I don't even recall the genre alternative being used at the time. This I consider closest to what became considered alternative from my pre-teen years.
I remember people using new wave mostly when referring to the bands of the time that didn't fit into the standard genres. But, I was a kid and growing up way out in the middle of nowhere. Which means there was a lot I simply didn't know at the time. Now I am older, grayer, and still don't know much of anything.
Ah yes! โNew Waveโ! Good stuff. Mainstream definitely pulled from it after a few minor hits. Itโs definitely a grey definition, you can almost feel it when itโs not built for the Top 40, eh? Itโs like porn, โI donโt know how to define it but I know it when I see itโ lol