Talk Like It’s the 90s: A Comprehensive Guide to 90s Slang

So, you wanna kick it old school and drop some 90s slang? Word. Whether you’re throwing a throwback party, writing a historical fiction piece, or just feeling nostalgic, mastering the vernacular of the 1990s is a surefire way to transport yourself (and your audience) back to a simpler time of dial-up internet, oversized flannel shirts, and the rise of hip-hop. This guide will take you from a total clueless noob to a slang-slinging pro, all that and a bag of chips. Let’s get jiggy with it!

## Why Learn 90s Slang?

Before we dive in, let’s address the obvious: why bother learning slang from a decade long gone? Well, a few reasons:

* **Nostalgia:** The 90s are having a major comeback! From fashion to music to TV reboots, the decade of grunge and boy bands is back in full force. Knowing the slang helps you fully immerse yourself in the revival.
* **Cultural Context:** Understanding 90s slang gives you insight into the culture, values, and trends of the time. It’s a window into the pre-internet world and the rise of hip-hop and alternative music.
* **Entertainment Value:** Let’s face it, 90s slang is just plain fun! It’s quirky, expressive, and often hilarious. Dropping a well-placed “As if!” can definitely turn heads.
* **Writing and Creative Projects:** If you’re writing a story, screenplay, or creating any kind of media set in the 90s, authentic dialogue is crucial for believability. Using the right slang can make your work stand out and resonate with audiences.

## Essential 90s Slang Terms: Your Lexicon Launchpad

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential 90s slang terms, categorized for easy reference:

### General Exclamations and Affirmations:

* **Word:** This was the ultimate affirmation. Similar to “Okay,” “Alright,” or “I agree.” Example: “We hitting up the arcade later?” “Word!”
* **Word Up:** An even more emphatic version of “Word.” Often used to express enthusiasm or agreement. Example: “That new TLC album is fire!” “Word up!”
* **As If!:** A sarcastic dismissal. Used to express disbelief or disdain. Made iconic by the movie *Clueless*. Example: “You think I’m gonna lend you my new Doc Martens? As if!”
* **Whatever:** A dismissive response, often accompanied by an eye roll. A staple of teenage angst. Example: “My mom said I can’t go to the rave.” “Whatever.”
* **Talk to the hand:** An incredibly rude gesture meaning “I don’t want to hear what you have to say.” Usually accompanied by holding your hand up in front of someone’s face. Example: “You’re so annoying!” *Holds up hand* “Talk to the hand!”
* **Booyah!:** An exclamation of excitement or victory. Example: “I just beat you at Street Fighter! Booyah!”
* **All that and a bag of chips:** An expression used to describe something or someone that is really great or impressive. Example: “That new car is all that and a bag of chips!”
* **NOT!:** Used to negate the previous statement, often for comedic effect. Example: “I love doing homework… NOT!”

### Describing People:

* **Homey/Homie:** A close friend or acquaintance. Example: “Yo, what up, homey?”
* **Dawg:** Similar to “Homey,” but often used in a more playful or informal way. Popularized by Snoop Dogg. Example: “Hey dawg, you goin’ to the party?”
* **G:** Short for “Gangster.” Used to refer to someone who is cool, tough, or streetwise. Example: “That dude’s a G.”
* **Fly:** Attractive or stylish. Example: “She’s looking fly tonight.”
* **Fresh:** Similar to “Fly,” meaning cool, stylish, or new. Example: “Those sneakers are fresh!”
* **Wack:** Lame, uncool, or bad. The opposite of “Fly” or “Fresh.” Example: “That outfit is totally wack.”
* **Poser:** Someone who pretends to be something they’re not. Example: “He’s just a poser trying to act like a skater.”
* **Noob:** A newcomer or someone who is inexperienced, especially in video games or online activities. Example: “Don’t be a noob, read the instructions!”
* **L7 Weenie:** A particularly uncool or embarrassing person, often used derisively. The gesture L and 7 makes a square, implying “square.”

### Describing Situations and Things:

* **Cool:** (Still relevant, but heavily used in the 90s) – Agreeable or good. Example: “That’s cool!”
* **Rad:** Excellent, awesome, or cool. Example: “That skateboarding trick was rad!”
* **BOMB:** Excellent, awesome, or cool. Example: “That movie was BOMB!”
* **The Bomb:** The ultimate compliment. The best of the best. Example: “This pizza is the bomb!”
* **Dope:** Cool, awesome, or excellent. Often used to describe music or style. Example: “That beat is dope!”
* **Phresh/Fresh:** Cool, new, stylish. Example: “Your new haircut is phresh!”
* **Jiggy:** Funky, cool, or stylish. Popularized by Will Smith. Example: “Let’s get jiggy with it!”
* **Trippin’:** Acting crazy, irrational, or overreacting. Example: “Why are you trippin’ about this? It’s no big deal.”
* **Buggin’:** Similar to “Trippin’,” meaning to be acting crazy or stressed out. Example: “He’s buggin’ because he can’t find his Walkman.”
* **Kickin’ it:** Relaxing, hanging out, or spending time with friends. Example: “We’re just kickin’ it at the park.”
* **Boo:** A significant other, girlfriend or boyfriend. Example: “I’m going to hang out with my boo later.”
* **Crib:** One’s home or apartment. Example: “Come over to my crib tonight.”
* **Da’ Bomb:** The best, the greatest. Example: “That party was da’ bomb!”
* **Score:** Meaning to get lucky with something. Example: “I scored a limited edition comic book at the convention!”
* **Props:** Recognition or respect. Example: “Props to you for acing that test!”
* **Phat:** Cool, excellent, desirable. Often used in context with music and style. Example: “Those jeans are phat!”

### Technology-Related Slang:

* **Surfing the Net:** Browsing the internet. Example: “I’m gonna spend the afternoon surfing the net.”
* **Online:** Connected to the internet. Example: “Are you online right now?”
* **Download:** To transfer data from the internet to your computer. Example: “I’m downloading a new song.”
* **You’ve got Mail!:** The phrase used by America Online (AOL) to alert you to a new email. An incredibly iconic and nostalgic phrase.

## Level Up Your 90s Slang Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a solid foundation in 90s slang, let’s take it to the next level. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of talking like it’s 1995:

**Step 1: Immersion is Key:**

* **Watch 90s Movies and TV Shows:** This is the best way to learn slang in context. Pay attention to how characters use different phrases and try to emulate their delivery. Some essential viewing includes:
* *Clueless*
* *Boyz n the Hood*
* *Pulp Fiction*
* *Empire Records*
* *Reality Bites*
* *Saved by the Bell*
* *Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*
* *Friends*
* **Listen to 90s Music:** Hip-hop, grunge, alternative rock, and pop music were all influential in shaping 90s slang. Listen to artists like:
* TLC
* Nirvana
* Snoop Dogg
* Dr. Dre
* Spice Girls
* Backstreet Boys
* Wu-Tang Clan
* A Tribe Called Quest
* **Read 90s Magazines and Books:** Check out old issues of *Teen Vogue*, *Rolling Stone*, or *Sassy* to see how slang was used in print.

**Step 2: Practice Makes Perfect (But Be Mindful):**

* **Start Small:** Don’t try to incorporate every slang term you learn into every conversation. Start with a few key phrases and use them naturally.
* **Consider Your Audience:** Who are you talking to? Using 90s slang with someone who doesn’t understand it can be confusing or awkward. Save it for appropriate situations, like a themed party or a conversation with fellow 90s enthusiasts.
* **Don’t Force It:** The key to using slang effectively is to make it sound natural. If you’re forcing it, it will come across as contrived. Relax, have fun, and let the slang flow organically.
* **Be Aware of Context:** Some 90s slang terms can be offensive or outdated. Be mindful of the context in which you’re using them and avoid using anything that could be harmful or disrespectful.

**Step 3: Nail the Delivery:**

* **Attitude is Everything:** 90s slang is all about attitude. Channel your inner slacker, cool kid, or Valley Girl to nail the delivery.
* **Master the Eye Roll:** The eye roll is an essential accessory to many 90s slang phrases, especially “Whatever” and “As if!”
* **Practice Your Inflection:** Pay attention to how characters in 90s movies and TV shows inflect their voices when using slang. Mimic their intonation to sound more authentic.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Exaggerate:** A little exaggeration can go a long way when using 90s slang. Don’t be afraid to ham it up and have fun with it.

**Step 4: Embrace the Era’s Vibe:**

* **Fashion is Key:** Dressing the part can help you get into the 90s mindset. Think flannel shirts, ripped jeans, Doc Martens, and crop tops.
* **Listen to 90s Music:** Put on a 90s playlist to set the mood and inspire your slang-slinging sessions.
* **Watch 90s Movies:** As mentioned before, movies are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and language of the 90s.
* **Play 90s Video Games:** Fire up your old Nintendo 64 or PlayStation and relive the glory days of 90s gaming.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid:

* **Overusing Slang:** Too much slang can make you sound ridiculous or insincere. Use it sparingly and strategically.
* **Using Slang Incorrectly:** Make sure you understand the meaning and context of each slang term before using it.
* **Mixing Slang from Different Eras:** Avoid mixing 90s slang with slang from other decades. It will sound out of place and confusing.
* **Being Unaware of Offensive Slang:** As mentioned before, be mindful of the potential for certain slang terms to be offensive or outdated.
* **Trying Too Hard:** The key to using slang effectively is to make it sound natural. If you’re trying too hard, it will come across as forced and unnatural.

## 90s Slang Quiz: Are You All That or Totally Wack?

Ready to test your 90s slang knowledge? Take this quiz and find out if you’re a true 90s aficionado or just a clueless noob:

1. **What does “As if!” mean?**
* A. I agree.
* B. I don’t believe you.
* C. That’s cool.
2. **What is a “Homey”?**
* A. A type of sandwich.
* B. A close friend.
* C. Someone who lives at home.
3. **What does “Trippin'” mean?**
* A. Going on a trip.
* B. Acting crazy.
* C. Falling down.
4. **What does “Da’ Bomb” mean?**
* A. Something that explodes.
* B. The best thing ever.
* C. A type of dance.
5. **What does “Surfing the Net” mean?**
* A. Riding a surfboard.
* B. Browsing the internet.
* C. Catching fish with a net.

**Answer Key:** 1. B, 2. B, 3. B, 4. B, 5. B

**Scoring:**

* **5/5:** You’re all that and a bag of chips! You’re a true 90s slang master.
* **3-4/5:** You’re pretty fly. You have a good grasp of 90s slang.
* **1-2/5:** You’re a little wack. You need to brush up on your 90s slang knowledge.
* **0/5:** As if! You’re a total noob when it comes to 90s slang.

## Conclusion: Go Forth and Slang!

Now that you’re armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to unleash your inner 90s slang pro. Remember to practice, be mindful of context, and have fun with it. Whether you’re throwing a themed party, writing a screenplay, or just want to impress your friends with your retro vocabulary, mastering 90s slang is a surefire way to transport yourself back to the decade of dial-up internet, grunge music, and unforgettable pop culture. Go forth and slang, my dudes and dudettes! Peace out! And don’t forget to stay phat!