11 Curse Words & Insults From The ’50s We Need To Bring Back
Insults from the 1950s, with just the right amount of salty language, seem to have something special that modern insults lack. While four-letter words and other sharp phrases get the message across, it’s effective, and even amusing, to add phrases like “get bent.”
Davida Rappaport, a relationship expert, says, “When you say something unexpected, you will definitely throw someone off balance, and it can lighten the moment.” It can be useful during a heated conversation when you want to change the direction of the discussion.
Older phrases are not only disarming but also don’t hurt as much as some newer alternatives. Beverly Friedmann, a writer and content manager for ReviewingThis, says, “A lot of these terms are definitely a lot less offensive in modern times and perhaps even endearing to a certain extent. They also tend to catch people off-guard, can be fun to use, and may strike up a conversation.”
If you want to use curse words from the ’50s and other old-fashioned sayings, here are some options:
“Get Bent”
This phrase was popular in the 1950s and meant to tell someone to go away or to drop dead.
“Oh, Fudge”
This alternative to a four-letter word still gets the message across without being as offensive.
“Scram!”
“Scram” was a popular forceful yet effective way to tell someone to leave you alone.
“Make Like A Tree And Leave”
This fun phrase was intended to be rude but was still less aggressive than telling someone to leave.
“I’ll Give You A Knuckle Sandwich”
This phrase meant to threaten physical harm, but it could be used jokingly today.
“Stuff It”
This term was used extensively back in the day when someone was angry or wanted their friend to stop talking.
“That’s So Mickey Mouse”
This phrase referred to something as being childish or silly.
“Put A Lid On It”
Telling someone to “put a lid on it” or “can it” was a way to shut them down in the 1950s.
“Riffraff”
This term was used to describe someone as disreputable.
“Heavens To Betsy”
This all-American phrase was used to express surprise or astonishment.
“Party Pooper”
This term was used to describe someone who ruined the fun.
