Would today’s teens understand these words that were popular in the 80s? What do these words or phrases mean and what would we say instead today? Keep in mind that some of them are still used, but differently than these 80s slang usages.
Word | Then (1985) |
| Awesome
| Today we say extremely good or excellent, and then it literally meant filled with awe! |
| Grody or Grotty | Disgusting or shabby; poor quality |
| Bodacious | Excellent, admirable, or attractive. |
| Gnarly | Difficult, dangerous, or challenging. |
| Gag me with a spoon | Showing disgust or disappointment |
| Lame | Boring or uncool |
| Fine | Now it means agreeable or ok, and in the 80s it meant attractive or looking good. |
| Wicked | The word was used as “excellent” in 80s slang, and now it means very bad! |
| Phat
| Looking great! Highly attractive |
