Last week at the gym, a younger guy complimented me by saying I had “cakes.” Unsure whether to take it as a compliment or an insult, I sought advice from my friend’s teenage daughter. She explained that it referred to having a fuller backside. While I don’t exactly see myself as having a Kardashian-worthy figure, I suppose “big” is subjective. At least my rear end allows me to ride long distances without discomfort—so bring on the cake, Little Debbie!
Language is fascinating, especially how it transforms over time. Some phrases endure and evolve into the next generation’s vernacular, while others fade away. I hadn’t really reflected on the slang from my own childhood until my 11-year-old son recently asked, “What does it mean when you say, ‘I’m so sure’?”
To my surprise, I realized I still say this phrase, often with a tone of exasperation. When the kids leave cat food scattered all over the floor without cleaning up, I exclaim, “I’m so sure!” Or when one of my sons inexplicably punches his brother, out it comes: “I’m so sure!” Even during bathroom cleaning attempts that consist of just one swirl of the brush, my brows raise, and I can’t help but say, “I’m so sure!”
So yes, I still sprinkle in some classic ’80s lingo, and why not? We came up with some pretty memorable phrases. Here are a few gems from back in the day:
- Gag me with a spoon
- Grody to the max
- Barf me out
- Tubular
- Rad
- Righteous
- Gnarly
- Totally awesome
- Like, totally
- Like, whatever
- Très
- Don’t have a cow, man
- Take a chill pill
- No, duh
- Damn skippy
- Word
- Anything with “-amundo” at the end (e.g., “I’m starving-amundo!”)
My brother was particularly fond of ’80s slang, often using phrases like “I dogged you” or simply shouting “Face!” while rubbing his chin. If he could bring back one phrase, it would likely be “face,” so he could race to the elevator and declare it loudly.
I suggested to my son that he try to revive “I’m so sure”—especially since it rolls off my tongue with ease in our home. He just rolled his eyes, claiming he and his friends have their own expressions now. But let’s be honest: nothing can compare to the brilliance of “Don’t have a cow, man” or “Gag me with a spoon.” I mean, no duh!
When I reached out to friends for their favorite lost phrases, my buddy Jason chimed in, “Dial the phone.” Word!
For more information on related topics, check out this helpful resource for pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in DIY options, you can explore this guide on home insemination kits. Plus, if you want to dive deeper into the subject, consider visiting this blog post for more insights.
In summary, the slang of the ’80s continues to hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of a simpler time filled with unique expressions that, while perhaps outdated, still bring a smile. Whether you’re reviving old phrases or inventing new ones, there’s joy in the way we communicate.