Answer: move forward, not backward, no matter what
It seems that the phrase "Keep on truckin'" was first used by a character in a comic strip. It struck a chord with the counterculture movement of the 60s and found its way into literature, music, and everyday jargon.
Today's equivalent might be "hang in there". Somehow it lacks the spirit of "keep on trucking". Its call for perseverance and staying the course was a catchphrase of the 70s.
2. Catch you on the flip side
Answer: see you later
"Catch you on the flip side" was a "groovy" way to say see you later. This of course was a reference to DJs flipping records to the "B" side, which was normally thought of as being the lesser piece. From a dystopian viewpoint it could have meant see you in the underworld. Or maybe it was just a reference to a later time, since the flip side would usually be played, if at all, after the "A" side.
3. I dig it
Answer: I understand
Modern phrases like "I get it" don't have the enthusiasm of "I dig it". It worked no matter what you were discussing. "I dig it" meant I understand it; I'm on the same page with you. Its origins are obscure, but might relate to "digging for knowledge or truth".
Irish immigrants to the USA used a phrase for "Do you understand?" ("An dtuigeann tu?") which contained a Gaelic word that sounds like diggin'. "Diggin'" eventually found its way into the Afro-American jazz culture of the 30s and 40s, becoming mainstream with the beatnik slang of the 50s.
The phrase came to indicate appreciation, not just understanding.
4. Right on
Answer: I agree strongly
"Right on" epitomized the 70s. Today's equivalent "like totally" doesn't quite measure up. "Right on" could be used in a variety of ways; to agree with someone or to say something is really cool. "Right on" means you are right, or I agree with you. It could also be applied to an inanimate object that is appreciated or admired.
African-Americans used this phrase more energetically in the 60s and 70s civil rights and anti-war marches and protests.
5. That's groovy
Answer: I like it
"That's groovy" is the 70s! The adjective groovy was used to describe anything that was good. It didn't matter if you were describing someone's outfit or a party, "groovy" fit the bill. The origin of the phrase is nebulous. The word may have originated with the jazz musicians of the 1920s, but it's popular use was also in reference to the grooves on vinyl records (on what???).
"That's groovy" differs from other answers because it was used to describe something that was propitious and timely.
6. Boogie
Answer: dance or go
Dancing was a way of life in the 70s and to "boogie" meant to dance to the disco beat. "Boogie" also came to mean, "let's go" or "let's leave", as in "let's boogie". The term comes from "boogie'woogie" used in rock misic. Its possible it even goes back to Africa and the word for beating drums, "bong" or "bonga".
7. Far out
Answer: exceptional, impressive
"Far out" is another phrase that defined the 70s. If something was "far out" it was so special, it was beyond reach. Today's word is "awesome" which doesn't have that far-reaching appeal. The etymology of the term possibly dates to the late 1800s when "far out" referred to distance but somehow evolved to meaning excellent.
If something was described as "far out", it was fashionable and hit all the buttons of the '70s generation. The phrase also may have had a connection to the Space Shuttle program.
8. Funky
Answer: one of a kind
For something to be "funky" it had to be unique, extraordinary. It could describe anything that had a personality of its own. the earliest use of this adjective referred to something musty, bordering on repellent. As with many of these terms, "funky" was transformed to have a positive meaning by jazz musicians in the early 20th century, when it meant having a strong dance rhythm.
It worked its way from jazz to soul music and into wider usage.
9. Bread
Answer: money
The word "bread" as 70s slang for money may have origins with the term "breadwinner" meaning the person who brings money into the household. Also, bread is a staple, as is money. Then there are those who suggest the usage started with rhyming slang, bread and honey rhyming with money, then being shortened (as is so often the case) so that only the non-rhyming word remains.
10. Solid
Answer: dependable, firm
Solid means impenetrable. In the 70s, to be a "solid" friend was the ultimate compliment. It meant trustworthy, dependable, and reliable. To do a "solid" meant to help someone. To do someone a "solid" meant to do them a favor.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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