"OK boomer" has become a popular phrase intended to be dismissive of older people and has sparked a lot of discussions about the relationship and gap between generations.
What’s the meaning of this phrase? And how is it impacting the divide between generations? And what should both generations do to turn it into a positive term? Find out answers below.
What does OK Boomer mean?
The term "baby-boomer" was first used in a 1963 Salt Lake Tribune article to refer to a person born during the post-World War II baby boom. The shortened version "boomer" has since taken on various meanings.
Much like "millennial," "boomer" doesn't just indicate a birth year, it encompasses the entire generation's trends, values, and concerns. However, this term has been used to mock older people, regardless of whether or not they are technically considered baby boomers.
This negative connotation has become more prevalent in recent years, particularly with the use of the phrase "OK boomer" which has become popular on social media platforms like TikTok.
"OK Boomer" has become a dismissive remark that young people use to make fun of older people, similar to the way they would give them a sarcastic eye-roll.
It isn't just directed at people born during the baby boom era after World War II, it's also used in a playful yet sometimes mean-spirited way as a symbol for a certain attitude or set of opinions.
“A ‘boomer’ is an older, angry white male who is shaking his fist at the sky while not being able to take an insult,” says John Kelly, a senior research editor at Dictionary.com. “They have close-minded opinions, are resistant to change — whether it’s new technology or gender inclusivity — and are generally out of touch with how their behaviors affect other people.”
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"OK boomer" may be considered offensive by some, but it shouldn’t be considered a slur
You may have noticed a lot of posts about #OKBoomer and #boomer on Twitter. Radio host Bob Lonsberry caused a stir when he compared "boomer" to the N-word in a tweet, stating that it was an ageist slur.
But this statement was disproved by John Kelly. According to him, comparing "boomer" to the N-word shows a lack of understanding of the power dynamics that come with slurs, “People in positions of power do not have slurs [attacking them] the way people in minority groups do, particularly groups that have historically been oppressed," he explains.
Millennials are sick and tired of the blame, shame, and dismissal from the older generation
While the phrase "OK boomer" may appear to have come out of nowhere, it’s the result of a long-standing generation conflict. Millennials have been facing criticism and dismissal from older generations for a long time.
According to the author of The Gaslighting of the Millennial Generation, Caitlin Fisher, millennials have been burdened with excessive levels of student loan debt and are expected to work unpaid internships or make a living wage through part-time jobs.
The minimum wage is not enough to live on, health care costs are exorbitant, and the cost of living and education is rising faster than wages. On the other hand, many boomers rely on government-funded healthcare programs.
And when millennials voice their concerns, boomers tell them that they had to work hard and pull themselves up by their bootstraps in their day. As a result, millennials have been feeling like they’re not even allowed to complain.
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The Bottom Line
Although the phrase "OK Boomer" is used by younger generations to mock older individuals, we can still turn this sometimes offensive term into an opportunity for conversation.
If you as a boomer don’t feel offended by the term “OK boomer”, then you're likely not the type of boomer that the term is intended for. This isn't about your age, it's about your attitude and your willingness to understand and support the values and struggles of younger generations.
So, if someone younger called you a “boomer” and it feels like an insult, try asking yourself, “Why did I get an 'OK boomer'?" and "Why did that hurt?” From there, you can find ways to make this person feel heard.
On the other hand, millennials who use "OK boomer" as a put-down instead of starting a meaningful conversation with older people shouldn’t expect any progress to be made and the gap between generations to decrease.
It’s a two-way street at the end of the day, and shunning boomers isn't the answer for those who want to make a constructive change in society.
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Sylvia Silverstone is a passionate writer who loves to share her knowledge and expertise on a wide range of topics, including beauty, life hacks, entertainment, health, news, and money. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Sylvia's engaging writing style keeps readers coming back for more.
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