Slangs of the Boomer Generation

/ By Alan Reiner

/ October 29, 2024

PHOTO BY ROSZIE ON PIXABAY

If you’ve ever heard a boomer say “groovy” or “far out” and wondered what they meant, you’re not alone. Boomer slang is a unique glimpse into the culture of the 1960s and 70s, revealing how language evolves with generational experiences.

Dive into the lingo that shaped a generation and discover how these phrases paint a vivid picture of their time. You might just find yourself using some of these colorful expressions today.

Flake Out

“Flake out” became popular with the boomer generation as a way to describe someone backing out of plans or not showing up as promised.

Originally, it meant “to collapse from exhaustion,” but over time, it evolved to mean acting unreliable or “flaky.” If a friend says they’ll be there, then suddenly cancels last minute, they’ve “flaked out.”

It’s a lighthearted but slightly frustrating term for when people can’t be counted on to follow through.

Check out the many times this term is used in various movies and shows:

Far Out

“Far out” is a phrase that captures the essence of the Boomer generation’s adventurous spirit. It became popular in the 1960s and expressed excitement or approval.

You might use it when something is particularly cool or impressive. For example:

  • “That concert was far out!”
  • “Your new ride is far out.”

This slang reflects the era’s counterculture and love for exploration. It shows how language evolves with cultural movements.

Learn more about this slang in this video:

Bummer

“Bummer” is a classic term from the Boomer era, expressing disappointment or sadness over an unfortunate situation. You might hear it when someone shares bad news or experiences a letdown.

Usage examples:

  • “I missed the concert; what a bummer!”
  • “It’s a bummer that we can’t go to the beach today.”

Its casual tone makes it versatile, suitable for many contexts.

Check out the movies where this slang word is used here:

Alan Reiner

Alan Reiner

Hi, my name is Alan Reiner and I have been in the writing industry for almost seven years. I write articles that can span from 200 words all the way to 20,000 words every single day. How do I do it? With a lot of determination.All my way through school and college, I hated long-form assignments. I could never get into the groove of working on one piece for an extended period of time. My pieces were always late because I didn’t have the motivation to type them, let alone edit them.