Outdated expressions are the cat’s meow. I apologize. Let me start again.
You may not realize it, but there are dozens of phrases we say everyday that make absolutely no sense. Times and technology quickly change, but when it comes to language, there seems to be more permanence. Case in point: When was the last time you rolled down a window?
Here’s a list of phrases you’ll start catching yourself saying and then thinking twice before saying again. Do any of these ‘ring a bell?’
1. They’re selling like hotcakes!
When has anyone ever used “hotcake” in a sentence except for this phrase? I have never bought or sold a hotcake in my life, but for some reason, the term has become synonymous with things coming off the shelves at a rapid rate.
2. Hang up the phone.
There is no longer anything to hang it on. Just put your iPhone back in your purse.
3. Hold your horses.
At one time, horsepower literally meant the number of horses that were pulling your cart. Yet unless you live in Wyoming, chances are you don’t have a horse to hold.
4. Blowing off steam.
Locomotives blow off steam. You just attended a hot yoga class.
5. Catch you on the flip side.
The flip side of what, you may ask? A record, actually. This referred to talking once the album played all the way through. Sigh, if only music was still good enough to want to listen to the actual lyrics.
6. Did you tape it?
The VHS tape is now a lost technology of the 90’s, yet it doesn’t stop us from using this phrase. Unfortunately if you say this to anyone below the age of 15, they will look at you like you like you’ve lost your damn mind.
7. It looks like you’ve been through the wringer.
Nah, it’s just called being black-out drunk on a Tuesday.
8. I’ll just need your John Hancock right here.
Okay, so maybe your grandpa and Porky Pig are the only ones who still say this, but this was from a time when cursive was also still relevant. Someone please tell me why we ever learned how to write like that.
Tbh, I’d rather any of these over “on fleek.” That is a phrase I think society can definitely do without.
