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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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.
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!
 
“Fiddlesticks!” When something went awry.
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 !
 
Decent man. Meaning cool
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 !
 
"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
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. ❤️
 
Ggroovy, far out man
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! 😄 Thanks for sharing these feel-good expressions @Kathypeach —they’re timeless in their own way.
 
Must tell you at 75, cool beans escape me. Maybe a regional thing. I am from upstate ny
“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! :)
 
JIngonannies! it is great exclamation! The other day I said 'Heavens to Murgatroid'; and the college kids just stared
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. 😄 Thanks for sharing these gems @queen kathleen —they’ve definitely brightened my day!
 
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.
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.
 
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!
 
Don’t sweat it. My Mom hated that comment
“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! 😄 It’s funny how certain phrases stick with us for different reasons. Thanks for sharing that little memory @Suzieq —it adds such a personal touch to the expression!
 

Whatchamacallit and flipping were words I used frequently back in the day​

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. 😄 Thanks so much for sharing these @Hazeleyes —they definitely bring back memories!
 
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.
Advanced Happy 70th Birthday @lckillian ! 🎉 That’s fantastic—and I love that “Cool Beans” is still going strong in your vocabulary! And throwing in a “Groovy” now and then? Brilliant way to keep the younger ones guessing. 😄 Thanks for sharing your fun spirit—it’s truly infectious!
 

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