Top 80s Slang You Should Be Using in 2025
Because nothing says "I'm stylish and hilarious" like talking like a totally rad time traveler.
Are you ready to freshen up your vocab with the gnarliest slang from the raddest decade ever? Welcome to the most bodacious blog on the internet, where the 80s are back and cooler than ever—and yes, you can totally sit with us.
Look, it’s 2025. We’ve got AI in our pockets, self-driving cars on the roads, and fashion that’s time-warped right back to the golden age of mixtapes and neon. So why not bring the lingo along for the ride?
Before we jump in, quick shoutout to the real MVPs of the 80s revival: Newretro.Net—your go-to brand for totally fly retro men’s gear. We’re talking leather jackets straight outta an '87 action flick, VHS-style sneakers that scream cassette-core, and sunglasses so cool they practically high-five your face. Alright, now let’s kick it.
Rad / Radical
This one’s the OG of 80s greatness. “Rad” wasn’t just a word, it was a lifestyle. You didn’t just ride a skateboard—you rode it radically. You didn’t just eat pizza—you devoured that pepperoni masterpiece like a radical dude on a mission.
Use it in 2025: “That app you made is totally rad, bro.”
Bonus: Works for complimenting everything from a new retro watch to your friend’s new mullet.
Gnarly
Gnarly was born on the waves but lives on in our hearts. It means something wild, extreme, sometimes even kinda scary—in a good way. A triple espresso with a shot of adrenaline? Gnarly. Skydiving into your Monday meetings? Also gnarly.
“Just scored some Newretro VHS kicks—dude, they’re gnarly.”
Warning: Do not overuse or risk sounding like you're stuck in a Mountain Dew commercial.
Bodacious
Oh, bodacious. Equal parts bold and curvy, it’s the word that says, “I approve—enthusiastically.” You don’t just call something bodacious unless it makes you wanna jump up and high five the air.
Use it for: Complimenting a hairstyle, a concert, or someone’s entire vibe.
“That denim jacket from Newretro? Bodacious, my dude.”
Tubular
Straight from the surf scene, “tubular” meant something so good it was like catching the perfect wave. Today? It’s a perfect way to describe anything unexpectedly delightful.
“The way that AI made my schedule today—tubular.”
Also, “I just got a retro watch with glowing numbers and a leather strap. Tubular and timeless.”
Totally
Simple. Effective. Totally expressive.
Say it when you mean it. Say it when you don’t. Say it when you're stalling for time.
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“You coming to the retro party?”
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“Totally.”
Just don’t forget to add the valley girl twist: “Like, totally.”
Awesome
Still undefeated. It’s the one slang word that never really left, because—well—it’s awesome.
Works anywhere, anytime. “New sunglasses? Awesome.”
You can even combine it with new-age flair: “That retro jacket is awesome-sauce.”
The Bomb
Back before “bomb” only referred to bad situations, the bomb meant you were top tier. If you were the bomb, you were killing it, owning it, and probably moonwalking while doing it.
“Your fit today? The bomb.”
Bonus points if you say it while rocking a Members Only jacket from Newretro.
Dope
This one’s dope because it never left. It just evolved. In the 80s, if something was dope, it was edgy and street-smart. Now it’s just universally chill.
“That guy’s outfit? Dope AF.”
Especially when paired with some retro shades and confidence.
Fly
Not just what planes do. Fly means sharp, fashionable, and yes, even fine. If someone said you looked fly in the 80s, you were basically winning at life.
“Bro, those kicks are fly. You get ‘em from Newretro?”
Try it in casual convos. It’s fly to say fly.
Fresh
Before it was a produce category, “fresh” meant next-level cool. If you rolled up in a fresh ride or dropped a fresh look, you were the trendsetter.
“This leather jacket is so fresh, I’m getting frostbite.”
Ideal for any Newretro fit that makes you feel brand new and dangerous.
Word
“Word” is one of those slang terms that just fits into conversation like avocado on toast. It's the ultimate low-key affirmation. It says, “Heard you. Agreed. Respect.”
“You’re going all out with that 80s-themed wardrobe.”
“Word.”
It’s got chill. It’s got authenticity. And honestly, sometimes a single word says more than a paragraph ever could.
Homeboy / Homegirl
No one gets left behind in the 80s squad. These words brought the community vibes strong.
“Me and my homeboys are hitting up the mall like it's 1987.”
And hey, if you and your homegirl are both wearing Newretro jackets? That’s a power duo.
Kick It
Want to hang? Relax? Maybe binge some vintage horror flicks while wearing VHS sneakers? You’re trying to kick it.
“Yo, let’s grab pizza and kick it this weekend.”
Ideal phrase for turning down plans you don’t vibe with: “Naw, I’m just gonna kick it.”
Stoked
Still popular with skaters and surfers, “stoked” means beyond excited. It’s when something lights you up inside like neon on a diner sign.
“Just scored a discount on Newretro gear—stoked.”
Also works for announcing everything from new projects to your Friday night plans.
Bitchin’
Edgy. Bold. Slightly rebellious. If something was “bitchin’,” it was beyond amazing and probably had a leather jacket on.
“This mixtape I made? Bitchin’. It’s all synthwave and glory.”
Definitely use it sparingly. Like hot sauce—you want a kick, not a fire.
And we’ve only scratched the surface. The 80s gave us choice words that never went out of style—they just needed the right moment to come back. And what better time than now? With retro looks, retro moods, and retro slang making a full-blown comeback, your vocabulary deserves a glow-up as much as your closet.
So now that you’re stoked, psyched, and maybe even a little wiggin’ out from all this linguistic retro-glory, let’s dive back in. If you’re gonna talk the 80s talk in 2025, you gotta finish the job. Whether you’re vibing with your homeboys, prepping a fresh Newretro fit, or just want to sound like the raddest dude in your group chat—these are the slang terms that will majorly level up your daily convo.
Psyched / Psych!
“Psyched” is that electric, jittery feeling right before something epic. It's positive stress. Like waiting for a package from Newretro.Net and checking your tracking number 17 times in an hour.
“I’m so psyched for the concert tonight!”
But then there's the flip side—Psych! The ultimate gotcha. The 80s version of a plot twist.
“You thought I was buying the leather jacket for you? Psych! It’s mine.”
Bogus
Ah, the perfect word when life hits you with a bummer. Something unfair? Something dumb? Something that ruins your Friday night plans? Bogus.
“They canceled the retro movie marathon? That’s totally bogus.”
Use it for calling out everything from shady vibes to bad pineapple pizza.
Whatever
A glorious brush-off. A final word that says, “I’m done here,” with a verbal shrug. But remember—delivered with just the right tone, “whatever” becomes less dismissive and more iconic.
“You’re not wearing denim on denim to the retro party?”
“Whatever. I’m going full Miami Vice.”
Lame
Quick, punchy, and perfectly passive-aggressive. If “bogus” is disappointed, “lame” is just not impressed.
“No Newretro jacket in your wardrobe? Lame.”
It’s the kind of word you drop and walk away from slowly—possibly to synth music.
Gag Me
The sassiest of the sass. “Gag me with a spoon” was the full version, but let’s be real—you only need the first two words to express maximum disgust.
“They tried to sell me neon cargo shorts. Gag me.”
Great for when fashion (or food) crosses the line.
Airhead / Space Cadet
Clueless, in a cosmic way. These terms were affectionate burns for the friend who, bless their heart, just doesn’t get it.
“He thought Walkmans were just a myth. What a space cadet.”
Use sparingly and with love. Or sarcasm. Your call.
Dweeb / Nerd / Geek
The 80s owned nerd culture before it became cool. Back then, “nerd” wasn’t always a compliment—but now? It’s practically a badge of honor.
“You built your own keyboard and color-coded your cables? Total geek move. Respect.”
Don’t sleep on these terms—they’re retro gold with a modern twist.
Poser
We all know one. The person who claims to love retro but couldn’t name a single DeLorean model. Or who wears Newretro just for the 'Gram without knowing what VHS even stands for.
“He says he’s old-school but didn’t recognize Marty McFly. Poser.”
The 80s were all about authenticity. Keep it real, or get called out.
Mall Rat
This term was a loving roast of anyone who spent way too much time at the mall. Back when malls were the place to be (food courts, arcades, and all), being a mall rat meant you were part of the scene.
“Back in the day, I was a mall rat. Today? I’m a Newretro.Net rat.”
Bonus: still works for people who live on Instagram’s Shop tab.
Yuppie
Short for "Young Urban Professional." Think suits, briefcases, money talk, and—well—zero chill. In the 80s, it was used both seriously and sarcastically.
“He bought three pairs of retro shades for networking brunch. Total yuppie move.”
Not necessarily a burn… unless you say it with that tone.
Betty / Stud
Your go-to retro compliments for certified babes. “Betty” for the women, “stud” for the guys. Classic. Smooth. No pickup line needed.
“She rocked that windbreaker like a total Betty.”
“That dude in the acid wash denim? Straight-up stud.”
Use them wisely and respectfully. You’re complimenting style, not catcalling.
Veg Out
Sometimes you just need to hit pause on life and veg out. This isn’t laziness—it’s strategic restoration.
“Weekend plans? I’m vegging out with some pizza, synth music, and my Newretro hoodie.”
Ideal post-vibe after a long workweek or surviving one of those intense AI brainstorms.
Take a Chill Pill
Feeling the drama rise? Drop this verbal NyQuil. “Take a chill pill” was the friendly way of saying “dude, relax.”
“You lost your charger again? Take a chill pill—it’s in your bag.”
Still works. Still magical. No actual medication required.
Bummer
Not every moment can be radical. When life disappoints, just give it a solid bummer.
“They were out of my size in the denim jacket? Bummer.”
It’s the word equivalent of a sympathetic shoulder pat.
Get Real
When someone’s expectations are in another galaxy, this is your go-to. It’s the 80s way of saying, “Come back to Earth.”
“He thinks shoulder pads are coming back in 2025? Get real.”
Also great for gently shutting down wild ideas with minimal drama.
Righteous
This one’s for the high-moral grounders out there. If something was righteous, it wasn’t just cool—it was ethically awesome. Think justice + rock ‘n’ roll.
“You donated your sneaker drop earnings? Righteous, bro.”
Perfect for moments of honor, goodness, or just epic wins.
To the Max
Need to crank it up? Want to describe something that’s going all in? Say hello to “to the max.”
“I went 80s to the max—jacket, shades, and all.”
Warning: excessive use may result in spontaneous air guitar solos.
Like, Totally
The crown jewel of valley-speak. It’s exaggerated. It’s ironic. It’s like, totally everything.
“I’m, like, totally into synth-pop again.”
Best delivered with dramatic pauses and maybe a hair flip.
Wiggin’ / Spazz
When things get stressful or overly intense—whether it’s your boss, your Wi-Fi, or your closet lighting—it’s okay to admit you’re wiggin’. Or, if you’re overreacting a bit? Own it. You’re just spazzing.
“Dude, chill. You’re totally wiggin’ about your Insta caption.”
“I spazzed out when I saw the retro sneakers were on sale.”
Cowabunga
Yell it. Don’t just say it—yell it. Cowabunga is the ultimate celebration cry. It’s joy, excitement, adrenaline, and pizza in one word.
“Got the job. Cowabunga!”
“My Newretro shades just arrived? Cowabunga, baby!”
Mondo
Massive. Giant. Off-the-charts. Mondo is like “super-sized” but cooler.
“That retro party was mondo fun.”
Also works if someone just brought a truly mondo burrito to lunch.
Kick Butt
Need a boost? Want to hype someone up? Drop a “kick butt” in their inbox. It’s equal parts encouragement and action movie one-liner.
“Let’s go out there and kick butt. In leather.”
Bonus: Even more powerful when you're literally wearing something from Newretro.Net.
Later, Skater
Because no epic convo ends with “bye.” “Later, skater” is the quirky, cooler version—and yes, you don’t actually have to own a skateboard to say it.
“Catch you on the flip side. Later, skater.”
Drop it like it’s 1989.
Final Thought (But Not Really)
See? The 80s weren’t just about cassette tapes and perms—they were a linguistic wonderland of wit, attitude, and culture-defining coolness. And in 2025, it’s time to own that vocab like it’s a limited-edition windbreaker.
Now go forth, talk rad, look fresh, and don’t forget—whether you're rocking a leather jacket or just veg-ing out with your crew, Newretro.Net has your back with the style to match your slang.
Word.
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