The 1980s were a radical time—not just for fashion, music, and pop culture, but also for the colorful, vibrant slang that defined a generation. From “gnarly” to “rad,” ’80s slang was more than just words; it was a way of life, a code of cool that instantly connected people. These phrases captured the fun, rebellious spirit of the decade and made conversations way more interesting.
Today, many of those slang terms have faded into obscurity, replaced by modern-day jargon that just doesn’t have the same flair. But here’s the thing: these ’80s slang words are totally tubular and absolutely deserve a comeback.
Whether you’re a retro enthusiast, a fan of vintage pop culture, or just looking to spice up your everyday chat, this list of 29 iconic ’80s slang terms will have you talking like a true original in no time.
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Why Bring Back ’80s Slang?
Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why ’80s slang is worth reviving. For one, these words and phrases are fun. They evoke nostalgia and give your conversations a quirky, playful edge. Plus, they can help you stand out in a world saturated with repetitive modern slang.
The ’80s slang also reflects a culture of optimism, creativity, and youthful energy that many of us miss today. Bringing these terms back is a way to honor that spirit and inject a little retro cool into our language.
The List: 29 Totally Tubular ’80s Slang Terms That Deserve a Comeback
1. Rad
Meaning: Awesome or excellent.
Example: “That new video game is totally rad!”
Why it’s rad: It’s short, punchy, and perfectly expresses enthusiasm.
2. Gnarly
Meaning: Difficult, intense, or impressive.
Example: “That skateboard trick was gnarly!”
Why it’s rad: It conveys both challenge and respect, making it versatile.
3. Tubular
Meaning: Excellent or cool.
Example: “Your new bike is tubular!”
Why it’s rad: It’s unique and distinctly ’80s, tied to surfing culture.
4. Bogus
Meaning: Fake, unfair, or disappointing.
Example: “It’s bogus that the concert got canceled.”
Why it’s rad: Perfect for calling out something lame or unfair.
5. Dweeb
Meaning: A socially awkward or boring person.
Example: “Don’t be such a dweeb.”
Why it’s rad: It’s playful and teasing without being too harsh.
6. Grody
Meaning: Gross or disgusting.
Example: “Ew, that food looks grody.”
Why it’s rad: It’s fun to say and gets the point across clearly.
7. Choice
Meaning: Excellent or top quality.
Example: “Those sneakers are choice.”
Why it’s rad: Sounds classy and cool at the same time.
8. Psych!
Meaning: Just kidding! Used after tricking someone.
Example: “I got you a present… psych!”
Why it’s rad: It’s a quick, playful way to mess with friends.
9. Chillax
Meaning: To relax and chill out.
Example: “Let’s just chillax at my place tonight.”
Why it’s rad: Combines two great words and feels casual.
10. Veg out
Meaning: To lounge around doing nothing.
Example: “I’m going to veg out and watch TV all day.”
Why it’s rad: Perfect for those lazy days.
11. Fresh
Meaning: Cool or stylish.
Example: “That jacket is fresh!”
Why it’s rad: Still in use today, but with an ’80s twist, it feels vintage.
12. Bodacious
Meaning: Excellent or admirable.
Example: “That concert was bodacious!”
Why it’s rad: It’s over-the-top and fun to say.
13. Radical
Meaning: Awesome or extreme.
Example: “That movie was radical!”
Why it’s rad: It embodies the extreme spirit of the ’80s.
14. Homeboy/Homegirl
Meaning: A close friend.
Example: “What’s up, homeboy?”
Why it’s rad: Emphasizes friendship with a street-smart vibe.
15. Gag me with a spoon
Meaning: Expression of disgust or annoyance.
Example: “Gag me with a spoon, that outfit is terrible.”
Why it’s rad: Hilariously dramatic and very ’80s.
16. Take a chill pill
Meaning: Calm down.
Example: “Take a chill pill, dude.”
Why it’s rad: A fun way to tell someone to relax.
17. Word
Meaning: Agreement or affirmation.
Example: “That’s a great idea.” “Word.”
Why it’s rad: Short and powerful, perfect for casual convo.
18. No duh!
Meaning: Obviously or of course.
Example: “You need a jacket in the snow?” “No duh!”
Why it’s rad: Adds sass and attitude to everyday replies.
19. Wicked
Meaning: Awesome or very good.
Example: “That trick was wicked!”
Why it’s rad: Simple and effective.
20. Decked out
Meaning: Dressed up or fully equipped.
Example: “She was decked out for the party.”
Why it’s rad: Adds flair to describing someone’s style.
21. Radster
Meaning: A person who is radical or cool.
Example: “He’s such a radster on the skateboard.”
Why it’s rad: Fun nickname that sounds fresh.
22. Totally
Meaning: Absolutely or completely.
Example: “That movie was totally awesome.”
Why it’s rad: Emphatic and quintessentially ’80s.
23. Catch some rays
Meaning: To sunbathe.
Example: “Let’s hit the beach and catch some rays.”
Why it’s rad: Evokes fun summer vibes.
24. Bummer
Meaning: A disappointment.
Example: “Missing the concert was a bummer.”
Why it’s rad: Sweet and simple way to express letdown.
25. Crush
Meaning: To have a romantic interest in someone.
Example: “I have a major crush on her.”
Why it’s rad: Timeless and relatable.
26. Fly
Meaning: Cool or stylish.
Example: “That jacket is fly.”
Why it’s rad: Short and slick.
27. Jam
Meaning: Favorite song or dance track.
Example: “This is my jam!”
Why it’s rad: Perfect for music lovers.
28. Radical dude
Meaning: An enthusiastic or cool guy.
Example: “He’s a radical dude on the basketball court.”
Why it’s rad: Brings personality and fun.
29. Like, totally
Meaning: Very much or absolutely (often used for emphasis).
Example: “That party was, like, totally amazing.”
Why it’s rad: Emphasizes enthusiasm with classic ’80s flair.
How to Use These ’80s Slang Terms Today
Want to start talking like it’s 1985? Here are some tips for smoothly incorporating these slang terms into your daily conversations:
- Start small: Pick one or two favorites to sprinkle into casual chats.
- Know your audience: Use slang with friends or in informal settings where it’ll be appreciated.
- Have fun with it: The ’80s slang is all about attitude and fun, so don’t be afraid to exaggerate a little.
- Mix and match: Combine slang for more colorful expressions, e.g., “That concert was totally rad, dude!”
Why the ’80s Slang Revival is Trending
You might have noticed a resurgence of ’80s culture in fashion, music, and even TV shows. With nostalgia dominating pop culture, ’80s slang is naturally following suit. Reviving these phrases is a way to reconnect with a carefree, creative era while standing out in today’s fast-paced digital world.
Frequently Asked Question
What are some popular ’80s slang terms still used today?
Some ’80s slang terms that are still popular today include “rad,” “cool,” “crush,” and “jam.” While their usage has evolved slightly, they remain staples in everyday conversation, often with a nostalgic twist.
What does “totally tubular” mean in ’80s slang?
In ’80s slang, “totally tubular” means something is extremely cool or awesome. It originally came from surfing culture, where tubular waves were considered ideal. It later spread to general youth slang in pop culture.
Where did ’80s slang come from?
Much of ’80s slang came from surfing, skateboarding, hip-hop culture, Valley Girl speech, and movies or TV shows of the time. Teen comedies, MTV, and iconic films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High helped spread the terms nationwide.
How can I start using ’80s slang in conversation?
Start by picking a few phrases like “rad,” “bogus,” or “no duh” and using them naturally in casual conversations. Mixing them with modern slang can also help you ease into a retro-cool style without sounding forced.
What are some fun ways to teach kids or students ’80s slang?
You can teach kids or students ’80s slang through games, flashcards, quizzes, themed days, or movies from the era. Encouraging them to use a few terms in creative writing or role-play exercises also makes it fun and memorable.
Why is ’80s slang making a comeback?
Thanks to the rise of nostalgia culture, retro fashion trends, and shows like Stranger Things, the ’80s are back in style—including its slang. People love reviving these fun, expressive words that stand out from today’s internet lingo.
Is ’80s slang different from ’90s slang?
Yes, ’80s slang has a more upbeat, expressive, and Valley-style tone, while ’90s slang often leaned more toward urban, grunge, and sarcastic expressions. Each decade had its own cultural influences that shaped its unique vocabulary.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a true ’80s baby or just an admirer of the decade’s iconic style, these 29 totally tubular slang terms deserve a place in your vocabulary. They’re fun, expressive, and a great way to add some retro cool to your everyday conversations. So next time you want to hype something up or tease a friend, try busting out a few of these classic terms. You’ll not only sound like a true original, but you’ll also keep the spirit of the ’80s alive—one rad word at a time.
