How Well Do You Know Hippie Slang?

By: Kennita Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
How Well Do You Know Hippie Slang?
Image: Jeremy Rice/Cultura/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Hippies were a subculture of free-spirited people - mostly under 30 - who took over the sixties and seventies. They rejected everyday values and embraced their own, which included using hallucinogenic drugs and foods. And like most movements, they created their own words, expressing themselves in basically their own dialect. Their language, especially their slang, was seen as comical to most, but to them, it was a way of life and something to embrace. We want to pay tribute to that special hippie language today, with this quiz. 

So, we're going to ask you all sorts of questions about the things hippies said back in the day; we'll ask you what certain words mean. We will give you some definitions and ask you to choose the slang words that match. Some of this will be easy, we admit, because many of these words are still used today. But there are those odd renegade words that you may have a hard time with, and that's exactly why we're testing you.

So, prove to us that you know what hippies were talking about when their culture reigned. Prove to us that you could hang with all the bros, with this groovy hippy language test. 

What does "far out" mean?
Something that is difficult to understand
To be rejected
Great news or thanks
A person who lies tirelessly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Far out" is a phrase used by hippies - a non-conformist group of people that emerged in the '60s. "Far out" is an expression of approval, meaning "great" or "thanks" or that something is cool.

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Which of these slang words or terms means "pleasing or wonderful"?
Groovy
Blinding
Chuffed
Kerfuffle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When something is called "groovy," this means that it is very pleasing, wonderful. If "groovy" is used to describe someone, it has the same meaning - the person is a "cool" individual.

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Can you tell us which of these terms is an expression of disappointment?
Doofer
Numpty
Paddy
Bummer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Bummer" is used to refer to a bad thing or something unfortunate that has happened. It is an expression of disappointment. For example, someone might say "What a bummer!" after finding out a concert they would like to attend has been canceled.

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What does "outta sight" mean?
Someone who is not willing to comply
Awesome
An animated character
To be in a sorrowful mood
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Outta sight" is a hippie's way of expressing their approval of something, a way of saying "That's awesome" or "That's fantastic." Example: That new hair color is outta sight.

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Which of these definitions corresponds with the word "jonesing"?
To crave or need something
To have good knowledge or understanding of
An embellishment
A deep feeling of regret
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Jonesing" is used to say that you are craving something or need it as soon as possible, such as desperately needing to get your drugs. This term was used as far back as the 1960s.

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What does "blow" mean?
To get drunk
To waste or use carlessly
To force someone to give up
To be clumsy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The word "blow" is used in many different contexts. In this instance, to "blow" something means to waste it or use it carelessly. Example: Don't blow all your money.

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Can you tell us which of these terms means "a profound experience"?
Chuffed
Rozzer
Trip
Tosh
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Trip" refers to an amazing, intense or unusual experience. However, it usually refers to a profound mental experience, like one that might occur after taking hallucinogenic drugs or marijuana.

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Which of these definitions corresponds with the phrase "hung up"?
A type of passageway
A great music festival
To make sense of something
To be preoccupied with something
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To be "hung up" is to be preoccupied with the idea of something, particularly something that is a matter of concern to you. Example: She's still hung up about her health after the diagnosis.

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What does "killer" mean?
Something that is difficult to understand
Something incredible
To approach a situation aggressively
A timid person
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Killer" refers to something that is incredible or amazing and leaves a great impression on someone. Example: That's a killer performance! You were amazing!

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Which of these slang words or terms means "to leave"?
Gaffer
Marbles
Skint
Split
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To "split" is to leave the scene - a particular venue or event - usually prior to the expected time. Example: I gotta split, or else I'll be late for work.

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Can you tell us which of these terms means "a feeling brought on by the influence of drugs"?
Ivories
Kerfuffle
Paddy
Fried
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To be "fried" is to experience yourself being very "high" after smoking or using drugs for a long period, such as a couple of hours. Example: My brain is fried after all that weed we smoked.

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What does "cop out" mean?
To give up or back away from
A person who lies tirelessly
Someone who is not willing to comply
An animated character
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To "cop out" is to evade your obligations and responsibilities, or to provide someone with an excuse to escape them. Example: He said he would be going to the reunion but copped out last minute.

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Which of these definitions corresponds with the phrase "right on"?
To have good knowledge or understanding of
An insufficient quantity
A vote of approval or agreement
To go against
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To say "right on" is to give a strong approval or commitment to something; to agree. The person may further express their approval by pumping a clenched fist.

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Can you tell us which of these terms means "unbelievable"?
Numpty
Chuffed
Unreal
Doofer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Unreal" refers to something unbelievable, an idea event or concept that leaves you dumbfounded or in amazement and you can't grasp it. Example: His mom's sudden death seems so unreal.

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Which of these definitions corresponds with the word "gig"?
An embellishment
A type of passageway
A job or booking
A deep feeling of regret
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To "have a gig" or "go to a gig" means to go to work or a job. It refers to something to do, which may or may not be part-time work. Musicians often use this term when referring to an upcoming live performance.

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What does "fuzz" mean?
To get drunk
The police
To be rejected
A stylish yet self-centered person
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Fuzz" is a slang term used by hippies to refer to the police. Theorists suggest that the slang originated among criminal groups and others say it is derived from the word" fuss." It was a jab at the police for being "fussy" over small matters.

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What does "mellow out" mean?
To approach a situation aggressively
To be in a sorrowful mood
Something that is difficult to understand
To calm down
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If someone tells you to "mellow out," they are really asking you to calm down or "chill." This is usually said to someone who is speaking loudly or appears to be apprehensive or stressed.

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Which of these slang words or terms means "positive or negative energy"?
Marbles
Blinding
Vibes
Rozzer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The word “vibes” is the shortened form of "vibrations." It refers to the mood or atmosphere of a place or person and can be negative or positive.

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Can you tell us which of these terms means "have a nice trip"?
Skint
Happy trails
Kerfuffle
Tosh
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term "happy trails" can be taken in its literal sense - think about a relaxing ride on a majestic horse. This hippie slang is used to wish someone a nice trip.

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What does "primo" mean?
Really good quality
A person who lies tirelessly
An animated character
A timid person
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not to be confused with the Spanish word for "cousin," the hippie slang "primo" means to be of the first quality.

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Which of these definitions corresponds with the word "stoned"?
To make sense of something
To be drunk or high
A great music festival
To have good knowledge or understanding of
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A popular term, now used by smokers and not just hippies, "stoned" is used to refer to the mental effects and influence of a drug. The drug, in this case, is most often marijuana.

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Which of these slang words or terms means "friend or brother"?
Gaffer
Paddy
Conk
Bro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A shortened form of the word "brother," "bro" in most cases refers to an individual who is not blood-related but is as close as family. The term is used for male friends.

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What does "wicked" mean?
Someone who is not willing to comply
To force someone to give up
To explain one's self
A term of satisfaction or happiness
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Wicked," when used in hippie slang, does not mean something is evil or cruel. Instead, the term means quite the opposite and is used to refer to something as being really good.

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Can you tell us which of these terms is derived from "tripping out"?
Trippy
Chuffed
Doofer
Marbles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Derived from and near in meaning to the terms "tripping," "trip out" and "trip," "trippy" is used to refer to something as being unusual and psychedelic.

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What does "hip" mean?
To approach a situation aggressively
To be rejected
To be cool or in the know
Something that is difficult to understand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term "hip" has two meanings. Its first meaning is being aware of or in the know about something. The second meaning is to be cool or groovy.

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Can you tell us which of these terms means "a lucky break"?
Numpty
Score
Ivories
Conk
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An expression of good chance or catching a lucky break, to "score" means to attain a long desired item or goal.

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Which of these slang words or terms means "to be exhausted"?
Skint
Wiped out
Rozzer
Kerfuffle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As can be inferred from the term, someone is said to be "wiped out" when they are completely wasted, due to drugs, or exhausted.

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What does "drag" mean?
To get drunk
To be in a sorrowful mood
To die brutally
A disappointment
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This term is unrelated to drag queens. "Drag" in this case is used to refer to something as being a disappointment or bummer.

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What does "strung out" mean?
To be stressed or drained
A stylish yet self-centered person
A timid person
To force someone to give up
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term "strung out" is used by hippies to describe the resulting negative feeling in the absence of a drug or craving. It is described as being a mental stress.

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Can you tell us which of these terms means "to be broke"?
Tapped out
Blinding
Tosh
Paddy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A more poetic way of expressing one's financial deficiency or lack of money, the term "tapped out" is equivalent to "broke." That's not groovy.

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Which of these definitions corresponds with the word "wasted"?
Drunk or inebriated
An embellishment
A type of passageway
To make sense of something
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A popular term used in the United States amongst teens and socialites, "wasted" refers to the physical immobility caused by the high intake of drugs and/or alcohol.

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What does "rip off" mean?
An animated character
To steal
To be rejected
Someone who is not willing to comply
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not to be confused with the hippie term "ripped," "rip off" means "to steal." If you're the victim of a theft, you've been "ripped off."

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Which of these slang words or terms means "to be in a state of hyperactivity"?
Marbles
Doofer
Wired
Chuffed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term "wired" is used to refer to a mental state of hyperactivity and tension. This overstimulation or mania is usually due to drugs.

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What does "way out" mean?
A person who lies tirelessly
To approach a situation aggressively
Something that is difficult to understand
Something far-fetched
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In hippie slang, "way out" means "way out there," but in a figurative sense. The term is used to describe something as being far-fetched and beyond belief.

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Which of these definitions corresponds with the word "stoked"?
A great music festival
A deep feeling of regret
To be excited
To have good knowledge or understanding of
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The hippie meaning of the term "stoked" is quite similar if not the same in ordinary English. To be stoked is merely to be ecstatic.

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