In the 1920s, a common way to describe alcoholic beverages was to use the phrase, “giggle water.” We think this phrase should make a comeback because giggle water is a lot more descriptive (and accurate!) than most other terms for an alcoholic drink. Plus, just saying giggle water will probably make you giggle!
In the 1950s, instead of saying that someone was freaking out or going crazy, people would say that they were “wigging out.” This phrase is a lot more humorous and lighthearted than some of its synonyms, and if uttering this phrase doesn’t make you think of The Wiggles and laugh a little inside, there’s probably something wrong with you.
When you saw an attractive person in the 1940s, you wouldn’t say, “she’s fine” or “what a hot piece,” you would grin at your buddies and say, “hubba hubba.” We like this phrase because it’s a little more subtle, and if you’re catcalling someone, you’ll at least get a laugh if they hear you say, “hubba hubba.”
When one of your friends knocks over your coffee table centerpiece, you probably call them a klutz or something along those lines. In the 1920s, they had another word for an uncoordinated person: a palooka. Palooka is the perfect word to describe a clumsy person because the word itself is a little clumsy to say!
Note: This word is not pronounced like monopoly. The word panoply is used to describe an impressive collection of items, such as shot glasses from around the world. It will probably surprise you to learn that this word actually originated in the 17th century, so it’s long overdue for a comeback. It’s quirkier to say than “collection,” and people who collect items are usually quirky, so it works marvelously!
Have you ever heard someone say, “Well, I’d better grab my bumbershoot!” after seeing rain on the forecast? Probably not. It hasn’t been used much since the late 19th century, but we desperately want to bring back this hilarious word. Can you imagine singing the song “Umbrella” with “Bumbershoot” instead? It would be epic.
A funny to describe someone who is being crabby or sassy is to say they’re being “salty.” This phrase dates back to as early as the 1930s, and it’s about time that this word made a comeback. Salty is the opposite of sweet, so it just makes sense to use this word when you’re telling someone to lighten up!
The best part about this word is that it has two entirely different meanings. Prior to the '80s, it meant “gross” or “disgusting.” Yet, people in the '80s changed this word forever when they decided to start using it as a way to say something is excellent. Somehow, this word still works perfectly for both definitions!
