If you grew up in the '90s, it is undoubtedly a nostalgic period of your life — because, as we all know, it was a rad time to be alive. But, as with everything, there seems to be some controversy over what constitutes being a '90s kid and who qualifies for the title. Here's the thing, though: If you're a '90s kid, there are certain things you understand in a way kids who came of age in other decades simply don't. Like, for example, the following 10 "You Know You Grew Up in the '90s If" truths that are so on point, it's almost painful.
Of course, although there are many facets of growing up in the '90s that are universal (think the sound of dial-up Internet), no two experiences will ever be exactly the same. I was obsessed with the Foo Fighters, while my best friend pledged her listening allegiance to the Spice Girls. I rocked the middle part, and she stuck with the classic curled bang. While '90s kids feel a sense of solidarity in our collective nostalgia for the hallowed decade we grew up in, part of the glory of the '90s was in the nuances of individual expression.
Still, if you grew up in the '90s, it's a safe bet these 10 truths resonate with you personally — or, at the very least, remind you of that BFF. In which case, you should surely share. Just think of it as the new age version of that half-broken heart necklace.
Say it with me, now: You know you grew up in the '90s if...
1. You Are Powerless To Resist Finishing The Phrase "In West Philadelphia, Born and Raised..."
Go ahead — get your Will Smith on and rap it out. You'll get no side-eye from me, because I'm singing right along with you. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was an after-school staple for '90s kids, and that catchy theme song has long since been burned into our brains. We know every.single.word. Forever.
2. You Considered M.A.S.H. a Legitimate Way to Predict the Future
In fact, you're still waiting on that mansion you were promised back in middle school. Granted, you're kind of stoked you didn't end up with six kids crammed into you inexplicably small car choice of a two-door Porsche. Still, would it have killed the M.A.S.H. gods to actually send Jared Leto your way?
3. Sometimes, You Catch Yourself Wanting to Say "Talk to the Hand" or Shout Out "Psych!"
I mean, really, there are moments in the life of every '90s kid that simply necessitate '90s slang. It was fun, it was quirky, it was creative — in what other vernacular would "Talk to the hand!" equate to telling someone to shove off? You broke out more than one "booyah" back in the day and, er, also now.
4. You Remember Renting VHS Movies
From Blockbuster Video, no less! In fact, if you sifted through all of your nostalgia knickknacks, you may be able to dig up your old Blockbuster member card. Those were the days, eh? Similarly, you know the utter annoyance that is having to rewind tapes when you were done watching them — and getting a tape that someone else didn't rewind before returning.
5. You Know the Macarena By Heart
Every move. Every weird lyric you didn't really understand back in the '90s. The Macarena is basically the groove in your heart, regardless of what you would have other people believe. But you know and I know that if we're at a wedding and the DJ plays this tired track, we'll be rocking the Macarena in unison.
6. Most of What You Know About Science Came By Way of Bill Nye the Science Guy
If it weren't for Bill Nye, you may never have graduated. Somehow, a man who totally owned his nerdiness made even the least academic among us look forward to learning. Who knows how many science majors and subsequent scientists were the byproduct of Bill Nye the Science Guy (Bill! Bill! Bill! Bill!).
7. You Still Secretly Dream About Having Nick Take Over Your School
For as many times as I sent "the postcard" to the Nick Takes Over Your School Sweepstakes, one would think Nickelodeon would eventually make their way to my humble little school of Holly Hill Academy. Alas, 'twas not so. But, if you're anything like me, you kinda still wish it would happen — despite the fact I haven't roamed school halls for, uh, a long time. See also: I will never give up on getting slimed.
8. No Halloween Would Be Complete Without Watching Hocus Pocus
At least once. Or, you know, five times. Oh, who are we kidding? '90s kids watch Hocus Pocus every single time it comes on. We can't help ourselves. Seriously, though, can you imagine a Halloween without Binx and Bette Midler? Yeah, me neither.
9. There are Still Beanie Babies in Your Possession — and They Still Have the Tags
They may be at your parents' house or squirreled away in the attic. Or, hey, your collection may be on display in a curio cabinet. But somewhere, there are a few Beanie Babies you couldn't bear to part with. You never tore the tags off either, because you're still banking on them making you a bazillionaire one day.
10. Are You Afraid of the Dark? Totally Creeped You Out
Did I say "creeped"? I meant "creeps." 'Cause, real talk, this was/is some scary stuff. Two words, people: fire ghost. What were my parents thinking with letting me watch this nightmarish '90s programming? The list of things this show made me leery of is long and includes everything from senior citizens to soup. Yes, soup.
Images: Matt Cloutier, Jamie, Mike Licht, Dominique Godbout/Flickr; Giphy (7)
