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.