old school tie

American  

noun

1. a necktie striped in the colors of a specific English public school, especially as worn by a graduate to indicate his educational background.

2. an alumnus of an English public school.

3. the clannishness and conservative manners, dress, and attitudes associated with students and graduates of the English public schools.

4. snobbishness, clannishness, or extreme conservatism.

---

old school tie British  

noun

1. a distinctive tie that indicates which school the wearer attended

2. the attitudes, loyalties, values, etc, associated with British public schools

---

Etymology

Origin of old school tie

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

With the first anniversary of the invasion nearing, the latest chapter of the Ukrainian war has been characterized by an odd combination of old-school tools and high-tech weaponry.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2023

He used old-school tools like mattes and miniatures to enhance science fiction films before digital effects animation became the industry standard.

From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2022