SPEAKING THEIR LANGUAGE

When creating a story, there are many factors a writer takes into consideration such as adding description without bogging down the reader, or simplifying a character’s part. Equally important is staying true to the lingo of a particular era. Here are examples of slang words and phrases from the 80s.

 

Airhead

A flighty person; a dim-wit.

Amped

Excited or pumped up.

Bodacious

A man’s description of a woman’s attractive body.

Bomb/the bomb

Something enjoyable or exciting.

Chill

Laid back, relaxed, or to calm down when angry.

Couch potato

Someone who watches a lot of TV.

Dexter

A smart preppy person.

Dweeb

A nerd.

Gang banging

A gang of guys having sex with one girl.

Get Real

Disbelief in facts or irritation with someone.

Lame

Uncool or stupid.

Like

A word used to start off a sentence.

Righteous

Something cool or extreme.

Radical

A derivative of awesome.

Valley Girl

A dippy Californian girl who lives in San Fernando Valley.

Veg

Relaxing, taking it easy.

 

How do you convey a specific vernacular in your book?