Definitions and Antonyms
Vintage refers to items that are characteristic of an earlier era and suggests high quality. The opposite of vintage would be something that is modern, current, or fresh. To be considered vintage, an item typically must be at least 20 but no more than 100 years old.
Antiques are generally defined as items that are at least 100 years old. Items falling between 20 to 100 years old are usually classified as vintage, while retro is more about style, specifically imitating trends from the recent past, often less than 20 years ago.
Connotations and Usage
The term vintage has a positive connotation and is often associated with classic and enduring quality. On the other hand, ‘antique’ can have both positive and negative connotations; it can mean something quaint or charming, but also something outmoded or old-fashioned.
When referring to eras, "mid century modern" broadly describes architecture, furniture, and graphic design from around 1933 to 1965.
Cultural Impact and Trends
By the year 2000, the 1990s were officially classified as vintage, as a new generation began to appreciate the decade’s culture. This revival of vintage styles is fueled by nostalgia and contrasts contemporary or modern trends, which tend to look forward instead of to the past.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Vintage synonyms include terms like retro and old-fashioned, while its closest antonyms would be contemporary and hot. The word ‘retro’ itself does not have a straightforward antonym but differs from both ‘vintage’ and ‘antique’ as it primarily refers to style rather than age.