Back then
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back-then-ism
noun
The belief that ideas, behaviors, or knowledge from the past are inherently superior or more correct simply because they are familiar or were learned earlier in life; often used to dismiss new research, technology, or cultural change with phrases like “back in my day.”
The belief that ideas, behaviors, or knowledge from the past are inherently superior or more correct simply because they are familiar or were learned earlier in life; often used to dismiss new research, technology, or cultural change with phrases like “back in my day.”
His refusal to accept modern linguistics was pure back-then-ism—he trusted what he learned decades ago over current research.
back-then-ism by Henrik J December 31, 2025
Related Words
Back then • back-then-ism • I Will Smack YOur BAck Then Lance at Vagina ANd THen Say Get Out Of My Life • Bro didn’t have papers back then • blow your block away... then lean back... lean back... • And then Jesus came back! • <.7.9.7.6.>One day, ill find my way back to you But until then i just gotta keep<.7.9.7.6.> • the numbers on the back • The numerical back smack: The First Juvenile Release • Putting the n back in cuts
I Will Smack YOur BAck Then Lance at Vagina ANd THen Say Get Out Of My Life
Bro didn’t have papers back then
For when to describe the time in the 1800s when alcohol and smoking were classed as the same level, and you question how they had enough papers or filters to roll cigarettes.
G - Hello flatmates, you want to know something interesting? Did you know they used to class smoking and drinking as the level societally?
L - what? Bro didn’t have papers back then
L - what? Bro didn’t have papers back then
Bro didn’t have papers back then by Tiger154 December 13, 2025
blow your block away... then lean back... lean back...
blow your block away... then lean back... lean back... by Big Ballah March 15, 2005
And then Jesus came back!
A phrase added by someone who is incredulous to what is being said, either an exaggerated report or a vision. Very much akin to "and then you woke up," as in "you woke up from the dream you were having and realized, 'oh, yeah, that was just a dream.'"
Coordinator: Yah, and I'm going to make sure there are 150 people at the cookies and ice cream party, that way we'll make $500 easy.
Coordinator's helper: Yeah, and then Jesus came back!
Seminarian: Sure I helped Jim Wallis write that book "God and Politics."
Professor: Yeah, and then Jesus came back!
Coordinator's helper: Yeah, and then Jesus came back!
Seminarian: Sure I helped Jim Wallis write that book "God and Politics."
Professor: Yeah, and then Jesus came back!
And then Jesus came back! by bajgrace4u June 16, 2010
<.7.9.7.6.>One day, ill find my way back to you But until then i just gotta keep<.7.9.7.6.>
More from Urban Dictionary
Pink Cloud
12 step recovery jargon referring to someone new who talks about how great life is, now that they're sober. Usually meaning that the person is out of touch with reality.
The new guy seems pretty happy for a dude who has no job, no money and no family. He must be on a pink cloud.
Pink Cloud by toniwithaneye November 24, 2006
Word of the Day on August 18, 2026
Striver
The striver is an interesting phenomenon that is seen across college campuses. In essence, the striver is an over-achiever who comes from a working or middle class family. He may be an immigrant. He may have been a slacker in HS who was "born again" into an academic wunderkind. Or he may just be an over-achiever who is keeping at it.
The striver is willing to sacrifice his social life at the expense of Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude. The striver is the guy who stays at the library long after you are gone. The striver is the guy who takes 30 credits/semester and considers anything below an A/4.0 failure. The striver doesn't work on campus, he is too busy finding ways to pad his resume instead of working retail or workstudy. The striver lets his grades pay his education by applying to ten scholarships a year.
The striver is a future Soros/Fullbright/Rhodes/Gates/Marshall/etc. fellow. The striver lives to study. For the striver, their fun comes from the rewards they expect to receive in return for their diligence. Be it Law School, B-School, academia, or politics. The striver seeks to find the American Dream through academic success.
The striver is willing to sacrifice his social life at the expense of Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude. The striver is the guy who stays at the library long after you are gone. The striver is the guy who takes 30 credits/semester and considers anything below an A/4.0 failure. The striver doesn't work on campus, he is too busy finding ways to pad his resume instead of working retail or workstudy. The striver lets his grades pay his education by applying to ten scholarships a year.
The striver is a future Soros/Fullbright/Rhodes/Gates/Marshall/etc. fellow. The striver lives to study. For the striver, their fun comes from the rewards they expect to receive in return for their diligence. Be it Law School, B-School, academia, or politics. The striver seeks to find the American Dream through academic success.
Anthony was a striver. He transfered from a TTT to an IVY and graduated in 2 years. He studied his ass off and went to Penn Law. He got a Biglaw offer. But lost it all because of an unmoderated mesasgeboard.
Successful strivers:
- Barack Obama
- Harold Koh
Successful strivers:
- Barack Obama
- Harold Koh
Striver by URM Striver January 3, 2009
Word of the Day on August 15, 2026