How 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' Got Its Name

Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" turned the world of rock upside down.

Released in 1991, it signaled the transition from the '80s "hair-band" era to the grunge movement.

Its infectious riff, characterized by its primal energy, was more sophisticated than the average grunge song, balancing raw emotion and complexity. This seismic shift left behind the vacuous hair bands, with Nirvana leading the charge.

But what's the story behind this legendary anthem?

Kurt Cobain initially had no idea what "Teen Spirit" even meant.

He believed it was an anti-establishment slogan, unaware that it was the name of a popular deodorant aimed at young females; a similar confusion to The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," which was often misinterpreted as an ode to LSD.

The phrase "Kurt smells like Teen Spirit" found its way onto a wall, courtesy of Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill. It was meant as a joke, referring to the deodorant Kurt's girlfriend, Tobi Vail, used. This graffiti, coupled with Cobain's misunderstanding, led to the song's iconic title.

Cobain's breakup with Tobi Vail served as the backdrop for the song. The famous line "Over-bored and self-assured" captures the essence of the post-adolescent ennui of the time. It's also a nod to Cobain's and Vail's personalities, but the song's true meaning remains elusive.

Cobain's intention with "Teen Spirit" was audacious—to create the ultimate pop song. He openly admitted that he was trying to rip off the Pixies' style, incorporating dynamics, shifting between soft, quiet moments, and loud, intense bursts.

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was one of the final additions to ‘Nevermind’.

Four days after its release, Nirvana found themselves thrown out of their own album release party.

At the event in Seattle's Re-Bar, whiskey had been surreptitiously smuggled in. Strange liquor laws forbade the sale of "hard liquor" if food was served. Kurt Cobain and company opted for a less-than-elegant solution—drinking straight from a bottle!