Recently, while I was at the gym, a younger guy complimented me by saying I had “cakes.” I must admit, I was a bit confused about whether to take it as a compliment or an insult. After checking in with my friend’s teenage daughter, I learned that “cakes” refers to having a well-endowed backside. While I don’t quite see myself as having a Kardashian-level rear, I understand that “big” is relative. And hey, my backside lets me bike for miles without going numb, so I’m embracing my “cakes” status!
Language is fascinating, especially how it changes over the years. Some phrases live on, while others fade into obscurity. It wasn’t until my 11-year-old son asked me, “What do you mean when you say, ‘I’m so sure’?” that I realized I was still using phrases from my ’80s childhood. I had no idea that this phrase, often dripping with sarcasm, had stuck around. For instance, when my kids spill cat food and walk right over it, I can’t help but exclaim, “I’m so sure!” Or when one sibling punches the other for no reason at all, it’s the same old refrain: “I’m so sure!” And let’s not forget the time I asked my son to clean the bathroom, only to have him declare he was done after one half-hearted scrub—eyebrows raised, I exclaim, “I’m so sure!”
Clearly, I still sprinkle in some classic ’80s phrases, and why not? We had some truly iconic expressions back then. Remember some of these gems?
- Gag me with a spoon
- Grody to the max
- Barf me out
- Tubular
- Rad
- Righteous
- Gnarly
- Totally awesome
- Like, totally
- Like, whatever
- Très
- Don’t have a cow, man
- Take a chill pill
- No, duh
- Damn skippy
- Word
- Anything with “-amundo” added on (like “I’m starving-amundo!”)
My brother, Tim, was particularly fond of ’80s slang. His high school years were filled with him shouting “I dogged you!” or “Face!” while rubbing his chin. If he could bring back one phrase, I’m sure it would be “face,” just so he could race his friends to the elevator yelling it out.
I suggested to my son that he try to revive “I’m so sure,” especially since it’s already a staple in our house. He just rolled his eyes, claiming he and his friends have their own modern expressions. But let’s be real: Nothing can quite match the brilliance of “Don’t have a cow, man” or “Gag me with a spoon.” I mean, no, duh!
When I asked friends about phrases they used to hear regularly, my buddy Dave chimed in with, “Dial the phone.” Ah, the good old days!
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In summary, while the slang of the ’80s may not be as prevalent today, it certainly left a lasting imprint on our language and culture. From “gag me” to “totally awesome,” these phrases remind us of simpler times and the creativity of our youth.