70s & 80s Slang: Cool English Phrases You Missed!

Hey guys! Ever feel like you're watching an old movie and have absolutely no clue what anyone is saying? That's probably because slang, like, totally changes from decade to decade. Today, we're diving headfirst into the righteous world of 70s and 80s English slang. Buckle up, because we're about to get groovy!

Groovy Talk: 70s Slang

The 1970s were a time of huge social change, bell-bottoms, and some truly far-out slang. If you wanted to hang with the cool cats, you had to speak the language. So, let's decode some of the most common 70s slang terms. Get ready to expand your vocabulary, baby!

First off, "Groovy." This is your all-purpose term of approval. See a sweet ride? "Groovy!" Hear a killer tune? "Groovy!" Someone offers you a bite of their avocado toast (because even though it's trendy now, avocados were still around then)? You guessed it: "Groovy!" Think of it as the 70s version of "awesome" or "cool." It just radiates positivity and good vibes. You might hear someone described as "a groovy cat". This simply means that this person is trendy, hip, and pleasant to be around. They likely have a great sense of style, enjoy good music, and embrace the free-spirited attitude of the decade. Being called a groovy cat was a high compliment, suggesting that you were in tune with the times and possessed a certain level of sophistication. Next up, "Far out!" Similar to "groovy," but with an extra emphasis on something being unusual or mind-blowing. See a dude with a massive afro? "Far out!" Witness a truly spectacular sunset? "Far out!" It's like saying something is beyond cool, almost otherworldly. "Catch you on the flip side" was a 70s way of saying "see you later." It implies a sense of anticipation and the expectation of a future meeting. The origin of this phrase is often attributed to the idea of flipping a record over to hear the other side, suggesting a return to the same point or a continuation of the current experience. It's a casual and friendly way to bid farewell, leaving the door open for future encounters. Finally, if something was a bummer, it was a drag, or was totally lame, you might exclaim "bogus!" Meaning fake, inauthentic, or disappointing. It's a dismissive term used to express disapproval or disbelief. For example, discovering that your favorite band has broken up would definitely be a "bogus" situation. Or finding out that your date stood you up? Totally bogus!

Totally Tubular: 80s Slang

The 80s, man, that was like, a totally different scene. Big hair, neon colors, and a whole new wave of slang washed over the world. Let's break down some of the most righteous terms from this radical decade. Get ready to party, dudes!

Let's start with a classic: "Radical!" This was the 80s equivalent of "groovy," but with a bit more energy and excitement. See someone pull off an amazing skateboard trick? "Radical!" Score the high score on Pac-Man? "Radical!" It was the go-to term for anything awesome, impressive, or just plain cool. Someone described as "a valley girl" This stereotype, popularized by movies and television, refers to young women from affluent areas, particularly the San Fernando Valley in California. Valley girls were characterized by their distinctive slang, fashion sense, and materialistic values. They often used words like "like," "totally," and "gag me with a spoon" in their everyday speech. While the stereotype has evolved over time, it remains a recognizable cultural reference point for the 1980s. Then there's "Tubular!" Synonymous with "radical," but often used to describe something exceptionally awesome, especially related to surfing or skateboarding. Catching the perfect wave? "Tubular!" Mastering a difficult skateboarding maneuver? "Tubular!" It's like saying something is beyond radical, almost transcendent. An expression of disbelief or disgust: "Gag me with a spoon!" It's used to convey a strong sense of aversion or revulsion. For example, if someone tells you a gross or unpleasant story, you might respond with "Gag me with a spoon!" This phrase emphasizes the speaker's extreme distaste for the situation. This is how you tell someone to chill out: "Take a chill pill!" It's a humorous way to tell someone to calm down and relax. If a friend is getting stressed out or agitated, you might jokingly say, "Take a chill pill!" This phrase is often used in a lighthearted manner to diffuse tension and encourage someone to take things less seriously. If something is uncool, uninteresting, or out of style: "Bogus!" It's a dismissive term used to express disapproval or disbelief. For example, discovering that your favorite band has broken up would definitely be a "bogus" situation. Or finding out that your date stood you up? Totally bogus!

Why Slang Matters

Okay, so why bother learning all this outdated slang? Well, for starters, it's totally fun! But beyond that, understanding slang gives you a window into the culture of a particular time period. It shows you what people valued, what they found funny, and how they expressed themselves. Slang is a living, breathing part of language that reflects the ever-changing world around us. It's a linguistic snapshot of a specific moment in time. Slang terms often originate within specific communities or subcultures, and their spread can reflect broader social and cultural trends. For example, the slang of the jazz age in the 1920s reflected the changing attitudes towards sexuality and social norms. Similarly, the slang of the hip-hop culture in the 1980s and 1990s reflected the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities. By studying slang, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that shape language and society. Moreover, if you're into movies, TV shows, or books from the 70s and 80s, knowing the slang will help you understand the references and nuances. You'll be able to appreciate the humor and the cultural context in a way that you simply couldn't without knowing the lingo. It's like having a secret decoder ring that unlocks a deeper level of understanding. And who doesn't want that?

Keeping Up with the Times: Slang Today

Slang is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest terms and phrases. What's considered cool today might be totally cringe-worthy tomorrow. How can you keep up? Pay attention to how people around you are talking, especially younger generations. Watch popular TV shows and movies. Listen to music. Read books and articles that use contemporary language. And don't be afraid to ask questions! If you hear a term you don't understand, just ask someone to explain it. Most people will be happy to help you out. Remember, slang is all about communication and connection. It's a way of expressing yourself and relating to others. So embrace the ever-changing nature of language and have fun with it! And most importantly, don't be afraid to experiment with new slang terms yourself. You might just start the next big trend!

From Groovy to Radical: A Slang Time Capsule

Think about it: each generation has its own unique way of speaking. From the flappers of the 1920s to the hipsters of today, slang defines eras and connects people. So next time you hear someone using a term you don't understand, don't just dismiss it as