Totally Rad: 10 Iconic 90s Slang Phrases That Defined the Decade
The 90s was a time of vibrant fashion, iconic music, and a language all its own. From the rise of grunge to the golden era of hip-hop, the 90s brought us a plethora of slang words and phrases that quickly became a part of everyday conversation.
In this listicle, we’ll take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore 10 iconic 90s slang phrases that defined the decade. So, put on your flannel shirt and crank up the boombox, because we’re about to get jiggy with it!
- “As If!” Popularized by the 1995 teen comedy film “Clueless,” this dismissive phrase became a staple among the cool kids. Used to express disbelief or to mock someone’s outlandish statement, “As if!” perfectly captured the sarcastic and carefree spirit of the 90s.
- “Talk to the Hand” An iconic phrase that became a gesture, “Talk to the hand” was the ultimate comeback. It was a way of shutting someone down or dismissing their opinion. The phrase exemplified the era’s attitude of confidence and independence.
- “All That and a Bag of Chips” Used to describe something or someone who was exceptionally cool, talented, or attractive, this phrase was all about expressing admiration. If someone had it all, they were “all that and a bag of chips,” conveying a sense of awe and admiration.
- “Fly” This term was used to describe someone who was stylish, fashionable, or attractive. If you were rocking the latest trends and had the right attitude, you were considered “fly.” From fashion to music, being “fly” was the ultimate goal.
- “Phat” Originating from hip-hop culture, “phat” was an alternative way of saying something was excellent, great, or impressive. It stood for “Pretty Hot and Tempting” and was commonly used to describe music, parties, or anything that was considered cool.
- “Wazzup!” Thanks to a popular Budweiser commercial, this catchy phrase became a nationwide phenomenon. “Wazzup!” was a casual greeting used to check in with friends or to simply say hello. It embodied the friendly and laid-back vibe of the 90s.
- “Booyah” An exclamation of triumph or victory, “booyah” was often shouted in moments of excitement. Whether it was acing a test or nailing a dance move, this slang phrase was all about celebrating accomplishments and showing off that 90s swagger.
- “Da Bomb” Used to describe something that was amazing or of high quality, “da bomb” was a phrase that conveyed enthusiasm and approval. From food to fashion, if it was exceptional, it was “da bomb.”
- “Chillin’ Like a Villain” This phrase represented the laid-back attitude of the 90s. When you were “chillin’ like a villain,” you were relaxed and unworried, just enjoying life. It became synonymous with a carefree lifestyle and the desire to have a good time.
- “Talkin’ Smack” When someone was “talkin’ smack,” they were engaging in playful or boastful trash talk. This phrase was often used during friendly competitions or heated debates, adding an element of humor and bravado to conversations.
The 90s brought us an array of memorable slang phrases that continue to evoke nostalgia to this day. These words and expressions captured the unique spirit of the decade, from the sarcastic wit of “As if!” to the celebratory “Booyah!” and the laid-back vibes of “Chillin’ like a villain.”
So, next time you’re feeling nostalgic, why not incorporate some 90s slang into your conversations and bring back a touch of that totally rad era?
