I was in high school during the 1980s and I definitely remember wedgies being around at that time.
The 1980s equivalent to “whatever”, particularly amongst the girls, would’ve been a flick of the wrist in somebody’s face while uttering “nnerr”. My little sister still does that to me at times.
Speaking of the 1980s… I’m watching Upright and I’m fairly sure the actress playing “Esme” has drawn some inspiration from Fast Forward’s Lynne Postlethwaite for her performance. Pattern of speech is reminiscent of the character and she’s chain smoking on a vape pen in every scene.