oldschool

Oldschool is a term used to describe practices, styles, or objects that are traditional or characteristic of an earlier era. It emphasizes a sense of authenticity, straightforwardness, and craftsmanship, and is often used to contrast with contemporary or trend-driven approaches.

Linguistically, the phrase originates in American English and has been in common use since the mid-20th century. The hyphenated form old-school is widely used in formal writing, while the unhyphenated form oldschool appears in branding and casual online contexts.

In culture and media, old school is applied to music genres such as early hip hop, funk, and jazz; to gaming and computing, referring to retro hardware and simple interfaces; to fashion, signifying vintage or retro styles; and to sports and education, invoking traditional training methods and discipline.

The term carries nostalgia and respect for past methods, but it can also imply resistance to change or romanticization of the past. In practice, old school can be a descriptor, a subjective value judgment, or a community identity that endorses certain standards or aesthetics.