Millennials have brought a lot of fresh energy into the world with their unique perspectives and ways of communicating, but with every generation, certain phrases get overused to the point where they become almost unbearable. Whether it’s on social media, in the workplace, or in casual conversation, there are just some phrases that we’re tired of hearing, including these 18.
“Adulting”
According to Time Magazine, “to say you are “adulting” is to, on some level, create distance between you and what are implied to be actual adults,” and the term has become the go-to term for millennials whenever they accomplish a basic life task. While it’s meant to be a humorous way of acknowledging the challenges of growing up, it often comes across as a way to downplay responsibilities.
“I can’t even”
“I can’t even” has been a staple in millennial vocabulary for years, typically used to express extreme frustration, disbelief, or amazement, and it’s a shorthand way of saying that something is so overwhelming that the speaker is at a loss for words. However, its overuse has led to it becoming more of a dramatic eye-roll moment.
“Sorry not sorry”
While it started as a sassy way to express a lack of regret, “sorry not sorry” has since been worn out from overuse. What was once a clever, cheeky phrase has now become a cliché that often feels more passive-aggressive than playful, and it’s started to lose its impact.
“Literally”
Millennials have a habit of throwing the word “literally” into conversations, often when they mean “figuratively.” This misuse has led to countless jokes and memes, but it hasn’t stopped the word from being overused, whether it’s saying “I’m literally dying” to describe a tough workout or “I literally can’t” when something is overwhelming.
“It’s a vibe”
Becoming the go-to description for anything that gives off a certain energy or atmosphere, whether it’s used to describe a person, a place, or a mood, “it’s a vibe” is the catch-all phrase that’s supposed to capture the essence of something. However, because it’s so vague and overused, it’s started to lose its meaning.
“No worries”
“No worries” has become the default response to just about any situation where someone might normally say “you’re welcome” or “it’s okay.” While it’s meant to convey a laid-back, easy-going attitude, its overuse has made it feel insincere and dismissive—and in some contexts, it can even come across as brushing off someone’s concern.
“Low-key”
When the millennial generation say something is “low-key,” they usually mean that it’s understated, subtle, or not a big deal. The problem is that the phrase has been used to describe everything from feelings to events, and it’s become so common that it’s lost its impact, whether it’s “low-key excited” or “low-key annoyed.”
“Triggered”
Originally used in psychological contexts to describe a strong emotional reaction to a traumatic experience, the word “triggered” has been adopted as a catch-all term for being upset or offended by something. The problem is that it’s often used in a casual or exaggerated way, which can downplay the seriousness of actual triggers for those who deal with trauma.
“Slay”
To “slay” originally meant to do something exceptionally well or to look fantastic, and it became a popular way for millennials to praise someone or something. Yet, the word has been so overused that at this point, it feels like the word has been slayed to death and could use a break.
“Goals”
Everything from relationships to fitness routines has been labelled as “goals” by this generation, often to express admiration or aspiration. While it’s nice to have something to strive for, the constant use of “goals” has turned it into a bit of a cliché.
“Can’t stop, won’t stop”
Initially popularised as a motivational slogan, meant to convey determination and persistence, “can’t stop, won’t stop”, like many other millennial phrases, has been overused to the point of exhaustion. Whether it’s about sticking to a workout routine, pursuing a career goal, or just going out for the third night in a row, “can’t stop, won’t stop” has become more of a tired mantra.
“Shook”
The word “shook” has become a favourite among millennials to describe a strong reaction to something surprising or shocking. It used to be a fun way to express being emotionally or mentally rattled, but its overuse has led to it becoming more of a joke than a serious expression.
“Yas”
“Yas” is a playful, elongated version of “yes,” often used to express excitement or approval, particularly in a dramatic or exaggerated way. It became especially popular in internet culture, often paired with phrases like “yas queen” to show enthusiastic support; however, after years of constant use, “yas” has started to feel more like a forced catchphrase.
“Basic”
Originally used to describe someone who is mainstream or unoriginal in their tastes, the term “basic” has been thrown around by those from the millennial generation to label anything that’s deemed too common or predictable. While it might have started as a way to poke fun at certain trends or behaviours, it’s become a lazy shorthand for dismissing things people like without much thought.
“FOMO”
FOMO, or “Fear Of Missing Out,” is a phrase that encapsulates the anxiety young people feel about not being part of something exciting or important. While it’s a relatable sentiment in this hyper-connected way of living, the term has been used so much that it’s started to lose its impact.
“Bae”
A popular way for millennials to refer to their significant others, derived from the phrase “before anyone else,” “bae” has been so widely used that it’s lost much of its original charm. What was once a cute, affectionate nickname has become more of a tired cliché—especially when it’s used to refer to just about anything or anyone someone loves.
“Same”
Young people have a habit of using the word “same” as a quick, shorthand way of expressing empathy or agreement, such as in response to someone’s feelings, experiences, or opinions. “Same” has become the go-to phrase to show that you can relate, nevertheless its overuse has made it feel a bit lazy, as it often replaces more thoughtful responses.
“Woke”
Finally, the term “woke” originally meant being aware of social and political issues, particularly those related to race and inequality; it became a badge of honour for those who considered themselves socially conscious. However, the word has been overused and in some cases, it’s even been co-opted as an insult.
