A millennial dictionary for boomers
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Baby boomers and Gen Xers, have you ever struggled to understand the language of your millennial colleagues, friends or family members?
I’ve written previously about my generally positive sentiments toward this generation, but some of their English usage is curious.
For my confused contemporaries, I’ve prepared the following glossary of phrases used regularly by millennials that will help you navigate conversation with these capable but different communicators.
“That was amazing!” Translation: “That was not amazing.” “Amazing” is a word of marginally sincere praise often given for a lackluster accomplishment when the speaker has no time or is unwilling to offer more descriptive acclaim. Think of it as a social shortcut for someone who wishes not to offend. Occasionally it’s used as actual praise, which makes this highly used word even less meaningful when it is spoken, which is quite often.
“I’m adulting.” Translation: “I’m assuming unfulfilling grown-up responsibilities.” Adulting refers to taking care of one’s own car, laundry or bills. Subject to scorn in multiple online essays, users of this word deserve at least some empathy for the sunsetting of a prolonged adolescence.
“I feel like ... .” Translation: “I’m not willing to commit to this opinion, but here’s what I think.” John McWhorter recently ranted about the wishy-washiness of this phrase in The New York Times, but I believe its intent is to be more collaborative than noncommittal in expressing an opinion.
“Actually, (plus any expression of validation or praise).” Translation: “I didn’t expect to be agreeing with you.” Used by multiple generations, this introductory word turns any compliment into a left-handed one. Example: “Actually, you made a really good cup of coffee” really means “I expected your brew to taste like dishwater.” Listen for this expression of latent disrespect, and you’ll hear it everywhere. Be forgiving — it’s not meant as an insult.
“You’re not wrong.” Translation: “You’re right, but I’m not conceding the authority role here.” When heard with the introduction “actually,” you may want to rethink your relationship with the speaker.
“OK, boomer.” Translation: “You’re completely out of touch.” The subject of countless memes, this phrase is often a retort to the criticism of an older person (of any generation) who advises that hard work and fewer participation trophies will solve all of society’s woes. It is also used to denote someone who resists technological change. Got a flip phone? This means you.
There are hundreds more phrases used between millennials in conversation and on social media. And if you think their phrases are confusing, just wait until you have to interpret the language of their successors in Gen Z. It’s bussin. No cap.
References:
Grose J. The word ‘adulting’ is gross. It’s also sexist. https://medium.com/the-lily/the-word-adulting-is-gross-it-s-also-sexist-16e583d3cb35. Published June 6, 2017.
McWhorter J. I think it's fine to say ‘I feel like.’ I reckon others do, too. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/10/opinion/i-feel-like.html. Published May 10, 2022.
Ramshaw E. How “adulting” made actually being an adult irrelevant. https://coveteur.com/2017/08/29/editor-adulting-personal-essay/.
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