Bruno Pugh
If you’re over 25, you probably remember a time when “lit” was just something your grandpa said about the fireplace. Today’s slang may be all about “vibes” and “fam,” but let’s stroll down memory lane to revisit 15 classic slang terms that used to be all the rage. These phrases leave the younger generation scratching their heads while you smile and say, “Yup, I was there.” Ready to flex your retro vocab? Let’s take the plunge!
All That and a Bag of Chips
In the ’90s, being “all that and a bag of chips” was the ultimate compliment. You weren’t just great; you were great with a side of something extra. It’s like being told you’re the Beyoncé of your friend group with an X-factor. This phrase was the equivalent of rolling up to a party in the most fabulous outfit, with everyone knowing you were the whole package deal.
Talk to the Hand
Remember when shutting someone down was as easy as throwing up a hand and saying, “Talk to the hand”? This was the ultimate sassy way to tell someone that their words were about as valuable as expired milk. It was like having a built-in force field against annoying people—one gesture and BAM! Conversation over. If only we could still use this move in meetings.
Buggin’
If your friend was acting extra—like way over the top—they were definitely “buggin’.” Whether they were freaking out over nothing or just being plain weird, this slang was a polite way of saying, “Chill out; you’re being ridiculous.” It’s the perfect word to bring back for those moments when your bestie is convinced the world is ending because they lost one sock.
Booyah!
When you pulled off something epic, “Booyah!” was the only word that could truly capture the moment. Imagine winning a game, nailing a test, or finally opening that stubborn jar of pickles—yep, that’s a “booyah!” This is like a verbal fist bump that tells the world, “I’ve got this.” Are you even winning if you’re not saying “booyah” after a victory?
Fly
Being “fly” wasn’t just about looking good; it was about strutting down the street like you owned the place. Your outfit was on point, your hair was flawless, and everyone else was just trying to keep up. To be “fly” meant to live life like every day was a fashion show, and you were always in the front row. If you’re feeling yourself today, just know—you’re looking fly.
As If!
Ah, “as if!”—the phrase that launched a thousand eye rolls. Made famous by Clueless, it was the go-to response for anything totally lame, unworthy, or just plain stupid. It was the verbal equivalent of flicking someone away like an annoying mosquito. If someone suggests something ridiculous, channel your inner Cher Horowitz and tell them, “As if!”
Crunk
Back in the early 2000s, if a party was “crunk,” it meant it was absolutely wild, with everyone having the time of their lives. A combination of “crazy” and “drunk,” this slang was all about high energy, loud music, and dance floors packed with people. Even if you weren’t hitting the dance floor, just being in a crunk atmosphere was enough to get your adrenaline pumping.
Rad
“Rad” was the word for anything that blew your mind, whether it was a sick skateboard trick or an amazing concert. Think of it as the slang equivalent of watching fireworks—pure excitement and awe. And let’s be honest, “rad” is just more fun to say than “cool.” Next time you see something that makes you want to fist pump the air, just say, “That was rad.”
Whassup?
The ultimate greeting of the late ’90s, “Whassup?” was less about the words and more about the exaggerated delivery. It wasn’t just a question; it was a whole vibe. Whether you were on the phone with your friends or just messing around, dragging out the “whasssssuup” was a way to instantly lighten the mood. If only all conversations could start this way.
Gettin’ Jiggy With It
When Will Smith dropped “Gettin’ Jiggy With It,” he didn’t just give us a hit song—he gave us a new way to describe dancing like nobody’s watching. It wasn’t just about moving to the beat; it was about having fun, cutting loose, and not caring who saw you. You could be the best dancer or have two left feet, but everyone was encouraged to get jiggy with it.
My Bad
We all make mistakes, but in the ’90s, you could brush it off with a simple “my bad.” This was the casual apology that said, “Yeah, I messed up, but let’s not make a big deal out of it.” Whatever the situation, whether you spilled the soda or forgot to feed the cat, “my bad” was the best way to own up without the guilt trip.
Word
A simple yet powerful word, “word” was all about agreement and understanding. If someone said something that resonated with you, just hit them with a “word” to show you’re on the same wavelength. It’s like saying “I feel you” without all the extra words. Plus, it just sounds cooler, doesn’t it?
Wicked
In certain parts of the country, “wicked” wasn’t just a word; it was a way of life. It was a slang term that took things up a notch, be it describing something wicked good, wicked fun, or wicked awesome. It added intensity to anything you were talking about, making sure everyone knew just how amazing it really was.
Take a Chill Pill
If someone was totally losing it, telling them to “take a chill pill” was the ideal way to suggest they calm down—without actually getting involved in the drama. This was a playful way to diffuse a situation, often leaving the person a little annoyed but much more relaxed. Next time your friend’s freaking out over nothing, just toss them this verbal chill pill.
Gnarly
“Gnarly” was a versatile word that could describe something rough, tough, or insanely good. You earned serious bragging rights if you survived a gnarly wave while surfing. But if you saw an epic trick at the skatepark, that was gnarly, too. It’s a word that captures the wild side of life.