Every generation has its own slang. Some of it carried to future generations. Some of it rightfully fizzled out in a year or two. But one thing is for sure. Slang changes as quicky as fads like poodle skirts, bell-bottom jeans and shutter shades.
In the 1950s, words and phrases like “hipster,” “Daddy-o” and “hi-fi” were commonly used at the sock hops, soda fountains and drive-in theaters. This generation also defined “burning rubber,” “cooking with gas” and “the royal shaft.” And I love it.
The 1960s brought slang like “far out,” “bread” and “the man.” Barbies, Batman and the Beatles were all the rage, as were go-go boots, Easy Bake Ovens and Chatty Cathy. The youngsters were watching “the boob tube,” pulling “the five finger discount” and avoiding “the fuzz.” Right on.
In the 1970s, when I learned to listen and talk, we heard phrases like “dig it,” “mind-blowing” and “give me some skin” and, of course, Vinnie Barbarino’s “up your nose with a rubber hose.” This was the era of disco, mopeds, pet rocks and Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific. You didn’t want to be a jive turkey, a dork, a putz or a space cadet.
The 1980s introduced new slang with “gag me with a spoon,” “gnarly,” “wicked” and “yuppie.” Ferris Bueller summed up this decade best with, “The question isn't ‘What are we going to do?’ The question is, ‘What aren't we going to do?’ ” We talked our slang while listening to Walkmans, watching MTV, playing Space Invaders and trying to solve the Rubik’s Cube, all while keeping time on our Swatch Watch. And we repeated phrases like “take a chill pill.”
In the 1990s, we were “getting jiggy” while saying “diss,” “phat,” “homeboy” and “word.” Tamagotchis and Giga Pets were hot, as were rainbow socks, Polly Pockets and body glitter. These were all experienced while telling metrosexuals “boda bing” or to “talk to the hand.”
Slang of the 2000s brought “peeps,” “BFF” and “rents.” Baggy jeans, MySpace, cargo pants, Bratz dolls, DVD players, the iPod and Razor scooters were in. You might have asked “wassup?” to act like a dawg without being sketchy.
The 2010s introduced “chillax,” “lit,” “fleek” and “YOLO.” Crop tops, man buns, Crocks with socks, “Jersey Shore,” the Harlem Shake, selfie sticks and jeggings were hot. More slang or newly invented words included “bromance,” “photobomb,” “deets,” “memes” and “emojis.”
Clearly I missed some slang from your generation. Send me a note and let me know what ones. Word.
Have a great week, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 |
