If you weren’t running around with scrunch socks and a Walkman glued to your hip, you’ll probably have no idea about a lot of language from that term. But for anyone who did survive the ’80s, this stuff was just how we talked. Whether they’re weird or wild, these phrases were completely normal back then. Here are 18 slang words and phrases only ’80s kids will understand.
Gag Me With a Spoon
This one wasn’t about eating. It was for moments that made you go “ew,” like, if someone had spinach in their teeth or said they liked liver. Then, you’d say, “gag me with a spoon.” The phrase had a bit of Valley Girl energy to it, and usually came with exaggerated facial expressions to match. It was dramatic on purpose, and saying it without some kind of eye-roll or nose wrinkle meant that it didn’t really count.
Totally Tubular
Surfer dudes started using the phrase “totally tubular,” but by the mid-’80s, everyone was throwing it around. It was the decade’s version of “awesome.” Just louder and more ridiculous. It worked best when you shouted across a room or while jumping off something, and people used it for basically anything remotely exciting. The word just sounded fun to say, and that made it stick around longer than most.
What’s Your Damage?
The question, “What’s your damage?” was kind of like asking “What’s wrong with you?” but with a little more sass. For example, if someone freaked out over something small, like losing their favorite pen, you’d ask them this question. But by far the most important part was the delivery. Saying it flat and slow would make the question hit harder than yelling ever could.
Grody to the Max
Gross things existed in every decade, and the ’80s were no different. When you saw something particularly disgusting, like moldy leftovers or someone picking their nose during lunch, you’d say, “That’s grody to the max.” Many kids said it loud and proud, especially if they wanted everyone nearby to hear. The more dramatic you sounded, the better it landed, and the more people understood how disgusted you really were.
Bodacious
“Bodacious” is a kind of word that didn’t mess around, and it meant something or someone was big in an over-the-top-cool kind of way. You might hear a guy talking about a “bodacious new stereo” or someone calling a party “totally bodacious.” Movies like Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure ran with it, which made it blow up even more, and you couldn’t really whisper this phrase. Either you said it loud, or not at all.
Wiggin’ Out
Whenever your friend lost their mind because they couldn’t find their jelly shoes, then you could say, “she’s wiggin’ out.” It was the ’80s way of saying someone was freaking out. Hard. Practically everyone used it, whether it was your siblings or even grown-ups after a long day, and sometimes, people shortened it to “wiggin’.” It was the perfect phrase to talk about minor chaos.
Doy
The phrase “doy” was a quick burn, as it was kinda like saying “duh,” but it sounded dumber on purpose. “Doy” was what you said to your friend when they said something so obvious it hurt, and although it wasn’t exactly kind, whatever. It was the ’80s. Sarcasm was part of the charm. People even made goofy faces when they said it, and it wasn’t really a mean phrase. Just dumb fun. Of course, saying it too much usually meant you’d be ignored.
Righteous
Skaters and metalheads alike used the word “righteous” to say that something deserved some respect, whether that was a sweet air guitar solo or someone helping you sneak out past curfew. The phrase had a laid-back energy to it, but it still packed a punch. You’d hear it almost everywhere. “Righteous” worked for people, ideas, and even pizza if it hit just right.
Buggin’
“Buggin'” is a phrase that came from hip-hop and stuck around in schools to refer to someone who was acting jumpy or paranoid. Of course, it didn’t mean actual bugs, just that they weren’t acting normal and they needed to calm down. Most friends would say it casually, but they occasionally also used it during proper arguments to show that the other person had gone too far. You never wanted to be told that you were “majorly buggin’.”
Clutch
In the ’80s, someone who showed up just in time with the answers to the quiz was “clutch.” If your ride bailed and your neighbor’s older brother gave you a lift, that was also clutch. Essentially, it meant someone came through when it really mattered, although people also used it for themselves, like “That was so clutch” after passing a pop quiz. Planning ahead didn’t matter. You just had to nail the moment when it counted.
Home Skillet
“Home skillet” was a goofy way to talk about your best friend, and somehow, it worked. Maybe it’s because it’s such a silly saying. You’d walk up and say, “What’s up, home skillet?” and nobody would question it because it just sounded right. Occasionally, people would shorten it to “skillet” or perhaps even say it along with “homeslice.”
Tubesteak
“Tubesteak” was the kind of word kids used when they wanted to sound edgy without knowing what they were talking about. Yes, the phrase technically meant “hot dog,” but most of the time, kids would use it as part of jokes that made adults cringe. Really, it was a phrase that meant you were being immature more than anything else.
Cheeuh
You wouldn’t see the word “cheeuh” written anywhere, mostly because no one really knew how to spell it, but everyone knew the tone that came with it. It was something you said slowly and stretched out so that everyone else could hear your sarcasm. The phrase was one that people would use after another person bragged or made some wild claim that nobody believed. Who needs a sentence when a dragged-out “Cheeuhhh” was enough?
Motor
In the ’80s, someone who talked non-stop and barely let you breathe between sentences was a “motor.” Of course, you didn’t say it to their face unless you wanted a fight. “She’s such a motor” meant “She never shuts up,” and teachers didn’t usually know what it meant, so it was perfect for passing notes or whispering it across the cafeteria.
Fuhgeddaboudit (Forget About It)
Any kids who watched crime movies in the ’80s or had East Coast relatives probably picked up the saying “fuhgeddaboudit” rather quickly. After all, it sounded a lot cooler than just saying “No” or “Forget it.” You had to say it fast and with attitude for it to really count. For example, someone says they’re gonna pass a test they didn’t study for? “Fuhgeddaboudit.” Someone thinks they’re getting a ride home after talking trash? “Fuhgeddaboudit.”
Bogue
“Bogue” was one of those regional words that still managed to become part of people’s vocabulary in many places. It meant something was off or just plain unfair, like when your friend ditched you after begging you to come hang out. Many people used it to describe stuff that just annoyed them, such as bad food or fake rumors.
Wastoid
“Wastoid” had a real punch to it, and it wasn’t a saying you threw at anyone. Instead, it was something that you saved for people who looked out of it all the time, like those who showed up late or spaced out. Perhaps even those who looked like they hadn’t slept in a week. You’d say, “He’s a total wastoid,” and everyone knew what you meant.
Radmobile
The name “Radmobile” came straight from the Rad Mobile arcade game, but kids didn’t stop there, and they began using “radmobile” for any ride they thought looked cool. It could be a bike, it could be a skateboard, but either way, if you were proud of it, you’d call it a “radmobile.” Sadly, the phrase didn’t last as long as it should.
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