12 Things That Were Once Popular But Are Now Totally Uncool

What was once trendy can quickly become outdated, leaving us wondering why we ever thought it was cool. From fashion disasters to tech flops, plenty of things that ruled the world are now cringeworthy. Here are twelve things that went from must-have to completely uncool.

1. Segways

Jukka on Wikimedia Commons

Once hyped as the future of personal transportation, Segways were supposed to change how people got around. Instead, they became awkward, bulky, and mostly used by tourists on guided city tours. Their high price and clunky design made them more of a punchline than a revolution. By 2020, even the company gave up and stopped making them.

2. Facebook Pokes

Neil Hall on Wikimedia Commons

There was a time when sending someone a “poke” on Facebook was the ultimate way to flirt or get attention. It was mysterious, playful, and completely pointless. Eventually, people realized how weird and annoying it was, and the feature faded into obscurity. Now, if you poke someone, you just look like you’re stuck in 2008.

3. Skinny Jeans

hillary h on Wikimedia Commons

For years, people squeezed into skin-tight denim, convinced it was the only acceptable way to wear jeans. Then, looser fits like mom jeans and baggy styles made a comeback, making skinny jeans look outdated and uncomfortable. Gen Z even declared them officially uncool, and now they’re mostly worn by dads who refuse to let go. Fashion moves fast, and tight jeans lost the race.  

4. Ringtone Songs

Chris Harrison on Wikimedia Commons

Once upon a time, nothing was cooler than having your favorite song blast from your phone every time someone called. People spent money on custom ringtones, ensuring everyone knew their music taste. Now, most people keep their phones on silent or use default sounds. If your phone starts playing a full song when it rings, expect some side-eye.

5. Duck Face Selfies

Ivan Samkov on Pexels

There was an era when every selfie involved pursed lips and an exaggerated pout. Celebrities and influencers made it a trend, but over time, people realized it just looked ridiculous. Now, natural expressions and effortless vibes are in, making the duck face selfie a thing of the past. If you still do it, you might need a social media refresher.

6. Blu-ray Discs

FunLater on Wikimedia Commons

Blu-ray was once the next big thing in home entertainment, promising unbeatable picture quality. Then streaming services took over, and people stopped buying physical discs altogether. Now, Blu-ray players are collecting dust, and the idea of switching discs feels outdated. The only people who still care are hardcore movie collectors.

7. Live Strong Bracelets

college.library on Wikimedia Commons

At one point, everyone had a yellow rubber bracelet on their wrist, supporting cancer research. The trend exploded, and soon, colorful wristbands for every cause were everywhere. However, after the controversy surrounding Lance Armstrong, who was the original creator, the bracelets lost their appeal. These days, they’re more of a forgotten fashion statement than a movement.

8. 3D TVs

ETC@USC on Wikimedia Commons

TV companies promised an immersive experience, and for a brief moment, people were excited about 3D televisions. The glasses were annoying, the content was limited, and the technology never really caught on. Eventually, people realized they just wanted a good picture without the hassle. Now, 3D TVs are a forgotten gimmick that no one misses.  

9. Fidget Spinners

Habib M’henni on Wikimedia Commons

For a few chaotic months, it seemed like everyone had a fidget spinner in their hands. Originally designed for stress relief, they turned into an overhyped toy that schools had to ban. The craze disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived, leaving behind thousands of abandoned spinners. Now, if you pull one out, people will assume you time-traveled from 2017.

10. Frosted Tips

Toglenn on Wikimedia Commons

Back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, guys everywhere were bleaching just the ends of their hair. Boy bands and heartthrobs made the look famous, but it aged terribly. These days, frosted tips are a punchline, not a hairstyle. Unless you’re in a throwback costume, it’s best to leave this one in the past.

11. Checking In on Facebook

Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia Commons

There was a time when people announced every location they visited with a Facebook check-in. People wanted the world to know where they were, whether it was a coffee shop, the gym, or even the hospital. Now, oversharing like that feels cringey and unnecessary. If you still check in everywhere, you might need a social media reality check.

12. Crocs Without Irony

Crocs Inc. on Wikimedia Commons

Crocs were once the ultimate fashion crime, mocked for their clunky and ugly design. Then, they made a comeback, but only in an ironic, “so-bad-they’re-good” kind of way. Now, people wear them with confidence, but only if they fully embrace the weirdness. If you’re still rocking old-school Crocs without a sense of humor, you’re doing it wrong.

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• Trends
• Fashion
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• pop culture