53 Slang Terms by Decade

by the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Every generation has its slang -- new words and phrases that allow kids to communicate without their parents understanding. Read on to learn some of the most popular slang terms through the decades.

1920s

1. 23 skiddoo -- to get going; move along; leave; or scram
2. The cat's pajamas -- the best; the height of excellence
3. Gams -- legs
4. The real McCoy -- sincere; genuine; the real thing
5. Hotsy-totsy -- perfect
6. Moll -- a female companion of a gangster
7. Speakeasy -- a place where alcohol was illegally sold and drunk during Prohibition
8. The bee's knees -- excellent; outstanding
1930s

9. I'll be a monkey's uncle -- sign of disbelief; I don't believe it!
10. Gig -- a job
11. Girl Friday -- a secretary or female assistant
12. Juke joint -- a casual and inexpensive establishment with drinking, dancing, and blues music, typically in the southeastern United States
13. Skivvies -- men's underwear

1940s

14. Blockbuster -- a huge success
15. Keeping up with the Joneses -- competing to have a lifestyle or socioeconomic status comparable to one's neighbors
16. Cool -- excellent; clever; sophisticated; fashionable; or enjoyable
17. Sitting in the hot seat -- in a highly uncomfortable or embarrassing situation
18. Smooch -- kiss

1950s

19. Big brother is watching you -- someone of authority is monitoring your actions
20. Boo-boo -- a mistake; a wound
21. Hi-fi -- high fidelity; a record player or turntable
22. Hipster -- an innovative and trendy person

1960s

23. Daddy-o -- a man; used to address a hipster or beatnik
24. Groovy -- cool; hip; excellent
25. Hippie -- derived from hipster; a young adult who rebelled against established institutions, criticized middle-class values, opposed the Vietnam War, and promoted sexual freedom
26. The Man -- a person of authority; a group in power

1970s

27. Catch you on the flip side -- see you later
28. Dig it -- to like or understand something
29. Get down/Boogie -- dance
30. Mind-blowing -- unbelievable; originally an expression for the effects of hallucinogenic drugs
31. Pump iron -- lift weights
32. Workaholic -- a person who works too much or is addicted to his or her job

1980s

33. Bodacious -- beautiful
34. Chillin' -- relaxing
35. Dweeb -- a nerd; someone who is not cool
36. Fly -- cool; very hip
37. Gag me with a spoon -- disgusting
38. Gnarly -- exceptional; very cool
39. Preppy -- one who dresses in designer clothing and has a neat, clean-cut appearance
40. Wicked -- excellent; great
41. Yuppie -- Young Urban Professional; a college-educated person with a well-paying job who lives near a big city; often associated with a materialistic and superficial personality

1990s

42. Diss -- show disrespect
43. Get jiggy -- dance; flirt
44. Homey/Homeboy -- a friend or buddy
45. My bad -- my mistake
46. Phat -- cool or hip; highly attractive; hot
47. Wassup? -- What's up?; How are you?
48. Word -- yes; I agree

2000s

49. Barney Bag -- a gigantic purse
50. Newbie -- a newcomer; someone who is inexperienced
51. Peeps -- friends; people
52. Rents -- parents
53. Sweet -- beyond cool

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen

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