[Sophia M.]

Would the Grandkids Know This One? 08.23.2025​

Hey, GrayViners!

We’re back with another round of old-school slang and fresh fun in our game: “Would the Grandkids Know This One?”

Today’s blast from the past: “Betamax”

Did this phrase ever cruise through your conversations back in the day? Drop a comment if you’ve used this phrase, heard it in a surprising place, or want to hazard a guess. Bonus points if there’s a memory (funny, nostalgic, or otherwise) with it!

Can’t wait to read your stories and see who nails it!

— Sophia

 

[Mary216]

Spoiler

video cassette

 

[NIBOR0]

Spoiler

Was a machine that played tapes. Kind of like VHS was.

 

[Gayle B.]

Spoiler

It’s a machine that plays tapes. It didn’t go over as well as the VHS version of a tape player/recorder.

 

[dkleslie52]

Spoiler

Video tape type

 

[Whisper]

Spoiler

Video cassette developed by Sony

 

[Marilea]

Spoiler

For Recording things?

 

[KellyColeman]

Spoiler

A Betamax was akin to 8 track tapes. They were the Fathers of VCR tapes. Big bulky machines that played tapes similar to VHS tapes. They were hard to find to rent even back in the 80s. 1980s that is.