1. Cruisin’ for a bruisin’
The ’50s had their own version of “a face that’s just begging to be punched.”
Example: “That dude is so annoying, he’s cruisin’ for a bruisin’.”
2. Daddy-O
Your daddy is your actual father, but your daddy-O is just a generally cool dude … Who for some reason you’re calling daddy.
Example: “Whatever you say, daddy-O!”
3. Made in the shade
Today, being in the shade means you’re avoiding sun damage to your skin. But in the ’50s, being made in the shade meant things are going well for you and you don’t have a care in the world. Remember: Shade is a good thing.
Example: “Now that I’ve got a new job, I’m made in the shade!”
4. Wet rag
Another one of those disses that could only have existed in the ’50s. If a wet rag is somebody who’s no fun, does that mean a dry rag would be a party animal? We’re not sure.
Example: “Don’t be a wet rag, let’s go hit the clubs!”
5. Knuckle sandwich
Well when you put it that way, your closed fist that’s heading towards my face sounds almost appealing. Don’t date yourself, ladies, and ditch the 40 Sayings Women Over 40 Should Stop Using.
Example: “Get ready, jerk, I’m about to give you a knuckle-sandwich!”
6. Cat
Not exactly referring to a feline companion, in certain circles of artistic types and musicians, “cat” became a catch-all term for any kind of hip person.
Example: “That Miles Davis is one hip cat!”
7. Far out
If something is far out or “out of sight,” it’s meant as a compliment. You approve of it. But only in the figurative sense. It’s not literally outside your field of vision or defying gravity.
Example: “Have you listened to the new Beatles record? It is far out, baby!”
8. Bummer
When things aren’t going your way and you’re a little sad about it, that’s a bummer. It comes from the phrase “bum rap,” which means to be treated unfairly. A bummer is never deserved.
Example: “She cancelled our date again. What a bummer.”
9. Foxy
Applicable to either a man or woman, “foxy” denotes an undeniable sex appeal. Why are foxes sexier than, say, coyotes or wolves? Why not “Hey baby, you’re looking wolfy?” We have no idea. Foxy may not be a go-to compliment today, but don’t worry: Here are 30 Things Women Always Want to Hear.
Example: “You are one foxy lady. Can I have your number?”
10. Gimme some skin
Don’t get any crazy ideas. If someone asks you to give them some skin, they’re merely asking you to shake hands.
Example: “Good to see you again! Gimme some skin!”
11. Phat
It has nothing to do with being overweight. When phat is spelled with a “ph” in the beginning, it means something is exceptional. To be called phat is a compliment.
Example: “That velour sweatsuit is phat!”
12. Whatever
When you’re just done with somebody and you want out of the conversation immediately. “Whatever” doesn’t declare a winner or loser, just that you don’t care anymore.
Example: “Okay, okay, I get it, you think you’ve got the best soul patch on the eastern seaboard. Whatever!”
13. Fly
If it’s fly, it must be dope. Or as your grandfather might say, “The bee’s knees.” The dancers on In Living Color weren’t called Fly Girls because they could levitate. They were just that awesome.
Example: “Your Vanilla Ice dance moves are totally fly!”
14. Hella
When your sentence need a little extra emphasis, this word will do the trick. It’s an adjective that automatically adds three exclamation points.
Example: “I just watched the O.J. Simpson verdict, and I amhella surprised!”
15. Getting jiggy
This phrase comes from a popular meme at the time. Sorry, no, just kidding. We mean music video. Remember those? Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” taught the world that the only way to dance was like you’d just downed two pots of coffee. Put on those dancing shoes, cause getting jiggy is one of the 100 Ways to Live to 100.
Example: “It’s been a tough week at work. I need to get jiggy with it.”
16. Sup
A greeting. When you mean to say “wassup” (i.e. “what’s up with you?”) but that just seems like too much mouth exercise.
Example: “Sup?”
“Nuthin’. Sup with you?”
“Nuthin, just playing Sega.”
17. Bugging out
Weirdly, it’s not (usually) meant as an insult. If somebody is bugging, they’re behaving in unfamiliar ways that concern you. You want them to stop, or at least explain why they’re acting so darn crazy. If you’ve been bugging out lately, you may need one of these 20 Ways Smart Workers Keep Cool Under Pressure.
Example: “You okay? Why are you bugging out?”
18. Open up a can of…
Somebody got on your wrong side and they’re going to regret it. It doesn’t necessarily mean a physical scuffle is on the horizon. That can of butt-kicking might just translate as a verbal lashing.
Example: “He broke my GameBoy, so I’m about to open up a can on him.”
19. You go, girl!
It sounds like you’re throwing somebody out of your house, but it’s really a celebratory cheer. It’s the hip person’s way to say, “I’m so proud of you!!”
Example: “You got that job promotion at Blockbuster? You go, girl!”
20. Bounce
We’ve reached the end. Time to leave, and by leave we mean “bounce.”
Example: “Let’s bounce!”
21. All that and a bag of chips
A compliment of sorts. The person or thing being described is everything one could possibly hope for, and they come with a side dish. Because who doesn’t want a snack for later?
Example: “She’s not just cool. She’s all that and a bag of chips.”
22. Kick him to the curb
When it’s not enough just to break up with somebody. You need to let them know, in the strongest possible terms, why you want them out of your life. Oh, and don’t let a breakup catch you by surprise, here are 20 Signs Your Relationship Is Doomed.
Example: “He did what? Oh girl, you’ve got to kick him to the curb.”
23. Home skillet
Your best bud and closest confidant. The guy or girl you count on and trust above all others. But not, ironically, the person most likely to make you dinner on a skillet.
Example: “Home skillet! It’s about time you got here.”
24. Talk to the hand
Whatever the other person is trying to tell you has been rejected. You are no longer interested in conversing with them. If they want to continue anyway, well, they are welcome to direct their grievances towards your open palm. And if you don’t recognize this expression, maybe you’ll remember the slang words from the 1960s that no one uses anymore?
Example: “Can I please explain why you’re wrong about Tonya Harding?” “Talk to the hand!”
25. Booyah!
When you’re feeling so much exuberance but no real word in the English language seems sufficient enough to capture the full scale of your emotions.
Example: “I’m finally moving out of my parent’s basement. Booyah!”