Generation X Slang

Generation X 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 Generation X slang, along with translations and example sentences, so that you can enter your next Generation X conversation with confidence.

1. As if!

Translation: Yeah, right!

Origin: This slang gained widespread recognition in the 1990s, particularly through pop culture moments like the movie Clueless, where it was famously delivered with exaggerated flair.

Example: You're telling me they think they can win the talent show without rehearsing? As if!

2. Bodacious

Translation: Impressive or excellent

Origin: 1980s, a blend of 'bold' and 'audacious'.

Example: That bodacious babe just walked by. She's totally rad.

3. Bogus

Translation: Unfair or fake

Origin: 1980s, used to describe something disappointing or untrue.

Example: That test was totally bogus. No way anyone could pass.

4. Bummer

Translation: Disappointment

Origin: 1960s, popularized again in the 1980s.

Example: Missing the concert was a total bummer. So not rad.

5. Chill

Translation: Take it easy

Origin: The word chill originates from the 14th century, but the modern informal sense of "chill" emerged much later. This usage gained popularity in American English during the late 20th century, particularly with the phrase "chill out," which became common in the 1970s and 1980s.

Example: After rocking out to Nirvana all night, I'm just gonna chill and watch MTV for a bit.

6. Chill Pill

Translation: Relax

Origin: Popularized in the early 1980s, this phrase suggests taking a metaphorical 'medicine' to calm down.

Example: Dude, you're totally trippin'. Take a chill pill and relax.

7. Diss

Translation: Insult

Origin: Shortened from 'disrespect', popular in the 1980s.

Example: Did you hear him diss the teacher? Totally harsh.

8. Dude

Translation: Person

Origin: Originally an insult in the 1870s, became popular in the 1980s.

Example: Dude, where's my car? This is totally bogus.

9. Gnarly

Translation: Awesome or extreme

Origin: Surf culture in the 1970s, used to describe something challenging or impressive.

Example: That wave was gnarly, man! Totally rad!

10. 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.

11. Headbanger

Translation: Heavy metal fan

Origin: Early 1980s, referring to fans of heavy metal music who headbang.

Example: He's a total headbanger, always at those gnarly concerts.

12. Hella

Translation: Very or a lot

Origin: Early 1980s, used to emphasize something.

Example: That party was hella fun! We were turnt to the max.

13. No duh

Translation: Obviously

Origin: Sarcastic phrase from the 1980s.

Example: No duh, the sky is blue. You're such a dweeb.

14. Phat

Translation: Cool or excellent

Origin: 1980s, used to describe something impressive.

Example: Those new kicks are phat! You're stylin', dude.

15. Psyche

Translation: Just kidding

Origin: 1980s, used to retract a statement or indicate a joke.

Example: I won the lottery! Psyche! Just kidding, dude.

16. Rad

Translation: Cool or excellent

Origin: Short for 'radical', popular in the 1980s.

Example: That skateboard trick was rad! You're totally gnarly.

17. Rock

Translation: To be excellent

Origin: Grunge and punk rock culture in the 1980s.

Example: You rock that outfit! It's totally tubular.

18. Slay

Translation: To excel or dominate

Origin: Originally used in drag culture, now mainstream to describe doing something exceptionally well.

Example: You slayed that presentation! So proud of you.

19. To the max

Translation: To the extreme

Origin: 1970s, became popular in the 1980s.

Example: We're partying to the max tonight! It's gonna be rad.

20. Trippin'

Translation: Acting crazy or overreacting

Origin: 1980s, used to describe someone acting irrationally.

Example: You're trippin' if you think I'm going to that lame party.

21. Tubular

Translation: Excellent or cool

Origin: Surf culture in the 1980s.

Example: That movie was tubular! Can't wait to see it again.

22. Wicked

Translation: Very or extremely

Origin: 1980s, used to emphasize something.

Example: That concert was wicked awesome! Totally gnarly.

23. Wig out

Translation: Freak out

Origin: 1960s, popularized again in the 1980s.

Example: She totally wigged out when she saw the spider. Hella funny!

24. Yuppie

Translation: Young urban professional

Origin: 1980s acronym for young, ambitious city dwellers.

Example: That yuppie is always talking about his stock portfolio. So bogus.