Don Canney

We’ve all used them. Some more than others. Some made sense, some did not. Some were generational, some withstood the test of time. I’m talking about slang words.

It’s mostly a mystery where slang originates. Is it geographic? Indigenous? Made up on the fly?

One thing is for sure. If one removed the word “like” from the English language today, many people would be silenced forever. How many times have you heard the word “like” or, “It’s like” in everyday conversation? It’s like, you know. It’s like OMG. It’s like, unbelievable, It’s like….

Doing a Google search for slang words by decade revealed a blog titled “Classmates Fun,’ dated July 17, 2020. It’s proof positive that slang has been around for an exceptionally long time. Some slang they referenced is discussed below.

As far back as the 1920’s the phrase, “23 Skidoo” (meaning to get moving) was common, long before the snow machine was even a dream, and the “Real McCoy” meant something was genuine, long before the 50’s TV hit starring Walter Brennen.

In the 50’s, if you were square, or L7 (created by forming and adjoining that letter and number with the thumb and forefinger of your left and right hand) you simply were not “with it.” The police (not Sting’s band) were “The Fuzz.” Before Hippies, there were Beatniks.

Also in the fifties, a drive-in (movie that is, not a bank or fast-food restaurant) was known as a “Passion Pit,” brought back by the 70’s TV hit Happy Days. If you “Flipped Your Lid” over something, it meant that something drove you crazy, either literally or figuratively. If you, “Split this Scene” you simply left.

Some of us remember the 60’s, (some of us don’t, even if we lived them) when something could be, “Outta Sight,” or so unbelievable you couldn’t stand it. Similarly, something could be “Far Out,” meaning it too was unbelievable, even if it were logistically close to where you stood. Last year we heard the resurrection of the term “Warp Speed,” meaning something extremely fast. That term originated in the 60’s TV series Star Trek. If you were told not to, “Flip Your Wig” over something, it meant do not let that something bother you. Have any of you ever “Beat Feet?” No, you did not hammer on your lower digits, you just left to move on to another place.

If you were a “Sponge” it meant you were like a leach, mostly taking and rarely giving. If something was “Cherry,” particularly a car, it was in mint condition. If an item was obtained at “Five Finger Discount,” it was shoplifted. “All Show and no go,” implied you were superficial.

In the 70’s if anyone asked, “What’s the skinny?” they were asking you for the details or what’s going on. Your “Threads” were your clothes, if everything was “Copacetic” everything was OK. If someone wanted to leave a dull party, they might suggest, “Let’s Blow This Taco Stand.” If you were asked, “What’s Your 20?” someone wanted to know where you were. That phrase was big with truckers during the CB Radio craze when the State Police were “Smokies.” If you went, “To the Max,” you went all the way.

Moving on to disco days, “Barf Me Out” meant something was disgusting. If you wanted to imply “more of something” you might use, “Mega, Totally or Major.” “Stellar, Wicked, and Schweet” essentially meant something was good. Today we might also say awesome.

Moving on to the 21st century, a “Senior Moment” (something I have many of) is simply forgetting something or losing a train of thought, a “Tat” is a tattoo, and a “Cougar” is not something you would see in a zoo, but a woman who dates younger men.

If something is “Lit,” it’s exciting, if you “Flex” you are showing off, if you are “Shook” you are scared or frightened. A “Fam” is a group of close friends, and a “Bromance” are two men who are close friends.

I am sure you can think of many more, or different interpretations of the above.

Here’s hoping you all have a “Cool” summer. Now there’s a slang word that has really withstood the test of time.

Don Canney is a freelance writer and professional voice artist. He was born and raised in downtown Nashua with great interest in Nashua history circa 1950-1970. He now resides in Litchfield.