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originally posted:11/23/2019
updated: 2/28/2021
Words that show your age
Sometimes I notice my kids’ eyebrows shoot up when I say certain words – words I grew up with and still use without thinking. The blank expressions on their millennial faces clearly show they think I am an old fuddy-duddy. Not that they would know what fuddy-duddy means.
DUNGAREES
You’re definitely dating yourself If you call your jeans “dungarees,”. This holds true whether you wear them skinny, baggy, or boot-cut; just don’t say it.
STEWARDESS
The term stewardess was replaced by the gender-neutral alternative “flight attendant” by the end of the 1970’s. More recently the term “cabin crew” replaced “flight attendant” in some parts of the world to recognize their role as members of the staff. It is not considered politically correct to use the word “stewardess” today. And “sky muffin” is definitely out!
SLACKS
“Slacks” rolls easily off my tongue, yet the younger generation seems to have no idea that slacks are another word for pants.
ANSWERING MACHINE
My kids, both in their 20s, remember the answering machine. In fact, we still have one in the closet. Still, I sometimes say “I left you a message on your answering machine” out of habit. Today it’s all about “voice mail”. And honestly, though younger people understand the meaning of “voice mail”, do they listen to the messages? If you want their attention, it’s better to send a text.
GOING STEADY
It’s not that exclusive dating no longer exists, but no one refers to it as “going steady” anymore. And who remembers “ID Bracelets”? My kids have absolutely no clue what I’m talking about when I mention them.
CARD
Today, cards are typically what people use to play poker and other games. However, to me, this term seems to be a perfectly acceptable way to describe my hilarious friend.
POCKETBOOK
As per my kids, your purse is where you keep your phone, keys, and wallet. Your pocketbook is where Grandma keeps her checkbook and hard candies.
CLICKER
Really mom, “clicker”??! It’s a remote. My kids laugh especially hard at this one.
YOU’RE WELCOME
When was the last time you heard “You’re welcome” in response to a “Thank you”? More often than not, the response these days is “No problem”
COOL BEANS
Just say “cool”. You don’t need the “beans” to get your point across. I embarrassingly admit I used this term and really liked it back in the day.
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Trying to keep up while holding on to the past
I don’t want my kids to think I’m a dinosaur. For that reason, I try to use outdated terms less when with them. Some of the current slang words seem foreign to me, but I want to learn them to better follow my childrens’ conversations. Recently I learned that “tea” means “gossip” and “keep it 100” replaced “keep it real”. Who knew? Oprahmag published a lengthy list of millennial slang words recently if you want to know more.
Some of the old words and phrases are better off forgotten, it’s true. But I hang on to others because they are part of who I am. I do not try to hide my age; in fact I celebrate the wisdom and experience that comes with being 50+ and the person I am today as a result.
The bottom line
It’s absolutely OK to show your age.
Are there other words or phrases you miss from years gone by? Please share them in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!
