There were many phrases that used to be cool in the ‘60s. As we’ve moved with the times, these phrases have started to die out, and now the younger generation cringes if anyone says them. Here are 17 phrases from the ’60s that Gen Z wants to be banned.
“Sock It to Me”
Beating Broke writes, “‘Sock It to Me’ became a catchphrase for facing something head-on, whether it be good news or a challenge.” It was a phrase that became popular through the show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. It’s a complete contrast to Gen Z’s more meme-based humor.
“Square”
Calling someone square was a way to say that they were “uncool.” It was a phrase that meant they didn’t fit in with the crowd, but nowadays, being unique is considered cool. This is seen as an outdated concept by many people in the Gen Z generation.
“Don’t Blow Your Cool”
This phrase was said by many people in the 1960s as a way of telling a person not to lose their temper. It’s a phrase Gen Z wants to be banned today because they believe everyone should be allowed to communicate how they feel, as mental health is such an important part of everyday life.
“Lay It on Me”
When a person in the ‘60s wanted someone to tell them the truth, no matter how hurtful it may be, they’d tell a person, “Lay it on me.” Gen Z views this as an overly dramatic phrase and prefers the less extreme “spill the tea.”
“What’s Your Bag?”
This phrase may be uncommon in modern times, but in the 1960s, a person would ask this question as a way of showing interest in someone’s hobbies. It can be confusing for Gen Z, who may think someone is asking about their bag or what’s inside it.
“Can You Dig It?”
This phrase is meant as a way to ask if someone understands. For example, Babbel writes, “Asking ‘Can you dig it?’ confirms that someone has grasped the ‘deeper’ meaning, so to speak. Today, we might say ‘Do you read me?'” Gen Z may be thinking a person literally wants them to start digging.
“Keep on Truckin'”
“Keep on truckin’” is supposed to be a phrase that encourages a person to keep on moving, even when they face obstacles. Gen Z can think a person wants them to drive a truck, which can lead to much confusion. The younger generation favors telling a person to “keep going.”
“It’s a Gas”
When a person said this in the 1960s, they meant that something was fun and enjoyable. It’s an outdated phrase that no one says anymore and many people from younger generations may think that a person is literally referring to gas. Gen Z wants this banned to avoid any confusion.
“Ring-a-Ding-Ding”
People in the ‘60s would say “ring-a-ding-ding” as a way to show how excited they were about something. It’s a huge contrast to today, where we have a more minimalistic approach when it comes to showcasing our excitement. Gen Z prefers more understated approaches to revealing their enthusiasm.
“Flip Your Wig”
This phrase was a way for someone in the ‘60s to express surprise over something. Gen Z wants this phrase banned and for their phrase “shook” to be used instead. They feel younger generations are going to think that this phrase is specifically linked to wigs.
“Daddy-O”
This phrase was a term of endearment for a man, similar to “guy” in modern times. Gen Z prefers gender-neutral terms, and for this reason, they want this phrase banned. It originally came from the jazz era, but the phrase has lost its popularity over the decades.
“Burn Rubber”
Dictionary.com writes that the phrase “burning rubber” means driving very fast to try and get somewhere in time. In the ‘60s, it was linked to the muscle car culture, which was related to affordable yet powerful cars. As Gen Z is a more eco-friendly generation, they’d rather see this phrase banned.
“Groovy”
This term was used to describe something cool and fashionable in the 1960s. It was a term from the hippie culture, but as the hippie culture isn’t as prominent as it used to be, “groovy” has faded from everyday conversations. Gen Z will commonly say “cool” or “awesome” when they think something is great.
“Far Out”
Saying “far out” used to be a way to express amazement in the 1960s. It was seen as a term of the psychedelic era, which is why it isn’t a popular phrase anymore. Gen Z is more likely to use terms such as “amazing” or “unbelievable” as a way to express their positive feelings.
“Catch You on the Flip Side”
People from the ‘60s would say “Catch you on the flip side” as a way to say goodbye. It comes from the time when vinyls were popular and you would have to flip the disc over to play different songs. Gen Z would rather just say goodbye to someone or “see you later.”
“Cool Cat”
The BBC writes, “We use this expression to describe a person who is exceptionally fashionable and trendy.” However, the phrase sounds outdated, which is why Gen Z doesn’t use it. The phrase may have been popular in the ‘60s, but today, the younger generations are more likely to refer to someone as an “influencer.”
“Hip”
In the ‘60s, if you were “hip,” then you would’ve been in the know, or up to date with all the latest fashion trends. While you may still hear boomers say it today, Gen Z prefers to avoid this outdated phrase. They may say “in the loop” instead.
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