1950s Slang
Greaser cool, sock hops and hot rods — the teen slang that soundtracked rock-and-roll’s first wave.
33 words
A young woman — the beatnik counterpart to calling a guy a 'cat.'
A working-class youth with slicked-back hair, leather jacket, and a love of cars and rock-n-roll.
Hopelessly square, dull, or worthless — going nowhere, leading nowhere.
A state of total boredom — a dreary, lifeless place or situation.
To show up where the action is — to attend, participate, and be part of the happening.
The ultimate — the absolute end of the line in the best possible way.
To lose your cool, freak out, or get wildly excited.
A car stripped down and souped up for speed, the centerpiece of greaser culture.
Set for life, guaranteed to succeed, with nothing left to worry about.
To lose your composure — get wildly excited, blown away, or come unglued.
A great-looking body — a compliment paid to an attractive person, especially a girl.
To leave or take off — to clear out of a place, fast or casual.
The absolute best — the height of cool, with nothing better above it.
To an intense or wild degree — the beat-era way of saying 'a whole lot.'
The guys, especially musicians and people who are hip to the scene.
In mint, like-new, perfectly maintained condition — said especially of a car.
A composed, stylish, in-the-know man — the very picture of beatnik cool.
To excite or impress someone — that really thrills me.
Thrills and good times pursued for their own sake — fun, excitement, a buzz.
Mature content — open to view.
A hip, affectionate way to address a man — the beatnik equivalent of 'man' or 'dude.'
A dull, boring, depressing situation or place — a total drag.
Mature content — open to view.
A punch in the mouth, served up as a threat.
Something hilarious or a really good joke — a big laugh.
A small child or annoying little kid underfoot.
To accelerate hard, spinning the tires — or to leave somewhere fast.
A great situation of comfort, prosperity, and good fortune.
A short, flat-out car race from a standing start — or something boring.
So deeply into the music or moment that you've left ordinary reality behind — totally absorbed and excellent.
Asking for trouble — headed straight toward a beating or serious consequences.
Your home, apartment, or place to hang out.
To panic, freak out, or flee — to come apart or bolt under pressure.