It is true, the 90s brought a big change in the world as people knew it at the time. Not only because the dress code changed into a less colourful style, but also because of the introduction of new technologies in everyone’s home. Many important movies and successful series of the film industry were released in those years, making the 90s one of the most important eras of productions for the big and the small screen.
However, for those of you that do not remember the 90s that clearly, but still want to be part of it here is a starter term kit with 9 must-know terms.
Dial-up internet: When Wi-Fi was just a dream, internet access could only be achieved via wires and through the phone line, making it impossible to talk on the phone and be connected online at the same time.
VCR: Video Cassette Recording. Before the DVD’s this was a must-have gadget in everyone’s household. In my family it was a weekend thing: watching movies on the video. After all, who doesn’t remember the phrase “We’re going to the video club to grab some videos, what film do you want to watch?”
MSN: Before Skype and Viber, the Microsoft Network had created a different kind of platform for instant messaging among people. All you needed to have is a valid email and internet connection. The latter option of being able to customise your personal picture even seemed innovating at the time.
Floppy disk: The main reason why the ‘save’ icon looks the way it does. With a usual storage capacity that could extend to almost half a Megabyte (512 Kb) this device could save up to 10 pictures!
Walkman: No, it is not just a man walking. This word was commonly used to refer to any portable audio cassette players. It was the best gift to get and if it also could connect to the radio, then you had hit the jackpot of gadgets!
Goosebumps: Every 90s kid knows this R.L. Stine’s series of horror fiction novels. It was the kind of obsession that both scared you, but could not put down unless you got to the last page.
Bling: Mostly used in slang and referring to any king of jewellery a person was wearing.
Mullet: The unfortunate popular hairstyle in which the front is cut trim, but the back is long, left wild and often uncut. Even when the back is cut, it is still longer than the front. Hopefully, those days are gone.
Nirvana: No, this is not a reference to Buddhism. It is the name of the ultimate grudge band that changed the evolution of music. With songs that are still popular to this day, the name of the band’s frontman, Kurt Cobain, needs no further explanation.
Bonus…
“Talk to the hand, cause the face ain’t listening”
Always said with attitude and with your palm facing the person opposite you. What is so difficult to get? I just don’t want to hear what you have to say.
Cassettes and pencils (or pens) – a relationship of dependence
If you don’t know how this works then you have never really been anxious. The fear of the cassette player ‘eating up’ the tape and the risk of losing your favourite songs forever could only be soothed by the presence of a pencil (or pen) that could help you roll the whole thing back in. Phewww…
By Kerasia Sklavounou
Student of MA Learning & Communication in Multilingual and Multicultural Contexts
University of Luxembourg
Study visitor at TermCoord