Ever catch yourself saying “as if” under your breath and wonder where it came from? We dive into the 90s language lab where films, TV, and school corridors forged a shared slang, then test what still lands today. From Clueless and Wayne’s World to Bill & Ted, the Turtles, and The Simpsons, we unpack how quotes, gestures, and tone turned catchphrases into social tools—and why some now only work with a wink.

We swap memories of the phrases that stuck—like the quietly useful “my bad”—and the ones that feel like fancy dress: “bodacious,” “cowabunga,” and “schwing.” Along the way we explore accents and uptalk, the rise of ironic delivery, and the role of performance in making a line hit. Ali G gets his due as a uniquely British catalyst, turning “booyakasha,” “innit,” and “respect” into mainstream currency while satirising the bravado that birthed them. We also face the harsher side of nostalgia, calling out playground insults and throwaway terms that don’t deserve a revival.

What emerges is a warm, candid look at how 90s slang shaped identity, humour, and timing in everyday conversation. Some words endured because they do real work—apologising fast, dismissing neatly, agreeing with style. Others faded because they relied on shared scenes we no longer perform. Join us for a tour of the phrases you loved, the ones you loved to hate, and the muscle memory that keeps them alive in your voice.

Enjoyed the trip back? Follow the show, share with a friend, and leave a review so more nostalgia nerds can find us. Then tell us: which 90s phrase would you bring back, and which should stay in the time capsule?