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. Bodacious
Translation: Impressive or excellent
Origin: 1980s, a blend of 'bold' and 'audacious'.
Example: That bodacious babe just walked by. She's totally rad.
2. 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.
3. Bummer
Translation: Disappointment
Origin: 1960s, popularized again in the 1980s.
Example: Missing the concert was a total bummer. So not rad.
4. 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.
5. Diss
Translation: Insult
Origin: Shortened from 'disrespect', popular in the 1980s.
Example: Did you hear him diss the teacher? Totally harsh.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. No duh
Translation: Obviously
Origin: Sarcastic phrase from the 1980s.
Example: No duh, the sky is blue. You're such a dweeb.
12. Phat
Translation: Cool or excellent
Origin: 1980s, used to describe something impressive.
Example: Those new kicks are phat! You're stylin', dude.
13. Psyche
Translation: Just kidding
Origin: 1980s, used to retract a statement or indicate a joke.
Example: I won the lottery! Psyche! Just kidding, dude.
14. Rad
Translation: Cool or excellent
Origin: Short for 'radical', popular in the 1980s.
Example: That skateboard trick was rad! You're totally gnarly.
15. Rock
Translation: To be excellent
Origin: Grunge and punk rock culture in the 1980s.
Example: You rock that outfit! It's totally tubular.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Tubular
Translation: Excellent or cool
Origin: Surf culture in the 1980s.
Example: That movie was tubular! Can't wait to see it again.
20. Wicked
Translation: Very or extremely
Origin: 1980s, used to emphasize something.
Example: That concert was wicked awesome! Totally gnarly.
21. Wig out
Translation: Freak out
Origin: 1960s, popularized again in the 1980s.
Example: She totally wigged out when she saw the spider. Hella funny!
22. 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.