Language is a fascinating thing. It evolves, shifts, and adapts with each generation.
Boomers, we’ve likely all been there: using a phrase we think is hip, only to see our younger counterparts roll their eyes or chuckle.
The truth is, clinging onto outdated phrases can create a disconnect with younger generations.
So, if you’re a boomer aiming to bridge that gap, you might want to refresh your vocabulary.
Here’s a rundown of phrases that have passed their expiration date and should be retired if you want to connect with the young’uns.
And remember, it’s not about changing who you are—it’s about understanding and embracing the evolution of language.
1) Groovy
Let’s start by hopping back to the 1960s and ’70s. “Groovy” was a popular phrase to express approval, excitement, or enthusiasm.
But fast forward to today, and you’ll more likely see raised eyebrows than nods of agreement.
You see, language has moved on and so have the expressions of excitement. Today’s youth might prefer terms like “lit”, “cool”, or even “sick”.
Using “groovy” today not only dates you but can feel out of sync with the contemporary lingo.
So, as much as you may love the nostalgia, it might be time to retire “groovy” from your vocabulary if you want to connect with younger generations.
2) “Don’t touch that dial!”
This one takes me back. Growing up, “Don’t touch that dial!” was a common phrase in my household. It was used when some exciting program was about to start on TV and nobody wanted to miss a second of it.
But here’s the reality check: most of the younger generation don’t even know what a dial is in this context, let alone why they shouldn’t touch it!
In today’s world of Netflix, YouTube, and streaming services, the concept of waiting for a show to start or being stuck with just a few channels is foreign to them.
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So, as much as this phrase is part of my own personal history, I’ve learned to replace it with “Don’t skip this one!” when recommending a binge-worthy series to my younger relatives. Trust me, it makes a lot more sense to them!
3) “Be Kind, Rewind”
The phrase “Be kind, rewind” originates from the era of VHS tapes. After watching a rented movie, you were expected to rewind the tape before returning it to the store. It was seen as a common courtesy to the next person who would rent that movie.
But with the advent of DVDs, and later, digital streaming platforms, the act of rewinding a movie has become redundant.
In fact, according to a study by Statista, by 2018, digital streaming revenue had surpassed that of DVDs and Blu-rays. So, it’s safe to say that most of the younger generation have never even used a VHS tape.
Therefore, saying “Be kind, rewind” today is not only dated but likely to be met with confusion from anyone born after the 90s. It might be time to leave this phrase in the past where it belongs.
4) “Dial up the internet”
Remember when connecting to the internet was a whole event? You had to “dial up” your connection, sit through strange electronic noises, and then surf the web at a snail’s pace.
The phrase “dial up the internet” is a throwback to those days. However, in an era of high-speed, wireless connectivity, this phrase can sound as ancient as the pyramids to younger ears.
Today’s generation live in a world where the internet is always on and available at their fingertips. The concept of dialing up for a connection is as foreign to them as a world without smartphones.
So, while “dial up the internet” might bring back memories of simpler times, it’s one more phrase that boomers might want to avoid if they’re trying to connect with younger generations.
5) “You sound like a broken record”
This phrase used to be a classic way to tell someone they were repeating themselves. The analogy stems from a time when vinyl records would scratch and skip, causing the same bit of music to play over and over.
But in an era where music is digitally streamed, and records are more of a vintage collectible than a common household item, this phrase can often fall on deaf ears.
Moreover, it’s not just about being outdated. When we use phrases that younger generations can’t relate to, we risk creating a disconnect. And, isn’t communication about building bridges, not walls?
So, instead of saying “You sound like a broken record,” perhaps we could simply say “You’re repeating yourself,” and keep the connection strong and clear with our younger counterparts.
6) “Roll down the window”
I’ll admit, this one caught me off-guard. I was driving with my teenage niece one day when I asked her to “roll down the window”. The look of confusion on her face was priceless.
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She had no idea what I meant because she’s grown up in a world where car windows are operated by buttons, not by physically rolling them down.
It was a stark reminder of how quickly technology advances and how phrases that were commonplace in my era can become obsolete.
So, if you don’t want to be met with puzzled expressions, it might be a good idea to replace “roll down the window” with “lower the window” when communicating with the younger set.
7) “Hang up the phone”
This phrase is a relic from the time when telephones were fixed devices with receivers that were physically hung up. But in an age of smartphones, there’s nothing to hang up anymore.
Younger generations are more accustomed to ‘ending a call’ rather than ‘hanging up’. The physical action that this phrase refers to is simply non-existent in their experience with phones.
Using outdated terminology can create an unnecessary barrier in communication. So, saying “end the call” instead of “hang up the phone” might help you sound more relatable to those from younger generations.
8) “Don’t judge a book by its cover”
While this phrase is universally understood, it’s often seen as cliché and overused by younger generations. They’ve grown up in a world where they are encouraged to challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and understand that first impressions aren’t everything.
More importantly, language is a tool for connection. It’s not just about the words we say, but how we say them and how they are received.
So, while phrases like “don’t judge a book by its cover” have taught valuable lessons in the past, perhaps it’s time we learn to express these timeless truths in ways that resonate with the ever-evolving language of younger generations.
The heart of the matter
Language, at its core, is a tool for connection. It’s the bridge that links generations, cultures, and individuals. Yet, it remains ever-evolving, reflecting the pulse of each generation.
As we’ve explored, certain phrases become outdated as technology advances and societal norms shift. Clinging onto these phrases can create a disconnect with younger generations who simply don’t share the same experiences or cultural references.
But the crux isn’t about discarding our past or dismissing these phrases as irrelevant. They have their charm and they tell our story. They are threads in the tapestry of our shared history.
The real essence lies in understanding and appreciating the evolution of language and its role in connecting us with others. It’s about learning to adapt our vocabulary to bridge generational gaps, not widen them.
So, whether you’re a boomer trying to connect with a millennial or Gen Z, remember it’s not just about what we say but how we say it. And most crucially, it’s about ensuring our words foster connection, not confusion.
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After all, isn’t that what language is all about?
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