Back in Time Today
Ah, the ’90s. A time of beepers, baggy jeans, and slang that made everything sound way cooler than it really was. If you grew up during this golden era, chances are you dropped some of these phrases on the daily. Here’s a nostalgic ride through 23 ’90s slang words that totally hit different back then.
1. All That
Back then, something or someone being “all that” meant they were top-tier. Usually followed by “and a bag of chips.”
2. As If!
A dismissive comeback made iconic by Clueless. The ’90s way of saying “yeah, right.”
3. Booyah!
An exclamation of excitement or triumph. Whether winning a game or serving a great comeback, “booyah” sealed the moment.
4. Da Bomb
Not to be confused with an actual explosive—this meant something was amazing or the best.
5. Fly
Used to describe someone who was stylish or attractive. If you were “fly,” you were basically a trendsetter.
6. Home Skillet
A fun and affectionate term for a close friend. Yes, we called our besties frying pans. No regrets.
7. Talk to the Hand
The ultimate ’90s shutdown. Complete with hand gesture, this phrase screamed “I’m done listening.”
8. Word
Short for “word up,” it meant “I agree” or “that’s the truth.” Simple, versatile, and smooth.
9. Whatever!
Usually paired with a sarcastic eye roll. It was the go-to phrase for teen angst and indifference.
10. No Duh
The sassier cousin of “obviously.” Delivered with heavy sarcasm, of course.
11. Sup?
A cool, casual way of saying “What’s up?” Quick, to the point, and full of laid-back energy.
12. Not!
Used after a statement to flip its meaning. “You’re so smart… NOT!” Basically the troll language of the ‘90s.
13. Crib
A way cooler word for home. “Let’s head back to my crib” just had that MTV flair.
14. Trippin’
If someone was acting wild or irrational, they were “trippin’.” Like, calm down already.
15. Phat
Nope, not fat. PHAT meant “Pretty Hot And Tempting.” Yes, we spelled it out with pride.
16. Dope
Another way to say something was cool or awesome. “That new game is dope!”
17. Wack
The opposite of dope. If something was lame or uncool, it was definitely “wack.”
18. Buggin’
Similar to “trippin’,” but more focused on someone freaking out or overreacting.
19. Fresh
Used to describe someone with an immaculate sense of style. Think Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
20. Hella
A West Coast favorite that meant “very” or “a lot.” “That movie was hella good!”
21. Kickin’ It
Just hanging out or chilling. “We’re just kickin’ it at home tonight.”
22. Scrub
Thanks to TLC, we knew exactly what this meant—someone who talked a big game but had nothing to back it up.
23. Yadda Yadda
A filler for stories or gossip. Made famous by Seinfeld, it was shorthand for “you know the rest.”