As time goes by, our language evolves, and so does our culture, so what may have been a well-used phrase back in your day may just fall on deaf ears in 2025
As the years pass, our language and culture evolve, meaning phrases that were once commonplace may now fall on deaf ears in 2025.
In the 1960s or even the 1980s, the cultural landscape for young people was vastly different, with their financial situations, career prospects, and relationships differing greatly from today’s youth. What might seem like a helpful comment from someone from the Boomer generation could come across as out of touch to a modern 20-something.
For Generation Z, those born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, context is key, and these well-known sayings might just make them wince.
Why are you always on your phone?
This kind of remark can instantly demonise technology, without considering its integral role in contemporary life. Ironically, baby boomers are one of the fastest-growing demographics on Facebook, according to Sprout Social, reports the Express.
It might be time to understand what Gen Z are really doing on these devices.
We never needed therapy-people just dealt with their problems
Younger generations are increasingly opting for healing and finding useful tools to manage their emotions, which should be celebrated. Dealing with problems means exactly that – discussing them, understanding them, and then resolving them – and therapy is a valuable tool for many to achieve this.
I don’t see colour – we’re all the same
By claiming that colour isn’t something you take into account, you can ignore the realities faced by people of colour, whether that’s the prejudice they encounter or the historical context behind their heritage. The way many Gen Z individuals view it is that the goal isn’t to be colour-blind, but to acknowledge it, comprehend it, and actively oppose racism.
Kids these days have it so much easier
On the face of it, it might appear that yes, life is simpler, such as getting takeaways, discovering fresh information, or reaching people, but loads of other aspects are tougher. Purchasing property, dealing with social media demands, and existing in a volatile economy are all challenges younger generations confront daily.
You can’t say anything anymore
Gen Z generally are better at attempting to employ inclusive terminology and consider more compassionately the influence behind their words. Grasping how the things you express might affect others can only be beneficial, and criticising younger generations for this feels like moving backwards.