There’s no denying that the 1950s and 1960s were a time of great changes and inventions. But perhaps one of the most incredible parts of this decade was the vocabulary, as there are plenty of sayings from back then that are quite outdated today. Let’s look at 18 phrases and sayings from this time that have sadly almost entirely vanished today.
Being Cool
Back in the day, there was nothing better than being the “ginchiest” person because it meant you were the absolute coolest person around. The girl with a stylish poodle skirt and the guy with the slickest hair were both the “ginchiest” people. Everyone wanted to be the ginchiest person, as it meant you were the best of the best.
Your Home
Your “pad” was your personal space, whether that was a house or an apartment. It was where the coolest stuff happened, although we’re more likely to just call it your home today. Your “pad” was your little corner of the world where the rules were all yours, and the door was open to welcome your friends and family.
Driving Around
Nothing beats the feeling of cruising down the street with the wind in your hair, and we’d use “rag top” to talk about the kind of cars that let you do that. “Rag tops” were convertible cars with soft roofs that you could fold back whenever you wanted to feel a little breeze. They were a symbol of freedom and youth, which are two words that perfectly describe the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Acting Tough
When someone was acting tough or looking for trouble, they were “cruisin’ for a bruisin’.” This was meant to be a warning to people to stop pushing their luck because they might end up getting what they asked for. But today, people would probably just say that you’re “manifesting” the wrong kind of energy or something.
Great Party
A “ring-a-ding-ding” was the kind of party that everyone wanted to be at because it was so fantastic. This was a party where the good times just kept coming, and hearing that your party was a “ring-a-ding-ding” was the ultimate kind of compliment. It’s not clear where the phrase actually came from.
Calm Down
“Calm down” sounds so boring compared to the ‘50s and ‘60s saying, “cool it.” You’d use “cool it” whenever things were getting too heated, literally, or if someone was overreacting, and it’d remind them not to get so worked up. You’re more likely to hear someone say “chill out” instead, but that just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
Asking For It
Whenever someone was really asking for it, you’d tell them you were going to give them a “knuckle sandwich.” Of course, this phrase was more bark than bite, but it was still a good way to put someone in their place when they were doing a bit too much. Thankfully, we’re not as violent with our words nowadays.
Not Paying Attention
If you were totally zoned out, you might describe yourself as being “out to lunch.” It didn’t literally mean that you were getting a sandwich, but instead, it just showed other people that you were in a daze and off in your own world. The modern equivalent of it would be saying that your “head is in the clouds.”
Just Right
You’d say things were “peachy keen” when things were going just right. It was a phrase that told everyone that things in your life were going pretty sweetly. Unfortunately, our language has become a lot simpler over the years, meaning that saying you’re “all good” is a lot more normal now, even though it doesn’t have the same charm.
Your Clothes
Back when how you dressed was just as important as what you said, talking about your “threads” meant you were talking about your style and how your clothes made a statement. Today, the word “threads” seems a little outdated. Most people will talk about their “outfit” or “gear” instead.
Being a Downer
Nobody likes being around a downer, and we’d use the phrase “wet blanket” to talk about someone who was constantly raining on everyone’s parade. It was a way to tell people to lighten up and enjoy the fun. It’s not as popular of a phrase anymore because we’re a little more accepting of people’s opinions and perspectives on life.
A Good Connection
When you really connected with something or enjoyed it, you’d say that you “dig” it. You’d use it to describe a catchy song that you were really feeling or maybe an absolutely killer movie. Today, most people prefer to be more direct by saying they’re “into it” or even just a simple “love it.”
No Troubles
The ‘50s and ‘60s were really a time about loving life, and “hunky dory” was another phrase that showed this. It meant that everything was going great and better than just fine, letting everyone know how wonderfully you were doing. It’s unclear where this phrase actually came from, although it could’ve come from Japanese.
Super Cool
Saying something was “the cat’s pajamas” was the same as saying it was “the bee’s knees.” There are actually a ton of similar phrases that came about during the 1920s, like “the snake’s hips” or “the monkey’s eyebrows.” We’re not sure why people loved talking about animal body parts in this way, but it was definitely an interesting approach to language.
Not So Great
Of course, there were also plenty of phrases to describe the days when things weren’t so great, like “bummed out.” This phrase described that feeling of being let down or generally just not feeling good. Although you might still hear people using “bummed out,” most of the time, people would rather be more open and say they’re “sad” or “upset.”
Completely Mind-Blowing
Like the phrase “groovy,” “far out” is one of those ones that sounds just so ‘60s. We’d use it to talk about something that really blew our minds or amazed us. It’s not as popular anymore because most people prefer to speak a little more simply by saying it’s “mind-blowing” or just “astonishing.”
Too Wild
Plenty of crazy things happened in the ’50s and ’60s, and you could say that they “flipped your lid.” This phrase describes those moments when your emotions just boil over, for better or for worse. We don’t really have an equivalent phrase today, as “freak out” and “lose it” are more negative.
Heading Out
“Take a powder” was a way to describe someone who was leaving, usually in a hurry or to avoid trouble. They were either slipping out quietly or trying to disappear before things got too heated. A lot of people might not understand this one today, especially since there isn’t a modern version of this phrase.
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