Why are the 1980's called "the tainted 80's"?

Question

A co-worker friend of mine (born in mid to late 80's) asked me (born in 79) why the decade of the 1980's is sometimes called "the tainted 80's". I had honestly never heard of the decade called that before. I had this heard this time called the "Reagan Years" but never that. Any ideas?

Answer 1

perhaps because of AIDS, the men wearing make-up, or the song Tainted Love which was a big hit, I think basically anybody who was really into the 80's is a little embarrased by some of their attire and actions, contradictory to other eras which may be regretable but not embarassing.