23 Boomer Sayings That We Should Honestly Bring Back

"Your threads are tough, man."

Growing up in the digital age meant living in a world consumed by meme-culture and Reddit threads, learning how to Insta-pose and cram thoughts into a 280-character tweet, and keeping up with the latest lingo.

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But did you know that much of the slang we use today actually has been around for decades? Gen Z'ers and millennials have adopted many words and phrases from the baby boomer generation. The actual word may not be the same, but the meaning behind it is pretty similar. 

Some boomer humor never left the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, and honestly, I think we should bring some of these hip terms back. 

1. What’s on the 'Boob Tube''?

Nickelodeon / Hey Arnold / Via giphy.com

When television became the trendy new medium for news and entertainment in the 1950s and 1960s, people started calling it the boob tube. The term Boob was commonly used to describe a silly person. So, the catchy phrase was coined on the notion that much of what’s watched on TV is either foolish, or geared toward foolish people. Others say that it was slang for watching women with big boobs on TV shows. 

I know many of us have transitioned to streaming, but the next time you visit your parents, ask them, "What's on the boob tube?"

2. Wig chop

Peacock TV / Parks and Recreation / Via giphy.com

Saying, “I need a haircut,” is just too obvious and self-explanatory. Saying, “Wig chop,” grabs attention; it makes people stop and wonder what the heck you’re telling them. Try it next time when you’re at the salon; I guarantee it’ll make your stylist laugh (well, only if they’re into Boomer Humor). 

3. Don't flip your wig

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Originally, it referred to bowing so low to one’s superior that one’s wig flipped off. But then in the early '50s, the phrase was used to tell someone to calm down after they were acting up. Honestly, I might start using this one — ”go off” is overrated anyway.  

4. What's your bag?

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What’s your problem, bro? The term was used mostly in the '60s when someone was being annoying or trying to start problems. 

It was also used as a way of saying, “What’s your thing?” or what are your interests, what do you do for work, where did you study, etc. Hipsters, this could be your new tagline at the cocktail party you’re about to attend — just make sure you use it in the right way; we don’t want any glasses breaking.

5. Razz my berries

Dmytro Skrypnykov / Via Getty Images/iStockphoto

OK, doesn’t this sound way dirtier than it should? But it’s not. When something excites you or brings you pleasure (no, not in that way), it razzes your berries. Cute, right? We should absofruitly bring this one back.

6. Babe, where are my 'thongs''?

Mykola Sosiukin / Via Getty Images/iStockphoto

It’s officially hot girl summer, and it’s time to bust out the “thongs.” No, not the underwear. The shoe! (OK, maybe the underwear, too.) The term was coined in 1967 and is still used by many boomers today, my parents included. 

7. Threads

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Threads is a cooler way of saying clothes. It’s the boomer equivalent to Gen Z’s “fit.” The term was first used in 1926 and derives from the threads that are used to make clothing — makes sense. This saying is actually pretty dope; I can picture hipsters using it outside the local Brooklyn bar. “Your threads are tough, man.”

8. Decked out

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In today’s lingo: Your fit is hard AF. The term was used in the '50s and '60s and means to be super dressed up. We’re talking pearls, (faux) furs, tuxedos… Decked out from head to toe. 

9. You clean up real fine

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OK, this '50s term is smooth and never fails to melt my heart. It means you look handsome, hot, pretty, stunning, chíc, what have you. Say this on your Bumble date; I promise it will make them blush and maybe even guarantee a greenlight to date #2. 

10. Apple butter

Giphy / Via giphy.com

Flattery, smooth talk = key to my heart. There’s a lot of apple butter on first dates, at work, and on the campaign trail. The term was mainly used in the 1950s, but who says we can’t bring this fruity saying back to life?

11. Cool cat

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The phrase “cool cat” came about in the 1940s and was originally associated with jazz music. The term's definition emerged to mean a modern, fashionable person who has impeccable taste. This is the kind of person you want to be friends with: They’re down to earth, funny, and downright entertaining. You’ll never get in a fight with a cool cat; they’re just too chill.  

12. Passion pit

Cloudytronics / Via Getty Images/iStockphoto

The American drive-in cinema has often been known as a ‘passion pit,’ where young hopeless romantics go on lovely dates to watch movies. Let’s be real — a lot of kissing took place. COVID-19 brought the drive-in movie craze back to life in 2020 during lockdown. If you’re ready for a summer fling, the passion pit is a perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. 

13. Party at my 'pad'

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In the early 20th century, the term pad was used to describe a place furnished with a bed — that is, a pad became another word for a bedroom, apartment, or house. The phrase started to pick up in the '60s. Need Friday night plans? Send in the groupchat "Party at my pad, besties." Do it; you deserve all the fun. 

14. On Cloud Nine

Giphy / Via giphy.com

Coined in the 1950s, this phrase means to feel extremely happy, euphoric, or feeling like you’re levitating through space. I really love this one; it’s a perfect way to describe all the good vibes that come with the summer sun and ice-cold margaritas.  

15. Brewski

Sabur Ahmed Jishan / Via Getty Images/iStockphoto

The slang name refers to cheap watery beer. Brewski started as a college word from Russian imitation names, like Russki, Buttinski, and other words ending with "ski." Frat boy culture soon accepted the name, and some boomer beer lovers still use it today. Next time you’re at the pub, don’t forget to ask for a refreshing brewski to pair with your bottomless wings. 

16. Loaded

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Dude, Joe was totally loaded at that party the other night. The slang term “loaded” means to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, similar to the way someone would be described as “lit” today. It also means to be filthy rich. 

17. Blitzed

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Do you remember last night at the pub at all? You were blitzed! The slang term, coined in 1966, means to be wasted or stoned out of one’s mind. I dig this term; it sounds more bougie than the typical “Ugh, I’m drunk!” I'm totally on board for bringing this one back — how about you? 

18. Cruisin' for a bruisin'

Disney Channel / Teen Beach Movie / Via giphy.com

A 1950s term that’s basically a chiller way of saying “a face that’s begging to be punched.” It’s also the name of a song from the Disney Channel Original Movie Teen Beach Movie, so obviously today’s youths are ready for its comeback. If you’re headed to the local dive bar this weekend, keep “cruisin’ for a bruisin’” in your back pocket; you never know when someone is going to tick you off. 

19. Ticked off

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If I am acting a bit ticked off today, it’s because I am. This term is a mesh of feeling annoyed, pissed off, and bitter, usually about something small. This can be used for anything, really. From messed-up to-go orders to your partner acting up to accidentally stepping in your dog's poop first thing in the morning. Catch me saying this at least five times a day; everything seems to be irritating me these days. 

20. The skinny

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Admit it — you love hot gossip just as much as the rest of us. If someone offers to give you “the skinny” on something, they’re revealing some top secret information. The phrase stems from military slang during World War II. If the term “spilling tea” ain’t your thing, try this one out on your next gossip sesh with the besties. (It’s OK; we all do it.)

21. Cherry

NBC/ South Park / Via Giphy / giphy.com

This term was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, especially among surfers, stoners, and skaters. It can be used to describe something or someone awesome, cool, or extremely radical. This is one of the best boomer sayings, hands down. It's chill, rolls off the tongue, and embodies all the positive, laid-back vibes I'm trying to have this summer. 

22. Groovy

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Groovy is used to refer to something really cool and amazing. It was popular during the '50s, '60s, and '70s. It’s equivalent to Gen Z’s slang term “fire.” This saying is timeless and radiates good energy. I'm so down to bring this one back; anything from the '70s, flower-power era has my heart. 

23. Moo juice

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Sorry oat milk advocates — I’ll take one moo juice matcha latte. This silly term was coined in the 1940s and simply means cow milk. For those of us who are too cheap to pay the dollar upcharge for plant-based milk at the coffee shop, we can find joy in telling the barista: “Yes, moo juice is fine, thanks.”