15 Phrases From the 1960s That No One Uses Today
Popular slang terms like “cap,” “fam,” and “rizz” are instituting themselves in today’s lingo, which is inflated by social media.
Webster’s Dictionary consistently includes these new phrases, though today’s culture may have forgotten specific words from the past. Specifically, the 1960s was a generation hanging loose on terminology and love.
While some phrases may seem obsolete, the vast majority rarely are uttered. Etymology shifts are a bummer, though the 1960s remain a historical chapter in swinging linguistics.
Fuzz
Whether they’re the cops or the heat, you best ease off the gas while speeding down a street. That’s when you ought to watch out for the fuzz, another term for the police or law enforcement individuals. Though films like Hot Fuzz may ring a bell for a few, we hardly hear of this term today.
Even if fuzz’s history is blurry, some experts believe it originated in the 1920s-1930s within the criminal underworld. It’s derived from suspected police activity, yet its initial usage is tuned out. Regardless, fuzz is a term fizzled out in today’s terminology.
Rap
Before rap artists criticized the fuzz in their lyrics, the term itself referred to a “resounding stroke” in the 14th century. However, it garnered semantic speed in the 1960s when Black Panther Party leader Eldridge Cleaver used it to mean casual talk. Other sources point to Caribbean English and British slang, yet the etymology stretches decades of evolution.
Today, artists refer to rap as the hip-hop genre. It’s an influential musical style that has inspired hundreds of artists to produce hip beats and groovy lyrics.
Grass
As marijuana laws constantly shift in today’s society, the general public once looked down upon others who used “grass.” Another outdated term, “grass” is slang for the aforementioned plant, primarily referring to young folks of the counterculture movement. Other words like “pot” and “weed” come to mind, though these somehow flaked out of usage, too.
Whether you support cannabis laws or not, it’s fair to assume that “grass” isn’t trendy to describe smoking. It’s a term you rarely see presented on-screen, let alone on paper when referring to any actions involving cannabis usage.
(It’s A) Gas
While some people refer to potent cannabis as “fire” or “gas,” others in the 1960s enjoy having a “gas” when everything’s fab. It’s an unconventional way of describing an event as lively or when you’re just having a good time with your blitzed neighbors.
Not only does it sound old-fashioned, but it’s a word that can stir some confusion with whomever you’re talking with. The word “gas” can apply to many instances and heat-related objects. It may also pertain to unintended flatulence, though appearing all show and not go in public is vital.
Gimme Some Skin
Speaking on public decency, who still says “gimme some skin” to their buddies? A high-five or a hug may suffice, yet no one exclaims this phrase in today’s general jargon. For those who may not know, “gimme some skin” refers to a handshake or similar greeting/farewell.
Human contact plays a personal role, yet the intention of “gimme some skin” sounds off-putting. To the unschooled ear, it could imply a provocative image or an unreal expectation. Nevertheless, we’re content with this term’s outdated usage, even if The Andrews Sisters coined it in the past.
Boob Tube
At one point, The Andrews Sisters sparked their talents for audiences at home with the boob tube. The “boob tube” isn’t a decadent way of referring to a woman’s cleavage or someone’s intelligence. Instead, it’s another name for the television set. Before plasma screens took over living rooms, families watched the news and programs through pioneering cathode-ray tubes.
Moreover, cocksure critics relied on the “boob tube” term when referencing foolish viewers who’d spend hours watching television. Of course, advanced methods in television (and other means of enjoying programs and films) shot down the phrase’s significance.
Bippy
If you watched specific programs through a boob tube, you bet your sweet bippy you’d see brew ads on display. Serving as an alternative for hindquarters or one’s posterior, “bippy” originated in the 1960s. It even garnered widespread usage when viewers tuned in for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In sketch comedy show.
While there are potentially some sensual implications behind bippy, it sounds innocent enough to the virgin ear. We have plenty of other terms when referring to our backside, yet let’s not thrust our rams behind with the substitutes.
Chrome Dome
Plenty of replacements can throw out bippy, yet we’re pleased with chrome dome’s exit in today’s public tongue. If you’re wondering, the term “chrome dome” doesn’t refer to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles antagonist. Instead, the phrase superficially describes a balding individual or anyone undergoing symptoms of alopecia.
Given today’s climate, physical conditions are taken seriously, yet it wasn’t always the case. Blatant insults and futile remarks usually corresponded with physical aspects, for good or ill. Sure, “chrome dome” isn’t a terrible phrase compared to others, but it’s still an unnecessary, hairless jab altogether.
Foxy
Although chrome dome is used negatively to describe balding individuals, foxy is another way to paint a pretty picture. Specifically, it pertains to an attractive woman, a “foxy lady” in some social greetings and Jimi Hendrix tunes. Even if the term “foxy” originated from characteristics similar to a fox, it garnered immense popularity in the 20th century.
Despite “foxy” falling out of usage, we tend to think of the 1974 Foxy Brown blaxploitation film starring Pam Grier. Only then does it seem fitting to exclaim in the middle of a rap.
Submarine Races
Some of us live in a yellow submarine, though others engage intimately when referencing submarine races. While the term is interpreted literally on a sincere scale elsewhere, stoked couples used it when things got steamy. This primarily happens in a car, where the couple sits by a body of water to kiss.
From freedom riders and hippies to die-hard fans of the Fab Four, young lovers relied on submarine races for intimacy. There’s no need to become a dropout when you can take your Mini Cooper to the lake for some groovy passion.
Split
Of course, once the fuzz rolls around to interrupt the submarine races, it’s time to split. Serving as a superb substitute for phrases like, “Let’s get out of here,” or “Time to go,” “split” is a quick and easy way to jet. The phrase “split” dates back to the 17th century, and its meaning hasn’t adjusted over the last few centuries.
In truth, it’s a term the public still uses today, though plenty of variants can easily replace it. Phrases like “dip” and “hit the road” are often supplemented as another way of wishing farewell to someone.
Far Out
The term “far out” is among the popular slang terms today’s generation might be more familiar with. It’s a byproduct of every stoner’s laid-back lingo when exhibiting heavy chill levels. A perfect example includes Jeff Bridges’ The Dude from The Big Lebowski, whose character indulges in aspects of counterculture.
Perhaps an ideal example to many is Tommy Chong’s Leo from That ‘70s Show. Viewers can often hear him utter this phrase throughout the show. Touches of his character’s personality center around peace, freedom, and love – and that’s pretty far out, man.
Threads
Have you checked out your old lady’s latest threads yet? If so, you’re most likely eyeing the hip trends in the 1960s fashion world. And while some internet users know of the Meta-infused Threads app, the phrase refers to one’s fit. It’s a dated term, though your aging relatives might throw this one around.
In any case, “threads” is a slang word we hardly hear today. You could spot a writer equipping this phrase for a character set in the 60s and 70s, though we don’t see Macy’s advertising with words like “threads” for clothing.
Cherry
Although Neil Diamond sang about various themes, newfound and fresh love resonates as one many fans listen to. With a song like “Cherry, Cherry,” Diamond does just that, and appropriately so for a time like 1966. Love is in the air, and young couples embrace this power in its prime condition. Think of an untouched and pure cherry sitting on top of a freshly served sundae.
Of course, the term “cherry” applies to other areas of romance, albeit a bit more amatory. “Cherry Pie” by Warrant ring any bells? Despite its amorous roots, “cherry” seems generally unspoiled by slang interpretations today.
Flip-Flops
It’s beach season, the tennies are off, and the flip-flops are on! Alternatively known as sandals or chanclas, flip-flops became popular in the 1960s after originating in Japan the previous decade. The term comes from the sound the open footgear produces whenever someone walks on them.
While we continue wearing flip-flops today, you don’t hear many beach-goers articulate the phrase for one reason or another. Is it because it sounds corny? Or is it reserved for children who enjoy whimsical phrases instead of the common chancla? Whichever the case, it’s fair to assume many have excluded this term from their vocabulary.
