Each generation has its own language and teenage Boomers were no different. Highly influenced by fast cars and maintaining total cool at all times, young Boomers created a vocabulary all their own, and interestingly, many of the terms are still in use today.
To be in “fat city”, for example, was to be in great shape”. A “drag” was an extremely boring individual. The “fuzz” were policemen and the “old lady” was your mother.
For Boomers, a “wet rag”, a “drip” and a “party pooper” were terms describing someone who was no fun at all.
A “panty waist” was a mama’s boy, a nerd. The word “bad” meant “cool”. For example, “that was a bad move on the dance floor.”
Some of the words used to describe coolness were “fab”, “far out”, “outta sight”, and “choice”.
Phrases and words that described something better than just good were “like crazy”, “like wow”, “a gas” and “gone.”
“Blitzed” and “loaded” meant you might have had too many “Brewski’s”.
“Cherry, golden and copasetic” were terms describing complete perfection and “the word from the bird” meant the complete truth.
A “passion pit” was a drive-in movie, “to kill” was to really impress and “peepers” were eyeglasses.
Concerning automobiles, “all show and no go” described cars that looked fast, but really weren’t. A “hunk of junk” was a car that wouldn’t run at all and “birth control seats” was one way of describing the new fangled bucket seats.
“I got the royal shaft and now I’m frosted” meant I was treated unfairly and I’m very angry. “Gimme some skin” meant “how about a high five?”
“Lay it on me” meant tell me all about it and “on the make” described someone who had recently broken up with his or her steady. To “scarf” was to eat very fast and to “barf” was to regurgitate. “Oh, barf!” was a phrase used to describe total dissatisfaction?
“Cruisin’ for a bruising” was someone looking for trouble while getting a “wet lily” meant you had just had a moistened finger put in your ear. It was almost as bad as getting “a Melvin”(a wedgie).
“Far out, flat top, greaser, spaz, deuce coupe and wet rag.”
If you ever said any of the above words, or “See Ya’ Later Alligator” on your way out of a malt shop, you just might be a Boomer.