TALKIN' THE TALK

Master Your Slang: 10 Expressions That Shaped The English Language

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Fashions are always changing, and everyday language is no exception to this rule. Have you listened to teenagers talk lately? Their vocabulary is full of words we don't quite understand. But come on, we did it too: every decade has had its own set of slang words and expressions. Have you ever said "Bread," "Radical," or "Talk to the hand"? Today, we'll look back at 10 slang words and expressions that have defined each decade from the 1930s to today! Let's "chillax" and read!

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This phrase originated in the early 20th century but reached its peak popularity in the 1930s. What does a monkey have to do with your uncle or with being surprised? Well, those are some of the questions that have come to mind because "I'll be a monkey's uncle" was used to express great surprise, as if to say, "I can't believe this!"

And wait until you hear its origin. The expression is believed to have arisen in response to Charles Darwin's theory of human evolution! Someone very shocked-and probably not understanding Darwin's proposal- might have said, "Well, if humans and apes are related, then I'll be a monkey's uncle!"

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Fortunately, we have thousands of ways to express affection to those we love, and giving a "smooch" is one of them.

The origins of the slang "smooch" are disputed, but it is believed to have emerged sometime before the 1940s in America, appearing as an onomatopoeic imitation of the sound an affectionate kiss makes. Other sources suggest that the term arises from an adaptation of the British English dialectal verb "to smouch," meaning to kiss.

In general, this slang expresses much love and care. So, have you "smooched" today?

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While this expression may seem like the title of a horror movie or the name of some strange insect that lives in the jungle, its actual meaning is much cuter than that.

"Ankle bitter" rose to popularity in the 1950s to refer to toddlers. It makes sense: they are just starting to walk, and they're still tiny, very close to the floor, and, well, also close to our ankles.

As time went by, the expression also began to be used to refer to another type of creature that can get close to - and literally bite - our ankles: that's right, puppies!

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Have you ever been ready to pay for something and suddenly realized you didn't have any "bread"? What? Wait, let us explain.

While it appeared for the first time many years earlier, the term "bread" became popular in the 1960s, particularly among young people, to refer to cash or money in general.

Many sources suggest that the term originated from an association between money as a primary means of subsistence and bread as the basic food. While it's still used, it's not as widespread as it once was.

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If someone tells you a story that is too good to be true, you've probably encountered a "jive turkey."

Originated in African-American Vernacular English and popularized in the 1970s, this expression is used to describe someone who is not entirely honest, cheats to get what they want, makes empty promises, or someone who just says things that aren't totally true.

The term "jive" had already been slang in its own right for a few decades and was used to describe people who were frivolous or simply deceitful. The 1970s came along to give some more charm and humor to the expression. Thus, the word "turkey" was added. Does any jive turkey come to mind?

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Besides spandex, big hairstyles, and neon colors, the 80s had a good variety of slang terms, many of which survive to this day.

One of the most popular slang words of those years was "radical." The term initially gained popularity among surfers and skateboarders in the California area, who used it to describe something too cool, awesome, or impressive, like a "radical wave."

Over time, the expression transcended the sport and started popping up everywhere.

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If there is something more nineties than grunge and low-rise pants, it is this slang phrase.

"Talk to the hand" was a popular saying among 90s youth, particularly associated with the stereotypical "cheerleader girl" style. However, with the term appearing in many popular movies and sitcoms of the time, it gained ground in popular culture.

When someone responded, "Talk to the hand," it basically meant they didn't care what you had to say or that they weren't going to listen. If you plan to use this expression, remember the most important part: you must accompany it with the classic raised hand gesture.

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But it's not only movies and TV that influence the way we talk; music does, too. So it was back in the late 1990s and early 2000s when hip-hop culture gave birth to the term "bling," remember?

"Bling" (or "bling-bling" if you were really cool) was slang for jewelry. But not just any jewelry; the term specifically referred to the big, shiny pieces typical among popular rappers and hip-hop artists of the time. In fact, the expression is also found in the titles and lyrics of many of their songs.

As time went by -and as it usually happens- the word expanded its meaning to refer to an ostentatious or luxurious lifestyle. The fame of "bling" was such that it was eventually added to many dictionaries.

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For several years now, another significant factor has been shaping our lexicon: social media. If you were online in the 2010s, you definitely read or heard the term "bae."

This slang expression has two theories about its origins: the first claims that the word arises as a short form of "babe" or "baby." The second holds that "bae" means "before anyone else." As you might guess, the expression refers to a significant other, such as a boyfriend or girlfriend.

The term is believed to have originated specifically on Twitter (now "X"), following a viral tweet that used it.

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This term has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, being present in music, Instagram, and TikTok.

When someone says something like "I'm serious, no cap," it means they're stating the truth or being honest. On the other hand, when the expression is just "cap," it implies the opposite, a lie or exaggeration, such as "They say he's the greatest quarterback ever, but that's cap."

Some theories propose the term originates from the gesture of removing your hat or cap as a sign of respect and authenticity. Would you use it?

CULTURAL RICHNESS

Discover 10 Vibrant Celebrations From Around The Globe!

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Cultural practices and festivals serve as a window into the diverse fabric of human traditions across the globe. From the colorful Carnival in Venice to the solemn reverence of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, each celebration tells a unique story rooted in history, religion, and society.

Let’s take on a journey around the world in just one reading to discover the magic behind these 10 spirited festivals, each offering a glimpse into the valuable heritage and diverse cultures that enrich our world. Witness the vibrancy of human expression as you learn about tradition and history.

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This two-day Mexican holiday honors both life and death at the same time. On these days, the departed ones are not mourned but celebrated through the offerings their families craft. Together with the offerings, families put up altars decorated with marigold flowers of vibrant colors along with pictures of their deceased relatives and their favorite meals.

These offerings are believed to beckon the souls to return and take part in the celebration.

Tokens like the marigold flowers, which are the ones that lead the way of the souls, and the smiling Calaveras, which laugh at death itself, are used to paint the country in all kinds of colors.

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Deeply rooted in religion, the Carnival of Venice has evolved in more than one way since it began back in the 1100s. Originally, the Carnival aimed at getting rid of the rich food and drink before Lent, and partying was just a natural consequence of it.

Nowadays, Carnevale is the biggest celebration in the country and it goes on for two whole weeks. During that time, over three million people visit the city to wear masks and join the celebration that includes all kinds of events, both open-to-public and private ones.

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Originating in 1812, Oktoberfest first honored the marriage of the Bavarian King Louis I to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. During this time, the holiday consisted of a five-day celebration that ended with a horse race held in an area called Theresienwiese.

Food and beer weren’t part of the festival until the late 20th century.

Oktoberfest today, always held in Munich, combines traditional Bavarian cuisine, colorful parades, and dozens of tents serving beer brewed within the city limits and served on huge mugs called maß (or mass).

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This holiday dates back to the 17th century. Nowadays, it aims to celebrate the arrival of Spring, symbolizing a fresh start where people leave the past behind.

The celebration begins with the first full moon of the Hindu calendar, and it involves giant bonfires, singing, and dancing throughout the night.

On the second day, the country gets quite literally painted over during Holi. People from all walks of life gather to celebrate and throw gulal color powders all around.

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Hanami is deeply rooted in Japan’s history and it can be traced back to the Nara period in the 700s. This timeless tradition captivates the Japanese essence through the unique beauty of sakura, that is, the cherry blossoms.

Today, Hanami honors one of the most important concepts in the culture, that of ‘mono no aware’, which means the profound awareness of the impermanence of things.

Meaning "flower watching", the Hanami annual celebration involves people gathering around cherry blossom trees and having a drink with family and friends to enjoy the view.

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Mardi Gras, the vibrant carnival celebrated in Louisiana, traces its roots back to medieval Europe. Originating as a Christian tradition marking the onset of Lent, it evolved into a jubilant holiday characterized by elaborate parades, masquerade balls, and indulgent feasts.

Today, Mardi Gras encompasses a great variety of festivities, from extravagant street processions to intricate costume competitions, dancing, music, and parties.

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Chiang Mai, in Thailand, is home to one of the most enchanting events. Yi Peng is a three-day traditional event that pays homage and shows respect to Buddha. One curious thing about this event is that the date is kept secret until shortly before its celebration.

On the first day of the Festival of Light, families prepare the materials involved in the festive activities. On the second day, families gather at a temple to make offerings to monks. On the third day, families release different types of paper lanterns that light up the night sky, making it a truly mesmerizing moment.

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This is one of India's most significant festivals, and it is a period to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. For this reason, Diwali is also called the Festival of Light, and it is celebrated by millions of people across India. It is characterized by prayers, family reunions, and, of course, fireworks.

The dates for the celebration change every year since they are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, before the arrival of a new moon between the Hindu months of Ashwin and Kartika. According to the Gregorian calendar, it is typically held between October and November.

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This is probably one of the weirdest celebrations in the world, as it is a food festival which includes a food fight. And even if it doesn’t have any religious or deep meaning, it is one of the most popular ones in the country.

Held in Buñol, Spain, on the last Wednesday of August each year, this celebration brings together thousands of people from all across the world who want to win the World’s Biggest Food Fight. How? By throwing overripe tomatoes at each other. After one hour, the fight ends, and the town is painted the most vibrant red.

The celebration concludes by cleaning the city using fire trucks to spray water down the streets.

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Inti Raymi, which means "Festival of the Sun" in Quechua, is one of the most significant celebrations in Cusco, Peru. It is held on June 24 and it has been declared Cultural Heritage.

The celebration started in 1430 as a way to pay homage to Inca Pachacútec, who rebuilt Machu Picchu.

Inti Raymi today includes all kinds of Quechua songs, traditional dances, colorful characters, and Incan clothes and customs.

The celebration concludes with the appearance of the Inca, who is transported over a golden platform by orejones (the people carrying the platform), as women sing to the Sun and the Inca.