35 ‘Groovy’ Slang Terms From the 1960s You’ll Want To Use Today
35 ‘Groovy’ Slang Terms From the 1960s You’ll Want To Use Today
Vanessa HallSat, March 28, 2026 at 2:11 AM UTC
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There's just something so entertaining about the different vernacular used throughout different eras and generations. And while words like "FAFO" or "big back" are very timely, they haven't stood the tests of time to see if decades from now, our grandchildren will be using them. But take 1960s slang, for example; now those are fun terms, and we still use a lot of them today.
Funny enough, some of the same terms we know today were used back in the day, but with wildly different meanings. "Spiffy" and "ate" are perfect examples of this. Depending on what time period the phrase was being said, it meant something else entirely and potentially the exact opposite! This could make understanding what someone from a different generation is talking about somewhat confusing.
Not to worry, though; we have you covered when it comes to terms from the 1960s. With slang words like "tough," "bent," "heavy" and "beef" in the mix, you might think you know what a person means, but you could be surprised! There's nothing wrong with misunderstanding something. The real test comes when you choose what to do with it. When it comes to words, the solution is simple. Act like an egg head and learn what you don't know!
Whether you were alive and well during the 60s and are looking for a fun flashback or you're a "creep ager" looking for unique slang to bring back, you're in the right place. Don't be a square, continue reading this list of the 35 best 1960s slang words for a groovy time!
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35 Best 1960s Slang Words (With Meanings)1. Hip
If you said something was hip, it would mean that thing was cool or happening.
2. Bag
As a noun, this referred to someone's deal, specifically their occupation or a hobby of theirs. As a verb, bag meant to steal something or have possession of something that doesn't belong to you.
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3. Tough
If a girl was described as "tough," it meant that she was attractive or had sex appeal.
4. Crash
Still in use today, when you needed to crash at a person's place, it meant you needed to sleep there or spend the night.
5. Beats me
When someone did not know the answer to a question, they would say, "Beats me!"
Canva/Parade (Canva/Parade)6. Jet
When someone wanted to get out of a place quickly, they were going to jet out of there.
7. Square
If you were to be called a square in the 60s, that meant you were simply uncool. You know: "Be there, or be square."
8. Egg head
If a person were especially smart or studious, they would be called an egg head. Generally, this term was used sarcastically, but it still holds the intelligent connotation.
9. Blitzed
If someone was blitzed, it meant that they were out of it. Specifically, during this time period, it meant they were drunk or high.
10. Flake
When someone was weird or particularly quirky, they were called a flake.
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11. Far out
If you wanted to approve of something or describe it as something amazing or wonderful, you would say it's far out.
12. Spiffy
In the 50s, this term meant someone was nicely dressed. In the 60s, however, sarcasm entered the chat, and this meant someone was overdressed.
Canva/Parade (Canva/Parade)13. Cat
Calling someone a cat meant that they were a cool or hip person.
14. Bitchin
If you wanted to describe something as really good or very fun, you would say that it's bitchin.
15. Ate it
Generations these days say "ate" to say that someone did something really well. In the 60s, however, if you ate it, then you were hurt or damaged.
16. Outta sight
If you wanted to say that something was fantastic or great, you would say it's outta (out of) sight, similar to groovy.
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17. Big Brother
This term was used to represent anyone in authority, especially those in government. The term comes from George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, which debuted in 1949.
Canva/Parade (Canva/Parade)18. Groovy
When something was good, pleasing or just plain awesome, people said it was groovy.
19. Grotty
The opposite of groovy, if something was gross or tasteless, it was grotty.
20. All show and no go
Use this phrase when you want to say that someone sure is pretty, but they lack substance.
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21. Bent
If a person was acting particularly crazy, they were bent.
22. Cop a squat
Copping a squat has nothing to do with being a cop. It means to sit down! Nowadays you might here, "Pop a squat" more often.
23. Heavy
When something was profound or thought-provoking, people said that it was heavy. This term could also be used for something that was a downer.
24. Broad
If you wanted to be rude, but not quite too rude, when speaking about a woman, you'd use the term "broad."
Canva/Parade (Canva/Parade)25. Lousy
If a person was lousy with money, it meant that they were extremely wealthy! Now, we might use the literal definition of this term to say someone was bad with money.
26. Cherry
If you described something as cherry, that meant it was in great condition or perfect.
27. Beef
If you had beef with someone, they probably wanted to fight you. Beef refers to a grudge or complaint between two people.
28. Main squeeze
To describe someone as your main squeeze meant that they were your boyfriend or girlfriend.
29. Bubble gum machine
This phrase referred to the flashing lights on top of a police car.
30. Cut low
The phrase cut low refers to someone putting another person down. As in, "That cut low."
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Canva/Parade (Canva/Parade)31. Scuzzy
If something or someone was dirty or didn't look very pleasing at all, it was scuzzy.
32. Bogart
To bogart something was to hog the thing that was meant to be shared. It could also mean to bully someone.
33. Creep agers
A creep ager in the 60s was a teenager. Let's face it, teenagers can sometimes be creeps!
34. Best thing since sliced bread
Purchasing bread that was already sliced was a pretty big deal when it first came about. To say that something was the best thing since sliced bread means that it's pretty great!
35. Slick
It might seem that being called slick would be a compliment, but it really meant that you were deceitful or dishonest.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
