It's not surprising that the current generation of any time period is baffled by the “customs” and lingo of the upcoming generation. I’m sure we could trace this back globally pretty far- to even prehistoric times. But, just going back a few generations gives us a good picture.
In the 1970’s, the use of “groovy” or “right on” definitely confused the Greatest Generation – the parents of the Baby Boomer generation. I’m sure it was a consistent home argument of, “What do you mean ‘Right on? ‘Right on, what? Finish the sentence!”
I will say that the dance move of pointing from one diagonal corner of your body to another continues to be therapeutic even if it is no longer accepted. I’m told this is called the Disco Dance. I will keep that custom for needed endorphins throughout the coming hectic school year.
It continued into the 1980s with “gnarly.” “tubular,” and “psych,” and it bled right on to budding millennial minds. Even though we made our own blend of linguistic madness, we definitely kept “psych” around through the 90s. I’m pretty sure I spelled it “sike.”
As a kid, I would be so confused about why my uncles, aunts, teachers, and parents were so confused. It furthered my belief that the adults of that time didn’t understand me or the people of my generation. It felt like a language barrier even though we used the same alphabet.
This doesn’t apply to just language. I remember when the high-five was still cool, back when ABC’s “Full House” and NBC’s “The Cosby Show” competed for the top sitcom spot. Then, by the time Fresh Prince rose to power, the dap had our generation “on lock”. Ahem, excuse me, many people used this method of greeting and agreement. Forgive me, my ethnic millennial jargon is showing. Sigh.
And here the battle is again, but this time I’m on the side of people who just don’t understand. Now, I get this from my kids, but I also get it from younger co-workers and even a cashier at Target. It’s telling of the closing decade of my 30s and the rising digits of kids I birthed and the little ones I babysat in high school, who are not so little anymore. I’m assuming that the glow of being a grandparent is accepting and reveling in the difference. Baby boomers- speak now your wisdom; I, if no one else, am listening.
Yes. I’m lamenting my age in an article in the section about family matters. This is highly appropriate and one of you readers is taking a deep breath with me in understanding. I would just like to say, thank you for understanding.
I do not despise the days that now roll into many years. It is a gift to be alive. I just find it shocking that it’s happening to me. How dare time behave this way, affecting us all. In the words of both the Olsen twins, “How rude!”
As our country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, we are all still deciphering quite a bit, from each other and our kids. I’m sure drafting a document of that magnitude to serve as a road map to an ever-unfolding dream of flourishing was daunting. Words have many different meanings – situationally, figuratively, and literally. We have seen that meaning and intent of words can shift over time, even with the noble attempt at creating a better future and world.
Thank you, Lin Manuel-Miranda for creating “Hamilton” to help those who hated history in various generations get a better glimpse of our forefathers’ intent from all the various meanings of words..
So, I sum up my lament with the following deduction: The next time I hear “skibidi-toilet” or “sigma”, I will assume someone is just trying to create a better world.
Then, for the love of humanity and sanity, someone tell me what those phrases mean.
Diamone Ukegbu is a local Little Haiti artist, creative, teacher, mom and wife who is in the throes of raising three children while trying to keep her sanity.
