Language changes faster than ever in our digital world, and some words that were once used all the time now sound ancient to younger ears. Let’s look at 19 phrases your grandparents might still use, but you’ll rarely hear from anyone else.
Groovy, Man
Back in the day, calling something “groovy” was the coolest way to show your approval, notes Your Dictionary. You’d hear it a lot at hippie gatherings and disco clubs, but if you drop this word in conversation today, you’ll probably get some weird looks. Young folks mostly know it from movies making fun of the ’60s and ’70s.
Cat’s Pajamas
This odd little phrase was also used to describe something awesome, particularly in the 1920s, but stuck around in boomer lingo. You won’t hear it much nowadays, except maybe at a Great Gatsby-themed party. It’s pretty much retired to the history books, along with flapper dresses and prohibition.
Far Out
Here’s another leftover from the hippie era. People would say “far out” when they were really impressed or excited by something. Using it now might make you sound like you’re trapped in a time warp. It’s about as current as lava lamps and bell-bottom jeans.
Fiddlesticks
When your grandma wanted to express frustration without swearing, she might have muttered “fiddlesticks.” It was a polite way to let off steam when things went wrong. These days, you’d be surprised to hear it from anyone under 60, since younger folks tend to go for more colorful language when they’re annoyed.
Gee Whiz
Once upon a time, “gee whiz” was how people showed surprise or enthusiasm. Now, it sounds like something from a black-and-white movie. You might come across it in old comics or TV shows, but it’s pretty much vanished from everyday talk.
Hogwash
Boomers would say “hogwash” when they thought something was total nonsense. The term actually comes from the slop fed to pigs on farms. Nowadays, it’s as rare as those small family farms from which it originated. People now say something completely different when they disagree.
Hunky-Dory
Here’s a funny one: when everything was going great, older folks might say things were “hunky-dory.” Nobody’s really sure where this weird phrase came from, but it’s definitely on its way out. You might still catch your grandpa using it, but for most people, it’s completely outdated.
Jive Turkey
This colorful 1970s slang was used to call someone out for being fake or talking nonsense. It had a brief comeback in some retro-inspired movies, but you’d never hear it in real conversation today.
Moxie
Having “moxie” meant you were tough, brave, or had a fighting spirit. The word actually comes from a soft drink that was popular way back when. While your great-aunt might still use it, you’re not likely to hear it from anyone born after the moon landing. It’s been replaced by words like “guts” or “nerve.”
Necking
When boomers talked about “necking,” they meant making out. It was a tame way to describe passionate kissing. Now, the term feels almost prudish, and most people talk about “hooking up” or use more explicit language.
Poppycock
Another boomer favorite for calling out nonsense was “poppycock.” It was a genteel way to express disbelief without swearing. Now, it sounds like something from a costume drama. Use it in casual conversation, and people might think you’re auditioning for a period piece.
Swell
Back in the day, calling something “swell” meant it was really great. The word hit its peak in the 1950s but hung around through the boomer years. If you hear it today, it will mostly be used sarcastically or just in old movies.
Tough Noogies
This playful phrase meant “too bad” or “tough luck.” It’s thought to come from the Yiddish word “naches,” meaning pleasure. It pretty much disappeared from everyday talk and was replaced by more straightforward expressions of mock sympathy.
What’s Your Bag?
Asking “What’s your bag?” in the ’60s was a hip way to inquire about someone’s problems or interests. The “bag” refers to emotional baggage or personal quirks, but we no longer use this. We would just say something like, “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?”
Don’t Have a Cow
Boomers would tell someone “Don’t have a cow” when they were overreacting. This colorful saying has mostly been replaced by more direct phrases like “Chill out” or “Take it easy.” Some shows still use it, but it’s pretty rare in real-life conversations now.
Hang Loose
This laid-back expression encouraged people to relax and go with the flow. It often came with the “shaka” hand gesture. Today, we use mostly “No worries” or “It’s all good” since “hang loose” is definitely no longer part of mainstream slang.
Psyche
When boomers pulled a prank or told a joke, they might yell “Psyche!” to show they weren’t serious. This practice has largely fallen out of favor. Modern jokesters are more likely to say “Just kidding” or “I’m messing with you.”
Catch You on the Flip Side
This was a cool way of saying goodbye which implied you’d see the person again soon. It referred to the B-side of vinyl records, but with most music being digital now, this saying has lost its relevance, and it’s rarely used outside of nostalgic contexts.
Burn Rubber
People would say they were going to “burn rubber” when they wanted to leave quickly or drive fast. While car enthusiasts might still use this phrase occasionally, it’s not common in everyday speech. You probably hear a lot of “Step on it” or “Floor it” these days.
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