Ah, the days of bell bottoms, peace signs, and the rise of cool lingo that we all thought was the height of sophistication. If you grew up in the 60s and 70s, there were some words and phrases that we tossed around like candy at a parade. They were fun at the time, expressing everything from approval to disbelief, and they made us feel so connected to our generation. But let’s be real—some of that slang didn’t exactly age well. In fact, a lot of it makes us sound like we’re still stuck in the psychedelic haze of Woodstock when we say it now. So, let’s have some fun with it and take a trip down memory lane, but also, let’s admit it’s time to retire these outdated gems from our vocabulary.
1. “Groovy”
When you think of the 60s and 70s, “groovy” is probably one of the first words that comes to mind, right? It was the go-to term for anything that was cool or just downright impressive. But nowadays, “groovy” just sounds like an old-timey relic, something you’d expect to hear in a black-and-white movie or from a character trying way too hard to be retro. Back in the day, it captured the carefree spirit of the times, but today it has the opposite effect. Instead of sounding cool, it makes you sound like a dad trying to be hip at a family BBQ.
You might catch yourself saying it when you hear a good song or see something impressive, but let’s face it, “groovy” doesn’t hold the same weight anymore. It’s like that embarrassing sweater your mom still insists on wearing because she thinks it’s fashionable—well-meaning, but out of touch with the times.
2. “Far Out”
“Far out” was that word you used when something really blew your mind. It’s the kind of thing you’d say when you heard a new song that was beyond amazing or witnessed something that was truly spectacular. But let’s be honest, today it sounds less like you’re speaking from the heart and more like you’re stuck in a time capsule. When was the last time you heard someone genuinely say “far out” without a trace of sarcasm or irony?
The phrase had its day in the sun, but it hasn’t aged well. Instead of feeling fresh and spontaneous, it now feels like an over-the-top exclamation from a time that was a little more carefree but also a bit overly dramatic. So unless you’re quoting a vintage movie or trying to make someone laugh, maybe it’s best to leave “far out” behind.
3. “Outta Sight”
You couldn’t go a day without hearing “outta sight” used to express how cool or impressive something was. It was the perfect phrase for anything that was too good to be true—whether it was a band, an outfit, or an experience. However, today, saying something is “outta sight” just makes you sound, well, out of touch. It’s hard to take someone seriously when they pull this one out of their bag of tricks.
The phrase itself has been so overused and so firmly tied to the era of flower power that it now feels like a cheesy throwback rather than a genuine expression of enthusiasm. Just like your old record collection, this one might be better left gathering dust.
4. “Can You Dig It?”
“Can you dig it?” was one of those phrases that made you feel like part of an exclusive, cool club. It was all about finding your tribe and making sure everyone was on the same wavelength. But today, if you ask someone, “Can you dig it?” they’re more likely to stare at you blankly than offer an enthusiastic “yeah, man.”
The phrase’s 60s roots are too obvious to be used without a laugh. It’s as if you’re trying to resurrect a dead trend instead of connecting in a meaningful way. Try to imagine saying it at a family gathering—chances are, you’d be met with some raised eyebrows and a few “What did you just say?” looks.
5. “Bummer”
“Bummer” was the go-to word to express disappointment or frustration. It covered everything from missing out on a concert to realizing you lost your wallet. But today, it feels so outdated, like something a kid would say in a cartoon from the 70s. It just doesn’t have the same punch anymore.
While it may have been a simple, quick way to express frustration back then, using “bummer” today just doesn’t do the trick. It’s a word that lacks the weight of modern exclamations. If you say it now, people might think you’re stuck in the past—so maybe it’s time to retire this one for good.
6. “What’s Your Bag?”
Used to ask someone about their interests, their “thing,” or just what was going on in their life, “What’s your bag?” was a way of showing you cared—while still sounding cool. But if you try to use this phrase today, you’re likely to be met with a confused stare, or worse, a chuckle at how silly it sounds.
Today, the phrase feels more like something a quirky uncle would say at a family reunion than a term of endearment. It’s just too tied to the 60s, and unless you’re on a vintage TV show, it’s best left out of your conversations.
7. “Funky”
“Funky” used to describe music, fashion, or anything that was just a little bit out there—something bold and unique. But in today’s world, “funky” sounds more like it’s describing a smell than a state of mind. While it was a great way to praise something cool back in the day, it now just feels like it’s trying too hard to sound “authentic.”
Sure, it had its moment, especially in the world of music, but nowadays, “funky” doesn’t have the same rebellious edge. It’s more likely to make people think of an old record collection or someone trying a little too hard to relive their youth. Time to let this one go and look for something a little less “frozen in time.”
8. “Jive Turkey”
Calling someone a “jive turkey” was once the ultimate in putting someone down with style. It was a sassy way to call someone foolish or fake, and it definitely had its place in the slang lexicon of the time. But today? It’s just downright ridiculous.
If you use “jive turkey” today, you might as well be wearing a neon jumpsuit and telling someone to “take a chill pill.” It’s one of those phrases that’s so tied to a specific era that it’s impossible to say it without sounding like you’re trying way too hard to be cool. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be called a “jive turkey,” and frankly, nobody wants to be the one saying it either.
9. “You’re a Real Drag”
“You’re a real drag” was the insult of the day when someone was acting down or not living up to expectations. It worked well to express that someone or something was a major disappointment. But today, calling someone a “drag” sounds as dated as a 45 rpm record.
The phrase itself was once a way to express frustration, but it now feels overly dramatic and completely out of step with the way we communicate today. If you find yourself using it, it’s time to give your vocabulary a 21st-century update. Nobody wants to be called a “drag,” and even less so by someone who’s still using that kind of outdated slang.
10. “Right On!”
“Right on!” was the quintessential exclamation of agreement back in the day. Whether you were talking about a great idea, a great band, or just a great time, “right on!” was your go-to phrase. But today, it just sounds like you’re trying to pump yourself up in a way that’s no longer relatable.
Instead of sounding energetic and supportive, “right on!” today feels like a distant echo from a time when everything seemed more carefree. It doesn’t resonate the same way it did, and it’s time to let go of this one and find a more modern way to express your approval.
11. “Outta Here”
Saying “outta here” was the perfect way to announce your departure in a dramatic way. It was an easy way to let people know you were done with a situation, but today it feels like you’re just looking for attention. The phrase has aged poorly, and it’s hard to take it seriously now.
Instead of sounding bold and confident, “outta here” makes you sound more like someone trying too hard to be noticed. If you’re about to leave a conversation or a room, you can probably do better than that. There’s no need to announce it with such a dated catchphrase.
12. “Sock It To Me”
“Sock it to me” was one of those phrases that was full of energy and attitude. You’d say it when you were ready to experience something intense or exciting. But today, it sounds like something your grandparent might say as they try to join in on a modern conversation.
The phrase doesn’t carry the same enthusiasm it once did. Instead, it feels forced and outdated. If you really want to show excitement, try something a little more current and less likely to make people cringe.
13. “Dig It”
“Dig it” was the classic way to say that you understood or agreed with something. But today, it’s one of those phrases that immediately places you in a specific time—one that’s decades past. Saying “dig it” might make you sound like you’re trying to relive the past, but the truth is, it doesn’t have the same vibe it once did.
If you say “dig it”
today, you might as well be giving yourself away as a time traveler who just landed in the 21st century. Maybe it’s time to just “get it” without needing to verbalize it in such an outdated way.
14. “Beat Feet”
Telling someone to “beat feet” was a way of saying they needed to leave quickly. It was fast, fun, and often accompanied by a sense of urgency. But let’s face it, “beat feet” today just sounds like something out of a 70s sitcom. The phrase itself feels so disconnected from how we talk now, especially since it’s now associated with a time when we had very different expressions of urgency.
Instead of sounding quick-witted, it now sounds almost cartoonish. You might as well be saying “skedaddle” or “hightail it.” If you really want to tell someone to leave quickly, just be direct. No need for the old-timey lingo.
Some phrases from the past will always hold a special place in our hearts, but others? Well, they belong back in the past where they came from. The world has changed, and language has evolved with it. Let’s leave some of these behind and move forward with the times.
