8 things Boomers still say that Gen Z would never dare utter

Language evolves faster than most of us realize.

What sounds ordinary, even comforting, to one generation can land like a brick to another. Words carry the weight of culture, history, and assumptions. And nowhere is the gap wider than between Boomers and Gen Z.

I grew up hearing the sayings that shaped my parents’ worldview. At the time, I didn’t think twice about them. But now, when I hear a Boomer repeat one of these phrases in front of my Gen Z friends or colleagues, I notice the shift in energy—the awkward silence, the quick glance at the floor, or the subtle wince.

That’s because these phrases aren’t just outdated—they run counter to how Gen Z sees the world.

So let’s break down eight things Boomers still say that Gen Z wouldn’t dream of uttering.

1. “Back in my day…”

This phrase almost always signals a story about hardship, framed as a badge of honor.

Boomers love telling the next generation how things used to be—whether it’s walking miles to school, working after class, or surviving without the internet.

The problem? For Gen Z, this opener feels less like wisdom and more like a guilt trip. When someone says, “Back in my day, we didn’t need phones,” the implication is that today’s struggles don’t count.

But Gen Z faces its own gauntlet: rising anxiety rates, a housing market stacked against them, and climate dread that isn’t abstract—it’s in their newsfeed daily. Their “day” looks entirely different, and comparing hardships only builds walls.

When I traveled in Eastern Europe a few years ago, I noticed locals would sometimes say, “Back in our parents’ time…” but the tone was different. It was reflective, not competitive. Maybe that’s the lesson—share the story, but don’t frame it as a contest.

2. “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps”

This saying has been around for more than a century, but here’s the twist—it was originally a joke. Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps was physically impossible, and that was the point. Somewhere along the way, Boomers adopted it as advice.

To Gen Z, though, it rings hollow. They’ve grown up watching friends take on massive debt just to graduate into an economy where unpaid internships are the entry ticket.

As noted by Matthew Desmond in Poverty, by America, “Poverty persists not because we lack wealth but because we allow it.” In other words, structural barriers—not laziness—keep people stuck.

Gen Z sees this clearly. They’re more likely to talk about systemic inequality, unfair labor practices, and mental health roadblocks than to romanticize grit as a magic cure-all.

When I was younger, I actually believed this line. I thought sheer hustle was enough. But then I saw peers working three jobs and still not breaking even. That’s when I realized it’s not that simple—and Gen Z never bought into the myth in the first place.

3. “That’s not real work”

If you’ve ever brought up someone making a living online to a Boomer, you’ve probably heard this.

A cousin of mine makes six figures creating gaming content on YouTube. When I mentioned this at a family dinner, an older relative chuckled and asked, “So when is he going to get a real job?”

But to Gen Z, this is real work. In fact, many of them aspire to it. A 2023 Morning Consult survey found that 57% of Gen Zers said they would be an influencer if given the opportunity, compared to 41% of all adults.

This isn’t laziness—it’s adaptation. Digital platforms are legitimate career paths, requiring marketing, communication, editing, and business skills. The work just doesn’t fit the Boomer mold of office hours and corner desks.

To call it “not real work” is to ignore the shift in how value gets created. For Gen Z, the proof is in the paycheck—and in the freedom that comes with building your own path.

4. “Don’t talk about politics at the table”

For Boomers, this was about keeping family dinners civil. Politics, religion, and race were considered “impolite” topics.

But Gen Z doesn’t buy it. To them, avoiding important conversations is the same as looking away.

They’re the generation that grew up with school shooting drills, climate strikes, and online activism. Silence feels like complicity.

Research shows younger generations—especially Gen Z and Millennials—are more likely to engage in climate activism, protests, and other political causes than older adults. They also share more on social media and support stronger government action on issues like climate change.

When a Boomer says “Don’t talk about politics,” it sounds like sweeping dust under the rug. For Gen Z, the rug is already on fire.

5. “That’s just the way it is”

This phrase might be the most frustrating of them all. It’s usually said when someone points out inequality, unfair rules, or outdated norms.

I remember arguing with a landlord in my twenties about why my rent jumped 30% in one year. His response? “That’s just the way it is.” I felt powerless.

Gen Z isn’t accepting that. They grew up questioning institutions—from banks to universities to government. And when something feels unjust, their instinct is to ask, “Why?”

As psychologist Carol Dweck has noted, a “fixed mindset” assumes the world can’t be changed, while a “growth mindset” looks for solutions. Gen Z leans growth mindset by default.

I’ve mentioned in another post how traveling opened my eyes to how much of “the way it is” is actually just custom. Things can be done differently—if someone is willing to challenge the script.

6. “Kids these days have it easy”

This one is practically a rite of passage for older generations.

Boomers point to smartphones, streaming, or Google as proof that life is easier now. And sure, Gen Z doesn’t have to rewind VHS tapes or wait weeks for a letter.

But easy? Hardly. Gen Z faces a world of always-on digital pressure, relentless comparison on social media, and skyrocketing costs of living. In fact, studies show that Gen Z reports higher levels of anxiety and depression than any previous generation.

When Boomers say “you have it easy,” Gen Z hears dismissal. What they want is recognition that every era has its burdens—and theirs happen to be digital and economic rather than analog and mechanical.

7. “You should smile more”

Few phrases trigger younger generations more.

Boomers often used this as encouragement, but to Gen Z it feels patronizing, especially when aimed at women. It’s less about kindness and more about control—telling someone how to manage their expression for your comfort.

As Dr. Arlin Cuncic notes in her work on social anxiety, unsolicited appearance comments reinforce unequal power dynamics. Gen Z, who value authenticity and consent, see through it instantly.

A friend of mine once got this comment from a stranger while she was studying at a café. She looked up and replied, “I wasn’t hired to entertain you.” Gen Z energy in one sentence.

8. “Money can’t buy happiness”

This one sounds wise on the surface. And yes, happiness isn’t found in stuff alone.

But Gen Z knows money absolutely affects well-being. It buys stability, opportunity, and freedom from constant stress. Without those, happiness is a steep climb.

Boomers who say this often already own houses and enjoy pensions. Gen Z, meanwhile, is staring at housing crises, student loans, and healthcare bills. Their perspective is more practical: money doesn’t guarantee happiness, but lacking it almost guarantees stress.

As noted by psychologist Daniel Kahneman, happiness does rise with income—up to a point. Gen Z is acutely aware of that threshold. For them, money isn’t about luxury; it’s about peace of mind.

The bottom line

These phrases aren’t malicious. Most Boomers don’t mean harm when they say them—they’re passing down the language that shaped their lives.

But Gen Z is navigating a new world, with new pressures and priorities. Words that once felt motivational now land as dismissive.

The takeaway? Pay attention to how language evolves. Ask yourself if a phrase uplifts or shuts down conversation. What worked in one era may need rethinking in another.

Because in the end, language isn’t just about talking. It’s about connecting. And the generations that learn to bridge the gap will find themselves closer, not divided.