The 90s was a decade filled with unique slang and expressions, and one word that became a prominent part of the language was “cool.” Whether you want to dive into the nostalgia of the era or you simply want to understand how people used to express “coolness,” this guide has got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “cool” in the 90s, providing plenty of tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.
Table of Contents
The Formal Expressions
While the 90s brought about a more relaxed and casual approach to language, there were still certain formal expressions used to convey “coolness” in a sophisticated manner. Here are some examples:
- Chic: Elegant and stylish, this term was often used to describe something fashionable or cool during the 90s.
- Trendsetting: Referring to something or someone that sets the trends, this term conveyed coolness by being ahead of the curve.
- Sleek: Used to describe something smooth, polished, and effortlessly cool.
- Sophisticated: This expression indicated a coolness that was refined and cultured.
- Classy: A term often used to describe something cool that exudes elegance and good taste.
The Informal Expressions
The 90s was an era filled with informal expressions and slang that defined coolness in a more relaxed and laid-back way. Here are a few examples of how to say “cool” informally during that time:
- Awesome: This word, still popular today, was frequently used in the 90s to describe something cool, amazing, or impressive.
- Rad: Short for “radical,” this term emphasized coolness in a rebellious and extreme manner.
- Badass: This expression conveyed the idea of coolness through a sense of toughness, confidence, and daring.
- Dope: Originally associated with the hip-hop culture, “dope” referred to something exceptionally cool or excellent.
- Fly: Used to describe something or someone stylish, hip, and fashionable.
Regional Variations
Slang often varies from region to region, and the 90s was no exception. While many expressions were shared across the country, certain regions had their own unique ways of saying “cool.” Here are a few regional variations that were popular during that time:
West Coast:
On the West Coast, particularly in California, some popular regional expressions for “cool” included “hella cool” or “hella tight.” The word “hella” was a slang term used to intensify an adjective or adverb, making it stronger, and was widely used in the 90s.
East Coast:
On the East Coast, especially in New York City, the word “phat” was frequently used to describe something cool. “Phat” stood for “Pretty Hot And Tempting” and was commonly associated with the hip-hop culture of the time.
Midwest:
In the Midwest, “tight” or “dope” were regularly used as expressions for coolness. These words were widely adopted and enjoyed popularity throughout the region.
Examples in Context
To truly grasp the usage of these expressions, it’s helpful to see them in action. Here are a few examples of how to say “cool” in the 90s, incorporating both formal and informal expressions:
“Wow, that new fashion line is absolutely chic! It’s so trendy and sleek.”
Informal Example 1: “Did you see that skateboard trick he pulled off? It was totally rad!”
Informal Example 2: “This new song I just heard is so dope, you have to give it a listen!”
Regional Example 1 (West Coast): “The concert last night was hella cool! The band played an amazing set.”
Regional Example 2 (East Coast): “That graffiti art piece is so phat! It’s like a true masterpiece.”
Regional Example 3 (Midwest): “Her new outfit is really tight! She always knows how to rock the latest fashion trends.”
Final Thoughts
The 90s was an exciting time for language and slang, and “cool” was a word that defined an entire era. Whether you opt for the formal expressions or the more informal ones, knowing how to say “cool” in the 90s will surely add a touch of nostalgia to your conversations. Feel free to incorporate these expressions into your everyday language or simply enjoy the trip down memory lane. Remember, coolness is timeless, and the 90s brought us a wealth of expressions to capture that spirit.
