Ah, the 1950s. The era of America's first TV dinners, June Cleaver's meticulously arranged tea roses, and the advent of Barbara Millicent Roberts.
It was also a time of very colorful slang!
Like in any generation, slang was used as a kind of code, a vernacular reserved for the young and cool. But in the 1950s, slang had a deeper meaning: it was the language of the liberated.
The American dream of the "Baby Boomers" differed greatly from that of the "Greatest Generation." Kids born in the mid-century weren't interested in the nuclear family, the suburban home, or the 9-to-5 desk job. They sought to escape the conservatism of their time, rebelling through rock 'n' roll, greased back hair, and roaring muscle cars.
So it's only fitting that their lingo was just as nonconformist as their pelvis-gyrating idols!
As you explore this jargon from yesteryear, can you guess what the people in the photos are trying to say? Do any phrases from your childhood come to mind?
Please SHARE if you got a kick out of this far out 1950s slang!
1.
- Jim: “You’ve got a beautiful figure, Marge!”
- Marge: “Aw get lost, Jim!”
2.
- Greaser 1: “Let’s get out of here, guys!”
- Greaser 2: “How does my popular hairdo look?”
3.
- Guy: “Gee Sally, you’re really great!”
- Sally: “Ugh, what a terrible date!”
4.
"I'm really enjoying this music!"
5.
- Guy 1: “I’m having a fun time here!”
- Guy 2: “Has anyone seen my pack of cigarettes?”
6.
"My parents say I'm nuts, but they're just boring people!"
7.
"I used to be a loser, then I ditched my glasses, and now I'm an attractive guy!"
8.
"Who wants to kiss in the back of the car?"
9.
"My brain's too fuzzy to do this homework!"
10.
- Girl 1: “Gosh, this teacher is so dull.”
- Girl 2: “This class is really boring.”
11.
"The guys can't call me a loser now! Thanks dude!"
12.
"Don't flip out just because I'm the coolest and you're boring!"
