It's fab] Feeling groovy is back in fashion

HAVING BEEN in retirement for about 25 years 'groovy', the ultimate Sixties word, is again in favour with teenagers, writes David Lister.

The word (dictionary definition: adj. groovier grooviest. sl. fashionable and exciting; enjoyable, excellent) is believed to have derived its nomenclature from a technology of the period, the vinyl record operated by a needle being placed on grooves to relay music. Its usage was reflected in groove-driven songs: 'A Groovy Kind of Love'; 'Groovin'; 'Feeling Groovy.'

Also enjoying a revival is 'fab', once closely associated with The Beatles, known in their early period as the Fab Four.

However, there are no signs of a revival for gear even though it was frequently used alongside the more popular 'fab'. Other phrases in hibernation are 'far out', (with an elongated first vowel this phrase had a double role, either denoting amazed reaction to something unusual, or as a response to a more mundane observation like 'this coffee is nice isn't it). Also showing no signs of a revival is 'out of sight' (virtually identical usage to 'far out').

The aural evidence of any high street is confirmed by Ashley Heath, associate editor of the style magazine, the Face. 'The very in words are slammin' and rockin'. Dropping Gs is very trendy. But yes, groovy is back, though I personally wouldn't encourage anyone to use it. Vibes, as in good and bad vibes, is definitely back. People are listening to soul and jazz music and using the words associated with that.

'It's also tied in with the return of the west London beatnik scene. People are saying 'man' again. 'It's good man,' or 'it's safe man.' Goatee beards, sideboards and woolly hats are also back. It's a reaction against everything black and designer. Now everything must be roots and earthy.'