There are old-time expressions that pop up year after year that serve a variety of purposes. The advertising world counts on them and they are not limited to a particular region. The more modern sayings that we all find ourselves repeating ad-nauseum most likely will be remembered by the generation that first used them. They resemble recirculating fashion that may suddenly reappear decades later with all manner of strange twists. The original takes on new life.
When anyone talks about the generation gap, they reflect how language usage differs in gatherings with mixed ages having conversations. Unexpected facial expressions or gestures pop up indicating the listeners’ astonishment or bewilderment. Historic events often spawn sayings that reflect the age of the speaker.
As more of us spend time online, the turn of a phrase to fit the cultural times can completely change the meaning. “It is what it is” has transformed itself entirely with the tone of voice used. A conversational cadence is established by the deletion of words. The familiar “What’s up?” feels fresh and new with “wazzup” before beginning a conversation. It is already out of style.
Every generation brings out their own take on old sayings eventually creating new renditions. The easiest examples are spotted in the slang of the year. Vestiges of the old go-to phrases may still be there. Recent use of the word “sick” is only one of a few that immediately brings to mind the old use, as it is the opposite of original meaning. The most recent additions of emojis or memes to our online communications make it even stranger.
The most evident examples of blatant intergenerational confusion appear in the plethora of ads catering to the generation dubbed “Boomers.” While the intent to appeal to a certain population creates the ads with the actors proclaiming “I wasn’t born yesterday” or “It’s not my first rodeo” is turning off a number of potential customers from the younger people. “Boy howdy, who would have thunk it?”
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
