You may have noticed that certain things we say change over time, and phrases that were once modern are now very outdated. Not only that, but younger generations will want to avoid entire conversations if boomers start talking about the way things used to be.
Here are 15 phrases boomers use that make them sound old.
“Can you fax that to me?”
At one time, fax machines were a staple of office communication, but in today’s world, they’re practically obsolete. Asking someone to fax a document makes it sound like you haven’t heard of email, cloud storage, or digital signatures. Most businesses have moved on to electronic document sharing, and younger generations rarely, if ever, use fax machines.
“Back in my day…”
Nothing makes you sound older than starting a sentence with “Back in my day…” While reminiscing about the past can be fun, this phrase often comes across as dismissive, as if today’s world doesn’t measure up.
Younger generations want to feel like their experiences are just as valid as yours, and constantly bringing up how things were better in the past can make you seem out of touch.
“I need to balance my checkbook.”
If you still say this, you might be showing your age without realizing it. While keeping track of finances is important, most people today don’t use physical checkbooks anymore. Online banking and mobile apps have made balancing a checkbook a thing of the past.
“Why don’t you just call them?”
While phone calls were once the gold standard for communication, today’s younger generations prefer texting, messaging apps, or emails. Many people, especially Millennials and Gen Z, find phone calls intrusive and unnecessary, especially for casual conversations or quick questions.
If someone doesn’t answer their phone, it’s not because they’re ignoring you, it’s because phone calls are often seen as disruptive.
“Turn that down, it’s just noise!”
No doubt about it, complaining about music volume or dismissing new music as just noise is a classic way to make yourself sound out of touch. Every generation has had its own version of loud or annoying music, and criticizing younger people’s musical tastes only reinforces the idea that you don’t appreciate new things.
“They don’t make them like they used to.”
While it’s true that things have changed, constantly insisting that everything was better in the old days can come across as negative and stuck in the past. Instead of making blanket statements, try acknowledging both the pros and cons of modern advancements.
Rather than complaining that everything is cheaply made now, just simply recognize that while some things may not last as long, technology has improved in many ways.
“Millennials are so entitled.”
We can all agree that blaming an entire generation for being entitled is not only unfair but also outdated. Millennials have been criticized for everything such as killing industries and demanding too much from workplaces, yet they’ve also faced economic challenges like rising student debt and stagnant wages.
“Nobody wants to work anymore.”
This phrase has been repeated for decades, and yet, people are still working, just differently. While younger generations may approach work with different expectations, such as prioritizing work-life balance and mental health, that doesn’t mean they’re lazy.
The traditional 9-to-5 job structure has changed, and remote work, freelancing, and gig economy jobs have become more common.
“I don’t get all this social media nonsense.”
Social media is a major part of modern communication, and dismissing it as nonsense makes it seem like you’re resisting change rather than trying to understand it. While you don’t have to be an influencer, having a basic understanding of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can help you stay connected with family, friends, and the world.
“That’s not real music.”
Every generation believes their music is the best, but dismissing modern music completely makes you sound rigid and unwilling to evolve. Music changes with time, and while you might not enjoy every new genre, that doesn’t mean it lacks value.
“We didn’t have all this technology, and we turned out fine.”
Often used to dismiss modern advancements, this phrase overlooks the fact that technology has made life significantly easier and more efficient. It’s true that people survived without smartphones, GPS, and streaming services, but that doesn’t mean today’s conveniences aren’t valuable. Instead of rejecting new technology, acknowledging its benefits will make you seem more in touch with the present.
“Kids these days have no respect.”
It’s tempting to believe that younger generations are less respectful than previous ones, but every generation has been accused of the same thing. The truth is, respect looks different now than it did decades ago.
Younger people may not use the same formalities, but that doesn’t mean they lack respect, it’s just expressed differently.
“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
While the sentiment behind this phrase is well-intentioned, younger generations prioritize honesty, open conversations, and constructive criticism over silence. Today, people believe in standing up for themselves and discussing difficult topics rather than avoiding conflict.
Instead of shutting down discussions with this phrase, consider encouraging thoughtful dialogue and respectful disagreement.
“You’re too young to understand.”
Younger generations may not have lived through the same experiences as Boomers, but they have their own unique insights and knowledge, especially when it comes to technology, social issues, and modern culture.
Don’t shut down a conversation with this phrase, instead try listening with an open mind. You might be surprised at what you can learn from younger generations.
“That’s just how it’s always been.”
You may have noticed that younger generations are more likely to challenge old systems, question authority, and seek better solutions rather than accepting things as they are. While tradition has value, refusing to adapt can make you seem resistant to progress, and being open to new ideas keeps you from sounding stuck in the past.