If a boomer still uses these 9 phrases, they probably don't realize how out of touch they sound

There's a major gap between keeping up with the times and falling behind.

This gap often presents itself in language. Boomers, for instance, might still be using phrases that sound utterly out of touch to younger generations.

It's not about shaming or blaming. It's about understanding that certain words and phrases can make you seem disconnected from the world as it is today.

In this article, we'll explore nine phrases that might indicate a boomer is not quite catching up with the times. And no, it's not about 'getting with the program'. It's about understanding and connecting better with those around you.

So, if you're a boomer who's still using these phrases, don't sweat it. We're here to help you bridge the gap.

1) Groovy

Let's start with the language of the flower-power era.

"Groovy" is a term that once embodied the spirit of the '60s and '70s - peace, love, and all things psychedelic. But as we moved into the digital age, this phrase quickly fell out of fashion.

Using "groovy" today doesn't just make you sound out of touch with the modern language; it firmly roots you in an era that's long gone.

Today's generation may only know of this term from retro movies or from their grandparents' anecdotes. So, if you're still hanging ten with "groovy," it might be time to let it ride off into the sunset.

Remember, language evolves constantly, and keeping up with it is a part of staying socially relevant.

2) Dial the internet

I remember my grandfather once asked me to "dial the internet" for him. Trust me, it was a hilarious moment, but it also brought home the reality of how out of touch some phrases can make you seem.

"Dialing the internet" is a phrase that harks back to the days of dial-up modems, where you literally had to dial a number to connect to the internet. These days, with high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi, the term sounds completely alien.

My friendly advice? Unless you want to elicit chuckles from your tech-savvy grandchildren, it's best to leave this phrase in the past along with your old AOL CDs. Instead, you might say, "connect to the internet" or simply "get online." It's all about staying relatable in an ever-evolving world.

3) Rolodex

The term "Rolodex" refers to a rotating file device used to store business contacts. Invented in 1956, it was considered a must-have office accessory for decades. It's where you'd flick through to find the phone number of a business contact or friend before the advent of digital contact lists.

Nowadays, with smartphones and digital contacts, the term "Rolodex" is as outdated as the device itself. Many young people wouldn't even know what a Rolodex is, let alone why someone would refer to it in conversation.

So, if you're still using "Rolodex" to refer to your list of contacts, it might be time to update your vocabulary along with your contact storage methods.

4) Video tape

Remember the days of recording your favorite shows on a video tape? It was a time when missing an episode meant you had to wait for a rerun. But technology has revolutionized the way we consume content.

Now, with DVR and streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, we have on-demand access to our favorite shows and movies. The term "video tape" is now as outdated as the device itself.

So, if you're still asking someone to "video tape" a show for you, it might be a clue that you're not quite up-to-date with the current lingo. A more relevant phrase would be "record the show" or "save it on the DVR." Staying current with your language helps ensure you're understood by everyone, no matter their age.

5) Be kind, rewind

Now, this one really takes us back. "Be kind, rewind" was a common courtesy during the era of VHS rentals. It was a simple reminder to rewind the tape before returning it to the rental store, so the next person could watch it from the beginning.

However, with the advent of DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital streaming, VHS tapes have become a thing of the past. The phrase "be kind, rewind" can now be found only in nostalgic conversations about the good old days.

So if you're still using this phrase, it's another sign that your language might be stuck in a bygone era. Modern technology has made rewinding unnecessary, and our language has evolved along with it. It's always a good idea to ensure your words reflect the world as it is now, not as it once was.

6) Call me on my landline

The phrase "call me on my landline" was once a common piece of telecommunication etiquette. It was the time before mobile phones, when your home phone was your main point of contact.

But today, in an era where almost everyone has a cell phone glued to their hand, the phrase might leave younger folks scratching their heads. For many, especially in urban areas, a landline is a luxury or even an oddity.

Saying "call me on my landline" might give the impression that you're not quite tuned into the mobile revolution. It's a small shift, but using phrases like "call me" or "text me" without specifying the device can make you seem more in touch with the current times.

After all, communication is all about connection. And using language that resonates with everyone ensures we stay connected, no matter the generation.

7) Surfing the web

I'll admit, I used to say "surfing the web" quite a bit. It was a popular phrase in the early days of the internet, capturing the sense of exploration and discovery that came with navigating this new digital frontier.

But as the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, "surfing" feels a bit outdated. Now, we don't so much surf as we do live online. We don't explore; we exist.

So, while it's a little hard for me to let go of this phrase, it's important to keep up with the times. Today, you're more likely to hear someone say they're "browsing" or "scrolling through" the internet.

Updating our language can be a small way to stay connected with the world around us, even if it means saying goodbye to some old favorites.

8) You've got mail

"You've got mail" is a phrase that was popularized by America Online (AOL) during the early days of email. It was the notification you'd hear whenever a new email arrived in your inbox.

Though it was exciting back then, waiting for that little ping to signify a new message, today's world of constant emails, messages, and notifications has made it obsolete.

Many younger people may only recognize the phrase from the 1998 Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan movie. So, if you're still saying "you've got mail," it might be time to move on to something a bit more current.

Communication has evolved rapidly, and so has our language surrounding it. Staying updated with the terms can help bridge the generational gap.

9) Don't touch that dial

"Don't touch that dial" is a phrase that originated from the early days of radio and television, when changing a station meant physically turning a dial. It was often used by broadcasters to keep listeners or viewers from changing the channel during commercial breaks.

In today's era of digital and on-demand media, where a swipe or a click changes the channel, this phrase is completely out of place.

If you're still using "don't touch that dial," it might be time to retire it. Not only is it outdated, but it also may not make sense to younger generations who have never seen a TV or radio with a dial.

Language is a living, evolving entity. Keeping up with these changes not only helps us communicate effectively across generations, it also helps us stay connected with the world around us.