14 Words and Phrases That Show Your Age
Language is a fascinating thing – it’s constantly evolving, with new words and phrases popping up all the time. But just as certain words can mark you as being part of a younger generation, there are plenty of words and phrases that can give away your status as an older adult.
Let’s look at 14 words and phrases that are a dead giveaway that you’re not as young as you used to be. From outdated slang to old-fashioned expressions, these linguistic relics are sure to make you chuckle (and maybe cringe a little, too).
“Groovy”
If you’re still using the word “groovy” to describe something that’s cool or fashionable, then you’re probably old enough to remember the 1960s and 70s. This word was all the rage during the hippie era, but nowadays, it’s more likely to elicit eye rolls than admiration.
“Icebox”
Back in the day, before electric refrigerators became common household appliances, people used to keep their food cold in insulated boxes filled with ice. If you still refer to your fridge as an “icebox,” then you’re probably old enough to remember a time when this was the norm.
“Whippersnapper”
If you’ve ever referred to a younger person as a “whippersnapper,” then you’re definitely showing your age. This old-fashioned term for a mischievous or impudent young person has been around since the 1700s, but it’s rarely used today outside of playful banter.
“Five and Dime”
If you remember shopping at the “five and dime,” then you’re probably old enough to have seen a few things in your day. This term refers to a type of store that sold a wide variety of inexpensive items, usually priced at five or ten cents each. While some modern discount stores might be considered spiritual successors to the five and dime, the term itself has largely fallen out of use.
“Lollygag”
If you’ve ever accused someone of “lollygagging,” then you’re probably using a word that most younger people have never heard before. This old-fashioned term means to dawdle, loaf around, or waste time, but it’s not exactly a common part of modern vocabulary.
“Jalopy”
If you refer to an old, dilapidated car as a “jalopy,” then you’re definitely dating yourself. This slang term was popular in the 1920s and 30s, but it’s rarely used today outside of classic cartoons and old movies.
“Fiddlesticks”
If you’ve ever exclaimed “fiddlesticks!” as a way of expressing frustration or disbelief, then you’re probably old enough to remember a time when mild oaths were the norm. This quaint expression has been around since the 1600s, but it’s hardly ever used today.
“Dagnabbit”
Speaking of mild oaths, if you’ve ever said “dagnabbit” instead of something stronger, then you’re definitely showing your age. This euphemism for “damn it” was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but it’s rarely heard today outside of old Western movies.
“Heavens to Betsy”
If you’ve ever said “heavens to Betsy” to express surprise or dismay, then you’re probably using a phrase that originated in the 1800s. The origins of this expression are a bit murky, but it’s thought to be a mild oath that refers to the biblical figure of Betsy, who was the sister of Lazarus.
“Cat’s Pajamas”
If you think something is the “cat’s pajamas,” then you’re using a slang term that was popular in the 1920s. This phrase means that something is excellent, top-notch, or highly desirable – but it’s not exactly a common part of modern-day conversation.
“Davenport”
If you refer to a sofa or couch as a “davenport,” then you’re probably using a term that was more common in the early-to-mid 20th century. This word comes from the name of a furniture company that was popular in the 1900s, but it’s not a term that most younger people would use today.
“Pocketbook”
If you call your handbag or purse a “pocketbook,” then you’re definitely showing your age. This term was more common in the mid-20th century, but it’s largely been replaced by words like “purse,” “handbag,” or even “bag” in modern usage.
“Tape Deck”
If you still refer to a car stereo or audio player as a “tape deck,” then you’re definitely dating yourself. While cassette tapes were once a common way to listen to music on the go, they’ve largely been replaced by CDs, MP3s, and streaming services in recent decades.
“Dungarees”
If you call your jeans “dungarees,” then you’re using a term that was more common in the early-to-mid 20th century. This word comes from the Hindi word “dungri,” which refers to a type of cotton fabric. While jeans are still a wardrobe staple for many people, the term “dungarees” has largely fallen out of fashion.
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