The term old school is of English origin and dates back to at least the 19th Century and is used to denote something that is considered to be out of date with currents trends/ideas and thinking. An early example of the term can be found in the Charles Dickens novel Bleak House (first published 1852).
Description of Mr. Tulkinghorn from the novel Bleak House. "He is of what is called the old school—a phrase generally meaning any school that seems never to have been young".
by Blake311 August 05, 2009
One of those cute phrases that go from being hip to being hopeless in a very short time. When fat check-out women in Doritos adverts start using it, you know it's about as cool as a set of false teeth. Anyway, what's so great about suggesting that someone was educated in the Charles Dickens era?
by Hunthill February 05, 2007
Anything that is from an earlier era and looked upon with high regard or respect. Can be used to refer to music, clothing, language, or anything really.
by cazort April 01, 2004
Anything that refers to a previous generation of a subject/idea/object/etc. Typically, they are highly regarded and sometimes the very thing that started it all.
Guy: Damn, Super Mario Bros. The gameplay is old school.
Kid: These graphics suck. Where is the life meter?
Guy: What you say boy? *five across the eye*
Kid: These graphics suck. Where is the life meter?
Guy: What you say boy? *five across the eye*
by Chi Nou June 07, 2005
"I lost my credit card, so I have been old schooling it all weekend."
"The restaurant doesn't take credit cards, so we are gonna have to old school it for dinner."
"The restaurant doesn't take credit cards, so we are gonna have to old school it for dinner."
by Naptown85 March 31, 2010
from back in the day
by Ed April 28, 2003
A positive appellation referring to when things weren't flashy but empty of substance, were done by hard work, didn't pander to the lowest common denominator, and required real skill. Labour-saving devices, shortcuts that reduce quality and quitting before the task is done are not characteristics of "old school."
In reference to computer games, refers to a game that had substantial playability without flashy graphics or eye candy. Old school gamers appreciate difficult maneuvers, careful planning, and scorched earth policies.
In reference to role-playing games, old school refers to games that tested players' wits, could kill off careless characters, and required dedication and inner strength to play. Old school games didn't pander to the ideas that everyone is created equal, that all options are open to all races, that the markets were somehow free, and that a quasi-medieval society could have near 100% literacy.
See also classic.
In reference to computer games, refers to a game that had substantial playability without flashy graphics or eye candy. Old school gamers appreciate difficult maneuvers, careful planning, and scorched earth policies.
In reference to role-playing games, old school refers to games that tested players' wits, could kill off careless characters, and required dedication and inner strength to play. Old school games didn't pander to the ideas that everyone is created equal, that all options are open to all races, that the markets were somehow free, and that a quasi-medieval society could have near 100% literacy.
See also classic.
"What's your favorite computer game?"
"StarCrack!"
"Old School, man!"
HackMaster: old school gaming. Who's watching your back?
"StarCrack!"
"Old School, man!"
HackMaster: old school gaming. Who's watching your back?
by LWM May 30, 2008