Means: Fake, unfair, or just bad.

Came from: An old word for counterfeit; surf and skate kids revived it.

Peak: 1989–1991; Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure made it a catchphrase.

G33Z3R Slang Files · 1982–1994

What did "bogus" mean in the '80s?

Bogus

Means: Fake, unfair, or just bad
Came from: An old word for counterfeit; surf and skate kids revived it
Peak: 1989–1991; Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure made it a catchphrase
Still around?: Yes, quietly

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The file

Bogus is a 19th-century word for counterfeit money that skaters picked up to mean anything unfair, from a busted board to a grounding. Bill and Ted took it national in 1989 and gave it a sequel title.

It never fully left, because it fills a gap: it's a complaint that isn't a swear. Older Gen X still uses it about parking tickets.

Sources: Wiktionary — Bogus · Wikipedia — Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

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What did "bogus" mean in the '80s?

The file

Who did you say "Bogus" to? Tell us where and when.

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