Who Knows the Meaning?

Would today’s teens understand these words that were popular in the 80s? What do these words or phrases mean and what would we say instead today? Keep in mind that some of them are still used, but differently than these 80s slang usages.

 

 

Word

Then (1985)

 

Awesome   

 

Today we say extremely good or excellent, and then it literally meant filled with awe!
 

Grody or Grotty

 

Disgusting or shabby; poor quality

 

Bodacious

 

Excellent, admirable, or attractive.

 

Gnarly

 

Difficult, dangerous, or challenging.

 

Gag me with a spoon

 

Showing disgust or disappointment

 

Lame

 

Boring or uncool

 

Fine

 

Now it means agreeable or ok, and in the 80s it meant attractive or looking good.

 

Wicked

 

The word was used as “excellent” in 80s slang, and now it means very bad!

 

Phat

 

Looking great! Highly attractive