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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask for words and phrases you no longer say?

213 replies

namezchangez · 21/02/2026 11:24

Not really an AIBU, but I wanted a good list! DH and I were talking about words and phrases we used to say frequently as children in the 80s and which now we rarely use or hear. Some of these refer to things that no longer exist, or which have become rare, some have fallen out of fashion, some now seem tasteless or prejudicial. Would love to hear some more! (And doesn’t need to be from the 80s.)

ozone layer
polystyrene
crybaby
wicked (as a term of approval)
teacake
space race
Indian summer
gooseberries

OP posts:
DanaScullysLegoHair · 21/02/2026 12:28

Wazzock, divvy, syke or psych?!

Notmyreality · 21/02/2026 12:27

What an odd list OP. Still say all those terms and they are all still in use.

Nicecatneighbour · 21/02/2026 12:27

Love a teacake or a scone (turning into my mother). Foibles. That is a great word, am going to insert it wherever possible. 😼

notacooldad · 21/02/2026 12:26

What’s kerbie?
I dont know about the posters context but to me kerbie was a street game. 2 people stood opposite each other in a street ( usually a small quiet street where they lived!) and threw a ball. The aim was to hit the edge of the kerb opposite so it would bounce back to you.

LiveLaughLidl · 21/02/2026 12:26

DVD, MP3 player, CD / CD player
born in the 90s here!

LittleMissLateForWorkAgain · 21/02/2026 12:26

Also Provy (loan lady)
Div/divvy (stupid person)
Tuck shop (school break cafe thing that sold coke cans and chocolate and crisps)
"Video it for me" (tape a programme off tv to watch on a video tape later)
Be kind. Rewind. (On all blockbuster video tapes hired out)

Really bizarre and maybe just my school but if you wanted to threaten someone you d say
" you're dead. 20 to 4" referring to the time school ended. Presumably the victim would be beaten up outside school.

Ankle swingers. Flares that didn't reach the shoes so a lot of sock was visible.

TakeTheCuntingQuichePatricia · 21/02/2026 12:24

My mum used to call us "you dirty arab" thankfully that's stopped!

Pleatherandlace · 21/02/2026 12:22

I don’t understand not saying “tea cake”. tea cakes still exist don’t they? 😱

losttheplot25 · 21/02/2026 12:21

namezchangez · 21/02/2026 11:24

Not really an AIBU, but I wanted a good list! DH and I were talking about words and phrases we used to say frequently as children in the 80s and which now we rarely use or hear. Some of these refer to things that no longer exist, or which have become rare, some have fallen out of fashion, some now seem tasteless or prejudicial. Would love to hear some more! (And doesn’t need to be from the 80s.)

ozone layer
polystyrene
crybaby
wicked (as a term of approval)
teacake
space race
Indian summer
gooseberries

What do you say Instead of polystyrene op. or do you now say the Americanised version Styrophome?
Also gooseberries still exist? And tea cakes.

tilypu · 21/02/2026 12:21

The word 'wet' to describe someone a bit hapless. I do say people use it on here, which is what reminded me of it.
Foibles. Great word, think I might try to use it more.

hashtaghooray · 21/02/2026 12:18

Mine is “dead to the world” after Bobby from home and away

hashtaghooray · 21/02/2026 12:18

What’s kerbie?

HK04 · 21/02/2026 12:17

Walkman
Ghetto Blaster
Yuppie
Wally
Nincompoop
Playpiece (break snack at school)
Baths (for swimming pool)
Wireless (radio)
Betamax
Records (now vinyl)
Number 1 (charts)
Disco
Kerbie
British Bulldog (kids game)
Provie (loan lady)
Spinster
Leg warmers
Rad

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