Nostalgia alert
Where do bell-bottoms really come from? Flashback to the '70s and '80s!
Image: Rachel Moore
Those of us who grew up during the 20th century know what we mean when we say that some decades had a lot to celebrate. From disco music to the early video game craze, the 1970s and 1980s left behind countless moments, objects, songs, and fads that we still remember today. If you're a true nostalgic like us, this article is for you. Join us as we explore the 10 things we miss most about the 1970s and 1980s. Let's get started!
1
Bell-Bottom Pants
Image: Annie Spratt
If you're attending a 1970s-themed costume party, what would you wear? Beyond your personal style, no '70s wardrobe could be complete without a good pair of bell-bottom pants.
These pants were everywhere back then. Available in all colors and styles, they were worn by young and old alike. While their stardom spanned from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, bell-bottoms actually emerged much earlier. When? In the 19th century!
The first to wear this style of pants were American sailors in the 1800s. But their purpose wasn't to look trendy. Sailors implemented them because the wide design made it easy to roll them up when it was time to get their feet in the water.
2
Polaroid Cameras
Image: Josh Carter
Your current cell phone camera is probably better than the analog cameras of the 20th century. But let's be honest—there's nothing quite like holding a physical photo you just took, right?
Okay, we admit it: nostalgia is kicking in. But still, who can deny that a picture is a beautiful memory that gives a sweet, homey touch to your house? Thanks to Polaroid cameras, those of us who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s know this all too well.
Although Polaroid cameras first emerged in the late 1940s , it wasn’t until 3 decades later that they reached their peak popularity, becoming an unmistakable symbol of the era.
3
Music videos
Image: Jakob Owens
While music videos existed before the 1980s, that decade turned them into a global sensation.
One song marked a major turning point in the world of music videos. You probably already guessed it: we’re talking about Michael Jackson’s "Thriller." Released in 1983, this was one of the first music videos to feature substantial production value and investment, making it worldwide famous and setting a trend that would influence the industry for decades. Other unforgettable examples from the era include the animated masterpiece "Take On Me" by A-ha (1985) and the vibrant aerobic-themed "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John (1981).
While music videos remain a key part of the music industry today, they’ve evolved to be shorter and more dynamic, often prioritizing quick impact over storytelling.
4
Synthesizer Sound
Image: Orkun Azap
One of the most iconic and recognizable features of '70s and '80s music is the use of synthesizers.
First introduced in the 1960s, synthesizers grew in popularity over the following decades, until they became part of nearly every sound of the era—from rock and funk to pop, disco, and electronic music.
A great '70s example is Stevie Wonder 's "Superstition," which showcases the innovative use of synthesizers. By the '80s, the synthesizer sound had reached new heights, thanks to bands like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran , who helped define the decade's musical identity.
5
Disco Balls
Image: Greyson Joralemon
If there's one thing that screams 1970s, that's undoubtedly disco music. With icons like the Bee Gees, KC The Sunshine Band, and Donna Summer, disco emerged in America and quickly got the whole world onto the dance floor.
In addition to platform shoes and satin shirts, one of the objects that went hand in hand with this type of music was the famous mirror ball, also called the disco ball. Discotheques often showcased spectacular disco balls, and famous artists included them in their music videos, making those shiny spheres the stars of the era.
6
Roller Skates
Image: Nick Fewings
Disco wasn’t the only sensation of the era—roller skates were a big deal, too. In fact, the two often combined: during the '70s and '80s, roller discos became a hit, where people danced on wheels!
Roller skates were so popular at the time that they made their way into films and music videos, including the 1980 cult classic Xanadu and Cher’s iconic 1979 music video for "Hell on Wheels."
Although roller skates were invented in the 18th century, it was the 20th century that catapulted them to the height of their fame. Were you lucky enough to strap on a pair and join the fun?
7
Arcade
Image: Carl Raw
If you were young in the '80s, you probably had a joystick or an arcade token in your hands, as arcades were the ultimate hangout spots for teenagers back then.
We bet you remember titles such as "Space Invaders," released in 1978, or the legendary "Pac-Man," which arrived to revolutionize the entire industry in 1980. Other unforgettable classics included "Donkey Kong" and "Frogger," both released in 1981.
So, what was your high score? Did you dominate the leaderboard or keep coming back for just one more game?
8
Atari 2600
Image: Senad Palic
What do you usually do when you're bored at home? For most of us, it's watching a movie or scrolling through our phone screens. But a few decades ago, the entertainment industry looked entirely different.
In 1977, home recreation changed forever with the arrival of the Atari 2600, one of the first home gaming consoles. From that moment on, gamers could enjoy their favorite games without ever leaving the comfort of their homes.
9
Slang
Image: Buse Doga Ay
But it wasn't just about fashion, music, and games. We can't forget the prominence of slang during these two emblematic decades.
One of the first terms that comes to mind is "groovy," remember that one? It was used to describe something cool or excellent. Maybe you remember a friend saying, "I love your outfit, super groovy!" Another memorable expression from the era was "Gag me with a spoon," used to convey disgust or displeasure, as in "That's so cheesy! Gag me with a spoon!"
Other unforgettable slang words included "bummer," "rad," "hip," and "tubular," each capturing the spirit of the '70s and '80s in its own unique way.
10
Cabbage Patch Dolls
Image: silvia trigo
If you didn't have one at home, you probably knew someone who did—or maybe even had more than one. We're referring to the famous Cabbage Patch Dolls, the toy that caused a sensation during the early 1980s.
Launched in 1982, the Cabbage Patch Dolls quickly made their way into most American homes. Their popularity was so massive and abrupt that they are remembered as one of the most iconic trend crazes of the 20th century. People would form long lines outside toy stores just to hug one of these dolls. In fact, the craze was so intense that the media dubbed it the "Cabbage Patch Kid Frenzy."
