New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle (12/11/2022): The story behind 101 across

 

Still working my through it. 😀

Photo by Retiring Guy

According to Merriam-Webster, the first known use of 'scram', as in 'to go away at once', occured in 1928.

Other coinages from the same year include:

• Americano
• boogie-woogie
• dime store
• flake out
• gas-guzzler
• sweetie pie

According to Online Etymology Dictionary, 'scram' is of uncertain origin but is thought to be one of numerous coinages by Jack Conway, a writer for Variety.

As the New York Times notes in Conway's 10/4/1928 obituary:

....he was regarded by Christopher Morley and other writers as an expert in slang phrases.  He originated many of them, which later found their way into popular usage  His reviews in Variety introduced a fresh, breezy note in that type of professional criticism, which was widely copied.

Perhaps 'scram' was Conway's swan song.