1. “Where’s the beef?”
You’ve probably heard this one before—“Where’s the beef?” became an instant catchphrase thanks to a Wendy’s commercial in 1984. The ad showed an elderly woman looking at a competitor’s small burger patty and asking, “Where’s the beef?” It was a clever way to emphasize the size and substance of Wendy’s burgers. At the time, it was hilarious, and it quickly became a part of pop culture says Yahoo.
Today, it doesn’t hold up as well. People don’t use it to talk about fast food anymore, and it’s just a bit baffling if you weren’t around for the commercial. The saying has aged in a way that makes it more of a relic than a relevant phrase. If someone said this today, it might get a few confused looks or a chuckle out of nostalgia.
2. “Gag me with a spoon”
This phrase was all over the place in the ’80s, mostly used by valley girls and anyone who wanted to sound like they were totally “in the know.” It was supposed to express disgust or disbelief—kind of like saying, “Yuck!” or “That’s gross!” The thing is, the imagery of actually being “gagged with a spoon” is beyond ridiculous, which made it funny in its own over-the-top way shares Woman’s World.
However, today, it doesn’t make much sense at all. The idea of someone wanting to be “gagged with a spoon” seems more like a scene from a slapstick comedy than an actual complaint. It’s hard to picture anyone trying to use this phrase without sounding completely out of touch. The absurdity is what made it memorable, but it’s far from a go-to expression now.
3. “Totally tubular”
If you were a fan of surf culture, you probably heard this one a lot. “Totally tubular” was used to describe something amazing or exciting, and it was heavily influenced by the surfer slang of the ’80s. Whether it was a great party or an epic hangout, everything that rocked was “totally tubular.” The phrase became widely used by teenagers and even found its way into mainstream shows and movies says Yahoo.
In modern times, though, the phrase sounds a bit strange. “Tubular” refers to a tube, and trying to connect that to something positive or cool feels a little forced. It’s not a term anyone under 40 would likely use, and it can make someone sound like they’re still stuck in the ‘80s. Today, “totally tubular” is more of a nostalgic reference than a living expression adds Mental Floss.
4. “Like, totally”
“Like, totally” was used to emphasize something that was, well, totally true, awesome, or unbelievable. It was often spoken by the stereotypical “Valley Girl,” characterized by their high-pitched voice and exaggerated tone. It was a way of saying, “Yes, for sure!” but with more flair. If something was exciting or noteworthy, the phrase would roll off the tongue with all the enthusiasm you could muster.
These days, though, it can come across as completely over-the-top and exaggerated—something that’s more often used to mock a certain speaking style than to actually express agreement. Using “like, totally” today sounds a bit like you’re stuck in a time warp. If you want to be taken seriously, this might not be the best choice unless you’re trying to be ironic.
5. “Radical!”
If something was particularly cool, amazing, or impressive in the ‘80s, it was “radical.” Surfers, skaters, and just about anyone with a laid-back attitude used the term to show their appreciation for something extreme or awesome. It was one of those terms that really fit the mood of the era, where people were all about having fun and living on the edge.
These days, calling something “radical” feels more like you’re trying to recapture a bygone era. It’s one of those words that hasn’t aged as well in modern times. If you said something was radical today, people might think you’re referencing something out of the blue. It’s hard to keep that cool factor intact when the phrase itself has become part of the retro vibe.
6. “Groovy”
“Groovy” was the go-to word in the ’70s and ’80s for something that was cool or impressive. It was a term that conveyed a certain laid-back vibe, often associated with the counterculture. It was popularized by the “Austin Powers” movies, keeping it alive in pop culture for a little longer than most phrases. Back then, “groovy” was a positive, upbeat way to say something was on point.
Now, though, it has a tendency to sound like a throwback to an earlier, almost kitschy era. While you might hear it in a retro or ironic context, no one today would seriously call something “groovy” unless they’re joking. The phrase has a dated feel that doesn’t quite have the same punch as it once did.
7. “I’m so sure”
This phrase, often followed by a dramatic roll of the eyes, was a sarcastic way of expressing disbelief. Think of it like saying “Yeah, right” but with more flair. If someone said something that was completely implausible or annoying, “I’m so sure” was the perfect comeback. It quickly became a popular phrase, especially among teens trying to navigate the drama of adolescence.
Today, however, it’s almost cringe-worthy to hear. It comes off as fake and melodramatic, especially since no one really speaks that way anymore. “I’m so sure” doesn’t have the same sarcastic impact it once did, and trying to pull it off now would probably leave people questioning why you’re stuck in a previous decade.
8. “Eat my shorts”
“Eat my shorts” was made famous by Bart Simpson from The Simpsons. The phrase became synonymous with his rebellious attitude and snarky comebacks. It was the ultimate way to tell someone off without saying anything too harsh. Bart’s constant use of the phrase made it a defining part of his character, and it spread through pop culture quickly.
In 2025, though, “eat my shorts” doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. If you said it now, it would probably just confuse people or make them giggle at the nostalgia. It sounds like something a cartoon character would say, and while it’s fun to look back at, it doesn’t quite have the same edge in real-life conversations.
9. “Don’t have a cow”
“Don’t have a cow” was an odd yet hilarious way to tell someone to calm down or stop freaking out over something small. It was another phrase that came from The Simpsons, where Bart Simpson used it to respond to anything his family or friends did that seemed overdramatic. The phrase’s appeal was that it was nonsensical, yet it perfectly captured the absurdity of the situation.
Fast-forward to today, and “don’t have a cow” sounds strange and irrelevant. No one talks like that anymore, and using it outside of a nostalgic reference just doesn’t make sense. It’s like saying “don’t have a fit,” but with a weird animal twist that no one has time to unpack these days.
10. “What’s your damage?”
This phrase became popular in the ’80s, thanks to the movie Heathers. It was a snarky way to ask someone what their problem was, especially if they were acting weird or being unnecessarily difficult. It was the perfect phrase for the teenage angst-filled drama of high school life. It was sarcastic and cutting, and it perfectly summed up the vibe of the ’80s.
In modern times, though, it seems more like a line straight out of a movie script than something you’d use in a conversation. It sounds almost comical to use it in real life today. People have since gravitated to other ways of expressing frustration, and “what’s your damage?” just doesn’t hit the same way it did in the ‘80s.
11. “No duh”
“No duh” was a simple way to point out something that was so obvious it didn’t even need to be said. It was a way to dismiss someone for stating the obvious, often in a sarcastic or condescending tone. It quickly became part of the vernacular, especially among teenagers who loved to throw it out whenever someone made a statement that was painfully apparent.
Now, though, it feels a little tired. If you said “no duh” today, it would likely come across as snarky and unoriginal. It doesn’t have the same sharpness as it did in the ‘80s, and it’s more of a phrase that’s remembered than one that’s still commonly used.
12. “That’s so 1985”
When someone said something was “so 1985,” they were referencing something that felt outdated, but in a fun, almost ironic way. It was an easy way to poke fun at someone who was stuck in the past, even if that past was only a few years earlier. The term was also used to describe anything that was so “of its time” that it was now considered silly or out of place.
In 2025, though, calling something “so 1985” feels a little strange. It’s almost as if we’re poking fun at a time that doesn’t seem far enough removed to be considered retro. Today, “that’s so 1985” is more of a playful reference than a serious critique of style or behavior.
13. “Booya”
“Booya” was used as a way to express excitement or triumph, kind of like saying “yes!” or “you nailed it!” The phrase became popular in the ’80s and was often shouted when someone accomplished something impressive. It had a certain energy to it that made it perfect for the hype of the decade.
Now, though, it’s just one of those words that feels out of place. If someone shouted “booya” today, it would probably seem forced or comical. The phrase hasn’t aged well, mostly because it never had a long-lasting cultural impact. It’s a fun throwback, but it’s not one that’s in anyone’s regular vocabulary anymore.
14. “Chill out”
“Chill out” was the perfect way to tell someone to relax and stop overreacting, but it was also used as a cool way to suggest that someone take a breather. It was a laid-back, nonchalant way to handle tense situations, especially for anyone wanting to give off a relaxed vibe. The phrase had a carefree attitude that made it the perfect expression of ‘80s cool.
However, in today’s world, “chill out” is one of those phrases that sounds a little too familiar to still carry much weight. It’s so widely used that it no longer has the same impact. Telling someone to “chill out” just doesn’t sound as laid-back anymore; it might even sound like you’re dismissing their feelings.
15. “Take a chill pill”
If “chill out” wasn’t enough, there was always the classic “take a chill pill.” It was the ultimate suggestion for someone who was being overly dramatic or uptight. The phrase conjures up the image of a calm-down drug that could fix any stress in an instant, though, of course, it wasn’t meant to be taken literally.
Today, however, it’s a bit much. The phrase has a condescending tone, and it might even come off as a little patronizing if used in modern conversations. The idea of “taking a pill” to relax doesn’t really work in a world that’s more mindful about health and wellness. It feels more like an outdated attempt to dismiss someone than a helpful suggestion.