The ’90s were a time of unforgettable trends, with unique fads that took over the lives of teens everywhere. From quirky toys to catchy dances, there was no shortage of trends that defined the decade. However, many of these fads would be met with confusion, eye rolls, or even trouble if they were revived today. In this article, we’re revisiting 10 forgotten teen fads from the ’90s that would definitely land you in hot water in today’s world. Get ready for a trip down memory lane, and see how some of the most iconic ’90s trends would be perceived in the modern era.
1. Tamagotchi Pets
In the ’90s, Tamagotchi pets were all the rage. These tiny virtual creatures required constant care and attention, and many teens became obsessed with keeping them alive. However, with the constant beeping and feeding, it often led to distracted class time and, at times, teachers getting annoyed. Today, bringing one to school would likely get you into trouble for the constant interruptions. With the rise of smartphones, this fad is mostly forgotten, but it still evokes a sense of nostalgia for the simpler times when caring for a pixelated pet was a big responsibility.
2. Slang Like “Phat” and “All That”
The ’90s were known for creating its own unique slang, and phrases like “phat” (meaning cool) and “all that” (meaning impressive) were widely used. While fun and catchy at the time, using these terms today would probably make you sound out of touch or, worse, would make others cringe. The cultural references that worked back then might be considered outdated today, and trying to revive them could result in some major eye rolls from your peers.
3. Pogs
Pogs were cardboard discs that teens used to play a game that involved stacking and slamming to win each other’s pogs. It was a huge fad in the ’90s, with nearly every teen carrying a tube full of these circular tokens. However, today, bringing pogs to school would likely get you in trouble for both distraction and potential mischief. The nostalgia for the game might be strong, but it’s definitely a fad that wouldn’t fly in modern classrooms.
4. The Macarena Dance
The Macarena was a dance craze that took over the world in the ’90s. Teens everywhere performed the catchy, repetitive moves at parties, school dances, and even in the hallways. While it was fun back then, attempting to break out the Macarena today would probably leave you in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. It’s seen as outdated and would definitely attract some laughs, but not in a good way.
5. Body Glitter and Temporary Tattoos
Body glitter and temporary tattoos were common teen accessories in the ’90s. Teens would cover their bodies in shiny sparkles, and stick-on tattoos were a fun way to express themselves. However, today, sporting glitter on your face or arm could be seen as childish or inappropriate, especially in more formal or professional settings. The trendy body art may have been harmless fun in the ’90s, but it would likely be considered distracting or even unprofessional today.
6. Beanie Babies
Beanie Babies were a huge deal in the ’90s. These stuffed animals became collector’s items, with some rare ones fetching a high price. Kids collected them with hopes that they would be worth a fortune one day. However, today, bringing a Beanie Baby to school would likely get you into trouble for disrupting class or distracting your peers. The collectible craze that surrounded Beanie Babies has long since passed, and it’s now seen as an outdated obsession that wouldn’t be tolerated in modern classrooms.
7. Lime Green Everything
In the ’90s, lime green was a popular color for fashion and accessories. From shirts and shoes to hair ties and hats, teens loved to wear bold, neon colors. However, if you wore lime green to school today, you’d likely attract a lot of attention, but not the good kind. In the modern era, bright neon colors are often reserved for more niche events or the occasional 90s-themed party. The loud and bright fashion choices that were trendy back then would be considered too flashy and distracting today.
8. Furbies
Furbies were interactive robotic toys that became a huge fad in the late ’90s. These toys would “speak” in their unique language and were a source of amusement for teens. However, the constant noise they made led to them being banned in many schools. If you brought a Furby to class today, you could expect it to be confiscated and likely get into trouble for the disruption. While they’re no longer as popular, the idea of having a talking toy in class remains a disruptive memory.
9. The “Wave” Haircut
The “wave” haircut, characterized by messy, voluminous curls, was all the rage in the ’90s, especially among teen boys. To achieve this look, teens often used an excessive amount of gel or mousse. While it might have been fashionable back then, today, the wave would be considered outdated and messy. If a teen tried to recreate the look today, it might lead to teasing or unwanted attention, and in some cases, could get them in trouble for violating dress codes at school.
10. Glow-Stick Raves
Raves in the ’90s were known for glow sticks, neon clothing, and electronic dance music. Teens would attend parties and clubs where glow sticks were handed out and waved in the air to the beat of the music. In today’s world, this type of rave culture is not as mainstream, and bringing glow sticks to a school or public event would likely get you in trouble. It would be seen as disruptive or inappropriate, and schools are much more strict about event policies and safety today.
