Vintage Vocabulary: How to Speak the Jargon of Retro Cool

Hello, my fellow vintage enthusiasts! It’s your favorite vintage curator here, ready to share some knowledge about the resale, vintage, and antique world. I know that sometimes the jargon used in this industry can be overwhelming. Today I will break down some of the most common terms you might hear floating around the antique mall. So please grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s get started!

What is Patina, and Why Do We Love It?

If you’re diving into the world of vintage stuff, you’re bound to hear the term “patina” tossed around quite a bit. Patina refers to the aging and wear that occurs naturally on vintage items, such as rust on metal or faded paint on wood. Patina is a highly valued characteristic in the vintage world. Why? Because it adds character and authenticity to an item. And it’s a surefire way to tell that something is vintage or antique.

The Role of a Vintage Curator

Now that we’ve covered patina, let’s talk about the role of a vintage curator. A vintage or antique curator is a person who scours estate sales, flea markets, and garage sales to find the best vintage and antique treasures for their shop. As a vintage curator, I take pride in my ability to spot a diamond in the rough and turn it into a beautiful piece that someone will treasure for years.

Defining Antiques, Vintage, and Resale

Now, let’s get down to some of the basics. What exactly do we mean when we talk about antiques and vintage? The term “antique” generally refers to an object over 100 years old, while “vintage” typically refers to something at least 20 years old. And when we talk about “resale,” we’re referring to items that have been previously owned and are now being sold again.

Other Jargon Words to Know

Before we wrap things up, a few more jargon words are worth knowing if you’re a vintage enthusiast. Here are a few quick definitions:

Antiquing – the act of shopping for or collecting antiques.

Authentic – A vintage item is verified as an original, not a reproduction or fake.

Collectible – An item collectors seek due to its rarity or historical significance.

Ephemera – Vintage paper items such as postcards, letters, and tickets meant to be discarded after use.

Estate sale – A sale that takes place inside a home, where items are tagged for purchase, and sometimes an auction is involved.

Flea market – an outdoor market selling various goods, often including vintage and antique items.

Garage sale – a sale of personal belongings, typically held at someone’s home.

Hollywood Regency – A glamorous 1930s style with bold colors, metallic accents, and ornate details.

Interior design – The art and science of decorating a space with furniture, color, lighting, and accessories. Vintage interior design styles from different eras are of particular interest.

Kitschy – Items that are tacky or over-the-top but have a nostalgic charm.

Limited Edition – A vintage item produced in limited quantities, making it rare and valuable.

Mid-century modern – A design style that was popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a focus on functionality.

Mint Condition – Vintage items that are in pristine condition and look as if they are new.

Rarity – A vintage item that is unique or scarce, making it more valuable.

Repurposed – Vintage items that have been given a new purpose or function.

Reselling – the act of selling items that have been purchased for the purpose of reselling.

Salvage – the act of reclaiming items that have been discarded or left unused.

Secondhand – items that have been previously owned or used.

Shabby chic – A decorative style that combines vintage, rustic, and feminine elements to create a charming, slightly worn look. It often features soft, pastel colors, distressed furniture, and floral patterns.

Textile – In interior design, textiles add texture, color, and pattern to a space. Textiles can include curtains, upholstery, rugs, and decorative pillows. Vintage textiles are often sought after for their unique character and quality.

Thrifting – Shopping for secondhand or vintage items at thrift stores or other secondhand shops.

Upcycling – The process of turning something old or discarded into something new and useful.

Vintage-inspired – New items designed to look like vintage or antique pieces.

Yard sale – another term for a garage sale or tag sale.

Some Parting Thoughts 

So there you have it, a quick breakdown of some of the most common jargon words you’ll hear in the world of antiques and vintage. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to dip your toes into the vintage scene, understanding these terms can help you navigate the vintage world and talk shop with other vintage enthusiasts. So go ahead, impress your friends with your new vintage vocabulary!