Millennials are famously vocal about their desire to phase out certain outdated phrases from daily conversation. These phrases often feel out of touch or, as some may describe it, “cringe.” So that we can all stop driving millennials crazy, here are some phrases that we can try to eradicate from our everyday language.
“Think Outside the Box”
Once a fresh call for creativity, “think outside the box” now feels stale and uninspiring. Millennials prefer more specific prompts for innovation because these kinds of generic calls for creativity don’t provide the inspiration they seek. They want concrete, actionable advice rather than overused motivational phrases.
“Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps”
The phrase “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” suggests that success is solely the result of individual effort, ignoring systemic barriers. Millennials are aware of the complexities of socioeconomic factors, and therefore, they think that a more nuanced understanding of success that includes community support and equitable opportunities is important.
“Actions Speak Louder Than Words”
While the sentiment of “Actions speak louder than words” has value, the phrase itself feels overused and simplistic. Millennials prefer straightforward communication and believe in the power of both words and actions, seeing them as both important. They seek a balance where verbal commitments are matched by consistent follow-through, not just doing things without communicating.
“No Pain, No Gain”
The phrase “No pain, no gain” suggests that only through hardship can success be achieved, which doesn’t sit well with millennials. In fact, the phrase has been rigorously discussed in academia, leading the University of Rhode Island to explore its dangers. Ultimately, the idea that suffering is necessary for accomplishment is seen as outdated and unhealthy, with many people preferring to promote a healthier, more balanced approach to achieving goals.
“Work Hard, Play Hard”
Similar to “No pain, no gain,” the phrase “Work hard, play hard” implies that intense work must be balanced with equally intense recreation. As you might expect, millennials generally advocate for a more integrated lifestyle where work and leisure coexist harmoniously, known as the “work-life balance.” They believe in enjoying life without the extremities, as suggested by this phrase.
“Boys Will Be Boys”
Another phrase that millennials wish to eradicate from everyday language is “Boys will be boys.” They claim that this phrase is often used to excuse inappropriate behavior, especially from men, which shouldn’t be dismissed. They advocate for accountability and responsible behavior instead, regardless of gender.
“Age Is Just a Number”
Though intended to be liberating, “Age is just a number” can come off as a dismissive phrase when it comes to the genuine concerns tied to aging. Millennials value age diversity and the unique experiences different generations bring, but they’re still worried about the physical health of their parents, so they feel dismissed when this phrase is used.
“Curiosity Killed the Cat”
The phrase “Curiosity killed the cat” is yet another one that Millennials want to eradicate from the English language, as they think it discourages inquiry and exploration. They hold lifelong learning and curiosity at the highest value and fear that if young people hear this phrase, they might be scared to explore their minds.
“Live and Let Live”
At one point, the phrase “Live and let live” promoted tolerance, but nowadays, it can also imply indifference to injustice. Millennials advocate for proactive justice systems and engagement with societal issues, believing in standing up for what is right and not merely accepting things as they are if they can be improved.
“Practice Makes Perfect”
While there’s no denying that “Practice makes perfect” has good intentions, Millennials think that the phrase sets unrealistic expectations. To avoid this, they prefer to focus on the journey of continuous improvement rather than the elusive goal of perfection. They value effort and growth, understanding that learning is a never-ending process without a definitive endpoint.
“Good Things Come to Those Who Wait”
Millennials believe strongly in the importance of effort and initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to come, and therefore, they’re not fans of the phrase “Good things come to those who wait.” They believe that action and persistence are seen as key to achieving success and that this phrase can encourage passivity, which is understandable.
“Laughter Is the Best Medicine”
Although humor is certainly valuable, the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine” can oversimplify the complexities of mental health. Millennials advocate for professional help and self-care in addressing psychological issues, and why they realize this is just a phrase, they still think it could mislead some people, who may just laugh off their mental issues instead of exploring and resolving them.
“Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining”
Much like other phrases on this list, “Every cloud has a silver lining” is meant to offer hope, but millennials see it as being dismissive of real struggles. They appreciate acknowledging difficulties without immediately searching for a positive spin, much preferring genuine empathy and realistic optimism over corny phrases.
“Time Heals All Wounds”
In the eyes of Millenials, “Time heals all wounds” just isn’t helpful to someone experiencing grief or trauma. They understand that healing is a complex, non-linear process and, therefore, think it’s better to acknowledge that some wounds may not fully heal but can be managed with support and time.
“Better Late Than Never”
Perhaps the phrase that frustrates millennials the most is “Better late than never,” which is still commonly used today. From their experience, they see this excusing procrastination in the workspace all the time, generally used as a lazy excuse. They recognize that it originally held a more general meaning, but they just can’t deal with its modern adaptation, which is fair enough.