1960s

/GROO-vee/

Wonderful; cool

Origin: Jazz 1930s, hippie revival 60s

"That song is so groovy."

/FAHR owt/

Amazing; unusual

Origin: Beat/hippie

"Far out, man, look at the colors!"

/bred/

Money

Origin: Jazz/Beat 1940s

"I gotta make some bread this summer."

/BUM-uhr/

Disappointing situation

Origin: Hippie slang for bad drug trip

"Total bummer, the concert got canceled."

/dig it/

Understand; appreciate

Origin: Jazz/beat, popular in 60s

"Can you dig it?"

/OWT-uh syt/

Excellent

Origin: African American slang, mainstream 60s

"That party was outta sight."

/HEV-ee/

Serious; profound

Origin: Hippie 1960s

"That's heavy, man."

/fuhz/

Police

Origin: 1960s American

"Cool it, the fuzz is here."

/bos/

Excellent

Origin: Surfer/teen 1960s

"That's a boss surfboard."

/BUHZ-kil/

A person or event that ruins the mood or spoils the excitement for others.

Origin: 1960s drug culture, referring to something that kills a 'high' or 'buzz'.

"Stop being such a buzzkill and let us enjoy the music."

/ANG-kuhl-bye-ter/

A derogatory term for a small child or, metaphorically, an annoying person.

Origin: Early 1960s collegiate and suburban slang.

"He's a real ankle-biter, always complaining about the volume."

/FREEK owt/

To lose control, act irrationally, or experience a vivid drug-induced reaction.

Origin: Mid-1960s California counterculture, popularized by Frank Zappa.

"The band started to jam and everyone just began to freak out."

/SPLIT/

To leave or depart a location quickly.

Origin: 1950s jazz culture that became mainstream in the 1960s.

"I'm going to split before the party gets too crowded."

/FLIP yoor WIG/

To lose one's temper or become extremely excited.

Origin: Late 1950s beatnik slang that persisted through the mid-1960s.

"Don't flip your wig just because I borrowed your jacket."

/RYE-chuhs/

Excellent, high-quality, or morally commendable in a cool way.

Origin: Surfer culture and African American vernacular of the early 1960s.

"That new guitarist is truly righteous, man."

/CHER-ee/

In pristine, mint condition or brand new.

Origin: Hot rod and car culture of the early 1960s.

"She’s got some cherry threads for the dance tonight."

/KEEP on TRUK-in/

To persevere, keep moving forward, or continue one's lifestyle.

Origin: Robert Crumb's 1968 comic strip, rooted in 1930s blues lyrics.

"Keep on truckin', things are bound to get better."

/BUST/

To arrest someone or conduct a police raid.

Origin: Early 20th century underworld slang popularized by 1960s hippies.

"The cops are going to bust the party if we don't quiet down."

/THREDS/

One's clothing or an outfit.

Origin: African American vernacular that became a staple of 1960s youth speak.

"Nice threads you've got on today."

/THE DRAFT/

The compulsory recruitment for military service during the Vietnam War.

Origin: The Selective Service System's operations during the 1960s.

"I hope the draft board doesn't find me; I don't want to go to Nam."

/FLAYK/

An unreliable or eccentric person who forgets commitments.

Origin: 1960s California youth slang.

"Don't be a flake, you promised to help me move."

/HASS-uhl/

An annoying or troublesome situation or person.

Origin: 1940s dialect that became mainstream 1960s counterculture slang.

"I can't deal with that hassle right now."

/BAG/

A person's specific interest, problem, or "thing."

Origin: 1960s jazz and soul culture.

"What's your bag, man? Why are you so upset?"

/KOZ-mik/

Related to the universe, spiritual, or exceptionally grand.

Origin: 1960s psychedelic movement and Eastern philosophy influence.

"The chemistry between them is really cosmic."

/KRASH/

To go to sleep or find a place to stay temporarily.

Origin: Mid-1960s surfer and hippie slang.

"I need to crash on your couch for the night."

/PLAS-tik/

False, fake, or superficial, often referring to mainstream society.

Origin: The rise of synthetic materials and consumerism in the 1960s.

"Stop being so plastic and just be yourself."

/the es-TAB-lish-ment/

Traditional society, the government, or those in power.

Origin: 1960s political activism and counterculture rhetoric.

"I can't believe he actually sold out to the establishment."

/PAD/

A person's home, apartment, or living quarters.

Origin: 1950s beatnik slang that remained popular through the 1960s.

"Let's go to the pad and listen to some records."

/CHOYS/

High quality, superior, or very cool.

Origin: 1960s surfer and car culture.

"That's a choice bike you've got there."

/HANG LOOS/

To relax, stay calm, or be unbothered.

Origin: 1960s Hawaiian surfer culture.

"I'm just going to hang loose this weekend."

/DYE-noh-myte/

Excellent, exciting, or impressive.

Origin: African American vernacular, later popularized in 1970s media but used in the late 60s.

"Those bell-bottoms are really dy-no-mite!"

/FLIK/

A movie or motion picture.

Origin: Early 20th century term for "flicker," revived by 1960s youth.

"That flick was way too long."

/SKINZ/

One-dollar bills or money in general.

Origin: 1930s jazz slang that persisted in some 1960s circles.

"Can you lend me five skins?"

/FOKS/

An attractive, beautiful woman.

Origin: African American slang popularized by Jimi Hendrix and others in the mid-60s.

"She's a total fox."

/LAY a TRIP on/

To impose one's problems, attitudes, or criticisms onto someone else.

Origin: 1960s drug culture (referring to an LSD 'trip').

"Don't lay that trip on me, I didn't do anything wrong."

/BROO/

A beer or an alcoholic beverage.

Origin: General American slang that peaked in university culture in the 1960s.

"Let's go have a brew and relax."

/DEK-hed/

A person who is foolish, stupid, or clumsy.

Origin: 1960s California teenage slang.

"He's a prime example of a deckhead."

/STOKED/

Excited, enthusiastic, or "pumped up."

Origin: 1960s California surfing culture.

"He's totally stoked about the concert tonight."

/GAS/

A fun, hilarious, or enjoyable time/situation.

Origin: 1950s jazz slang that went mainstream in the 1960s.

"That's a gas! I haven't laughed that hard in years."

/HAIR-ee/

Dangerous, difficult, or frightening.

Origin: 1960s pilot and military slang that entered the counterculture.

"I'm feeling a bit hairy about this plan."

/VYBEZ/

The emotional atmosphere or "vibrations" a person or place emits.

Origin: 1960s metaphysical and psychedelic culture.

"I dig your vibes, man."

/DRAG/

Something that is boring, annoying, or depressing.

Origin: 1950s beatnik slang that became universal in the 1960s.

"The draft is a total drag."

/KOOK/

A beginner or someone who acts foolishly/clumsily (specifically in surfing).

Origin: 1960s coastal California surf culture.

"He’s a real kook for trying to surf those waves."

/FLAYK OWT/

To fall asleep or cancel plans due to exhaustion.

Origin: 1960s teenage slang variant of 'flake'.

"I'm going to flake out early tonight."

/TUF TOH-nayl/

A person who acts very tough or is difficult to deal with.

Origin: Mid-1960s high school slang.

"She thinks she's so tough, she's such a tough toenail."

/GET YOR HED STRAYT/

To become clear-headed, sober, or sensible.

Origin: 1960s counterculture advice regarding drug use or attitude.

"Get your head straight before you come back to work."

/TEL it lyke it IZ/

To speak the truth bluntly and honestly.

Origin: African American vernacular and 1960s civil rights rhetoric.

"Tell it like it is, don't sugarcoat the news."

/DOWN with/

To be in agreement with or to understand something.

Origin: African American slang that gained wider use in the late 60s.

"I'm really down with that idea."

/ZOO/

A chaotic place, or a place where people act strangely.

Origin: 1960s student slang.

"Let's go to the zoo and see the weirdos."

/FLOW-ur POW-ur/

The philosophy of nonviolent resistance using flowers as symbols of peace

Origin: Coined by Allen Ginsberg in 1965, adopted by anti-Vietnam War protesters

"She showed up to the rally with roses — pure flower power."

/HAP-en-ing/

An improvisational art event; also anything exciting or relevant

Origin: 1960s avant-garde art scene coined by Allan Kaprow

"Last night's concert was a real happening."

/SEEN/

A social environment or gathering place; one's milieu

Origin: Jazz origins adopted by 1960s counterculture

"The Greenwich Village scene is really swinging these days."

/WEELZ/

An automobile; transportation

Origin: Teen slang of the 1950s still strong in the 1960s

"You got wheels? Let's drive up to the mountains."

/RUN it DOWN/

To explain or describe something fully

Origin: African American vernacular absorbed into hippie speech

"Run it down for me, man. What actually happened at the sit-in?"

/DUV/

A person opposed to the Vietnam War; a peace advocate

Origin: 1960s political slang contrasting with 'hawk'

"He's a total dove — he burned his draft card last week."

/BRED and BUT-ur/

The basics; what keeps you going financially

Origin: Common expression used heavily in 1960s working-class speech

"Teaching music is my bread and butter while I write songs."

/BOH-gart/

To selfishly keep something to oneself; to hog

Origin: From Humphrey Bogart's habit of keeping a cigarette dangling in his mouth

"Don't bogart that guitar — let someone else play."

/BRIK/

A reliable, solid, trustworthy person

Origin: 1960s slang extending from 'solid as a brick'

"You can count on him, he's a real brick."

/FUNK-ee/

Earthy, soulful, or having a raw, improvisational quality

Origin: African American music slang of the 1960s soul movement

"That bass line is so funky I can't stop dancing."

/MEL-oh/

Relaxed, calm, pleasantly laid-back

Origin: Jazz origins heavily adopted by 1960s hippie culture

"Keep it mellow and everyone will have a good time."

/WEELZ fawl OF/

When a plan or situation completely falls apart

Origin: 1960s slang derived from automobile culture

"The whole protest plan had the wheels fall off when the police showed up."

/TRIP/

A hallucinogenic drug experience; any profound journey

Origin: 1960s psychedelic drug culture

"He was on a wild trip all weekend."

/TOON IN/

To become aware; to open one's consciousness

Origin: Timothy Leary's 1966 phrase 'Turn on, tune in, drop out'

"Tune in to what's really happening in the world, man."

/BRED HED/

A person only concerned with making money; a materialist

Origin: 1960s counterculture criticism of mainstream consumerism

"He's a total bread head who doesn't care about the cause."

/GIG/

A music performance or temporary job

Origin: Jazz slang from the 1920s still used by musicians in the 60s

"We've got a gig at the Fillmore next Friday."

/FLIP SYDE/

The B-side of a vinyl record; an alternative view

Origin: Record industry term widely used in 1960s teen speech

"The flip side of that single is even better."

/BRED/

Money

Origin: Jazz slang carried into 1960s counterculture

"I need some bread to pay the rent this month."

/POW-ur to thuh PEE-pul/

A rallying cry for political empowerment of ordinary citizens

Origin: Black Power and New Left movements, popularized by John Lennon 1971

"Power to the people — that's what the march is all about."

/MAYK thuh SEEN/

To appear at an event; to be present where things are happening

Origin: 1960s hip slang for showing up to the coolest gatherings

"Are you going to make the scene at the coffee house tonight?"

/NOO-dul/

To improvise musically; to think casually

Origin: Jazz musician slang adopted by 1960s rock musicians

"He just sat and noodled on the guitar for an hour."

/MYND-bloh-ing/

Overwhelmingly impressive or consciousness-expanding

Origin: 1960s psychedelic culture

"That light show was completely mind-blowing."

/WYP owt/

To fall off a surfboard; to fail spectacularly

Origin: 1960s surfing culture

"He tried the big wave and totally wiped out."

/GROH-dee/

Disgusting, repulsive, or extremely unpleasant

Origin: Late 1960s California teen slang, precursor to 'grody to the max'

"That abandoned sandwich is totally grody."

/SOL-id/

A expression of strong agreement or approval

Origin: Jazz affirmation carried into 1960s soul and R&B culture

"Solid, brother. You can count on me."

/NARK/

A police informer; to inform on someone

Origin: British slang that entered American counterculture speech

"Don't nark on us to the principal."

/KAT/

A person, especially a cool or hip one

Origin: Jazz slang from the 1930s still going strong in the 60s

"That cat has been playing saxophone since he was twelve."

/ZAP/

To hit, defeat, or attack; an electric feeling

Origin: Comic book onomatopoeia adopted into 1960s counterculture slang

"The new album just zaps you with energy."

/TUF/

Excellent, impressive (positive usage)

Origin: 1960s African American vernacular expressing admiration

"That was a tough performance, you really held the crowd."

/SHAG/

A lively dance popular at beach parties

Origin: 1960s Carolina beach music culture

"Everyone was shagging on the boardwalk all summer."

/RYT ON/

An expression of strong agreement or encouragement

Origin: African American vernacular and civil rights movement

"Right on, sister — that speech was inspired."

/LUV-in/

A peaceful gathering focused on community and love

Origin: 1967 counterculture events in San Francisco and New York

"The love-in in the park drew thousands of flower children."

/FINK/

An informer; a disloyal person

Origin: Labor movement slang carried into 1960s activist culture

"Nobody trusts him anymore — he's a fink."

/KRASH PAD/

A place to sleep temporarily, especially for free

Origin: 1960s hippie communal living culture

"We need a crash pad in San Francisco for the Summer of Love."

/BURN/

To cheat or swindle someone; to get cheated

Origin: 1960s drug-deal slang for receiving inferior goods

"He got burned buying that fake concert ticket."

/AS-id/

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

Origin: 1960s psychedelic drug culture

"Have you tried acid? It changes your whole perspective, man."

/BEE-in/

A large peaceful gathering or demonstration

Origin: The Human Be-In in Golden Gate Park, January 1967

"Thousands showed up for the be-in at the park."

/KAR-mah/

The cosmic principle of cause and effect; one's spiritual fate

Origin: Hindu/Buddhist concept adopted by 1960s counterculture

"Man, you've got bad karma for what you did to him."

/FRUG/

A popular 1960s dance with vigorous arm and body movements

Origin: Mid-1960s dance craze that followed The Twist

"Let's frug — the band is playing something good!"

/NOW jen-uh-RAY-shun/

Young people demanding immediate social change

Origin: 1960s media label for politically active youth

"We're the now generation — we can't wait for the old guard to change."

/WIG/

To become excited or lose one's composure

Origin: Short form of 'wig out,' common in 1960s teen speech

"She totally wigged when they called her name as prom queen."

/KOOL IT/

To calm down; to stop doing something disruptive

Origin: Jazz origins widely used in 1960s youth culture

"Cool it, man — the neighbors are going to call the cops."

/SKWAIR MEEL/

A good, complete meal (ironic use by counterculture to mock convention)

Origin: 19th-century term inverted by 1960s counterculture as a mock-square value

"My parents still care about a square meal and a nine-to-five."

/BRED and SUR-kus-ez/

Superficial distractions keeping people from real issues

Origin: Roman concept reintroduced by 1960s political activists

"Television is just bread and circuses to keep us distracted."

/STASH/

A hidden supply of drugs or valuables

Origin: 1960s drug culture

"He kept his stash under the floorboard."

/WAWL to WAWL/

Completely packed; everywhere; covering everything

Origin: 1960s slang from carpeting terminology

"The Fillmore was wall-to-wall people last night."

/MOD/

In the style of British modernist 1960s fashion

Origin: London Carnaby Street fashion scene of the mid-1960s

"Her whole look is very mod — geometric dress, white boots."

/sy-kuh-DEL-ik/

Relating to vivid, colorful, mind-expanding experiences or aesthetics

Origin: Coined by Humphry Osmond 1957, adopted by 1960s counterculture

"The poster art was completely psychedelic."

/FLOW-ur CHYLD/

A young person embracing peace, love, and hippie philosophy

Origin: San Francisco Summer of Love, 1967

"She was a true flower child, always talking about peace."

/PEES-nik/

A peace activist, especially one opposed to the Vietnam War

Origin: 1960s political slang blending 'peace' with the '-nik' suffix

"The peaceniks marched on Washington every chance they got."

/thuh MAN/

The establishment; authority; those in power

Origin: African American vernacular adopted by 1960s counterculture

"We're fighting against The Man and everything he represents."