The use of ellipses in texting among older adults, known as “Boomer ellipses,” has been highlighted as potentially more irksome than using capital letters. This habit can unintentionally come off as ominous, anxiety-inducing, or irritating to younger generations, especially Gen Z. Some Reddit users have expressed frustration with this texting style, describing it as passive-aggressive or insane. The use of multiple dots in a row to separate ideas is seen as a chronic issue among Boomers, with the practice being attributed to differences in informal communication rules from previous generations.
One Redditor provided an example of a “Boomer neighbor” using ellipses in a text message, questioning the need to imply more than what is being said. Possible explanations for this habit mentioned by commenters include bad education or a way to signify gaps between thoughts. However, it was revealed by an “etymology nerd” that Boomers learned to separate thoughts using ellipses due to the constraints of saving space in previous forms of communication, such as postcards or letters. However, the current interpretation of ellipses as hesitation, annoyance, or passive aggressiveness has led to confusion and frustration among younger generations.
Despite the negative connotations associated with this texting habit, many members of Gen X and Boomers are not willing to give up using ellipses. Some have expressed that they will continue to use it until they die, emphasizing the importance of learning and adapting to new slang terms and acronyms used by younger generations. On social media platforms like TikTok, individuals have defended the use of ellipses, likening it to a “pregnant pause” or a way to indicate “etc.” They argue that they love using ellipses and will not stop incorporating it into their messages anytime soon.
The debate surrounding Boomer ellipses highlights the generational differences in communication styles and how certain punctuation marks can be interpreted differently across age groups. While some may find the use of ellipses annoying or off-putting, others are adamant about continuing to use it as a form of expression. Ultimately, understanding the reasons behind these texting habits can help bridge the communication gap between different generations and foster mutual understanding and respect for each other’s preferences. In conclusion, the use of ellipses in texting among Boomers may be perceived negatively by younger generations, but it also reflects a generational difference in communication styles that can be appreciated and understood with proper context and explanation.
