Over the Hill

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Text on Button Over the Hill
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Black background with white text with a white line resembling a mountain separating it

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Copyright Hallmark Cards Inc. 

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This button is used as a humorous and self-deprecating celebration of someone's birthday in middle age. The phrase "over the hill" means old and passed one's prime. Most people understand age of 50 to be the Over the Hill milestone. 

Catalog ID IB0129

My World

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Text on Button My World
Image Description

White background with pink text in the bottom left and a pink circle in the top right

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Catalog ID IB0320

Men Are Wonderful

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Text on Button Men Are Wonderful... Not
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A white background with black text, with the last line being in bold

Curl Text Copyright 1992 EPHEMERA, INC.
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Additional Information Historically speaking, the assumption that men are unequivocally wonderful is what is known as sexism. This playful 'not' joke makes it clear that men are more complicated than we'd expect.
Sources
Bird, C. (1998). Sexism. In W. Mankiller, G. Mink, M. Navarro, B. Smith, & G. Steinem (Eds.), The Reader's Companion to U.S. Women's History. HarperCollins. https://link-gale-com.ezproxy3.library.arizona.edu/apps/doc/A176833663/…
Catalog ID IB0301

Meant to Sleep at Home

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Text on Button MAN WASN'T MEANT TO SLEEP AT HOME EVERY NIGHT
Image Description

Cream background with black text

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The phrase “Man Wasn’t Meant to Sleep at Home Every Night” can be examined through history, literature, and popular culture. Possibly inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, or Life in the Woods, though he did not say this explicitly, it echoes his call to live intentionally, seek adventure, and avoid “quiet desperation.” The phrase isn’t a direct quote from a known source but is often seen as expressing a romantic and adventurous worldview. It suggests that a person, often a man, has an inherent need for exploration, freedom, and experiencing life outside the boundaries of a predictable routine, like marriage or a long-term relationship. It can also convey a sense of restlessness, a desire to wander, and the feeling that a permanent residence isn’t the true essence of life. This theme is frequently found in literature and art, celebrating the nomadic spirit and a wanderlust outlook. 

Sources

Thoreau, H. D. (1854, August 9). Project Gutenberg, chap. 1, “Economy” (Shelter). Retrieved September 28, 2025, from https://www.thoreau-online.org/ 

Catalog ID IB0065

Marcel Proust is a Yenta

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Text on Button MARCEL PROUST IS A YENTA
Image Description

Yellow background with maroon text

Curl Text Copyright UUU 28 ST. MARKS PL.. NYC 10003
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Marcel Proust was a French Novelist who wrote the novel Remembrance of Things Past and is considered to be one of the all-time greatest authors. The novel, which is known for its great length,  was published as seven volumes between 1913 and 1927. This button probably comes from a popular T-shirt slogan in the 1970s, “Proust Is a Yenta.” “Yenta” is Yiddish for female gossip

Catalog ID IB0347

Mag Man

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Text on Button MAG MAN
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A yellow background with red text. Adjusting the angle shows a red furry figure with big lips, orange feet, and a green visor. The furry figure's eyes move depending on the angle 

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Catalog ID IB0061

Look Out

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Text on Button LOOK OUT!
Image Description

Cream background with black text and underneath an illustration of a finger pointing left

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Catalog ID IB0310

King Kong Died for Our Sins

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Text on Button KING KONG DIED FOR OUR SINS
Image Description

Neon green background with black text

Curl Text Copyright 67 BIG STORE 112 MACDOUGAL ST. NYC
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King Konis a film from 1933 in which a giant ape is captured, transported to New York Cityand later escapes, where he is then shot down from the Empire State Building. The slogan on the button is in reference to the cult following that ensued in the 1960s, in which people believed that the character, King Kong, was killed to save civilization, much like Christians believe Jesus died to redeem the sins of people.  

Catalog ID IB0338

Just Looking

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Text on Button JUST LOOKING
Image Description

White background with red text

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“Just looking” is a polite way to brush off salespeople, but it can also be a wry and self-aware saying—hinting at curiosity, or even a little flirtation. This button is an inexpensive wearable attitude. The brief, punchy phrase acts like casual conversation snippets, showing personality, wit, or social commentary. “Just looking” uses a few words to express mood and irony.

Sources

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Just looking. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just%20looking

LadyLairVintage. (n.d.). Vintage 80s Pins Novelty Just Looking I Can Be Charming... Mallrat Suspenders Pinback Brooch 2pc Lot. Etsy. Retrieved October 18, 2025, from https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/4301192052/vintage-80s-pins-novelty-just-looking-i 

Catalog ID IB0050