Go Back In Time With These 12 Scents You Remember…From 1982

I'm an absolute 80's nut. As with many of you, the 80s were some of the best years growing up. The music, the movies, the list goes on and on. I usually try to keep up with everything from the decade. Mental Floss is a great place to go online if you like being in the know. In their article, I recently learned about a study that was done with along with Yale University students.

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The study took 80 common scents and asked participants if they could identify the smell. The results were then published back in 1982. I thought it would be fun to hop in a virtual time machine and go back to that time and the smells that were oh-so-familiar. Even remembering how things smelled can trigger memories. So, scroll on and take a whiff. See how well you recall these common scents of 1982.

LOOK: GO BACK IN TIME WITH THESE 12 SCENTS YOU REMEMBER...FROM 1982

Johnson's Baby Powder

You've got to admit, this is one recognizable smell. Even popular back in the '80s.

Beer

You better believe it. It's hard to mistake this one.

Dry Cat Food

I didn't really think that dry cat food had a smell. I guess I'm in the minority because this scent made the list.

Chocolate

Take a deep whiff at this one. Whether it's Hershey's or not, chocolate has a distinct smell and it smells delicious.

Cigarette Butts

Not the most pleasant of smells, nonetheless, people knew their cigarettes in the 1980s. It was even a fad to be a "smoker".

Coffee

To me, it doesn't matter what year it is. This is one of the most recognizable smells around, even in 2023. Who doesn't love the smell of freshly brewed coffee?

Ivory Soap

This scent of cleanliness was just as popular in the 80s as it is today.

Juicy Fruit Gum

I can picture the smell now and it brings back memories of childhood.

Mothballs

Definitely used more in 1982 than today. Its use has declined primarily because of health risks due to inhalation. Nothing else on Earth smells quite like a mothball. I think you'll agree.

Peanut Butter

There were a bunch of peanut butter sandwiches made in the 80s. I know because I sure had my share.

Wintergreen Oil

From toothpaste to tobacco, the smell of wintergreen was common in the 80s and continues today with popular candies, gum, and more.

Vicks VapoRub

Talk about bringing back memories of childhood. The smell of Vicks takes me back.

Isn't it funny how we never seem to forget different scents? No matter how many years go by, one sniff can take you right back to a time and place.

If you grew up in the 80s, you were probably following the music scene as well. Ah, music from the decade of the Rubiks Cube and Cabbage Patch Kids. It's still some of the best to me. Ever wonder what some of your favorite musicians are doing today? Just look below to find out.