Communication between generations can be tricky, especially when certain phrases just don’t sit well with younger folks. If you’re a Boomer talking to Gen Z, there are some things better left unsaid. Let’s bridge the generational gap with a bit of humor and understanding, and maybe learn what to avoid saying next time, with these 19 phrases that really annoy Gen Z.
“You need to work your way up from the bottom.”
The Stock Dork says, “With the challenging economic landscape and changing job market, Millennials may feel that working hard doesn’t always guarantee success, and they prefer a more flexible and adaptive approach to career advancement.” Gen Z has also adopted the mindset that there is more than one way to find career success. The gig economy and entrepreneurship resonate more with the younger generation than being the “corporate man.”
“Stop being so entitled.”
Gen Z isn’t afraid to say what they want and set boundaries, especially in the workplace. Boomers see this as a sense of entitlement instead of just a new way of doing things because, for so long, they went with what was expected of them without complaining. The New York Post reported Nina Myskow as saying, “It’s only through adversity that you get some kind of backbone, resilience and work ethic. It’s not that generation’s fault, they have been brought up to feel entitled.”
“Respect your elders.”
Gen Z fully believes that respect has to be earned, regardless of age or social status. Listening to and respecting older people simply because they are older is an antiquated idea for Zoomers. Greenbook says, “Gen Z might prioritize their own values and beliefs over conforming to traditional notions of respect for elders, especially if they perceive a misalignment between their values and those of older generations.” If you want respect, earn it.
“Back in my day, we didn’t have smartphones.”
This may be intended to reflect nostalgia for simpler times but can seem dismissive of technological progress. The saying implies that Boomers had a simpler and more authentic upbringing, disregarding the positive aspects that technology has brought to the world.
“Kids these days have it so easy.”
Every generation comes with its own set of challenges. While technology has made some things easier for Gen Z, it has also created a whole new world of issues like cyberbullying that the Boomer generation didn’t have to deal with.
“That’s not real music.”
Criticizing modern music while glorifying the past, this saying describes failing to appreciate evolving musical tastes. Boomers forget how their parents felt as they listened to the “devil music” of Elvis Presley. Appreciating that each generation will find their own sound and art is what growth is all about, even if you still prefer the oldies station.
“We used to go outside and play, not just sit on our phones.”
Phones are popular for a reason, and even the older generation has been sucked into staring at screens all day. However, they love to criticize Gen Z for having a different childhood than they did. When Boomers were kids, playgrounds and the world looked a lot different than they do today as well.
“Just get a job, any job.”
The job market is complex, and getting just any job isn’t the same as it was when Boomers were younger. In the U.S., entry-level jobs have really been done away with, as most still require a degree or experience. What used to be easy work like the “paperboy” has completely disappeared from society. Boomers also tend to not accept gig work as true employment, even with people making as much or more as their 9–5 counterparts.
“When I was your age, I already had a house/job/marriage.”
Boomers had a timeline. Graduate high school, go to college, get a job, get married, have kids, and retire. Things have changed. Many Gen Zers have been raised by Gen X and Millennials who got married later, changed careers later in life, and had kids older, inspiring Gen Z to follow their own path and timeline.
“You’ll understand when you’re older.”
This can be patronizing and dismissive of young people’s perspectives. Just because someone is young doesn’t mean they haven’t experienced things in life. It also doesn’t mean someone is incapable of understanding complex topics. Age is just a number, not intrinsic wisdom.
“What’s on the boob tube?”
This is referring to television in a way that seems outdated and can be confusing to younger listeners. For many, it may sound like they are talking about what’s on the latest Cinemax show. However, the “boob tube” refers to the “foolishness” that is perceived to be seen on the TV. Gen Z is disenchanted with TV. According to Forbes, “They hate conventional television, but are more in love with video content than ever.”
“Don’t flip your wig.”
This old-fashioned way of telling someone to calm down can seem out of touch, mainly because Gen Z isn’t in touch with the wig-wearing culture of the past. But in reality, they just don’t like being told to “calm down” in general.
“I’m videotaping this.”
Before DVR, you had to videotape a show or a game on a tape: it will always be “videotaping” for Boomers, not DVRing. Now, Gen Z just streams everything, making DVRs a relic of the past. To make it worse, Boomers also use it when recording videos on their phones, which seems weird to people who don’t remember when we recorded home videos on a camera that went to a tape.
“So, what’s the damage?”
When the bill comes for any occasion, whether it’s from a plumber or at the bar, Boomers want to assess the damage. Gen Z finds this cheesy and cringe. They prefer a more straightforward approach to speech, and would just ask how much it is.
“Babe, where are my thongs?”
It can be especially disturbing to a Zoomer when their Boomer grandparent asks where their thongs are on the family vacation to Mexico. Thinking about their grandparents in a thong will make anyone shake their head. But once you put into perspective that thongs were what we now call flip flops, it makes everything slightly better.
“That’s the million-dollar question.”
Gen Z has no idea what it’s like to walk away from a conversation without knowing the answer to a question, so even having a phrase about a question being important seems obsolete to them. When a Boomer doesn’t know how something will turn out, it becomes the million-dollar question, even if it’s about something that doesn’t cost nearly that amount.
“I guess we’re playing phone tag.”
Boomers recall the times even before voicemail, when they were going back and forth calling someone and not getting them on the phone. They were playing phone tag, and it was your turn to call. Now it’s basically, “Did you see my text?” They know with 99% certainty that the text or voicemail was received, and their friend will get back to them unless they are ghosting.
“Get your ducks in a row.”
Gen Z just doesn’t appreciate the fun turns of phrase from generations past. Getting your ducks in a row was an adorable way Boomers talked about getting everything prepared for a task. Once all the ducks are in a row, you can move forward with ease. Gen Z probably says something Boomers equally don’t understand.
“You need to learn how to save.”
Fiscal responsibility was a cornerstone for Boomers who were raised by Depression-era parents. It was always important to save for a rainy day, save for college, save for retirement, etc. With today’s economic climate, it’s hard for Gen Z to even live comfortably off their 40-hour job, let alone save for the future.
