If you were raised before computers, these slang words might just sound like a bucket full of nostalgia that Gen Z can’t understand.
Groovy
Before “cool” existed, groovy was used to describe anything and everything that was fashionable, awesome, or good. Riding high in the 1960s and 70s, it was used to describe a feeling of happiness, or when everything just seemed right.
Psych
Mainly used during the 80s and 90s, “psych!” was what you shouted at someone after you lied or tricked them one second prior. If you told your friend a secret and had them believe you, screaming this word immediately discredited what you just said.
Radical
If something was extreme, really good, or exciting, then it was considered radical. This became one of the core phrases used during the booming surf and skate culture during the 80s and 90s.
Talk
Telling someone to “talk to the hand” was letting them know you did not care to hear what they had to say. Most times, it was paired with a hand gesture of you holding your palm up to the person’s face.
Gnarly
“Gnarly” was originally used when the waves someone was surfing were filled with obstacles and could potentially hurt them. As time went on, people started using it when something was hard, intense, or badly impressive.
Wicked
This literally means evil in the dictionary. But for those over 30, it became a positive word. Parties became wicked fun, people became wicked smart. It functioned as another way to say “awesome.”
Bogus
This was almost a universal way to describe something as unfair, untrue, or crappy. If something did not meet your expectations and it was supposed to, you could simply call it bogus.
Fresh
When someone looked “fresh,” they were wearing elegant clothes that were considered stylish at the time. It didn’t mean their clothes were new. It meant they threw together a crisp-looking outfit
Word
This was typically used when you just wanted to agree with what was said. Instead of saying “I know” or “that’s right,” you could simply say “word.”
Dope
Years before it had another definition, “dope” was the way you described something that was of high quality, or great. It was the golden standard when you wanted to compliment someone using street slang.
Brand new kicks or a brand new rap song was sure to be dope.
Tight
If you were “tight” with someone, that meant you were extremely close friends. This was used to describe two people who clicked and were loyal to each other.
Bling
Created in the late 90s, bling was the flashy and expensive jewelry you wore so others would notice you wore it. Specifically used for the music/fashion movements of the time period.
Fly
Someone who was “fly” looked and acted amazing. You knew when a fly person walked into a room because their aura screamed confidence and their clothes were top-notch.
Stoked
To be “stoked” about something was to be extremely excited. Whether you were excited about the future or something you were doing that afternoon, “stoked” was the epitome of fun that made you know this was going to be the best week of your life.
Hella
If you lived on the West Coast in the 90s, you probably said this word every other sentence. It was used to describe when there was a large amount of something; “hella” was the go-to modifier to make everything better. You could have “hella money” or be killing it and having “hella fun.”
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
