reactionary tendency; revivalist mood; tendency to revert to old customs
Describes a social or cultural mood that looks back to past customs or styles, often with a conservative or nostalgic tone. Can be used for fashion, politics, or art.
A revivalist mood can be seen in recent fashion.
A strong reactionary tendency was felt in that politician's speech.
Compound of 復古 (restoration, return to old ways) and 調 (tone, mood, style). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word is conventionally associated with describing reactionary or revivalist tendencies.