The ’90s were a time of fun, and that definitely shows through the colorful vernacular used by teens. Whether it’s to impress your TikTok friends or simply spice up your everyday conversations, these 90s Vernacular slang words are sure to make anyone feel fly!
This expression is all about showing your support for a friend. You can thank Alicia Silverstone and Clueless for this one!
Gettin’ Jiggy With It
Music, movies, and popular TV series are usually the first places where modern slang words start. One example of this is when 90’s rapper Will Smith made jiggy a common term for flashy style and dance moves.
Jiggy is also an alternate way of saying all that and a bag of chips, meaning someone is extremely impressive and talented. This slang is still in use today. Other examples include phat, which is skater slang for awesome, and sick, which is another version of this. These phrases are still commonly used by Gen Z.
Home Skillet
Home skillet is another phrase of endearment similar to homie. It’s a fun way to show your support for your best friend.
You can say it to your BFF after she gets a good result on her pregnancy test, like Rainn Wilson’s character in Juno. “This is one doodle that can’t be undid, homeskillet!”
The 90s were a memorable time for many reasons, from dial-up internet to Doc Martens. But it also gave us some unforgettable slang words. Some still live on today! You can read more about them here.
Let’s Bounce
Like fashion trends, slang comes and goes. Sometimes, it even reappears after a few decades of hiding in the closet.
The song “Let’s Bounce” by Sheek Louch embodies a rebellious, street-wise attitude. The lyrics express a disregard for rival gang members and focus on partying.
Nowadays, if you say “you go, girl!” to your best friend, it means you’re supportive of her crazy adventures. You can also use it to congratulate someone on something they’ve accomplished.
Da Bomb
Fiery red super hot scorpion peppers blend with hearty spices and sweeter notes to create this tangy hot sauce that’s da bomb.
When something is off the chain, it means it’s awesome. This skater slang is still popular today.
If someone is a buzzkill, they’re ruining the mood or atmosphere. The fastest way to claim something is to say, “dibs!” This slang hasn’t changed much from the 90’s. It’s still a great way to show support for your best friend! You go, girl! is a wonderful phrase that shows your support for your female friends.
Don’t Go There
A popular 90’s slang word that hasn’t been used much lately. It’s basically a rebuttal when someone calls you a name or does something messed up.
It’s a little bit similar to “whatever” but is more sarcastic and sour. This was a common expression among people who were into the West Coast gang culture in the 1990’s.
FYI
If you say FYI in the modern sense, you’re basically just saying “for your information.” People still use this abbreviation today in emails and memos to inform others about certain topics.
A buzzkill is something or someone that ruins an atmosphere of fun or excitement. This term is still around, but is less used than it was back in the 90s.
These are just a few of the many 90s slang words and saying that deserve to come back into fashion. Learning these phrases can help modern kids better understand movies, TV shows, and songs from this era of vivid colors.
As If
Modern slang words often form from popular music, TV series, and movies. The 90’s were no exception. Kids would learn slang terms from hip-hop songs and use them in their conversations.
A common word from the 90’s was phat. Kids used this slang to describe someone or something as cool.
Another phrase from the 90’s was buzzkill. This means a person who ruins an enjoyable moment or experience. Today, kids still say buzzkill when they see a friend ruin their fun. They might also use the slang word dibs to claim something as their own.
Booyah
A thick stew of European origin made throughout the Upper Midwest, booyah requires up to two days and multiple cooks. It is cooked outdoors in large kettles designed to serve hundreds or thousands of people.
Financial advisor Jim Cramer is famous for asking his callers to shout booyah after giving them good stock advice. The word can also be used as a taunt in basketball games to celebrate a big score or impressive physical skill.
Whether you were a 90s kid or you’re just trying to understand Gen Z, these fun and familiar slang words will help.
Fly
The 90’s were a decade filled with flashy music and trendy slang. The most common source of slang is through popular music and movies, but 90’s slang also had an effect on everyday speech.
If someone or something is fly, it means they are awesome. It’s similar to saying the bee’s knees or all that and a bag of chips.
A fly person or thing is cool, but a fly place or event is really great. Another word to add to the list is fresh, which can describe anything that feels new and original.
Fresh
Slang comes and goes, but some phrases have staying power. The 90s was a great time for music, movies, and street lingo that has shaped modern language.
The word phat is one example of slang that is still in use today. Gen Z kids use it to describe anything cool, and it’s a fun way to show appreciation for their BFFs.
Another popular saying from the 90s is booyah. It’s a positive way to cheer someone up or show support, similar to saying “you go, girl!”.