If you’ve ever used these 13 phrases, don’t be surprised when Gen Z calls you out.

What sounds like everyday conversation to Boomers can come across as tone-deaf to Gen Z. It’s not that younger generations are overly sensitive—it’s that language evolves, and what was once considered harmless can now come off as outdated, dismissive, or even offensive. You might think you’re just making conversation, but to Gen Z, some of these phrases sound out of touch or downright rude.
It’s not about walking on eggshells or policing every word; it’s about understanding how language impacts different generations.
What felt normal in the past might not land the same way today. If you’ve ever said something that made a younger person raise an eyebrow or roll their eyes, this list might explain why.
Some of these phrases will surprise you, but once you see them through a Gen Z lens, you’ll understand the shift.












