Boomers grew up knowing these things were off-limits, but Gen Z embraces them like it’s no big deal.
Back in the day, some things were so taboo that even thinking about them felt rebellious. Boomers grew up in a world with strict social rules, unspoken expectations, and plenty of raised eyebrows. But times have changed—big time. What was once considered shocking, inappropriate, or even downright scandalous is now just another Tuesday for Gen Z.
It’s not about right or wrong; it’s about how society evolves. Let’s find out just how much things have shifted over the last few decades.
1. Splitting the bill and ditching traditional courtship rules.
Boomers grew up with clear dating expectations—men asked women out, planned the date, and always picked up the check. Paying for everything was a sign of respect and interest. But Gen Z is rewriting the rules. Splitting the bill is the norm, and traditional courtship feels outdated. Many Gen Z women prefer equality over chivalry, and men don’t feel pressured to prove themselves with their wallets. While Boomers might see this as unromantic, Gen Z sees it as fair.
2. Talking openly about money, salaries, and financial struggles.
For Boomers, discussing money was almost as taboo as politics at Thanksgiving. You just didn’t do it. Salary? A secret. Debt? Embarrassing. But Gen Z breaks that rule daily. They openly compare paychecks, call out wage gaps, and even post their salaries online. Financial struggles? No shame there either. They’ll talk about their student loans, side hustles, and financial goals with anyone willing to listen. To them, transparency is power, and gatekeeping money talk feels outdated and unfair.
3. Wearing whatever they want, no matter how casual or revealing.
Boomers had clear dress codes drilled into them—modesty and formality mattered. Shorts too short? Skirts too high? Not acceptable. But Gen Z plays by a different rulebook. Pajamas in public? Totally fine. Crop tops at work? Why not? Comfort reigns supreme, and outdated dress codes get called out for being sexist or classist. What was once considered inappropriate is now celebrated as self-expression. Boomers may shake their heads, but Gen Z is happily unbothered and dressed as they please.
4. Calling out authority figures without hesitation.
Back in the day, questioning teachers, bosses, or even parents was a surefire way to get labeled disrespectful. Boomers were expected to nod, obey, and keep their opinions to themselves. Gen Z? Not a chance. They’ll challenge authority without a second thought, whether it’s speaking up in a classroom, exposing bad workplace practices, or holding leaders accountable online. They see it as demanding respect, not defying it. If something seems unfair, they won’t stay quiet—and they don’t care who’s watching.
5. Discussing mental health like it’s just another part of life.
For Boomers, mental health was a hush-hush topic. You dealt with anxiety or depression privately—therapy was even considered a little taboo. But Gen Z? They normalize it. They talk about their therapists like Boomers talked about their barbers. Anxiety, ADHD, burnout—nothing’s off-limits. Instead of pretending everything’s fine, they push for mental health days, openly share struggles, and encourage others to seek help. What was once whispered about is now a fully accepted part of everyday conversation.
6. Cursing in casual conversation, even around older people.
Boomers learned that swearing in public—or worse, around elders—was totally unacceptable. You kept it clean unless you wanted a lecture. But Gen Z? They drop F-bombs mid-sentence like it’s punctuation. Profanity isn’t seen as crude; it’s just how they talk. Social media, music, even everyday speech is peppered with curse words, and barely anyone bats an eye. What once seemed vulgar is now just normal language, and many Boomers still struggle to adjust to the shift.
7. Dating and relationships without strict labels or commitment.
For Boomers, dating came with clear expectations—courtship, exclusivity, engagement, marriage. But Gen Z has tossed those rules out the window. Situationships, polyamory, casual dating—labels are optional, and commitment isn’t a given. They see traditional relationships as outdated constraints and prefer flexibility over rigid roles. Boomers may find it confusing, but Gen Z embraces the idea that love and relationships should fit individual needs, not outdated expectations.
8. Calling out toxic family members instead of tolerating them.
Boomers were raised to grin and bear it—family was family, no matter how toxic. You didn’t cut off relatives; you endured them. Gen Z? They have no problem setting boundaries or going no-contact. If a family member is manipulative, controlling, or harmful, they’ll walk away without guilt. They prioritize mental health over maintaining family ties, a mindset that would’ve seemed shocking in Boomer households. To them, respect is earned, not automatic, even when it comes to family.
9. Rejecting traditional careers and working for themselves instead.
Boomers followed a predictable career path—get a stable job, stay for decades, retire with a pension. Gen Z? That sounds like a nightmare. They’re ditching the 9-to-5 grind in favor of freelancing, content creation, and unconventional work. Office jobs feel suffocating, and they’d rather be their own bosses. To Boomers, quitting a stable job to “chase a passion” was reckless. For Gen Z, it’s smart. The idea that success requires a corporate career is officially outdated.
10. Talking openly about sex, gender, and identity.
Boomers grew up in an era where these topics were rarely discussed openly—especially not in polite company. But Gen Z? They’re having these conversations everywhere. Gender fluidity, LGBTQ+ rights, and sex positivity aren’t taboo—they’re essential. They correct outdated terminology, demand inclusivity, and challenge traditional views. For Boomers, these discussions may feel uncomfortable or even inappropriate. For Gen Z, avoiding them is what’s inappropriate.
11. Publicly canceling people and brands they disagree with.
For Boomers, if someone messed up, you either ignored it or handled it privately. Gen Z has a different approach: cancel culture. If a celebrity, influencer, or company crosses a line, they’ll call it out online—and the consequences can be brutal. Boycotts, social media takedowns, and viral outrage are just part of how they hold people accountable. While Boomers may see it as extreme, Gen Z believes silence equals complicity, and they refuse to let bad behavior slide.