25 Sayings Millennials Grew Up With in Florida That Are Practically Extinct Now
There was a time when “Talk to the hand” was the height of drama and “Booyah!” was the ultimate victory cry.
Now? Most millennial sayings have disappeared with CD players and AOL.
Let’s rewind and relive the sayings that made the millennial generation sound completely different from everyone else in Florida.
Talk to the Hand
This was the ultimate way to shut someone down without saying much at all.
“Talk to the hand, ’cause the face ain’t listening” was often paired with a dramatic hand-in-the-face gesture. It was bold, dismissive, and completely sassy.
Today’s version might be a subtle eye-roll or sarcastic emoji.
But nothing matched the satisfaction of using this in person and watching your friends burst out laughing.
As If!
This became iconic thanks to the movie Clueless, and it was used everywhere.
It was the perfect reply when someone said something ridiculous. One quick “As if” and the conversation was over.
Younger generations might say “lol no” now, but this phrase delivered rejection with a stylish punch.
All That and a Bag of Chips
This was the gold standard of compliments in the ’90s.
If someone said you were “all that and a bag of chips,” they meant you had confidence, style, and just the right amount of extra.
It was often flirty, but always playful.
Somewhere along the way, the snack metaphors faded. But this one definitely deserves a comeback.
Don’t Go There
This phrase was used when someone was about to cross a line.
If someone started bringing up something personal or teasing too hard, a sharp “Don’t go there” was enough to stop it cold.
It wasn’t just a warning. It was a declaration that you weren’t in the mood to deal with nonsense.
Whatever!
This was the ultimate brush-off.
It meant the conversation was over and you weren’t going to explain yourself. It was often stretched out into “Whateeeeever” with exaggerated tone.
It didn’t matter who was talking or what they were saying. This one word had the power to shut it all down.
Take a Chill Pill
This was a classic way to tell someone they were being dramatic.
It worked for everything from test stress to friend drama. “Take a chill pill” was equal parts playful and dismissive.
Now we use more polite ways to say “calm down,” but this one had flair.
You Go, Girl!
This was one of the most enthusiastic ways to cheer someone on.
It was often said with snaps, head tilts, or big hand motions. Whether someone stood up for themselves or just did something cool, “You go, girl” let them know they were killing it.
Today, encouragement often shows up as a reaction emoji. But this phrase made you feel like a star.
Not!
Millennials perfected the fake-out, and “Not!” was the punchline.
It followed a compliment or kind statement that was quickly revealed to be a joke. It was harmless most of the time, though it could be a little mean when overused.
Its humor faded out, but for a brief window, it ruled school hallways and sitcoms.
My Bad
This was the smoothest way to admit a mistake.
No need for a full apology. “My bad” was casual, honest, and often followed by a shrug or laugh.
It made accountability sound cool, which is rare even today.
Booyah!
This was shouted whenever something awesome happened.
It might have been a touchdown in gym class or finishing your math homework early. Either way, “Booyah!” was the celebration word of choice.
You don’t hear it much anymore, but it still brings a smile to anyone who remembers it.
Puh-lease
This was “please” with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
It worked best when someone was bragging too much or being overly dramatic. Said with the right attitude, it was both funny and cutting.
Even today, it’s hard to top the eye-roll energy of this phrase.
Let’s Bounce
This was the cool way to say you were leaving.
It was casual and confident, like you had better places to be. Kids used it when sneaking out of boring events or just wrapping up a hangout.
It turned the act of leaving into a statement.
Talkin’ to Me?
Borrowed from old movies, this phrase made everyone feel like a fake tough guy.
It was used in joking ways more than serious ones. But it often made an ordinary moment feel a little more dramatic.
It faded with time, but anyone who used it remembers exactly how it felt to say.
Word
Short and simple, “Word” meant agreement.
It could mean “absolutely,” “I got you,” or “you said it.” It was often paired with a head nod or handshake.
Few words had this much range in such a short package.
Oh Snap!
This was your reaction when someone dropped a great insult or unexpected comment.
It meant that something dramatic just happened, usually in a fun or funny way. It worked best when said loudly with a gasp or laugh.
It wasn’t about being rude. It was about recognizing a good moment.
What’s the 411?
Before Google was a verb, this was how you asked for the scoop.
It meant “What’s the information?” or “What’s going on?” and made you feel like you were part of something exclusive.
Now we get info from apps. But back then, this phrase was how you got the tea.
Peace Out
A cooler way to say goodbye, often paired with a peace sign.
Whether leaving school, hanging up the phone, or ending a conversation, “Peace out” was your exit line.
It made goodbyes feel smooth and memorable.
Raise the Roof
This was a celebration move with hands in the air and a big smile.
It came out at parties, dances, or even during lunch when something exciting happened. It wasn’t subtle, and that’s what made it great.
It added physical excitement to the moment in a way that made everyone join in.
Take It to the Max
Everything in the ’90s was about doing more.
This phrase meant going all out and giving everything your best effort. It was a popular slogan in commercials and among kids trying to sound motivational.
Today, we hear less about extremes. But back then, being extra was the goal.
Smell Ya Later
This was a goofy and slightly rude way to say goodbye.
Popularized by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, it was often yelled over your shoulder while walking away.
It was meant to be funny more than mean, and kids used it constantly.
Burn!
Said when someone got roasted or embarrassed, “Burn!” was a way to call out the moment.
It made insults sound even more dramatic and usually got laughs from everyone nearby.
It faded fast, but while it lasted, it had serious playground power.
Whoomp, There It Is!
Borrowed from the hit song, this chant popped up during wins, surprises, or celebrations.
It didn’t matter what was happening. This phrase made any moment feel bigger.
It still shows up now and then, but it used to be everywhere.
Psych!
This was used to fake someone out and then reveal you were joking.
It could be part of a prank or just a quick way to tease someone. It didn’t always land, but when it did, it was hilarious.
It taught kids how to joke with timing and confidence.
Eat My Shorts
Made famous by Bart Simpson, this phrase was rebellious without being too edgy.
Kids loved saying it to push boundaries. Parents didn’t love hearing it, which made it even more popular.
It’s rarely said anymore, but anyone who grew up in the early ’90s remembers it well.
Sit On It
Taken from reruns of Happy Days, this phrase meant “go away” with a bit of attitude.
It wasn’t super common but popped up just enough to be memorable. Kids who wanted to sound cool without swearing often used it.
Now it’s just a nostalgic quote, but it once made a real impact on the playground.
Find the Slang Era You Belong In
Do you still say “burn” when someone gets roasted, or do you remember yelling “Booyah” in the lunchroom?
Take our Decade DNA Quiz to discover which generation’s lingo matches your personality. Whether you’re all about sock hops or Saturday morning cartoons, this quiz will place you in the decade your personality was meant for.
Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)

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