Totally Tubular! 80s Slang You Should Start Using Again
Brought to you with a rad retro wink from Newretro.Net
Listen up, dudes and dudettes—if you're still texting “LOL” or saying “lit,” you're totally missing the most bitchin’ era of slang: the 1980s. A time when cassette tapes ruled, neon was a lifestyle, and if your jacket wasn’t denim or leather, were you even living?
Today, we’re dusting off our boomboxes and slinging phrases straight from the golden age of gnarlitude. We're diving into 80s slang you should 100% bring back—not just because it's fun, but because it brings back a kind of personality modern slang just can’t compete with. And hey, if you're already vibing with retro style, you’re gonna wanna sound the part too.
So grab your shades, kick back in your retro kicks, and let’s get totally tubular.
Why 80s Slang is Making a Comeback
Everything retro is in again—just look at the fashion, music, and even the TV shows. “Stranger Things” didn’t just resurrect the Demogorgon—it brought back walkie-talkies, BMX bikes, and a whole buttload of 80s catchphrases. But it’s not just about nostalgia. 80s slang is full of:
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Personality: It’s expressive, loud, and unapologetic—just like a good shoulder pad.
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Color: Ever describe something as “bodacious”? You’ll never go back to “cool.”
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Playfulness: Half of these phrases are just plain fun to say. Try yelling “cowabunga!” without smiling. We dare you.
Slang So Rad You’ll Wanna Say It Twice
Let’s go over a few words that should be back in your daily vocab. Like, yesterday.
Totally Tubular
If you’re gonna revive one word, make it this one.
“Totally tubular” doesn’t just mean cool—it means epically cool. Like, seeing your favorite band live and catching the guitar pick kind of cool.
"Dude, your jacket is totally tubular!"
(especially if it's a Newretro.Net leather one, just sayin')
Gnarly
This one pulls double duty. “Gnarly” can mean something is insanely awesome—or freakishly intense. The kind of word that works whether you’re watching a wave crash or biting into ghost pepper wings.
"That movie was gnarly, man. I still can’t breathe."
Bitchin’
Ah, the classic. The peak. The ultimate stamp of approval.
“Bitchin’” means you’ve reached excellence, friend.
"Those VHS sneakers from Newretro.Net? Bitchin’."
Bodacious
Sexy? Yes. Impressive? Also yes. “Bodacious” is your go-to when something drops your jaw in all the right ways.
"You see her ride that dirt bike? Bodacious."
"That chrome watch? Totally bodacious."
Cowabunga!
If you’ve ever seen a Ninja Turtle, you know this one. Cowabunga is the scream of joy, the shout before a skate trick, the punctuation to an epic adventure.
"Cowabunga, dudes! I’m finally outta work for the weekend!"
Dude (and Dudette)
Of course, “dude” is eternal—but the 80s gave it flavor. You could be chill, annoyed, hyped, or in awe—“dude” covers it all. And for the ladies? Say hello to “dudette.”
"Dude, that’s bogus."
"Dudette, those shades are righteous."
Slang That Should’ve Never Left
Let’s be real: some of these expressions could solve modern communication problems instantly.
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“Book it” = get out fast
"Let’s book it before traffic hits!"
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“Gag me with a spoon” = that’s disgusting
"He dips fries in mayo? Gag me with a spoon."
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“Bogus” = fake or unfair
"Charging extra for guac? Totally bogus."
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“Righteous” = admirable or totally cool
"You donated all your tips to charity? That’s righteous."
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“Amped” = super excited
"I’m so amped for the 80s-themed party tonight!"
Even just sprinkling these into conversation will make you sound like you’ve time-traveled from a mall arcade in 1986—and who wouldn’t want that?
But What If People Don’t Get It?
Well, then you’ve got a totally tubular opportunity to educate the masses. Language is a cycle, and every “yeet” was once a “bogus.” You might even start a micro-revolution in your friend group. Next thing you know, you’re all saying “bite me” at brunch and yelling “psych!” after fake announcements.
Plus, think about it: retro slang sounds cooler than modern lingo. Which feels more powerful?
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“That’s cool”
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“That’s bitchin’”
Exactly.
Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
Now, you can’t be throwing around phrases like “gnarly” and “bodacious” while wearing bland fast fashion. C’mon, that’s like blasting synthwave from a Bluetooth speaker—it just doesn’t hit the same.
Retro slang needs retro drip.
That’s where we, your righteous pals at Newretro.Net, come in. We live and breathe that 80s/90s aesthetic—our denim and leather jackets? Made for dudes who say “motor it” when they leave the party. Our retro VHS sneakers? Designed to make people say “whoa, those are rad!” before you even say a word.
Wanna be the full package?
Dress like the 80s.
Talk like the 80s.
Live like the 80s (minus the perms and pager bills).
Some Slang You’ve Probably Heard But Didn’t Know Was 80s
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“Take a chill pill” – Back before mindfulness apps, we had this.
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“Big whoop” – The ultimate way to say “I do not care, Brad.”
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“Eat my shorts” – Made iconic by Bart Simpson, this 80s insult is still a classic.
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“Duh” – When something’s so obvious, it hurts.
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“Psych!” – The best way to pull a fast one on your buds.
Pro tip: Try replacing your “cool” or “awesome” go-to words with “rad” for a week. It’s an instant vibe upgrade.
Warning: May cause uncontrollable use of finger guns.More Slang That Deserves a Comeback
You thought we were done? As if! There’s still a gazillion more 80s gems to revive. Let’s keep the slang party going:
“Motor”
When it’s time to bounce, don’t just say “I’m leaving.” Motor outta there like you’ve got cassette rewinds to do and roller rinks to hit.
"This meeting’s a snooze-fest. I’m gonna motor."
Honestly, any excuse to say “motor” and walk out dramatically is a good one.
“Betty”
A Betty was more than just a pretty face—it was a cool, stylish, confident woman. Think Madonna meets Lisa Bonet with a dash of roller skates.
"She walked in with those retro shades like a total Betty."
(Pro tip: pair that energy with one of our vintage-inspired jackets from Newretro.Net and watch your main character vibe go into overdrive.)
“Epic”
Okay, this one might’ve stuck around in modern slang, but the 80s gave it roots. Back then, something “epic” wasn’t just big—it was legendary. It was “I watched ‘Back to the Future’ three times in a row” kind of epic.
"That dance floor? Epic. I almost pulled a hammy."
“Trippin’”
This isn’t just someone being goofy—it’s calling out straight-up weird behavior.
"He said he doesn’t like pizza. Bro is trippin’."
Use it wisely. Preferably when someone claims vinyl doesn’t sound better.
Slang You Can Drop in Conversation Today (And Should)
Want to test the waters? Here’s a cheat sheet for slipping these bad boys into your chats and text threads without sounding like a poser:
"I’m amped for the weekend. BBQ, synthwave, and chillin’."
"Ugh, she canceled again? That’s bogus."
"Gag me with a spoon, who puts ketchup on mac & cheese?"
"Let’s book it—traffic's gonna be gnarly."
"Your playlist is righteous, dude."
"He’s got like a buttload of vintage tees."
"We’re throwing a neon party. It’s gonna be epic."
Mix and match. Go full 80s if you're feeling bold—or just drop a “duh” when someone asks if Newretro.Net has sunglasses (yes, righteous ones, actually).
Warning: Some Slang May Cause Instant Coolness
The risk of speaking 80s is that people might actually start thinking you’re cool. Like, really cool. Next thing you know, you’re being asked to curate playlists, explain what a VHS tape is, and host themed parties.
And when you roll up in your retro-inspired gear—from your Newretro.Net jacket down to those slick VHS sneakers—you’ll complete the whole package. You're no longer just throwing out fun words. You're living it.
Fashion and language go hand-in-hand, after all. You wouldn’t show up to a synthwave night wearing 2020s techwear and say “totally tubular.” That’s like showing up to a breakdance battle in crocs. You gotta commit, man.
Want to Go Full 80s? Here’s How
Let’s say you’re not just dabbling—you’re ready to embrace your inner Marty McFly. Here's your ultimate starter kit for going full retro:
Look the part:
Denim or leather jacket – Bonus points if it's got patches or a popped collar.
Retro sneakers – Like the VHS kicks from Newretro.Net (they’re like walking on nostalgia).
Shades – Reflective, bold, and totally necessary, even indoors.
A bold attitude – You gotta own it. Channel your inner Ferris Bueller.
Talk the part:
Greet friends with “What’s the haps, dude?”
Drop “psych!” after every good fake-out.
Describe anything good as “bitchin’” or “bodacious.”
React to bad news with “that’s so bogus.”
Live the part:
Throw an 80s-themed hangout with cassette tapes, arcade games, and neon everything.
Watch classics like “The Breakfast Club,” “Rad,” or “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”
Get your synthwave playlists ready—because the soundtrack is half the vibe.
Final Thought (But Not the End)
The thing about 80s slang is—it’s not just about words. It’s a state of mind. A neon-colored, shoulder-padded, acid-washed state of mind that doesn’t take itself too seriously. And in a world that’s constantly trying to look and sound polished, a little throwback charm can be a breath of fresh air.
So go ahead. Call your next meal “gnarly.” Tell someone their fit is “righteous.” Shout “cowabunga!” when you find parking on a busy street. Life’s short, might as well have fun with your vocab.
And hey, while you’re at it, maybe look the part too.
Our crew at Newretro.Net is here to help you suit up like it’s 1985—but brand spanking new.Don’t be a wastoid. Retro up. Speak rad. And always, always stay bitchin’.
Cowabunga!
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