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."

1

Area 51

Image: Michael Herren

Location: Nevada

Shrouded in secrecy, this military base has become synonymous with UFOs and government cover-ups. Its official purpose was testing aircraft like the U-2 spy plane and Stealth Bomber, but its classified nature fueled decades of wild speculation, ranging from secret weapons to actual aliens working for the government.

2

Coral Castle

Image: Audric Wonkam

Location: Florida

This massive stone structure was built by a single man, Edward Leedskalnin, using enormous limestone blocks—some weighing 30 tons. According to him, no heavy machinery was ever used during the construction, and he even claimed to know the secrets of the pyramids . To this day, engineers and historians debate how he moved and placed those stones with such precision.

3

Skinwalker Ranch

Image: Jacob Padilla

Location: Utah

This 512-acre property has long been at the center of UFO sightings, cattle mutilations , and alleged portals to other dimensions. The stories were so compelling that, in the ’90s, a private research organization purchased the ranch to try and make some scientific sense of the claims, conducting extensive field studies. However, after nearly a decade of research, they found no conclusive evidence.

4

Mammoth Cave

Image: Ksenia Kudelkina

Location: Kentucky

The world’s longest known cave system has its fair share of unexplored tunnels, ghost stories, and strange air currents. More than 400 miles have been mapped , yet many passages remain uncharted. Researchers have yet to fully understand the cave’s underground ecosystem, and new chambers are still being discovered today.

5

The Marfa Lights

Image: Alexandra Vo

Location: Texas

Reported since at least the late 19th century, floating orbs of light have been seen near this small town with no consistent explanation. Night watchers continue to gather at designated viewing areas along Highway 90, hoping for a glimpse. While scientific studies suggest that distorted car headlights are the most likely cause, many remain convinced otherwise.

6

The Devil’s Kettle

Image: Andrew Ling

Location: Minnesota

This unusual waterfall splits in two—one half flows normally, while the other vanishes into a deep pothole with no known exit. Scientists poured dye, ping-pong balls, and even GPS trackers into the mysterious hole, all to see where the water ends up. While researchers eventually confirmed it rejoins the river underground, exactly how and where remained elusive for decades.

7

Cahokia Mounds

Image: pcrm Dorego

Location: Illinois

Built centuries before Columbus arrived in the Americas, the ancient city of Cahokia featured massive earthen mounds, wooden palisades, and likely formed part of complex trade networks across the continent. Despite having a population rivaling London in the 1200s, according to archaeologists, the city was mysteriously abandoned in the span of a few years. No written records explain its decline, though environmental stress, resource shortages, and internal social factors are often cited as possible causes.

8

Blythe Intaglios

Image: Alexander Schimmeck

Location: California

Similar to Peru’s Nazca Lines, these giant geoglyphs are etched into the desert floor, seemingly visible only from the sky. Created by scraping away dark rocks to reveal lighter earth beneath, the figures are believed to be between 450 and 2,000 years old, depending on the specific design. While their exact purpose remains a mystery, they are believed to have had a ceremonial function.

9

The Spooklight

Image: Ben Griffiths

Location: Missouri-Oklahoma Border

Also known as the Hornet Spooklight, this floating orb has been seen since at least the late 19th century. It appears along a rural stretch of road near the small community of Hornet, Missouri, and Quapaw, Oklahoma. While some theorize it could be caused by car lights from miles away, some sightings predate automobiles.

10

Roanoke Island

Image: Stephen Crane

Location: North Carolina

In the 1580s, an entire colony vanished overnight, leaving behind only the word "Croatoan" carved into a tree. No graves, no remains—just an eerie disappearance that sparked centuries of theories, from disease and starvation to assimilation with local tribes. Modern archaeology uncovered European artifacts at sites associated with Native groups miles away, but no definitive evidence has ever solved the mystery.

1

"The Chairman of the Board" – Frank Sinatra

Image: Ethan Rougon

Frank Sinatra co-founded Reprise Records in 1960, giving him full creative control over his music. The nickname "Chairman of the Board" was first used by radio host William B. Williams and quickly caught on. Although Sinatra didn’t particularly love it, the nickname came to symbolize his power and influence in the music industry.

2

"His Accidency" – John Tyler

Image: Library of Congress

The 10th U.S. president earned this snarky nickname after unexpectedly taking office in 1841, when William Henry Harrison died just one month into his term.

It was the first time a vice president had assumed the presidency due to a president’s death, and many questioned the legitimacy of his authority. His critics called him "His Accidency," a somewhat unfriendly pun that stuck.

3

"The Sphinx of the Potomac" – Calvin Coolidge

Image: Lea Kobal

President from 1923 to 1929, Coolidge was notoriously silent and stoic. His reluctance to speak in public and his poker-faced demeanor earned him the nickname "The Sphinx of the Potomac," a nod to the famous Egyptian statue and his Washington, D.C. post. One oft-repeated anecdote claims he once remarked, "I have nothing to say."

4

"The Boss" – Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Bruce Springsteen earned this nickname in the early days of playing Jersey Shore clubs, where he was responsible for collecting and distributing gig money to his band. Originally an internal nickname within the group, it quickly caught on with the media. Ironically, Springsteen has admitted that he’s never really liked being called "The Boss."

5

"The Mad Stork" – Ted Hendricks

Image: Wynand Uys

This Hall of Fame linebacker for the Raiders stood 6’7" and had a long, lanky build. His towering figure and unpredictable style of play earned him the nickname "The Mad Stork." Despite the unusual moniker, he was a feared and legendary player in the NFL.

6

"The Snake" – Ken Stabler

Image: Timothy Dykes

Another Raiders legend, quarterback Ken Stabler, earned the nickname "The Snake" from his college coach after a long, twisting touchdown run. The name stuck because he became known for his slippery, cool-headed play under pressure.

7

"Jane the Grabber" – Hester Jane Haskins

Image: sombre

A dark figure in 19th-century New York, Hester Jane Haskins was a "procuress," luring women with promises of work and then forcing them into brothels. Her nickname, "Jane the Grabber," became infamous in the press.

8

"The Black Swallow of Death" – Eugene Bullard

Image: Heather Wilde

Born in Georgia and later a French WWI pilot, Eugene Bullard was the first African American military pilot. He earned the nickname "The Black Swallow of Death" for his fearless flying and deadly accuracy. Despite his heroism, he still faced racial discrimination upon returning to the U.S.

9

"Little Miss Sure Shot" – Annie Oakley

Image: Jp Valery

Annie Oakley was a folk heroine and a famed sharpshooter from an early age. She earned the nickname "Little Miss Sure Shot" from the Native American leader Sitting Bull, who bestowed it after watching her flawless shooting in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

10

"Kid Gloves" – Benjamin Harrison

Image: Aaron Lefler

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, frequently wore soft kid-leather gloves in public due to hand ailments. Political opponents seized the opportunity to mock his stiff demeanor and perceived elitism, dubbing him "Kid Gloves." The nickname pointed not only to his physical appearance but also to his aloof attitude.