Old school

Meaning

The idiom "old school" is used to describe something that is outdated or traditional, often referring to a style, way of thinking, or behavior from the past. It can also be used to refer to a particular era or time period when things were done differently.

Usage

• "I miss the old school days when everyone knew their neighbor's name and people still watched TV together."
• "The new video game is not as fun as the old school classics like Super Mario Bros."
• "She has an old school approach to cooking that involves hand-cutting vegetables and using a lot of herbs."
• "He's always dressed in vintage clothing and listens to old school jazz music."
• "I prefer the old school methods of doing things, like writing letters and taking notes by hand."

Roots and History

The term "old school" has been used since the 1970s to describe something that is outdated or traditional. It is believed to have originated from the use of "school" as a shorthand for any type of education or training, as well as a general reference to the past. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include not just education but also other aspects of society and culture.

Synonyms in English

• Retro
• Vintage
• Classic
• Traditional
• Old-fashioned

Synonyms in other languages

• French - "Retro"
• Spanish - "Clásico"
• German - "Retro"
• Italian - "Tradizionale"
• Japanese - "Traditional"

Similar Idioms

• ups and downs

• over the top

• on the drawing board