The 1990s were a time of unforgettable fashion, iconic music, and unique slang that shaped a generation. As we move further into the 21st century, many of these once-popular phrases have become outdated, making those who still use them sound like they’re stuck in the past. This blog post takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring 25 slang terms from the ’90s that might make you sound old if you use them today.
All That
This phrase was used to describe something or someone extremely cool or impressive. It gained popularity from the Nickelodeon sketch comedy show of the same name. The term was often used in casual conversations among friends to express admiration or approval. However, using it now might make you sound dated, as newer slang has taken its place in everyday speech.
Talk to the Hand
A dismissive phrase is used to abruptly end a conversation or argument. It was often accompanied by holding up one’s palm to the other person’s face. This sassy comeback was a staple in ’90s movies and TV shows, especially among teenagers. Nowadays, using this phrase might make you seem out of touch, as more modern ways of expressing disagreement have emerged.
As If
A popular expression of disbelief or rejection, popularized by the movie “Clueless.” It was commonly used to dismiss unrealistic ideas or unwanted suggestions. The phrase quickly spread beyond the film and became a go-to response for many ’90s teens. Today, using “as if” might reveal your age, as younger generations have their own ways of expressing skepticism.
Booyah
An enthusiastic exclamation is used to celebrate success or express triumph. It gained widespread use through sports commentary and hip-hop culture. The term was often shouted after scoring a point or achieving a goal. While still occasionally used in sports contexts, saying “booyah” in everyday conversation might make you sound like you’re trying too hard to be cool.
Word
A versatile term used to agree with someone or acknowledge a truth. It originated in hip-hop culture but quickly spread to mainstream usage. People often used it as a short response instead of saying “I agree” or “That’s true”. Although still recognized, using “word” as an affirmation today might make you seem like you’re clinging to outdated slang.
Sike
A playful way to indicate that you were just kidding or to take back what you just said. It was often used after making a statement to reveal it was a joke. The term was a popular way to tease friends or add humor to conversations. Now, using “sike” might make you sound like you’re stuck in a time warp, as newer expressions have taken their place.
Fly
An adjective used to describe someone or something as very attractive or cool. It was widely used in hip-hop culture and eventually made its way into mainstream slang. People often used it to compliment fashion choices or admire someone’s style. Today, using “fly” to describe something cool might make you sound like you’re trying too hard to relive your youth.
Not
A word added at the end of a statement to negate everything just said. It was popularized by the movie “Wayne’s World” and became a staple of ’90s humor. People would use it to make sarcastic jokes or playfully insult their friends. While still recognizable, using “not” in this way now might make you seem out of touch with current humor trends.
Totally Buggin’
A phrase meaning to be upset, stressed, or freaking out about something. It gained popularity from the movie “Clueless” and became part of ’90s teen lingo. The term was often used to describe feeling overwhelmed or anxious about a situation. Using this phrase today might make you sound dated, as more current expressions have taken its place in everyday speech.
Da Bomb
A phrase used to describe something as excellent or extremely cool. It was widely used in casual conversations and pop culture references. People would often use it to express enthusiasm about a new movie, song, or product. Now, saying something is “da bomb” might make you sound like you’re trying too hard to be hip, as newer slang has replaced this term.
Phat
An adjective used to describe something as excellent, attractive, or cool. It originated in hip-hop culture but quickly spread to mainstream usage. The term was often used to compliment fashion, music, or someone’s appearance. Today, using “phat” might reveal your age, as it has largely fallen out of use in favor of more current slang terms.
Bounce
A verb meaning to leave or depart from a place quickly. It was commonly used among friends to signal it was time to go. The term added a casual and cool vibe to the act of leaving a party or hangout. Now, using “bounce” in this context might make you sound dated, as newer expressions have taken its place in everyday conversations.
All That and a Bag of Chips
A phrase used to describe someone or something as exceptionally great or impressive. It was an extension of the popular term “all that” with added emphasis. People would use this expression to show strong admiration or approval. Using this phrase today might make you sound like you’re stuck in the ’90s, as it has largely fallen out of use.
Tight
An adjective used to describe something as excellent, cool, or impressive. It gained popularity in hip-hop culture and eventually spread to mainstream usage. The term was often used to compliment music, fashion, or someone’s skills. While still occasionally used, saying something is “tight” in casual conversation might make you sound like you’re trying to relive your youth.
Dude
A casual way to address or refer to a person, typically a male. While not exclusive to the ’90s, it reached peak popularity during this decade. The term was used extensively in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations. Although still in use today, overusing “dude” or using it in formal situations might make you sound dated or unprofessional.
Eat My Shorts
A rude phrase is used to dismiss someone or express defiance. It was popularized by the character Bart Simpson from “The Simpsons” TV show. The term quickly became a catchphrase among kids and teenagers in the ’90s. Using this phrase today might make you sound immature or out of touch, as it has largely fallen out of use in everyday speech.
Wassup
A casual greeting or way to ask “What’s up?” It gained widespread popularity from a series of Budweiser commercials. The phrase became a cultural phenomenon, with people often shouting it to greet friends. While still recognized, using “wassup” as a greeting today might make you sound like you’re trying too hard to be cool or nostalgic.
Homeboy/Homegirl
Terms used to refer to a close friend or acquaintance. They originated in urban slang but became widely used in mainstream culture. People would often use these terms to address friends or talk about them to others. While still occasionally used, overusing “homeboy” or “homegirl” in conversation today might make you sound dated or out of touch.
Rad
A shortened form of “radical,” used to describe something extremely cool or impressive. It gained popularity in the ’80s but remained a staple of ’90s slang. People would often use “rad” to express excitement about new experiences or to compliment friends. Although still occasionally used ironically, using “rad” in everyday conversation might make you sound like you’re trying too hard to relive your youth. Moreover, younger generations might not fully grasp the enthusiasm this term once conveyed.
Aiight
A casual way of saying “alright” or expressing agreement. It originated in urban slang but became widely used in mainstream conversations. People would often use it as a quick response or to show approval. While still recognized, using “aiight” in everyday speech might make you sound like you’re trying too hard to be cool or relaxed.
Crib
A slang term for one’s house or apartment. It gained popularity through hip-hop culture and eventually entered mainstream usage. People would often use it to refer to their own home or invite friends over. While still occasionally used, referring to your home as your “crib” in casual conversation might make you sound like you’re trying to relive your youth.
Bodacious
An adjective used to describe something as excellent, remarkable, or attractive. It gained popularity in surfer culture and was further popularized by characters like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. People would use “bodacious” to express admiration for impressive feats or attractive individuals. Today, using this term might make you sound outdated or like you’re trying too hard to be cool. Furthermore, its exaggerated nature can come across as insincere or over-the-top in modern conversations.
Bling
A term used to describe flashy or expensive jewelry. It originated in hip-hop culture but quickly spread to mainstream usage. People would use it to refer to shiny accessories or to describe a lavish lifestyle. While still recognized, using “bling” to describe jewelry or wealth might make you sound like you’re trying too hard to be hip or cool.
Fresh
An adjective used to describe something as new, cool, or impressive. It was widely used in hip-hop culture and eventually became part of mainstream slang. People would often use it to compliment fashion choices, music, or someone’s skills. Today, using “fresh” in this context might make you sound dated, as newer slang terms have taken their place.
Scrub
A derogatory term for a person, typically a man, who is considered lazy or unambitious. It gained widespread popularity from the TLC song “No Scrubs”. The term was often used to criticize someone who didn’t meet certain standards in dating or life. While still recognized, using “scrub” in this way today might make you sound like you’re stuck in the ’90s, as newer insults have emerged.
15 Gen Z Terms Messing Up the English Language
15 Gen Z Terms Messing Up the English Language