa-vussi.”