{"id":5237,"date":"2025-11-08T18:38:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T02:38:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aboutclassmates.com\/blog\/?p=5237"},"modified":"2026-06-10T11:00:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T18:00:51","slug":"1980s-slang-sayings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/1980s-slang-sayings\/","title":{"rendered":"Totally Tubular &amp; Rad Expressions From the 1980s!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Is there any era that\u2019s more culturally relevant in the public today than the 1980s? <\/em>From the rise of yuppies and materialism to the day-to-day use of \u2018dude\u2019 thanks to Jeff Spicoli in<em> Fast Times at Ridgemont High, <\/em>this decade sure did leave an impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what sayings and phrases were they using on a daily basis? Which ones do we use to this day vs. think aged terribly? Let\u2019s dive into every popular saying used in the 1980s.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/strong><br><br>&#8211; <strong>Iconic \u201880s slang: <\/strong>The 1980s introduced lingo like \u201cawesome,\u201d \u201crad,\u201d \u201cdude,\u201d and \u201ctotally,\u201d many of which are still used today.<br>&#8211; <strong>Upbeat and expressive<\/strong>: The \u201880s were filled with phrases like <em>\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d \u201cNo way!\u201d<\/em> and <em>\u201cChill out!\u201d<\/em> that defined teen culture.<br>&#8211; <strong>Subcultures shaped 1980s lingo:<\/strong> From Valley girls and skaters to metalheads and yuppies, each group had its own totally distinct vocabulary.<br>&#8211; <strong>Romance &amp; friendship terms:<\/strong> Phrases like \u201cgoing steady,\u201d \u201ctotally crushing,\u201d and \u201cBFF\u201d reflected teen love and camaraderie.<br>&#8211; <strong>Keep it in the past: <\/strong>Some sayings like \u201cgag me with a spoon\u201d and \u201cgrody to the max\u201d have aged out and are best left in the \u201880s.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Greetings &amp; Everyday Expressions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLike, totally!\u201d If you weren\u2019t saying at least one of these expressions daily, were you truly alive in the 80s?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s common ways that people kept conversations totally tubular when they were hanging at the mall or saying their goodbyes on a landline call:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What\u2019s up?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yo!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sup, dude?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No duh!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For sure!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What\u2019s your damage?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Word!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fresh!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radical!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awesome!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excellent!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tubular!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bodacious!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Righteous!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gnarly!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wicked!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cowabunga!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dude!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chill out!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a chill pill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bummer!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Far out!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Later, gator!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Catch you on the flip side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally tubular!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gag me!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No way! \/ Way!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oh my God, gag me with a spoon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outta sight!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As if! (late \u201980s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t have a cow!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Talk to the hand (emerging late decade)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/greetings-slang-photo-2-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Greetings &amp; Everyday Expressions\" class=\"wp-image-7763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/greetings-slang-photo-2-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/greetings-slang-photo-2-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/greetings-slang-photo-2-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/greetings-slang-photo-2.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Compliments &amp; Approval<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The eighties were dope, yo! <\/em>There was no shortage of cool ways to give someone a complement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the most popular ways to describe someone\/something up in the 1980s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Awesome!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Killer!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bad! (meaning good)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cool beans!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choice!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rad!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gnarly!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boss!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fly!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mint!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fresh!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stylin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweet!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wicked cool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slammin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally rad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outta control!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hot stuff!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Primo!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crankin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dope (emerging mid-to-late 80s)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/compliments-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Compliments &amp; Approval\" class=\"wp-image-7764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/compliments-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/compliments-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/compliments-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/compliments-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Insults &amp; Put-Downs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Some bozos and boneheads loved calling other names!&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are funny insults used throughout <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/high-school-in-1980s\/\">1980s high school<\/a> hallways:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Airhead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dweeb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nerd<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geek<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lame-oid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poser<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wannabe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wuss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bogus!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barf me out!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loser!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dipstick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turkey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spaz<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lame-o<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Butthead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonehead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Space cadet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geekazoid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wimpy!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scumbag<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Square<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wasteoid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Couch potato<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bozo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goober<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mondo geek<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mall rat (insult or neutral depending on tone)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/insults-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Insults &amp; Put-Downs\" class=\"wp-image-7765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/insults-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/insults-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/insults-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/insults-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. People &amp; Social Labels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High schools were full of skaters and jocks back then too. Here are social labels used to describe people in the 1980s.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some are spot on descriptors used today while others might be slightly less timely <em>(looking at you, mall rats):<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yuppie (Young Urban Professional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preppy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valley girl \/ Valley dude<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Metalhead<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Punk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New Waver<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nerd<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skater<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>B-Boy \/ Fly girl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mall rat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burnout<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stoner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headbanger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goth (early form)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greaser (retro revival term)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Groupie<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rocker<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material girl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dweeb<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freak<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poser<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Homeboy \/ Homegirl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Latchkey kid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yuppette (female version of Yuppie)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hacker (emerging tech crowd)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/people-socials-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"People &amp; Social Labels\" class=\"wp-image-7766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/people-socials-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/people-socials-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/people-socials-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/people-socials-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Love, Dating &amp; Friendship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your mom and dad were probably going steady back in the \u201880s! Here\u2019s how love birds expressed their love back then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Going steady<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally crushing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Majorly into him\/her<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stud muffin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fox \/ Foxy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hunk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bod<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dreamboat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Babe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hotty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boy toy (popularized by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/madonna-high-school-yearbook-photo-education\/\">Madonna<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lover boy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gag me, he\u2019s gross<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Going together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Going all the way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two-timing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting dumped<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having the hots for<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Going with<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Main squeeze<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BFF (used occasionally, not yet digital)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bros before hoes (early bro code phrasing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re totally my BFF<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hanging out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Going out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He\u2019s a total babe magnet<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/friendship-expressions-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Love, Dating &amp; Friendship\" class=\"wp-image-7767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/friendship-expressions-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/friendship-expressions-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/friendship-expressions-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/friendship-expressions.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Fashion &amp; Appearance Lingo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was a bold, colorful, and unapologetically over-the-top era, defined by big hair, shoulder pads, neon colors, and a fearless mix of styles that celebrated self-expression and excess. Here\u2019s how people described day-to-day <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/1980s-fashion-styles-outfits\/\">fashion in the 1980s<\/a>:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leg warmers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shoulder pads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Members Only jacket<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acid wash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Big hair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teased hair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mullet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scrunchie<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parachute pants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spandex<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ray-Bans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wayfarers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Off-the-shoulder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jelly shoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fanny pack<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fingerless gloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tracksuit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aerobics gear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix-and-match<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designer jeans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-tops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reeboks \/ LA Gear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bangs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crop top<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chain belt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Denim jacket<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hypercolor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Polo shirt with collar popped<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oversized blazer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graphic tee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mesh shirt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glam rock style<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preppy look<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grunge starter look (late \u201989)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/fashion-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Fashion and Appearance Lingo\" class=\"wp-image-7768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/fashion-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/fashion-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/fashion-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/fashion-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Music &amp; Pop Culture Lingo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>It was the era of MTV. <\/em>Here\u2019s common phrases used to describe music and the pop culture scene in a time period filled with headbanging, breakdancing, and Madonna references:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MTV generation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix tape<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air guitar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headbanger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New wave<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Synth-pop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breakdancing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moonwalk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beatbox<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hip-hop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power ballad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hair metal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mosh pit (emerging late decade)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pop lock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slam dance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rock on!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jammin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Party hearty!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pump up the jam!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yo MTV Raps!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Word to your mother<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rapper\u2019s Delight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Like a virgin (pop culture phrase)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material girl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thriller night!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally MTV!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get physical!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crank it up!<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/music-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Music and Pop Culture Lingo\" class=\"wp-image-7769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/music-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/music-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/music-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/music-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Technology &amp; Gaming<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Boot up the Nintendo. Get a high score at the arcade. Technology became a dominant theme of the \u201880s. Here\u2019s popular tech products and ways to describe the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/1980s-technology\/\">tech scene in the 1980s<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Atari<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nintendo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joystick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>8-bit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cassette tape<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VHS \/ Betamax<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boombox<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walkman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rewind that!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tape deck<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stereo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floppy disk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home computer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dial-up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type it on the word processor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pager \/ beeper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Answering machine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VCR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LaserDisc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arcade<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High score!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Game over, man! (from <em>Aliens<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insert coin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save game<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turbo button<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nerd alert (playful insult for tech lovers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screen saver<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power up!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reboot it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gaming-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Technology &amp; Gaming\" class=\"wp-image-7770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gaming-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gaming-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gaming-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gaming-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Television, Movies &amp; Pop-Culture Catchphrases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TV and films continued to innovate and consumers ate up more screen time than ever before. And&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are popular expressions that came out of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/tv-shows-of-the-1980s\/\">1980s television shows<\/a>, films, and pop culture moments:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cWhere\u2019s the beef?\u201d (<em>Wendy\u2019s commercial<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI pity the fool!\u201d (<em>Mr. T, The A-Team<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cE.T. phone home.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI\u2019ll be back.\u201d (<em>Terminator<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWax on, wax off.\u201d (<em>Karate Kid<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cNobody puts Baby in a corner.\u201d (<em>Dirty Dancing<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cMay the Force be with you.\u201d (<em>Star Wars revival<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cJust say no.\u201d (anti-drug slogan)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWho you gonna call? Ghostbusters!\u201d (<em>Ghostbusters)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cCowabunga!\u201d (<em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cParty on, dude!\u201d (<em>Bill &amp; Ted\u2019s Excellent Adventure<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cDon\u2019t cross the streams!\u201d (<em>Ghostbusters<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cThis is your brain on drugs.\u201d (PSA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cGoonies never say die!\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cHe slimed me.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cYou can\u2019t handle the truth!\u201d (late \u201989)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cEat my shorts!\u201d (<em>Bart Simpson, late \u201980s<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cLet\u2019s get physical!\u201d (<em>Olivia Newton-John<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cJust do it!\u201d (<em>Nike, 1988<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cI love it when a plan comes together.\u201d (<em>A-Team<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"7772\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Television, Movies &amp; Pop-Culture Catchphrases\" class=\"wp-image-7772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-2.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-2-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-2-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-2-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"7773\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-3.jpeg\" alt=\"Television, Movies &amp; Pop-Culture Catchphrases\" class=\"wp-image-7773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-3.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-3-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-3-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-3-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"7771\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo.jpeg\" alt=\"Television, Movies &amp; Pop-Culture Catchphrases\" class=\"wp-image-7771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/television-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. School &amp; Teen Life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What was high school like in the 1980s? Let\u2019s just say it was a mix of teacher\u2019s pets and cool kids cutting class.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are common things and phrases that defined going to school in the \u201880s:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Homework club<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locker talk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Class clown<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geek squad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ditching class<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passing notes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hanging at the mall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Study hall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cutting class<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting grounded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Friday night football<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School spirit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nerd herd<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teacher\u2019s pet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jock strap jokes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cool kid table<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After-school special<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Detention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cYou\u2019re so bogus!\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/School-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"School and Teen life\" class=\"wp-image-7774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/School-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/School-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/School-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/School-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>11. Partying, Drugs &amp; Drinking Slang<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201880s were filled with keggers and getting blitzed! Here\u2019s how people like to describe drinking or smoking with their buddies in this fun-filled decade:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Party hearty!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kegger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Booze cruise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally wasted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buzzed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrecked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trippin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fried<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stoned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting blitzed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wasted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crashing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hangover city<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Just say no (Nancy Reagan slogan)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chill sesh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rager<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Munchies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally fried<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a hit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bogarting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doobie<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burnout<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/partying-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Partying, Drugs &amp; Drinking Slang\" class=\"wp-image-7775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/partying-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/partying-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/partying-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/partying-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>12. Money &amp; Work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Materialism was a defining part of the 1980s. Learn about what they used to say to describe making the big bucks in this money-filled time period:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cha-ching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loaded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Broke<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cash flow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Big bucks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic (credit card)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yuppie lifestyle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporate ladder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workaholic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>9-to-5 grind<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power lunch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expense account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Side hustle (not common term yet but practice existed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reaganomics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greed is good (Gordon Gekko)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Big spender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gold card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credit junkie<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payday!<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/money-expresions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Money and Work\" class=\"wp-image-7776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/money-expresions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/money-expresions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/money-expresions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/money-expresions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>13. Reactions &amp; Emotions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m so psyched!\u201d \u201cOh I\u2019m so bummed out.\u201d&nbsp; Whether people were happy, sad, or freaked out, here are popular expressions and reactions used during the 1980s:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Totally bummed out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stoked!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pumped!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psyched!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freaked out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wigged out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gross!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barf!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gag me!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chill!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spazzed out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boggled<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I\u2019m trippin\u2019!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No way!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major bummer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I\u2019m so sure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That\u2019s bogus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I\u2019m psyched!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get real!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whoa!<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/reactions-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Reactions &amp; Emotions\" class=\"wp-image-7777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/reactions-expressions-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/reactions-expressions-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/reactions-expressions-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/reactions-expressions-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>14. Slang for Cool or Uncool Things<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRad\u201d or \u201clame\u201d? There was no in-between. The 80s were a constant battle between what was fresh and what was totally bogus, and everyone had an opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ways to say cool:&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Killer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slammin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gnarly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wicked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Slang-words-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Ways to say cool slang\" class=\"wp-image-7778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Slang-words-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Slang-words-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Slang-words-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Slang-words-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ways to say uncool:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lame<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bogus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grody<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barf-worthy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally gag me<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Square<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geeky<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheeseball<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cornball<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nerdy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/uncool-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Ways to say uncool slang\" class=\"wp-image-7779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/uncool-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/uncool-slang-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/uncool-slang-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/uncool-slang-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>15. Surfer &amp; Skater Slang<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCowabunga!\u201d wasn\u2019t just for the Ninja Turtles! it summed up an entire coastal lifestyle that was so culturally relevant in the \u201880s . With your sun-bleached hair, salt on your skin, and a board under your arm, these sayings defined what it meant to live beachside in the 1980s:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hang ten<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cowabunga<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wipeout<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Catch a wave<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shred it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ride the barrel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stoked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gnarly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wax up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goofy foot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carve it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tubular<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kickflip (early skater usage)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drop in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skate or die!<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/surfer-skater-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Surfer and Skater Slang\" class=\"wp-image-7780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/surfer-skater-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/surfer-skater-slang-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/surfer-skater-slang-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/surfer-skater-slang-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>16. Regional\/Tribe-Based Expressions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLike, oh my god!\u201d Where you lived totally described what slang you were using in the 1980s. Check out these different tropes based on where you lived:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Valley Girl (California):<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Like, totally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gag me with a spoon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grody to the max<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fer sure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally tubular<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>So bogus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As if!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bitchin\u2019<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New York:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yo!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fresh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Word up!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>My bad (starting to emerge)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What\u2019s crackin\u2019?<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hip-Hop \/ Street:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Def<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fresh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Word<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chillin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yo, homeboy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"7781\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/california-slang-photo.jpeg\" alt=\"California Expressions\" class=\"wp-image-7781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/california-slang-photo.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/california-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/california-slang-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/california-slang-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"7782\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/new-york-slang-photo.jpeg\" alt=\"New York Expressions\" class=\"wp-image-7782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/new-york-slang-photo.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/new-york-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/new-york-slang-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/new-york-slang-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"7783\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/street-slang-photo.jpeg\" alt=\"Hip-hop\/Street Expressions\" class=\"wp-image-7783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/street-slang-photo.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/street-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/street-slang-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/street-slang-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>17. Sports &amp; Fitness Slang<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cLet\u2019s get physical!\u201d <\/em>Olivia Newton-John said it best. The fitness craze consumed the \u201880s and took over gyms and living rooms alike.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These 1980s sports sayings will have you hearing synth beats and smelling the faint aroma of aerobic sweat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Aerobics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get physical<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jazzercise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pumping iron<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No pain, no gain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power walk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gym rat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bodybuilder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cardio queen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sportswear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warm-up suit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leotard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workout tape<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fitness craze<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sports-slangphoto-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Sports and Fitness Slang\" class=\"wp-image-7784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sports-slangphoto-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sports-slangphoto-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sports-slangphoto-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sports-slangphoto.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>18. Vehicles &amp; Transportation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Who wasn\u2019t \u2018cruisin\u2019 on the weekend with their friends in the \u201880s. Crank your stereo in your hot ride, and let\u2019s discuss the ways people described their cars back then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hot wheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rad ride<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greased lightning (retro carryover)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cruisin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cherry (pristine car)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beater<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jalopy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ride<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convertible dreams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Custom paint job<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kickin\u2019 stereo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turbocharged<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trick out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Street machine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Speed demon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Road trip!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cruise the strip<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/vehicles-transportation-slang-photo-2-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Vehicle and Transportation\" class=\"wp-image-7786\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/vehicles-transportation-slang-photo-2-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/vehicles-transportation-slang-photo-2-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/vehicles-transportation-slang-photo-2-768x765.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/vehicles-transportation-slang-photo-2.jpeg 947w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>19. Crime &amp; Rebellion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conservative politics of Ronald Reagan undoubtedly influenced a rebellious culture in the youth culture at the time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are ways people talked about rebellion and crime in the streets:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Narcs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The fuzz<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pig (cop)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Busted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t bogart that<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trippin\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Punk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rebellious streak<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breakin\u2019 the law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graffiti artist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tagger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gangsta (early usage)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shoplifting spree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spray-can crew<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Street cred<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/crime-rebellion-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Crime and Rebellion\" class=\"wp-image-7785\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/crime-rebellion-slang-photo-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/crime-rebellion-slang-photo-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/crime-rebellion-slang-photo-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/crime-rebellion-slang-photo.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are \u201880s Expressions We Still Say Today?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTotally awesome,\u201d \u201cNo way,\u201d and \u201cCool\u201d weren\u2019t just 80s sayings; they\u2019re made their way into our permanent vocabulary. Some expressions were just SO iconic that they\u2019ve become making their way into modern conversation without a smidge of irony.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a look at the \u201880s expressions that still totally rule our vocab today, as well as some terms that didn\u2019t age as gracefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1980s Sayings That Have Aged Well<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like a perfect sounding vintage cassette, some slang from the \u201880s just hits differently. Words like <em>cool<\/em>, <em>awesome<\/em>, <em>dude<\/em>, and <em>no worries<\/em> still flow effortlessly in everyday speak, even without a Walkman in your pocket or MTV music videos playing in the background.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the expressions that stood the test of time, proving that much of the \u201880s lingo wasn\u2019t just a fad, it was totally rad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Awesome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chill out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dude<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Totally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For sure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>My bad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Party animal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You rock!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u201880s Phrases That Aged Terribly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then there are the ones that didn\u2019t make it out alive (looking at you \u201cgag me with a spoon\u201d, a saying that will give anyone today a serious feeling of cringe)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some expressions were just too strange, too specific, or too drenched in hairspray to survive the 21st century. These hilarious sayings are best left in the decade of neon and Aqua Net, where they belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gag me with a spoon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grody to the max<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barf me out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tubular<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bogus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fer sure, totally!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t have a cow, man<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep Reliving the \u201880s with Classmates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hilarious expressions and sayings from the 1980s live on in high school yearbooks from that era. And the yearbook pictures are like a time capsule that will have you remembering everything that made the era so iconic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/classmates.com\/yearbooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search for yearbooks<\/a> from the 1980s (and any decade!) to potentially find your photos of you and your family and friends in the Classmates digital archive of over 480,000 yearbooks for free today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Related Nostalgia Blogs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/1980s-hairstyle-fashion-trends\/\">Hairstyle Trends From the \u201880s<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/1970s-slang-sayings\/\">Popular Slang From the \u201870s<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/the-belleville-three\/\">The Belleville Three<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/decade-theme-party-ideas-20s-30s-40s-50s-60s-70s-80s-90s-2000s-2010s\/\">Organizing the Best Decades Party<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rerunthe80s.com\/blogs\/news\/80s-slang\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/rerunthe80s.com\/blogs\/news\/80s-slang<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vocabulary.com\/dictionary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.vocabulary.com\/dictionary\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>All product names, logos, brands, trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is there any era that\u2019s more culturally relevant in the public today than the 1980s? From the rise of yuppies and materialism to the day-to-day use of \u2018dude\u2019 thanks to Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, this decade sure did leave an impact. But what sayings and phrases were they using on a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5238,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20,28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nostalgia","category-80s"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5237"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5237\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9382,"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5237\/revisions\/9382"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.classmates.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}