Baby Boomer Buzzwords: 19 Phrases We’re Tired Of
Do your parents or grandparents often repeat the same phrases to you, and you’re just tired of hearing them? We know what you feel like. Boomer phrases can be dated, annoying, and might even not make sense to you. Whether it’s life advice, inappropriate observations, or expressions, sometimes you’re sick of repeatedly hearing the same phrases. We get it. That’s exactly what we’re talking about today. Get ready for 19 boomer phrases we wish everyone would retire!
19 Boomer Phrases that Need to be Retired Immediately
1. “Back in my day.”
This phrase is often used to share how things were different, harder, better, etc. in their day. Sometimes it’s insensitive and might make you feel like your issues don’t matter because back in their day, blah blah blah. (Not actually blah blah blah, but you know what we mean.) For example, “Back in my day, we had to work full time after school so we could help our parents pay the bills.” It’s like as if they’re saying you’ve no reason to complain because back in their day, etc.
2. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
Yes, we know it doesn’t grow on trees. And, even if we spend a lot of it, we still don’t grow it on trees. Stop telling us “Money doesn’t grow on trees!” (Also, it would be cool if it did grow on trees, wouldn’t it?!)
3. “What’s on the boob tube?”
We call it TV nowadays. Let go of the “boob tube” thing. It’s weird.
4. “When I was your age, I already had.”
Often this phrase is finished with “a house and a family.” This implies that you’re not moving fast enough or doing what they deem to be important in life. Also, houses cost like $5.00 in their day, so yeah, we would have bought a home then too.
5. “I never went to therapy, and I turned out fine.”
But, did you?
6. “Flip a wig.”
If you’re upset, you might hear, “No need to flip a wig!” But, it probably just irritates you further, right? Who is flipping wigs, and since when is that an expression of being upset?
7. “Kids these days.”
Kids of every generation are different and have their own unique challenges. It can feel insensitive to hear “kids these days,” and it sounds like kids these days aren’t as good as kids back in their days.
8. “You don’t know how good you’ve got it.”
Maybe we do and maybe we don’t, but frankly, we’re tired of hearing you tell us about it!
9. “That’s not real music.”
Can we just acknowledge that there are so many genres of music and everyone likes different things, and that’s as beautiful as it is wonderful? Who even made the term “real music?” Is there “fake music”?
10. “I told you so.”
UGH this one. We just don’t want to hear this anymore. It doesn’t make anything better to know they were right, and maybe we should have listened. Let us pave the way for our own mistakes and challenges and just support us along the way. We don’t need to hear “I told you so”!
11. “You need to buy a house.”
Well, maybe if the economy wasn’t so messed up, we could! When boomers say this, it’s like they don’t realize we just came out of a global pandemic. Inflation rates are at an all-time high, and so many people are barely making it paycheck to paycheck, never mind saving up five figures to buy a house.
12. “You’re too sensitive.”
First, there’s no such thing. Second, stop using sensitivity as a negative thing. The negative context in this implies that being sensitive is bad and it’s not.
13. “You have to pay your dues.”
This phrase is usually used to acknowledge that you have to experience some hardship before you can reap the rewards. We know that. Life itself is a challenge. We’re tired of hearing that we have to pay our dues. We’ve paid them over and over!
14. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
This is another way of saying don’t rely entirely on one plan but rather diversify it just in case. But, seriously, no one puts eggs in baskets, and we’re tired of hearing this one.
15. “Kids these days have no respect.”
This is coming from a generation who demanded respect but may not have been so quick to give it. Kids definitely should have respect, but so should everyone. Stop complaining about our generation of kids. If you want them to respect you, then you must also give the same in return.
16. “That’s life.”
When boomers use the phrase “that’s life,” it’s often in a dismissive way. You explain a challenge you’ve encountered or an obstacle you’re struggling through, and they just shrug and say, “That’s life.” It’s not helpful, nor is it encouraging you to get through the obstacle.
17. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
No, it probably doesn’t, and we go to the doctor to remain healthy, not just when we’re sick. We don’t necessarily want to keep the doctor away anymore but rather establish a healthy and honest relationship with our doctor so we feel safe to turn to them when we need.
18. “It takes two to tango.”
This one is often used to spread blame and avoid taking responsibility. If you’re having a problem with something and a boomer says, “Well, it takes two to tango,” it’s like they’re saying, “Well, it’s your fault too” or, “Well, you’re half the problem.” And, even if that’s true, it still isn’t a helpful way of approaching it.
19. “Early bird gets the worm.”
Does it always though? Boomers use this phrase to say being diligent and punctual has its rewards. But it doesn’t really give any emphasis on personal obstacles. For some people, being early is just not doable, and the reward should come from completing a job well, not necessarily first.
We’re Tired of It
We know boomers love using these phrases, but sometimes they seem insensitive, unhelpful, and unnecessary. From the classic “I told you so” to “That’s not real music,” these phrases can really grate on our nerves and make us tired of hearing them. So the next time you’re talking to the boomer generation, count how many of these phrases you hear and try not to roll your eyes at them! (Boomers may find that rude!)
