Language, much like fashion, is a tapestry of the times, weaving in the vibrancy and nuances of each generation's experiences and attitudes. As we transition from one era to the next, certain phrases and words that once felt fresh and relatable start to show their age, much like a well-loved pair of jeans that eventually fades. In the vast, ever-evolving landscape of slang, what was once the pinnacle of cool can quickly become a marker of times gone by.
1. “On Fleek”
Once the highest compliment for perfect eyebrows or an impeccable outfit, “on fleek” has become a phrase that makes many in Gen Z cringe. Popularized in the mid-2010s, it epitomized the era of Vine and early Instagram culture. However, as digital platforms evolved, so did the language used on them. Today, Gen Z finds “on fleek” to be outdated and overly associated with superficial online trends.
2. “YOLO”
An acronym for “You Only Live Once,” YOLO became the battle cry for spontaneous and often reckless decisions. Millennials used it to justify spur-of-the-moment adventures and extravagant purchases. While the underlying sentiment of living life to its fullest is timeless, the term YOLO has lost its charm. Gen Z prefers a more nuanced approach to discussing life's impermanence and opportunities, finding YOLO to be too simplistic and overused.
3. “Bae”
Short for “before anyone else,” bae was a term of endearment for significant others or crushes. It saturated social media captions and text messages, embodying the millennial approach to romance. However, Gen Z views “bae” as a relic of past digital communication, favoring more straightforward or creative expressions of affection. The term now feels awkward and outdated in contemporary conversations.
4. “Lit”
Describing anything from a great party to a well-received outfit, “lit” was the go-to adjective for something exciting or excellent. Despite its versatile use, Gen Z has grown tired of this catch-all term. The younger generation looks for more specific and varied vocabulary to express enthusiasm, relegating “lit” to the list of overused and retired phrases.
5. “FOMO”
The fear of missing out, or FOMO, encapsulated the anxiety of not being part of exciting events seen on social media. Millennials widely used it to describe the pressure to stay constantly connected and engaged online. Gen Z, however, with a growing awareness of mental health and self-care, tends to reject the concept. They prioritize genuine experiences over social media-driven anxiety, finding “FOMO” to be a negative and outdated mindset.
6. “Slay”
Once a term of empowerment, “slay” was used to commend someone for looking exceptionally good or performing exceedingly well. It's synonymous with conquering or acing something, often used in contexts ranging from fashion to professional achievements. However, for Gen Z, the term feels overly dramatized and reminiscent of a bygone social media era. They prefer using more current slang or returning to classic praises, viewing “slay” as somewhat exaggerated and outdated.
7. “Squad Goals”
Millennials popularized “squad goals” to describe aspirational group friendships, often idolizing celebrity cliques or fictional groups. It was a way to celebrate the ideal dynamics within one's social circle, capturing moments that seemed worthy of emulation. Yet, to Gen Z, the phrase has lost its appeal, feeling too curated and inauthentic. They value genuine connections over idealized representations, making “squad goals” seem shallow and no longer relevant.
8. “Can't Even”
This phrase became a staple for expressing overwhelming emotion, whether due to excitement, indignation, or despair. It succinctly captured a sense of being so affected by something that one couldn't articulate their feelings fully. However, Gen Z finds “can't even” to be overly vague and melodramatic. They tend to express their emotions more explicitly, seeking clarity over catchy but ambiguous expressions.
9. “Adulting”
“Adulting” refers to performing tasks or responsibilities typically associated with grown-up life, such as paying bills or cooking meals. Millennials often used it to highlight moments of self-sufficiency or to humorously lament the challenges of adulthood. However, Gen Z perceives “adulting” as a patronizing term that unnecessarily dramatizes routine responsibilities. They approach the concept of maturity with a more pragmatic attitude, finding little novelty in mentioning everyday adult tasks.
10. “Netflix and Chill”
Initially a coy euphemism for a casual hookup with the pretext of watching Netflix, “Netflix and chill” quickly became a viral catchphrase. It epitomized millennial dating culture, encapsulating a laid-back approach to romantic encounters. However, Gen Z finds the phrase outdated, preferring more straightforward communication about intentions. The term's overuse has stripped it of its original cleverness, making it feel cliché to a generation that values authenticity in interactions.
11. “Basic”
Used to describe someone or something that is overly mainstream or lacks originality, “basic” became a way to critique predictable tastes or preferences. It was a shorthand criticism of anything from pumpkin spice lattes to popular fashion choices. Yet, for Gen Z, the term has lost its bite. They see the concept of “basic” as unnecessarily judgmental, preferring to celebrate individuality and the freedom to enjoy whatever one likes without stigma.
Ready to make your first budget?
Enter your email and get the free template
12. “Turnt”
Signifying extreme excitement or being under the influence at a party, “turnt” was the millennial badge of honor for a night out. It conveyed a sense of letting loose and enjoying oneself to the fullest. However, Gen Z approaches the concept with a more nuanced perspective. While they still enjoy parties and social gatherings, the term “turnt” feels too associated with reckless behavior. They prefer terms that don't implicitly glorify excessive partying or substance use.
13. “Feels”
Short for feelings, “feels” was a term millennials used to express a deep emotional reaction, particularly to media like movies, music, or memes. It was a quirky way to acknowledge that something struck a sentimental chord. However, Gen Z finds the term overly simplistic and prefers to articulate their emotions with more precision. They find “feels” reductive, especially when discussing complex emotional responses.
14. “Sorry Not Sorry”
A defiant expression of unapologetic behavior, “sorry not sorry” was used to own one's actions or opinions, regardless of how they were received. It encapsulated a form of rebellious confidence. Yet, this phrase now comes across as passive-aggressive and insincere to Gen Z, who value directness and genuine expressions of remorse or confidence. They prefer to either apologize sincerely or stand by their actions without the sarcastic undertone.
15. “Throw Shade”
Originally from the ballroom culture and later mainstreamed by millennials, “throw shade” refers to delivering a subtle or indirect insult. While it once denoted a clever or witty critique, its overuse has diluted its impact. Gen Z prefers more direct communication and finds the concept of “throwing shade” to be unnecessarily passive-aggressive. They value straightforwardness and authenticity, relegating “throw shade” to the list of outdated vernacular.
“Trust Shattered” No One Will Ever Trust You Again If You Do These 10 Things
Trust forms the foundation of any healthy and meaningful relationship. The delicate thread binds individuals together, fostering openness, vulnerability, and a sense of security. However, trust can be fragile and easily shattered by certain behaviors and actions. Recently people shared some of the fastest ways to lose trust in others.
How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?
Get access to my FREEÂ guide now.
“What Were Boomers Thinking?” 10 Cringe-Worthy Modern Things Future Generations Will Wonder About
As time moves forward, certain practices, beliefs, and customs become outdated, irrelevant, or downright embarrassing to look back on. Now we will explore the opinions of various individuals about the current state of affairs and how people in the future might look back on them with disbelief.Â
“Blood Clots Are Unpredictable?” 20 Breathtaking Scientific Facts That Don't Seem Real
Are you ready for a scare? Buckle up for a ride through some of the scariest scientific facts out there.
“Yes, Everyone Has A Gallon Of That” 10 Weird Things Foreigners Believe Everyone in American Has
“Is America The Best Country?” 20 Terrible Things About The USA Many Don't Want to Accept
The American culture is diverse and unique, but some aspects of it can take time to accept by people from other countries. Recently on an online platform, people have shared their thoughts on some of the challenging aspects of American cultures, such as casual debt, limited vacation time, school mascots, zero-tolerance policies, and more.
How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?
Get access to my FREEÂ guide now.