Some phrases that were popular a few decades ago might now sound old-fashioned or out of place in everyday conversation. These “old” sayings, while once common, can make you sound like you’re stuck in a different time. Let’s take a look.
“Burning the midnight oil”
This phrase, once used to describe working late into the night, harks back to a time before electricity, when oil lamps were the source of light. While it might sound poetic, most people today would simply say they’re working late or pulling an all-nighter.
“Take a chill pill”
If you’re telling someone to “take a chill pill,” it’s likely they’ll think you’re trying too hard to be cool. This phrase was big in the 1980s and ’90s, but now it just feels stale and out of touch, so if you want to tell someone to calm down, a simple “relax” or “take it easy” will do the job.
“What’s the 411?”
This was a trendy way to ask for information back when people actually dialled 411 to get directory assistance, but nowadays, with Google and smartphones in everyone’s pockets, this phrase feels like a relic of a bygone era. If you want to ask for information, just say, “What’s going on?” or “What’s the update?”
“Don’t touch that dial!”
Back when TV sets had actual dials to change channels, this phrase made perfect sense. Today, with everything digital and controlled by remotes or apps, nobody’s touching a dial anymore, so if you want to tell someone not to change the channel, just say that.
“I’m all ears”
While this phrase isn’t completely extinct, it does feel a bit dated, as when you say “I’m all ears,” it can come across as unnecessarily formal or corny. Most people would now simply say, “I’m listening” or “I’m paying attention,” and it’s a small update, but it can make a big difference in sounding current.
“Take it to the bank”
This expression was often used to emphasise that something is a sure thing or guaranteed; however, in a time where digital payments and online banking rule, the phrase sounds as outdated as a cheque book. If you want to assure someone that you’re telling the truth, you might just say, “Trust me.”
“Close, but no cigar”
“Close, but no cigar” was popularised in the early 20th century, especially in the context of carnival games where cigars were given as prizes. These days, cigars aren’t exactly a standard reward, and most people aren’t familiar with the history behind this saying.
“Talk to the hand”
All the rage in the ’90s, this phrase now sounds like a cringe-worthy attempt to shut someone down. Today, if you want to tell someone you’re not interested in what they’re saying, a firm “I’m done with this conversation” is much clearer.
“Back in my day”
Nothing makes you sound older faster than starting a sentence with “Back in my day.” It immediately puts you in the past and can make younger listeners tune out, so instead of drawing comparisons to the good old days, focus on what’s happening now.
“Cool beans!”
Once a playful way to express approval or excitement, “Cool beans!” now feels like it’s trying too hard to be quirky. Most people today would simply say “cool” or “awesome” if they wanted to convey the same sentiment, therefore dropping the “beans” part will instantly make you sound more current.
“Spill the beans”
This is another bean-related phrase that has fallen out of favour; while it used to be a common way to ask someone to reveal a secret, today it sounds a little dated. “What’s the secret?” or even “Spill the tea” (a more modern twist) will feel more natural in today’s conversations.
“You sound like a broken record”
With vinyl making a comeback, you might think this phrase is relevant again, but most people aren’t familiar with what it really means to sound like a broken record. Instead of using this outdated phrase to tell someone they’re being repetitive, just say, “You’ve said that already” or “You’re repeating yourself.”
“Sitting in the catbird seat”
This old-fashioned expression, meaning to be in an advantageous position, is rarely heard anymore and will likely confuse most listeners. It’s better to just say “I’m in a good position” or “I’ve got the upper hand” if you want to convey the same idea without the confusion.
“The bee’s knees”
Originating in the 1920s, “the bee’s knees” was once a fun way to describe something as excellent or top-notch. Nowadays, saying something is “the bee’s knees” just sounds odd, as a simple “That’s great” or “That’s awesome” is a much more contemporary way to express enthusiasm.
“Put through the wringer”
“Put through the wringer” refers to the old-fashioned process of squeezing water out of clothes with a wringer. It’s often used to describe a tough or exhausting situation, yet most people today have never used a wringer and might not even know what it is.
“Jumping on the bandwagon”
This expression, which means joining a trend or following the crowd, has been around for ages. However, it feels like a phrase from a different time, as simply saying, “Everyone’s doing it” or “They’re following the trend” gets the point across without sounding so old-school.
“Cut the mustard”
To “cut the mustard” used to mean meeting expectations or doing something well, and this phrase is now largely unfamiliar to younger generations. If you want to say someone did a good job or met the standard, it’s better to say exactly that, rather than using an expression that might leave people scratching their heads.
“The proof is in the pudding”
This phrase was originally longer—”the proof of the pudding is in the eating”—but has since been shortened. While it once made sense, the phrase now just sounds strange and out of context, and instead, you could say “Actions speak louder than words.”
“Keeping up with the Joneses”
Referring to the idea of trying to keep up with your neighbours in terms of material possessions or lifestyle, “keeping up with the Joneses” in the world of social media and influencers feels a bit dated. If you want to talk about someone trying to match others’ lifestyles, just say they’re trying to “keep up appearances.”
“Throw in the towel”
Lastly, from the world of boxing, to “throw in the towel” meant surrendering. While it’s still somewhat understood, it can feel a bit dramatic and old-fashioned in everyday conversation, when a simple “I’m giving up” or “I’m done” will feel more relatable.