Language from the last generation – there is no trigger warning!
Who are Generation X? Well, we were raised by TV (and the first to embrace MTV), loved our mixtapes, and were mostly left to get on with it ourselves, with minimal parental concern.
As a result, we invented sarcasm as a self-defence mechanism along with our own special language. We are a cheeky and feisty lot and grew up with attitude! We sent notes to each other in the classroom, there were no text messages or phone apps. Our slang was our own, and “wicked”, “safe”, and “skill.” featured regularly in our vocab, whether it was spoken or written.
Some of the words were not always polite, but were often delivered as a cheeky, throwaway insult. To us it was funny, or water off a duck’s back. You could call your mate a “div”, but then sit next to them quite happily in science the next day, as if nothing had happened!
So settle in and follow this guide to get all your genuine 80s Gen X slang. It isn’t just about the words, it’s about the attitude.
🔤 The Classics – Core Playground Vocabulary
Wicked – High praise. Usually for BMX tricks, arcade scores, or someone bringing in Panini stickers to swap.
Skill – The next level of compliment. Reserved for moonwalks and Rubik’s Cube solving. It wasn’t unusual to write, “I am skill” on your school desk either.
Safe – Your mate who never grassed you up. Trustworthy. Or saying thanks to someone who did something good and often ‘man’ was added to it. “That mixtape? Safe, man”.
Sad – Crushing. Often used with a pitying headshake. “You taped Neighbours? Sad.”
Tool / Wally / Div – Not quite enemies. Just people that annoyed you or were unbelievably stupid at any point.
Minger – Cruel, yes. Meant someone ugly. But painfully omnipresent.
Bogus – Bill & Ted-certified word for something that was fake, or just good
Mega / Sorted / Cool Beans – A sign of approval for plans made.
Cool – just for something we liked, “that band are cool”, or another sign of approval, a thumbs up all is well.
🎧 Words With Rhythm – Hip Hop & Black Culture Roots
Most of the words we thought were “cool” were actually borrowed from Black culture, especially through early hip hop. These weren’t just sounds — they were survival, resistance, and brilliance, repackaged for mass culture.
Dope – Amazing. Lyrically endorsed by everyone from LL Cool J to De La Soul.
Fresh – Stylish. Original. Think Adidas tracksuits and breakdance moves on lino.
Yo! – Greeting, attention-grabber, or just punctuation.
Illin’ – Showing off, acting wild, or doing something epic.
Whassup – Around long before that beer ad. A greeting: “whassup” was playground code for chill familiarity. Sometimes you got “Yo! Whassup!!!” if your mate was saying hello.
Chill – Take it easy. Or… stop being so dramatic. Calm down.
Crew / Posse – Your people. More loyal than your blood relatives sometimes.
🔎 Let’s give credit where it’s due. These words shaped how we spoke — and still speak.
🛹 Surfer, Stoner & Slacker Vibes
Left over from 60s counterculture, and drifted in straight from California, and US cartoons. These weren’t things UK kids said every day — but when we did, it was for extra effect
Dude – Everyone was a dude. Even your nan, in the right light.
Far Out – Weird. Wonderful. Usually said when something blew your 8-year-old mind.
Woah! – The only possible reaction to a magic trick or someone farting loudly in gym.
Man – Softens any phrase: “That’s heavy, man.” Or an insult to authority – aka The Man.
Exactamundo – Fonzie’s gift to us all. Often lay dormant in your vocabulary until one perfect moment years later.
British Bangers – The Homegrown Stuff
Plonker – Iconic. Delivered best with a sigh and a Del Boy squint.
Naff – Tacky, tragic, and too try-hard.
Muppet / Pillock – Another word for someone foolish or stupid but usually used affectionately. If someone came to school wearing odd socks, it would be ‘You Muppet!’
Friggin’ – Mild Scouse swearing. Often heard outside chip shops and for us southerners via the TV show Bread.
Innit – Not a question. A statement of fact. “That new Wham track is wicked, innit?” or showing you are in agreement with someone. Just a simple ‘innit’ after the fact did just fine.
💬 Final Thoughts
Gen X is the last analogue generation.
The last to grow up without constant surveillance, curation, or spellcheck.
Our slang was fast, funny, often stolen, and sometimes mean.
But it was real. It was ours.
And it made us who we are:
Resilient. Sarcastic. Weirdly nostalgic. And, yeah… skill.
This blog post is written by Rachel Toy, owner of Rachel’s Vintage & Retro and creator of 80s Kids UK. I have a passion for all things 80s and regularly write blogs about this wonderful decade. I also have an 80s online shop. Subscribe here or follow 80s Kids UK on Instagram and Facebook for more updates!