12 ’90s Slang Terms That Nobody Uses Anymore
The slang terms that once defined the 1990s have mostly disappeared from how people speak today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In the 1990s, slang was everywhere, from TV shows and music to everyday conversations. Many of those words were used often by teens and young adults. Now, most of them have faded out and are rarely heard in normal speech.
1. All That
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This phrase was used to describe something or someone that was considered impressive or attractive. It often meant someone had style, charm, or talent. Saying someone was “all that” was a high compliment. Today, the phrase is no longer popular and sounds outdated in most settings.
2. Talk to the Hand
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This phrase was used to cut someone off or ignore them in a dramatic way. People would literally hold up their hand while saying it. It was mostly used in arguments or playful teasing. Now it feels old-fashioned and is almost never used in serious conversations.
3. Phat
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“Phat” was used as a compliment, especially for music, fashion, or appearance. It was meant to describe something cool or stylish. Some people said it stood for “Pretty Hot And Tempting,” but this was likely a backronym. The word has since disappeared from modern slang and now sounds strange or confusing.
4. As If
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This phrase became famous after the movie Clueless and was used to express disbelief or rejection. It was usually said with a lot of attitude or sarcasm. It worked well in short responses, especially in conversations about dating or fashion. Now, it’s rarely heard outside of jokes or references to the 1990s.
5. Fly
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“Fly” was a way to say someone looked really good, especially in terms of clothing and appearance. It was often used in hip-hop culture and pop music. People would say someone was “looking fly” as a compliment. Today, it has mostly been replaced by words like “fresh” or “drip.”
6. Booyah
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This word was shouted to express excitement or success, often in sports or games. It became popular through athletes and TV personalities. It was short, loud, and full of energy. Over time, it stopped being used by younger generations and is now rarely heard.
7. Da Bomb
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People used this phrase to describe something that was extremely good or enjoyable. It was often used for food, music, or events. It meant the thing being described was better than average. Today, it is considered outdated and is not part of common speech.
8. Word
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“Word” was used to show agreement or understanding in a conversation. It was a simple response that meant “yes” or “I get it.” It was used a lot in hip-hop and street culture. Now, it is mostly used in nostalgic or humorous ways, not as a serious response.
9. Not
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This was a sarcastic way to reverse a statement by adding “not” at the end. For example, someone might say “That was a great idea… not” to say the opposite. It became widely used after being popularized by movies and comedians. Today, it feels childish and is rarely used by adults.
10. Home Skillet
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“Home skillet” was a playful nickname for a friend or close companion. It was part of a larger group of friendly terms like “homie” or “homeboy.” It was mostly used by teenagers trying to sound cool or funny. It has since gone out of use and is not common in everyday language.
11. Whatever
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This word was often used to end a conversation or show that someone did not care. It could come off as rude or dismissive, depending on the tone. It was especially common among teenagers. Although still used today, it does not carry the same tone it did in the 1990s.
12. Scrub
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The word “scrub” was used to describe someone who lacked money, status, or ambition, especially in relationships. It became widely known through the 1999 TLC song “No Scrubs.” It referred mostly to young men who were seen as unsuccessful or immature. While the term still appears in pop culture, it is not commonly used in everyday conversation.