TALKIN' THE TALK
Master Your Slang: 10 Expressions That Shaped The English Language
Published on August 21, 2024
Image: Aleksandr Popov
Fashions are always changing, and everyday language is no exception to this rule. Have you listened to teenagers talk lately? Their vocabulary is full of words we don't quite understand. But come on, we did it too: every decade has had its own set of slang words and expressions. Have you ever said "Bread," "Radical," or "Talk to the hand"? Today, we'll look back at 10 slang words and expressions that have defined each decade from the 1930s to today! Let's "chillax" and read!
1930s- I'll be a monkey's uncle
Image: Nathan Bingle
This phrase originated in the early 20th century but reached its peak popularity in the 1930s. What does a monkey have to do with your uncle or with being surprised? Well, those are some of the questions that have come to mind because "I'll be a monkey's uncle" was used to express great surprise, as if to say, "I can't believe this!"
And wait until you hear its origin. The expression is believed to have arisen in response to Charles Darwin's theory of human evolution! Someone very shocked-and probably not understanding Darwin's proposal- might have said, "Well, if humans and apes are related, then I'll be a monkey's uncle!"
1940s- Smooch
Image: Tim Mossholder
Fortunately, we have thousands of ways to express affection to those we love, and giving a "smooch" is one of them.
The origins of the slang "smooch" are disputed, but it is believed to have emerged sometime before the 1940s in America, appearing as an onomatopoeic imitation of the sound an affectionate kiss makes. Other sources suggest that the term arises from an adaptation of the British English dialectal verb "to smouch," meaning to kiss.
In general, this slang expresses much love and care. So, have you "smooched" today?
1950s- Ankle biter
Image: Alexander Dummer
While this expression may seem like the title of a horror movie or the name of some strange insect that lives in the jungle, its actual meaning is much cuter than that.
"Ankle bitter" rose to popularity in the 1950s to refer to toddlers. It makes sense: they are just starting to walk, and they're still tiny, very close to the floor, and, well, also close to our ankles.
As time went by, the expression also began to be used to refer to another type of creature that can get close to - and literally bite - our ankles: that's right, puppies!
1960s- Bread
Image: Pepi Stojanovski
Have you ever been ready to pay for something and suddenly realized you didn't have any "bread"? What? Wait, let us explain.
While it appeared for the first time many years earlier, the term "bread" became popular in the 1960s, particularly among young people, to refer to cash or money in general.
Many sources suggest that the term originated from an association between money as a primary means of subsistence and bread as the basic food. While it's still used, it's not as widespread as it once was.
1970s- Jive Turkey
Image: Edilson Borges
If someone tells you a story that is too good to be true, you've probably encountered a "jive turkey."
Originated in African-American Vernacular English and popularized in the 1970s, this expression is used to describe someone who is not entirely honest, cheats to get what they want, makes empty promises, or someone who just says things that aren't totally true.
The term "jive" had already been slang in its own right for a few decades and was used to describe people who were frivolous or simply deceitful. The 1970s came along to give some more charm and humor to the expression. Thus, the word "turkey" was added. Does any jive turkey come to mind?
1980s- Radical
Image: Isai Ramos
Besides spandex, big hairstyles, and neon colors, the 80s had a good variety of slang terms, many of which survive to this day.
One of the most popular slang words of those years was "radical." The term initially gained popularity among surfers and skateboarders in the California area, who used it to describe something too cool, awesome, or impressive, like a "radical wave."
Over time, the expression transcended the sport and started popping up everywhere.
1990s- Talk to the hand
Image: Zan Lazarevic
If there is something more nineties than grunge and low-rise pants, it is this slang phrase.
"Talk to the hand" was a popular saying among 90s youth, particularly associated with the stereotypical "cheerleader girl" style. However, with the term appearing in many popular movies and sitcoms of the time, it gained ground in popular culture.
When someone responded, "Talk to the hand," it basically meant they didn't care what you had to say or that they weren't going to listen. If you plan to use this expression, remember the most important part: you must accompany it with the classic raised hand gesture.
2000s- Bling
Image: Brian Lundquist
But it's not only movies and TV that influence the way we talk; music does, too. So it was back in the late 1990s and early 2000s when hip-hop culture gave birth to the term "bling," remember?
"Bling" (or "bling-bling" if you were really cool) was slang for jewelry. But not just any jewelry; the term specifically referred to the big, shiny pieces typical among popular rappers and hip-hop artists of the time. In fact, the expression is also found in the titles and lyrics of many of their songs.
As time went by -and as it usually happens- the word expanded its meaning to refer to an ostentatious or luxurious lifestyle. The fame of "bling" was such that it was eventually added to many dictionaries.
2010s- Bae
Image: Oziel Gómez
For several years now, another significant factor has been shaping our lexicon: social media. If you were online in the 2010s, you definitely read or heard the term "bae."
This slang expression has two theories about its origins: the first claims that the word arises as a short form of "babe" or "baby." The second holds that "bae" means "before anyone else." As you might guess, the expression refers to a significant other, such as a boyfriend or girlfriend.
The term is believed to have originated specifically on Twitter (now "X"), following a viral tweet that used it.
2020s- No cap
Image: Kilyan Sockalingum
This term has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, being present in music, Instagram, and TikTok.
When someone says something like "I'm serious, no cap," it means they're stating the truth or being honest. On the other hand, when the expression is just "cap," it implies the opposite, a lie or exaggeration, such as "They say he's the greatest quarterback ever, but that's cap."
Some theories propose the term originates from the gesture of removing your hat or cap as a sign of respect and authenticity. Would you use it?
