Popular slang words of the 1980s

Each generation has different things that define them. Apart from fashion and music, slang is definitely one thing that is unique to each decade. 

Let's look at slang terms that were popular in the 1980s, courtesy of some of our listeners and babbel. 

Gag me with a spoon! 

This term meant, "That’s disgusting!". 

TAKE PART IN THE 80S SONG POLL: What's your favourite pop song of the 1980s?

Kiff 

This is a South African slang word (also spelt 'kief') and it means good or nice or cool.

Gnarly

This slang word meant amazing, awesome or disgusting. 

Eat my shorts

Who doesn't remember The Simpsons! This phrase was regularly said by Bart Simpson from 1989. The words were used to tell someone to go away or to stop bothering you. 

Homeboy/homegirl

Even until this day, the two terms are still being used and they refer to someone who grew up in the same town as you. 

Veg out

To veg out meant to relax and do nothing. 

Wannabe

This slang term is still being used today and means someone who wants to be something else. 

What are some words you used back in the 1980s? On our Facebook page, Martina Martin said she used to say, "cool beans", while Paul Chantler used "kiff" and  Gayle-anne Hart recalls saying 'jeepers creepers". 

Fast forward a few years to the 1990s, and Mark Volker gave us this pearl of a line - which he says was Cape Town 90s slang between the surfers! "Dude that wave was such a lank kiff ride." 

READ: Famous musicians who died in the 80s

For loads of fantastic 60s, 70s, and 80s classics, listen to East Coast Gold via the ECR app or here. 

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