You ever wonder why some words just vanish from everyday talk? It's like they go out of style as quickly as last season's fashion.
Slang is especially interesting this way; it’s like language on fast-forward. One minute, everyone’s calling things “the bee’s knees,” and the next, that phrase has gone the way of cassette tapes.
And honestly, that’s the beauty of slangs! Every generation comes up with its own catchy phrases and quirky expressions, but only a few stick around.
The rest? Well, they become fun throwbacks for the rest of us to laugh about or, occasionally, to use in an attempt to sound “vintage-cool.”
I love how slang words give us a little time capsule of history. You can almost picture the setting and vibe of each era just by hearing its popular expressions.
“Groovy” puts me right in a tie-dye shirt at Woodstock - the very reason why it's on my list of the 27 old slang words I would like to bring back, while “gnarly” has me mentally surfing waves in the ’80s.
These words may not roll off our tongues anymore, but they were once the hottest thing going.
And who knows? A few of these forgotten gems might just deserve a comeback.
I’ll take you on a journey through some of these now-obsolete slang words that people used to love. I have segmented this 50 slang words into 5 distinct times and ages:
- The Obsolete Slang Words of the Roaring Twenties (1920s-1930s)
- Slang Words of The Groovy Sixties (1960s-1970s)
- The Radical Eighties Slangs (1980s)
- The Vintage Nineties Slang Words (1990s)
- Other Forgotten Favorite Slangs
These slang terms may feel old-fashioned now, but they’re still fun to remember and, honestly, could use a revival! Who knows, maybe by the end of this, you’ll be tempted to bring back a few.
So, let’s jump into the past and take a look at 50 slang words that time (and most people) have left behind.
Whether you end up rolling your eyes or secretly wishing they’d make a return, I promise you’ll find a few laughs, and maybe even a little inspiration to bring these quirky words back into style.
Check Out Later: 200 most popular Internet Slangs of 2024. With meanings and examples.
50 Slang Words That Has Become Obsolete Over Time
1. Old Slang Words of 1920s-1930s - The Roaring Twenties
The 1920s old slangs terms were all about jazz, speakeasies, and breaking free of the past.
Known as the Roaring Twenties, this was a time when people were ready to live large and have fun, despite the restrictions of Prohibition.
Slang was a huge part of the era’s culture, words that sounded as snappy as a Charleston dance.
The Cat’s Pajamas – If something was “the cat’s pajamas,” it was simply the best. Imagine being at a swanky party and someone leans over to say, “This jazz band is the cat’s pajamas!” That’s pure 1920s charm.
23 Skidoo – This was a way of telling someone to scram or get lost. The exact origins are unclear, but it’s rumored to have started near a certain intersection in New York City.
Giggle Water – A playful term for alcoholic beverages, especially popular during Prohibition. “Let’s sneak out and grab some giggle water” sounds like a scene straight out of The Great Gatsby.
Bee’s Knees – Much like “the cat’s pajamas,” this one was a way to call something excellent or outstanding. Why insects and animals became metaphors for greatness, I have no idea, but “bee’s knees” was a popular compliment.
Doll – A term of endearment for a charming or attractive woman. It was sweet but also a bit flirty. Imagine calling someone a “doll” today—it has a quaint, romantic ring to it.
Whoopee – An exclamation of excitement or joy, often used when people were having a good time, as in “Let’s go make whoopee!” This was as fun to say as it was to do, apparently.
Berries – Similar to “tops” or “excellent,” this term simply meant something was good. If someone told you a show was “the berries,” you’d know it was worth seeing.
2. Old Slang Terms of 1960s-1970s - The Groovy Sixties
The 1960s and ’70s were eras of cultural revolution, fueled by hippies, psychedelia, and social change.
Slang words from this period was colorful, sometimes nonsensical, and always unique.
Many terms have stuck around, but some are charming relics of the time.
Groovy – If something was “groovy,” it was fantastic or cool. It was all about positive vibes and good energy. Groovy is the kind of word that takes you straight back to flower power and peace signs.
Far Out – This meant something was amazing or mind-blowing. “Far out” was like “wow,” but with an extra dash of hippie enthusiasm.
Hip – If you were “hip,” you were in the know, cool, and tuned in. Today’s equivalent might be something like “woke,” but “hip” just has this timeless, effortless charm.
Sock It to Me – This was a way to say “bring it on” or “hit me with it.” It became popular on shows like Laugh-In and was often used with a bit of sass.
Bread – This was slang for money, probably because money “makes the world go round” like bread sustains us. You’d hear things like, “I’m low on bread,” which sounds strangely poetic now.
Flower Child – This term described peace-loving hippies who rejected war and embraced nature. It was symbolic of the idealism of the ’60s.
Can You Dig It? – This was a cool way to say, “Do you understand?” or “Do you agree?” It was a common phrase in the counterculture scene.
Hippie – Originally a term for the countercultural movement, this word has since shifted in meaning but remains iconic to the era.
Read Also: 55 viral TikTok slangs of 2024 with meanings and examples.
The Radical Eighties Old Slangs Words (1980s)
Rad – Short for “radical,” this word meant something was awesome or amazing.
Gnarly – A surfer term that could mean “awesome” or “intense,” depending on the context. It was super versatile!
Tubular – Another surf-inspired word, meaning “totally awesome.” It’s one of those terms you can almost hear with a California accent.
Like, Totally – This expression was used to emphasize agreement or excitement. It’s mostly gone now, but you’ll still hear it in parodies of ’80s Valley Girls.
Bogus – If something was “bogus,” it was fake, bad, or disappointing.
Bodacious – A combination of “bold” and “audacious,” this word was used to describe someone who was attractive or impressive.
Homeboy/Homegirl – These were friendly ways to refer to someone from your neighborhood or close friend group.
Fresh – This word, meaning “cool” or “stylish,” was also popular in hip-hop culture and was a favorite word of The Fresh Prince.
Gag Me with a Spoon – A Valley Girl expression to show disgust or annoyance, often used humorously.
Take a Chill Pill – A way to tell someone to calm down or relax.
The Vintage Nineties Old Slang Terms (1990s)
The ’90s had its own vibe, mixing grunge, hip-hop, and a bit of quirky fun. Slang Terms from this decade reflected that mix of styles.
Talk to the Hand – A sassy way to say, “I’m not listening,” often paired with the hand gesture for maximum impact.
Not! – Used to sarcastically negate a statement, as in “That’s a great outfit… not!”
Da Bomb – If something was “da bomb,” it was incredible.
Homie – A term for a close friend, especially in urban communities.
All That and a Bag of Chips – A funny way of saying someone or something was amazing, with a little extra.
Bling-Bling – Flashy jewelry or wealth, popularized by early 2000s hip-hop.
Whassup? – A laid-back way to say hello, popularized by a Budweiser commercial.
As If! – A dismissive response made popular by Clueless.
Props – Short for “proper respect,” often used to give someone credit.
Fly – If something was “fly,” it was cool, stylish, or attractive.
Check out: 20 most offensive Gen Z Slangs terms you should know.
Other Forgotten Favorite Slangs Phrases
Here’s a quick rundown of some other obsolete gems from different decades:
Hornswoggle – To swindle someone.
Whippersnapper – Refers to a young, overly confident person.
Baloney – Means nonsense or silly talk.
Jalopy – A beat-up old car.
Hootenanny – A social event with music and dancing.
Moxie – Energy or courage.
Lumming – An urge to do nothing.
Fuzzle – Having a good time while tipsy.
Giggle Water – Alcohol, especially during Prohibition.
Rube – An unsophisticated person.
Bee’s Knees – The best of the best.
Rapscallion – A mischievous troublemaker.
Canary – A singer, especially a female vocalist.
Scram – To leave quickly.
Sockdollager – Something impressive or strong.
Reviving Forgotten Old Slang Terms
Maybe it’s time to bring some of these forgotten slang words back.
Hence, the next time something impresses you, try saying it’s “the cat’s pajamas” or call your friend a “doll.” Who knows, you might just start a trend.
These slang words may be obsolete now, but they each have a charm of their own, offering a fun glimpse into the past.
Whether you use them to add some flair to your conversations or just enjoy knowing them, these words remind us that language, and style, is ever-changing.
Conclusion
The evolution of slang is like watching history in fast-forward.
These expressions capture the spirit, humor, and even the quirks of the times they came from.
Every generation brings its own language, and as quickly as some phrases arrive, they fade just as fast.
But whether we’re saying something is “groovy” or “on fleek,” slang always has a way of keeping language fresh and alive.
References
Read Also: 200 popular text abbreviations you should know to spice up your conversations
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