Life
15 Things You Did To Be Cool In The '90s
There's no doubt about it: A lot has changed in the last few decades. The things you did in the '90s to be cool, for example, would look flat-out ridiculous these days — but that doesn't mean we don't look back on them fondly. Growing up in the '90s taught us a lot, because nothing fosters patience like waiting for your dial-up to connect; furthermore, nothing teaches determination like having to flip through the pages of TV Guide to figure out when your favorite show is going to be on. Ah, memories of a bygone and significantly less plugged-in age!
I didn't have a ton of friends growing up, which only made me try harder to fit in. So I remember, a little too clearly, all the things '90s kids did that made them cool. And if I could go back, I don't think I'd trade the pogs and Game Boys of the '90s for any other decade's hot items — because nothing felt better than coming home after a long day of mental math and recess and being able to throw your hair in a scrunchie and watch an episode of Doug. Did you hang in the cool crowd in the '90s? You probably remember these 15 must-haves. Let's take a trip down Memory Lane.
1. You Made Cootie Catchers
We used them to predict our future and solve some of life's toughest riddles, like who we should sit with at lunch.
2. AOL Instant Messenger
You got 10 extra cool points for away messages like, "Out with friends." It meant you actually had friends.
3. You Didn't Text — You Passed Notes
But you had to make sure everyone saw you doing it, so they knew how interesting your life was.
4. You Watched MTV Music Videos, Back When MTV Still Played Music Videos
And "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio was at the top of your list.
5. You Wore Stirrup Pants
Because you were too busy being cool to worry about pant legs that kept sliding up.
6. You Tried To Dress Like Her
Blossom knew what was up.
7. And You Talked About How Hot They Were
The Lawrence brothers. They were the bomb.
8. You Owned A Pair Of Jelly Shoes
Or maybe 20 pairs of jelly shoes.
9. You Used All The Cool Lingo
And accompanying gestures.
10. You Didn't Have Regular Markers
You had Mr. Sketch scented markers.
11. You Could Recite The Entire Theme Song To Fresh Prince
Innnn West Philadelphia, born and raised...
12. You At Least Pretended To Find the Picture
Even though you never could.
13. Regular Phones Were For Losers
You preferred to gossip on one of these.
14. You Had A Plentiful Collection Of Stick-On Earrings
A girl could never have too many.
15. You Took Pictures... With A Disposable Camera
And everyone always looked like a ghost because the flash was too bright.
