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A BRIEF HISTORY OF SLANG WORDS Slang words have been a part of everyday language for hundreds of years, and over time slang has become a fun form of informal communication. The modern-day
influence of movies, television and the internet has made slang even more popular, and expressions like “cool,” “lit” and “flex” are now commonly heard in everyday conversation. These new,
_lit_ words aside, did you know that there are some cool OLD-SCHOOL SLANG WORDS that are still used to this day? Whether you find slang delightful or annoying, it’s here to stay. And it
evolves right alongside us: There was a time when you spilled the beans, but now you spill the tea. You used to have a big head, but now you flex. So while the latest slang might be all the
rage, some old-school slang words still hold up. Keep reading to learn all about the surprising origins of some of the most popular slang words. GET _READER’S DIGEST_’S READ UP NEWSLETTER
FOR MORE LANGUAGE TRIVIA, TRAVEL, HUMOR, TECH AND FUN FACTS ALL WEEK LONG! Getty Images, rd.com MY DOGS ARE BARKING This old-fashioned complaint about aching feet dates back to the days when
the word _dogs_ was used to refer to feet. The Free Dictionary says this slang phrase originated in Great Britain, but according to the podcast _A Way with Words_, the term was an American
invention, credited to cartoonist Thomas “Tad” Dorgan. Incidentally, Dorgan is also credited with coining the term “hot dog,” as in your favorite ballpark treat. Getty Images, rd.com OUT TO
LUNCH Have you ever tried talking to someone standing right next to you, only to realize they’ve totally checked out of the conversation? If so, you’ve been with someone who is _out to
lunch_. Idioms Online says this slang term can mean anything from “inattentive” to “crazy or insane,” and the idiom has been used since the mid-1940s.