Classic

Means something that is a perfect example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality. The word can be an adjective (a classic car) or a noun (a classic of American literature). It denotes a particular quality in art, architecture, literature and other cultural artifacts. In commerce, products are named 'classic' to denote a long standing popular version or model, to distinguish it from a newer variety. Classic is used to describe many major, long-standing sporting events. Colloquially, an everyday occurrence (e.g. a joke or mishap) may be described as 'an absolute classic'.

"Classic" should not be confused with classical, which refers specifically to certain cultural styles, especially in music and architecture.

The classics

The classics are the literature of ancient Greece and Rome, known as classical antiquity. Classics (without the definite article) can refer to the study of the humanities: philosophy, literature, history and the arts, as distinct from technical subjects.

Cultural classics

Books, films and music particularly may become a classic, where an equally well-known painting would more likely be called a masterpiece. A classic is often something old that is still popular. Some obvious examples are Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Marilyn Monroe, Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley. The list is long and wide-ranging. Classic rock is a popular radio format, playing a repertoire of old but familiar recordings.

Contemporary works may be hailed as an instant classic but the criteria for classic status tends to include the test of time. A cult classic may be well known but is only properly appreciated by a minority.

Science and technology

A well known and reliable procedure, such as a demonstration of well-established scientific principle, may be described as classic: e.g. the cartesian diver experiment.

Consumer Artefacts

A classic can be something old that remains prized or valuable (but not an antique). Classic cars are recognised by various collectors' organisations such as the Classic Car Club of America, who effectively regulate the qualifying attributes that constitute classic status. Another example are video games like Super Metroid or Myst.

Product Name

Manufacturers frequently describe their products as classic, to distinguish the original from a new variety, or to imply qualities in the product. The Ford Consul Classic, a car manufactured 1961–1963, has the classic tag for no apparent reason. The iPod classic was simply called the iPod until the sixth generation, when classic was added to the name because other designs were also available - an example of a retronym. Coca-Cola Classic is the name used for the relaunch of Coca-Cola after the failure of the New Coke recipe change. Similarly, the Classic (transit bus), a transit bus manufactured from 1982-97, succeeded an unpopular futuristic bus design.

Sport

Many sporting events take the name classic.

Horse races, e.g. British Classic Races
Snooker tournaments e.g. the Lucan Racing Irish Classic
College Basketball e.g. the Charleston Classic

In Spanish-speaking countries, the term "Clásico" refers to a match between two football teams known as traditional rivals, e.g. El Clásico in Spain.