Take a trip down memory lane with the coolest slang phrases that defined the ’60s and ’70s.
You won’t believe how groovy life sounded back in the day! The ‘60s and ‘70s were bursting with personality, and nothing captured that better than the slang of the time. These weren’t just words—they were expressions of identity, rebellion, joy, and community. Each phrase came packed with cultural flavor and a dose of flower power, letting people express themselves with flair, rhythm, and soul. From music festivals to living room conversations, these expressions echoed everywhere.
These 13 unforgettable slang phrases from the ‘60s and ‘70s are more than just catchy—they’re a window into a time when everything felt like it was changing, and words danced with a little extra rhythm.
1. “Far out!” meant something was amazing beyond words.
If you were truly blown away by something—whether it was a killer guitar solo, a beautiful sunset, or some unexpected good news—you didn’t just say “awesome” like we do now. You threw your hands up, widened your eyes, and exclaimed, “Far out!” It was a phrase that added emotion and drama to a moment, filled with the kind of wonder and awe that made it feel like the universe was winking right at you, as mentioned by Jake Rossen at Mental Floss.
This wasn’t just a compliment; it was a full-body experience. Saying “Far out!” often came with an enthusiastic tone, maybe a slow head shake in disbelief. It carried the energy of someone who was tuned in, turned on, and fully present. More than just a hippie exclamation, it let people celebrate the strange, the sublime, and the spectacular—no matter how big or small.
2. “Groovy” was the ultimate compliment.
To be called “groovy” in the ‘60s or early ‘70s was like being handed a badge of honor. It meant you had style, rhythm, and an energy that drew people in. You weren’t trying too hard—you just had it. Whether you were dancing at a house party, rocking fringe jackets and round glasses, or even just having the right vibe in a conversation, someone might say, “You’re groovy,” and that was all the validation you needed, as stated by Solell Easton at BuzzFeed.
It wasn’t a surface-level word. “Groovy” reflected that deeper current flowing through youth culture at the time—one that embraced creativity, connection, and authenticity. If you were groovy, you were part of the cultural wave, not resisting it. It meant you weren’t square, you weren’t uptight, and you definitely weren’t trying to conform. You were dancing to your own beat, and everyone could feel it.
3. “Outta sight!” meant something was too good to even see.
This phrase wasn’t about losing visual contact—it was about losing your mind over how cool something was. When you said “Outta sight!” it meant the thing was so good, it practically defied your ability to process it. It was a top-tier reaction, reserved for moments that knocked you off your feet with their greatness, whether it was music, a person, or just a super cool moment in time, according to Adam Jason at EssayPro.
The beauty of “Outta sight!” was that it captured the feeling of being stunned into silence—or at least into stylish, exaggerated praise. It was often used with wide grins, fist bumps, or big laughter. And because it implied something beyond the senses, it gave everyday experiences a magical twist. You weren’t just impressed—you were momentarily transported. And in the heady days of peace signs and lava lamps, that was the perfect kind of escape.
4. “Right on!” was how you showed total agreement.
When someone hit the nail on the head, or said something you believed in with your whole heart, you didn’t respond with a bland “yep.” You leaned in, maybe gave a nod or a little fist in the air, and said, “Right on!” It wasn’t just about agreement—it was solidarity. It was the sound of someone feeling the moment, backing you up, and letting you know they were with you all the way.
“Right on!” also carried a sense of empowerment and validation. In protest movements, in coffeehouse conversations, or during backyard hangs, it was a phrase that energized and encouraged. Saying “Right on!” meant you were part of something—part of the beat, the cause, the feeling in the air. It was warm and inclusive, like you just joined an invisible group of like-minded spirits all nodding in time.
5. “Keep on truckin’” was the ultimate stay-strong mantra.
Life wasn’t always easy, even in the freewheelin’ ‘70s. But instead of whining or throwing in the towel, you shrugged it off and said, “Keep on truckin’.” It was a phrase that kept you moving—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether you were facing a breakup, a lost job, or just the grind of everyday life, those three words became your pep talk and your battle cry.
It was more than just advice; it was an ethos. The idea was that life’s a road, and you’re the truck—steady, strong, and rolling forward. Even if you didn’t know what was coming around the next bend, you kept going. The phrase even showed up in art and music, often paired with images of people striding forward with exaggerated swagger. It was the embodiment of resilience—with a side of style and groove.
6. “Can you dig it?” was how you asked for understanding.
When you wanted to make sure someone was really on the same page—not just intellectually, but soulfully—you didn’t say, “Do you understand?” You leaned in and asked, “Can you dig it?” It was like inviting someone into a shared groove, asking them not just to get the facts but to feel the vibe. And when someone replied, “I dig it,” there was an unspoken bond that was instantly formed.
“Can you dig it?” had roots in jazz culture and made its way into mainstream slang with a coolness that never quite went out of style. It was less about clarity and more about connection. You could use it during deep conversations or light ones, but either way, it meant you were looking for more than just a nod—you wanted resonance, a real-time sign that the other person was tuned into the same frequency.
7. “Solid” was a way to describe something as dependable.
Calling someone or something “solid” was one of the highest compliments you could give. It meant they were dependable, unshakable, and real. You didn’t toss this word around lightly—it was for the people who showed up when it counted, who didn’t flake, and who didn’t change with the wind. Solid was strength, but the kind that didn’t have to shout.
“Solid” could also apply to ideas, events, or even plans. If someone threw a backyard concert and it went off without a hitch, you’d call it a “solid gig.” If your friend helped you through a hard time, you’d tell them they were “solid, man.” It was a kind of verbal grounding wire, reminding you that in a world full of change, some things—and people—could be counted on, no matter what.
8. “Catch you on the flip side” was how you said goodbye.
Saying goodbye was never just a cold sendoff in the ‘70s—it was a moment to show off your style. “Catch you on the flip side” was the effortlessly cool way to say “See you later.” It hinted that you were heading out for now, but you’d be back, and everything would be just as groovy when you returned. It came with a sense of optimism and rhythm.
The phrase likely came from DJ and vinyl culture, where the flip side of a record held something just as good as the front. Saying it was like promising that the next time you connected, things would still be cool, maybe even better. It was goodbye without finality—friendly, casual, and confident. You didn’t have to explain where you were going or when you’d be back. The flip side would find you both again.
9. “What a gas!” described something hilarious or fun.
When laughter filled the room or something unexpected left you smiling for hours, you’d hear someone say, “What a gas!” It was their way of saying, “That was a blast!” but with a bit more bounce and glee. Whether you were at a concert, watching a goofy movie, or just having a laugh with friends, this phrase captured the lighthearted energy of the moment.
The beauty of “What a gas!” was that it came from a place of joy. It wasn’t about overanalyzing or being too cool to laugh—it was about letting go, being silly, and enjoying yourself without judgment. It reflected the kind of fun that didn’t have to try too hard. It just happened, naturally, like a burst of laughter at a party. That kind of fun didn’t need an explanation—it was a gas!
10. “Freak out” was how you reacted to something crazy.
When the world threw something wild your way—whether it was good, bad, or just plain strange—you didn’t stay composed. You freaked out. But in the ‘60s and ‘70s, “freaking out” wasn’t always negative. Sometimes it meant you were stunned by how awesome something was. Other times, it meant you were overwhelmed, emotional, or surprised beyond words.
The phrase fit perfectly with the era’s rollercoaster of cultural change. Things were happening fast—politically, socially, and personally—and freaking out was a natural response. It was the language of feeling things intensely, whether you were losing your mind over a band’s new album or panicking over a last-minute breakup. Either way, it gave you permission to react—loudly, dramatically, and without apology.
11. “Heavy” meant something was deep or intense.
When the conversation took a turn toward the serious—or when something hit you emotionally—you didn’t say it was “serious” or “intense.” You said, “That’s heavy.” It was a way to acknowledge the weight of a situation without needing to go into long explanations. It let people know you felt it, and that it mattered.
“Heavy” didn’t just describe the sad or the hard. It could also capture awe, like watching a powerful performance or hearing someone share their truth. It was the language of emotional impact. You could say it with a sigh, a pause, or a shake of the head. However you said it, it let everyone around you know that something meaningful had landed—and it deserved a moment.
12. “Lay it on me” was your way of saying you were ready for anything.
Whether it was good news, bad news, or just the latest gossip, when you said “Lay it on me,” you were giving full permission to hear it all. It was an invitation to be real, to speak plainly, and to unload whatever needed to be said. You weren’t backing away—you were stepping into the moment, open and ready.
The phrase carried a feeling of bravery and openness. It told the other person that you could handle it, that you were strong enough to take it in and deal with it. Sometimes it was casual—like wanting the scoop on a party. Other times, it meant you were preparing for something deep or difficult. Either way, it was all about readiness, about leaning in instead of walking away.
13. “The man” referred to authority figures you weren’t thrilled about.
When you talked about “the man,” you weren’t talking about a friend. You were talking about the powers that be—the government, the cops, the establishment. It was shorthand for anyone with control who you felt was holding people down. It was the phrase of the rebel, the nonconformist, the one who was questioning everything.
“The man” became the target of protest signs, song lyrics, and late-night rants. Saying it didn’t just name the enemy—it bonded you with others who felt the same way. It helped build a sense of identity among those who didn’t want to play by the old rules. “The man” was who you were pushing back against, and in doing so, you carved out your own freedom and voice.