A Complete List of 90s Slang Terms and Phrases - Meanings Explained

Whether it was music, fashion, or simple internet trends, everything was different back in the 90s. Well, the present generation is simply cut off from all that, which is why things from the 90s are making a comeback once again. With a little bit of tweaking, songs, fashion trends, and even slang terms are popping up once again. 

Whether it is the grungy posters or the unique T-shirt designs, the colourful and transformative decade is coming back, and with it, the use of 90s slang terms is also gaining popularity once again. Terms like Booyah and the Bomb are being used by people again, and if you are interested in learning about the popular '90s slang terms, then this is the place where you will get to know them. Get ready to brush up on your '90s vocabulary. 

Popular 90s Slang Terms and Their Meanings Explained 

If you are also seeing new slang terms popping up on the internet, then there is a high chance that these terms belong to the 90s, so get ready to learn all about these nostalgic terms. 

1. Fly 

One of the most popular 90s slang terms is Fly. This term is used to refer to someone who is stylish and attractive, and can be used as an alternative to ‘cool’. 

2. All that 

Another term that was used in place of “cool” was “All that”. The term can be used to describe something that is highly impressive and exceptional, and implies someone who is a complete package. 

3. As if!

This slang term was popularised by the movie ‘Clueless’, and is used to showcase strong disbelief or rejection. It can be used in place of “Yeah, right!”. 

4. The Bomb (da bomb) 

The 90s had unlimited slang terms for ‘cool’, and “the bomb” was also one of them. The phrase is used for something that is really impressive and excellent. The use of the term in the 1993 song ‘Da Bomb’ by Kriss Kross made it more popular. 

5. Booyah

Booyah is an exclamation and sign of triumph and excitement, and is used when you accomplish something impressive. 

6. Home Skillet 

This is an endearing term for a friend, like ‘buddy’ or ‘homey’. 

7. Dodgy 

Well, dodgy is a term that is used to describe something that is suspicious, untrustworthy, or questionable. If something looks dodgy, then it means that it does not look authentic. 

8. Scrub 

A scrub is a person, usually a man, who is regarded as unmotivated, lazy, and unsuccessful in life. The term was popularised by the song “No Scrubs” by TLC. 

9. Boo 

Boo was the original bae, as this term was used back in the 90s as an endearing term for the significant other. 

10. Chillin’ like a Villian 

The term appeared in the series ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and is used when you wish to ask the other person to relax or take it easy. 

11. I’m Outtie

The term makes it very clear that this 90s expression meant that you are no longer involved in a particular situation, similar to “I’m out of here”. 

12. Dip (let’s Dip) 

Dip was another term that was used as an alternative to leaving or exiting, similar to bouncing out of a situation.