1980s

NostalgiaNostalgiaa wistful desire to return in thought or a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's one's home or homeland, or to one's

family and friends; a sentimental family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former yearning for the happiness of a former

place or time: place or time: a nostalgia for his a nostalgia for his college days.college days.

President Ronald Reagan

1980-1988

In the United States, the In the United States, the Presidency of Ronald ReaganPresidency of Ronald Reagan sp spanned almost the entire decade, leading the decade to be anned almost the entire decade, leading the decade to be referred to as "The Reagan Years". The Eighties are often referred to as "The Reagan Years". The Eighties are often called the "Decade of Decadence" or the "Big Eighties" becalled the "Decade of Decadence" or the "Big Eighties" because of the obsession with wealth and materialistic purcause of the obsession with wealth and materialistic pursuits such as designer clothes and fancy cars. As women suits such as designer clothes and fancy cars. As women were beginning to enter the executive workforce, the 198were beginning to enter the executive workforce, the 1980s saw the rise of the "power suit" for women, with shoul0s saw the rise of the "power suit" for women, with shoulder pads and a long skirt. The power suit was often compder pads and a long skirt. The power suit was often complemented with a big permed and hairsprayed hairstyle alemented with a big permed and hairsprayed hairstyle and large dangling earrings. nd large dangling earrings.

The invention of the disposable The invention of the disposable safety razorsafety razor and and maillotmaillot bikini linebikini line led to a fashion for shaved led to a fashion for shaved pubic areapubic area with hai with hair sculpted into many of the various styles we know today.r sculpted into many of the various styles we know today.

The 1980s-era focus on wealth and materialism is shown in moviThe 1980s-era focus on wealth and materialism is shown in movies like es like American PsychoAmerican Psycho and and Wall StreetWall Street that focus on the that focus on the yuppieyuppie lifestyles of the 1980s. lifestyles of the 1980s. GlobalizationGlobalization had its origins in this decade had its origins in this decade as many Japanese automobile manufacturers built factories in thas many Japanese automobile manufacturers built factories in the US. Video game consoles underwent great advances in graphice US. Video game consoles underwent great advances in graphics and game play with the release of the s and game play with the release of the ColecoVisionColecoVision and and Mattel Mattel IntellivisionIntellivision consoles. Home video gaming became a phenomen consoles. Home video gaming became a phenomenon of the early 1980s with many substandard games being releason of the early 1980s with many substandard games being released to cash in on what was then regarded as a passing fad. The floed to cash in on what was then regarded as a passing fad. The flood of games on the market led to the od of games on the market led to the North American video game crash of 1983North American video game crash of 1983, which caused many U., which caused many U.S. manufacturers to exit the field. After a few years, the S. manufacturers to exit the field. After a few years, the Nintendo Entertainment SystemNintendo Entertainment System and and Sega Master SystemSega Master System were re were released leading to a renaissance of gaming and its establishment leased leading to a renaissance of gaming and its establishment as a mainstream entertainment activity among both children anas a mainstream entertainment activity among both children and adults. In recent years, Eighties nostalgia has been growing amd adults. In recent years, Eighties nostalgia has been growing among some video game fans, leading to the creation of the magaziong some video game fans, leading to the creation of the magazine ne Retro GamerRetro Gamer, and high prices for 1980s video games on , and high prices for 1980s video games on eBayeBay. .

As well, the 2000s-era As well, the 2000s-era hipsterhipster subculture has fetishized some subculture has fetishized some 1980s clothing and musical styles, ranging from legwarmers t1980s clothing and musical styles, ranging from legwarmers to early 1980s o early 1980s Soft CellSoft Cell-style -style synthpopsynthpop. . Action moviesAction movies were po were popular during the decade, with films such as pular during the decade, with films such as The TerminatorThe Terminator, , PredatorPredator, , Die HardDie Hard, , First BloodFirst Blood, , CommandoCommando and and Top GunTop Gun giv giving their leading men ing their leading men Bruce WillisBruce Willis, , Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzenegger, , Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stallone and and Tom CruiseTom Cruise to be known as 80s action to be known as 80s action stars and some spawning a string of sequels. The stars and some spawning a string of sequels. The Star Wars SagaStar Wars Saga, originated in 1977's , originated in 1977's Star WarsStar Wars, continued wit, continued with episodes 5 and 6 h episodes 5 and 6 The Empire Strikes BackThe Empire Strikes Back and and Return of the JediReturn of the Jedi. Although no films were released after 198. Although no films were released after 1983, the franchise's toy line, airings on cable TV and media rep3, the franchise's toy line, airings on cable TV and media reports on a possible second trilogy kept it very much in the puborts on a possible second trilogy kept it very much in the public's consciousness. lic's consciousness.

On television, family sitcoms were wildly popular during On television, family sitcoms were wildly popular during the 80s, beginning with the 80s, beginning with The Cosby ShowThe Cosby Show in 1984 and in 1984 and continuing on with continuing on with Growing PainsGrowing Pains, , Family TiesFamily Ties, , Who's the BossWho's the Boss, , Charles in ChargeCharles in Charge and and Kate & AllieKate & Allie. . Toward the latter part of the decade "anti-family" shows Toward the latter part of the decade "anti-family" shows like like Married... with ChildrenMarried... with Children, , RoseanneRoseanne and and The SimpsonsThe Simpsons became popular, as they were perceived to depict a more became popular, as they were perceived to depict a more realistic aspect of family life rather than the rose-tinted realistic aspect of family life rather than the rose-tinted view of the earlier shows, where all problems could be view of the earlier shows, where all problems could be solved in 30 minutes. solved in 30 minutes. The Oprah Winfrey ShowThe Oprah Winfrey Show debuted in debuted in 1986, beginning a new era of afternoon talk shows 1986, beginning a new era of afternoon talk shows targeted toward women. Toward the end of the 1980s, targeted toward women. Toward the end of the 1980s, The Morton Downey Jr. ShowThe Morton Downey Jr. Show initiated the era of initiated the era of Trash TVTrash TV. . Cable televisionCable television grew explosively during the 1980s. grew explosively during the 1980s. There were 28 cable networks in 1980; this number had There were 28 cable networks in 1980; this number had grown to 79 by 1989. Subscriber numbers grew during grown to 79 by 1989. Subscriber numbers grew during the decade from 16 million to 54 million.the decade from 16 million to 54 million.[1][1] The The convergence of children's entertainment and marketing convergence of children's entertainment and marketing that began in the late 1970s with that began in the late 1970s with Star WarsStar Wars continued on continued on to TV with the to TV with the Masters of the UniverseMasters of the Universe series, which was series, which was the first children's TV series entirely based around a toy the first children's TV series entirely based around a toy line. line.

80’s Slang80’s Slang

Airhead - Airhead - A stupid or unaware person; A stupid or unaware person; moron, dim-wit. Origin: term implies tmoron, dim-wit. Origin: term implies that there is nothing but air in the subjehat there is nothing but air in the subject's head. ("He's confused again. What ct's head. ("He's confused again. What an airhead!") Unrenounced to popular an airhead!") Unrenounced to popular belief, Valley Girls did not invent this belief, Valley Girls did not invent this word. It was used to describe them.word. It was used to describe them.

bad to the bone - bad to the bone - The group George TThe group George Thorogood & the Destroyers had a hit in horogood & the Destroyers had a hit in the early 80's that had started this quotthe early 80's that had started this quote. The movie e. The movie Fast Times At Ridgmont Fast Times At Ridgmont HighHigh was bad to the bone! was bad to the bone!

very good, excellent; Cool, Awesome. very good, excellent; Cool, Awesome.


Bogus - Bogus - Unfair Unfair or unfortunate. or unfortunate. Having one Having one night to do a night to do a term paper is so term paper is so bogus!bogus!


boy toy - boy toy - A word A word to describe a cute to describe a cute guy used as a toy guy used as a toy for older woman. for older woman. Madonna invented Madonna invented this one with her this one with her "Boy Toy" belt on "Boy Toy" belt on her 1984 her 1984 Like a Like a Virgin Virgin album.album.


butt ugly - butt ugly - Unattractive to the sight.Unattractive to the sight. Cheesy -Cheesy - In poor taste; lame, corny. The gift I received In poor taste; lame, corny. The gift I received

was really cheesy. was really cheesy. Dweeb - Dweeb - Geek, nerd. Someone who is not "in".Geek, nerd. Someone who is not "in". Fresh- Fresh- Cool, new. Duran Duran's new album is so fresCool, new. Duran Duran's new album is so fres

h!h! gag me with a spoon - gag me with a spoon - A typical Valley Girl response to A typical Valley Girl response to

something you dislike. Not meant to be taken literally.something you dislike. Not meant to be taken literally. Schmooze - Schmooze - To kiss up to someone. Yuppies schmoozeTo kiss up to someone. Yuppies schmooze

d their way to the top of their field.d their way to the top of their field. Spazzing - Spazzing - Overly excited. An exaggeration of being exOverly excited. An exaggeration of being ex

cited.cited. Stoked - Stoked - To be ready to do something.To be ready to do something.


Advertiser's Acronyms Advertiser's Acronyms Advertisers gave a whole range of acronyms to groups Advertisers gave a whole range of acronyms to groups

of consumers in the 1980s. Looking at these acronyms of consumers in the 1980s. Looking at these acronyms does help to understand how advertisers identified redoes help to understand how advertisers identified recognizable groups in society in the consumer driven cognizable groups in society in the consumer driven world of marketing 1980s fashion.world of marketing 1980s fashion.

A typical acronym was DINKY which described an incA typical acronym was DINKY which described an increasing section of society, the couples not necessarily reasing section of society, the couples not necessarily married, but who were 'Double Income No Kids Yet.' married, but who were 'Double Income No Kids Yet.' The Dinky was the type of consumer that might be tarThe Dinky was the type of consumer that might be targeted for spending on fashion and status symbols like geted for spending on fashion and status symbols like perfume, label goods and stylish kitchen items that mperfume, label goods and stylish kitchen items that might never be used. The couple could even encourage ight never be used. The couple could even encourage each other in achieving their lifestyle of aspiration. Oteach other in achieving their lifestyle of aspiration. Other labels advertisers favored include Empty Nesters, her labels advertisers favored include Empty Nesters, Grey Panthers, Ladettes and Tweenies. The guppies tGrey Panthers, Ladettes and Tweenies. The guppies term has since been hijacked by other groups.erm has since been hijacked by other groups.

Acronym Table for 1980s Fashion and Acronym Table for 1980s Fashion and Marketing Terms Marketing Terms

Yuppies Young Urban Professionals

Yummies Young Urban Mother

Dinkies Double Income No Kids

Sinkies Single Income No kids

Minkie Middle Income No kids

Poupie Porsche Owning Urban Professional

Swell Single Woman Earning Lots Of Loot (Miss Yuppie)

Guppies Greenpeace Yuppies (The original meaning of the term)

Bobo Burnt Out But Opulent

Woopie Well Off Older People

Jollies Jet Setting Oldsters With Lots Of Loot

Glams Greying Leisured Affluent Middle Aged

Deccie D.I.Y Decorators Who Drag Stipple and Marble

Splappie Stripped Pine Laura Ashley People

Drabbie Ethical Urban Quaker With Anti And Pro Views

Dockney East Docklands London Yuppie

Tweenie Between 5 And 12 Years Old

Ladettes Young Women Who Act Like Loutish Lads

Grey Panthers Senior Citizens With Opinion

Empty Nesters Couples Whose Children Are Grown Up And Away

Yuppies Yuppies Yuppie was a 1980s acronym for 'Young Upwardly Yuppie was a 1980s acronym for 'Young Upwardly

Mobile Professional Person'. The word was coined by Mobile Professional Person'. The word was coined by the advertising industry to capture the essence of a the advertising industry to capture the essence of a particular type of work hard, play hard, ambitious particular type of work hard, play hard, ambitious minded city career person of either sex. The hectic minded city career person of either sex. The hectic lifestyle of a yuppie meant that after long hours of lifestyle of a yuppie meant that after long hours of work, rare free time was spent in a self indulgent way work, rare free time was spent in a self indulgent way frittering away the cash earned on anything, from frittering away the cash earned on anything, from expensive make up and perfume, to a bottle of fine expensive make up and perfume, to a bottle of fine champagne. Conspicuous wastage was part of the champagne. Conspicuous wastage was part of the attitude.attitude.

For the day Yuppies sported wide shouldered jackets For the day Yuppies sported wide shouldered jackets and for weekends they wore a Barbour to effect a and for weekends they wore a Barbour to effect a country aesthetic or a ball-gown to assume the country aesthetic or a ball-gown to assume the appearance of a more advantaged lifestyle.appearance of a more advantaged lifestyle.

Video GamesVideo Games In the early 1980s, the first generation of computer graIn the early 1980s, the first generation of computer gra

phics in arcade games produced the popular phics in arcade games produced the popular Space InvadersSpace Invaders arcade game (first released in 1978), fol arcade game (first released in 1978), followed by lowed by Pac-ManPac-Man, , Donkey KongDonkey Kong, and , and FroggerFrogger. Toward. Towards the end of the decade, home s the end of the decade, home video game consolesvideo game consoles beg began to outstrip the an to outstrip the arcade gamearcade game. The Japanese . The Japanese FamicomFamicom was released to the white public as the was released to the white public as the Nintendo Entertainment SystemNintendo Entertainment System (also known as the NE (also known as the NES) in 1985 and renewed public interest in video games fS) in 1985 and renewed public interest in video games following a brief decline caused by the ollowing a brief decline caused by the Video Game Crash of 1983Video Game Crash of 1983. .

FroggerFroggerPac-manPac-manDonkey Donkey KongKong

ComputersComputers

Computer technology began to enter Computer technology began to enter mainstream culture and appeared in mainstream culture and appeared in movies such as movies such as TronTron (1982) and (1982) and WarGamesWarGames (1983), using then-state of t (1983), using then-state of the art he art CGICGI special effects that would go special effects that would go on to have a major impact on movie mon to have a major impact on movie making. aking.

ToysToys

Rubik's CubeRubik's Cube, , Cabbage Patch KidsCabbage Patch Kids, ", "Baby on BoardBaby on Board" signs, " signs, Teddy Teddy RuxpinRuxpin, a, and nd Trivial PursuitTrivial Pursuit fadsfads captured the int captured the interest of the American and British publierest of the American and British public. c.

CartoonsCartoons

Many cartoon characters such as Many cartoon characters such as SmurfsSmurfs, , Rainbow Rainbow BriteBrite, , Strawberry ShortcakeStrawberry Shortcake, , Care BearsCare Bears, , My Little PonyMy Little Pony, , GI JoeGI Joe, , GarfieldGarfield, , He-Man and the Masters of the UniverseHe-Man and the Masters of the Universe, , ThundercatsThundercats, , VoltronVoltron, and , and TransformersTransformers appea appeared in the media and on merchandise, becominred in the media and on merchandise, becoming huge trends of the 1980s. Many of these reappg huge trends of the 1980s. Many of these reappeared about twenty years later in slightly updateared about twenty years later in slightly updated versions as ed versions as decade nostalgiadecade nostalgia began to take h began to take hold. old.

Martial ArtsMartial Arts Martial artsMartial arts and and NinjaNinja mania swept North America du mania swept North America du

e to the popularity of and ninja movies. e to the popularity of and ninja movies. The Karate KidThe Karate Kid became a blockbuster hit film, and rai became a blockbuster hit film, and raised interest in sed interest in karatekarate. The emergence of self-styled m. The emergence of self-styled martial arts experts gave rise to the so-called "artial arts experts gave rise to the so-called "McDojoMcDojo" " and "and "BullshidoBullshido" trends. The cartoon characters " trends. The cartoon characters Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a widely mass- became a widely mass-marketed marketed pop culturepop culture phenomenon in the late 1980s. phenomenon in the late 1980s.

McDojo - describe a martial arts school where image McDojo - describe a martial arts school where image or profit is of a higher importance than technical stanor profit is of a higher importance than technical standardsdards

ClothesClothes

"Raybans" or "Raybans" or sunglassessunglasses became became popular "must-wear" items, as well popular "must-wear" items, as well as as NikeNike sneakerssneakers, , Members OnlyMembers Only jackets, men's jackets, men's shortsshorts and other and other athletic wearathletic wear such as sweats and such as sweats and jerseys for an active generation of jerseys for an active generation of young people. young people.

Sweats Members Only Jacket

Raybans

AerobicsAerobics

AerobicsAerobics surged in popularity. The fad surged in popularity. The fad reached across exercise videos, fashioreached across exercise videos, fashion, and music trends as seen in n, and music trends as seen in Olivia Newton-JohnOlivia Newton-John's music video 's music video (Let's Get) Physical(Let's Get) Physical, the 1983 movie , the 1983 movie FlashdanceFlashdance that inspired legwarmers a that inspired legwarmers as a fashion trend, and the popular s a fashion trend, and the popular Jane FondaJane Fonda workout videos. workout videos.

Jane Fonda Workout

Video

Legwarmers

HealthHealth

Americans became more health-Americans became more health-conscious and sought a lighter diet, conscious and sought a lighter diet, with "Lose weight", "Low-Cal", "Low-with "Lose weight", "Low-Cal", "Low-Salt", "Sugar-free", "No cholesterol" Salt", "Sugar-free", "No cholesterol" and other phrases becoming common and other phrases becoming common buzzwordsbuzzwords for modified foods and for modified foods and beverages. beverages. Fad dietsFad diets became popular. became popular.

Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Atkins, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Atkins, WeightwatchersWeightwatchers

Nutrisystem Diet

I Want My MTV!I Want My MTV!

MTVMTV, an all-music television station, , an all-music television station, debuted in the United States in debuted in the United States in 19811981. .

One hit wonderOne hit wonder

A A one-hit wonderone-hit wonder is a is a music industrymusic industry term to describe an term to describe an artist generally known for only one artist generally known for only one hit hit singlesingle..

Soft Cell - "Tainted Love" (1982) Dexys Midnight Runners - "Come On Eileen" (1982)

Toni Basil - "Mickey" (1982) a-ha - "Take On Me" (1985)

Nena - "99 Luftballons" (1984)

Rap MusicRap Music

Rap music began to break into the mainstreaRap music began to break into the mainstream, resulting in a string of m, resulting in a string of breakdancingbreakdancing movi movies such as es such as Beat StreetBeat Street, , BreakinBreakin'', and , and BreakinBreakin' 2: Electric ' 2: Electric BoogalooBoogaloo. . Boom boxesBoom boxes became wi became widespread among inner city music listeners andespread among inner city music listeners and especially breakdancers, for which the devid especially breakdancers, for which the device became a vital element to the ritual. "Breakce became a vital element to the ritual. "Breakdance battles" were a more peaceful alternatidance battles" were a more peaceful alternative to gang fights and became popular in musive to gang fights and became popular in music videos. c videos.

The "ghetto blaster." The portable radio, with two speakers as a minimum, the heavier and the bigger, the better.

Australian InfluenceAustralian Influence

AustralianAustralian pop culture introduced new tren pop culture introduced new trends in the U.S. throughout the 1980s to enhands in the U.S. throughout the 1980s to enhance the continent's cultural image. Examples ce the continent's cultural image. Examples include celebrities include celebrities Olivia Newton-JohnOlivia Newton-John, , JackoJacko and and Yahoo SeriousYahoo Serious, musicians , musicians INXSINXS, , Midnight OilMidnight Oil and and Men at WorkMen at Work, the , the Crocodile DundeeCrocodile Dundee and and Mad MaxMad Max movies, the movies, the shoe brand and shoe brand and Koala BlueKoala Blue chain within the chain within the fashion segment, and tastes such as "shrimp fashion segment, and tastes such as "shrimp on the barbie" and on the barbie" and Foster's LagerFoster's Lager. .

SpanishSpanish

In the U.S., In the U.S., Spanish-languageSpanish-language televisio television and radio stations built two major nen and radio stations built two major networks (tworks (UnivisionUnivision — 1985 and — 1985 and TelemundoTelemundo — 1986) to carry shows an — 1986) to carry shows and music for the U.S. d music for the U.S. LatinoLatino audience, b audience, believed at the time to have been left ouelieved at the time to have been left out of the mainstream media. t of the mainstream media.

De LoreanDe Lorean The The De De LoreanLorean debuted in 1981, and w debuted in 1981, and w

as produced for three years before the as produced for three years before the company declared bankruptcy in 1983. company declared bankruptcy in 1983. The car was later popularized in the 19The car was later popularized in the 1985 film 85 film Back to the FutureBack to the Future. .

SportsSports Sport became more international in the 1980s as Sport became more international in the 1980s as

satellite televisionsatellite television grew, with many sporting events grew, with many sporting events reaching more countries than before. Examples reaching more countries than before. Examples include the first live broadcasts of the include the first live broadcasts of the Super BowlSuper Bowl in in the the United KingdomUnited Kingdom..

In 1980, the US Olympic hockey team defeated the In 1980, the US Olympic hockey team defeated the Soviet Union 4 to 3, bolstering many U.S. citizens' Soviet Union 4 to 3, bolstering many U.S. citizens' feelings of national pride in what was termed a feelings of national pride in what was termed a Miracle On IceMiracle On Ice..

In this decade, the In this decade, the West IndiesWest Indies established themselves established themselves as the unofficial world champions of cricket, though in as the unofficial world champions of cricket, though in a shock upset, they lost the a shock upset, they lost the 1983 Cricket World Cup1983 Cricket World Cup to to IndiaIndia. This victory is cited as the reason . This victory is cited as the reason cricketcricket is is almost a religion in India.almost a religion in India.

Clothing FashionClothing Fashion 1980s fashion1980s fashion incorporated distinct trends from different incorporated distinct trends from different

eras, including eras, including ancient Egyptancient Egypt, early 20th century British , early 20th century British royalty, royalty, Edwardian eraEdwardian era buccaneersbuccaneers, and , and punk rockerspunk rockers from the from the 1970s1970s. A conservative, masculine fashion look . A conservative, masculine fashion look that was most indicative of the decade was the wide use that was most indicative of the decade was the wide use of shoulder pads (similar to those worn by women in the of shoulder pads (similar to those worn by women in the 1940s1940s and to those worn in and to those worn in ice hockeyice hockey). While in the ). While in the 1970s the silhouette of fashion tended to be 1970s the silhouette of fashion tended to be characterized by close-fitting clothes on top with wider characterized by close-fitting clothes on top with wider looser clothes on bottom, this trend completely reversed looser clothes on bottom, this trend completely reversed itself in the early 1980s as both men and women began itself in the early 1980s as both men and women began to wear loose shirts (tucked in) and tight close fitting to wear loose shirts (tucked in) and tight close fitting pants. One variation of this trend was to wear loose-pants. One variation of this trend was to wear loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts or sweaters with the sleeves fitting long-sleeve shirts or sweaters with the sleeves scrunched up to the elbows). Men wore power suits, an scrunched up to the elbows). Men wore power suits, an example of the greater tendency for people to display example of the greater tendency for people to display their wealth. Brand names became increasingly their wealth. Brand names became increasingly important in this decade, making important in this decade, making Ralph LaurenRalph Lauren and and Calvin KleinCalvin Klein household names. household names.

HairHair HairstylesHairstyles are also well known from the decade. Big, messy are also well known from the decade. Big, messy

hairstyles, similar to those worn by women in the 1940s, mahairstyles, similar to those worn by women in the 1940s, made popular with the introduction of de popular with the introduction of glam metalglam metal, became all , became all the rage throughout the entire decade. Shorter hairstyles althe rage throughout the entire decade. Shorter hairstyles also became more common for women. Colourful hair colourso became more common for women. Colourful hair colours (made popular by singer s (made popular by singer Cyndi Cyndi LauperLauper), were also used wi), were also used widely during the era. The eighties also made popular the well dely during the era. The eighties also made popular the well known known mullet haircutmullet haircut for both men and women and the for both men and women and the jerry curljerry curl, a wet curly hair style that was very popular in the , a wet curly hair style that was very popular in the African AmericanAfrican American community. The eighties also saw an inte community. The eighties also saw an interest in bright and colourful makeup as well as makeup used rest in bright and colourful makeup as well as makeup used on men (as used by on men (as used by poodle rockpoodle rock bands of the era). The deca bands of the era). The decade also saw the introduction and initial popularity of de also saw the introduction and initial popularity of hair crimpinghair crimping..

5 O’clock shadow5 O’clock shadow

FashionFashion In the United States, In the United States, MadonnaMadonna was known as the "Material Gi was known as the "Material Gi

rl" and many teenage girls, sometimes referred to as "rl" and many teenage girls, sometimes referred to as "Madonna wannabesMadonna wannabes", looked to her for fashion statements. T", looked to her for fashion statements. The popular movie he popular movie FlashdanceFlashdance (1983) made ripped sweatshirts (1983) made ripped sweatshirts well-known to the general public. The television shows well-known to the general public. The television shows DallasDallas and and DynastyDynasty also had a similar impact. The television s also had a similar impact. The television show how Miami ViceMiami Vice influenced a whole generation of men by po influenced a whole generation of men by popularizing, if not actually inventing, the "pularizing, if not actually inventing, the "T-shirtT-shirt under under ArmaniArmani jacket"-style. The jacket"-style. The CrockettCrockett character played by character played by Don JohnsonDon Johnson also boosted Ray Ban's popularity by wearing a also boosted Ray Ban's popularity by wearing a pair of pair of Ray-Ban WayfarersRay-Ban Wayfarers (Model L2052, Mock Tortoise). Cro (Model L2052, Mock Tortoise). Crockett's perpetually unshaven appearance also sparked a minockett's perpetually unshaven appearance also sparked a minor fashion trend, inspiring men to wear a small amount of bear fashion trend, inspiring men to wear a small amount of beard stubble, also known as rd stubble, also known as five o'clock shadowfive o'clock shadow or "designer st or "designer stubble", at all times. The show's costume designer ubble", at all times. The show's costume designer Gianni VersaceGianni Versace provided the fashion sense. provided the fashion sense. PastelPastel colors do colors dominated the series in clothes. People were also known to weaminated the series in clothes. People were also known to wear acid-washed jeans and jackets.r acid-washed jeans and jackets.

More 80’s SlangMore 80’s Slang Wicked - Wicked - Another word for good, radical or bad. Another word for good, radical or bad. See rSee r

adical and bad.adical and bad. "She is wicked nice.“ "She is wicked nice.“

Wannabe - Wannabe - A person who would like to be like someonA person who would like to be like someone else. Usually a pop star or a person in the public eye. e else. Usually a pop star or a person in the public eye. There were lots of Madonna wannabe's in the mid-80s. There were lots of Madonna wannabe's in the mid-80s.

Veg - Veg - Term used to describe chilling out or taking it eaTerm used to describe chilling out or taking it easy. Derived from the word vegetable or someone who isy. Derived from the word vegetable or someone who is paralyzed. A couch potato would be a veg. s paralyzed. A couch potato would be a veg. See also cSee also couch potato.ouch potato.

Valley Girl/Val - Valley Girl/Val - Airheaded, spoiled girls in CaliforniAirheaded, spoiled girls in California's San Fernando Valley. Later, valley girl talk or valspa's San Fernando Valley. Later, valley girl talk or valspeak inhabited the 80s across America. A Valley Girl woeak inhabited the 80s across America. A Valley Girl would of said something like:uld of said something like: "That stud is like, omygod, s "That stud is like, omygod, so rad!"o rad!"

Letter from the 1986Letter from the 1986 Wow, 2006! It's hard to think that far in the future. I can't believe that I, a totally cool teeWow, 2006! It's hard to think that far in the future. I can't believe that I, a totally cool tee

nager, am writing a letter to a nager, am writing a letter to a totally uncooltotally uncool person in his thirties. And I'm that person! person in his thirties. And I'm that person! That's That's weirderweirder than than Back to the FutureBack to the Future, which is THE BEST MOVIE EVER. , which is THE BEST MOVIE EVER.

So what should I write about? What are my hopes for 2006? Let's see ... So what should I write about? What are my hopes for 2006? Let's see ... Well, I guess there will be flying cars by then, just like that DeLorean in Well, I guess there will be flying cars by then, just like that DeLorean in Back to the FutBack to the Fut

ureure. I'd want one that . I'd want one that flies wicked fastflies wicked fast and has a boss stereo. I'll probably be and has a boss stereo. I'll probably be rockingrocking ooutut to Billy Idol, because I KNOW he'll still be around. Not like Madonna, who's doing he to Billy Idol, because I KNOW he'll still be around. Not like Madonna, who's doing her Virgin Tour right now. In 20 years, she'll be long forgotten. Kind of like that group Whr Virgin Tour right now. In 20 years, she'll be long forgotten. Kind of like that group Wham! – although I bet that dude George Michael gets all the am! – although I bet that dude George Michael gets all the chickschicks. .

I hope I'll have a good job, maybe something I hope I'll have a good job, maybe something totally stokedtotally stoked like working with some of t like working with some of those new high-tech computers, the ones that have those modem things. I want to make hose new high-tech computers, the ones that have those modem things. I want to make lots of money so I can buy stuff. Like right now, those new lots of money so I can buy stuff. Like right now, those new Air JordansAir Jordans are 40 bucks, an are 40 bucks, and there's no way I could get that money. Those new compact discs are also so way out of d there's no way I could get that money. Those new compact discs are also so way out of my price range. my price range. But whateverBut whatever. .

Maybe I'll be a pro athlete when I read this. That would be Maybe I'll be a pro athlete when I read this. That would be TOTALLY RADTOTALLY RAD. The average . The average baseball salary is like more than $300,000 a year. I just hope that if I can be a pro athlete,baseball salary is like more than $300,000 a year. I just hope that if I can be a pro athlete, I make it before the salaries start going down. Everybody says it's going to happen. I make it before the salaries start going down. Everybody says it's going to happen.

I think that pretty much takes care of this assignment for ninth-grade English. The teacI think that pretty much takes care of this assignment for ninth-grade English. The teacher told me to talk about my hopes and my dreams, but I think a better subject would bher told me to talk about my hopes and my dreams, but I think a better subject would be to write about how "new Coke" was such a dumb idea. I mean, duh! Or maybe I could e to write about how "new Coke" was such a dumb idea. I mean, duh! Or maybe I could write about how I hate hearing that "Who you gonna call: Ghostbusters!" song ALL THE write about how I hate hearing that "Who you gonna call: Ghostbusters!" song ALL THE TIME. I just hope they're not using that song in 20 years for, like, car commercials or soTIME. I just hope they're not using that song in 20 years for, like, car commercials or something. mething.

That's it. The teacher won't see my letter because I'm supposed to seal it up for 20 years That's it. The teacher won't see my letter because I'm supposed to seal it up for 20 years from now, so I'll say this: from now, so I'll say this:

This was a really This was a really bogusbogus assignment. I just hope that I won't have to do any more writing assignment. I just hope that I won't have to do any more writing like this. I mean, think about it. It's not like learning all this writing stuff is going to be tlike this. I mean, think about it. It's not like learning all this writing stuff is going to be that important when I get older. hat important when I get older.

The Perfect Suit for the The Perfect Suit for the Corporate Ladder Corporate Ladder

The aim of female devotees was to rise the corporate The aim of female devotees was to rise the corporate ladder. John Molloy promoted the idea that the ladder. John Molloy promoted the idea that the simple tailored wool suit in neutral navy or slate blue simple tailored wool suit in neutral navy or slate blue grey, worn with non sexual blouses, imitated uniform grey, worn with non sexual blouses, imitated uniform of rank, which by design was authoritative.of rank, which by design was authoritative.

From research he did with specific social groupings, From research he did with specific social groupings, he maintained that inferiors and clients accepted the he maintained that inferiors and clients accepted the word of a female dressed in a suit with better grace word of a female dressed in a suit with better grace than if she were wearing a fashion outfit in an exotic than if she were wearing a fashion outfit in an exotic fashion color that highlighted her sexual allure. In fashion color that highlighted her sexual allure. In other words sober dressing enabled a women to be other words sober dressing enabled a women to be taken seriously like a suited man might be and helped taken seriously like a suited man might be and helped her shine in the workplace enough to get promotion her shine in the workplace enough to get promotion rapidly. This led to the concept of power dressing and rapidly. This led to the concept of power dressing and its influence on all forms of fashion when the its influence on all forms of fashion when the shoulder pad dominated every female top garment, shoulder pad dominated every female top garment, from power suits to knitwear, to T-shirts to bed from power suits to knitwear, to T-shirts to bed attire.attire.

The Economy Boom The Economy Boom In the 1980s, fashion was influenced by the western In the 1980s, fashion was influenced by the western

economic boom. Youth culture stopped hogging the economic boom. Youth culture stopped hogging the scene as the teenage market lost impetus. The scene as the teenage market lost impetus. The dominant market was getting older and was also dominant market was getting older and was also financially secure. Demographics changed the face financially secure. Demographics changed the face of society. People were living longer and seemed to of society. People were living longer and seemed to act younger at the same time. Old industries died, act younger at the same time. Old industries died, while new technologies developed and boomed.while new technologies developed and boomed.

Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan in the Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan in the USA celebrated presidential success with a style that USA celebrated presidential success with a style that used fashionable conspicuous clothes and social used fashionable conspicuous clothes and social events to display the affluence of American society events to display the affluence of American society to a world audience.to a world audience.

The Economy BoomThe Economy Boom The world was in flux; ever changing. The USSR relaxeThe world was in flux; ever changing. The USSR relaxe

d rules and opened up to private enterprise. The Berlin d rules and opened up to private enterprise. The Berlin wall came down and other eastern bloc countries cravewall came down and other eastern bloc countries craved western clothes and liberation.d western clothes and liberation.

In Britain Thatcherism promoted privatization and the In Britain Thatcherism promoted privatization and the idea that greed was good was given credence. Temples idea that greed was good was given credence. Temples to modern living, shopping malls sprang up throughout to modern living, shopping malls sprang up throughout Britain. Western society consumed and consumed. Britain. Western society consumed and consumed.

Right - Margaret Thatcher in her power suits. Fashion Right - Margaret Thatcher in her power suits. Fashion history records the power suit and dressing for success history records the power suit and dressing for success as the symbol of the 1980s. The best know icons of 1980as the symbol of the 1980s. The best know icons of 1980s fashion for power dressing were Mrs Thatcher and s fashion for power dressing were Mrs Thatcher and The Princess of Wales, Diana.The Princess of Wales, Diana.

Designer labels and branding gained impetus. Designer labels and branding gained impetus. Brand names became status symbols for sports gear Brand names became status symbols for sports gear and sportswear, perfumes, electrical equipment, and sportswear, perfumes, electrical equipment, cars and fashion designer goods such as clothing, cars and fashion designer goods such as clothing, bags, luggage, scarves and spectacles.bags, luggage, scarves and spectacles.

The appearance of affluence was reinforced by The appearance of affluence was reinforced by access to designer label goods.access to designer label goods.

By the mid-eighties tills rang not with cash, but the By the mid-eighties tills rang not with cash, but the increasing use of credit cards. It was all such a increasing use of credit cards. It was all such a relief to the consumer to be able to spend and relief to the consumer to be able to spend and actively be encouraged to consume after years of actively be encouraged to consume after years of recession. Clothing purchases soared. Interiors recession. Clothing purchases soared. Interiors were decorated. Showing wealth was superficially were decorated. Showing wealth was superficially powerful.powerful.

Entertainment & Humor

1980s