Learn English – How would you describe something cool and old that you just discovered

adjectivesexpressionssynonyms

I recently discovered a piece of entertainment media that's cool, but old – think Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. When I want to tell my friends about the show, I can't say:

"Hey guys, I just found a cool new thing!"

(because it's not new)

I want to emphasize on the short timeframe between the discovery of the show and the time of speech, but because of English adjective order, the following doesn't fly:

"Hey guys, I just found a new cool thing!"

Is there a short and simple way to express what I want to say?

Best Answer

I would use classic.

The first definition fits your case (both for the adjective and the noun):

(noun) A work of art of recognized and established value.
(adjective) Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.

Please note the difference in adjectives:

  • Classical = pertaining to Roman or ancient Greek culture; or classical music.
  • Classic = something that is old but still appreciated or admired

There may be other descriptions that are better suited in specific contexts; but you provided no real context.
If it's about a work of art (music, theater, ...) that is still considered amazing today; I would call it an evergreen.

(noun) A person or thing of enduring freshness, success, or popularity.
(adjective) Having an enduring freshness, success, or popularity.

However, for e.g. a movie, car or ideology, I would still prefer using "classic". It just sounds better to my ears, though that may be too subjective.

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