Every era has its own unique charm that sets it apart. On top of evolving fashion, technology, and aspects of everyday life, even the words we use to communicate transform over time.
Personally, I've always loved the quaint slang from the 1950s. There's just something about the words and phrases they came up with back in the day that sound just a little more fun to say.
In fact, I try to pepper in a few of the examples below on a daily basis! Sure, some folks might not understand a few of the more obscure ones that have fallen by the wayside, but it's nice when you see the look of recognition in someone's face when you talk about going back to your "pad" or showing off your new "threads."
Take a look for even more flashback slang from the 1950s, and be sure to let us know if we forgot any amazing words or phrases from the past that you loved.
And be sure to SHARE with your friends!
1. Big Tickle
Meaning: Something really hilarious.
Example: "I always get a big tickle from I Love Lucy!"
2. Chrome-Plated
Meaning: Someone who is really dressed up.
Example: "Cindy got chrome-plated for the prom."
3. Beat Feet
Meaning: To run away very fast, usually to get out of trouble.
Example: "We need to beat feet before the fuzz finds this graffiti."
4. Cruisin' For A Bruisin'
Meaning: Looking for trouble.
Example: "You're cruisin' for a bruisin' if you don't stop talking about my girl."
5. Classy Chassis
Meaning: Someone with a nice figure.
Example: "Barbara loves showing off her classy chassis at the beach."
6. Copacetic
Meaning: When everything's all right.
Example: "Don't worry, everything is copacetic."
7. Razz My Berries
Meaning: Something that excites or impresses you.
Example: "Have you heard the new Elvis album? It really razzes my berries!"
8. You Dig?
Meaning: Used by the Beat community to ask if someone understood something.
Example: "Don't get any scratches on my Duke Ellington album, you dig?"
9. Drip
Meaning: Someone who is very uncool.
Example: "Ugh, my little brother is such a drip."
10. Word From The Bird
Meaning: Telling the truth.
Example: "Jenny's going to dance on American Bandstand tonight, and that's the word from the bird."
11. Kibosh
Meaning: Put a stop to something.
Example: "I was going to cruise tonight, but my dad found out and put the kibosh on it."
12. Passion Pit
Meaning: A drive-in theater, referring to the amorous activities that frequently went on in the cars.
Example: "I don't think I saw even one second of the movie at the passion pit last night."
13. Ring-A-Ding-Ding
Meaning: Something super exciting, most frequently used as sarcasm. It became a catchphrase often used by Frank Sinatra.
Example: "The soda jerk gave me an extra cherry on my sundae!" "Well, ring-a-ding-ding."
14. Tube Steak
Meaning: Another term for hot dogs.
Example: "I'm so hungry I could probably eat 20 tube steaks."
15. The Living End
Meaning: Something amazing and extraordinary.
Example: "Betty, that new dress is the living end!"
Did we miss any of your favorite slang from the 1950s? Let us know in the comments, and please SHARE with family and friends!
