Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Older Generation
It’s easy to poke fun at the way older generations talk, but if you look past the vintage vibes, you’ll find that Baby Boomers actually nailed some pretty specific concepts. Their slang often captures a sentiment with a level of punchy directness that modern internet lingo sometimes misses. You might find yourself wanting to borrow a few of these gems once you realize how perfectly they fit into everyday life.
1. Don't Work Too Hard
This slang expression is the absolute least you can say to someone while still offering a casual goodbye. It wishes someone well without pressuring them to respond in kind, all while gently ribbing them about their hectic lives. It works great as a goodbye to cashiers and coworkers.
2. Cooking With Gas
Used when things are progressing smoothly. In addition to simply meaning fast, it also implies that you’re no longer in slow-motion startup mode. Next time you and your colleagues are knocking tasks out of the park, you’ll know exactly what to say.
3. Skinny Mini
Slim builds of character often earn people less-than-flattering names. Skinny-mini doesn’t sound clinical or insult-ridden like most others do. It sounds cheerful and vintage. If you need a good-natured way to point out how little of the buffet your friend eats, use this.
4. Close But No Cigar
As a bonus, this slang also harks back to yesteryear. It’s perfect for those times when you were almost correct or finished with something just a second too late. Use this the next time you narrowly miss your fishing pole’s strike indicator.
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5. Out To Lunch
If you encounter someone who seems completely disconnected from reality or is acting particularly spacey, this phrase sums it up better than almost anything else. It suggests they've mentally checked out of the current situation to go on a metaphorical break. Using this makes it clear that you think someone is being a bit nonsensical.
6. The Real McCoy
Whether you’re talking about someone’s integrity or the quality of their Instagram photo, this slang will tell others that what they’re seeing is 100 percent authentic. You can apply it to a person’s character or a high-quality product to let others know that what they’re seeing is totally legitimate.
7. What’s The Damage?
How much will this cost? Running tabs can be scary. Asking for the damage makes it sound less painful. Whenever you’re at the mechanic and need the final pricing, say this.
8. Dig It
Digging something is deeper than liking it. To dig something implies you feel connected to the concept. Next time one of your friends plays a song you enjoy, borrow this slang from Cool Hand Luke.
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9. Heavens To Betsy
This is a fantastic, harmless exclamation to use when you're genuinely surprised or shocked by some unexpected news. It replaces harsher four-letter words with something that’s much more whimsical and family-friendly. You might find that it adds a bit of personality to your reactions.
10. Living Large
Anyone who is enjoying the best things in life or celebrating a big success is definitely participating in this classic lifestyle. Whether they just bought a mansion or are eating filet mignon for dinner, someone living large is doing something awesome. Feel free to use this the next time someone needs a compliment.
11. Right On
Right on is a compliment on another’s statements. It agrees wholeheartedly with what they’re saying and can even be used as a positive reaction to non-verbal communication. The next time your friend tells you about their new puppy, let them know you’re right on with them.
12. Wet Blanket
We all know that one person who always manages to ruin the fun with their pessimism or constant complaining. Calling them by this name is a genius way to describe how they dampen the excitement of everyone else around them. It’s a vivid descriptor that tells people exactly what kind of energy they're bringing to the party.
13. Square Meal
When you're looking for a hearty, balanced dinner that actually fills you up, this is the gold standard for describing it. A square meal means that you won’t be hungry again for hours. Use it when you’re eating dinner that you know will satisfy all of your cravings.
14. Keep On Truckin'
Keep on truckin’ is a great way to encourage someone who is faced with a challenge that will take awhile to overcome. Make sure they know life isn’t going to beat them and they’ll persevere. Offer this to a friend who is stuck working on a big project.
15. Give It A Whirl
If you want someone to attempt something without putting too much pressure on them, have them give it a whirl. Not only does it sound more exciting than trying, but it also implies that you’re doing something fun. The next time you’re talking someone into skydiving, this is what you’ll say.
16. Groovy
Groovy is making a comeback thanks to how fun it sounds to say. Describing something as groovy means that it has a nice beat or is pleasing in some way. Whether you’re talking about art or Sunday Funday with friends, groovy works.
17. No Big Whoop
Whenever someone apologizes for a minor mistake, this is the ultimate way to tell them that it’s absolutely fine. It’s a casual and friendly way to minimize a problem so that everyone can move on without feeling guilty. You’ll find it’s a great phrase for maintaining a relaxed atmosphere in your social circle.
18. Fuddy Duddy
If you ever need a nice way to tell someone they’re being boring, tell them they’re fuddy-duddly. It’s not quite as harsh as saying they’re boring, but conveys the message that they should lighten up. Tell grandma this the next time she refuses to upgrade from VHS tapes.
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19. Cool Beans
Cool beans is essentially cool with a few extra letters. This slang is best used when affirming plans or you like how something turned out. You can use this the next time someone texts you question about plans you already agreed upon.
20. Pad
Don’t be ashamed of where you live. If you tell people you live in a nice pad, it sounds like a chic place to relax. Reserve this slang for when you’re proudly showing off your new apartment or inviting friends over.
