COMMENTS

22 responses to “Open Thread Update: Old School Slang”

1. Why use any slang at all? What’s the point in it? Why not just converse using the actual language we were taught at home before going to school? Most people from other countries who come here to visit or live, have no idea what an American is saying when they use slang terms. They don’t use slang in orhter countries, that I remember.

   Reply to Pat

2. Two sites I recthat o use a lot to interpret slang old or new.
   Netlingo- internet dictionary
   And
   Urbandictionary
   If they don’t know it probably doesn’t exist.

   Reply to Jeffery Curren

3. I still use old old school slang phrases to mean, “That’s terrible.” The phrase comes from my grandmom.
   “That’s a burned biscuit and no butter.” I also use, “That’s the pits” from my high school days.

   Reply to GRITS

4. Wow! Thought I’d read this article to learn the meaning of some slang. Nope! Very disappointing…..

   Reply to Joan

   1. Thanks for the idea, I added definitions.

      Reply to Virge

   2. Me the same response . . . :-((( Could have been much more helpful
      Jennifer

      Reply to Jennifer H Gould

      1. definitions of the terms used have been added.

5. I STILL USE “COOL BEANS”. I THINK THAT IS THE ONLY ONE, NOW THAT I THINK OF IT, BECAUSE IT’S EASY TO REMEMBER. MOST OF THESE NEW SLANGS, I JUST SHAKE MY HEAD BECAUSE IF I TRIED TO DECIPHER WHAT WAS JUST SAID, IT WOULD NOT BE A PRETTY SIGHT.

   Reply to Kathy Walsh

6. a footnote with the definitions would’ve been nice

   Reply to Ann

   1. it’s been added!

      Reply to Virge

7. For all I know, the kid’s may use these, and I can’t think of all right now.

   “Let’s boogie”, meant let’s get out of here.
   “Get a move on”, meant let’s get going.
   “Dumped” , meant that someone broke up with you (they may still say that).
   “Smoked” (aka “killed”), meant that you got beat or outperformed by someone.
   “Head up your a**”, meant that you were clueless.
   “Drop me a line” , meant to send me a note or letter.
   “Toss”, meant to vomit.
   “Give him the slip”, meant to get away from him.

   Reply to Tammy

8. I still say “he thinks he’s hip, slick, and cool”. The response I get is usually a form of, “can I steal that “? I tell them I already stole it from when I was hip, slick, and cool

   Reply to Jean

9. Whadup, what up or watup. How do you spell some of those words is my problem?

   Reply to Connie Troupe

10. @virge I was hoping you’d tell us what the slang words mean altho I can look them up. It’s funny when Reba McIntyre says she’s learning words like “dope” on American idol. I learned a phrase I’ll never use but ilike “do me a solid” like do me a favor

    Reply to Elly

    1. As was I.

       Reply to Sharon Wolfe

11. I never understood “being ghosted”. Since 2 weekly/monthly friends were around, they all of a sudden dropped out of the face of the earth…. This , GHOSTED ‍♀️

    Reply to Colleen A Brady

12. I teach college and, while my students will use “Drink the Kool Aid,” I am 100% sure they don’t know the origin of the expression.

    Reply to Susan Behrens

13. I cannot figure out what people mean by gaslighting.

    Reply to shinam

    1. I believe it is taken from the classic film “Gaslight” with Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman. He tries everything he can to make her think she is losing her mind, so he can take advantage of her and her $.

       Reply to Janet

    2. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that makes you question your beliefs and perception of reality.
       Someone who’s gaslighting might:
       insist you said or did things you know you didn’t do
       deny or scoff at your recollection of events
       twisting or retelling events to shift blame to you
       insist they’re right and refuse to consider facts or your pespective
       Manipulate someone into questioning their own sanity
       Or powers of reason.
       *How to Recognize Gaslighting and Get Help on health line.com

       Reply to Elly

    3. Watch the fabulous move “Gaslight “ directed by George Cukor (1944). Angela Lansbury. Charles Boyer. That will explain it all. It rates 7.8 on IMDB. Com.

       Reply to Steve

       1. A trick, a bait-&-switch, not as it appears. Watch the movie someyimr