Rad
Resurrected🪃BoomerangDefinition
1980s surfer/skater slang for cool or awesome. Making a comeback among Gen Alpha who think it sounds fun. Your Gen X coworker never stopped saying it and is now vindicated.
Translation for Parents
Rad meant 'cool' in the 80s and your kids are bringing it back. This is not a drill. All those years of your Gen X neighbor saying 'rad' are paying off. He was ahead of his time. Or behind it. Time is a flat circle when it comes to slang.
Examples
“That skateboard trick was rad”
“That skateboard trick was awesome”
“Such a rad concert last night”
“Last night's concert was really great”
Cringe Score
Mildly embarrassing
Saying 'rad' has never been more socially acceptable than right now. The window is open. Jump through it before it closes again for 30 years.
Category
compliment
Peak
1985-01
Last Verified
2026-02-25
Sources
editorial, tiktok