16 Annoying Phrases Millennials Use That People Do Not Like
Language changes every day. Tonal shifts, evolution of meaning, updated definitions, politically correct discourse, and conversation comprehension all contribute to our shifting languages. With shifting language come everyday terms people use, specifically people of certain generations, to relate to others. These phrases or words may pick up separate meanings from their dictionary definitions or express ideas that irritate others. For example, millennials love saying, “I don’t want to adult,” as 35-year-olds are working office jobs. Today, we’re exploring other aggravating expressions millennials created to communicate their experiences. Do any of these phrases irk you?
1. Literally
By definition, literally means actually or true. Millennials began using literally wherever they pleased, as a confirmation statement or as an exaggeration. In lieu of saying “I agree” or “Yes, you’re right,” they say “literally.” Other times, someone will state a phrase similar to “If I don’t eat a snack, I’ll literally pass out.” Though the person will not pass out, they must add the emphasis to get their point across.
2. Like
Millennials use “like” as a filler word more than they stream Taylor Swift. While the word like compares two things or puts a thought into perspective, some people end up inserting it into conversation when they don’t know what to say next. The filler word takes up space in language, making the speaker appear less intelligent than they are.
3. Adulting
This phrase bothers me every day. I have a 27-year-old cousin who always tells me she is an “adult” and complains about the trials of growing older. Since age 16, she groaned over getting older, complaining about the new “adult”’ responsibilities plaguing her life. The idea of “adulting” gives people superiority complexes about small tasks. For example, a 29-year-old might say they don’t want to be an adult after paying rent or buying a car when they need to do such tasks to live.
4. I’m So Broke
Many people claim they are broke when they have money in savings accounts, checking accounts, and cash lying around. They may possess less money than they want but are not “broke.” The definition of broke refers to having zero dollars to your name.
5. Lit
“Lit” takes on a few meanings, making it a confusing, overused term. Millennials use lit to demonstrate excitement, enjoyment, joy, happiness, and anything relating to positivity. Recently, lit adopted a new meaning of intoxication. For someone unfamiliar with millennial speak, saying “it’s lit” indicates a lit match or fire.
6. Humblebrag
Who loves oxymorons or phrases that use two words with opposite definitions as a singular phrase? With “humblebrag,” we have the first word, representing modesty, and the latter half, depicting boasting. A”‘humblebrag” combines the two differing words for an action wherein someone does both. An example is, “I’m $200,000 in debt, but I was the only person in my school to get into Harvard.”
7. I Can’t Even
“I can’t even” encompasses overflowing emotions. Perhaps a friend will show you a picture of her puppy. Instead of commenting on how cute its floppy ears are or the color of the dog’s eyes, you stumble for words and mutter, “I can’t even.” On the negative side, millennials use this term to express disgust or disapproval of something. Say the college football team lost the game in the last ten seconds.
8. I Was Today Years Old When…
Three-hundred-sixty-five days comprise a year. Morphing days and years together cannot make logical sense. Using this type of nonsensical language upsets people because a person cannot be “today years old.” Furthermore, non-millenials believe this phrase makes millennials try to act cute, although it comes across as annoying.
9. I Love That For You
Picture a family member with an announcement. They wait all day for your full attention to unleash the big news. Once they tell you about their job promotion, you respond with five words, “I love that for you.” After voicing your reaction, you move on with your day as your family member sits, upset at your unaffected reaction. “I love that for you” suggests a lack of care. In a way, it relieves you of responsibility, taking you off the hook for feeling nothing about a situation.
10. I Did a Thing
What did you do? Did you take a shower? Did you buy a house? Did you go to a concert? Saying “I did a thing” substitutes the actual thing you did. Say what you did rather than hinting at what you did.
11. Basic
Basic’s definition refers to the building blocks or a foundation. Describing a person as basic points to a person with a copycat personality that follows whatever is popular. Using this word inflates the ego, which causes individuals to adopt an unhealthy perception of themselves and others. If an individual perceives another person as “basic” for liking The Notebook, that person may internalize that judgment and feel bad for their movie tastes.
12. Period
I believe the slang “period” bears the closest resemblance to the word’s definition. A period punctuates a sentence. A period demonstrates where a speaker or reader pauses before moving on to the next sequence. A period illustrates the end of a thought. In some cases, periods emphasize sentences, which is what the slang word does. Millennials use “period” to accentuate their statements or express agreement.
13. Weird Flex, But Okay
Here’s another string of words that assert dominance or superiority over someone else. To put this into perspective, let’s set a scene. Two friends, Tom and Jim, share a cookie during their lunch hour. Tom bites into the cookie and remembers when his mother made a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies as a child. Since Tom was so small, he ate too many cookies and became sick from all the sugar. Jim replies, “Weird flex, but okay,” as a way to devalue Tom’s experience.
14. The Struggle is Real
“The struggle is real” focuses on mundane occurrences bothering people with first-world problems. Examples include:
- Running out of milk.
- Needing to do laundry.
- Forgetting to buy toilet paper.
- Realize you lose an hour of sleep during daylight savings time.
Meanwhile, horrible things occur in other countries to families and children, but here, the millennials are complaining about forgetting to go to the grocery store.
15. Sorry Not Sorry
A few musicians released songs “Sorry, Not Sorry” in the 2000s, including Demi Lovato’s 2017 single. “Sorry, not sorry” first apologizes, then revokes that statement. The expression spreads a sarcastic apology that comes across as arrogance.
16. That is so Aesthetic
Which aesthetic is it? An aesthetically pleasing setting appeals to personal preference, giving an onlooker a sense of satisfaction. Nonetheless, aesthetics fall into categories, so a room cannot be “so aesthetic.” Rather it must fall into a specific grouping like Art Deco, Americana, Beach, Disco, or any other listing.
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