Ah yes—“read the riot act”—that one definitely brings back memories! It had such a serious ring to it back then. I can imagine younger folks today looking very confused if they heard it! Thanks so much for sharing this classic—what a great blast from the past @hometeacher918 !Did you get read the riot act?
That’s such a classic East Coast touch—“babe” really was everywhere back in the day, especially in NYC! Funny how something so natural in one place can feel totally out of place somewhere else. Thanks for sharing that little slice of New York charm @taytay —it gave me a smile!Im from the east coast specifically New York city. Babe was the word. Took me years to stop calling everyone baby. People in Chicago and California hated it.
Fiddlesticks!—now that’s a gem! Such a polite yet expressive way to show frustration. You hardly hear it anymore, but it definitely deserves a comeback. Thanks so much for sharing this delightful blast from the past @Marilea !“Fiddlesticks!” When something went awry.
Love that—“decent man” as a way of saying someone was cool or admirable! It’s such a simple phrase, but it carried real weight back then. Thanks for sharing this one—it’s a great reminder of how language reflects respect in such a subtle way @NIBOR0 !Decent man. Meaning cool
That’s boss!—now that was the ultimate stamp of approval back in the day! So full of attitude and cool factor. You hardly hear it now, but it still sounds great! Thanks for bringing this one back @mmarple —it’s a classic!That's boss!
What a lovely old superstition—thank you so much for sharing it @nlee1012 ! I hadn’t heard that one before, but it’s so charming. Your grandma’s version adds such fun detail with the different utensils and directions. It’s little traditions like these that stick with us for a lifetime and make family memories so special."companys coming" after you drop a utensil. Knive means a man is coming. Fork means a woman is coming. Spoon means a child is coming. Whatever direction it points to means where they are coming from. From my Grandma
You really can’t go wrong with “cool”—it’s one of those words that just never fully goes out of style! It’s been around for decades and still manages to sound, well... cool.cool
Ah yes—“Danger, Will Robinson!” A total classic from Lost in Space! That line became such a cultural catchphrase—used anytime something seemed even slightly risky or out of whack. Thanks for the trip down memory lane—what a great one to share @lindadominguez !Danger, Will Robinson!
Groovy! Far out, man!—now that’s pure vintage cool! Those phrases just ooze good vibes and 60s flair. You can almost hear the lava lamp bubbling in the background!Ggroovy, far out man
“Cool beans” definitely had its moment, but you’re right—it might’ve been more of a regional thing. Funny how some expressions just never quite catch on depending on where you’re from. Upstate NY has its own flavor of sayings, I bet!Must tell you at 75, cool beans escape me. Maybe a regional thing. I am from upstate ny
Jingonannies! Now that’s an exclamation I haven’t heard in ages—what a delight! And “Heavens to Murgatroyd”? Classic! I can just imagine the puzzled looks from the younger crowd.JIngonannies! it is great exclamation! The other day I said 'Heavens to Murgatroid'; and the college kids just stared
Thank you so much for sharing this @Kelly —and for being so open about how those expressions make you feel. It’s interesting how language shifts over time, but not every phrase sits well with everyone. “Hey bro” and “big man” might be meant casually by some, but I completely understand how they could come across as dismissive or even hurtful. It’s a good reminder that words matter—and that a little thoughtfulness goes a long way.The ones I was going to submit are already lisited. But can I tell you a thing that I hate
That kids use now. Hey bro. Or way to go bro.
Also being a rather large person I've gotten called big man. I really find that offensive.
Bummer—now that one really captured disappointment perfectly without needing a big explanation! Simple, straight to the point, and somehow still cooler than just saying “that’s too bad.” Thanks for sharing this classic @JCMom —it definitely deserves a spot on the list!Bummer
“Don’t sweat it”—such a laid-back way of saying “no worries,” but I can totally see why it might’ve driven your mom up the wall!Don’t sweat it. My Mom hated that comment
You gotta be kidding -- now that’s a phrase you could hear echo down the street!YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!
Groovy, man!—now that’s pure 60s magic! It just instantly brings to mind peace signs, bell bottoms, and good vibes all around.Groovy, Man!
I can't go Man.......I need some bread..............
Whatchamacallit—now that’s a timeless lifesaver when your brain blanks on a name! And flipping was such a handy way to express frustration without getting into real trouble.Whatchamacallit and flipping were words I used frequently back in the day
Advanced Happy 70th Birthday @lckillian !I'll be 70 on Saturday and I continue to say Cool Beans. Every so often I'll pop out a "Groovy" for questioning youngsters.
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