The phrase "totally tubular" is instantly recognizable to anyone who lived through the 1980s. It's a quintessential example of the decade's slang, often associated with surfing, skateboarding, and the overall carefree attitude of the era. But where did this iconic phrase originate? And why does it continue to resonate in popular culture today? This deep dive explores the history and enduring appeal of "totally tubular," focusing on its association with the popular TV show Totally Tubular.
What Does "Totally Tubular" Mean?
Before delving into its origins, let's establish the meaning. "Totally tubular" is an exclamation of approval, signifying something as excellent, cool, or awesome. It's a hyperbolic expression of positive reinforcement, highlighting the speaker's enthusiasm. The word "tubular" itself, referring to something shaped like a tube, likely gained its slang meaning through its association with surfing and the cylindrical shape of waves.
Where Did "Totally Tubular" Come From? Was it Totally Tubular?
While many associate the phrase with the Saturday morning cartoon Totally Tubular, pinpointing its precise origin is tricky. The show, which ran from 1987 to 1988, certainly popularized the phrase, using it liberally throughout its episodes. However, it's highly likely that "totally tubular" was already in circulation before the show's debut. The slang of the 1980s was constantly evolving, with phrases spreading rapidly through word-of-mouth, music, and other media. Totally Tubular acted as a powerful amplifier, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Was "Totally Tubular" in other 80s Media?
Yes! While Totally Tubular solidified its widespread use, the phrase appeared in other 80s media before the show aired. Many believe it was part of the broader surfing and skateboarding subculture, organically developing within that community before entering mainstream usage. This is often the case with slang; it starts within a specific group before spreading to a wider audience. Think of how much slang originates in music scenes before achieving widespread usage.
Why is "Totally Tubular" Still Relevant Today?
The enduring appeal of "totally tubular" stems from its nostalgic value. For those who grew up in the 80s, the phrase evokes a potent sense of childhood and a specific cultural moment. It's a linguistic time capsule, instantly transporting listeners back to a simpler, more carefree time. Beyond nostalgia, its playful and exaggerated nature makes it adaptable to modern contexts. It can be used ironically, with a knowing wink, to create a humorous effect or add a touch of 80s charm to contemporary conversations.
Is "Totally Tubular" considered Slang or Argot?
This depends on how you define the two terms. While often used interchangeably, argot usually implies slang unique to a specific group or subculture, whereas slang has a broader scope. “Totally Tubular” began as argot within surfing and skateboarding communities before becoming widespread slang.
How did Totally Tubular Influence the Popularity of the Phrase?
Totally Tubular, with its repetitive use of the phrase in nearly every episode, played a significant role in popularizing "totally tubular." The show's target audience, children and teenagers of the late 80s, readily absorbed and adopted the catchphrase, ensuring its rapid dissemination throughout the generation. The show's visual style and overall tone also contributed to the phrase’s association with the fun and energetic vibe of the decade.
What Other Popular 80s Slang Terms Existed Alongside "Totally Tubular"?
The 1980s were a goldmine of memorable slang. Alongside "totally tubular," terms like "radical," "awesome," "bodacious," "gnarly," "wicked," and "phat" were commonly used. These phrases, alongside "totally tubular," illustrate the decade’s unique linguistic landscape and contribute to the enduring appeal of its pop culture references.
In conclusion, while Totally Tubular undoubtedly helped catapult "totally tubular" into widespread use, the phrase's origins likely predate the show. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its nostalgic power, its adaptability to modern contexts, and the unique linguistic creativity of the 1980s. It remains a fun and effective way to express enthusiasm, cementing its status as a truly iconic piece of pop culture history.
