Agency Dictionary

Vintage

adjectivePronunciation: /ˈvɪn.tɪdʒ/

In Portuguese: Vintage

What does “Vintage” mean?

Denoting something from the past of high quality, classic appeal, and recognized historical value. It describes analog goods, timeless aesthetic objects, and period recordings.

Etymology

From Middle English vendage, vindage, from an Anglo-Norman alteration of Old French vendenge, from Latin vindemia ('a gathering of grapes'), from vinum ('wine') and demere ('to take away, to remove'). The original sense of the year's grape harvest extended to any object of recognized period excellence.

Usage note

Vintage in its original sense refers to the year's grape harvest or the wine produced from it; in fashion and design, it describes genuine articles from an earlier period, as distinct from retro, which is a modern style imitating the past.

Synonyms

classic

Often confused with

retro: Retro describes modern objects designed to look like those from an earlier era; vintage refers to genuine articles from that era.

Usage examples

In addition to such an inspiring background, Pedro also cultivates a very inspiring hobby that not only feels vintage but also extremely exclusive.

Concept

Physical Media PreservationPhysical media preservation is the cultural practice of collecting, maintaining, and archiving tangible recorded artifacts such as vinyl records, optical discs, and…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Creative.7 - Pedro SampaioJuly 17, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

shogunatenoun: A feudal military dictatorship in Japan, headed by a shogun, in which loyalty and honour were central to its operation. The system was exclusive to Japan and did not exist in other Asian nations.
iconnoun: A simplified image that represents a thing by resembling it. In semiotics, a sign that signifies through likeness; in digital interfaces, a small picture that stands for an object or a function.
symbolismnoun: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, and the set of meanings that a form, an image or an object carries beyond its literal sense.
Monoclenoun: A single eyeglass lens designed to correct or enhance vision in one eye, held in place by the facial muscles around the eye socket.
samurainoun: A member of the warrior class of feudal Japan, bound by codes of loyalty and honour, who served under the shogunate system. In the article, the samurai class is one of the two groups with access to Noh theatre.
aestheticsnoun: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
Audiobooknoun: An audio recording of the narration of a book, enabling listening through digital playback devices.
Aûsunoun: An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
Aûsubverb: An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
bardnoun: A poet, musician, or storyteller who recites verses celebrating heroic deeds, historical events, and emotional journeys.
Bilingualadjective: Possessing the ability to speak two languages fluently, or conducted using two distinct linguistic mediums.
Catharticadjective: Providing psychological relief through the open expression and release of strong or repressed emotions.

Also from these editions: terms

Constraintnoun: A limitation, restriction, or boundary that regulates and shapes a creative or technical process. In digital engineering, constraints turn ambiguity into solvable problem parameters.
Dinosaurnoun: Informally, a person, organization, or established institution that has survived for a long time, sometimes perceived as traditional or resistant to change. In business, it highlights corporate longevity across eras.
Grungenoun: A subgenre of alternative rock characterized by distorted guitar riffs, heavy drumming, angst-filled lyrics, and an unpolished, stripped-down visual aesthetic. Popularized in Seattle, it defined nineties rock culture.
Iterationnoun: The repetition of a process or procedure in order to generate an improved version or achieve a desired outcome.
Legendaryadjective: Remarkable enough to be famous, deeply admired, and spoken of like a legend. It characterizes milestone achievements or encounters that leave an enduring impression.
Maestronoun: A distinguished conductor, composer, or master in any art or complex collaborative endeavor. Metaphorically, it describes leaders who coordinate diverse specialists into harmonic unity.
Mockupnoun: A full-scale or realistic model of a design used for demonstration, evaluation, or promotion. In digital product creation, it illustrates interface aesthetics before programming begins.
Packagingnoun: The materials, structural casing, and graphic labeling used to wrap, protect, and market physical commodities. In visual design, it communicates brand values directly at point of touch.
Satiricaladjective: Containing, using, or characterized by satire; employing irony, ridicule, or humor to expose flaws and absurdities. It serves as an incisive rhetorical device in social and design critique.
Titannoun: A person of exceptional strength, intellect, or influence in a particular professional field. In industry discourse, it designates leaders whose achievements set foundational standards.
Wearablenoun: An electronic device or smart computational accessory designed to be worn comfortably on the human body. Common forms include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and augmented reality headsets.