The 1980s were an era of bold fashion, neon lights, blockbuster movies, and, of course, unforgettable slang. Whether you grew up in the ’80s or just love its pop culture, understanding the slang of the decade offers a fun glimpse into the era’s vibrant social scene. In this guide, we’ll explore the most iconic 80s slang words and phrases, their meanings, and their impact on language today.
The Evolution of 80s Slang
Slang in the 1980s reflected the cultural shifts of the time. Influences from music, television, movies, and the rise of teen culture played a significant role in shaping the lingo. The decade saw the popularity of Valley Girl talk, surfer slang, and hip-hop expressions, many of which remain relevant today.
Key Influences on 80s Slang:
- Movies and TV Shows: Films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off introduced slang that became widespread.
- Music: The rise of hip-hop and rock heavily influenced speech patterns, with words from artists like Run-D.M.C. and Madonna shaping the lexicon.
- California Culture: Surfer and Valley Girl slang made its way across the U.S., thanks to mainstream media.
Iconic 80s Slang Words and Their Meanings
General Slang
- Awesome – Excellent, great.
- Bad – Good, cool (in a rebellious way).
- Bag Your Face – An insult meaning “You’re ugly.”
- Barf Me Out – Disgusting.
- Bogus – Fake, unfair, lame.
- Burn/Burned – To be insulted or embarrassed.
- Choice – Excellent.
- Dude/Dudette – A person (usually male, but sometimes used generally).
- Eat my shorts – A response to an insult, popularized by Bart Simpson.
- Fer sure – Definitely, absolutely.
- Gag Me With A Spoon – Expression of extreme disgust.
- Gnarly – Excellent or challenging/dangerous (often used by surfers).
- Grody – Disgusting.
- Grody to the max – Extremely disgusting.
- Hella – Very (e.g., “hella cool”).
- Like – A filler word used excessively (e.g., “Like, totally awesome!”).
- Mint – Perfect, in great condition.
- No Duh – Stating the obvious.
- No Prob – No problem.
- Psych! – Used after tricking someone, like “just kidding!”
- Rad/Radical – Cool, awesome.
- Take a Chill Pill – Relax, calm down.
- Totally – Completely, definitely, very.
- Totally Tubular – Awesome, fantastic (especially popular with surfers).
- What’s your damage? – What is your problem?
- Wiggin’/Wig Out – Freaking out, losing control.
- Word – An affirmation (e.g., “Okay,” “I understand,” “truth”).
Expressions of Disgust or Annoyance
- Barf Me Out – Similar to “Gag me with a spoon.”
- Eat my shorts! – A rude and dismissive retort.
- Take a chill pill! – Calm down.
- Get a grip! – Get control of yourself.
- Loser – A person who is not successful or popular.
- Wimp – A weak or timid person.
- Dork – A socially awkward or foolish person.
Expressions of Surprise or Excitement
- Oh my God! – An exclamation of surprise or excitement.
- Wow! – An exclamation of surprise or wonder.
- Sweet! – An expression of approval or delight.
- Excellent! – An expression of great approval.
Describing People & Personalities
- Preppy/Prep – Someone who dresses and acts in a clean-cut, upper-class style.
- Poser – Someone pretending to be something they are not.
- Airhead – A ditzy, unintelligent, or frivolous person.
- Spaz – Clumsy, awkward, or hyperactive person.
- Valley Girl/Boy – A person from the San Fernando Valley with a specific way of speaking.
- Yuppie – A young, ambitious professional, often associated with wealth.
- Homeboy/Homegirl/Homies – Close friend(s).
Actions & Situations
- Chill out – To relax, calm down, or take it easy.
- No duh! – Obvious statement, often used sarcastically.
- Eat my shorts! – Exclamation of defiance or mockery.
- Psych! – Used after saying something to indicate you were joking.
- Take a chill pill – Telling someone to relax and calm down.
Fashion & Style
- Fresh – Stylish, fashionable, cool.
- Fly – Extremely stylish or fashionable.
- Def (Definitely) – Used to emphasize “definitely” and also as “cool” or “stylish.”
Music & Dance
- Jammin’ – Enjoyable, cool, or excellent, especially in music.
- Pump up the jam – To increase energy or excitement.
- Get down – To dance enthusiastically.
Insults
- Butthead – A stupid person.
- Scumbag – An insult.
How 80s Slang Shaped Modern Language
Many words from the 80s are still in use today, often with slight modifications. Terms like “dude,” “rad,” and “stoked” remain common, while phrases like “like, totally” influenced modern speech patterns, especially among younger generations. Hip-hop slang from the era also laid the foundation for much of today’s urban vocabulary.
Fun Ways to Use 80s Slang Today
Bringing back 80s slang can be a fun way to add personality to conversations. Here are some ideas:
- Throw an 80s party and encourage guests to use slang from the decade.
- Use 80s phrases in social media posts for a nostalgic touch.
- Watch classic 80s movies to see slang in action and incorporate it into daily speech.
Conclusion
The 1980s left a lasting impact on language, culture, and communication. Many of its slang terms remain part of today’s lexicon, while others serve as a nostalgic reminder of a vibrant era. Whether you’re revisiting your childhood or discovering 80s slang for the first time, these expressions offer a window into a unique period of history.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Language evolves over time, and the usage of certain slang terms may vary based on context and region.
