Each decade has its own unique batch of words and phrases, which have the ability to immediately transport you back in time, the moment you hear them. And all the charming words from the '50s are no different. Just try to say "hey, daddy-o" or "let's go back to the pad" without picturing hotrods and poodle skirts, Beatniks and sock hops.
Of course, it's easy to idealize decades, and picture them in a fun, movie-esque type way. There was way more to the Beat generation of the '50s, for example, than coffeeshops, typewriters, and a few cool slang words. And yet, it can still be fun to bring these words back, and add a few of them into our conversations today.
While slang from other decades might bring to mind a different mood, there's definitely a charm factor to '50s terminology, as well as a certain level of coolness. You can say you're OK, or you can say "everything's copacetic." You could be excited, or something could "razz your berries." And something could be funny. Or, it could be a "bit tickle." If you could use some more '50s slang in your life, then go ahead and steal a few hip phrases from the list below.
1
"Hey, Daddy-O"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
The next time you say hi to a friend, or want to address them in some way, go ahead and call them "daddy-O," for just a pinch of '50s charm. This phrase was used back in the day to refer to cool people. But can also be used slightly sarcastically, such as "whatever you say, daddy-o!"
2
"That Razzes My Berries"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
Sure, you could say something excites you. Or, you could say it really "razzes your berries." It's totally up to you, but the most fun answer seems obvious.
3
"Made In The Shade"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
To say that you're "made in the shade" is to say you don't have a care in the world. Picture a '50s era person kicking back in their lawn chair, or by the pool in a big sunhat, and you'll see why it makes sense.
4
"That's The Living End!"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
To express surprise and joy over how amazing something is, you might say it's "the living end." As in "this lemonade is the living end" or "this song is the living end!" Folks may not know what you're talking about, but that's half the fun.
5
"Everything's Copacetic"
Hannah Burton/Bustle
Whenever life's chill and under control, you can say "everything's copacetic." This was a popular phrase back in the '50s. But since it has such a cool vibe, it may be one we want to bring back.
6
"You Dig?"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
7
"You're A Cool Cat"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
The word "cat" was reserved for hip people, and said most often among artsy folks and musicians. It definitely has an old school ring to it, and one we may need more of in our lives.
8
"Ring A-Ding-Ding!"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
9
"Let's Burn Rubber"
GaudiLab/Shutterstock
Even if you don't own a flashy '50s hotrod, you can still burn rubber, or peel out of a situation in such a way that could potentially leave tire tracks.
10
"That Was A Big Tickle"
Ashley Batz/Bustle
If a movie was really funny, or a joke totally hilarious, then it was a "big tickle," according to folks from the '50s.
11
"Let's Go Back To My Pad"
Andrew Zaeh for Bustle
Back in the middle of the last century, you definitely didn't go back to someone's house or apartment. Oh no. You went back to their pad to hang out, especially if you were a cool cat.
If you want to add a moment of '50s charm to your day, go ahead and use a few of these words. And just try not to feel a little bit cooler.
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