14 Vintage Slang Words From The ’80s That Need To Make A Comeback

The 1980s gave us more than just neon leg warmers, mixtapes, and an undying love for synthesizers — it delivered a righteous avalanche of slang that made everyday conversations feel like a scene from a John Hughes movie.

Whether you were hanging at the mall, calling dibs on the last slice of pizza, or just trying to survive high school with your Walkman and dignity intact, the lingo of the ’80s had a word for everything.

These weren’t just catchy expressions — they were little bursts of personality, attitude, and hilariously exaggerated emotions. And honestly? We think it’s high time they made a comeback. So crank up the boom box, grab your favorite scrunchie or bomber jacket, and join us as we take a totally tubular trip back in time.

Let’s revive these rad expressions and bring back the days when “gnarly” was high praise and “gag me with a spoon” was a full sentence.

1. Gnarly

Gnarly! What a word. It’s like your favorite pair of acid-wash jeans that somehow fit every occasion. Technically, ‘gnarly’ originated as surf lingo to describe waves that were twisted and difficult, but the word quickly morphed into the ultimate compliment. Whether it’s that wave you barely survived, or the math test you didn’t, gnarly covered it all. It was versatile, bro.

I remember using it after conquering the neighborhood skate ramp—my friends were in awe, not just at my skills but my vocabulary. Every success felt doubled when punctuated with the coolness of being called gnarly. Even now, when someone drops a gnarly in casual conversation, I get hit with a wave of nostalgia.

Bringing ‘gnarly’ back isn’t just about the word; it’s about reviving an attitude of embracing life’s challenges with swagger. Next time you’re faced with something intense, slap a ‘gnarly’ on it and ride that linguistic wave. You’ll see how it turns the mundane into a mini-adventure. Go on, dare to make gnarly your go-to descriptor and watch the world react in awe.

2. Tubular

Let’s talk about tubular. It’s not just a word; it’s an exclamation that could make even a cabbage patch doll dance with joy. Born among surf circles to describe those perfect, tube-like waves, tubular soon became synonymous with anything and everything awesome. Picture this: you’ve just unwrapped your new Walkman. Your friend Brenda’s eyes widen as she declares it totally tubular.

I can still hear the echo of tubular reverberating through the school halls whenever someone showed off their new gadget or rad clothes. It wasn’t just a description; it was a declaration. By calling something tubular, you were instantly assigning it to the echelon of cool.

Reviving tubular in today’s world is like injecting a burst of retro sunshine into our daily lexicon. The next time you experience something mind-blowingly good, let out a tubular! Embrace that tubular energy and spread the positivity. After all, who doesn’t want to sprinkle a bit more tubular zest into their life?

3. Gag Me with a Spoon

Gag me with a spoon! The perfect phrase for when words are simply insufficient in conveying your profound disbelief at something utterly cringeworthy. Imagine sitting in class while Mr. Jenkins attempts to bust out a rap—trust me, gag me is the only appropriate reaction as you try not to laugh out loud.

The expression became the go-to for expressing disdain with a playful twist. It was the verbal equivalent of an eye-roll, a tool to express distaste without uttering a single harsh word. How many times did I mutter it under my breath in the cafeteria, watching questionable food choices make their rounds?

Reintroducing ‘gag me with a spoon’ could bring a charming retro vibe to our reactions today. It’s a cheeky way to handle those cringe moments that inevitably pop up in life. If you witness something that makes you want to turn away, just say “Gag me with a spoon,” and let the ’80s vibes do their magic.

4. Rad

Rad, short for radical, wasn’t just a word but a lifestyle. It’s the way you felt when you finally managed to moonwalk across the living room without tripping over the coffee table. Rad covered anything that was truly outstanding.

There was something about calling things rad that made them shimmer with a unique gloss. Whether it was the latest track blasting from your boombox or the new pair of fingerless gloves you just snagged, if it was rad, it was life.

In today’s world, bringing back rad could add a layer of exuberance to the ordinary. Instead of calling something plain old ‘cool’, opt for rad and watch as it injects a burst of energy into the conversation. So, go ahead, dust off those fingerless gloves and let rad become a staple in your vocabulary once more.

5. Take a Chill Pill

Take a chill pill was the sassy way to tell someone to calm their jets in the ’80s. It was like offering an imaginary pharmaceutical remedy to those who were a bit too high-strung. Picture a classroom, tension high, and then someone drops this gem. Instantly, the mood lightens.

This phrase wasn’t just about telling someone to relax; it was a reminder to not take life too seriously. I recall using it during group projects when drama reared its head. It was both a command and a joke, a way to defuse tension with humor.

Reviving ‘take a chill pill’ today could be the quirky antidote to our fast-paced, stress-filled lives. Therefore, when you see someone about to blow a gasket, why not offer them a chill pill? It’s a gentle nudge wrapped in nostalgia that might just bring a smile. The world could always use a bit more ‘chill’.

6. Grody

Grody to the max! This phrase was the quintessential way to label anything absolutely repulsive. It was like gross, but with an extra dash of disdain. From moldy lunches to your brother’s room that looked like it survived an explosion, grody was the adjective of choice.

I vividly remember the horror of opening a forgotten lunchbox and unleashing a smell so foul, grody was the only word that fit. With grody, you could turn your nose up at life’s less savory moments while keeping it playful.

Bringing grody back into our current vernacular could transform our reactions to everyday nuisances. It’s a word that delivers disgust with flair. After encountering something cringe-worthy, just declare it grody and watch as it loses its power to annoy. Let’s face it, life is grodier without a sense of humor.

7. No Duh

No duh, Karen! Sometimes, the best way to handle the painfully obvious is with a side of sarcasm. This phrase was essential for those moments when someone stated the obvious, and you couldn’t resist pointing it out.

No duh was my go-to in class whenever someone asked if we had homework, despite it being written on the board. It wasn’t just an eye-roll; it was a verbal smirk. It added a touch of humor to daily encounters with the obvious.

Reviving no duh today could add a playful edge to our conversations. It’s a cheeky way to acknowledge the self-evident without being rude. So, next time someone points out the sky is blue, just smile and say, “No duh!” You’ll find it lightens the mood faster than you can say “Captain Obvious.”

8. Like, Totally

Like, totally! This was the rallying cry of valley girls everywhere. It was the phrase you wielded when you needed to add drama, emphasis, or just a splash of pink scrunchie energy to any sentence.

Every sentence felt more exciting with a ‘like, totally’ attached to it. Whether you were talking about a crush or the latest mall find, it turned ordinary conversations into theatrical performances. I can still hear it echoing in the malls, bouncing off the walls like a linguistic boomerang.

Bringing ‘like, totally’ back could add a whimsical flair to our language. It’s a reminder that sometimes, exaggeration is just what we need. When you’re feeling enthusiastic, throw in a ‘like, totally’ and watch as your world becomes more vibrant. After all, life is like, totally more fun with a bit of flair.

9. Bodacious

Bodacious is the word for when excellent just doesn’t cut it. It’s a term so extra that it means both “excellent” and “hot.” Imagine landing a skateboard trick while sporting a leather jacket—both you and your trick are bodacious.

Bodacious wasn’t just a word; it was a lifestyle. It was that guy in the leather jacket who seemed to own the world and also that skateboard trick that defied gravity. I remember the thrill of being called bodacious after pulling off something daring.

Reviving bodacious today could add a splash of boldness to our vocabulary. It’s a declaration of excellence and flamboyance. So, if you witness something truly outstanding, call it bodacious and feel the ’80s vibes take over. Why settle for good when you can have bodacious?

10. Psych!

Psych! This was the verbal rug pull, the twist ending in the story of your everyday communications. It’s what you said after leading someone down a garden path only to reveal it was all a joke. “I baked you cookies—psych! They’re for me.”

The beauty of psych was in its surprise element. It was playful, cheeky, and somehow innocent in its trickery. I fondly remember pulling these pranks on my friends, the laughter echoing long after the psych had been revealed.

Bringing psych back into our conversations could reintroduce a playful edge to interactions. It’s a gentle reminder not to take things too seriously—a verbal wink. The next time you want to prank your friends, toss in a psych and enjoy the ensuing giggles. Sometimes, a little mischief is just what the doctor ordered.

11. Wicked

Wicked! A word that East Coast kids of the ’80s used to mean “awesome.” It’s proof that even words that sound evil can be totally positive when shouted with enough enthusiasm. It was the ultimate expression of approval.

I remember the first time I heard it at a concert, the music was pumping, and someone shouted, “This is wicked!” It was as if the word itself amplified the energy of the room. Wicked was more than just a word; it was a feeling.

Bringing wicked back could add a unique twist to our expressions of joy and approval. It’s an enthusiastic nod to the good times. When something truly amazes you, call it wicked and feel the energy amplify. Let wicked be your go-to word for what rocks your world.

12. Totally Buggin’

Totally buggin’ was the phrase you used when freaking out, either from panic or excitement. Picture the moment you meet your idol, say Prince, and your brain goes into overdrive. You’re totally buggin’ in the best way possible.

It was the phrase that captured the whirlwind of emotions in those intense moments. Whether it was the thrill of winning a game in the arcade or the sheer joy of seeing your favorite band live, totally buggin’ fit the bill.

Today, reviving totally buggin’ could bring a dose of expressive enthusiasm to everyday life. It’s a celebration of feeling all the feels. When emotions run high, declare you’re totally buggin’ and let the world know just how alive you feel. After all, life’s too short not to be totally buggin’ once in a while.

13. What’s Your Damage?

What’s your damage? It’s a wonderfully rude way of asking, “Why are you like this?” It’s equal parts insult and curiosity, making it a perfect phrase for those moments when someone’s behavior leaves you puzzled.

I recall using it whenever my friends showed up in bizarre outfits or did something completely out of left field. What’s your damage was the side-eye in verbal form, a way to express bewilderment without being outright mean.

Bringing back what’s your damage today could add a cheeky edge to our interactions. It’s a playful way to express disbelief without confrontation. Next time you’re puzzled by someone’s actions, ask them, “What’s your damage?” and enjoy the bemused expression that follows. It’s a question that invites conversation as much as it expresses confusion.

14. Home Skillet

Home skillet, your partner in arcade crime and the buddy who always has your back. It’s a term of endearment that’s as warm and comforting as breakfast on a lazy Sunday morning.

I remember calling my best friend home skillet whenever we teamed up for video game marathons. It wasn’t just about friendship; it was about the shared adventures and the laughs that never seemed to end.

Bringing back home skillet today could add a nostalgic warmth to the way we address our closest friends. It’s a reminder of the bonds that make life sweet. If you see your best bud, greet them with a “Hey, home skillet!” and watch as the camaraderie comes flooding back. After all, who doesn’t need a home skillet in their life?