Boomer Wisdom: 21 Sayings That Millennials Should Respect
Ah, the Baby Boomers – a generation as famous for its cultural revolutions as it is for those catchphrases that have the younger gens rolling their eyes into the next postcode. Let’s check out the 21 most irritating:
1. “Back in my day…”
The classic opener to any tale that usually ends with how much harder, better, or simpler life used to be. Spoiler: it often involved walking five miles in the snow, uphill both ways.
2. “Kids these days…”
Ah, the universal sigh before lamenting the state of modern youth – usually glued to their screens or up to no good, according to the Boomer gospel.
3. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
A favorite among Boomers keen to remind the younger lot about the value of money – usually right after you’ve treated yourself to something from this century.
4. “When I was your age…”
This one’s a lead-in to a story about how at your age, they were already working two jobs, raising a family, and building a house with their bare hands.
5. “You don’t know how good you’ve got it.”
Used to highlight how spoiled and easy the younger generations have it, missing the irony that their hard work was supposedly to ensure exactly that.
6. “We didn’t have that luxury.”
Whether it’s dishwashers, smartphones, or central heating, rest assured, Boomers grew up without it and need you to know.
7. “That’s not real music.”
Your music taste? A cacophony compared to the golden oldies of their time. Expect a lecture on the Beatles or Rolling Stones.
8. “I’m not computer-savvy.”
The go-to excuse for not keeping up with technology, often followed by a request for you to fix their phone, computer, or Wi-Fi.
9. “Hard work never killed anyone.”
Usually said in the context of long hours and grinding labour, glossing over the fact that, well, stress and overwork can indeed be harmful.
10. “They don’t make them like they used to.”
Cars, appliances, relationships – apparently, everything was built to last back then, unlike the disposable culture of today.
11. “This is how we’ve always done it.”
Resistance to change or new ideas is often backed up by this gem, a rallying cry for the status quo.
12. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”
The conversation ender that’s supposed to pacify your concerns or arguments with the wisdom you’ll apparently gain with age.
13. “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Sound financial advice or a nudge to pinch pennies? Either way, Boomers love to remind us of the virtues of saving.
14. “It’s just a phase.”
Your current interest or lifestyle choice? Merely a phase, according to Boomers, much like their use of this phrase should be.
15. “Respect your elders.”
A handy reminder of the generational hierarchy whenever a Boomer feels slighted or questioned.
16. “You have too much time on your hands.”
Spotted enjoying a hobby, passion, or frankly, anything that’s not work? Expect this comment as a drive-by judgment.
17. “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”
The solution to all of life’s problems, apparently. Just a shame not everyone can reach, let alone afford, those mythical bootstraps.
18. “Good things come to those who wait.”
Patience is a virtue, sure, but this phrase is often used to discourage any impatience or desire for swift action.
19. “We had to earn our fun.”
Leisure time and fun are apparently modern inventions, unheard of in the stoic past of the Boomer generation.
20. “You can be anything you want to be.”
Inspiring? Yes, but often delivered with a side of unrealistic expectations and pressure, as if choosing a career is as easy as selecting from a menu.
21. “The early bird catches the worm.”
A nugget of wisdom encouraging you to rise with the dawn, though they neglect to mention the night owl gets the peace, quiet, and entire world to themselves.
Time to Update the Script?
While these phrases might have been the soundtrack to many a Boomer’s youth, it’s perhaps time we retired them, along with the notion that there’s only one way to live a good life. After all, variety is the spice of life, and who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be the ones with our own set of catchphrases, puzzling the generations to come.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrea Piacquadio.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
