13 Slang Words from the ’90s That Were Weirdly Inappropriate
These 13 slang words from the 1990s sounded normal to kids but had meanings or connotations that were surprisingly inappropriate.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In the 1990s, many slang words became popular among teens and young adults. Some of these words had hidden meanings or awkward undertones that adults either missed or ignored. Looking back, a few of them were surprisingly inappropriate for everyday use, especially by younger kids.
1. Skeet
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This word was often used in hip-hop lyrics and among teens without much understanding of its adult meaning. While some people thought it just meant to run off or move quickly, it actually referred to a graphic sexual act. Despite its meaning, it made its way into mainstream songs and even clubs. Many people used it without knowing what it really meant.
2. Tossed Salad
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In the ’90s, this phrase was sometimes used in jokes or songs without much explanation. It sounded like a food reference, but it was actually slang for a specific sexual act. Some teens repeated it, thinking it was harmless or just funny. Most adults either ignored it or didn’t realize what it meant.
3. Booty Call
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“Booty call” became a common phrase in the 1990s to describe a casual late-night visit. While teens often joked about it, the term clearly referred to a sexual meeting. It showed up in music, movies, and conversations without much censorship. It wasn’t a term most parents wanted their kids using.
4. Backdoor
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Some people used this as a general slang for sneaking out or doing something secretly, but in certain circles, it had a much more explicit meaning. Despite that, it popped up in songs and shows with little concern. The double meaning made it a bit uncomfortable in some contexts.
5. Gag Me
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This expression was popularized by Valley Girl culture and used to show disgust. However, the phrase also had a strong and inappropriate undertone depending on how it was said. Some kids used it in front of adults who had no idea what it could imply. It faded out partly because of that confusion.
6. Get Your Freak On
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This phrase became mainstream through music, especially in party songs. While it sounded fun or wild, it referred directly to sexual activity. It was repeated by teens without always understanding the full context. Still, it stayed popular despite being more suggestive than it seemed at first.
7. Ride
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Teens used “ride” to talk about driving around or being picked up, but it also became slang for sex. The double meaning was often used in music and street language. Many younger people used it casually without knowing the deeper context. It blurred the line between harmless and explicit language.
8. Bang
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“Bang” started as a word for hitting or crashing into something. However, by the ’90s, it became common slang for having sex. It appeared in TV shows and songs, often used with a wink or joke. Kids picked it up even when they didn’t fully understand it.
9. Tramp Stamp
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This slang term described a tattoo on the lower back, often used to insult or judge women. It was harsh, sexist, and inappropriate, yet it became widely used. The term was heard in school hallways and on TV without much pushback. Looking back, it’s clear how disrespectful it really was.
10. Whack
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While it started out meaning strange or weird, “whack” also took on a violent or sexual meaning depending on the context. Some people used it to describe hitting someone, while others used it in more adult conversations. Because of the mixed meanings, it was used in ways that were inappropriate without sounding like it. Its confusion made it risky to say in public.
11. Hit It
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This phrase was used both for starting something (like a song or game) and as slang for sex. The second meaning became more common in music and among older teens. It was easy to say without thinking, but it had an inappropriate meaning when used casually. Its double use made it uncomfortable in some settings.
12. Pimp
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“Pimp” was used in the ’90s to mean someone cool, flashy, or in control. However, the real meaning referred to someone who controls sex workers. Using it as a compliment ignored the serious and harmful parts of the word. It became common in school and the media, even though it was never really appropriate.
13. Hoe
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The word “hoe” was used to insult girls or women and showed up often in hip-hop lyrics. Many kids repeated it without knowing the word’s full meaning or weight. It was normalized in jokes and songs, even though it was disrespectful. Adults often overlooked it or didn’t stop its use.