Language moves fast. What was once the coolest way to talk now sounds like something your weird uncle might say at a barbecue. Back in the day, we had our own way of throwing shade, hyping someone up, or just sounding cooler than we actually were. But try any of these phrases now, and you’ll probably get hit with a confused look and a “what did you just say?” So let’s take a walk down memory lane with 30 slang words and phrases that would totally throw off today’s kids.
Talk to the hand
Translation: I’m not listening and I don’t care. You’d say this while literally holding your palm out like a traffic cop. Teenagers now would just say “ok” and look at their phone.
All that and a bag of chips
It meant someone had the looks, the attitude, and the flavor. Why chips? Who knows. But it made you sound extra fabulous back in the day.
Booyah
Perfect for celebrating a win or a solid comeback. Loud and full of energy. Say it today and people might think you’re quoting a cartoon.
Wassup
More than just a greeting. It was a whole vibe. And if you said it with the drawn-out “Wazzuuup” from the commercials, bonus points.
Home skillet
This was how you referred to your best friend. Nobody really knew why we used a frying pan reference but it was somehow cool. Now it just sounds like a breakfast order.
Fly
If someone was fly, they were seriously hot or fashionable. Like, too cool for Earth. Gen Z might just think you’re talking about insects again.
Crib
Not for babies. This was your house, your place, your kingdom. Say you’re heading to your crib now, and people will assume you’re babysitting.
Da bomb
It meant something was incredibly good or impressive. You’d use it for food, clothes, or literally anything cool. Now it might get you side-eyed at airport security.
Word
Said to show agreement or to confirm something. It was short, strong, and always smooth. Now it sounds like you’re trying to start a sentence but forgot the rest.
Hella
A savage little trick where you’d say something nice then crush it with a fake-out. “You look great today… not.” It was mean but oh-so-popular.
Scrub
Thanks to TLC we all knew a scrub was a guy who couldn’t get no love. No car, no job, no chance. Definitely not a compliment.
My bad
A casual way to say sorry without getting too emotional. It worked for everything from stepping on someone’s foot to accidentally ruining their life. Still kinda works if you say it right.
Whatever
Said with a dramatic eye roll and a heavy sigh. It meant you were over it and done talking. Now people just ghost each other instead.
Cool beans
A weird but friendly way to say “awesome.” Beans have never been particularly cool but somehow this phrase stuck around for way too long.
Bling bling
All about flashy jewelry and wealth. Said twice for extra sparkle. These days people just drop a diamond emoji and call it a day.
Don’t go there
This meant drop it immediately. Whether it was drama or an awkward topic, this was your verbal red flag. Now we just say “I’m not talking about that” but it’s way less dramatic.
Buggin
If you were buggin, you were overreacting or being weird. It was perfect for calling out drama. Now it’s been replaced by “you’re doing too much” or “you’re wildin”.
No duh
A way of saying “obviously” with heavy sarcasm. You’d toss this out when someone said something painfully obvious. Now teens just say “bro” with a disappointed tone.
Fo shizzle
A ridiculous but fun way to say “for sure.” Made popular by Snoop Dogg and copied by everyone for a hot minute. Definitely retired now for everyone’s safety.
Kickin it
Just hanging out, chilling, doing nothing special. It had that summer vacation energy. Now it’s all about “linking up” or “just vibing.”
Gettin jiggy with it
Thanks to Will Smith this meant dancing or letting loose. You could feel the joy in this one. But say it now and you’ll sound like a 50-year-old uncle at a wedding.
Whassup dog
A greeting for your closest friends. No dogs involved. Now kids just say “yo” or send a snap instead of talking at all.
Take a chill pill
Told someone to calm down in the most annoying way possible. It never worked but it was fun to say. Now people just text “relax” and add a skull emoji.
Bust a move
This meant dancing or making a bold move. It had swagger. Today you’d just hear “hit the dance floor” or something equally uninspired.
Gag me with a spoon
The ultimate ‘80s reaction to something gross or annoying. Full drama. You could never say this with a straight face.
Rad
Short for radical. Surfers loved it. Skaters loved it. Everyone used it. Now it feels like it belongs on a thrift store T-shirt.
Word to your mother
It was random but cool in its own way. Usually dropped at the end of a sentence to sound deep or funny. Now it just confuses people and possibly alarms their actual mother.
Cowabunga
Surf’s up, dude. This catchphrase was originally surfer slang but got super popular thanks to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It basically meant “awesome” or “let’s go” in the most chaotic, pizza-fueled way possible. Try shouting it today, and someone might ask if you’re OK, or if you hit your head at the beach.
As if
Peak sarcasm with a full dose of Valley Girl attitude. If someone suggested something ridiculous, you hit them with this and maybe a hair flip. Still iconic, but now mostly heard in Clueless reruns.
Phat
This one meant something was super cool or stylish. The spelling made it stand out and somehow feel edgier than just saying “cool.” Good luck using this now without someone correcting your spelling.
