The 80s were a different time from modern days, as everything was brighter and fancier - from fashion to the way people expressed their thoughts. There were a lot of interesting slang words back in the day, and some of these expressions are still being used today. Check out the most exciting and creative 80s slang that used to be popular in the era.
Many of the 80s slang words were frequently used in movies and TV series, so they quickly found their way into everyday conversations. 80s words are fancy, bold, and nostalgic for everyone who had a chance to observe them in use. Here are, like, totally radical 80's slang words that you will find hella bodacious. Are you curious yet?
Cool 1980s Slang That Is Still Iconic
Back in the day, 80s lingo was very unique and popular among people of all ages. The way these expressions were woven into daily life reflects a time of cultural change and creativity. Here are some well-known 80s words along with their meanings:
- Bad - means something that is "cooler than cool". A car or an outfit that impressed someone a lot could be called bad.
- Bod - has the same meaning as "body" and is often used as a compliment on someone's physical build. It originated from surf culture in California.
- Bounce - to leave. If you and your friends are leaving a party, you can say "let's bounce".
- Burn out - to overwork yourself, wear yourself out.
- Even - used as a form of disagreement with someone. E.g., someone makes a statement, you disagree by saying "not even", and they disagree with you by saying "even".
- Freak out - to panic or lose control.
- Gnarly - also came from surf culture. Means something that is good, even though its original meaning was tough or ragged.
Another set of iconic terms includes:
- Motor - it means the same thing as "got to go". For instance, you can say "I've got to motor" when you are excusing yourself from a party or an outing with friends.
- Psych - this one has a few meanings. While it can be used in a positive context, such as "thrilled, stoked", it can also mean "confuse, intimidate someone".
- Radical - back in the 80s, some edgy and bold choices, especially in fashion, were called "radical", which is cooler than just "awesome".
- Ralph - in college culture, "ralphing" meant vomiting.
- Righteous - this term also signified something that is cool, bearing a similar meaning to "radical".
- Tubular - this word originated from Latin and French, and acquired a new meaning in the 80s - "perfect, awesome".
- Veg out - relax, space out, stop paying attention.
- Wig out - lose control over something.
- Word - used to express agreement with something someone said. E.g., "This movie was bad" - "Word".
- Zeek - same as a geek, but undeniably attractive.
80s Catchphrases That You Will Love
Some 80s phrases were frequently added to normal sentences for additional effect, showcasing the playful and expressive nature of the decade. Here are some memorable catchphrases:
- Hella - this adverb means "a lot of" or "extremely, very". For example, "hella cool" as an equivalent to "very cool".
- Duh - used when you hear something obvious. For instance: "The sky is blue" - "Duh".
- Like - often used in modern conversations, believed to have originated in the 80s for punctuation.
- Totally - absolutely, one hundred percent.
80s lingo was filled with sayings that are not commonly heard today. Some notable examples include:
- Eat my shorts - used to express disdain, often in competitive contexts.
- Gag me with a spoon - an expression of disgust.
- Barf me out - a synonym for "gag me with a spoon".
- Bag my/your face - referring to unattractiveness.
- What's your damage - similar to "what's wrong with you?".
- Take a chill pill - advising someone to relax.
Expressions That Have Lasting Meanings
The 80s brought forth a variety of expressions that can easily replace modern words. Many of these terms are still in use today:
Words that mean "yes" include:
- Big time
- Cheeuh!
- For sure
- I kid you not
- No doy
- Yes way
For "no," people might have said:
- No can do
- Tough
Expressions that indicate something is "cool" include:
- B*tchin'
- Bodacious
- Excellent
- Fantabulous
- Most triumphant
- Outrageous
- Schweet
- Stellar
- Wicked
Creative Insults and Compliments of the Decade
People in the 80s were known for their creativity, not just in fashion but also in language. They would come up with unique insults and compliments:
- Airhead - an empty-headed person.
- Barf bag - used to describe someone unattractive.
- Bite me - a dismissive rejection.
- Bogus - something undesirable.
- Chicken - referring to a coward.
- Dip - someone foolish.
- Ditz - a brainless person.
- Harsh - something tough or unpleasant.
- Lame - something boring or uncool.
Compliments were equally colorful, with phrases like:
- Bad to the bone - someone with a strong sense of style.
- BFF - best friend forever.
- Brill - meaning brilliant.
- Clutch - used when someone is successful.
- Deadly - something really cool.
These vibrant times were also known for various subcultures among youngsters, adding more depth to the 80s lexicon.
- Boho - someone living an artistic, bohemian lifestyle.
- Couch potato - someone who prefers staying home.
- Goth - a person in gothic culture, known for dark looks.
- Hacker - someone skilled in technology.
- Jock - an athlete, often perceived as less intelligent.
- Nerd - a studious person with limited social life.
- Punk - a member of punk culture, noted for rebelliousness.
The Influence of Hip Hop on 80s Language
Hip hop began to influence mainstream culture in
