In the 1980s, friendship had its own unique flavor, and so did the slang that came with it.
Whether you were hanging out at the arcade, cruising in your buddy’s car, or just chilling at home, you probably had a few go-to terms to call your mates.
The 80s had a rich variety of ways to refer to your pals.
Some were laid-back, others had a bit of attitude, but all captured the essence of the era’s social vibe.
If you’re looking to bring some retro flair to your friendships, here’s a list of 10 slang terms that defined the 1980s!
1980s Slang For Friend
Amigo
“Amigo” is Spanish for “friend,” but in the 1980s, it became popular in English-speaking countries as a cool, laid-back way to refer to a close friend.
It was often used to show a sense of camaraderie, loyalty, or simply as a friendly greeting.
Whether you were cruising with your amigo or just hanging out, this term was a staple of the 80s social scene, evoking the chill vibe of the decade.
Examples in sentences:
- “What’s up, amigo? Ready for the game?”
- “He’s been my amigo since high school.”
- “Don’t worry, amigo, we’ve got this!”
- “I’ll catch you later, amigo!”
- “Me and my amigo are going to hit the arcade.”
Bestie
“Bestie” was a popular 1980s slang term used to describe your closest and most trusted friend.
It’s the person you turned to for support, laughter, and everything in between.
The term was often used by teens and young adults to denote someone who wasn’t just a friend, but your go-to companion for all of life’s adventures.
The affectionate nature of “bestie” made it a favorite expression of friendship during the decade.
Examples in sentences:
- “She’s my bestie, we’ve been inseparable since childhood!”
- “Can’t wait to hang out with my bestie this weekend!”
- “He’s more than just a friend—he’s my bestie!”
- “I tell my bestie everything, she’s my confidant.”
- “Me and my bestie are going shopping later.”
Bro
“Bro” was commonly used in the 1980s as an abbreviation for “brother,” but it extended beyond biological ties to refer to any close male friend.
It signified a bond of friendship that was often associated with loyalty, trust, and a shared sense of humor.
The term was especially popular in male-dominated circles, where it expressed a sense of unity and solidarity between friends.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey bro, want to hit the gym after school?”
- “That was a bro move, thanks for having my back!”
- “Me and my bro are heading to the beach this weekend.”
- “Yo bro, you coming to the party tonight?”
- “He’s my bro for life, we’ve been through everything together.”
Buddy
“Buddy” was a widely used term in the 1980s to refer to a close friend or companion.
It conveyed a sense of friendliness and closeness, often used in both informal and familiar contexts.
The word was commonly used among all age groups and signified a bond of mutual respect and trust.
Whether it was someone you grew up with or a new friend, calling someone “buddy” was a way to express warmth and friendship.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey buddy, want to catch a movie this weekend?”
- “You’re my best buddy, always there for me.”
- “I’ve got your back, buddy, don’t worry!”
- “Me and my buddy are hitting the road trip next summer.”
- “Thanks, buddy, I really needed that support.”
Chum
“Chum” was commonly used in the 1980s to describe a good friend or companion, often in a playful or casual tone.
While it’s more commonly associated with earlier decades, it was still in use during the 80s as a term for someone you trusted and spent a lot of time with.
The word “chum” conveys a sense of long-standing friendship, often used when speaking fondly about a person who’s always been there for you.
Examples in sentences:
- “I’m meeting my chum at the café this afternoon.”
- “We’ve been chums since we were kids.”
- “My chum and I are planning a road trip next summer.”
- “She’s not just my friend; she’s my chum.”
- “That’s my best chum, always got my back.”
Dude
“Dude” was one of the most iconic and widely-used slang terms in the 1980s, primarily used to refer to a male friend or companion.
It conveyed a sense of camaraderie and casualness, and was often used in situations where a relaxed, friendly tone was desired.
“Dude” became synonymous with the 1980s’ laid-back attitude, and was commonly used by both men and women to address one another or refer to a close friend.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey dude, what’s up?”
- “That movie was so rad, dude!”
- “You’re totally a great dude, thanks for helping me out.”
- “Dude, you won’t believe what just happened!”
- “I’ll catch you later, dude!”
Homie
“Homie” became a popular term in the 1980s, particularly in hip-hop culture, as a way to refer to a trusted friend or someone from the same community.
The word comes from “homeboy” or “hometown friend” and conveys a strong sense of loyalty and brotherhood.
It was commonly used in casual conversations among close friends to express camaraderie.
Examples in sentences:
- “That’s my homie, we’ve been tight since childhood.”
- “Homie, you always got my back!”
- “My homie just got a new car, and it’s fresh!”
- “I can’t go to that party without my homies.”
- “You’re my homie for life!”
Mate
“Mate” was a widely used slang term in the 1980s, particularly in British and Australian culture, to refer to a close friend. It emphasized camaraderie and loyalty, often used in casual and informal conversations. Whether you were talking to a lifelong friend or just being friendly with someone, “mate” was the go-to term for friendship.
Examples in sentences:
- “How’s it going, mate?”
- “You’re a true mate for helping me move.”
- “No worries, mate, I got you covered.”
- “We’ve been mates since primary school.”
- “Let’s grab a pint, mate!”
Pal
“Pal” was a common way to refer to a friend in the 1980s, often used in a lighthearted or affectionate manner.
It carried a friendly and sometimes old-fashioned charm, making it popular in both casual conversation and pop culture.
Whether greeting a friend or showing appreciation, “pal” was a go-to word for companionship.
Examples in sentences:
- “Hey pal, long time no see!”
- “You’re my best pal, always have been.”
- “Need a hand with that? No problem, pal!”
- “I can always count on you, pal.”
- “We’ve been pals since the ‘80s!”
Sidekick
“Sidekick” was a fun way to describe a best friend or trusted companion in the 1980s.
Often used to refer to a dynamic duo, the term came from comic books and TV shows where the main hero had a loyal partner by their side.
It carried a sense of adventure and teamwork, making it a popular slang word for friendships with a strong bond.
Examples in sentences:
- “Where’s my sidekick? We’ve got plans to make!”
- “He’s not just my friend—he’s my sidekick for life!”
- “Every hero needs a sidekick, and that’s you!”
- “We’ve been sidekicks since the schoolyard days.”
- “You can’t separate us—we’re like a hero and his sidekick!”
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Founder -
@PollyWebster
Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.
Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.
Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.