American slang is constantly changing. Do you know what cheugy, snatched, or flex mean? I have no idea!
But every generation has used slang to assert their identity and communicate in a way that resonates with their friends. And, just as important, to confuse and irritate their out-of-touch, uncool, and old-fashioned parents. (Mom, they are hippies, not beatniks!)
But many slang terms have lost their group identity and become part of our everyday language, while many others are seldom heard these days. And that’s a real bummer! But we can change that. How? By indoctrinating our grandchildren with our favorite slang from our youth — and then they can be the cool cats on the playground. And wouldn’t that be swell!
So let’s take a trip (not that kind of trip!) back to our youth and see if you can identify from these definitions 10 common slang words used in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.
‘50s slang
1. Looking for trouble or a fight.
2. A drive-in movie theater, often associated with dating.
3. A member of a youth subculture known for slicked-back hair and rebellious attitudes.
4. Having things going well, often without effort.
5. A punch to the face.
6. To make the tires skid when accelerating.
7. Making out in the backseat of a car.
8. To understand or approve of something.
9. To leave or depart.
10. An uncool or out-of-touch person.
‘60s slang
1. Meaning cool, neat, or excellent.
2. Relaxed, laid-back, calm.
3. A disappointing situation or person.
4. Gross or unpleasant.
5. To leave or depart.
6. To relax, take it easy.
7. A place to live, often used by hippies.
8. A tattletale.
9. An unreliable or useless person.
10. Someone who is not cool or unconventional.
‘70s slang
1. A term that expresses something upbeat, lively, and fun.
2. A frequently used synonym for “cool,” indicating someone or something was stylish and trendy.
3. A term for something clever, ingenious, or admirable.
4. Meaning “see you later,” often associated with flipping a record to the other side.
5. A phrase encouraging defiance against authority.
6. A phrase meaning “keep moving forward,” often used in a positive way.
7. A term for someone who is absent-minded or daydreaming.
8. To dance or move around.
9. Refers to positive energy and feelings.
10. A term for someone who is naive or stupid.
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Brain Tease from the Brain Health and Puzzles website.
A fascinating brain exercise is visualization. To help you with your creativity and imagination, try using your mind’s eye to visualize your surroundings. For example, try visualizing your home and moving around from room to room, upstairs to downstairs. Picture every room and every piece of furniture, picture every step you make, avoiding chairs and tables. And don’t trip over the dog!
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The title of the song sung by the English singer Petula Clark that became the first number one hit of 1965 was “Downtown.”
I haven’t a list of the correct answers for last week because once again I needed to submit this column early, not because of an exciting trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii, but because of medical appointments: cataract surgery and follow-up for my cochlear implant. Ah, the joys of modern medicine.
This beloved puppeteer and ventriloquist had her first major show on NBC from 1960-1963, and then in the 1990s, returned with her PBS series aimed at toddlers and young preschoolers.
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this multifaceted performer who won 12 Emmy Awards during her career and was celebrated for her creative puppetry and influence on children’s programming? And for bonus points, what was the name of her most popular hand puppet? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with the video of her appearance on Captain Kangaroo in 1956.
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Well, it’s been another week enjoying the ride, even with the random bumps and bruises. Until we meet again, as I often tell myself, the first step to remembering is to pay attention!
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“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.”
— Robert Frost
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Town Hall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Answers
‘50s slang:
1. Cruisin’ for a bruisin’
2. Passion pit
3. Greaser
4. Made in the shade
5. Knuckle sandwich
6. Burn rubber
7. Backseat bingo
8. Dig
9. Split
10. Square
‘60s slang:
1. Far out
2. Mellow
3. Bummer
4. Grody
5. Split
6. Hang loose
7. Pad
8. Fink
9. Flake
10. Square
‘70s slang:
1. Groovy
2. Hip
3. Nifty
4. Catch you on the flip side
5. Stick it to the man
6. Keep on truckin’
7. Space cadet
8. Boogie
9. Good vibes
10. Airhead
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