14 Slang Words from the Past That Make No Sense Now

These oddball slang terms once ruled their decades but now sound like vintage noise from a distant era.

Alyana Aguja
July 4, 2025
4 min read

14 Slang Words from the Past That Make No Sense Now — Waldemar from Unsplash

Slang is a time capsule of culture — each word shaped by music, fashion, war, technology, or teen rebellion. What made perfect sense in 1955 or 1995 can feel like Martian talk today. Looking back at these expressions is like flipping through a photo album of forgotten attitudes and voices, each one both ridiculous and revealing.

1. 23 Skidoo

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Popular in the 1920s, “23 Skidoo” was a way to tell someone to scram or get lost — fast. No one really knows why “23” was the magic number, but it somehow meant hustle away, often used when things were getting weird or awkward. Today, it sounds more like a Wi-Fi password than a social cue.

2. Ankle

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In the Roaring Twenties, to “ankle” meant to leave or walk away. Picture flappers tipping their feathered headbands and saying, “Let’s ankle outta here.” Nowadays, “ankle” just reminds people of sprains or foot tattoos — not stylish exits.

3. Daddy-O

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In the 1950s, calling someone “Daddy-O” meant they were cool or hip, like a jazz cat who knew what was up. Beatniks tossed it around in coffee shops while snapping fingers to poetry. Use it today, and you’ll sound like you’re selling root beer.

4. Gag Me with a Spoon

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This ‘80s Valley Girl classic was a dramatic way to show disgust, especially toward anything “grody” or lame. It wasn’t meant literally, of course — just pure nasal sarcasm wrapped in Aquanet and mall culture. Say this now, and people will assume you’re quoting Clueless wrong.

5. Made in the Shade

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Used mostly in the 1950s and ‘60s, this phrase meant you had it all figured out — life was easy, like sitting under a tree with a cold lemonade. It was a sign of comfort and privilege, not laziness. Today, with climate change and hustle culture, nothing’s really “in the shade” anymore.

6. Cool Beans

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This peppy phrase popped in the ‘80s and ‘90s, usually as a dorky yet enthusiastic way to say “great!” or “awesome!” Nobody ever explained why the beans were cool — just that they somehow were. Now, it’s more likely to earn a side-eye than a high-five.

7. Groovy

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Born out of the 1960s counterculture, “groovy” was the ultimate word for anything far-out or pleasing. It connected to music, literally the groove of a record, but stretched into everything from fashion to peace signs. These days, it’s been shelved with lava lamps and fringe vests.

8. Phat

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In the 1990s, “phat” (with a P-H) was a compliment, meaning something was hot, stylish, or desirable. Hip-hop culture helped it blow up, and teens scribbled it in notebooks like it meant everything. Today, if you text it to someone, autocorrect might just assume you’re talking about food.

9. Hella

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Northern Californians in the ‘90s and early 2000s used “hella” for everything — it meant “very” or “a lot.” “That’s hella tight,” “hella good,” even “hella homework.” Outside of the Bay Area, it’s mostly vanished, unless you’re quoting early MySpace-era rants.

10. Knuckle Sandwich

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Back in the day, threatening someone with a “knuckle sandwich” meant you were ready to punch them — served old-school style. It was part cartoon violence, part locker room bluff. Now, it just sounds like something you’d order at a wrestling-themed diner.

11. Bogart

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To “Bogart” something, especially a joint or snack, meant to hog it selfishly — like actor Humphrey Bogart did with his cigarettes on screen. It was popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s, especially among hippies sharing… well, everything. Today, few even know who Bogart was, let alone why he wouldn’t pass the chips.

12. Cat’s Pajamas

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In the 1920s, calling something the “cat’s pajamas” meant it was the best of the best — utterly delightful. It was part of a trend where animals and fashion got mashed together in fun ways, like “bee’s knees.” In 2025, this phrase will mostly get you puzzled stares and maybe a Google search.

13. Wisenheimer

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Used mostly in the early 20th century, a “wisenheimer” was a know-it-all or a smart aleck. It was usually said with a sigh by someone tired of sarcastic jokes or unwanted advice. These days, you’re more likely to just call someone “extra” or “a troll” instead.

14. Hubba-Hubba

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This one started as WWII military slang and meant “wow, she’s hot” — an expression of admiration or lust. Soldiers used it, and then it spread into pop culture like an awkward hug. In modern conversation, it sounds more like a cartoon caveman than a compliment.