8 Slang Phrases from the 80s That Aged Poorly

via Recollection Road / YouTube
The 1980s had a language of its own. TV shows, teen movies, and valley culture all helped create a wave of new slang. Some phrases became popular across the country, while others faded away as quickly as they arrived. Today, many of these expressions sound awkward, outdated, or even offensive. Here’s a look at eight slang terms from the ’80s that haven’t aged well, even if they once filled the halls of high schools and shopping malls.
Gag Me With a Spoon
This phrase was popularized in the early 1980s by the “Valley Girl” stereotype, especially in California. It was often used by teenage girls to show disgust or annoyance about something they considered gross or ridiculous. The idea was to exaggerate the reaction by saying you’d rather be gagged with a spoon than deal with it.
Though it was a big part of ‘80s pop culture, especially after being featured in movies and music, it quickly became annoying to many. It sounds silly and over-the-top today, and outside of parody or costume parties, it doesn’t really fit into modern conversations.
Bodacious
“Bodacious” was used to describe someone or something bold, impressive, or physically attractive. It was often paired with the word “babe,” as in “bodacious babe,” and became popular thanks to movies, TV shows, and surf culture. It gave off a vibe of fun and admiration during the 1980s.
However, the word started to sound awkward over time. It feels too exaggerated for modern slang, and using it now might make someone seem stuck in the past. It also tends to come off as a little cheesy or forced, especially when used to describe people.
Totally Tubular
This phrase came from surfer and skateboarder slang and was used to describe something exciting, excellent, or cool. “Tubular” originally referred to the tube-like shape of a large ocean wave, and when someone said “totally tubular,” they meant something was extremely fun or awesome.
By the late ‘80s, the term had become so overused that it lost its cool factor. Today, it sounds dated and cartoonish, often mocked in throwback comedies. Outside of retro references, it doesn’t hold much value in regular speech anymore.
Barf Me Out
“Barf me out” was used to express disgust or disbelief, often in a dramatic or sarcastic way. While “barf” literally refers to vomiting, the phrase was usually more about emotional reactions than anything physical. Teens used it when something seemed lame, gross, or upsetting.
Though it may have been edgy for its time, it sounds immature today. Using the word “barf” as part of a slang phrase makes it hard to take seriously, and it’s rarely used in real conversations anymore. Most people under 40 have probably never said it out loud.
Take a Chill Pill
This phrase became popular in the early 1980s and was often said to someone who was getting too worked up or emotional. It meant the person needed to calm down, relax, or stop being dramatic. It spread quickly through pop culture and was especially common among teens.
Over time, the phrase started sounding a little dismissive or rude. Telling someone to “take a chill pill” today might come off as sarcastic or outdated. The expression also feels tied to a time when mental health wasn’t discussed as openly as it is now.
Spaz & Spazoid
These words were once used to describe someone who was clumsy, overly excited, or out of control. “Spazoid” was a more extreme version of “spaz,” and both terms were common in ‘80s teen slang. They were often meant to tease someone who was acting nervous or overly hyper.
However, both terms are now considered offensive in many places. “Spaz” has been criticized for mocking people with physical or neurological disorders. What was once casual slang is now widely seen as insensitive and inappropriate, and it’s no longer accepted in most public conversation.
Couch Potato
A “couch potato” refers to someone who spends a lot of time sitting around, usually watching TV and avoiding physical activity. The term became popular during the 1980s when TV culture was growing, and it was often used to poke fun at lazy behavior.
Although the phrase still pops up now and then, it has lost much of its humor and relevance. With streaming, phones, and remote work, people spend more time sitting for different reasons. Today, it often feels like an outdated way to shame people for relaxing indoors.
Zeek
The term “zeek” was used in some 1980s circles to describe someone who was both geeky and attractive. While a “geek” might be socially awkward or obsessed with niche interests, a “zeek” was supposed to be the cool version — smart but also stylish or confident.
Unlike “geek” or “nerd,” “zeek” never became a common word. It was used briefly and didn’t appear much in mainstream media. Because it never caught on widely, it sounds strange or made up today. It’s rarely used, and most people wouldn’t recognize the meaning without explanation.