Top 30+ Slang Terms From the ’70s No One Says Anymore

The 1970s were all about disco, bell-bottoms, lava lamps, and a very specific brand of groovy lingo. From the streets of L.A. to the set of Charlie's Angels, slang was colorful, funky, and sometimes just plain bizarre. But like shag carpet and fondue parties, not everything from the ’70s stood the test of time. These 30 slang words were once all the rage, but now, they're basically extinct. (Though let’s be honest, some of them deserve a comeback.)

Far Out

Used to express amazement, excitement, or disbelief, sort of “Whoa!” but with a psychedelic twist. It was especially popular among hippies and music lovers. Today, it just makes people think of planets and aliens.

Right On

This was the ultimate way to show agreement, especially in a socially conscious or political context. If someone said something powerful or righteous, a “Right on!” was your supportive go-to. Now it just sounds like you're cheering someone on mid-marathon.

Keep on Truckin’

Not just a Grateful Dead bumper sticker, this phrase means to persevere, keep going, or live life on your own terms. It had a whole “free spirit” vibe to it. These days, if you said this at work, HR might ask if everything’s okay.

Boogie

This wasn't just about dancing, it was about living. To boogie meant to party, move, or groove with enthusiasm.

Foxy

Calling someone “foxy” meant they were smokin’ hot, and it was mostly reserved for confident, stylish women. Think Pam Grier or any Bond girl from the era. Today, it sounds like a weird mix between flirting and naming a woodland animal.

Jive Turkey

A jive turkey was someone full of nonsense, untrustworthy, annoying, or trying too hard. It was an insult that sounded goofy but hit surprisingly hard. Honestly, we need this one to make a comeback, it’s iconic.

Catch You on the Flip Side

This was how you said goodbye in a laid-back, cool way. Originally tied to flipping records, it meant “See you later” with some flair. Now it just sounds like you're moonlighting as a vinyl DJ from 1974.

Outta Sight

Something outta sight was unbelievably cool or impressive. It had that mix of admiration and swagger that only the ’70s could deliver. Today, if you say this, someone might just assume you lost your glasses.

Groovy

The poster child of 1970s slang, “groovy” was used to describe anything that felt good, cool, or right. It had a hippie, peace-and-love vibe that made everything sound chill. Unfortunately, it now reads as pure kitsch.

Sock It to Me

Popularized by Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, this meant “Give it to me straight” or “Hit me with your best shot.” It could be flirty, bold, or assertive depending on the tone.

Funky

“Funky” could describe music, fashion, or even a smell, though it was usually positive in slang terms. It meant edgy, soulful, and just a little bit offbeat. These days, it mostly gets used for weird cheese or gym socks.

The Man

In the ’70s, “The Man” referred to oppressive authority figures, especially the government or law enforcement. Fighting the Man was basically a lifestyle. Now it’s confusing because people also say “You’re the man!” as a compliment.

Get Down

“Get down” was an invitation to party, dance, or just let loose. You didn’t go to a club, you went to get down. If you use it nowadays, people might assume you’re helping someone escape a fire drill.

Threads

No, not the app. In the ’70s, “threads” meant clothes, especially stylish ones. “Check out his threads” was a genuine compliment and now just sounds like something your uncle says while trying to be hip.

Crib

Long before MTV Cribs, your “crib” was your home, pad, or hangout spot. It was casual and cool and a little rebellious.

Pad

A synonym for “crib,” a “pad” was where you lived, partied, or crashed. It gave off more bachelor vibes than “crib,” though.

Righteous

“Righteous” was more than just “good”, it meant something was spiritually or morally awesome. Surfers, hippies, and activists alike all used it.

Bummer

If something was disappointing or lame, it was a total bummer. It was a soft way of expressing sadness or frustration. Still in very light use today, but mostly as parody.

Psyched

To be “psyched” was to be extremely excited or ready for something. It came from the psychedelic culture but became pretty mainstream. While it hasn’t totally vanished, it definitely peaked in the disco era.

Burn Rubber

This meant to leave quickly, like peeling out in a muscle car. It screamed urgency and coolness. These days, you’re more likely to burn toast.

Heavy

“Heavy” didn’t mean physically weighty; it meant serious, emotional, or intense. Someone might say, “That’s heavy, man,” in response to a deep thought.

Hunk

A “hunk” was a good-looking guy with muscles and charm. Think Burt Reynolds or David Cassidy. It was the female gaze before we called it that. Now it’s been mostly replaced by “zaddy” or just plain old thirst tweets.

Stone Fox

The ultimate way to describe someone drop-dead gorgeous. It was a high compliment wrapped in a slightly odd animal metaphor.

Lay It on Me

This phrase meant “Tell me what’s going on” or “Give me the info.” It was relaxed but assertive.

Dyn-o-mite!

Popularized by J.J. from Good Times, this phrase meant something was incredible or exciting. It was often yelled with flair and high energy.

That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles

This was how people accepted fate or misfortune with a shrug. It was a gentle, folksy way to say, “It is what it is”.

Can You Dig It?

This phrase meant “Do you understand?” or “Are you cool with it?” and was a staple in any streetwise conversation. It oozed coolness and a touch of rebellion. These days, it sounds more like a dad trying too hard at a barbecue.

What’s Your Bag?

This meant “What’s your deal?” or “What are you into?” It was direct but casual, often used to suss someone out. These days, it sounds like you’re asking about someone’s purse.

No Sweat

A chill way to say “Don’t worry about it” or “It’s all good.” It was cool, calm, and full of mellow vibes. Now it feels like something a dad might say after fixing the Wi-Fi.

Chill Pill

As in, “Take a chill pill.” It was a sassy way of telling someone to calm down. You might still hear it sarcastically, but it’s no longer the cultural staple it once was.