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Common Millennial Phrases That Confuse Gen Z and Make Us Sound Old

May 10, 2024

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Millennial slang, once cool, now elicits blank stares or eye rolls from the Gen Z crowd. Here is a list of the top quirky sayings that were commonly used in conversation a couple decades ago but now sound like lines from a dated sitcom.

Talk to the hand.

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This phrase was a definitive way for millennials to end a conversation or show disinterest, often accompanied by a hand gesture. It symbolized a playful yet clear dismissal that few outside the era might appreciate.

You’ve got mail.

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Famously voiced by AOL, this phrase announced the arrival of new email, exciting for many during the early internet days. It represents a time when email was novel and checking it was an event.

Whatever floats your boat.

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Used to express a laissez-faire attitude towards another’s choices, this saying conveys a sense of individuality and acceptance. Gen Z might find this vague, preferring more direct or supportive affirmations.

Psych!

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This was used after tricking someone. It calls back a time of in-person play and spoken interactions that are less common now. Gen Z might see “Psych!” as an outdated and less sophisticated form of humor.

That’s phat.

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Pronounced like “fat,” this was a term of admiration used to describe something exceptionally cool. Its phonetic similarity to a derogatory term might confuse Gen Z. The whimsical nature of millennial slang can often seem less refined to the next generation.

Get jiggy with it.

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Popularized by Will Smith, this phrase meant to get into the groove or enjoy what you’re doing. It encapsulated the fun, carefree pop culture of the ‘90s. To Gen Z, steeped in a different musical and cultural lexicon, the expression might seem archaic or comical.

As if!

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A cornerstone of millennial slang, especially among teens, to express disbelief or that something is unlikely. Originating from iconic films like Clueless, it might not resonate with Gen Z, who have their own set of media influences.

Talk to you later, alligator.

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A playful way to say goodbye, often extended with “After a while, crocodile.” This phrase became popular in the mid-50s, but its influence lasted for decades. Gen Z might find such extended goodbyes unnecessarily wordy and childish.

Not!

Used at the end of a statement to indicate the opposite was true, this was a staple of millennial sarcasm. It requires timing and tone that might not translate well in text-heavy Gen Z communication. The subtlety of sarcasm has evolved.

No duh.

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An expression used to state that something is obvious or to subtly mock someone for stating the obvious. It can come across as rude or condescending to Gen Z, who might prefer “obviously” or no acknowledgment at all.

Let’s bounce.

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Suggesting a departure or moving on from a place, this phrase reflects the dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle of millennials. Gen Z might simply say “let’s go” or use a specific emoji.

Burn!

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Exclaimed when someone made a particularly effective sarcastic remark or insult. While still somewhat understood, the enthusiasm for such exclamations has waned among Gen Z, who might find it overly dramatic.

Cool beans.

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An affirmation that meant something was satisfactory or nice, it added a quirky twist to a simple acknowledgment. For Gen Z, the phrase might seem outdated or oddly nonsensical.

My bad.

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While still in use, its casual nature might not sufficiently convey sincerity in Gen Z’s more conscientious communication style. The phrase exemplifies a laid-back approach to accountability.

Booyah!

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An exclamation of joy or victory, often after achieving something. This term encapsulates the exuberant pop culture of the 90s and early 2000s. Gen Z might prefer more contemporary expressions like “Yasss!”

Gag me with a spoon.

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This expression of disgust comes from the “Valley girl” slang that was once pervasive among young millennials. Its dramatic imagery might seem overly exaggerated to Gen Z, who use less visceral slang to express disapproval or disgust.

It’s all that and a bag of chips.

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This was used to describe something as excellent or top-notch, often with a touch of humor. The quirky addition of “a bag of chips” might puzzle Gen Z, who might say “it’s lit” instead.

Wazzup?

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Popularized by a beer commercial and widely adopted in casual greetings, this was a humorous way to ask someone how they are doing. Gen Z might see this as a dated reference, preferring “What’s up?” or just “Sup?” for casual inquiries.

You go, girl!

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A phrase of encouragement, particularly among young women, to celebrate empowerment or accomplishment. While the sentiment remains relevant, the expression itself may seem cliched to Gen Z, who often opt for more inclusive or varied affirmatives.

Da bomb

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Used to describe something extremely good or impressive, this phrase is a product of its time, reflecting the slang-heavy dialogue of the ‘90s. For Gen Z, terms like “epic” or “fire” serve a similar purpose with a modern twist.

Hit me up.

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A request for someone to contact the speaker, often used when parting. While still somewhat in use, the phrase is being replaced by “text me” or just “DM me,” reflecting the shift to digital-first communication.

Keep it on the down low.

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This phrase means to keep something confidential, reflecting a culture of discretion. Gen Z might simply say “keep it secret” or use a shushing emoji, aligning with more visual and direct communication styles.

Frosted tips

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Referring to a popular hairstyle among millennial men where only the tips of their hair were bleached. While the style might see revivals, the term itself is tied to a specific fashion era. Gen Z might be unaware of the term even if they recognize the style, showing the fleeting nature of fashion slang.

All that jazz.

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Used to refer to everything associated with a particular topic or to add a bit of flair to a description. The phrase, rooted in older jazz culture, might feel archaic to Gen Z, who prefer more straightforward language or newer idioms.

Home skillet

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A term of endearment for a friend, like “homie” but with a quirky twist. While “homie” remains somewhat current, “home skillet” might sound bizarre to Gen Z ears, unfamiliar with the playful language twists of past decades.