18 Slang Terms That Defined the ’80s
Here's a nostalgic look at the most iconic slang terms that shaped the lexicon of the 1980s.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The 1980s gave rise to an explosion of slang that reflected the bold, quirky, and rebellious spirit of the era. From surfer lingo like “tubular” and “gnarly” to Valley Girl expressions like “gag me with a spoon,” these terms captured the cultural essence of a generation. Many have faded out of regular use, but their influence can still be heard in pop culture, memes, and throwback conversations today.
1. Gag Me with a Spoon
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Used to express disgust or disdain, this phrase was popularized by Valley Girls. It was often said sarcastically when someone heard or saw something gross or annoying. If someone told you they liked anchovy pizza, you might respond, “Gag me with a spoon!”
2. Totally Tubular
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This term originally came from surfer culture and meant something was amazing. In the ’80s, it spread beyond the beach and became a general expression of excitement. If your friend got concert tickets, you’d yell, “That’s totally tubular!”
3. Gnarly
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“Gnarly” could mean something difficult, intense, or extremely cool, depending on context. Surfers would use it to describe big waves, but teens adopted it to describe wild parties or crazy experiences. It straddled the line between admiration and warning.
4. Radical
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Radical meant something was excellent or extreme in a good way. It wasn’t just a political term — it was a favorite word to show enthusiasm for something edgy or cool. “That skateboard trick was radical!” was a typical compliment in the era.
5. Like, Totally
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A classic Valley Girl phrase, “like, totally” was a way to strongly agree or emphasize something. It added dramatic flair to any opinion. For example, “That movie was, like, totally the best thing ever.”
6. What’s Your Damage?
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This sarcastic question was used to call out someone’s strange or offensive behavior. It became popular after appearing in the 1989 dark comedy Heathers. Instead of asking what’s wrong politely, teens would say, “What’s your damage?”
7. Take a Chill Pill
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This phrase told someone to calm down or relax. It was used when someone was freaking out or getting overly dramatic. “Take a chill pill, it’s not that deep,” was the verbal equivalent of hitting the brakes.
8. Bodacious
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“Bodacious” blended “bold” and “audacious” and meant something was excellent or attractive. It was often used to compliment someone’s looks or describe something impressive. Think: “That’s a bodacious car!”
9. No Duh
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A sarcastic response when someone said something obvious. It was a snarky way to say “Obviously” or “Everyone knows that.” For example: “Water is wet.” “No duh.”
10. Psych!
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Used after a statement or prank to reveal that you were just kidding. It was often paired with a fake-out to tease someone. For example: “You dropped your phone… Psych!”
11. Where’s the Beef?
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This slogan came from a famous Wendy’s commercial in 1984 and was used to question the substance or value of something. It became a cultural punchline and even entered political debates. If something seemed lacking, you’d ask, “Where’s the beef?”
12. Bad
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In the ’80s, “bad” could actually mean “really good” or “cool,” especially in pop and hip-hop culture. Michael Jackson’s Bad album helped cement this usage. Someone might say, “That car is bad,” meaning it was awesome.
13. Homeboy/Homegirl
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These terms referred to close friends or people from your neighborhood. They were especially popular in hip-hop communities and spread to mainstream slang. “He’s my homeboy” meant “He’s my trusted friend.”
14. Grody
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Another Valley Girl staple, “grody” meant gross, disgusting, or unpleasant. It was often used to comment on someone’s clothes, hygiene, or food. “Ew, that’s grody to the max!” was a common phrase.
15. Airhead
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Used to describe someone who was clueless, ditzy, or not very smart. It gained popularity thanks to teen movies and cartoons. “She forgot her book again — what an airhead.”
16. Veg Out
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This meant to relax and do nothing, often while watching TV. It came from the idea of being a “couch potato.” After a long day, someone might say, “I’m just gonna veg out in front of the TV.”
17. Wicked
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While originally a New England regionalism, “wicked” began spreading in the ’80s as a word meaning “very” or “extremely.” It was used to intensify a positive description. “That’s a wicked cool jacket!”
18. Cowabunga
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Made famous by surfers and later the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this exclamation showed excitement or approval. It originally appeared in cartoons but became a pop culture catchphrase. Say it when something’s exciting: “Cowabunga, dude!”