I still smile when I hear “talk to the hand” or “that’s so phat,” because these 90s slang words take me straight back to neon windbreakers, mixtapes, and Saturday morning cartoons.
I remember trading Pogs with my friends and declaring things “rad” or “fly” without a second thought.
Though the world has moved on to emojis and LOLs, many of those classic expressions have stood the test of time, popping up in conversations, social media captions, and even TV shows today.
In this post, I’ll walk you through 25 of the most popular 90s slang words that every ’90s kid still uses (knowingly or not), complete with the stories and small moments that made them unforgettable.
If you’re a fellow 1990s kid feeling nostalgic or someone curious about where these iconic slang phrases came from, you’re in for a fun ride through the decade that gave us some of the coolest, and quirkiest, lingo in pop culture history.
Table of Contents
In a Nutshell
- A rundown of 25 defining ’90s slang words, from “As If” and “Da Bomb” to “Home Skillet” and “The Bomb Diggity. etc”
- Each entry includes its origin (hip-hop, teen TV, skate culture, early internet) and a quick “In short” definition.
- Real-world examples illustrate how these expressions were used in everyday ’90s conversation.
- Contextual insights show how these phrases shaped, and still pop up in, modern vernacular for nostalgic flair.
Reviving vintage slang isn’t about sounding old-school, it’s about showing you’ve got flavor and a memory.
John @Slangwise
Popular 1990s Slang Words That 90s Kid Still Uses Today
1. As If
A sharp, dismissive retort used to reject or mock a suggestion, claim, or invitation. In 90s teen culture it signalled disbelief or scorn: a way of saying “no way” without arguing.
It often carried ironic, sarcastic vibes and was used to distance oneself from something seen as lame or unlikely.
In short: As If = expression of disbelief or refusal.
Example/Usage: “You’re going to the party without me? As if you know the way”
2. Da Bomb
An emphatic compliment meaning something is outstandingly good or exciting. Originating from AAVE and amplified by 90s music and TV, it conveyed top-tier approval; not just “good” but memorable and superior.
People used it to hype songs, fashion, food, or moments that felt undeniably excellent and culturally on-point.
In short: Da Bomb = something exceptionally good.
Example/Usage: “That new video game is da bomb, best graphics of the year.”
3. Phat
A positive descriptor meaning extremely attractive, fashionable, or impressive; an acronym sometimes given as “Pretty Hot And Tempting.”
Rooted in early 90s hip-hop fashion and sneaker culture, phat communicated high praise for style, music, or objects. It implied swag and desirability, often used about clothes, beats, or accessories.
In short: Phat = outstanding, appealing.
Example/Usage: “Check out those sneakers; they’re totally phat.”
4. Fly
Fly in the 90s is used to describe someone or something stylish, suave, or dramatically well put-together.
In the 90s it carried both aspirational and streetwise connotations: calling outfits, attitudes, or moves “fly” signaled respect for effortless cool. The word suggested confidence and visible taste rather than mere trend-following.
In short: Fly = fashionable or impressive.
Example/Usage: “Her outfit is fly, she always nails that streetwear look.”
5. All That (and a Bag of Chips)
This 90s catchphrase; All That (and a Bag of Chips) is a boastful phrase meaning someone or something is not only excellent but comes with extra value or flair.
Popularized in ad-culture and teen talk, it exaggerated praise; like saying “the whole package, plus extras.” It was playful, slightly hyperbolic, and usually used to tease or flatter in a friendly, over-the-top way.
In short: All That = the best, with bonus perks.
Example/Usage: “That party was all that (and a bag of chips), best one this year.”
6. Word
A compact affirmation used to signal agreement, understanding, or sincere acknowledgment. Pulled from hip-hop vernacular into broader 90s youth speech, “word” served as a quick seal of trust or confirmation in conversation.
It could be casual (“word” = “right”) or emphatic when paired with tone and context.
In short: Word = expression of agreement or understanding.
Example/Usage: “We’re meeting at six? Word.”
7. My Bad
My Bad is a casual, ownership-taking apology that admits a small mistake without heavy formality.
Brought into mainstream speech from sports and street culture, “my bad” made admitting error quick and low-stakes; suitable for dropped plans, accidental slights, or fumbling a line. It softened responsibility while keeping interactions friendly.
In short: My Bad = acknowledgement of an error or wrongdoing.
Example/Usage: “Sorry I grabbed your fries, my bad, I forgot you ordered them.”
8. Talk to the Hand
Talk to the Hand is a theatrical, dismissive command meaning “I’m not listening” or “stop talking to me.”
Accompanied by an upraised palm, it visualized shutting down further communication; during the 90s it was often used in playful or performative arguments and sitcoms.
The line was both humorous and blunt, usually meant to end a petty exchange.
In short: Talk to the Hand = rejecting communication.
Example/Usage: “I don’t want to hear your complaints, talk to the hand.”
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9. Crib
Crib in the 90s is a slang word for one’s home, living space, or personal hangout; often implying not just a location but a sense of style and identity tied to that place.
Crib carried a cultural weight in hip-hop and R&B circles, where people boasted about their pad’s design, status, and who was welcome. It was informal, intimate, and possessive.
In short: Crib = home or place of residence.
Example/Usage: “Come over to my crib after school, we’ll chill.”
10. Homey
Homey in the 1990s is a warm, familiar term for a friend, close companion, or trusted ally. Derived from “homeboy/homegirl,” “homey” carried respect and camaraderie, signaling shared background or loyalty.
In 90s urban speech it could be casual greeting, sign-off, or a shout-out, always hinting at dependable friendship and mutual credibility.
In short: Homey = friend or buddy.
Example/Usage: “What’s up, homey? Ready for the game tonight?”
11. Dope
Dope is an excellent or impressive; also used to describe someone knowledgeable about hip-hop culture. It was already present in 80s slang, but “dope” saw a resurgence in the 90s via hip-hop fashion and music scenes.
In short: Dope = cool, impressive.
Example/Usage: “That track you made is dope, spinning it at the party.”
12. Wassup
Wassup is an unformal greeting meaning “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?”. Revolutionary Budweiser “Whassup?” ad campaign (1999–2002) popularized the elongated pronunciation; young fellas embraced it in everyday speech.
In short: Wassup = casual “hello” or “what’s happening?”
Example/Usage: “Wassup, dude? Haven’t seen you since summer.”
13. Oh Snap
Oh Snap is an exclamation of surprise, shock, or realization.
It gained momentum through 90s sitcoms and early internet meme culture; “oh snap” captured sudden recognition.
In short: Oh Snap = exclaimed reaction to unexpected news.
Example/Usage: “You got tickets to the concert? Oh snap, that’s amazing!”
14. Booyah
Booyah is an exclamation of triumph or excitement.
It was derived from African American Vernacular English and popularized by 90s basketball commentators and video games.
In short: Booyah = celebratory exclamation.
Example/Usage: “Caught that game-winning shot, booyah!”
15. Chillax
A portmanteau of “chill” and “relax,” meaning to calm down or stop overreacting. Popular in teen and surf/skate scenes, “chillax” offered a breezy prescription for stress: slow down and enjoy the moment.
Its casual tone made it ideal for defusing tension among friends or downplaying drama without moralizing.
In short: Chillax = take it easy, calm down.
Example/Usage: “No need to stress, just chillax and enjoy the ride.
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16. Word to Your Mother
Word to your mother is an expression of respect or agreement, amplifying the simple “word.” It surfaced in West Coast hip-hop circles, then popularized by teen programming on Nickelodeon and MTV.
In short: Word to Your Mother = emphatic agreement or salute.
Example/Usage: “That advice was solid, word to your mother.”
17. Kick Rocks
Kick Rocks A blunt, dismissive way to tell someone to go away or get lost. Rooted in skate and street culture, “kick rocks” suggested rough dismissal, like tossing someone aside with a pebble.
Used in heated or joking contexts, it communicated exclusion and annoyance without descending into outright hostility.
In short: Kick Rocks = telling someone to scram.
Example/Usage: “You’re not invited to the party, kick rocks.”
18. Take a Chill Pill
Take a Chill Pill is an instructive idiom telling someone to calm down or stop being dramatic. It was lightly mocking; suggesting the other person’s reaction was outsized and that a figurative “pill” would fix it.
Common in sitcoms and teen banter, it combined humor with a social cue to mellow out.
In short: Take a Chill Pill = calm yourself.
Example/Usage: “You’re freaking out over nothing, take a chill pill!”
19. Peace Out
Peace Out is a casual farewell meaning “goodbye” or “see you later.”
It was borrowed from African American Vernacular English and popularized by hip-hop culture and 90s skate videos.
In short: Peace Out = bye!
Example/Usage: “I’ve got to head home, peace out!”
20. Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It
It means dancing or having a good time in a stylish, confident way.
It sprung from Will Smith’s 1998 hit single “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” which brought the phrase into mainstream slang.
In short: Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It = partying/dancing confidently.
Example/Usage: “We hit the club and were gettin’ jiggy wit it all night.”
21. Eat My Shorts
Eat my short is a rebellious retort meaning “leave me alone” or “forget about it.”
It was popularized by Bart Simpson on The Simpsons (1989–1998), it became a go-to phrase for playful defiance.
In short: Eat My Shorts = go away; I’m not listening.
Example/Usage: “You think you can beat me? Eat my shorts!”
22. The Bomb Diggity
The Bomb Diggity is an emphatic way to say something is exceptionally excellent. It’s a playful extension of “da bomb,” with “diggity” tacked on for extra flair, often heard in 90s R&B and rap.
In short: The Bomb Diggity = top-tier awesome.
Example/Usage: “That new sneaker collab is the bomb diggity!”
23. Fresh
Fresh is a 1990s slang for an endorsement meaning new, stylish, and on-trend; often referencing fashion, music, or attitude. “Fresh” implied originality and taste, the kind that signalled cultural currency.
It was a concise way to compliment someone’s aesthetic or a creative work without needing heavy explanation.
In short: Fresh = cool and on-trend.
Example/Usage: “Have you seen his fresh Adidas track suit?”
24. Word Up
Word Up is slightly more emphatic cousin to “word,” used to express agreement, respect, or affirmation.
Popularized by music and radio culture, “word up” carried a confident, rallying tone, useful in group agreements or to punctuate a strong endorsement. It was declarative and often used to close conversations on a solid note.
In short: Word Up = exactly; I agree.
Example Usage: “We’re meeting at eight? Word up!”
25. Home Skillet
Home Skillet in the 90s is a playful term of endearment for a close friend: blending “home” (friend) with a kitchen-themed twist for extra flavor. It communicated affection and belonging, often used in tight-knit friend groups.
The slang phrase carried warmth and familiarity while keeping tone light and tongue-in-cheek.
In short: Home Skillet = close friend.
Example/Usage: “What’s up, home skillet? Ready to hit the arcade?”
26. Bling
A flashy term for ostentatious jewelry or showy accessories meant to display wealth and status. Emerging from hip-hop culture, “bling” described anything that sparkled conspicuously: chains, watches, grills, and the lifestyle signalled by wearing them.
It became shorthand for conspicuous consumption and the culture of visible success.
In short: flashy jewelry or showy accessories signaling wealth or status. Example/Usage: “He rolled up with the bling: gold chain and iced-out watch.”
27. Props
Short for “proper respect,” props are acknowledgments of someone’s accomplishment, skill, or credibility.
Giving props meant publicly recognizing another person’s achievement or effort, an important social currency in creative and music communities.
It’s a concise, sincere way to say “well done” with cultural weight and peer approval.
In short: proper respect or credit given for someone’s achievement.
Example/Usage: “Give props to Lena for that presentation — she crushed it.”
28. No Scrubs
A phrase popularized by the late-90s song, used to reject people who lack ambition, respect, or social standing in romantic contexts.
Calling someone a “scrub” implied they were not worth dating or investing time in—lazy, unreliable, or lacking standards. “No Scrubs” became shorthand for setting boundaries and expectations in relationships.
In short: rejection of someone seen as lazy, unambitious, or not relationship-worthy. Example/Usage: “She told him ‘no scrubs’ after he asked for a date but never paid for anything.”
29. Hella
A regional intensifier (originating on the West Coast) meaning “very” or “a lot.” In the 90s, “hella” became a casual way to boost adjectives: hella cool, hella tired, and it signalled local identity as much as degree.
Its clipped, emphatic cadence made it useful for quick emphasis in casual conversation.
In short: a regional intensifier meaning very or a lot.
Example: “That movie was hella good.”
30. Sike / Psych!
A playful bait-and-switch exclamation used after saying something that the speaker intends to retract or mock.
You set up a line to provoke a reaction, then deliver “sike” (or “psych!”) to reveal it was a joke. In the 90s it was comic mischief; used among friends to tease without real malice.
In short: a playful retraction revealing the previous statement was a joke. Example: “I aced the test – sike! I was joking.”
31. Bounce
A slang verb meaning to leave, exit, or depart from a place, usually casually and with intention. “Let’s bounce” fit group scenarios where spontaneous departures happened: after a party, when plans changed, or to avoid drama.
It communicated both movement and social decisiveness: time to go, now.
In short: to leave or depart quickly. Example: “This spot’s getting lame, let’s bounce.”
32. Player
A term for someone who charms multiple romantic partners or navigates social scenes with flirtatious ease. In the 90s, “player” could be admired for smoothness or criticized for insincerity; it carried ambiguous moral weight.
The label described behavior patterns; game-playing, non-commitment, and often warned others about trustworthiness.
In short: someone who flirts or dates multiple people casually, often insincerely.
Example: “Don’t trust his promises, he’s been a player since high school.”
33. Poppin’
Used to describe something lively, popular, or exciting; like a party, playlist, or person who’s drawing attention. In the 90s it meant energy and relevance: if a club, track, or outfit was “poppin’,” it was buzzing and on-trend.
The term suggests immediate social currency: something worth checking out because people are engaged and having a good time.
In short: lively, popular, or buzzing with activity.
Example: “The block was poppin’ after the game.”
34. Tight
A flexible compliment meaning excellent, impressive, or close-knit—depending on context. In 90s slang, “tight” could praise music, style, or a flawless trick (“that move was tight”) or describe a loyal friendship group (“we’re tight”).
It carries a sense of precision, skill, or emotional closeness, and is often used to signal respect for competence or strong bonds.
In short: excellent or impressive (or describing a close relationship), depending on context. Example: “That beat is tight.” / “We’ve been tight since middle school.”
35. Buggin’
A dismissive term for someone acting irrational, paranoid, or overreacting to a situation. To say someone is “buggin’” is to call out unnecessary drama or a wild, misplaced reaction, often used among friends to bring someone back down to earth.
It blends humor and critique: lightly scolding while signaling that the behavior is out of line or silly.
In short: acting irrationally, paranoid, or overreacting.
Example: “You’re buggin’ if you think they stole your idea.”
Why 90s Slang Still Pops Today
Even though the decade is three decades behind us, 90s slang survives because it’s short, punchy, and packed with personality, perfect for social media, captions, and ironic throwbacks.
Nostalgia fuels a lot of it: fashion cycles, soundtrack revivals, and streaming reboots reintroduce phrases to younger audiences. Many 90s terms also come from music, TV, and urban culture, so they carry cultural weight and rhythm that make them satisfying to say.
Finally, these words are flexible: they can be used sincerely, jokingly, or ironically, which helps them slide into modern conversation without feeling outdated.
How to Drop 90s Slang Without Sounding Forced
Using vintage slang well is all about timing, tone, and audience. Keep it light and context-appropriate: a playful “booyah” after a small win or a casual “my bad” when you mess up reads as natural; plastering five retro phrases into one sentence reads performative.
Match the level of sincerity (ironic vs. earnest), and pay attention to who you’re talking to; older friends may appreciate the nostalgia, younger ones may find it memeable.
If in doubt, use one phrase as seasoning (caption, punchline, or sign-off), not the main course. Subtlety keeps it charming rather than try-hard.
Concluding Thought
The 1990s gave us more than Tamagotchis and baggy jeans; it gifted a compact, colorful vocabulary that still surfaces in captions, comeback trends, and inside jokes.
These 35 slang terms capture the decade’s energy: direct, rhythmic, and built for quick social signaling. Some stuck because they were useful; others stuck because they were fun to say. Together they map how music, TV, and street culture shaped everyday speech.
Remember: using 90s slang is as much about timing and tone as it is about the words themselves. A well-placed “booyah” or a playful “talk to the hand” lands when it fits the moment; overuse or heavy-handed nostalgia can make it feel gimmicky.
Also keep cultural origins in mind; many terms come from communities whose influence deserves respect, not appropriation.
Related Terms
For further exploration of iconic slang across generations, see:
Frequently Asked Questions
Most originated from hip-hop music, teen-oriented television, and the early internet. Media exposure, through music videos, sitcoms, and viral ads, amplified these expressions, embedding them into everyday youth vernacular.
A few, like “dope” and “my bad,” remain common, albeit less trendy. Others, such as “talk to the hand” or “as if”, are now nostalgic throwbacks, occasionally used ironically for effect.
Yes, using select 90s slang words can add retro flair or playful nostalgia. However, it’s important to consider audience and context, as overuse may detract from authenticity or come across as forced.
Some terms originate from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) or other communities. Using them without understanding context can feel like cultural appropriation. Be mindful: avoid mocking, don’t claim cultural ownership, and don’t use terms that target marginalized groups. When in doubt, listen to how the source communities use the phrase and respect that history.
About the Author
Agboola John is the founder of SlangWise.com and a leading researcher of generational slang trends. With extensive linguistic analysis and cultural expertise, John decodes evolving vernacular to help readers stay informed and fluent in modern slang.