27 Old Slang Words I Would Like To Bring Back

Language, most especially slang Words can be very funny at times. Just when you're like okay, I'm up to  up-to-date with the latest slang, it’s then you'll notice a new wave sweeps in, leaving the old favorites out in the cold. 

But here's the thing: some of those forgotten slang words have so much charm, character, and personality. I can’t help but wonder why we ever stopped using them. 

It was when I was writing my last post - 50 old slang Terms that had been forgotten that I concluded that these slang terms must be brought back to mainstream. 

And sincerely, I must admit there's something kind of magical about bringing back an old-fashioned slang term and watching people's faces light up in surprise or even amusement.

So, in this post, I’m diving into the vaults of time, dusting off some incredible slang words that we absolutely need to revive. 

Why? Because these words have style and a flair that today’s phrases sometimes miss. 

Plus, adding them back into our lives would be a fun way to connect with past generations, almost like picking up where they left off. 

Whether you’re looking to make someone laugh, describe something in a new (or very old) way, or just want to shake up your usual language a bit, this list of 27 slang terms might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed. 

What is Old Slang? 

Old slang is basically words or phrases people used a lot in the past but don’t say much anymore. 

It’s like how your grandparents might say “groovy” or “the bee’s knees” to describe something cool. 

These words were trendy back in their day, and they show what people cared about or found funny at the time. 

Why I'd like these old slang terms be brought back 

I love studying slangs and I like using it. I’ve always found old-school slang expressions to be so much more fun and quirky than some of the ones  we use today. 

Old Slang words like “the cat’s pajamas” or “23 skidoo” bring a sense of character and playfulness to conversations that’s hard to beat. 

They’re humorous, unexpected, and instantly make language feel more lively and engaging.

What really draws me to these forgotten slang terms is the nostalgia they carry. 

Using words like “fuzzle” or “moxie” connects us to past generations and gives us a chance to keep a little piece of history alive. 

And let’s be honest, dropping an old slang term is a surefire way to spark a conversation. 

When I throw out something like “groovy” or “gnarly,” people always ask, “What did you just say?” It’s an easy way to engage others, share some fun language history, and stand out a bit. 

Plus, using these terms helps me bring some personality to my speech and makes the conversation a lot more memorable.

27 Old Slang Terms To Bring Back

1. The Cat’s Pajamas
   This phrase means something that’s excellent or top-notch. Imagine telling your friend, “You’re the cat’s pajamas!” It’s a playful way to compliment someone’s style or vibe.

2. 23 Skidoo
   This catchy term from the 1920s means to leave quickly or make a swift exit. It’s perfect for when you need to bolt from an awkward situation, and “I’m 23 skidoo-ing” makes it sound a lot more fun.

3. Flapper
   Used to describe a stylish and rebellious young woman in the 1920s, “flapper” could totally make a comeback to describe today’s trendsetters with a flair for daring fashion.

4. Sport
   A friendly term for a person who’s stylish or easygoing, “sport” is perfect for when you want to compliment someone’s charm or charisma.

5. The Real McCoy
   Meaning something genuine or authentic, “the real McCoy” is a way to describe someone who’s the real deal or something that’s truly valuable.

6. Far Out
   This groovy ‘60s slang phrase means something is incredible or mind-blowing. It’s ideal for those moments when you want to express pure amazement.

7. Groovy
   Instead of saying “cool,” why not go for “groovy”? It’s got a retro, laid-back feel that’s perfect for adding a bit of vintage flair to everyday compliments.

8. Hang Loose
   A reminder to relax and go with the flow, “hang loose” has surfer vibes that make it the perfect expression for those chill moments.

9. Vibes
   Originally from the ‘60s, “vibes” refers to a feeling or atmosphere. Saying “good vibes only” today brings a fresh sense of positivity and warmth to any gathering.

10. Freak Out
    This slang term means to lose control or get overly excited. We all have moments where we freak out, whether from joy or anxiety, so why not use the slang to describe it?

11. Rad
    Short for “radical,” this word has an edgy feel that means something awesome or impressive. It’s great for adding emphasis when you’re truly impressed by something.

12. Tubular
    Meaning “cool” or “awesome,” “tubular” has its roots in surfer slang and brings a bit of ocean-inspired flair to any conversation.

13. Bogus
    An ‘80s term for something bad or disappointing, “bogus” is a fun way to express annoyance or frustration without getting too serious.

14. Gag Me with a Spoon
    Over-the-top and full of attitude, this slang phrase is perfect for moments of disgust or disbelief. “Gag me with a spoon” would definitely stand out in today’s conversations.

15. Righteous
    A compliment that means something is truly good or morally solid, “righteous” has a soulful vibe that can add emphasis to anything worth praising.

16. Talk to the Hand
    A sassy way to shut down a conversation, this ‘90s gem works wonders for playfully rejecting or brushing off something without getting too serious.

17. Homie
    For close friends or loyal companions, “homie” has a sense of unbreakable camaraderie that makes it perfect for today’s closest friendships.

18. Word
    A quick, cool way to show agreement, “word” is short, snappy, and to the point. It’s like saying “facts” but with a bit of ‘90s attitude.

19. Phat
    Meaning excellent or awesome, “phat” stands out from typical compliments and adds a bit of character to positive descriptions.

20. All That and a Bag of Chips
    This fun, expressive way of saying someone or something is amazing is perfect for hyping up your friends with extra flair.

21. Fuzzle
    This word means having a good time or even being a bit tipsy, and it has a lighthearted, carefree vibe that makes it perfect for fun occasions.

22. Moxie
    This one’s all about courage and energy. When someone has “moxie,” they’re full of spirit and determination, a great way to acknowledge someone’s resilience.

23. Take a Chill Pill
    This classic phrase for telling someone to relax is a bit sarcastic and funny, making it perfect for when someone needs to calm down.

24. Gnarly
    A surfer term for something challenging yet impressive, “gnarly” has both a rugged and admirable quality, making it a fun choice for describing something wild or intense.

25. Hippie
    Meaning someone who’s free-spirited, peaceful, and environmentally conscious, “hippie” would be a unique way to describe those who live mindfully.

26. Whoopee
    For those celebratory moments, “whoopee” captures a burst of joy or excitement. It’s great for adding some old-fashioned cheer to life’s happy moments.

27. Gigglemug
    This old slang word describes someone who’s always smiling. It has an irresistibly cheerful sound, making it a charming compliment for anyone with a constant grin.

Conclusion 

Bringing back these old slang terms isn’t just about nostalgia for me; it’s about adding personality and flair to how I speak. 

These words have character, humor, and a timeless charm that can make any conversation feel more interesting and fun. 

Reviving them helps us to connect with the past while giving us fresh, creative ways to express myself.

The next time you're chatting with friends or looking to spice up your vocabulary, you should definitely try slipping in an old-school slang term. 

Whether it’s using “moxie” to describe someone’s boldness or saying “groovy” to show how cool something is, these words never fail to make people smile and get the conversation going. 

So Gen Zees, I say let’s bring these classic old slang words back and make language a little more vibrant again!

Which other old school slang terms would you want to bring back? Share it with us in the comment section below. Thanks