throw back
يعيد
Littéralement: To toss something behind you
Use 'throw back' to celebrate nostalgia or return something to a previous state or owner.
En 15 secondes
- Used to evoke nostalgia or return to an earlier time.
- Commonly seen as #TBT on social media for old photos.
- Can mean physically returning an object to its original owner.
Signification
To 'throw back' means to remind someone of the past or to return to an earlier time or style. It is often used when something triggers a nostalgic memory or when you return an object to its owner.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Listening to an old song with a friend
This track really throws me back to our first road trip!
This track really takes me back to our first road trip!
Commenting on a friend's vintage outfit
That jacket is such a great throwback to the 80s.
That jacket is such a great return to the 80s.
In a business meeting discussing old strategies
Let's throw back to the original plan we had last year.
Let's return to the original plan we had last year.
Contexte culturel
The phrase gained massive popularity through the 'Throwback Thursday' (#TBT) social media trend. It taps into a collective sense of nostalgia, particularly for the 1990s and early 2000s. It has evolved from a simple action into a cultural aesthetic involving vintage fashion and music.
The Noun vs. Verb Rule
If you use it as a noun, it's one word (`throwback`). If you use it as a verb, it's two words (`throw back`).
Thursday is the day
In English-speaking internet culture, Thursday is the official day for 'throwbacks.' Use #TBT for maximum engagement!
En 15 secondes
- Used to evoke nostalgia or return to an earlier time.
- Commonly seen as #TBT on social media for old photos.
- Can mean physically returning an object to its original owner.
What It Means
Throw back is a versatile phrasal verb. Most commonly, it acts as a bridge to the past. It is about nostalgia. It means to evoke a memory. It can also mean returning something physically. Think of it as a mental or physical 'return' button.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb: This song throws me back to high school. You can also use it as a noun: That outfit is a total throwback. As a verb, it is separable. You can throw it back or throw back the ball. It is very common on social media. People use #ThrowbackThursday to share old photos. It feels warm and nostalgic.
When To Use It
Use it when you hear an old song. Use it when you see an old fashion trend. It is perfect for talking about childhood memories. Use it at a party when someone plays a classic hit. It works well when returning a borrowed item. Use it when a conversation reminds you of years ago. It adds a sense of shared history.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for serious historical lectures. It is too casual for academic history. Avoid it in very formal legal documents. Don't use it if you are just 'giving' something. It specifically implies 'returning' or 'reminding.' If the memory is painful, use reminds me of instead. Throw back usually has a fun, lighthearted vibe.
Cultural Background
This phrase exploded with the rise of Instagram. The hashtag #TBT (Throwback Thursday) became a global phenomenon. It reflects the internet's obsession with 90s and 2000s culture. It is a way for people to bond over shared nostalgia. In sports, a throwback jersey is a vintage design. It celebrates the 'good old days' of a team.
Common Variations
Throwback (noun) is the most popular variation. You might hear throw it back in dance contexts too. Sometimes people say a blast from the past. Another variation is harking back. However, throwback is the king of modern slang. It is short, punchy, and everyone understands it.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is overwhelmingly informal and common in pop culture. While it has a literal meaning (returning a thrown object), its most frequent use today is for nostalgia.
The Noun vs. Verb Rule
If you use it as a noun, it's one word (`throwback`). If you use it as a verb, it's two words (`throw back`).
Thursday is the day
In English-speaking internet culture, Thursday is the official day for 'throwbacks.' Use #TBT for maximum engagement!
Don't confuse with 'Throw up'
Be careful! 'Throw up' means to vomit. Make sure you say 'back' if you want to talk about memories!
Exemples
6This track really throws me back to our first road trip!
This track really takes me back to our first road trip!
Used here to describe a strong nostalgic feeling triggered by music.
That jacket is such a great throwback to the 80s.
That jacket is such a great return to the 80s.
Used as a noun to describe a vintage style.
Let's throw back to the original plan we had last year.
Let's return to the original plan we had last year.
A slightly more professional use meaning to revisit a previous idea.
Found this photo! Total throwback to our bowl haircuts.
Found this photo! Total reminder of our bowl haircuts.
Very common informal texting shorthand.
Hey kid, I'm going to throw the ball back now!
Hey kid, I'm going to throw the ball back now!
The literal physical meaning of the phrase.
Seeing her again threw me back to a time when things were simpler.
Seeing her again took me back to a time when things were simpler.
Used to describe an emotional journey to the past.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form to complete the nostalgic sentence.
That old video game is a total ___ to my childhood.
In this context, we need a noun to describe the object, so 'throwback' is correct.
Complete the sentence using the phrasal verb.
When I smell cinnamon, it ___ me ___ to my grandma's kitchen.
The phrase 'throws me back' is the standard way to say a scent triggers a memory.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Throw back'
Used as #TBT on Instagram.
#Throwback to summer!
Talking to friends about memories.
This song throws me back.
Returning an object or idea.
Throw back the documents.
Rarely used; 'Revert' is preferred.
We shall throw back to the previous policy.
Where to use 'Throw back'
Social Media
Posting an old vacation photo.
Music
Hearing a song from 10 years ago.
Sports
Returning a ball to the field.
Fashion
Wearing 90s style clothes.
Meetings
Referring to an old project version.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt refers to a photo or video from the past. People usually post them on Thursdays using the hashtag #ThrowbackThursday.
It is better to use 'revert' or 'refer back' in formal emails. However, in a casual office, Let's throw back to our previous discussion is fine.
It is one word when used as a noun, like That song is a throwback. It is two words when used as a verb, like That song throws me back.
Usually, yes. It is associated with pleasant nostalgia. If a memory is bad, people usually say reminds me of or brings back memories.
Not really. You wouldn't say I threw back my friend. You would say I threw the ball back to my friend.
It is a sports jersey that uses an old design from a previous decade. Fans love them for the vintage look.
No. Take back means to retract something you said or return a purchase. Throw back is about memories or returning a physical toss.
Yes! In slang, throwing back a few drinks means drinking them quickly or in one go. It is very informal.
The past tense is threw back. For example: The old movie threw me back to my childhood.
Technically yes, but it usually implies a longer period of time, like several years. Last week might be called a 'flashback' instead.
Expressions liées
Blast from the past
Something that suddenly returns from the past and creates nostalgia.
Take me back
A phrase used when something reminds you of a better or different time.
Hark back
To mention or remember something from the past (more formal).
Vintage
Representing the high quality or classic style of a past time.
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