22 Things Only People Who Grew Up in the 80s Understand

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From big hair to neon clothing, the 1980s were totally radical! If you were lucky enough to grow up in this bodacious decade, get ready for some serious nostalgia. Put on your leg warmers and moonwalk down memory lane with these 22 things that only 80s kids can fully understand. It’s time for some tubular flashbacks!

Mixtapes Were a Labor of Love

Before playlists, there were mixtapes. Crafting the perfect mixtape for a friend or crush was an art form, involving hours of careful song selection and recording.

The Excitement of Saturday Morning Cartoons

Waking up early on Saturdays was worth it. With a bowl of sugary cereal in hand, the lineup of cartoons was the highlight of the week.

The Dial-Up Internet Sound

The screeching sound of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet was both annoying and exciting. It meant you were about to explore the digital world, albeit slowly.

The Walkman Revolution

Before smartphones and streaming, the Sony Walkman was the ultimate portable music device. Popping in a cassette and listening on-the-go felt revolutionary.

VHS vs. Betamax

The debate was real. While VHS eventually won out, many households were divided on which video cassette format was superior.

Waiting for Photos to Develop

There was no instant gratification with photography. After taking pictures, you’d drop off the film and wait days to see how they turned out.

The Magic of MTV

Music Television transformed the music industry. Watching your favorite artists’ music videos was a communal experience.

The Neon Fashion

Bright neon colors were everywhere, from clothing to accessories. The bolder, the better.

The Original Nintendo

The thrill of playing Super Mario Bros. or Legend of Zelda on the NES was unmatched. It was the dawn of home video gaming.

Big Hair, Don’t Care

The bigger the hair, the closer to heaven. Hairspray was a must-have, and perms were all the rage.

Roller Skating Rinks

The place to be on a Friday night. Whether you were skating or hanging out at the snack bar, roller rinks were social hubs.

The Rise of the Mall

Malls were more than just shopping centers. They were the epicenter of teen culture, from hanging out with friends to first dates.

Cassette Tape Problems

Untangling a cassette tape that got eaten by a player was a skill. A pencil was the go-to tool for winding it back up.

Iconic Toys

From Cabbage Patch Kids to Transformers, the toys of the 80s were iconic and are now considered collectibles.

The Thriller Dance

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was more than just a song. Learning the dance was a rite of passage.

Boomboxes on Shoulders

Before portable speakers, carrying a boombox on your shoulder was the way to share music with the world.

The Joy of Arcades

Dropping quarters into machines and trying to get the high score was a favorite pastime. Arcades were the original gaming community.

“I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!”

This catchphrase from a medical alert commercial became an unexpected pop culture reference, often quoted for laughs.

The Brat Pack Movies

Films like “The Breakfast Club” and “Sixteen Candles” defined a generation. They tackled teen issues with humor and heart.

Trapper Keepers

The ultimate school accessory. These colorful binders with Velcro closures were both functional and a fashion statement.

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