Last week, while I was at the gym, a young guy complimented me on my “cakes.” Not being fully in-tune with today’s slang, I was torn between feeling flattered and slightly offended. After checking in with my friend’s teenage daughter, I learned that “cakes” refers to having a curvy backside. I never considered myself to have a Kardashian-level derriere, but I guess that’s all relative. Truth be told, my behind is definitely more ample than the skinny guy who made the remark. But hey, I can still bike long distances without discomfort, so bring on the cake, right?
Language is fascinating, especially how it transforms over time. While some phrases fade away, others seem to thrive across generations. It hit me recently when my 11-year-old son asked, “What do you mean when you say, ‘I’m so sure’?” I realized I hadn’t even noticed that I’d been using this classic phrase from my teenage years. It’s my go-to exclamation when the kids spill cat food everywhere and ignore the mess, or when one of them lands a random punch on his brother. And when I ask my child to clean the toilet and he swishes the brush once, my eyebrows shoot up, and I can’t help but say, “I’m so sure!”
Clearly, I still have a soft spot for some of the iconic phrases from the ’80s. Remember these gems?
- Gag me with a spoon
- Grody to the max
- Barf me out
- Tubular
- Righteous
- Gnarly
- Totally awesome
- Like, totally
- Don’t have a cow, man
- Take a chill pill
- No, duh
- Damn skippy
- Anything with “-amundo” at the end (like “You’re a dork-amundo.”)
My brother was the true aficionado of ’80s slang, often declaring “I dogged you” or shouting “Face!” while rubbing his chin. If he had the chance to resurrect any term, I bet he’d go for “face” just to yell it at his coworkers.
I suggested to my son that he try to bring back “I’m so sure,” especially since I’ve already got it down pat at home. He just rolled his eyes and said his friends have their own modern expressions. Fair enough, but let’s be honest—nothing beats the charm of “Don’t have a cow, man” or “Gag me with a spoon.” I mean, no duh!
When I asked friends about phrases from our past that have disappeared, my buddy Mike chimed in with a classic: “Dial the phone.” Ah, the good old days!
For more nostalgic reflections, check out this post on Modern Family Blog that delves into other fun topics. And if you’re interested in exploring home insemination options, Make a Mom is a great source for at-home insemination kits. Also, if you’re looking for reliable information on intrauterine insemination, visit Cleveland Clinic for excellent resources.
In summary, while language may change, the fond memories and unique phrases of the past continue to bring a smile to our faces. Whether it’s reviving an ’80s classic or discovering new slang, the joy of communication remains timeless.
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