One of the most amusing things about immersing yourself in a new culture is learning the local slang. The Archives contains a 6 page list of American slang terms from the 1970s, which was presumably created to help new international students with terms they may have never heard before. Many of those terms are still used today, but some are either outdated or have changed in meaning. Here are a few of the definitions from the list:
- Cool (or Neat): slang denoting approval of something or someone. Also groovy, rich, fine, gassy, jazzy, wild, swinging, smooth, foxy, heavy, far out.
- Crack up: to lose emotional control in laughter. Also "creased up"
- Freak: one who frequently uses drugs. "Freaked Out" is an expression used to describe either a drug experience (trip) or when a person becomes excited/agitated by an idea or thing.
- Hacked: to be annoyed, irritated.
- Nerd: a derogatory term for a person who appears to be incompetent. (Also used jokingly)
- Rap: to talk seriously for a long time.
- Smoker: snack bar and gathering place.
- Streak: to streak is to run naked (except socks and shoes) through a social gathering when the guests/spectators do not expect to witness (and usually disapprove of) a display of nudity.
- Turkey: term for a person who is boring and silly.
Come to room 62 of the Archives in the basement of the library for a display on international students from St. Kate's past.
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