I think it's about the middle of 1991 to early 1994. The early '90s/late '80s were like mid-1989 to early-mid 1991, or even from 1988-1989.

The transition is:

Mid 1986-Mid 1988: The Early Late '80s
Late 1988-Early/Mid 1991: The Full House '80s/The Vanilla Ice Era (Less Late '80s)
Mid/Late 1991-Early 1994: The Early '90s (Grunge '90s)

IMO, I think the eary '90s sort of overlap all of 1994 and very early 1995.

I think there is a general consensus that the early 90's were from 91-94.

What were the cultural events that triggered it? Well to me personally, being an old time grunger and huge Nirvana fan, I'd say the early 90's started with Neverminds release in late September of 1991, though the band had a been polishing there act in the Northwest for some time already (perhaps the 90's began in Seattle in 88! ;)) Nirvana pretty much opened the flood gates to a musical and cultural revolution. Contrary to popular opinion, they did not annihilate hair metal, it was on a steady decline since 1988, Nirvana just discarded the last remnants. Also in 91 alot of 80's staples were fading fast, the Cosby show and Cheers were on the decline. Newer shows like Step by Step and Family Matters(though it premiered in 89, it was a 90's show) Seinfeld as well, were on the rise. The Simpsons were at there 90's peak.

The end of the early 90's was signaled by Kurts death obviously, it quickly eliminated the reluctant leader. Also the OJ chase and trial began to usher in the era of 24 hour cable news, basically a demand for news and information all the time that spurred the rise of the internet.

1990-1993.

Technically: 1990-early 1993
Pop Culturally: mid-1991 to early 1994
Extended Early '90s: 1989-1996

Technically: 1990-early 1993
Pop Culturally: mid-1991 to early 1994
Extended Early '90s: 1989-1996


What is the extended early '90s? I never saw any connection between 1996 and 1989 really.

Technically: 1990-early 1993
Pop Culturally: mid-1991 to early 1994
Extended Early '90s: 1989-1996


Agreed. Just curious though, because I've been mulling it over lately: would you consider 1993 to be at all '80s-like? It's largely considered the year '80s styled music completely disappeared from the pop charts (esp. hair metal, around mid 1992) and the Grunge era peaked, but in a weird way, it still kind of is if you know what I mean.

'93 is weird. ;)

Agreed. Just curious though, because I've been mulling it over lately: would you consider 1993 to be at all '80s-like? It's largely considered the year '80s styled music completely disappeared from the pop charts (esp. hair metal, around mid 1992) and the Grunge era peaked, but in a weird way, it still kind of is if you know what I mean.

'93 is weird. ;)


It is, it's in between the early and mid '90s really.

Agreed. Just curious though, because I've been mulling it over lately: would you consider 1993 to be at all '80s-like? It's largely considered the year '80s styled music completely disappeared from the pop charts (esp. hair metal, around mid 1992) and the Grunge era peaked, but in a weird way, it still kind of is if you know what I mean.

'93 is weird. ;)


1993 is actually slightly '80s. Wayne's World, for instance, is a very Eighties movie, and even the first Ace Ventura has some of that vibe (for instance Jim Carrey's haircut  ;D)

1993 is actually slightly '80s. Wayne's World, for instance, is a very Eighties movie, and even the first Ace Ventura has some of that vibe (for instance Jim Carrey's haircut  ;D)


It still probably had a little bit of '80s left in it.

It still probably had a little bit of '80s left in it.


The first half of a decade always has traces of the previous decade, because its foundation is laid largely upon the previous decade.

It still probably had a little bit of '80s left in it.


That's weird, I guess it did. Evem that "over the top action/adventure/comedy" seems to be a sort of action hero thing kids really dug in the '80s (ala: Ghostbusters). I was thinking about 1994 too and heck, I'd argue even the music from then was somewhat '80s in an updated form. "The Sign" by Ace of Base. Even guys like Phil Collins were still on the charts ("Everyday" sounds kinda 1989ish soft pop/rock).

That's weird, I guess it did. Evem that "over the top action/adventure/comedy" seems to be a sort of action hero thing kids really dug in the '80s (ala: Ghostbusters). I was thinking about 1994 too and heck, I'd argue even the music from then was somewhat '80s in an updated form. "The Sign" by Ace of Base. Even guys like Phil Collins were still on the charts ("Everyday" sounds kinda 1989ish soft pop/rock).


I would say as late as early 1997 the '80s way of life hung around. I remember back around then my neighbors still built forts, digged Super Mario 3 and trick or treating was still all the rage. We also had a dial TV up to at least 1995 probably.

That's weird, I guess it did. Evem that "over the top action/adventure/comedy" seems to be a sort of action hero thing kids really dug in the '80s (ala: Ghostbusters). I was thinking about 1994 too and heck, I'd argue even the music from then was somewhat '80s in an updated form. "The Sign" by Ace of Base. Even guys like Phil Collins were still on the charts ("Everyday" sounds kinda 1989ish soft pop/rock).


I think 1995 is the first year totally removed from the '80s, also 1995 is the very earliest beginnings of the modern era.

I would say as late as early 1997 the '80s way of life hung around. I remember back around then my neighbors still built forts, digged Super Mario 3 and trick or treating was still all the rage. We also had a dial TV up to at least 1995 probably.


True. The '80s themselves weren't cool, at all, but the technology and daily life was very little changed from, let's say, 1989 by that point. Sort of like how even though the '90s are slipping away more and more now ( :( ), 1997 or 99's way of life is more or less the same as 2006's.

True. The '80s themselves weren't cool, at all, but the technology and daily life was very little changed from, let's say, 1989 by that point. Sort of like how even though the '90s are slipping away more and more now ( :( ), 1997 or 99's way of life is more or less the same as 2006's.


I'm of the opinion that the '90s idea of "cool" is much closer to the '00s idea of cool (although it's really overrated how similar they are), but closer to the '80s in terms of what the "world" was like.  The '90s were more urban than the '80s, but they were very suburban and the technology boom of the '90s really centered around the end of the decade.

I'm of the opinion that the '90s idea of "cool" is much closer to the '00s idea of cool (although it's really overrated how similar they are), but closer to the '80s in terms of what the "world" was like.  The '90s were more urban than the '80s, but they were very suburban and the technology boom of the '90s really centered around the end of the decade.


Well put. I'd say 1990-97 was probably more '80s world-esque, and 1998+ is more 2006 world-esque.

But what was cool, or how the "average" (although I hate using that term 'cause we're all different) teenager acted in even 1994 is probably more like today than it was to how one in 1987 acted.

Well put. I'd say 1990-97 was probably more '80s world-esque, and 1998+ is more 2006 world-esque.

But what was cool, or how the "average" (although I hate using that term 'cause we're all different) teenager acted in even 1994 is probably more like today than it was to how one in 1987 acted.


Would you say 1998 is the last year that rings "dated" when you say it?  For some reason, when somebody says 1999, it doesn't really sound odd, since it's a futuristic-sounding year (despite being nearly a decade ago!), but 1998, the year and the date actually seem pretty dated by 2006 standards. In some ways, it really does seem almost as close to the late '80s as now.

Would you say 1998 is the last year that rings "dated" when you say it?  For some reason, when somebody says 1999, it doesn't really sound odd, since it's a futuristic-sounding year (despite being nearly a decade ago!), but 1998, the year and the date actually seem pretty dated by 2006 standards. In some ways, it really does seem almost as close to the late '80s as now.


As much as it pains me to say it, I'd have to agree. It's not dated in that "totally irrelevant" sense, but it's still to the point of not being current, or perhaps being the first year with some "forgotten" stuff. 1999 still does seem current for the most part, maybe 'cause that's when the world started to really become like it is now (even if the Internet wasn't quite essential, basically everyone used it by then, etc).

As much as it pains me to say it, I'd have to agree. It's not dated in that "totally irrelevant" sense, but it's still to the point of not being current, or perhaps being the first year with some "forgotten" stuff. 1999 still does seem current for the most part, maybe 'cause that's when the world started to really become like it is now (even if the Internet wasn't quite essential, basically everyone used it by then, etc).


1998 is also the last year that felt "authentically" '90s, as opposed to 1999, 2000, and early 2001, which were '90s in a way, but didn't really feel like the '90s, if that makes any sense. 1998 is the last year that really seems like a part of the 20th Century, in a way (although IMO the 21st Century really began somewhere between 1986 and 1998).

As much as it pains me to say it, I'd have to agree. It's not dated in that "totally irrelevant" sense, but it's still to the point of not being current, or perhaps being the first year with some "forgotten" stuff. 1999 still does seem current for the most part, maybe 'cause that's when the world started to really become like it is now (even if the Internet wasn't quite essential, basically everyone used it by then, etc).


Have you seen that car insurance commercial where they say "Welcome to the 21st Century"?  I was just thinking, how dated it will look in 2050 or 2080.  ;D

1998 is also the last year that felt "authentically" '90s, as opposed to 1999, 2000, and early 2001, which were '90s in a way, but didn't really feel like the '90s, if that makes any sense. 1998 is the last year that really seems like a part of the 20th Century, in a way (although IMO the 21st Century really began somewhere between 1986 and 1998).


Would you agree 1985 is sort of the last year that feels completely 20th Century (it was the last pre-CD year, too I think)? A still very, very modern 20th Century, but still 20th.

You could make a case for the 21st starting in 1986, 1991/92, or 1999.

Would you agree 1985 is sort of the last year that feels completely 20th Century (it was the last pre-CD year, too I think)? A still very, very modern 20th Century, but still 20th.

You could make a case for the 21st starting in 1986, 1991/92, or 1999.


I would. 1985 was very 20th Century. 1986 was quite futuristic, in a very, very primitive way. For instance computers were quite prevalent by then.

Of course, 2006 is probably also 20th/21st transitional too. I'm sure 1906 seemed quite 20th Century compared to 1885.

Would you say 1998 is the last year that rings "dated" when you say it?  For some reason, when somebody says 1999, it doesn't really sound odd, since it's a futuristic-sounding year (despite being nearly a decade ago!), but 1998, the year and the date actually seem pretty dated by 2006 standards. In some ways, it really does seem almost as close to the late '80s as now.


1998 does seem fairly dated now.

I would. 1985 was very 20th Century. 1986 was quite futuristic, in a very, very primitive way. For instance computers were quite prevalent by then.

Of course, 2006 is probably also 20th/21st transitional too. I'm sure 1906 seemed quite 20th Century compared to 1885.


True, I bet when viewed from a 2100 persepctive (heck, we could all sign on to do that if we're still alive then ;D ), the 1986-2015 or '20ish era will probably be looked at as transitional.

True, I bet when viewed from a 2100 persepctive (heck, we could all sign on to do that if we're still alive then ;D ), the 1986-2015 or '20ish era will probably be looked at as transitional.


Yeah they will probably view the late 20th/early 21st century as part of the same general era.

True, I bet when viewed from a 2100 persepctive (heck, we could all sign on to do that if we're still alive then ;D ), the 1986-2015 or '20ish era will probably be looked at as transitional.


I wonder how primitive our 21st Century will look to someone in 2070 or 2090.

Yeah they will probably view the late 20th/early 21st century as part of the same general era.


Just like I can't tell the difference between 1890 and 1910.

I wonder how primitive our 21st Century will look to someone in 2070 or 2090.


Today will probably be very primitive to someone that far in the future.

Today will probably be very primitive to someone that far in the future.


They'd probably see our "advanced 21st Century" lifestyle as a joke.  ;D

Just like I can't tell the difference between 1890 and 1910.


Yeah that's true, really anything pre 1920s still seems much like the late 1800s to me.

I wonder how primitive our 21st Century will look to someone in 2070 or 2090.


I think almost anyone can pick out the 19th Century from the 20th because so freakin' much changed in ways of life and inventions. Just 1895 to 1915 was massive. But I doubt the same will be true for 20th to 21st.

Do you think some kid in 2070 will say, "Gee, wasn't the Internet some old thing nobody's used since the 20th Century?" before his dad says, "No, it actually was a part of the world until around 2040." ;D

They'd probably see our "advanced 21st Century" lifestyle as a joke.  ;D


;D

I think almost anyone can pick out the 19th Century from the 20th because so freakin' much changed in ways of life and inventions. Just 1895 to 1915 was massive. But I doubt the same will be true for 20th to 21st.

Do you think some kid in 2070 will say, "Gee, wasn't the Internet some old thing nobody's used since the 20th Century?" before his dad says, "No, it actually was a part of the world until around 2040." ;D


You know what's funny? If you watch a movie from the 1940s, you'd expect people to live in shacks, right?  ;D  But actually, they have electric lighting, plumbing, breakfast cereal, and even black and white TV!  The 1930s are probably more like the 2000s than the 1900s.

The very early 20th Century, like before 1915 is quite 1800s-like, but even 1905 is more modern than 1885.

You know what's funny? If you watch a movie from the 1940s, you'd expect people to live in shacks, right?  ;D  But actually, they have electric lighting, plumbing, breakfast cereal, and even black and white TV!  The 1930s are probably more like the 2000s than the 1900s.

The very early 20th Century, like before 1915 is quite 1800s-like, but even 1905 is more modern than 1885.


Yeah, it perhaps just seems unmodern and "grandpa-like" because it predates rock and roll/teen culture as we know it, but the way of living was pretty modern actually. That was when it got pretty clivilized I think - i.e. almost everyone started having cars, indoor plumbing.

Yeah, it perhaps just seems unmodern and "grandpa-like" because it predates rock and roll/teen culture as we know it, but the way of living was pretty modern actually. That was when it got pretty clivilized I think - i.e. almost everyone started having cars, indoor plumbing.


The attitude of that era was very old-fashioned though.

The attitude of that era was very old-fashioned though.


Definitely. I actually think the modern attitude and political era started around 1967. Before that seems pretty antiquated, just in lack of rights for blacks, women, etc.

Definitely. I actually think the modern attitude and political era started around 1967. Before that seems pretty antiquated, just in lack of rights for blacks, women, etc.


It didn't completely shape into the present form until 1991 or 1992; that's when apartheid and the women's rights movements ended.

It didn't completely shape into the present form until 1991 or 1992; that's when apartheid and the women's rights movements ended.


I think part of it was just that people started giving up...

Yeah, 1900 to 1930 was amazingly, amazingly different. Just all the little modern conveniences that came out then-breakfast cereal, toothpaste, toilet paper, cars, comic books, etc. I think the 20th to 21st century lifestyles will be fairly similar (though some future-minded, VR touting people in the '00s think differently probably), and that the 21st century really began in 1986.

1993 was still a little bit '80s in the way that 2003 and 1983 were still a little bit '90s and '70s, respectively. Like at the time people didn't think of it that way, but it was really still sort of neo-'80s in many ways, even if the '90s began in the middle of 1991 with the cold war really being over and had started happening since 1988, even.

I think it's about the middle of 1991 to early 1994. The early '90s/late '80s were like mid-1989 to early-mid 1991, or even from 1988-1989.

The transition is:

Mid 1986-Mid 1988: The Early Late '80s
Late 1988-Early/Mid 1991: The Full House '80s/The Vanilla Ice Era (Less Late '80s)
Mid/Late 1991-Early 1994: The Early '90s (Grunge '90s)




I totally agree. The 1988-1991 time peroid IMO really is an era all its own. It's both late '80s and early '90s and very distinctive. I'd say the "early '90s" would be Mid 1991-Mid 1994 with the "mid '90s" vibe picking up in the summer of '94.

I totally agree. The 1988-1991 time peroid IMO really is an era all its own. It's both late '80s and early '90s and very distinctive. I'd say the "early '90s" would be Mid 1991-Mid 1994 with the "mid '90s" vibe picking up in the summer of '94.


Yeah...1988-early 1991 was very unique, with its cheesy dance music, corny old school hip-hop crazes, Afro-pride, and the impending explosion of alt rock being pretty obvious after Green, Daydream Nation, Doolittle, etc.

1900-1930 was still very urban though, there literally was no suburban lifestyle. People either lived in the cities or in the "country" and America was just vast expanses of land in between all cities. Even areas that were only 20-30 minutes outside of NY was the country, usually either farmland or retreats for the wealthy, now it's dense suburbs.

The country was also in the process of being paved, people were still pretty far apart.

There wasn't much of a middle class either.

1900-1930 was still very urban though, there literally was no suburban lifestyle. People either lived in the cities or in the "country" and America was just vast expanses of land in between all cities. Even areas that were only 20-30 minutes outside of NY was the country, usually either farmland or retreats for the wealthy, now it's dense suburbs.

The country was also in the process of being paved, people were still pretty far apart.

There wasn't much of a middle class either.


The 1920s did see the rapid growth of the suburbs and middle-class, though, which in a smaller way had been happening since the 1870s.

you're right about the 20's, and the Model T as well as increased public transportation helped that, it made the country smaller. but there was still no cohesive suburban lifestyle like in the 80's, suburbs weren't organized for the most part. You didn't have the tract home development until the 40's or so.

I would say early 90s is from 1992-mid 1995. 1990 and 1991 are still very 80s.

I would say early 90s is from 1992-1994. 1990 and 1991 are still very 80s.


I think 1993 was what 1983 and 2003 were to their respective decades, in that what was remaining of the previous decade sort of died off, with the gangsta rap coming out that year.

I think 1993 was what 1983 and 2003 were to their respective decades, in that what was remaining of the previous decade sort of died off, with the gangsta rap coming out that year.




1992 was still in the circa 1980s world, even if the pop culture was primarily '90s. 1990 and to a lesser extent 1991 belong to the late '80s era.

1992 was still in the circa 1980s world, even if the pop culture was primarily '90s. 1990 and to a lesser extent 1991 belong to the late '80s era.


I think 1991, with the release of lots of very '90s music, belonged more to the '90s than the '80s, since the '80s elements of culture were so paltry at that point. 1993 was sort of unique, it was very early '90s culturally but like a "less '80s" version of them.

I think 1991, with the release of lots of very '90s music, belonged more to the '90s than the '80s, since the '80s elements of culture were so paltry at that point. 1993 was sort of unique, it was very early '90s culturally but like a "less '80s" version of them.


January-May 1991: Eighties
June-August 1991: Neither:
September-Dec 1991: Very Nineties

January-May 1991: Eighties
June-August 1991: Neither:
September-Dec 1991: Very Nineties


I think in some ways 1988 and 1989 had more truly '90s seeming things than 1990 and early 1991. That period was very campy, Vanilla Ice late '80s, while there was alot of more substantial rap, dance music, and alt rock from '88 and '89 that seemed '90s. Also, movies from around 1988 and 1989 had alot of '90s-esque social commentary. TV of 1990 was about split.

I think in some ways 1988 and 1989 had more truly '90s seeming things than 1990 and early 1991. That period was very campy, Vanilla Ice late '80s, while there was alot of more substantial rap, dance music, and alt rock from '88 and '89 that seemed '90s. Also, movies from around 1988 and 1989 had alot of '90s-esque social commentary. TV of 1990 was about split.


1990 and 1991 were extremely cheesy.

Look at this Energizer Bunny commercial from the early '90s. This one seems to define the early '90s atmosphere.

http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/579/

The first half of a decade always has traces of the previous decade, because its foundation is laid largely upon the previous decade.
That's True

Would you agree 1985 is sort of the last year that feels completely 20th Century (it was the last pre-CD year, too I think)? A still very, very modern 20th Century, but still 20th.

You could make a case for the 21st starting in 1986, 1991/92, or 1999.
92' is good

Early 90's: 1990-1993
Mid 90's: 1994-1996
Late 90's: 1997-1999

Early 90's: 1990-1993
Mid 90's: 1994-1996
Late 90's: 1997-1999
That's About Right.

Wow, didn't expect to see this get bumped, lol.

Since it's been awhile, I'll say that in the most extended sense of pop culture, the early '90s is from the premiere of The Simpsons until Kurt Cobain's death. I see it as being about the peak period of shows like Full House, Super Nintendo, and "between the decades" artists like MC Hammer, Wilson Philips, and some very late hair metal.

The crux of the early Nineties is late 1991 through 1993, I'd say.

You've also got to throw in shows like Home Improvement, Step By Step, Clarissa etc. while Full House was definitely 90's, it was an 80's show that adapted. The one's I listed before were full 90's shows with no 80's residue :)