Generational Language Exchange: Boomers and Gen X Dive into Gen Z Slang on TikTok

Gen Z Slang Takes Over, But Not Without a Twist

It seems that in the bustling city of New York, generational dialogue is taking a fascinating turn as older adults are dipping their toes into the world of Gen Z slang. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok, you’ve probably come across countless videos featuring individuals from an older generation, perhaps a boomer or Gen Xer, trying their hardest to keep up with trending expressions like “slay”, “no cap”, and “it’s giving.” These videos have ignited an internet phenomenon that’s both amusing and slightly alarming.

The TikTok Trend

Currently, there are nearly 4,000 of these entertaining clips on TikTok, collectively racking up millions of views. The premise is simple: older individuals are embracing the eccentric language of Gen Z, often while promoting everyday places or products, such as a quaint bed-and-breakfast or perhaps a trendy set of blinds. But there’s a catch: many of the terms they are using aren’t strictly the newfangled creations of Gen Z; they have roots that go back decades, originating primarily from Black and Latinx communities.

For example, terms like “it’s giving” and “serving” have been around much longer than many might realize, entering mainstream language through platforms like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Meanwhile, “rizz”, the buzzword named the Oxford English Dictionary’s word of the year in 2023, has taken a twist when it’s used in marketing contexts far removed from its origins.

Generational Playfulness

This kind of intergenerational banter isn’t new; remember the phrase “OK boomer”? It became a hashtag in 2019, marking a shift in how younger generations viewed their elder counterparts. It turned out to be a veiled expression of frustration, an indication that Gen Z was tired of being looked down upon. Millennials, who were too exhausted to jump into the fray, watched as Gen Z became the online voice of culture and youth.

However, things took an interesting turn when Gen Z found themselves playfully at odds with Gen X. It seems this generation has developed a tougher demeanor, likely influenced by their experiences as latchkey kids. Older generations may find it harder to poke fun at them without facing some serious retaliation!

Marketing Meets slang

Now, with both boomers and Gen Xers managing to get on TikTok, there exists a fascinating fusion of language where Gen Z’s trendy slang is repurposed into online marketing strategies. This trend feels quite different from the early days of “OK boomer”, creating a full-circle moment where no generation seems untouched. Are older generations trying to ride the coattails of youth culture? Absolutely, and it brings a delightful layer of irony to the mix.

The videos where older folks recite Gen Z slang can bring a smile, but it often leaves us questioning: who’s really in on the joke? Given that the platform is filled with shared humor across ages, the line between who is entertaining whom blurs.

Language Evolution

The dynamic nature of language is on full display here. Online, lingo evolves rapidly; what was cutting-edge last week can sound outdated by next month. And while older generations may find themselves attempting to keep up by adopting slang, it also shows how language can touch so many aspects of culture—forcing us to reconsider who truly owns it.

This entire saga isn’t just about older folks trying to sound “cool.” Instead, it encapsulates a shift in cultural exchange that flows freely through the pixels on our screens where everyone wants to belong. So, what do you think, are we seeing a bridge between generations, or are we just watching them dance around the language pool?

As TikTok keeps evolving, it’ll be exciting to see how language adapts, and which slang terms rise to prominence next. Until then, just remember: if you hear someone beyond their 30s using slang terms that make you roll your eyes, it might not be the worst thing—in a way, they’re just trying to connect.