Every generation develops its own distinct slang that reflects the cultural zeitgeist. Baby Boomers came of age in the radical 1960s - an era of war protests, psychedelic rock, and social change that spawned unique lingo still colorful but now perplexing. Terms like "groovy" and "far out," once ubiquitous in peace movement circles or Austin Powers parodies, now draw blank stares from young people.
This cryptic vernacular was forged alongside iconic events, capturing 1960s counterculture language shaped by rock lyrics, hippie nonconformity, and anti-war activism. Though these fiery times bred lasting social progress, their lingo faded as quickly as tie-dye shirts and lava lamps.
24/7 Tempo has compiled a list of words and phrases Baby Boomers say that no else understands, drawing on sources including Your Dictionary and Owlcation.
In fact, some cryptic "Boomer slang" actually emerged before the post-war era. The slang term "bread" meaning money dates back to the 1930s, while the related cash synonym "dough" has been traced to the Civil War period. And the phrase "trippin'" used to denote an altered state of mind under intoxicants was first documented in the 1920s. (Here is a list of Canadian slang and phrases Americans just don't understand.)
Bogart
> Meaning: Hog a marijuana joint
Bookin'
> Meaning: Leaving in haste, going very fast
Doobie
> Meaning: A marijuana cigarette
Far out
> Meaning: Excellent, awesome; a phrase of approval
Flower child
> Meaning: A hippie, especially one wearing flowers in their hair
Flower power
> Meaning: The peace-and-love ideology of flower children (see above), especially by anti-war protesters during Vietnam War era
Getting fried
> Meaning: Getting high on drugs, getting very drunk
Hang loose
> Meaning: Relax, live in the moment
Gas
> Meaning: Enjoyable, out of sight
Groady/grody/grotty
> Meaning: Disgusting, revolting, filthy
Groovy
> Meaning: Excellent, awesome; a phrase of approval (see "far out," above)
Hang-up
> Meaning: An inhibition, problem, source of difficulty
Head trip
> Meaning: Mentally stimulating experience (as with LSD), ego trip, something confusing or deceiving
Heavy
> Meaning: Serious, meaningful, of great import
Keep on truckin'
> Meaning: Don't be discouraged, keep going
Lay it on me
> Meaning: Tell me what's on your mind, give me something
Making the scene
> Meaning: Showing up for an event or party
The Man
> Meaning: An authority figure, a policeman, the government
Mellow
> Meaning: Laid back, less agitated or aggressive, often after smoking marijuana
The munchies
> Meaning: Hunger or imagine hunger, often after smoking marijuana
Out of sight
> Meaning: Great, cool; a term of approval
Peel out
> Meaning: Leave fast and usually loudly, as in a car
Psyche/psyched
> Meaning: Outsmart, deceive/excited, mentally ready
Right on
> Meaning: I strongly agree, good for you
Skuzz
> Meaning: Disgusting person
Spaced out
> Meaning: Distracted; not fully conscious of one's surroundings
Tripping
> Meaning: Under the influence of usually LSD or some other psychedelic
Up tight
> Meaning: Anxious, nervous, rigidly conservative
Way out
> Meaning: Beyond explanation, very unusual
