Ah, the 90s! It was a decade filled with unique slang that instantly takes us back. Let’s reminisce about some of the iconic words and modern day phrases that were all the rage back then.

Remember when we used to say “as if!” to show that something was far-fetched? It was our way of playfully dismissing someone’s absurd statement. And who could forget “talk to the hand”? It was the ultimate gesture of dismissal, telling someone to stop talking because you weren’t interested. It’s funny how these phrases became part of our everyday conversations.

We also had some cool slang to describe things we liked.

When something was really awesome or cool, we’d say it was “da bomb.” It was our way of showing enthusiasm and approval. And if we were super excited about something, we’d exclaim “off the hook!” It was like saying it was so amazing that it broke free from any restrictions.

Let’s not forget about the lingo used to describe relationships and love. If we had a crush on someone, we’d say they were our “boo” or “bae.” These terms of endearment were popular among friends and couples alike. And if a couple was deeply in love, they were “totally smitten” or “head over heels.”

Of course, there were also phrases that described our emotions. When we were excited or pumped up, we’d say we were “psyched” or “stoked.” It was all about capturing that feeling of anticipation and enthusiasm. And when something was disappointing or underwhelming, we’d call it a “bummer” or say it “sucked.” It was our way of expressing our letdown or frustration.


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90s slang had its own charm. It was like a secret language that only those who lived through it truly understood. But like most slang, all of these phrases became retired.

Here’s a list of modern phrases that we also think need to go.

 

  • "The customer is always right."

    If you’ve ever had the displeasure of working in retail, you know how annoying this phrase is. It promotes entitlement and unrealistic expectations. It also disregards the fact that customers can sometimes be unreasonable or demand things that go against policies or ethics.

  • "Sorry, not sorry!"

    I’ve never once heard this phrase and thought, “Oh, I’m happy I heard that!” It’s often used as a sarcastic or dismissive response to justify one’s actions without genuine remorse. It can come across as insincere and lacks accountability.

  • "Money can't buy happiness."

    While it’s true that money alone doesn’t guarantee happiness, this phrase oversimplifies the complexity of personal fulfillment. It disregards the role that financial stability and access to resources can play in overall well-being. I can’t remember which comedian said it, but I’ve never seen an unhappy person riding a jet ski… and money buys jet skis.

  • "Everything happens for a reason."

    The first time I remember hearing “everything happens for a reason” was when my grandmother died in 1996. I’ve hated it ever since. This phrase implies that there is a predetermined purpose behind every event, which can dismiss the genuine pain or hardship people may be experiencing. It may also undermine personal responsibility and the need to take action to create change.

     

  • "Welcome to the real world."

    Talk about one of the most condescending and dismissive phrases ever! It’s never said by anyone who’s actively rooting for you. Have you ever noticed that? Anyone who says this is implying that the challenges faced in adulthood are somehow more significant or valid than those experienced in other stages of life.

     

  • "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

    This one doesn’t bug me as much as the others. However, some people think it suggests that individuals should overcome obstacles solely through their own efforts, ignoring systemic barriers and the importance of community support. They also say it can perpetuate a “blame the individual” mindset.

    What do you think?

     

  • The use of "mansplaining."

    While the term was originally coined to describe a specific behavior, it has been overused and sometimes misapplied. Its frequent use can diminish the significance of genuine instances of gender-based condescension or dismissiveness.

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