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  2. Jul 16, 2021 · Learn the slang terms and expressions that defined the 1950s, a decade of conservatism, complacency and contentment in America. Find out the meanings of words like beatnik, greaser, shades, square, and more.

    • Mary Gormandy White
    • Staff Writer
    • admin@yourdictionary.com
  3. In the 1950s, insults were at their sharpest. People back then had a way with words that could really sting. Surprisingly, many of these insults still ring true today. Their power lies in their timeless quality and how effectively they express disapproval or make fun of someone.

    • Michele Debczak
    • Beatnik. These days, the term beatnik defines the most prominent subculture of the 1950s, but the word wasn’t coined until 1958. That year, columnist Herb Caen added -nik (a suffix derived from the satellite Sputnik, which launched in 1957) to beat to describe members of the Beat generation.
    • Cool. Originally part of African American Language (a.k.a. African American Vernacular, or AAVE), cool emerged from the jazz scene in the 1940s. In the 1950s, it became mainstream with the youth of America.
    • Backseat Bingo. The 1950s saw the explosion of American car culture, and with it came a wave of new car-related slang terms. Backseat bingo referred to hanky panky that took place inside a vehicle.
    • Pad. Though pad can refer to any place of residence today, it had unsavory connotations in the mid-20th century. A 1950s beatnik may have used the term when referring to a place to crash, or a room to use (or recover from having used) drugs.
    • Big Tickle. Meaning: Something really hilarious. Example: "I always get a big tickle from I Love Lucy!"
    • Chrome-Plated. Meaning: Someone who is really dressed up. Example: "Cindy got chrome-plated for the prom."
    • Beat Feet. Meaning: To run away very fast, usually to get out of trouble. Example: "We need to beat feet before the fuzz finds this graffiti."
    • Cruisin' For A Bruisin' Meaning: Looking for trouble. Example: "You're cruisin' for a bruisin' if you don't stop talking about my girl."
    • Daddy-O. Your daddy is your actual father, but your daddy-O is just a generally cool dude… Who for some reason you're calling daddy. Example: "Whatever you say, daddy-O!"
    • Made in the shade. Today, being in the shade means you're avoiding sun damage to your skin. But in the 50s, being made in the shade meant things are going well for you and you don't have a care in the world.
    • Ginchiest. A way to tell somebody you admire their appearance or personality. And for more fun facts, here are 20 New Words Introduced in 2017. Example: "Baby, you're the ginchiest!"
    • Burn rubber. No point in having a hot rod if you're not going to show off its speed. And when you press that pedal to the metal, your tires are gonna burn some rubber.
  4. Aug 10, 2021 · If you look at the slang that was popularized during the 1950s, though, you see a more interesting story. Look no further, because we collected some of the ginchiest 1950s slang phrases. Popular 1950s Slang That’s Worth Knowing Ankle Biter. Meaning: a child, particularly a misbehaving one

  5. Apr 30, 2024 · Over time, these expressions have fallen out of style, often replaced by another generation’s own slang. While you may not hear these expressions much anymore, they can instantly bring back memories for many older Americans.