Hey Gen-Xers! Turn of the century?
Posted by Allyaz47@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 119 comments
So I was having a conversation with my daughter the other day (who is now 35), for the record I was born in 1970…. and we were talking about the different fashion trends and I made a comment about turn of the century styles, and she started talking about things that were popular in the year 2000… and I said no no no I’m talking about early 1900s and she said well that was the turn of the LAST century mom, and I just sat there dumbfounded for a minute because she’s right!! who else here, when they think of turn of the century think of the early 1900’s lol?! tell me I’m not alone (obviously I need to rethink that lol) but still… time flies!
Sassy_Weatherwax@reddit
I am aware that 2000 was the most recent one, but in my head 1900 is the "turn of the century" and 2000 is "Y2K"
Flat_6_Theory@reddit
Totally. Turn of the century was 125 years ago. 2000 was what, a mere 10 years ago?
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Something like that, it was just a few days ago, wasn’t it? lol
Flat_6_Theory@reddit
Right. My sense of how many years have passed has really warped in the 2010s and 20s.
mourningsunrises@reddit
I totally picture 1899-1900 things in my head when I her "turn of the century". 1999-2000 was just last week, so I really don't think about it much.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
lol… same! When I hear turn-of-the-century, I think of long dresses, corsets, big hats with feathers and the Titanic lol
mourningsunrises@reddit
Exactly!! I picture the same woman. Long black dress, black hat and button up shoes. Must've seen the photo sometime in my youth, but that's the standard image that phrase conjures up.
Mockingjay_LA@reddit
Me in 1895, brought to you by AI.
Tyrigoth@reddit
"Excuse Miss? You dropped your handkerchief!"
Mockingjay_LA@reddit
Oh, dear me! I’m blushing, sir!
MostlyBrine@reddit
Quick, get the smelling salts!!!
HarmonicShepherd@reddit
I’m having a case of the vapors, and I don’t mean the “I’m Turning Japanese” Vapors!
MostlyBrine@reddit
🤣🤣🤣
Tyrigoth@reddit
...and the fainting couch!
Mockingjay_LA@reddit
Too…many….buttons…..gasp
reachers_toothbrush@reddit
Does she have an OnlyAnkles?
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
lol… yes! And don’t forget no smile! just a blank look on your face that must’ve been what they were told to do lol
mourningsunrises@reddit
I once read that the reason no one smiled for photos in those days was that the film speeds were really slow, like 25 asa, so the exposures took quite a while. Since it's hard to hold a smile and look natural, people would just sit there stonefaced so they didn't move and blur the image.
Mockingjay_LA@reddit
I also think that it just wasn’t something that was naturally thought of to do until relatively recently.
Cyphermoon699@reddit
Yeah if you tried to smile for a photo you look like a maniac!
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Well, that actually makes sense and that goes back to the days of our early photography classes where we made those pinhole cameras and the exposure took like 20 seconds lol remember those? (not sure how old you are… but that was the first camera that we made in photography class in the 80s) taught us about exposures
mourningsunrises@reddit
YES!! We used oatmeal boxes. Haven't thought about that in years. :)
TimelyExternal5769@reddit
You may be picturing the "Gibson Girl" style of illustration, named after the artist who drew them for magazines and newspapers. It was sort of a stereotypical image for the early 1900's, like the "Flapper" was for the 1920's.
cowboygwe@reddit
I always think of Flappers…roaring 20’s
TheWorldTurnsAround@reddit
100% this
HarmonicShepherd@reddit
Kind of blows my mind - like our grandparents or greats thought of the turn of the century as being 1799-1800!
HarmonicShepherd@reddit
I think of the ride at Marriott’s Great America! lol! JK - 1899 is turn of the century to us old farts of course!
Nazz1968@reddit
We’re the same age. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that the turn of the century was a quarter of a century ago already. Amazingly, I still look mostly the same as I did in 2000 (very healthy & never was into trendy clothes either), and my lifestyle has reverted back to that period. Single again and back in college, lol. A bit of a time warp, just more technologically advanced.
reachers_toothbrush@reddit
It was the turn of the decade, century and millennia. Not many people get to live through all three happening at once.
_P4X-639@reddit
I think it probably does have a lot to do with what you have been through. Since 2000 I have had two careers, both my parents died, my husband and I became adult orphans, and I have lived in three states, owned three homes, and semi-retired. I feel like so much balanced on 25 years thar the year 2000 was forever ago.
Nazz1968@reddit
I’ve been through a lot too. My aerospace engineering career started in 2000 and ended in 2020 with the pandemic and massive permanent layoffs. That’s why I’m back in college, for a career change. No kids, but there were a couple of long term relationships, including a marriage in the early 2000’s. Sadly, I’ve outlived my ex-wife, who I parted with on good terms. Only one parent left, and most of my relatives are gone. Ups and downs, but I still have my mid-20’s physique and I stay sharp with hobbies. No slowing down, and retirement isn’t an option.
_P4X-639@reddit
I'm sorry for your losses and good on you for your health and aspiration! All the best to you in your new career and wherever life takes you next.
Nazz1968@reddit
Thank you, I greatly appreciate it. I’ve always been about the journey, not the destination. Life is too unpredictable to expect a path to always run in the same direction, so I’ve had to adapt and make the best of things, especially in the present.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Right?! Hard to believe it’s been 25 years!
OolongGeer@reddit
Since we're 25% through this current century, not to mention a half-decade past Covid, I think of the turn of the century as this last one we had.
bloobityblu@reddit
I do automatically first think 1900, but immediately think wait which century?
Also I'm positive I've heard/seen people born after 2000 make that mistake which is kinda hilarious.
Oxjrnine@reddit
Turn of the century antique
Oxjrnine@reddit
“Hey mom, do you remember those live love prey paintings that people used to buy all the time at around the turn of the century they were ugly weren’t they??”
in a few years, any furniture or accessories you buy for your home are going to be called mid-century
Tyrigoth@reddit
I was taught how distill by a guy who was born at the turn of last century.
This post makes me proud and nostalgic. :)
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Same!! Glad I was able to bring you a moment of pride today lol 😃
Tyrigoth@reddit
You know the tables?
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Well, when you say the tables, I’m assuming you’re referring to mathematics but if you’re not, please remind me (I’m getting old lol)
MowgeeCrone@reddit
I think you'll find the world began not with a big bang but with the birth of the first genZ. /s
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Well, yes…. Of course 😂
worrymon@reddit
I loved... wait, no, I'm thinking of Deal of the Century. That was an awesome movie.
As for your question, "turn of the century" is 1900, "turn of the millennium" is 2000
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Lol, well, and even if turn of the century was taken over by 1999/2000 my mind still reverts to 1899/1900 lol
And yes…. Agreed good movie 🍿
JLammert79@reddit
My 13 yo nephew asked me if people did a particular thing in "the 1900s" (I don't recall what) as though it wasn't the least homogenous century in history. So same vibes.
Avasia1717@reddit
i remember saying “turn of the century” in 2001 and then “wait a minute, that’s NOW. i mean turn of the TWENTIETH century.”
Turbulent_Tale6497@reddit
We bought a house in 2002, it was new construction. About 10 years later, we did a full kitchen remodel.
I told people we were finally upgrading our turn of the century kitchen. Few got it.
rundabrun@reddit
When I hear turn of the century, I think of 2000, because it was the most recent turn. If I am talking about 1900, I would just use the number or say "turn of the last century".
The_Great_19@reddit
Yes. I’ve definitely felt the need to now say “turn of the 20th century”. Sigh.
TheNeonCrow@reddit
I used to live in Springfield, Missouri. There was a restaurant there called Mille’s Turn of the Century Café. It was opened at the beginning of the new millennium and named Mille’s as a shortened version of the word
unkind-god-8113@reddit
yeah, 1900 is turn of the century. that whole 2000 thing was turn of the millennium
DisappointedDragon@reddit
I just had this experience on Reddit recently when someone posted something about Rolling Stone’s Best Songs of the Century and listed about 5 songs that I had never heard of. I was outraged for a moment (like where are the Beatles, etc.) before I realized they were talking about since 2000. Hard to believe we are a quarter of a century in.
GenX50PlusF@reddit
She was asking about “last year” and you went back to lastlast year, lol.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Lmao! Were aging lol 🤣
GenX50PlusF@reddit
What’s the alternative? Right, Halloween 🎃? lol
Happy end of 20/25, btw 😉
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
lol…. Same to you!!!!! Can’t believe it’s almost 2026!
GenX50PlusF@reddit
Me neither. Because I almost have a driver’s license in 1986.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
That would have been when I could have first gotten one as well. I didn’t get one until I was 18 ….but in 86, I would have been 16.
GenX50PlusF@reddit
You must be a younger GenX while I myself am average age GenX (some people get nowhere near as old as you are, let alone as old as I am.) Just don’t commit vehicular manslaughter or any other kind. I’m pretty sure we’re both being asked not to “drink and drive.” ❤️
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
1970 here! In fact, my birthday is next Friday I’ll be 55. I think X started in 65 didn’t it? so I would say I’m an older one lol. Or an average one? Idk 🤷♀️
GenX50PlusF@reddit
I don’t mean to be mean or sound rude but if you were born a minute before me in 70, your ass is old but you should be grateful for still being able to still remember well. Some people get nowhere near our age. 😊
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
lol…. i’m definitely old. It’s getting to the point now where when I look in the mirror I think yeah bitch you look like you’re in your 50s lol. I try and stay young. I do a lot of hiking out here in Arizona an occasional cosmetic procedure, but age is definitely creeping up on me. 👵
GenX50PlusF@reddit
So the aging whether you’re in California or Arizona legit doesn’t give a shit. Unless we can keep leaking money, amirite?
Uncle_Matt_1@reddit
I'm no expert on these things, but I have always considered "Turn of the Century" to refer specifically to the period around 1900, basically the American translation of Belle Époque. There's another term for the period around the year 2000, it's called Y2K. Yes, I understand "turn of the century" is also a generic term that could refer to any century, but it gets used so often for the period around 1900, that's just what it's called.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Agreed
MostlyBrine@reddit
I just read couple of days ago a similar story about a GenX-er talking about something being common “after the war” and getting his son confused about “which war?”
For us it was always WWII.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Titanic instantly comes to mind lol
Throwaway-ish123a@reddit
Turn of the century ➡️ Titanic
Turn of last century ➡️ Y2K
kuritsakip@reddit
Nope nope nope. Turn of the century is 1900. 2000 is turn of the millennium. 🤣🤣🤣
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Well… agreed lol
SpareUnit9194@reddit
I'm also 1970 & hubs is 1960 (Boomer!). Our four sons were born 2006-2011, so a lot of chortling about ancient last-century s%it around here, lmao.
SuburbaniteMermaid@reddit
Sorry, did you miss the whole Y2K panic?
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
No, I didn’t. I foolishly stocked my pantry. That doesn’t change my mindset about the term turn of the century.
Knukkyknuks@reddit
I remember around 2001/2002 I made a mixed CD with downloaded songs from Napster, and I named it ‘Turn of the Century’.
_P4X-639@reddit
I'm 52 and think 2000 at this point.
Mistermxylplyx@reddit
Me too, especially as we edge closer to more of our lives in the 21st century than the 20th.
This was a natural conversational mistake for a Gen Xer to make since our elders were constantly referring to the turn of the 20th century when looking back at their elders, where the turn of the century was way ahead in the distance for us.
FongYuLan@reddit
No because 2000 waa the turn of the millennium.
Efficient_Let686@reddit
Since I’m something of a history buff I go the historians route and say which century I’m talking about. I’ll say late 19th century early 20th century or late 20th century early 21st century.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
That’s a good idea these days!
Maurice_Foot@reddit
I have to add “1900” to “turn of the century” phrase when speaking with my kid (25yo) and their friends.
It’s almost a gut punch when a young person refers to the ‘80s and ‘90s as “the late 1900s”.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Yeah…. I know what ya mean! A lot of our favorite music artists have been passing away lately …. Time passes too quickly
TangoMikeOne@reddit
I think it would be fair to say that 1900 is the turn of the century, but first you should define 2000 as the turn of the millennium as a unique qualification... and your daughter (or grandkids) can do the same after 2100
abstractraj@reddit
Just think about what you think of as the 1900s and think of what they think is the 1900s. Nirvana, Prince, Madonna
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Oh, I understand that that’s why I said she was right. I was making reference to where most of OUR minds go. Time flies!
CB_Chuckles@reddit
Older GenXer here. I constantly have to remind myself that my turn of the century (1900) is no longer The turn of the century (2000). Still have fond memories of that NYE party though.
Top-Opportunity1280@reddit
I started saying the late 1900’s when I talk about things from the 80s and 90s. Just to confuse some folks
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
I’m gonna start doing that lol
AHippieDude@reddit
I was talking about something historical about the 1920's a few days ago at my local brewery and the bartender was standing there listening, and after I'd said "the 20s" about 3 times he says" dude, we're in the 20s" and it hit me kinda hard, like I've literally got a change my vocabulary now
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Exactly!! and pretty soon when we’re talking about like a 34 Ford we’ll have to watch what we say as well cause it’ll be 2034!
wesweslaco@reddit
I tell people I was born in the 1900s. I have college-educated coworkers who were not.
jaypee42@reddit
Yeah turn of the century brings up Downton Abbey / Gilded Age imagery for me too.
thelaineybelle@reddit
Fuck, I saw a comment in another sub about "fashions of the late 1900s" and I almost stroked out. Once I took an old lady blood pressure pill, I had to accept the fact I have transitioned from Lisa to Marge to Grandpa Simpson.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
lol, funny! We all are!!
jamshid666@reddit
I was born in 1970 also, but I'm totally down with what your daughter said. When I run into a doctor that talks about faxing something, I straight up complain about them being stuck in the 1900s.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
lol!! 😂
Davalus@reddit
No, I would immediately think of late 90’s to early 2000’s, and I’m GenX too.
ranoutofbacon@reddit
If I bring it up, I make sure to say turn of the 20th century. And then mention the date because people still don't know the difference. Then I have to explain that the 1st century was 1-100. But then this also means we celebrate the turn oft he century in the wrong year. About an hour later, I've forgotten my original statement and the whole conversation is irrelevant.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Easy to forget things these days lol
NorCalFrances@reddit
I sew with turn of the century Singer Sewing machines and I've learned to clarify when I'm talking about it to anyone younger than mid-Gen X.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Oh yes, the singer machines that reminds me of my mom. I miss her.
edasto42@reddit
While I don’t really think of turn of the venture to be 1900’s, I will fuck with people when they don’t declare what century something is and just say the 80’s for example. Like when I was at a past job and they wanted the employees to dress in an 80’s theme for Halloween. They didn’t say which century, do I chose 1880’s and dressed accordingly.
truejabber@reddit
https://youtu.be/BE9fN79Q0-Y?si=L8ytKwCbehib9nxX
RunRunRabbitRunovich@reddit
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
lol…. That’s funny too.
bsensikimori@reddit
Nope, just you
stringbeagle@reddit
“Turn of the century” is a term used for the change from 1800 to 1900. The change from 1900 to 2000 was the New Millennium. Nobody referred to it as the Turn of the Century because that term has already been used.
No one calls the current decade the Roarin’ 20s because that refers to the 1920s.
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Oh goodie!! so I get to go back and tell my daughter she was wrong. God I love doing that lol I’m just kidding. (Or am I lol) 😈
doa70@reddit
Same age as you, it still means 1900 to me. 2000 is too recent for me to consider referring it like that. Same as I would refer to anything happened in the 80s or 90s as happening in "the 1900s." 😂
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Same lol
violetgothdolls@reddit
I had the same conversation with my husband earlier today. To me "turn of the century" definitely means 1900 to 1910.
CosmicSmoker@reddit
I like turn of the millennium
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
That’s a good one!
McButterstixxx@reddit
I always state which centuries were turning when I use that phrase.
Upset_Peace_6739@reddit
Until you asked the question I didn’t realize I consider 1900 the turn of the century. For most of my life it was. Shrug.
ThatLiberalGirl@reddit
Yeah… it was our frame of reference for the first half of our lives, so I still think 1900’s when I hear turn of the century too. 🤷♀️
Allyaz47@reddit (OP)
Someone replied nope just you. I knew that wasn’t going to be the general consensus lol and obviously we all know when the turn of the century is I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around how much time has gone by. I think I need some grandchildren to occupy my time lol
Moonsmom181@reddit
I agree with you. It’s weird to think about that.