Language evolves at a dizzying pace, and slang is arguably its most fleeting component. What was cool yesterday can quickly become passé. In this ever-changing linguistic landscape, staying updated can be a challenge. Explore these 13 slang terms that might reveal more about the era you’re from than you realize.

Flossy

“Flossy” hit the scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, describing someone showing off their wealth or style in a flashy way. It’s closely tied to hip-hop culture, where luxury and opulence often take center stage. Despite its sparkle, contemporary terms like “lit” or “on point” have replaced ”flossy.”

Cowabunga

This one surged in popularity thanks to the ”Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” epitomizing the radical surf culture of the time. Its association with the animated heroes gave it a cool edge, but as years passed, “cowabunga” transitioned from a trendy exclamation to a dated catchphrase.

Fly

Describing something as “fly” once meant it was top-tier in style or appeal, a high-flying compliment from decades past. Though its wings haven’t been wholly clipped, saying something is “fly” now might not soar to the heights of compliment it once did, feeling more like a throwback than cutting-edge praise.

Salty

“Salty” once described someone who’s upset or bitter, often in a playful, teasing manner. While it might still pepper conversations, its heyday has waned. Using “salty” today might not necessarily make you sound outdated, but it’s slowly seasoning out, with newer terms taking its place to describe irritation or displeasure.

Coolio

“Coolio,” an exaggerated twist on “cool,” perfectly encapsulated the laid-back vibe of the 1990s. It was the epitome of trying to sound hip and with it. However, today, dropping a “Coolio” in conversation is more likely to elicit smiles of nostalgia rather than nods of agreement on your coolness factor.

Crib

“Crib” was once the ultimate slang for someone’s home or apartment and brought an edgy, cool factor to everyday conversation. Rooted in hip-hop culture, it soared in popularity. Now, using “crib” to invite friends over might just bring back more memories of MTV’s “Cribs” than actual acceptance of the invitation.

Chill Pill

Telling someone to take a “chill pill” used to be a laid-back way of asking them to calm down—no actual medicine involved. But if you say it now, you will probably get a laugh instead of the calm you’re hoping for because it’s likely to remind folks of old sitcoms.

Peace Out

“Peace out” was the go-to farewell in the 1990s, encapsulating a vibe of cool detachment and easy-going attitudes. Its popularity peaked alongside the rise of hip-hop culture and alternative rock. However, today, “peace out” has been edged out by much simpler, more globally recognized farewells like “bye” or “see ya.”

Cool Beans

Boy, is this one old! “Cool Beans” sprouted in the late 1970s and blossomed through the 1980s as a quirky, enthusiastic way to express approval or agreement. Unfortunately, unlike the beans it metaphorically references, this once-trendy phrase’s freshness has wilted over time. Modern-day folks prefer “cool” or “awesome” sans legumes.

Shiznit

“Shiznit” first appeared in the late 1990s, popularized by the rap scene, serving as a stand-in for expressing that something was the absolute best or genuinely cool. However, its sparkle has dimmed in the shifting linguistic landscape. Present-day vocabulary favors direct praise like “amazing” or “incredible” without the coded flair.

My Bad

“My Bad” became a popular phrase for admitting a mistake with a casual tone in the 1980s, particularly within the basketball courts of America, before dribbling into mainstream usage. In recent years, however, the phrase has declined in use, with more people opting for a straightforward “sorry” or “my mistake.”

Hella

Originating in the 1980s in Northern California, “hella” soon became a popular way to say “very” or “a lot,” deeply rooted in Bay Area culture. Though it spread through music and pop culture, today it’s seen as nostalgic, with “super” and “really” becoming more universal replacements outside its original region.

Stoked

Once upon a time in the 1980s, if you were “stoked,” you were basically the coolest cat on the beach, riding a wave of pure excitement. Nowadays, saying you’re “stoked” might make folks think you’ve time-traveled from a retro surf competition. “Excited” keeps it simple without waxing your linguistic surfboard.