12 Phrases That Meant Something Totally Different Back Then
What sounded innocent decades ago might mean something completely different today.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Language evolves. Over time, even the most everyday phrases can take on brand-new meanings. What your grandparents said casually might now raise eyebrows or sound completely out of place. Here are 12 common expressions that meant one thing back then—and something else entirely now.
1. “Going Steady”
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This once meant you were officially dating one person. It signaled commitment before engagement was even discussed.
2. “That’s the Bomb”
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Back then, a bomb was bad news—danger, destruction, or failure. These days, it can mean something’s amazing or top-tier.
3. “Gay Time”
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“Gay” originally meant joyful, happy, and carefree. You’d hear about a “gay old time” in songs or parties. Now, the word carries a very different primary meaning.
4. “He’s a Real Trip”
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Used to describe someone quirky or hilarious. Today, calling someone “a trip” might suggest drama or unpredictability.
5. “Made the Scene”
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This meant showing up to an event or party and making an impression. It was all about being where the action was.
6. “Bad” Meant… Bad
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In the past, “bad” was strictly negative—dangerous, rebellious, or wrong. Fast-forward, and thanks to pop culture, “bad” can now mean cool, tough, or impressive.
7. “Book It”
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Used to mean reserving something, like a hotel room or appointment. However, for some, especially kids from the ‘90s, it now brings up memories of reading programs and pizza rewards.
8. “Come Over for Coffee”
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Used to genuinely mean sitting down and chatting over a cup. In modern slang, it can be a subtle hint at something more romantic.
9. “Cool Cat”
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This once described a stylish, smooth, jazz-loving person. Now, it sounds like a cartoon character or a Halloween costume.
10. “Right On”
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In the ’60s and ’70s, it was an enthusiastic agreement, often linked to social justice or solidarity. Today, it sounds retro or sarcastic.
11. “Swell”
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“Swell” was a word that meant fantastic or wonderful, used in nearly every 1950s script. Nowadays, it’s mostly used sarcastically or not at all.
12. “Make Love”
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It was once a sweet phrase meaning to court or woo someone romantically. Today, it’s almost always used to mean something much more physical.