As a writer, I’m always concerned about effective communication. That includes making sure that I stay well-informed and my topics of choice are relevant. Not only that, but I need to make sure I’m keeping up with current lingo. (Do people use the word “lingo” anymore?)

See, there’s an example right there. I might be merrily typing along, expressing my thoughts  in written words, when suddenly I stop and wonder if I’m using the right ones.

I’ve lived long enough at this point to see quite a bit of slang come and go. For instance, I remember when people actually said the word “groovy” without being ironic. (Are they being ironic now?)

I seem to recall a time when the word “cool” was a bit passe (more associated with the Beat Generation than mine), but then it came back. And suddenly it was cool to say “cool” again.

Of course, for quite some time now, “bad” has been used to mean “good.” (And it still is, isn’t it?)

Of course, there’s plenty of slang that’s fallen by the wayside. Thankfully, they include words like “turkey” (essentially a dork–is that one still good?), “pig” (for cop–I never cared for that one) and “reefer” (wait–that one hasn’t come back has it?).

But now there’s sh*tloads of slang I only know about because I’ve been reading–yes–blogs!

Expressions that have crept up on me while I wasn’t looking.

Like using the word “tight” to describe something good. Example: “Man, that sh*t is tight.” Okay, when exactly did that happen? Who decided this word would become the next slang term for good or righteous or . . . cool?

And how about that word “Woot!” I mean, what’s up with that?

All I can say is you know you’re getting old when using slang like this makes you feel like one of those pathetic old hippies from the Sixties with their long, gray hair tied back in a greasy ponytail. Like a damned poser. (That word’s still cool, right?)

Anyway, I’m doing my best to keep up with all this tight sh*t and all. But, oh snap! I’m still getting older, anyway.

That's right. I'm bad or cool or tight. Whatever. (via Digital Kloc Photography)

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