Top 31 Slang For Has Been – Meaning & Usage

“Has been” is a term that often gets thrown around in various contexts, from pop culture to sports. But what exactly does it mean and where did it originate? Our team has delved into the world of slang to bring you a curated list of the top “has been” slangs that are making waves. Get ready to brush up on your knowledge and stay ahead of the game with this insightful listicle.

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1. Washed up

This term is used to describe someone who was once successful or popular but is no longer relevant or successful. It implies that their career or achievements have declined or faded away.

For example, a sports commentator might say, “He used to be a star player, but now he’s just washed up.”
In a discussion about music, someone might comment, “That band had a few hits in the ’90s, but now they’re washed up.”
A person might describe themselves as washed up, saying, “I used to be the life of the party, but now I feel washed up.”

2. Over the hill

This phrase is used to describe someone who has reached a certain age where they are considered past their peak or prime. It suggests that they are no longer as capable or successful as they once were.

For instance, a person might say, “I turned 40 last week, I guess I’m officially over the hill.”
In a conversation about a retired athlete, someone might comment, “He was a great player in his prime, but now he’s over the hill.”
A person might joke, “I’m not over the hill, I’m just on top of it!”

3. Has-been

This term refers to someone who was once famous, popular, or successful but is no longer relevant or in the spotlight. It suggests that their time of fame or success has passed.

For example, a person might say, “He used to be a big movie star, but now he’s just a has-been.”
In a discussion about music, someone might comment, “That singer was a has-been by the time I was born.”
A person might describe themselves as a has-been, saying, “I used to be the talk of the town, but now I’m just a has-been.”

4. Yesterday’s news

This phrase is used to describe someone or something that was once newsworthy or important but is now considered old or irrelevant. It implies that they have been replaced or forgotten.

For instance, a person might say, “That scandal is old news, he’s yesterday’s news.”
In a conversation about a former celebrity, someone might comment, “She’s not in the spotlight anymore, she’s yesterday’s news.”
A person might use the phrase to describe themselves, saying, “I used to be the center of attention, but now I’m yesterday’s news.”

5. Faded star

This term is used to describe someone who was once a star or famous but is no longer in the spotlight or relevant. It suggests that their fame or popularity has diminished over time.

For example, a person might say, “He used to be a Hollywood star, but now he’s just a faded star.”
In a discussion about music, someone might comment, “That band was big in the ’80s, but now they’re faded stars.”
A person might describe themselves as a faded star, saying, “I used to be the life of the party, but now I’m just a faded star.”

6. Burnt out

This term refers to someone who has lost their energy or enthusiasm, often due to overwork or stress.

For example, “After working long hours for weeks, he was completely burnt out.”
A person might say, “I used to love my job, but now I feel burnt out.”
Another might comment, “She used to be so full of life, but now she seems burnt out.”

7. Old timer

This term is used to describe someone who has been in a particular field or industry for a significant amount of time, often implying that they are no longer relevant or up-to-date.

For instance, “The old timer at the company has seen it all.”
A person might say, “He’s just an old timer who doesn’t understand modern technology.”
Another might comment, “The old timers reminisced about the good old days.”

8. Once was

This term is used to describe someone or something that was once in a different state or condition, but is no longer.

For example, “He once was a successful businessman, but now he’s struggling.”
A person might say, “She once was a popular actress, but now she’s retired.”
Another might comment, “The city once was a thriving hub of industry, but now it’s in decline.”

9. Former glory

This term refers to a time when someone or something was at the height of their success or greatness, but has since declined or deteriorated.

For instance, “The old mansion has fallen from its former glory.”
A person might say, “He’s always talking about his former glory days in high school.”
Another might comment, “The team is trying to recapture their former glory.”

10. Used to be

This term is used to describe something that was once true or existed, but is no longer the case.

For example, “He used to be a professional athlete.”
A person might say, “That restaurant used to be really popular.”
Another might comment, “I used to be friends with him, but we drifted apart.”

11. Once famous

This term refers to someone who was once famous or well-known but is no longer in the spotlight or relevant. It implies that their fame or popularity has diminished over time.

For example, “He used to be a big Hollywood actor, but now he’s just once famous.”
In a discussion about past celebrities, someone might say, “Remember that once famous singer from the 90s?”
A person might describe themselves as once famous when reflecting on their past accomplishments, saying, “I used to be once famous in the music industry.”

12. Ex-celebrity

This term is used to describe someone who was once a celebrity or well-known figure but is no longer in the public eye or considered relevant in the current entertainment industry.

For instance, “She was an ex-celebrity who had a brief moment of fame in the early 2000s.”
In a conversation about faded stars, someone might mention, “There are many ex-celebrities who struggle to find work after their peak.”
A person might use this term to describe themselves when discussing their past career, saying, “I’m an ex-celebrity, but now I focus on other endeavors.”

13. Retired star

This term refers to a person who was once a star or prominent figure in their field but has since retired or stepped away from the spotlight. It implies that they are no longer actively involved in their profession or industry.

For example, “He was a retired star who now enjoys a quiet life away from the public eye.”
In a discussion about famous athletes, someone might mention, “Many retired stars struggle to find fulfillment after their playing career ends.”
A person might describe themselves as a retired star when reflecting on their past achievements, saying, “I used to be a retired star in the music industry, but now I focus on other passions.”

14. Former player

This term is used to describe someone who was once a player or participant in a particular field or industry but is no longer actively involved. It can refer to athletes, actors, musicians, or any other profession where individuals have a finite career span.

For instance, “He’s a former player who used to be a professional basketball player.”
In a conversation about retired athletes, someone might say, “There are many former players who struggle with the transition to life after sports.”
A person might use this term to describe themselves when discussing their past career, saying, “I’m a former player, but now I focus on other interests.”

15. Used to be somebody

This term is used to describe someone who was once recognized or considered important but is no longer in the same position or status. It implies that their relevance or significance has diminished over time.

For example, “He used to be somebody in the business world, but now he’s just used to be somebody.”
In a discussion about former influential figures, someone might mention, “There are many used to be somebody individuals who struggle to adapt to their new circumstances.”
A person might use this term to describe themselves when reflecting on their past accomplishments, saying, “I used to be somebody in the industry, but now I focus on different priorities.”

16. Former idol

This term refers to someone who was once a popular or admired figure, particularly in the entertainment industry. It implies that their fame or relevance has faded over time.

For example, “She used to be a former idol, but now she’s pursuing a different career.”
In a discussion about music, someone might say, “Many former idols struggle to maintain success after their peak.”
Another person might comment, “Being a former idol can be tough, as the industry is always looking for the next big thing.”

17. Once a big deal

This phrase describes someone who was once important or influential but is no longer considered as such. It implies that their status or relevance has diminished.

For instance, “He was once a big deal in the tech world, but now he’s largely forgotten.”
In a conversation about sports, someone might say, “That team was once a big deal, but they haven’t won a championship in years.”
Another person might remark, “Being once a big deal can be difficult to come to terms with, especially if you’re still in the public eye.”

18. Past their glory days

This expression refers to someone who is no longer experiencing the peak of their success or popularity. It suggests that their best days are behind them.

For example, “He’s definitely past his glory days as an athlete, but he still enjoys playing for fun.”
In a discussion about actors, someone might say, “Many celebrities struggle with the transition after their glory days in Hollywood.”
Another person might comment, “Coming to terms with being past your glory days can be challenging, but it’s important to embrace new opportunities.”

19. One-hit wonder

This term describes someone who achieves great success or fame with a single hit song, performance, or achievement but fails to replicate that success in the long term. It implies that their moment of glory was short-lived.

For instance, “He’s considered a one-hit wonder because his other songs didn’t receive the same level of success.”
In a conversation about music, someone might say, “The industry is full of one-hit wonders who couldn’t sustain their initial popularity.”
Another person might remark, “Becoming a one-hit wonder can be bittersweet, as it’s challenging to live up to the expectations set by a big success.”

20. Old hat

This phrase refers to something that is no longer fashionable, relevant, or interesting. It suggests that the person or thing in question is no longer considered trendy or in vogue.

For example, “That fashion trend is old hat now, everyone’s moved on to something new.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might say, “What was once cutting-edge is now old hat in the fast-paced tech industry.”
Another person might comment, “Feeling like old hat can be disheartening, but it’s important to embrace change and stay current.”

21. Once a star

This term refers to someone who was once a well-known or successful individual, but is no longer in the spotlight or relevant. It implies that the person’s fame or success has faded over time.

For example, “He used to be a star athlete, but now he’s just once a star.”
In a conversation about past achievements, someone might say, “She was once a star in the music industry.”
Another person might comment, “Once a star, always a star. They just need a comeback.”

22. Ex-celeb

This slang term is short for “ex-celebrity” and refers to someone who was once famous or well-known, but is no longer in the public eye or considered a celebrity.

For instance, “He used to be an A-list actor, but now he’s just an ex-celeb.”
In a discussion about faded fame, someone might say, “Many ex-celebs struggle with finding new careers.”
Another person might comment, “Being an ex-celeb can be tough, especially with the constant media attention.”

23. Retired pro

This term is used to describe someone who was previously a professional in their field, but has since retired or stopped actively participating in their profession.

For example, “He was a retired pro basketball player.”
In a conversation about career transitions, someone might say, “Many retired pros become coaches or commentators.”
Another person might comment, “Being a retired pro doesn’t mean you can’t still be involved in your sport.”

24. Former hotshot

This slang term refers to someone who was once considered highly successful or talented in their field, but is no longer seen as such.

For instance, “He used to be a hotshot lawyer, but now he’s struggling.”
In a discussion about past achievements, someone might say, “She was a former hotshot in the business world.”
Another person might comment, “Being a former hotshot can be humbling, but it doesn’t define your worth.”

25. Former top dog

This term is used to describe someone who was once the most powerful, successful, or influential individual in a particular domain, but has since lost that status or position.

For example, “He was the former top dog in the tech industry.”
In a conversation about changing dynamics, someone might say, “The former top dog is now struggling to keep up with the competition.”
Another person might comment, “Even former top dogs have to adapt and evolve to stay relevant.”

26. Former luminary

This term refers to someone who was once famous or successful but is no longer in the spotlight. It can be used to describe individuals from various fields such as entertainment, sports, or politics.

For example, “The former luminary of the music industry struggled to make a comeback.”
In a discussion about retired athletes, someone might say, “Many former luminaries struggle with life after sports.”
A person reflecting on the past might say, “I used to be a luminary in my field, but times have changed.”

27. Former bigwig

This slang term refers to someone who used to hold a position of power or influence but has since lost their status. It can be used to describe individuals in business, politics, or any other field where someone once held a prominent position.

For instance, “The former bigwig of the company was forced to resign amid scandal.”
In a conversation about politics, someone might say, “Former bigwigs often have insight into the inner workings of government.”
A person discussing the changing dynamics of an industry might say, “Many former bigwigs struggle to adapt to new technologies.”

28. Former heavyweight

This term is often used to describe someone who was once a powerful or dominant figure in their field but is no longer as influential. It can be applied to various contexts, such as sports, business, or politics.

For example, “The former heavyweight of the fashion industry struggled to keep up with changing trends.”
In a discussion about retired athletes, someone might say, “Former heavyweights often struggle with the transition to retirement.”
A person reflecting on their past achievements might say, “I used to be a heavyweight in my industry, but times have changed.”

29. Former legend

This slang term refers to someone who was once considered an iconic or legendary figure but is no longer seen in the same light. It can be used to describe individuals from various fields, such as music, sports, or entertainment.

For instance, “The former legend of rock music struggled to recapture their past glory.”
In a conversation about retired athletes, someone might say, “Former legends often face challenges when transitioning to a different role.”
A person discussing the evolution of a genre might say, “Many former legends paved the way for current artists.”

30. Former VIP

This term refers to someone who was once considered a very important or influential person but no longer holds the same status. It can be used to describe individuals from various fields, such as politics, business, or entertainment.

For example, “The former VIP of the company retired after a long and successful career.”
In a discussion about political figures, someone might say, “Former VIPs often have valuable insights into the workings of government.”
A person reflecting on their past might say, “I used to be a VIP in my industry, but now I prefer a quieter life.”

31. Former high-flyer

This term refers to someone who used to be successful or highly regarded in their field, but has since fallen from that status.

For example, “He used to be a high-flyer in the music industry, but now he’s struggling to get gigs.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “That team’s former high-flyer is now coaching the younger players.”
A person reflecting on their past accomplishments might say, “I was a former high-flyer in my career, but now I’m focusing on other priorities.”