Groovy or Gross?: 18 1960’s Sayings That Are Outdated Today
The 1960s were a time for bell bottoms, lava lamps, tie-dye shirts, the sensationalized Barbie, and Neil Armstrong walking on the moon. It was a decade of innovation, transformation, and cultural, political, and social upheaval. It was a decade that challenged what the “norm” was and pushed the boundaries on nearly everything. The 1960s were an era of groovy happenings.
Don’t know what that means? Don’t worry! That’s what we’re talking about today. We’re diving deep into 1960s sayings that you shouldn’t say today. So get ready to take some notes because these 60’s sayings are not something the world is “digging” anymore.
1. Boob tube.
In the 1960’s era, “boob” was a term that meant a fool. Watching television was quickly determined to be a mindless activity that was suggested to make viewers dumb, hence the name boob tube was born. It’s a slang term that most of the world nowadays wouldn’t know the meaning of.
2024 word for “boob tube”: television, T.V., screens.
2. Freak out.
“Freak out” in the 1960s meant to show a strong emotional reaction about something. It could have been someone losing control or having extreme panic or excitement. Now, we know that using this term can be offensive. Greater cultural awareness determined that it wasn’t appropriate anymore to use the slang “freak out” to describe someone’s emotional reaction.
2024 word for “freak out”—lose it, lose your mind, go off.
3. Out of sight.
“Outta sight” was a term that people used to describe something that was amazing, impressive, and just all-around awesome. It was usually used in a really positive and enthusiastic way. It’s just one of the ways people from this decade celebrated life and all the excitement that it brought, regardless of how big or small it was.
2024 word for “outta sight”: amazing, awesome, fantastic.
4. Hip.
People in the 1960s used the word “hip” to describe something cool, stylish, up-to-date and/or in the know. It could be used to describe a person who was in tune with progressive attitudes and had an awareness of social issues. Being “hip” was something many strived for.
2024 word for “hip”—trendy, in.
5. Bean wagon.
Bean Wagon is what people in the 1960s called an inexpensive place to eat. It could also be used to describe a food truck.
2024 word for “bean wagon”—food truck, food van.
6. Sponge.
People in the 1960s used the term “sponge” to describe a person who was a freeloader. It described someone who relied on others without contributing anything in return. The term carried a negative connotation and made it seem like the person being called the sponge was often seen as taking advantage of the person supporting them.
2024 word for “sponge”: moocher, leech, freeloader.
7. Happenin’.
The word happenin’ was a term that people used in the 1960s to describe something really cool or exciting. The modern word for it is “lit.” So while our parties are “lit,” the 60’s ones were “happenin’.”.
2024 word for “happenin'”—lit, on point.
8. Far out.
“Far out” was a way that people in the 60’s described something strange, extraordinary, and impressive. It could be used to talk about a party, a new song, a shirt, or anything else that was out of the ordinary.
2024 word for “far out”—mind-blowing, next-level.
9. Five-finger discount.
In the 1960’s, if someone shared that they got a five-finger discount on an item, it meant that they stole it. Typically the items that got the five-finger discount were small and handheld.
2024 word for “five finger discount”: jack, steal.
10. Groovy.
Groovy was the word that people used in the 1960’s era to describe things that were cool, pleasing, hip, and all-around wonderful. Groovy encapsulated what the 1960s era was all about. It could be used for nearly anything. Clothing, songs, people, etc.
2024 word for “groovy”—cool or awesome.
11. Gimme some skin.
“Gimme some skin” was a popular way of saying give me a handshake, fist bump, or high five in the 60’s.
2024 way of saying “gimme some”skin”—high-five?
12. Dig it.
To “dig” something meant something very different in the 1960’s era. It was used to describe enthusiastic approval about something. It signified a happy agreement about something.
2024 way of saying “dig it”—get it, into it.
13. Going steady.
In the 1960’s, going steady was used to describe someone who was in a relationship with one special person. It signified a steady, fairly serious relationship.
2024 way of saying “going steady”—in a relationship, exclusive.
14. Cool cat.
The term “cool cat” was born from jazz culture. It was a term that people used for someone who was really, really cool. It signified someone stylish, had good vibes, and was just so cool.
2024 way of saying “cool cat”—cool person, chill person.
15. Bippy.
“Bippy” was a stand-in for “butt” or “a$$” in the hippie-loving decade.
2024 word for “bippy”: butt, behind, dereirer.
16. The man.
In the 1960s, people used the term “the man” to describe the government or a person in authoritative power.
2024 word for “the”man”—the system.
17. Flip your wig.
If you had a strong emotional response to something in the 60’s, someone might have told you to not “flip your wig!”. This term conveyed a dramatic reply to something that could be considered undeserving of such a response.
2024 term for “flip your”wig”—lose your mind, freak out, go nuts.
18. Lay it on me.
“Lay it on me” was a casual way of asking someone what they were thinking about. It was a way of inviting others to share their thoughts and could even spark a conversation.
The Takeaway
While the 1960’s were an unforgettable decade that changed the world at its’ core, they were also a time for some gross sayings that you should not be still using. The “five-finger discount” isn’t an accepted term, nor is “gimme some skin” or “flip your wig.” Though these were fun and catchy in the flower power decade, it would be best to switch to something more modern and acceptable for today’s conversations.
