Top 30+ old-school sayings that deserve a comeback

I have a middle schooler, and he’s firmly in the phase of calling people “bro”, no matter who he’s talking to.

I know it’s just slang that his Gen Alpha peers use. And seeing there are far more annoying alternatives he could be using, this one is harmless. However, it is funny to watch a variation of “bro/bruh/dude/” pop back up like it’s brand new. The younger generation even dares to get annoyed at older people who try to use today’s slang, oblivious to the fact that they themselves are using slang relics.

Sure, there’s always fresh slang words and phrases added to the lexicon that need deciphering. But some of the old hits have proven to carry multigenerational appeal.

Take “cool” for example. Introduced in the 1930s, primarily in Black American jazz circles, it was originally used to describe a style of composed play or a generally relaxed demeanor. It’s since evolved to be understood as a universal seal of approval, and today, everybody knows what “cool” means, no context needed.

Taking evolution and cringe-worthy examples that need to stay buried into account, here are 30 sayings from generations passed that actually deserve a resurrection.

1960s

Demonstrators wave the American flag during a civil rights march in Jackson, Mississippi, 17th June 1963.

Known by many as the decade of tumultuous cultural change, the ‘60s was certainly full of unforgettable events. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War to the music revolution – people’s voices were being heard. It makes sense that they used “far out” phrases to match the intense times.

1. ‘Bogart’

Meaning: To take over or dominate something.

The slang equivalent I grew up with was “hog”. But “bogart” just sounds more appropriately aggressive when describing the action.

Example: I’m about to bogart these fries.

2. ‘Cat’/’Go Cat Go’

Meaning: A guy, a person; to encourage someone in what they’re doing

This is the ‘60s version of “dude”. My college friends and I used to say “cat” a lot in college to refer to someone in a playful manner.

Example: You won’t believe what this cat at my job said to me the other day.

3. ‘Hacked’/’Hacked Off’

Meaning: Angry or really annoyed

I grew up saying “p****d”. Today, kids might say “pressed”. However, “hacked” is a quality alternative. I first heard a football coach use this phrase and thought it was particularly effective.

Example: This traffic has me hacked.

4. ‘Hairy’

Meaning: Way out of control

Thinking about how hair can sometimes be hard to predict or control on any given day, this slang feels appropriate in this context. Today’s equivalent would be calling something “unhinged”.

Example: This storm got hairy real fast.

5. ‘Heat’

Meaning: Police or the cops

Today’s slang for police is “12” or “opps”. But I love the 1995 Michael Mann crime thriller, Heat with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. It was the first time I remember hearing the police being referred to as “the heat comin’ around the corner.”

Example: The heat got me for speeding.

A group of people attending the ’be-in’ in Central Park, New York City, New York, April 1968.

6. ‘Peel Out’

Meaning: To drive away really fast

This was similar to saying “burn rubber” around the same time period. It’s reminiscent of when kids would take to their bikes or pile into a car to head out on an adventure.

Example: They peeled out right after graduation.

7. ‘Tough’

Meaning: Cool or edgy

“Tough” has always been a great slang term, proven by the fact that it’s actually been rebranded by TikTok and Gen Alpha culture into “tuff”. It basically means stylish or excellent, whereas in the ‘60s, it was used to describe something as edgy.

Example: That song is tough.

8. ‘Shine It On’

Meaning: Don’t worry about it

“Shine it on” feels like letting the light wash away things that aren’t worth our time. Today, people might say “it’s giving nothing” to communicate the same thing.

Example: So you didn’t get a perfect score. Shine it on.

9. ‘Outta Sight’

Meaning: Highest quality or spectacular

A modern descendant of this phrase could be, “you can’t see me”, when describing how great something is or how great you are at something. “Outta sight” just rolls off the tongue better.

Example: That new pizza restaurant is outta sight.

‘10. Dig’/’Dit it’

Meaning: To understand or connect with something

Though I like today’s iterations of “bet” and “say less”, “dig” has a lot of old-school charm and significance packed into three letters. If you “dug” something, it really hit you deeply, not just on a surface level.

Example: I really dig this documentary series.

1970s

Roller skaters on a roller rink during the filming of ’Skatetown, USA’, at the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, California, 1979.

It seemed like the theme of the ‘70s was boldness. From bold colors to bold fashion to bold technological advancements to bold turns of phrase – everything was loud, daring and impossible to miss. It was also the decade Star Wars was born in, which of course made everyone “go bananas”.

11. ‘Wally Wally, Blood and Dolly’

Meaning: To be crazy about someone in an unhealthy way

This hilarious ‘70s saying is too dramatic to not be brought back. Sure, people today say things like “down bad” and “delulu” about certain things or people. But this description of infatuation rightfully sounds like it comes straight from a Dr. Seuss book.

Example: I was wally wally, blood and dolly for this girl in high school.

12. ‘What’s Your 20?’

Meaning: Tell me where you are.

Originally used by police in the ‘30s and then later by truck drivers, this code became widespread ‘70s slang that made people feel official. It’s a nice throwback for when you get tired of texting “wya?”

Example: I just got off work. What’s your 20?

13. ‘Bomb’

Meaning: The best or excellent

I definitely said this one a lot in the ‘90s and early ‘00s, along with “tight” and “hard”. All solid options – but you dropped “the bomb” when you wanted to end the discussion.

Example: All the songs on this album are good, but these last two are bomb.

14. ‘Chillaxin’

Meaning: Completely at rest

A simple combination of “chill” and “relax” just makes sense when describing simultaneous physical and mental rest.

Example: I’m chillaxin after a long day.

15. ‘Closet Disco Queen’

Meaning: To dance freely in the privacy of your own home

This is a nice saying to whip out whenever there’s music playing, but you’re feeling extra self-conscious. Not everyone can throw themselves into karaoke or a line dance with little warning.

Example: I enjoy a good party, but I’m definitely a closet disco queen.

The funk band Parliament-Funkadelic pose for a portrait in May 1971 in Liverpool, England.

16. ‘Sound as a Pound’

Meaning: All is well

Whenever a saying rhymes or has alliteration, you have to find a way to work it in somewhere. And simply saying, “I’m good” doesn’t always say it all.

Example: I’m sound as a pound on this beach.

17. ‘Deep-Six’

Meaning: To bury something or get rid of it six fathoms deep

Saying this must’ve felt super clandestine when you wanted to keep something secret or never speak about a subject again.

Example: We need to deep-six these Friday afternoon meetings.

18. ‘Freaky Deaky’

Meaning: Odd or unsettling

People still say some version of “freaky” today, but the whole phrase adds emphasis to things that feel really off-kilter.

Example: The music turning on by itself in the middle of the night was freaky deaky.

19. ‘Mind Your Potatoes’

Meaning: Mind your own business

I’d like to see the confusion on kids’ faces when parents say this and there are no potatoes in sight.

Example: Get out of my room and mind your potatoes.

20. ‘Skitty/I Gotta Skitty’

Meaning: I have to leave quickly

In the long line of slang used to announce you’re leaving, this is one of the slicker-sounding ones.

Example: After I drop you off, I’m gonna skitty.

From the 1980s

Kids playing Pac-Man at a video arcade in Times Square, New York City, June 1, 1982.

The arrival of the modern pop-culture era, the ‘80s ushered in a vibrant sense of passion and dedication. From the digital age of VCRs and Pac-Man to the birth of MTV to neon lights and fitness culture – there’s a reason why people are “amped" to get nostalgic about this decade.

21. ‘Tubular/Totally Tubular’

Meaning: Awesome

The ‘80s saw a rise of surfer vernacular being adopted into mainstream slang, and this was a prominent example. Tubular originally described the perfect wave before it morphed into a general term for all things awesome.

Example: The vibes at this cookout are totally tubular.

22. ‘Bodacious’

Meaning: Attractive or impressive

Whether you’re referring to a person or an opportunity, this is a great way to illustrate your excitement.

Example: That deal was so bodacious, I couldn’t pass it up.

23. ‘What’s Your Damage?’

Meaning: What’s your problem?

Not to be confused with the 18th-century idiom, “What’s the damage?”, regarding the financial cost of something, this saying originated from the 1989 teen movie Heathers. I have to admit it’s a pretty good one. It gets the point across with the right mix of spice and humor.

Example: What is the damage with all this traffic?

24. ‘Deadly’

Meaning: Great style when it comes to fashion or music

Similar to how “slap” is used today, here’s another form of slang where a word is turned on its head. It’s like saying, “Your style kills…in a good way.”

Example: Those shoes are deadly.

25. ‘Cold Lampin’

Meaning: Relaxing at home, not doing a thing

I had never heard of this one, but I’ll be adopting it right away. Mostly because in the right context, it sounds like you’re being productive when you actually aren’t.

Example: I’m cold lampin’ this weekend.

American singer Madonna in New York, 1984.

26. ‘Duh/No Duh’

Meaning: Obviously or of course

Getting hit with this multiple times a week in grade school was a given. The sass was at such an all-time high that those who received it would kick themselves for walking right into it. At the very least, we need to bring back this level of cultural accountability.

Example: Duh, of course we’re watching the season finale tonight.

27. ‘Gag Me With a Spoon’

Meaning: Intense disgust

This saying has since been shortened to “gag” or “puke,” but in its original form, there was no mistaking what someone thought about something. Dramatic? Yes. Clear? Also yes.

Example: My food had a couple of hairs in it. Gag me with a spoon.

28. ‘Have a Cow’

Meaning: Really angry or agitated

Today, people “crash out”. Back then, people would “have a cow.” Personally, I feel like the cow is a level or two beyond the crash.

Example: If I have to change my password again, I’m gonna have a cow.

29. ‘Sike/Sike You Out’

Meaning: Joking, kidding or playing a light trick on someone

This was another childhood go-to, when 80% of your interactions were about outwitting your friends. A bonus was that it could get you out of trouble with your parents, if you said or did something stupid and needed a verbal “delete” button.

Example: Sike, these cookies are actually store-bought.

30. ‘No Way/Yes Way’

Meaning: Are you serious? Yes, I’m serious

In the days of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and MTV, this was said a lot. It was always a youthful, fun reaction to hearing something unbelievable.

Example: (Person A) “No way he just made that shot at the buzzer.”

(Person B) “Yes way, he did.”