1950s

/DAD-ee-oh/

Cool guy; friend

Origin: Beat/jazz culture

"Hey, daddy-o, what's the haps?"

/kat/

A person, esp. a cool one

Origin: Jazz slang from 1920s

"That cat can really play sax."

/kool/

Excellent; calm

Origin: Beat/jazz 1940s–50s

"That's real cool, man."

/skwair/

Boring, conventional person

Origin: Jazz musicians' term

"Don't be such a square."

/KROO-zin fer uh BROO-zin/

Asking for trouble

Origin: 1950s American teen slang

"Keep it up and you're cruisin' for a bruisin'."

/GREE-suhr/

Working-class kid with slicked hair

Origin: 1950s American

"A pack of greasers hung out at the malt shop."

/mayd in thuh shayd/

Set for life; easy success

Origin: 1950s American

"Win that scholarship and you're made in the shade."

/thredz/

Clothes

Origin: Jazz/beat 1950s

"Nice threads, daddy-o."

/PASH-uhn pit/

Drive-in movie theater

Origin: 1950s teen slang

"Take her to the passion pit."

/ANG-kuhl BY-ter/

A person who is small or particularly annoying, often used to describe a younger sibling or a pest.

Origin: 1950s American colloquialism referring to small dogs or children who nip at ankles.

"If he doesn't stop acting like a knucklehead, he's going to get an ankle-biter."

/FLAYK out/

To collapse from exhaustion or to fall asleep.

Origin: Post-WWII military slang that moved into the general youth lexicon by the early 50s.

"I'm going to flake out early tonight because we have the big game tomorrow."

/CHAIR-ee/

In pristine, mint condition, usually referring to a customized car.

Origin: Hot rod culture, comparing a perfect car to the ripeness of a cherry.

"Look at those chrome-plated hubcaps; that ride is real cherry!"

/thuh BIG FREEZ/

A cold shoulder or a complete social snub.

Origin: 1950s social slang derived from the literal act of freezing someone out.

"I tried to ask her to the prom, but I got the big freeze."

/KUK-in/

Going well, performing brilliantly, or being very exciting.

Origin: Early 1950s jazz scene, referring to the 'heat' of a good performance.

"That new jazz record is really cookin'."

/WET RAG/

A person who ruins the fun or lacks a sense of enthusiasm.

Origin: Variation of 'wet blanket,' popularized in 1950s high schools.

"That guy is such a wet rag, he never wants to go to the drag strip."

/HIT thuh DY-jest/

To look around or survey a scene.

Origin: Reference to 'Readers Digest,' meaning to get the quick summary of a situation.

"I'm going to hit the digest and see what's happening at the soda shop."

/GOOF/

A silly, eccentric, or stupid person.

Origin: Derived from 'goofy,' popularized by Disney but adopted by 50s youth to describe social outcasts.

"If you keep acting like a goof, you're going to get suspended."

/HAY/

A casual greeting or a way to get someone's attention.

Origin: Standard American informal greeting that saw heavy usage in mid-century pop culture.

"Hey, let's head to the malt shop and see who's there."

/BRED/

Money.

Origin: Jazz and beatnik slang from the early 50s, equating the 'staff of life' with currency.

"I need to get some bread if I'm going to take Sally to the movies."

/ray-dee-oh-AK-tiv/

Extremely popular, trendy, or 'hot' in a social sense.

Origin: Reflecting the Atomic Age obsession with radiation and nuclear power.

"That leather jacket is radioactive, man!"

/TWICH-ee/

Nervous, anxious, or acting in a jittery manner.

Origin: 1950s descriptors for 'nervous' types before the term 'stressed' was common.

"Stop being so twitchy and just ask her to dance."

/HEV-ee DAYT/

A very important or serious romantic outing.

Origin: Dating culture slang emphasizing the weight or significance of the event.

"I've got a heavy date with the prom queen this Saturday."

/KYOOBZ/

Individuals who are extremely square or conventional (literally, a 'square' cubed).

Origin: An intensification of the term 'square,' used by more rebellious youth.

"Check out the cubes on that guy; he thinks he's a real brain."

/PEE-chee KEEN/

Absolutely wonderful or perfect.

Origin: 1950s teen-girl slang, blending 'peachy' with 'keen.'

"Everything is peachy keen now that the exams are over."

/HIT thuh HAY/

To go to sleep.

Origin: Older rural origin that became standard domestic slang in the 1950s.

"I'm going to hit the hay so I can wake up early for the car show."

/DREEM-boht/

An incredibly attractive person, usually male.

Origin: 1940s-50s Hollywood influence, suggesting someone you'd dream about on a boat.

"That singer is a real dreamboat."

/NUK-uhl DOWN/

To apply oneself seriously to a task or work hard.

Origin: Derived from the game of marbles where players put their knuckles on the ground.

"I had to knuckle down to pass my chemistry final."

/HAV ay KOW/

To become overly excited, angry, or upset.

Origin: Mid-50s youth slang, later popularized again by the Simpsons but rooted in this era.

"Don't have a cow, I'll have the car back by eleven!"

/BIG MAN on KAM-pus/

An arrogant student who thinks they are more important than others.

Origin: College and high school slang shortened to BMOC.

"He's always acting like a big man on campus just because he has a letterman jacket."

/FOSS-uhls/

Parents or older people who are out of touch with youth culture.

Origin: Teenage slang suggesting that the older generation is 'extinct' or prehistoric.

"Check out the fossils at the PTA meeting."

/SKRACH/

Money, specifically small amounts of pocket change.

Origin: 19th-century term that saw a resurgence in 1950s street slang.

"I don't have any scratch to buy the new Elvis record."

/BURD-dog/

To steal someone else's date or pursue someone else's romantic interest.

Origin: Hunting term for dogs that track birds, applied to social 'tracking.'

"I'm going to bird-dog his girlfriend while he's away at camp."

/KLASS-ee SHAS-ee/

A compliment regarding a woman’s figure or a car's body.

Origin: Hot rod term applied to women, reflecting the era's car-centric culture.

"That's a real classy chassis you've got there, Miss Miller."

/BLAST/

An exceptionally good time or a great party.

Origin: Early 1950s, possibly from the 'blast' of a horn or an explosion.

"We're going to have a blast at the beach party!"

/PAR-tee POOP-er/

A person who dampens the fun at a social gathering.

Origin: Late 1940s/early 1950s, 'poop' meaning to tire out or exhaust.

"Why are you being such a party pooper? Join the dance!"

/SHAYDZ/

Sunglasses.

Origin: Jazz musician slang from the late 40s that went mainstream in the 50s.

"I need to get some new shades before we go to the lake."

/BICH-in/

Excellent, high quality, or very attractive (not considered a swear at the time).

Origin: California surf/car culture in the late 50s.

"She's real bitchen in that poodle skirt."

/RAT-ling/

To talk incessantly or spread rumors.

Origin: Comparing talking to the mindless sound of something rattling.

"Quit your rattling, I'm trying to listen to the radio."

/PAY-per SHAY-ker/

A white-collar office worker or someone with a 'boring' desk job.

Origin: Blue-collar youth slang for those who worked in offices.

"He's a paper shaker who doesn't know how to work a real job."

/BURN RUB-er/

To accelerate a car rapidly so the tires spin and smoke.

Origin: Drag racing culture of the mid-50s.

"Let's go burn rubber on the backroad."

/DRAG/

Something that is boring, disappointing, or tedious.

Origin: Jazz slang for a slow, dull piece of music, adopted by teens for boredom.

"That movie was a total drag."

/SWET it/

Don't worry about it; don't be concerned.

Origin: Derived from the physical manifestation of anxiety (sweating).

"Don't sweat it, the teacher didn't see you."

/BUZ/

To give someone a telephone call.

Origin: The buzzing sound of early telephone ringers.

"Give me a buzz when you get home from the game."

/NOSH/

Food or a small snack.

Origin: Yiddish 'nashen,' which became popular in New York and spread via media.

"After the movie, let's go to the sub shop and get some nosh."

/NUK-uhl-hed/

A slow-witted or foolish person.

Origin: 1940s military slang that became a common parental and peer insult in the 50s.

"That guy is such a knuckle-head, he forgot his own birthday."

/SPLIT/

To leave or depart quickly.

Origin: Beatnik and jazz slang, implying a forceful departure.

"I'm going to split this scene before the cops arrive."

/thuh MOSTE/

The best, the ultimate, or incredibly stylish.

Origin: Superlative slang popular with 'bobby-soxers' and early rock fans.

"That outfit is the most, especially with those shoes!"

/HEEP/

An old, unreliable, or dilapidated car.

Origin: Referring to a 'heap of junk,' common among car-obsessed 50s teens.

"That car is a real heap, I don't know how it still runs."

/LAY-ter GAY-ter/

A rhyming way to say goodbye.

Origin: Popularized by Bill Haley & His Comets' song 'See You Later, Alligator' in 1956.

"Later, gator! See you at the hop!"

/GIN-chee/

Attractive, excellent, or very appealing

Origin: 1950s teen slang, possibly from 'pinch'

"That new hairdo is real ginchy, doll."

/NOH-wair/

Dull, mediocre, or inferior

Origin: 1950s beatnik slang contrasting 'somewhere' cool people

"That party was strictly nowhere."

/KUT owt/

To leave a place quickly

Origin: 1950s teen slang

"This party's a drag, let's cut out."

/PEEL owt/

To drive away rapidly, spinning the tires

Origin: Hot rod culture of the 1950s

"He peeled out of the parking lot when he saw the principal."

/ANG-kul/

To walk away or leave on foot

Origin: Hollywood gossip columns of the 1940s–50s

"She ankled out of the diner without saying goodbye."

/FLIP/

To become extremely excited or to go crazy

Origin: 1950s youth slang short for 'flip your lid'

"She's going to flip when she hears that Elvis is coming to town."

/DROO-pee DRAWRZ/

An unenthusiastic or slow person

Origin: 1950s American schoolyard slang

"Come on, droopy drawers, we'll be late to the hop."

/KUT thuh CHEEZ/

To flatulate; to do something embarrassing

Origin: 1950s juvenile humor slang

"Someone cut the cheese at the dance and everybody froze."

/FAB/

Fabulous; outstanding

Origin: Short for 'fabulous,' popularized in the late 1950s

"That new rock and roll record is completely fab."

/JUNG-gul JOOS/

A homemade or improvised alcoholic punch

Origin: WWII military slang that carried into 1950s teen parties

"Someone spiked the jungle juice at the sock hop."

/KOL-ur/

To catch or grab someone

Origin: Police and detective slang absorbed into 1950s teen vernacular

"The coach collared him before he could skip class."

/KLAM up/

To stop talking; to go silent

Origin: 1940s–50s American slang comparing closed lips to a clamshell

"He clammed up when the principal walked in."

/MOP/

A great haircut or hairstyle

Origin: 1950s British slang that crossed the Atlantic via rock and roll

"That mop of yours is real sharp, daddy-o."

/BOPT/

Hit, punched, or struck

Origin: 1950s street gang slang

"He got bopped for mouthing off to the wrong greaser."

/HEP kat/

An informed, stylish, cool person

Origin: Jazz slang from the 1930s still current in 1950s vernacular

"Only a real hep cat would know that tune."

/WEELZ/

A car or any vehicle

Origin: 1950s American teen slang emphasizing freedom via automobile

"You got wheels? Let's cruise."

/LAY it on mee/

Tell me; give me the information

Origin: Jazz-influenced 1950s beatnik speak

"I heard something wild happened. Lay it on me."

/WIG owt/

To lose control; to go wild with excitement or anger

Origin: Jazz/beatnik 1950s, from 'flip your wig'

"She wigged out when she heard she made the cheerleading squad."

/GAWN/

Completely absorbed; in a state of ecstasy from music

Origin: 1950s jazz scene describing a musician deep in the groove

"The pianist was just gone during that solo."

/TOO MUCH/

Incredibly impressive or extraordinary

Origin: 1950s complimentary slang used ironically and sincerely

"That hairdo is just too much!"

/SHUK/

To deceive or fool someone

Origin: African American vernacular absorbed into 1950s teen talk

"Don't let him shuck you into paying double."

/NOH-wair KAT/

A totally uncool, dull person

Origin: Combination of beatnik terms 'nowhere' and 'cat'

"He's a nowhere cat who wouldn't know jazz from jive."

/ROHLD/

Robbed, especially while vulnerable

Origin: Street slang popular in 1950s urban environments

"He got rolled walking home from the malt shop."

/SOL-id/

Agreed; excellent; certain

Origin: Swing era affirmation carried into 1950s

"Solid, man, I'll meet you at the drive-in at eight."

/MOWS/

A black eye or bruise from a fight

Origin: 1950s street and boxing slang

"He came home with a mouse under his left eye."

/DIG/

To understand or appreciate something

Origin: Jazz slang from the 1940s in mainstream 1950s use

"Do you dig what I'm laying down?"

/on thuh LAM/

Running from the law or hiding from authorities

Origin: 1920s criminal slang still in wide use in the 50s

"After the rumble he was on the lam for a week."

/BOP/

A dance; also to hit someone

Origin: Evolved from bebop jazz, meaning any upbeat dance by the 1950s

"Let's bop at the rec center tonight."

/CHIK/

A young woman

Origin: Jazz slang from the 1940s widely used in the 1950s

"That chick can really cut a rug."

/STAKT/

Very attractive, particularly describing a woman's figure

Origin: 1950s American slang drawing on architectural metaphor

"She was really stacked, all the guys noticed."

/WAY owt/

Bizarre, eccentric, or beyond the norm

Origin: Jazz beatnik term for unconventional artistic expression

"His paintings are way out, but I kind of dig them."

/KEEN/

Attractive, smart, or excellent

Origin: Early 20th-century Americanism popular in 1950s teen speech

"That new English teacher is really keen."

/DULZ-vil/

An extremely boring place or situation

Origin: 1950s slang adding '-ville' suffix to signify a state or place

"This town is strictly Dullsville on weekends."

/FLIP yor LID/

To go crazy or lose your temper completely

Origin: 1950s American slang imagining a lid blowing off from pressure

"Mom's going to flip her lid when she sees the dent in the car."

/JOYNT/

A gathering place or establishment; a location

Origin: 1920s–40s slang fully integrated into 1950s teen vernacular

"This joint really swings on Saturday nights."

/RAK/

A bed; to sleep

Origin: Military slang for a bunk, carried into 1950s civilian life

"I need to hit the rack, I've got school in six hours."

/AP-ul/

A fellow; a guy (sometimes a naive one)

Origin: 1940s jazz and hipster slang

"Who's that apple trying to talk to my girl?"

/SWING-ing/

Happening; lively and exciting

Origin: Jazz terminology applied to any exciting scene or event in the 1950s

"That party last night was really swinging."

/KUK with GAS/

To be doing the right thing; to be proceeding correctly

Origin: Late 1940s–50s Americanism referencing modern gas stoves over wood

"Now you're cooking with gas! That plan might just work."

/HOWND DOG/

A person who chases after members of the opposite sex relentlessly

Origin: Popularized by Elvis Presley's 1956 hit 'Hound Dog'

"He's a total hound dog, always sniffing around the girls."

/KRAY-zee/

Wonderful; excellent (positive exclamation)

Origin: Jazz musician slang adopted by beatniks and teens in the 50s

"Man, that solo was just crazy!"

/un-REEL/

Incredibly impressive or hard to believe

Origin: 1950s teen intensifier for anything extraordinary

"That custom paint job is totally unreal."

/STOMP-urz/

Shoes or boots

Origin: 1950s teen slang from the physical act of dancing

"Nice stompers—are those new?"

/WAYL/

To perform brilliantly; to excel

Origin: Jazz term for an exceptional musical performance, adopted broadly

"That guitarist can really wail."

/SWEL/

Great; wonderful; excellent

Origin: 1930s–40s term still heavily used in 1950s mainstream America

"That's just swell—I knew you could do it!"

/GIN-chee/

Very attractive or pleasing

Origin: California teen slang of the late 1950s

"She looked ginchy in that sweater."

/JYVE/

Deceptive talk; nonsense; or a form of energetic dance

Origin: 1930s jazz slang that remained common through the 1950s

"Stop talking jive and tell me the truth."

/NOKT owt/

Greatly impressed or overwhelmed with delight

Origin: Jazz slang from the 1940s used freely in the 1950s

"I was completely knocked out by that performance."

/RUM-bul/

A gang fight or street brawl

Origin: New York gang slang of the 1950s popularized by West Side Story

"There's going to be a rumble tonight at the old warehouse."

/SPOOK/

A spy or secret agent

Origin: Cold War espionage slang current in 1950s popular culture

"He's supposedly a spook for the government."

/ENDZ-vil/

The absolute best; the ultimate

Origin: 1950s slang adding '-ville' to express superlatives

"That concert was totally Endsville!"