If you grew up in the ’90s, you probably remember the slang and phrases that were all the rage back then. Some of those expressions were fun and unique to the decade, but hearing them now might make you cringe a little.
This article will show you six things people said in the ’90s that sound pretty terrible today, helping you see just how much language changes over time. Whether you still catch yourself using some of these or want to understand what older folks meant, it’s interesting to look back at how our words evolve.
All that and a bag of chips
If you grew up in the ’90s, you probably heard “all that and a bag of chips” a lot. It meant someone or something was extra impressive, like the best of the best.
These days, saying it might make people raise an eyebrow or laugh. It sounds very dated, almost like a cheesy throwback.
The phrase comes from the idea that being “all that” is great, and adding a bag of chips just makes it even better—like getting a bonus treat. It was fun then, but now it might just confuse your friends.
As if!
You probably remember hearing “As if!” all over the place in the ’90s. It was your go-to way to show disbelief or dismiss something you thought was totally ridiculous.
Saying it made you sound cool and a little sarcastic. But now, it’s hard not to hear it and cringe a bit.
If you still use it, people might give you funny looks. It’s one of those phrases that feels stuck in time—and not in a good way.
Booyah!
You probably heard people yelling “Booyah!” whenever something exciting happened. It was a way to celebrate a win or just show some hype.
The word actually started in West Coast rap, mimicking the sound of gunfire. By the ’90s, it became popular on TV and in sports broadcasts, making it the go-to shout for victory or excitement.
Today, saying “Booyah!” might come off as a bit cheesy or outdated. But back then, it was all about sharing that burst of energy with your friends.
Home skillet
If you were around in the ’90s, you probably heard someone call their friend “home skillet.” It was just a fun way to say your buddy or close pal.
Today, saying “home skillet” might get confused or sound kind of awkward. It’s one of those phrases that felt natural back then but now feels a little outdated.
Still, using it can bring a bit of nostalgia or show you know your ’90s slang. Just don’t expect everyone to get the reference right away.
Talk to the hand
If someone told you “talk to the hand” back in the ’90s, they were basically saying they didn’t want to listen. The phrase usually came with a hand held up like a stop sign, which made it feel pretty aggressive.
You might remember it from shows like The Jerry Springer Show, where it was a popular way to shut someone down. Today, it just sounds kind of rude and outdated.
Using this phrase now could make you seem a bit harsh or out of touch. It’s a reminder of how slang can quickly go from funny to flat.
Whatever!
You probably remember saying “Whatever!” when you didn’t want to deal with something or someone. It was the perfect way to shut down a conversation without getting into a fight.
Back then, it felt cool and dismissive, like you were too chill to care. Today, it just sounds rude or like you don’t want to listen.
Using “Whatever!” now might come across as lazy or uninterested, which isn’t the best vibe if you want to keep things respectful. But hey, it’s a classic ’90s comeback for a reason.