Skip to main content
Urban Dictionary Merch
Your favorite words on things you can wear, drink from, read, or give to a friend.
The Urban Dictionary Store sells gifts you’ll have to explain.

Retrofuturism

Retrofuturism (also known as Chronopunk) is a genre where the past and future collide—combining historical elements with futuristic technology, culture, or society, or vice versa (a future where old tech is used). This fusion often creates unique, visually striking worlds where knights wield plasma swords, post-apocalyptic survivors repurpose ancient machines, or neon-lit cities exist alongside old-world traditions.

While not always dystopian, hope and rebellion are often major themes in Chronopunk, as characters challenge oppressive systems, rediscover lost knowledge, or fight for survival in worlds that blend the old and the new.

Examples of Retrofuturism / Chronopunk in Media:
🎥 Movies & TV Shows:
Star Wars (Medieval empires + futuristic space travel)
Nimona (Medieval kingdom + sci-fi tech)
Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts (Post-apocalypse + advanced mutations)
Arcane (Steampunk meets cyberpunk with magic)
The 5th Element (High-tech future with ancient mythologies)
Avatar (The Blue People) (Traditional tribal culture meets advanced technology)
The 100 (Post-apocalyptic societies rebuilding with old-world & future tech)
Nimona is a perfect example of Chronopunk, blending medieval castles with futuristic technology to create a unique Retrofuturism aesthetic.
Retrofuturism by AuranBaine February 17, 2025
More from Urban Dictionary

fauxstalgia 

Faux nostalgia. Faking old things in an attempt to recapture the feeling of times gone past, especially of technology that has passed.
Hipstamatic pictures, just like the vinyl-static added to digital recordings, is prime fauxstalgia
fauxstalgia by scotte61 December 16, 2010
Word of the Day on October 15, 2026

pajama casual 

Pajama casual is a term used when working from home and preparing for a video conference. All business above the waist and your pajama pants down below.
We have a Zoom meeting in a few minutes and I’ll probably go pajama casual.
pajama casual by jrod-knows March 31, 2020
Word of the Day on October 14, 2026

funflation 

The recent boom in consumer spending on entertainment and experiences with a high demand running up the cost of enjoying of those experiences.
I’m trying to go to this Taylor Swift concert but the funflation has made it so impossible for me to afford tickets.
funflation by Dfree523 November 17, 2023
Word of the Day on October 13, 2026
A US deep south term for an alligator. Usually used in the Cajun dialect.
Take the big pirogue, I saw a huge swamp dog out there earlier.
swamp dog by Crystal Ambrose May 22, 2006
Word of the Day on October 12, 2026

Throat Sweats 

The feeling and build up in your mouth/throat of saliva that sometimes accompanies nausea.
Oh man those burritos gave me the throat sweats, I hope I don’t have food poisoning.
Throat Sweats by TacoFings420 April 23, 2024
Word of the Day on October 11, 2026
Load more