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The twentieth century really was something else. In fact, it was a fire century for slang terms. And while cool slang words, like most trends, come and go, it may be that you are still using some 20th-century slang in your everyday vocab. Perhaps one is a Gen X trying to act cool with grandkids or a millennial who skipped the phase when 20th-century slang words ceased being popular. 

Whatever the case, popular slang terms from the 20th century have been long replaced with new slang words. Hate or love it, blame zoomers for replacing your favorite slang words with gen Z slang words. Because apparently, "mood" is much better for expressing agreement than "word." Nevertheless, the generation gap will always remain that one thing that different generations will have to agree to disagree on. 

Either way, no matter which generation you belong to, a quick throwback to popular slang words from the 20th century may take you back to, if not easier, then to cheaper times. Any popular slang words from the past century that you still use today? Let us know by giving them an upvote! Also, what do you think of today's slang? Is the list of slang words used by zoomers 'dope' or 'nope'? Let us know in the comments!

#1

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Take a chill pill"

Meaning: to be calmer or to relax.

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#2

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Have a cow"

Meaning: to become very angry, upset, etc.

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#3

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Bust a move"

Meaning: to dance.

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#4

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Hang loose"

Meaning: to relax or not to be too serious about something because it is not important.

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Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always heard this one when I'm at work in the sense of "don't start working on something major because it's gonna be one of those days"...

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#5

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Whatever"

Meaning: indifference to what a person is saying.

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#6

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Wack"

Meaning: annoyingly or disappointingly bad, in various senses; lousy, cringy, uncool, messed up.

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#7

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Ankle-biter"

Meaning: a small child, a small dog, especially a poorly-behaved one or a relatively minor, irritating problem or task.

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#8

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Knuckle sandwich"

Meaning: a punch to the face, especially to the mouth.

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#9

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Catch you on the flip-side"

Meaning: see you later.

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#10

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Cool beans"

Meaning: “wonderful,” expresses excitement or approval, often with a deliberately folksy tone.

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Lisa McCourt
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have always hated this one. No real reason. It just grated on me every time I heard it. Let it die out, please.

#11

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "What's your damage?"

Meaning: used to ask how much you have to pay for something.

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Js
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think is one is wrong. "What's THE damage?" is asking how much you have to pay for something. "What's YOUR damage?" is used in a "What the hell is wrong with you?" kinda way.

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#12

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Talk to the hand"

Meaning: a saying used to ignore and disregard a comment or an insult when you can't think of a way to counter it.

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#13

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Yada yada yada"

Meaning: Seinfeld reference; when you want to skip a part in a story or something you are telling someone.

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#14

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Bread"

Meaning: money; specifically cash carried by a person.

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James016
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife uses the term "bread money" when talking about wages. It's a Turkish thing but could be from elsewhere as well

#15

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Goober"

Meaning: a naive, ignorant, or foolish person.

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#16

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Oh, snap!"

Meaning: a playful indication of surprise or misfortune.

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#17

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Made in the shade"

Meaning: in a condition characterized by comfort, success, easy living or general well-being.

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#18

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Far out"

Meaning: excellent.

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#19

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Can you dig it?"

Meaning: if you say that you dig something, you mean that you like it and understand it.

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#20

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Shindig"

Meaning: a party or gathering, especially a noisy and lively one.

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#21

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Chrome dome"

Meaning: a bald head; a person who is bald.

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#22

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Gnarly"

Meaning: used to describe something extreme, especially something that is very dangerous and exciting.

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#23

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Word"

Meaning: said in a agreement.

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#24

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Stoked"

Meaning: excited and very happy about something.

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#25

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "All that and a bag of chips"

Meaning: something very special.

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heather morris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember it was usually said about a guy/girl meaning they were super sexy/hot

#26

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Not!"

Meaning: a word made popular in the early 90's by the movie Wayne's World. You add "not" to the end of a sentence to make blatant the sarcasm in the sentence itself.

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#27

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Fly"

Meaning: to be fly is to be cool, and amazing and awesome.

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#28

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "'Sup"

Meaning: "what's up" (either as a greeting or actual question).

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Kitty 🥀
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uh, do the youths not say this anymore? I thought it was pretty ubiquitous.

#29

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "Bugging out"

Meaning: to depart hurriedly; run away; retreat.

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#30

90 Popular Slang Words From The 20th Century That Were 'Da Bomb' Back Then "You go, girl!"

Meaning: an expression of encouragement, chiefly for a girl or woman.

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#31

"Da bomb"

Meaning: the best; the ultimate cool thing.

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#32

"My bad"

Meaning: my fault; mea culpa.

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Kitty 🥀
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this one’s still around, too. A LOT of these are still in use.

#33

"Germsville"

Meaning: a 1950s term used to describe a doctor's office or general practitioners.

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#34

"Cruisin' for a bruisin'"

Meaning: following a course of action likely to result in injury or other trouble for oneself.

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MichelleDonut
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My older brother would say this when I was annoying him. The implication was that if I didn't stop, he would punch me.

#35

"Burn rubber"

Meaning: to accelerate so rapidly from standstill that it leaves a mark of burnt rubber on the road from the tire.

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#36

"Flip your wig"

Meaning: to become crazy or very angry.

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#37

"Bust a gut"

Meaning: to work very hard or make a big effort to achieve something.

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#38

"Peepers"

Meaning: eyes.

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LK
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Peepers' has been used for 'eyes' since around 1700.

#39

"Lay it on me"

Meaning: to present or reveal something to someone thoroughly or heavily; confront someone with something.

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#40

"It's a gas"

Meaning: something appealing or enjoyable.

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#41

"Boogie down"

Meaning: to dance.

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#42

"Psyche!"

Meaning: to lead someone on and then to immediately decline an ending.

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Anagram margana
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s “psych.” It has several meanings, e.g. “I’m psyched about seeing the movie” or “Don’t let him get to you. Psych him out by playing his own game” or “I have to psych myself up to get through the job.” Etc. Psyche is the goddess of the soul, and is defined in the dictionary as the mind or spirit.

#43

"Stop dipping in my Kool-Aid"

Meaning: to stay out of someone’s business.

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Lisa McCourt
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never heard this one, but I do know "Don't drink the Kool-Aid." (And, yes, it should be "Don't drink the Flavor-Aid.)

#44

"Spaz"

Meaning: a stupid or incompetent person; a hyperactive person.

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#45

"Space cadet"

Meaning: one who forgets, daydreams, or otherwise is distracted from reality more often than most.

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Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmpf...Im far beyond a cadet...Im at least an admiral by now.

#46

"Party-hardy"

Meaning: someone capable of partying for a long time and having fun.

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#47

"Drag"

Meaning: someone or something that is unpleasant and boring.

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#48

"Not even"

Meaning: used to express strong disappointment or disapproval.

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#49

"Bounce"

Meaning: to eject violently, as from a room; to discharge unceremoniously, as from employment.

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#50

"Booyah!"

Meaning: an exclamation of joy, excitement or triumph.

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#51

"Scrub"

Meaning: someone who is just plain bad at something.

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#52

"Aiight"

Meaning: contraction of "all right."

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#53

"Foshizzle"

Meaning: "I completely agree with you."

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#54

"Pad"

Meaning: a person’s house or apartment.

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#55

"Come on, snake, let's rattle"

Meaning: prominent in the 1950s and had one of two meanings; you could use it to ask a girl to dance or to challenge someone to a fight.

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#56

"Hunk of junk"

Meaning: a worthless or malfunctioning piece of mechanical or electrical equipment.

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Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm...this one doesn't seems less like slang and more like an accurate description of said equipment.

#57

"Bummer"

Meaning: something that is very annoying or not convenient.

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#58

"What's your bag?"

Meaning: like saying "what's your problem?" or "what's your deal?"

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#59

"Heavy"

Meaning: used to describe something such as a situation that is dangerous or unpleasant.

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Benita Valdez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also something deep/sad or meaningful./profound. You say something profoundly meaningful and response is "wow man, that's some heavy shīt right there"

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#60

"Square"

Meaning: unexciting, unadventurous, mainstream or dull.

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#61

"Fab"

Meaning: fabulous.

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#62

"Punch it!"

Meaning: to rapidly accelerate in a motor vehicle.

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#63

"Five-finger discount"

Meaning: theft or pilferage, typically of a small item; shoplifting.

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#64

"Do me a solid"

Meaning: to do something kind or helpful for someone.

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#65

"10-4"

Meaning: a way of saying “message received” in radio communications. It’s also used as a way to “you got it.”

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#66

"Out to lunch"

Meaning: too strange or confused to know what is really happening.

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#67

"Skinny"

Meaning: the true information about someone or something that is not known by most people.

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#68

"Get bent"

Meaning: an angry or contemptuous way of dismissing someone's statement, suggestion, etc.

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#69

"Keep on keepin' on"

Meaning: continue to do what you've always done.

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#70

"No duh"

Meaning: an expression or exclamation that something is exceedingly obvious or apparent, or that one would have to be extremely foolish not to realize something immediately.

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#72

"Tubular"

Meaning: used mostly in the 80's, or by people mocking the 80's to describe something 'awesome' or 'excelent' ie, good.

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#73

"Veg out"

Meaning: to relax in a slack attitude, not moving much.

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#74

"Ballistic"

Meaning: extremely and usually suddenly excited, upset, or angry.

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#75

"Home skillet"

Meaning: a close friend; homie; homeboy.

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#76

"As if!"

Meaning: said to show that you do not believe something is possible.

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#77

"Beat feet"

Meaning: to run.

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#78

"Wet rag"

Meaning: a very weak willed, helpless, or cowardly person; one who lacks any real resolve, inner-strength, or motivation.

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#79

"Fuzz"

Meaning: a policeman or the police.

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#80

"Split"

Meaning: to leave a place.

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#81

"Make the scene"

Meaning: to participate, esp. in an effective or noticeable way.

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#82

"Bogue"

Meaning: to move aimlessly or slowly.

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#83

"To the max!"

Meaning: to a great degree or extent; very.

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#84

"Grindage"

Meaning: slang for food.

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#85

"Rad"

Meaning: very appealing or good.

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#86

"Preppy"

Meaning: characteristic of or denoting a fashion style of neat, understated, and often expensive clothes.

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#87

"Kick him to the curb"

Meaning: to rid oneself of (someone or something) in a summary way.

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#88

"Hella"

Meaning: very, extremely.

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#89

"Fink"

Meaning: one who is disapproved of or is held in contempt.

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#90

"I heard that!"

Meaning: Used to emphasise the fact that one has heard a piece of information, and whole-heartedly agrees with it.

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