If you grew up in the ’90s, then you know—and probably worshipped—the hit teen movie Clueless, where this term originated. “As if” was used when you’d talk about something preposterous or ridiculous that would never actually happen. Example: “Wanna go out?” “Ugh, as if!” And for more famous celebrities from this era, check out The Biggest ’90s TV Teen Idols, Then and Now. This was the ultimate compliment in the mid-’90s. It meant that a person or thing was even more awesome than you’d expect. Example: “Stacy may be the coolest girl in school, but Janet is all that and a bag of chips.” And for more nostalgia that kids today don’t appreciate, check out the 100 Photos That Kids Born After 2000 Will Never Understand. Today, we use the word “like” as filler in our conversations. But in the ’90s, the go-to term was “all.“ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Example: “She was all… then he was all…” When a place or situation was really amazing in the ’90s, you’d say it was “da bomb.” Example: “That sleepover was da bomb!” Have you ever been so excited about something but didn’t have an expression that quite fit your level of happiness? That’s where “Booyah!” came in in the ’90s. Example: “Did you hear class was canceled?” “Booyah!!” When something was “fly,” it was considered really stylish or cool. It usually described an outfit, accessory, or car. Example: “His bomber jacket is fly.” And for more killer looks, check out the Fashion Trends Only Cool ’90s Kids Will Remember. Another iconic word from Clueless, “whatever” was usually said sarcastically and accommodated by an eye roll. It was an easy way to end a conversation you’d rather not be having. Example: “Do your homework, Carrie.” “Whatever.” Yes, we still use the word loser in our lingo. But not with our fingers in the shape of an L on our foreheads, as Smash Mouth would go on to sing so famously in their hit song “All Star.” Example: “OK, loser.” This was a quick and easy apology if you made a mistake or did something wrong. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry,” you’d say “My bad.” Example: “I totally forgot to call her. My bad!” “No duh” was the best joking response when someone was stating the obvious. Example: “The sky is so blue!” “No duh.” And for more fun memories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. In the ’90s, if you got in a fight with your BFF, the best clapback to a sassy comment was “talk to the hand.” Think of it as another way to say “shut up.” And if you wanted to throw in extra attitude, you’d tack on, “‘Cause the face don’t wanna listen.” Example: “You’re so lame for not wanting to come to the party tonight.” “Talk to the hand.” OK, yes, you definitely use this term in your day-to-day life, but not in the same way as we did in the ’90s. When you wanted to play a trick on a friend, you’d agree with what they said and then hit them with a sarcastic role reversal. Example: “Nickelback is the greatest band ever… NOT!” When drama went down or fighting words were exchanged, ’90s kids would typically say, “Oh no she didn’t!” Example: “Rose didn’t make room for Jack on the door.” “Oh no she didn’t!” This fun ’90s exclamation was made when something shocking or unexpected happened. Example: “Did you hear that Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears are dating?” “Oh, snap!” Though “great” or “sure” would suffice, it was much more fun to say “cool beans.” Example: “I’ll pick you up at 8.” “Cool beans.” “Your mom” or “Yo mama” was the ultimate insult to throw at someone when you were in a fight. Example: “I don’t like you anymore.” “Well, I don’t like yo mama!” When you and your crew were ready to go somewhere, you’d announce, “Let’s bounce!” You could also say “We outtie.” Example: “Our ride is here. Let’s bounce!” Dip had the same meaning as bounce and was typically used upon leaving a party or place. Example: “It’s midnight, I gotta dip.” If you lived in a cool apartment or house, you’d call it a crib, a slang term made even more popular when MTV Cribs premiered in 2000. Example: “Welcome to my crib!” Dope was synonymous with fly or even “rad” for those ’80s folks. Example: “Your dance moves are dope!” For some reason, we all called our best buds “home skillet” in the ’90s as a term of endearment. Example: “Hey, home skillet! Glad you could make it to the party!” If a friend or family member was upset over something you considered trivial, you’d tell them to calm down by taking a chill pill. Example: “Jeez, it’s not that big of a deal. Take a chill pill.” By saying “word,” you were agreeing with someone or showing that you understood something. It’s synonymous with the expression “that’s cool.” Example: “I love this flannel shirt.” “Word.” Let’s say someone was acting differently than they usually did or picking a fight by blowing a comment out of proportion. In this case, you’d usually ask why they were “buggin’ out.” Example: “You seem off… Why are you buggin’?” As a friendly greeting, you wouldn’t ask, “How are you?” or “What are you up to?” In the ’90s, you’d get straight to the point with a “Wassup?” or simply “Sup?” Example: “Wassup, dude?” And if you loved growing up in the ’90s, check out the 25 Reasons Why Being a Kid in the ’90s Totally Ruled.
