I love chatting with people who grew up in the 60s or 70s because they drop expressions that feel like little time capsules.

These phrases carry personality, charm, and a kind of laid-back cool you don’t hear much anymore. If you ever caught yourself smiling when someone casually said something like “Right on!”, then you already know the magic.

So today, I want to walk you through eight phrases only people from that era still throw into conversations—and why they still hit differently. IMO, these expressions remind us that language had way more flavor back then. FYI, a few of them still slip out of my mouth sometimes.

Let’s jump in.

1. “Far Out”

“Far out” always feels like a warm fist bump from a groovy era. Whenever someone uses it, I immediately imagine tie-dye shirts, lava lamps, and the sound of vinyl crackling in the background.

I use it sometimes when something truly surprises me in a good way. The phrase doesn’t exaggerate anything, yet it still packs a punch. “Far out” means something cool, mind-blowing, or unexpectedly awesome.

People loved it because it:

Expressed excitement without sounding dramatic
Carried a chill vibe that defined the 60s
Felt positive in almost every context

Today, it’s rare, but hearing it feels like opening an old scrapbook—simple, nostalgic, and unexpectedly wholesome.

2. “Right On”

If your friend told you something you strongly agreed with, you probably say “Exactly!” or “For sure!” But people from the 60s and 70s? They hit you with “Right on.”

This phrase always feels supportive. It shows agreement, but in a way that lifts the other person up. Whenever I hear someone say it, I feel like they’re cheering from the sidelines.

“Right on” works because it:

Shows enthusiasm and alignment
Sounds friendly without trying too hard
Carries that classic feel-good tone of the era

I still use it occasionally when I want to hype someone up. Honestly, I think the world needs more “Right on!” moments.

3. “Dig It”

Now here’s a phrase with personality. “Dig it” didn’t mean gardening—unless you grew up with hippie parents who loved metaphors. It simply meant “Do you get it?” or “Do you like it?”

I always loved how it blended curiosity and confidence. People used it when explaining something they felt excited about. So when you asked someone, “You dig it?” you basically asked whether they vibed with what you were saying.

People used “dig it” because it:

Felt more expressive than “Do you understand?”
Carried a cool edge that typical questions lacked
Fit right into music, culture, and everyday chats

Honestly, I wish this phrase never faded out. It always sounds smooth.

4. “What’s Your Bag?”

This one cracks me up every time, because it reminds me of older relatives trying to understand teenagers long before smartphones took over. When someone asked, “What’s your bag?”, they meant “What’s your deal?” or “What’s your thing?”

It didn’t have a negative vibe—just curiosity with a dash of attitude.

This phrase stood out because it:

Allowed people to ask about someone’s interests in a stylish way
Sounded cooler than “What are you into?”
Worked for both serious and funny situations

I remember hearing someone use it jokingly and nearly spitting out my drink because it came out of nowhere. But honestly, “What’s your bag?” still sounds oddly sophisticated and playful at the same time.

5. “Keep On Truckin’”

If you ever needed encouragement delivered with a side of optimism, this phrase had your back. “Keep on truckin’” meant “Don’t give up” or “Keep going.” It wasn’t just a phrase—it was a whole mood.

People loved it because it:

Offered support without sounding heavy
Encouraged resilience
Carried a laid-back, roll-with-it attitude

The moment I hear it, I picture the famous comic-style character strutting with giant shoes and an even bigger smile. The phrase radiates confidence in a calm, easygoing way—something the world could definitely use more of.

6. “Can You Relate?”

Before “relatable content” became the internet’s favorite phrase, people used “Can you relate?” to check if someone understood the situation or shared the same feeling.

I appreciate this phrase because it feels genuine. When someone says it, they invite connection—they want to know you’ve been there too. It feels more thoughtful than today’s quick “Same!”

People used it because it:

Encouraged empathy
Made conversations feel more personal
Helped people bond over shared experiences

Whenever someone says it today, I always smile. It instantly shifts the conversation from surface-level to real.

7. “That’s a Bummer”

We all need quick ways to acknowledge disappointment. Before “bruh” or “that sucks,” people simply said “That’s a bummer.”

The phrase hits that sweet spot between sympathy and understatement. It doesn’t dramatize the situation, but it doesn’t ignore your feelings either. I personally like using it because it keeps things light even when something unfortunate happens.

People loved the phrase because it:

Sounded casual but empathetic
Worked for small and big disappointments
Helped keep conversations emotionally steady

It’s the kind of phrase that softens the blow without making you feel dismissed.

8. “Catch You on the Flip Side”

Let’s be honest: this is one of the coolest ways to say goodbye that ever existed. I swear, if someone said this to me today, I’d instantly want to be their friend.

“Catch you on the flip side” came from radio DJs flipping vinyl records. It evolved into a friendly, upbeat way to say “See you later.”

People loved it because it:

Made goodbyes feel less final
Sounded confident and cheerful
Wrapped conversations in pure retro charm

I don’t hear it much anymore, but the moment someone says it, I can practically hear a turntable spinning in the background.

Why These Phrases Still Matter Today

Even though the world speaks faster now—texting, abbreviating, reacting with emojis—these phrases remind us that language once moved with a smoother rhythm. Each expression carries a layer of personality that modern slang sometimes skips over.

If you grew up in the 60s or 70s, hearing these again might feel like stepping into a familiar room. If you didn’t, consider this your backstage pass to some of the coolest slang ever created.

These phrases remain relevant because:

They’re expressive without being dramatic
They reflect a chill, optimistic worldview
They add personality to everyday conversations

And honestly? They just sound good.

Final Thoughts

These eight phrases prove that the 60s and 70s produced some of the most distinctive, fun, and expressive language out there. Whether someone says “Right on,” “Far out,” or “Catch you on the flip side,” the vibe they bring is unmistakable.

I hope this list brought back memories—or sparked some curiosity if you’re new to this lingo. Try slipping one of these into a conversation this week and watch the reactions. You might surprise someone… or recruit a new fan of retro slang.

Catch you on the flip side.