The BuzzFeed Community recently shared outdated slang that their parents still use, sparking a conversation about generational language. Many respondents mentioned phrases like “on fleek,” “da bomb,” “rad,” and “groovy” that were popular in past decades but are now considered old-fashioned. Some parents also use phrases like “coolio, hoolio,” “all that and a bag of chips,” and “bitchin'” that have fallen out of common usage. Others mentioned expressions like “out the yin yang,” “close but no cigar,” and “that’s hot” that seem out of place in today’s vernacular.
Some parents try to use more current slang to connect with their kids, with mixed results. One parent’s use of Gen Z slang like “rizz,” “bussin’,” and “sus” was seen as embarrassing by their late Gen Y children. Conversely, a parent’s attempt to introduce the made-up word “Swiz” as a replacement for “rad” or “awesome” was more successful with their kids, who embraced it despite their parent’s spouse finding it annoying. The use of phrases like “cray-cray,” “cool beans,” and “let’s boogie” by parents was also mentioned as sources of amusement for their children.
Many respondents shared memories of their parents using slang that was popular in previous decades, such as “want a cookie?,” “get with the program,” and “jiggy.” Some parents used phrases from the ’60s and ’70s like “ew! Gross me out!” or “what’s crackalackin’,” while others still used expressions like “not happy Jan” that are specific to their cultural background. The persistence of these outdated phrases in parental language was both endearing and humorous to their children, who sometimes found themselves cringing or laughing at their parents’ linguistic choices.
While some parents have adapted to using more current slang, others have stuck with phrases that have long fallen out of favor. This can lead to awkward or amusing moments, such as when a parent insists on using phrases like “ain’t no thang but a chicken wang,” “what’s cooking good looking,” or “what’s crackalackin'” in everyday conversations. Despite the potential embarrassment or amusement these phrases may cause among younger generations, they serve as a reminder of the way language evolves over time and how different generations communicate with each other.
Overall, the discussion around outdated parental slang highlighted the ways in which language reflects generational differences and cultural influences. While some parents embrace current trends in language to connect with their children, others hold onto phrases that were popular in their youth, leading to both humorous and heartwarming moments in family interactions. The enduring presence of these outdated phrases in parental language serves as a reminder of the unique ways in which each generation communicates and the evolving nature of language over time.
