Baby Boomers Slang
Baby Boomers slang can be difficult to understand, particularly if you do not yourself belong to this generation. Below we have gathered a list of some of the most popular Baby Boomers slang, along with translations and example sentences, so that you can enter your next Baby Boomers conversation with confidence.1. Bummer
Translation: Disappointment
Origin: Likely originated as 1960s American slang, derived from the term "bum," which refers to something unpleasant or unwanted.
Example: I missed the bus—what a bummer!
2. Groovy
Translation: Cool or excellent
Origin: Popular in the 1960s, especially among the hippie subculture.
Example: That concert was totally groovy, man! I'm digging the vibes.
3. Far out
Translation: Amazing or excellent
Origin: Used in the 1960s to express wonder or excitement.
Example: Far out! That new album is out of sight!
4. Mellow
Translation: Calm
Origin: The word "mellow" traces back to the 14th century, but found a more prominent place in the American vernacular in the 1960s, often used to describe relaxed or laid-back attitudes, particularly in the context of counterculture movements and music.
Example: After grooving to some far-out tunes, the mellow vibe really put everyone in a good headspace—no need for any squares to harsh the buzz.
5. Right on
Translation: I agree
Origin: Became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to show agreement.
Example: Right on! That idea is just what we need.
6. Split
Translation: Leave quickly
Origin: Used in the 1960s to indicate a quick departure.
Example: This party is a drag, let's split.
7. Threads
Translation: Clothes
Origin: 1960s slang for stylish clothing.
Example: Check out his new threads, he's looking sharp!
8. Cool cat
Translation: A hip or stylish person
Origin: Jazz culture in the 1950s, carried into the 1960s.
Example: He's a real cool cat, always knows the latest trends.
9. Catch some Zs
Translation: Sleep
Origin: Popularized in the 1960s, referring to getting some sleep.
Example: I'm beat, time to catch some Zs.
10. Boob tube
Translation: Television
Origin: 1960s slang for TV, implying it makes viewers mindless.
Example: Spent the whole night in front of the boob tube.
11. Dig it
Translation: Understand or appreciate
Origin: 1960s slang, often used in the counterculture movement.
Example: I really dig that new song, it's got a great beat.
12. Lay it on me
Translation: Tell me
Origin: 1960s phrase used to ask someone to share information.
Example: Lay it on me, what's the latest gossip?
13. Hacked off
Translation: Angry or upset
Origin: 1960s slang for being irritated or annoyed.
Example: I'm really hacked off about that traffic jam.
14. Dish it out
Translation: Give advice or criticism
Origin: 1960s phrase used to describe giving out advice or criticism.
Example: He can dish it out, but he can't take it.
15. Buzz off
Translation: Go away
Origin: 1960s slang for telling someone to leave.
Example: Buzz off, I'm trying to concentrate.
16. Square
Translation: Uncool or boring
Origin: 1950s and 1960s slang for someone who is conventional or old-fashioned.
Example: Don't be such a square, come join the fun!
17. Fink
Translation: Snitch or untrustworthy person
Origin: 1960s slang for someone who betrays others.
Example: That guy's a real fink, you can't trust him.
18. Peace out
Translation: Goodbye
Origin: 1960s and 1970s slang for saying farewell.
Example: Gotta go, peace out!
19. Drag
Translation: Boring or disappointing
Origin: 1960s slang for something dull or uninteresting.
Example: This lecture is such a drag, I can't stay awake.
20. The skinny
Translation: The information or gossip
Origin: 1960s slang for the inside scoop or details.
Example: Give me the skinny on what happened at the party.
21. Loaded
Translation: Intoxicated
Origin: 1960s slang for being drunk or high.
Example: He was totally loaded at the concert last night.
22. Grody
Translation: Disgusting
Origin: 1970s slang for something gross or unpleasant.
Example: That leftover pizza is grody, throw it out.