15 Things Gen X Did in the 90s That Our Kids Would Roast Us For

The 90s was a decade defined by unique trends and cultural shifts that Gen X embraced with open arms. From fashion choices that could double as tents to the technology that now seems laughably outdated, this era was truly one of a kind. Kids today, with their sleek gadgets and fast-paced lifestyles, might find the quirks of the 90s utterly amusing, yet it’s these very quirks that shaped an entire generation. Whether it was the struggle of recording the perfect mixtape or proudly sporting frosted tips, each memory is etched in history. Here’s a look back at 15 things Gen X did in the 90s that would surely leave our kids in stitches.

1. Wearing JNCO Jeans or Super Wide-Leg Pants

Wearing JNCO Jeans or Super Wide-Leg Pants
© nquintalp

The epitome of 90s fashion, JNCO jeans were loved for their dramatic flair. Those wide-legged wonders made every sidewalk feel like a runway. Many recall the sensation of fabric swishing with every step, while some might even remember getting a leg snagged on an escalator! The wider, the better was the motto, making you feel both stylish and rebellious.

Did you know? JNCO stands for “Judge None Choose One,” a slogan that perfectly captured the free-spirited attitude of the decade. Though these pants might seem excessive now, they were once a staple in every teenager’s wardrobe. The sight of these jeans today would likely prompt giggles, but back then, they were sheer genius.

2. Recording Songs Off the Radio on Cassette Tapes

Recording Songs Off the Radio on Cassette Tapes
© Etsy

Ah, the art of capturing tunes off the radio! It was a dance of fingers, poised over the record button, hoping not to miss the opening beats. Every cassette had its personality, a collection of hits interspersed with DJ chatter or abrupt fades. For many, this was the ultimate form of personalization, long before playlists were a click away.

Remember the heartbreak when a call came through, interrupting your perfect recording session? Despite the challenges, these tapes were cherished compilations, each hiss and pop a testament to dedication. Kids today might laugh at the primitive method, but for us, it was pure magic.

3. Flexing a Pager Like It Was an iPhone

Flexing a Pager Like It Was an iPhone
© SweetOnigiri

Pagers were the pinnacle of coolness in the 90s. Strutting around with one clipped to your belt was akin to flashing the latest smartphone today. They beeped and buzzed, signaling messages that demanded immediate attention, even if they were just your friend saying “hi.”

In a pre-texting world, pagers were a lifeline, a way to stay connected without the luxury of emojis or GIFs. The simple thrill of receiving a page was unmatched. While today’s kids might chuckle at the thought, to us, they symbolized freedom and a slight touch of mystery, signaling a world beyond our immediate grasp.

4. Thinking a 1.44MB Floppy Disk Was the Future

Thinking a 1.44MB Floppy Disk Was the Future
© PCL Publications

Back in the 90s, the floppy disk was a marvel of technology. With 1.44MB of storage, it could hold documents, pictures, and the occasional game. The sound of a computer accepting a floppy was music to our ears. It was portable, reliable, and felt like a slice of the future.

Yet, in today’s world of terabytes and cloud storage, the humble floppy seems almost laughable. Could you imagine trying to store even a single selfie on it? Despite its limitations, it was a beloved companion in our digital adventures. The thought of kids roasting us for it now is both amusing and endearing.

5. Walking Around with a CD Walkman (and Hoping It Didn’t Skip)

Walking Around with a CD Walkman (and Hoping It Didn’t Skip)
© retrospektshop

The CD Walkman was a 90s icon, offering a portable soundtrack for every mood. Yet, walking with one required a steady hand and smooth steps to prevent dreaded skips. Anti-skip technology was a blessing, but not foolproof, making every step an exercise in caution.

Despite these challenges, the joy of a personal music experience was unparalleled. Each mixed CD was a curated masterpiece, reflecting personal tastes and emotions. Today’s streaming services offer convenience, but they can’t replicate the magic of a perfectly timed playlist on a Walkman. Our kids might snicker, but we walked to our own beat.

6. Taking 24 Photos and Waiting a Week to See If Any Were Good

Taking 24 Photos and Waiting a Week to See If Any Were Good
© ohsocult

Capturing moments in the 90s was an adventure. With film cameras, every click was a mystery waiting to be unveiled. After taking photos, there was the anxious wait for development, followed by the joy—or disappointment—of the final reveal.

More often than not, eyes were closed, heads were turned, or blurs obscured smiles. Yet, each photo held a charm, a snapshot of life in its most candid form. Unlike today’s instant gratification, the anticipation was part of the fun. Kids now might find the process tedious, but we cherished every imperfect frame.

7. Memorizing Phone Numbers and Using a Landline

Memorizing Phone Numbers and Using a Landline
© trnh5168

Before smartphones, memorizing phone numbers was an essential skill. Each number was a melody of beeps and clicks, drilled into memory through sheer repetition. Landlines were the communication lifeline, often shared by the whole family.

Calling friends meant negotiating busy signals and the dreaded prospect of a sibling picking up. Privacy was a luxury, and conversations were battles against time limits imposed by parents. In today’s world of instant contact, this might seem archaic, but it taught us endurance and creativity. Now, our kids might struggle to remember a single number.

8. Burning a Custom Mix CD and Writing on It with a Sharpie

Burning a Custom Mix CD and Writing on It with a Sharpie
© Mike van Schoonderwalt

Crafting the perfect mix CD was both an art and a science. Each track was handpicked to convey a message or evoke a mood. Once burned, the CD became a canvas for personal expression, often labeled with heartfelt messages or doodles.

The process was a labor of love, from choosing the songs to ensuring they fit within the CD’s constraints. Giving someone a mix CD was the ultimate gesture, a carefully curated gift of sound. Today’s digital playlists might be convenient, but they lack the tangible touch of a Sharpie-adorned masterpiece.

9. Wearing Flannel Shirts Over Everything (Even in Summer)

Wearing Flannel Shirts Over Everything (Even in Summer)
© sammirzzzxxx

Flannel was synonymous with 90s style, a nod to the grunge movement that swept the decade. These shirts were worn with pride, draped over anything and everything. Even in the sweltering heat, a flannel shirt was the epitome of cool.

Whether tied around the waist or worn open, flannel was a rebellion against polished fashion. It was comfort and style fused into one iconic garment. Today’s kids might question the wisdom of layering in summer, but to us, it was a badge of honor, symbolizing an era of musical and cultural revolution.

10. Taping TV Shows on VHS So You Could Watch Later

Taping TV Shows on VHS So You Could Watch Later
© Pinterest

The struggle to catch every episode of a favorite show led to the ingenious solution of recording on VHS. Programming the VCR was both a challenge and a triumph, a skill that required patience and precision.

Each tape was labeled meticulously, though tragedies struck when someone taped over a beloved moment. Watching recorded shows was a joy, allowing us to relive episodes at leisure. While our kids might laugh at the primitive technology, they’ll never know the thrill of a perfect recording or the heartbreak of accidental erasure.

11. Storing Everything in Trapper Keepers

Storing Everything in Trapper Keepers
© jeseniaarce

Trapper Keepers were more than just binders; they were fashion statements. With vibrant designs and organizational genius, they held everything from homework to secret notes. Each Velcro snap was a satisfying assurance of order.

These binders were personalized to reflect individuality, a precursor to today’s digital profiles. Opening one was like unveiling a curated museum of a student’s life. Though they might seem quaint now, they were revolutionary in their time. Kids today may never understand the joy of a perfectly organized Trapper Keeper, but to us, they were the epitome of scholastic style.

12. Blowing Into Nintendo Cartridges to Make Them Work

Blowing Into Nintendo Cartridges to Make Them Work
© jerodtb

The ritual of blowing into Nintendo cartridges is iconic. Though scientifically questionable, it was an act of faith, believed to coax stubborn games into action. For many, the familiar puff of air was a prelude to hours of gaming joy.

This quirky habit became a cultural touchstone, uniting gamers in shared experience. Whether it was the hiss of breath or the satisfying click of insertion, each attempt was infused with hope. Kids today, with their seamless digital downloads, might find it amusing, but to us, it was a testament to perseverance.

13. Using Sun-In Hair Lightener or Frosted Tips Gel

Using Sun-In Hair Lightener or Frosted Tips Gel
© VAGA magazine

In a bid to emulate pop stars, many teens turned to Sun-In and frosted tips. These products promised sun-kissed hair, a streak of rebellion in every strand. The result was often a spectrum of orange and blonde, a testament to daring experimentation.

Applying Sun-In was a ritual, the citrus smell mingling with summer air. It was a transformation process, a temporary dive into boldness. Even with mixed results, the effort was celebrated. Though today’s kids might roll their eyes at the uneven hues, they were milestones of personal style exploration.

14. Waiting All Day for MTV to Play Your Favorite Music Video

Waiting All Day for MTV to Play Your Favorite Music Video
© kshaysmith0960

MTV was the heartbeat of 90s music culture. Waiting for a favorite music video was an exercise in anticipation, often requiring hours in front of the TV. When the awaited video finally aired, it was a moment of pure elation.

The unpredictability of MTV’s playlist was both thrilling and frustrating. Each video was a visual feast, a chance to see beloved artists in action. While today’s kids enjoy on-demand access, they miss the shared excitement of a surprise airing. For us, it was a communal experience, bonding over the beats of a generation.

15. Sipping on Surge, Crystal Pepsi, or Clearly Canadian

Sipping on Surge, Crystal Pepsi, or Clearly Canadian
© thrillist

Sugary sodas like Surge, Crystal Pepsi, and Clearly Canadian were the fuel of the 90s. Each sip was a burst of flavor, a sweet indulgence that defined social gatherings. These drinks were more than just refreshments; they were pop culture icons.

Surge was known for its intense citrus taste, while Crystal Pepsi offered a clear alternative in the cola world. Clearly Canadian provided a more refined sip, with its bubbly fruit flavors. Though today’s health-conscious kids might balk at the sugar content, these beverages hold a nostalgic charm, forever linked to a carefree era.

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