Every generation has its own way of speaking, but some slang words just don’t stand the test of time. Once popular phrases that were part of everyday conversation are now barely hanging on, used only ironically or by those nostalgic for a bygone era. If you’ve ever heard an older relative drop one of these expressions, you might’ve had to stop and figure out what they were even talking about. Here are some classic American slang words that are slowly fading from everyday use—but are still worth remembering.
1. “Don’t Flip Your Wig”
Back in the day, if someone told you not to “flip your wig,” they were basically telling you to calm down. As reported by Merriam-Webster, the phrase “flip your wig” originated in the mid-20th century and was used to describe losing one’s composure or becoming very angry or excited. The phrase painted a vivid mental picture—someone getting so worked up that their metaphorical wig went flying.
These days, people just say, “Chill,” or “Relax,” but there was something uniquely fun about “Don’t flip your wig.” It had a flair that modern phrases lack, which might be why it’s been relegated to vintage status. If you ever want to bring back some old-school charm while telling someone to take it easy, this one’s worth reviving.
2. “Out To Lunch”
Originally, “out to lunch” was a literal phrase, meaning someone wasn’t available because they were, well, out grabbing a meal. The Cambridge Dictionary notes that the idiom “out to lunch” is used to describe someone who is not paying attention or is unaware of what is happening around them.
Nowadays, we’d just say someone is “lost” or “zoning out,” but “out to lunch” had a punchy, humorous quality that made it a classic. It might not be as common anymore, but you can still hear it in older movies and TV shows as a reminder of how people used to call each other out for being a little dazed and confused.
3. “Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’”
Few slang phrases sound as delightfully threatening as this one. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the slang term “cruising” in the sense of “looking for trouble” dates back to the 1940s, which likely contributed to the formation of this phrase. Whether it was a kid mouthing off to their parents or a troublemaker pushing their luck, this phrase was a way of saying, “Keep it up, and you’re going to regret it.”
While it’s mostly fallen out of use, you might still hear it in old-school movies or as a throwback phrase among those who grew up in the mid-20th century. These days, people just say “You’re asking for it,” but “cruisin’ for a bruisin’” had a rhythm that made it more memorable. If nothing else, it deserves a comeback just for how fun it is to say.
4. “Hubba Hubba”
Once upon a time, if someone found someone attractive, they might’ve said, “Hubba hubba.” The Oxford English Dictionary reports that it was a playful, exaggerated way of expressing admiration, often accompanied by a whistle or a wide-eyed expression. Think of it as the old-school equivalent of today’s “Whoa, they’re hot.”
You don’t hear this one much anymore unless it’s used jokingly, and that’s probably for the best. It has a goofy, over-the-top quality that makes it sound a little ridiculous by modern standards. Still, it’s a fun reminder of how people used to react when they saw someone they liked—and how slang always evolves to match the times.
5. “Gag Me With A Spoon”
If something was disgusting, annoying, or just completely unbearable, ‘80s kids had the perfect phrase: “Gag me with a spoon.” It was the ultimate expression of distaste, often used with an exaggerated eye roll. Whether it was bad cafeteria food or an embarrassing parent moment, this phrase captured that specific brand of youthful exasperation.
While this one hasn’t been in regular use for decades, it still pops up in references to ‘80s culture. Modern slang has taken a simpler route, with people just saying “gross” or “cringe,” but “Gag me with a spoon” had a unique flair. If you’re feeling extra dramatic, it might be worth reviving—just for the nostalgia factor.
6. “Cowabunga”
Originally a surfing term, “Cowabunga” exploded in popularity in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s thanks to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It was an exclamation of excitement, enthusiasm, or just general coolness, often shouted when something awesome happened. Whether you were catching a big wave or just having a great time, “Cowabunga” was the word of choice.
Now, outside of TMNT references, you rarely hear anyone using it seriously. It’s one of those words that instantly dates itself to a specific time period, making it more of a pop culture relic than an everyday phrase. Still, if you’re feeling nostalgic, there’s no harm in throwing out a “Cowabunga” every once in a while—just don’t expect anyone under 30 to know what you mean.
7. “Radical”
During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, everything cool was “radical.” It was a step up from “cool” or “awesome,” implying that something was truly next-level. Skaters, surfers, and kids who wanted to sound extra impressive used this word to describe anything exciting or impressive.
Now, “radical” is mostly reserved for its original definition—something extreme or revolutionary. In everyday conversation, it’s largely been replaced by “epic” or “insane.” While it may not be a go-to word anymore, it still has a nostalgic charm that makes it fun to use every once in a while, especially if you want to channel some vintage surfer vibes.
8. “The Cat’s Pajamas”
One of the most whimsical phrases on this list, “the cat’s pajamas” was a way of saying something was the best of the best. If something was outstanding, stylish, or just plain fantastic, it was “the cat’s pajamas.” The phrase came out of the 1920s, alongside similar expressions like “the bee’s knees” and “the cat’s meow.”
These days, this phrase sounds almost comically outdated. You’re far more likely to hear someone say “amazing” or “next level” instead. While it’s not making a major comeback anytime soon, it’s a fun reminder of how playful slang used to be. If you ever want to throw in some old-school charm, calling something “the cat’s pajamas” is sure to get a reaction.
9. “Gnarly”
Originally a surfer term, “gnarly” used to describe something extreme—either in a good way or a bad way. If a wave was huge and dangerous, it was “gnarly.” If someone pulled off an amazing skateboard trick, that was “gnarly,” too. It had a dual meaning, which made it incredibly versatile in casual conversation.
While it still pops up now and then, it’s nowhere near as common as it once was. Today, people would probably just say “wild” or “intense” instead. “Gnarly” had a specific ‘80s and ‘90s edge to it, which makes it feel like a throwback whenever it’s used. It might not be in heavy rotation anymore, but it’ll always be tied to surf and skate culture as one of the coolest ways to describe something crazy.
10. “Bogart”
Named after classic Hollywood actor Humphrey Bogart, this slang term means to hog something instead of sharing. It originally referred to someone keeping a cigarette or joint to themselves instead of passing it along, but over time, it was used more broadly. If someone was taking up too much space, hoarding snacks, or refusing to share anything, they were “Bogarting” it.
This one has faded almost entirely, except among older generations who remember when it was more common. These days, people just say, “Don’t be selfish” or “Stop hogging it.” But “Bogart” had a certain character to it that made it stand out. It’s one of those words that instantly places you in a different time period when you hear it.
11. “Wisenheimer”
If someone was being a smart aleck or overly sarcastic, they might have been called a “wisenheimer.” It was an old-fashioned way of referring to someone who thought they were smarter than everyone else, often in a way that annoyed the people around them. Think of it as the slightly fancier version of calling someone a “know-it-all.”
Today, people just say “smarty-pants” or “wise guy,” but “wisenheimer” had a distinct old-school charm. It was the kind of word that might get thrown around by a frustrated parent or a teacher who’d had enough of a student’s backtalk. While it’s not as common anymore, it’s still a fun way to call someone out for being a little too clever for their own good.
12. “Skedaddle”
“Skedaddle” was a way of telling someone to leave quickly. If kids were playing where they shouldn’t be, an adult might tell them to “skedaddle.” If someone was lingering too long after a conversation, they might be told, “Time to skedaddle.” It was a playful but firm way of saying, “Get moving.”
Today, most people just say “Go” or “Get out of here,” but “skedaddle” had a quirky charm that made it more fun. It still gets used occasionally, but mostly in a joking way. It’s one of those words that instantly makes you sound like you’re from a different era, which is probably why it’s slowly disappearing from everyday speech.
13. “Tubular”
“Tubular” was another slang term that came from surf culture. It originally described the shape of a wave, but it eventually became a general way to say something was cool or exciting. By the ‘80s, it was being used in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversation as a way to hype things up.
Now, it’s mostly a relic of its time, reserved for ironic throwbacks or references to ‘80s slang. People today just say “awesome” or “epic” instead. But if you want to channel some classic surfer vibes, throwing out a “tubular” here and there will definitely turn heads.
