If you’re throwing a themed murder mystery party set in the raddest decade of all time, you’re going to need more than neon and leg warmers—you’ll need the lingo. Whether you lived it or just love it, this 1980s slang guide will have you talking like a valley girl or mallrat in no time.

What You’ll Find in This Blog:

• 30 totally rad 80s terms
• What each one really means
• How to drop them in-game
• Tips for your retro mystery bash
• Help from The Murder Mystery Company

Planning a retro whodunit? The Murder Mystery Company’s 1980s-themed show, I Love the 80s to Death, is a totally tubular murder mystery game where your guests become the stars of a scandalous night filled with big hair, bold moves, and a suspicious death that needs solving.

And yes, they will judge you if you don’t talk the talk.

---

30 Slang Terms to Rock Your 1980s Mystery Party

Here’s your crash course in righteous retro lingo, with meanings and how to work them into your next interactive mystery game:

1. Gag me with a spoon – Disgusting or super annoying.
   “That suspect’s alibi? Gag me with a spoon.”
2. Totally tubular – Absolutely amazing.
   “This themed mystery party is totally tubular!”
3. Gnarly – Can mean cool or terrifying.
   “Did you see that murder scene? Gnarly.”
4. Like, no duh – Obviously.
   “It was the butler? No duh.”
5. As if! – Not a chance.
   “You think I did it? As if!”
6. What’s your damage? – What’s your problem?
   “Why are you accusing everyone? What’s your damage?”
7. Take a chill pill – Relax.
   “Okay, drama queen. Take a chill pill.”
8. Bogus – Lame or unfair.
   “Getting framed for murder? That’s bogus.”
9. Rad – Really cool.
   “Your detective outfit is rad, dude.”
10. Bodacious – Excellent, awesome, or curvy.
    “Your performance was totally bodacious.”
11. 11. Betamax – Outdated or second-rate (a dig at the video format war with VHS).
    “That theory? Total Betamax, bro.”
12. Grody – Gross.
    “A dead body is totally grody.”
13. Cowabunga! – Excited exclamation (yes, before the Ninja Turtles).
    “We solved it! Cowabunga!”
14. Dweeb – Nerd or socially awkward person.
    “Don’t be a dweeb, just guess the motive.”
15. Bad – Actually good.
    “That suspect’s outfit is bad in the best way.”
16. Wicked – Very cool or intense.
    “This murder mystery game night is wicked fun.”
17. Totally – Absolutely. Use it everywhere.
    “Totally innocent. Totally lying. Totally dramatic.”
18. Hoser – Loser (borrowed from Canadian slang).
    “You think I did it? What a hoser.”
19. Grody to the max – Extremely gross.
    “This crime scene? Grody to the max.”
20. Bummer – Disappointing situation.
    “Wrong guess? Total bummer.”
21. Tubesteak – A goofy or clueless guy.
    “That tubesteak couldn’t solve a mystery if it hit him with a clue.”
22. Airhead – Not very bright.
    “Bless his heart, he’s a sweet airhead.”
23. Choice – Top-notch.
    “That alibi was choice.”
24. Psych! – Just kidding!
    “You’re totally the murderer—psych!”
25. Fresh – New and exciting.
    “Your mullet is looking fresh, man.”
26. Scarf – To eat quickly.
    “Gonna scarf down this dinner before round two.”
27. Righteous – Totally cool or just.
    “Catching the killer? Righteous victory.”
28. Stoked – Excited or hyped.
    “I’m so stoked to get my suspect card!”
29. Veg out – Chill or do nothing.
    “Let’s veg out between acts.”
30. Homeboy/Homegirl – Close friend or ally.
    “My homegirl solved it—she’s a legend.”

---

The Easy Way to Go Retro

Now that you’ve got the lingo, the question is—who’s going to run the show? Writing a whole mystery script, assigning roles, managing clues, and trying to act while hosting? Bogus.

Instead, let The Murder Mystery Company handle the chaos for you. Their murder mystery party packages come with professional actors, scripted scenarios, custom clues, and even awards for the best dressed, best sleuth, and best suspect. You just bring the vibes—and maybe a Walkman.

And if you really want to go big? Their 4-actor package includes a full sound system and custom soundtrack, totally matching the mystery theme. (Cue the synth beats and “Pour Some Sugar On Me.”)

---

Don’t Just Party—Murder Mystery Party

Ready to throw a themed mystery party that will have everyone talking like it’s 1985?

Call 888-643-2583 or fill out one of the contact forms on the page you’re on right now.
The Murder Mystery Company will help plan an unforgettable night that’s totally radical, no assembly required.