Can you "dig" this vocabulary?

Flower Power Slang: 10 groovy 1960s idioms explained

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The 60s were truly a magical time, weren’t they? If there’s one word that truly defined this decade, it would be the word "freedom": After all, the 60s were defined by their revolutionary new takes on music, art, and society in general. In fact, this era was so groundbreaking that it even changed the world we speak, introducing timeless terms to the English language. With that in mind, we have selected 10 terms that gained traction during the 60s. Some of them might seem outdated, while others are still relevant in this day and age: Regardless, all these words defined what it meant to live in the 60s. Enjoy!

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We’ll start with what many consider to be the quintessential 60s word. The word "groovy" (or any of its variations like "groovey" or "groovie") is an extremely versatile term that was mostly used as a synonym for excellent. However, depending on the context, "groovy" could also be used to describe an incredibly fashionable piece of clothing, or an intricate and powerful melody.

According to music historians, this word comes from the world of jazz in the 20s, where the term "groove" was used to describe a mixture of a music’s rhythm and the response by the audience. As you would expect, many songs and albums from the 60s and 70s mention the word "groovy", including bands like Simon & Garfunkel, The Clash, and The Mamas & the Papas.

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We might as well consider the words "far out" and "groovy" as synonyms: They are both used to describe something amazing, and they both come from the world of jazz. However, since "far out" can also mean something strange or unconventional, this word also conveys a certain feeling of innovation or creativity.

By the time the 1960s came around, the counterculture movements of this decade picked up this term and popularized it: An inventive beatnik poem or a piece of hippie art could be easily considered to be "far out".

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The first negative word in this article, "bummer" is used to describe something disappointing, although it is usually reserved for things that aren’t particularly serious. For instance, a canceled date, an ice-cream cone that fell to the ground, or missing closing time at a coffee shop are all great examples of a bummer.

Interestingly, this term’s first recorded appearance comes from journalist Tom Wolfe, who mentioned the term in his book about the notorious motorcycle gang, the Hell’s Angels. In due time, "bummer" became an extremely popular word, which is still being used today.

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No, we are not talking about our favorite feline friends. The term "cat" or "cats" gained prominence in the 60s and 70s as a way to refer to someone particularly cool: In fact, this is actually an abbreviation from the phrase "cool cat". This term was extremely popular during these decades and was referenced in lyrics by iconic artists like David Bowie or Pink Floyd.

"Cat" is yet another '60s term that comes from the world of jazz, where the term was used to describe a lover of jazz music, or someone who was up to date with the latest trends and styles.

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Keeping in line with our previous entry, an egghead is the exact opposite of a "cool cat". We realize how strange it is to call a farm product the opposite of a common pet, but bear with us, we can assure you it makes sense. The slang word "egghead" describes someone who is, in essence, boring or overly studious. In the 80s, eggheads would be called "squares", while in our current parlance, they would be called a "nerd".

We can see how in the 60s, a decade ruled by long and luscious hairstyles, being called an egghead could be considered a devastating insult: Egghead has the added image of someone who has gone bald from studying too much.

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If "groovy" was the quintessential word from the 60s, then "Flower power" was the slogan that defined this decade. This phrase was everywhere: Painted in vans, walls and on protest signs all around the world. "Flower power" became the ultimate representation of non-violent and passive resistance movements that were sprouting across America in the 60s.

The phrase was first coined by American poet Allen Ginsberg: In an essay published in 1965, Ginsberg proposed that protesters should hand out flowers to policemen in order to both make a statement and also reduce the tension inherent to a protest. These sorts of flashy practices quickly became popular, leading to the emergence of the term "Flower power".

Image: Andrey Metelev

If someone asks you if you can "dig it", they are not politely asking to grab a shovel and find a buried treasure nearby: What this confusing little phrase means is closer to saying "Do you understand what I’m saying?". However, much like with "groovy", "digging" something relates more to feeling than to knowledge: It basically asks whether you can put yourself in your partner’s shoes.

As you probably guessed by now, this phrase was extremely popular in the 1930s, before gaining a resurgence thanks to the Beatnik movement. However, some believe that it actually dates further back than the 30s: Linguists believe that the phrase comes from the Irish expression an dTuigeann Tú, which means "do you understand?" Since the word dTuigeann sounds remarkably like the verb "dig", many believe that this similarity is the origin of the slang phrase.

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No, we are not saying that the 60s literally invented bread, which is undoubtedly one of the oldest types of food known to man. The bread we are referring to comes from a slang term that first originated in the 1930s and came back into prominence in the 1960s.

In case you are not familiar with this word, "bread" is slang for money. This use of bread gained traction after being featured in several '60s books, including Hunter S. Thompson’s non-fiction book "Hell’s Angels".

Image: Jakob Owens

While nowadays this term is heavily ingrained in surfer culture, many forget that the 60s are considered to be the heyday of this aquatic sport. In that sense, the phrase "hang loose" (and its associated hand sign) describes one of the most essential aspects of surfing: Having a laid-back attitude that helps you tackle the many difficulties of this sport with a smile on your face.

As expected, the "hang loose" sign comes from the birthplace of modern surfing: Hawaii. Known as the "shaka" sign, this gesture is used by residents of Hawaii to convey friendliness and understanding.

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We’ll end this article by bringing back a term almost lost to time. While we have featured several words that have retained their relevance to modern times, we can’t confidently state that "ginchy" is still as fresh as it was in the late 50s and the 60s. This word, which is used to describe something excellent, was subsequently replaced by the far more popular "cool".

However, there’s much to be said about "ginchy". For one, its original meaning has an aspect that cool doesn’t really represent: "Ginchy" is also used to describe someone attractive or downright beautiful. So, if you ever need a new and unusual word to pay a compliment to a special someone, look no further and help us bring "ginchy" back in style!

Language lessons

Don’t get it wrong: 10 commonly misused English words

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Language is alive and constantly evolving, yet in our daily lives, we barely scratch the surface of the vast vocabulary, terms, and expressions that comprise it. Many words have faded from use, while others are appropriate only in specific contexts. With this level of complexity, it’s no wonder people frequently confuse words, their meanings, and their proper usage. There’s no shame in that! We’re always learning—and relearning—how to use our language, regardless of age. Here, we’ve gathered 10 English words that are commonly misused in everyday conversation. You may just discover that you’ve been misusing some of them!

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Misuse: Used for emphasis

Correct Use: In a literal sense

In recent years, literally has become a popular way to emphasize statements, but its actual meaning refers to something that is exactly true, without exaggeration. For instance, saying "I literally died laughing" is incorrect—unless you actually passed away from laughter. That, admittedly, would make for an amusing epitaph, though it would be impossible to write in the first person.

The term originated in the late 14th century, derived from the Latin literalis, meaning "of or pertaining to letters." Since the written word was often regarded as a factual and incorruptible source of information, the word came to carry the meaning of something that happened in an exact, factual manner as it was adopted into common usage.

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Misuse: Coincidental or unexpected

Correct Use: A situation that is contrary to what one expects

Often misused to describe anything unusual or coincidental, ironic specifically refers to a situation in which the outcome is opposite to what was anticipated. For instance, it’s considered ironic if a desert floods or if a fire station burns down.

The term stems from the Greek word eironeia, meaning dissimulation or feigned ignorance. If you're still unsure when to use it, reserve the word ironic for instances where there’s a striking contradiction between expectations and reality.

Image: Stefanie Poepken

Misuse: Rare or unusual

Correct Use: One of a kind

Unique signifies something that is singular and unlike anything else. Saying something is "very unique" diminishes its meaning, as uniqueness cannot be qualified—something is either unique or it isn’t.

Originating from the Latin unicus, meaning "single," the term emphasizes exclusivity and should be used in that sense. However, the erroneous usage to mean "uncommon" dates back to the mid-19th century. So if you’ve been misusing this word, don’t feel bad—you’re certainly not alone!

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Misuse: To destroy entirely

Correct Use: To reduce by a tenth

In Roman times, decimate referred to a form of military punishment in which one out of every ten soldiers was executed. The word traces back to the Latin decimare, meaning "to take a tenth." Over time, it has come to imply large-scale destruction, but its original definition suggests only a partial reduction.

While using decimate as a synonym for annihilate is technically imprecise, many linguists argue that its historical meaning was tied to a specific, outdated practice. In fact, by the 17th century, the word had already begun to take on broader connotations. So don’t worry too much about it—unless the Romans come back for vengeance.

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Misuse: Uninterested or bored

Correct Use: Impartial or unbiased

Many people confuse disinterested with uninterested, but they have distinct meanings. Disinterested refers to a lack of bias or a neutral stance, while uninterested indicates a lack of interest or enthusiasm altogether.

However, language is rarely straightforward. Before the 17th century, these two words actually had opposite meanings: disinterested meant "unconcerned," while uninterested was sometimes used to mean "impartial." By the late 18th century, the modern definitions had largely stabilized—but who knows, maybe in a few centuries they’ll switch again. In the meantime, stick to the current usage to avoid confusion.

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Misuse: Amused or entertained

Correct Use: Confused or bewildered

Bemused is often misused as a synonym for amused, sometimes even paired with the adverb wryly to emphasize that interpretation. However, bemused actually means to be perplexed, confused, or lost in thought. By its most widely accepted definition, someone who is bemused isn’t entertained—they’re puzzled by a situation.

But again, nothing is easy in the world of words, and as it turns out, even linguists have been bemused by the term’s origins. The sense of being confused was associated with the word after poet Alexander Pope wrote in 1735 that someone was "bemused in beer." However, recent scholarship suggests he may have been alluding instead to the poetic influence of the Muses, who do seem to meddle in human affairs now and then, inspiring not only works of art but also evolving dictionary entries!

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Misuse: To skim or glance over

Correct Use: To read thoroughly

In informal speech, many people use peruse to mean casually skimming or glancing through text, but its original meaning is quite the opposite. The primary definition of the word is to read something carefully and thoroughly. For example, if you "perused a report" in this sense, it means you examined it in detail.

That said, most dictionaries today accept the informal sense of leisurely inspecting something—a usage that has existed since at least the 19th century. So, using peruse this way isn’t technically incorrect; its appropriateness depends on context. In formal writing or speech, it’s best to stick to the original "thorough" meaning. Either way, peruse can function as a flexible synonym for reading, whether meticulously or more casually.

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Misuse: Raises a question

Correct Use: Circular reasoning

This phrase is often misused to mean "raises the question," but it actually refers to a logical fallacy in which an argument’s premise assumes the truth of its conclusion. For example, saying "He’s a great friend because he’s a good friend" begs the question.

The phrase originates from a somewhat loose 16th-century translation of petitio principii, an Aristotelian term that would be more accurately rendered as "assuming the conclusion." It’s no wonder the misuse is common—the phrase doesn’t make much sense on its own and seems better suited to the idea of "a question that begs to be answered."

Image: Mick Haupt

Misuse: Regardless

Correct Use: None, maybe?

Irregardless is a nonstandard word likely formed by blending irrespective and regardless. In most contexts, it’s considered incorrect, or at least highly informal. Linguistically, it’s a confusing construction: the prefix ir- means "not," and the suffix -less means "without," making it a kind of double negative.

Despite its awkward structure, people commonly use irregardless as a synonym for regardless. And to be fair, the word isn’t new—it has stirred controversy since the early 20th century and appeared in print as early as 1795. In any case, unless you’re making a point about how language loves to defy rules and speaker expectations, it’s best to just avoid it.

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Misuse: Nauseated

Correct Use: Causing nausea

Nauseous is often used to describe feeling sick, but it technically refers to something that induces nausea. Ironically, if you say, "I feel nauseous," you’re actually implying that you’re causing someone else to feel sick. The word comes from the Greek nausíā, meaning seasickness, which is derived from naûs, meaning ship.

Nauseous can also mean nauseating, which refers to something that causes nausea. In its primary usage, the word describes things that make people feel sick, like reading a dictionary now and then. But meanness aside, languages evolve, and new meanings are constantly forged in everyday speech. So, no word is entirely incorrect if it can be understood—context is everything!