Vintage Slang: Words from the 1970s and 1980s That Make Gen Z Laugh (or Just Confuse Them)
1. Grody
Translation: Disgusting or gross.
Popular in the early '80s, this was the go-to word for something revolting. Example: “Ew, that leftover pizza is grody to the max!”
2. Far out
Translation: Awesome, amazing, or unbelievable.
A phrase that embodied the chill, hippie vibes of the 1970s. Example: “That concert was far out, man.”
3. Boogie
Translation: To dance or party.
Common in the disco era of the 1970s, “boogie” was all about grooving on the dance floor. Example: “Let’s hit the club and boogie tonight!”
4. Psyche!
Translation: Just kidding, or tricked you.
This '80s phrase was used after pulling a prank or saying something to mislead someone, only to immediately retract it. Example: “You really thought I was gonna give you my candy? Psyche!”
5. Bogart
Translation: To hog something or not share.
Taken from actor Humphrey Bogart, this slang was used when someone was selfishly holding onto something. Example: “Don’t bogart the chips, pass them over!”
6. Gag me with a spoon
Translation: Disgusting or gross.
A Valley Girl staple in the '80s, this phrase was used for anything distasteful. Example: “That outfit is so last season—gag me with a spoon.”
7. The Man
Translation: The government or authority figures.
Popular in the '70s, this phrase referred to any oppressive figure of authority. Example: “Don’t let The Man tell you what to do.”
8. Catch you on the flip side
Translation: See you later or goodbye.
This was a cool way to say “I’ll see you next time” in the '70s and '80s. Example: “I gotta head out now, catch you on the flip side!”
9. Tubular
Translation: Awesome or excellent.
A popular word from the '80s surf culture, tubular described something super cool. Example: “That skate trick was tubular, dude!”
10. Gnarly
Translation: Really cool or intense (both good and bad).
Another surf term from the '80s that could mean something was either incredibly awesome or really challenging. Example: “That wipeout was gnarly!”
11. Cruisin’ for a bruisin’
Translation: Asking for trouble or a fight.
Used in the '70s and '80s, this phrase was a warning to someone acting up. Example: “If you keep messing around, you’re cruisin’ for a bruisin’!”
12. Bum me out
Translation: To make someone sad or disappointed.
A phrase that was big in the '70s and '80s for expressing how something was a downer. Example: “Missing that concert totally bummed me out.”
13. Dweeb
Translation: A nerdy or uncool person.
A '80s favorite, this was a mild insult for someone seen as socially awkward or uncool. Example: “Don’t be such a dweeb, just ask her out!”
14. Rad
Translation: Cool or awesome.
Short for “radical,” this word was popular in the '80s to describe something fantastic. Example: “That BMX trick was rad!”
15. Totally
Translation: Absolutely or completely.
Used to emphasize something, “totally” was an essential part of 1980s vocabulary. Example: “That movie was totally awesome!”
16. Book it
Translation: To run or leave quickly.
A phrase from the '70s and '80s meaning to move fast. Example: “We’re late—let’s book it to the car!”
17. Airhead
Translation: Someone perceived as dumb or clueless.
A common term from the '80s for someone who seemed to lack common sense. Example: “She totally forgot her homework again—what an airhead!”
18. Bitchen’
Translation: Cool or awesome.
An edgy way to say something was great, often used in the '70s and '80s. Example: “That new car is bitchen’!”
19. Spaz
Translation: To act clumsily or erratically.
Used to describe someone who was overly hyper or not in control of their actions. Example: “Stop spazzing out, you’re knocking everything over!”
20. Decked out
Translation: Dressed up or fully accessorized.
If someone was “decked out” in the '70s or '80s, they were dressed to the nines, usually with flashy or elaborate outfits. Example: “She was decked out in neon and leg warmers at the party.”
21. Home skillet
Translation: A close friend or pal.
A '90s term used to refer to a buddy. Example: “What’s up, home skillet?”
22. All That and a Bag of Chips
Translation: Someone or something that is really impressive.
A '90s phrase used to express that someone or something is the full package. Example: “She thinks she’s all that and a bag of chips.”
23. Far out
Translation: Amazing or unbelievable.
Used in the '60s and '70s to express surprise or admiration. Example: “That new album is far out!”
These words were once the pinnacle of cool, but now they’re either forgotten or provoke laughter from younger generations. While the meanings might still be understood in context, the phrases themselves are a time capsule, representing the slang culture of the 1970s and 1980s. If you drop a “tubular” or “gag me with a spoon” today, don’t be surprised if Gen Z stifles a giggle—or just stares in total confusion.
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