old-time
UK: ˈəʊldtaɪm | US: ˈoʊldtaɪm
adj. belonging to or characteristic of a past era; traditional or nostalgic
adj. (of music, style, etc.) reminiscent of an earlier period
The compound "old-time" combines "old" (from Old English eald, meaning "aged" or "long-standing") and "time" (from Old English tīma, meaning "period" or "season"). The fusion reflects a straightforward descriptive logic, where "old" modifies "time" to evoke a sense of antiquity or tradition. The term gained prominence in the 19th century, often used to describe music, customs, or objects from earlier generations, emphasizing nostalgia or historical continuity.
The café played old-time jazz records to create a vintage atmosphere.
She collects old-time photographs of her hometown.
His grandfather told stories about old-time farming methods.
The festival celebrated old-time traditions with folk dances and crafts.
This recipe is an old-time favorite in our family.