Remembering that 1970s Lingo

The other day, I was strolling through my garden when I spotted a patch of bee balm growing that I had assumed didn't make it. I planted it two years ago and had never had anything come up in that spot before now.

I thought to myself, "far out!" Then, I smiled because I know no one says, "far out" anymore. Even thinking of that expression in my head dates me as having experienced the 1970's. Yes, born in the mid 1960's, the 1970's were definitely my most memorable childhood years. For those of you that weren't around yet, let me give you a brief synopsis of the times:

I had a banana seat bike with a white plastic basket attached to the handlebars. The basket was adorned with blue, pink, and purple plastic daisies. I would ride around the neighborhood on my bike looking for girls to play hopscotch and jump rope with. I remember listening to The Jackson Five on the radio while we played. I had a mood ring and a couple of pet rocks.

Every product in our bathroom was from Avon except for mom's Jean Nate toiletries. Most every house had too much yellow, orange, gold, turquoise or olive colored décor, especially the thick shag rugs. Mushrooms, Gnomes, Daisies, Owls, Fish and Zodiac themed products were everywhere. We had a mushroom shaped ceramic cookie jar and clock in the kitchen. We also had scales with plastic fruit hanging out of the bowls-a very common decoration in the 1970's.

My mom was not a total hippie but was definitely closer to being a flower child than being part of the mainstream. I remember it was the decade of her insisting we eat tons of brown rice and sesame crackers. I also remember my mom constantly telling my sister and me to "get our acts together!"

I remember hearing my mom and her friends talk about events and people that "blew their minds."

Everything was "cool" and the normal greeting was "what's happening?" or "what's up?" instead of "hi."

If we had childish temper tantrums, my mother would tell us not to "freak out."

In the 1970's, only guys were referred to as "dudes." Gals were often referred to as, "chicks."

If some agreed with what you said, they would nod affirmatively and say, "I dig it."

If someone had a dispute or gripe with you, it was common to hear, "hey, man!" and "you turkey!"

Police were the "fuzz" and "pigs" and somehow my sister and I learned to say, "I smell bacon" when we saw them, much to the chagrin of my grandmother.

If something bad happened, like a flat tire, it was a "bummer."

And if something was really neat, it was common to exclaim, "far out!"

I hope you enjoyed this far out trip down memory lane with me!

Source: Personal Experience