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11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
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13 Common Phrases People Over 60 Use Without Realizing How Outdated They Sound
13 Common Phrases People Over 60 Use Without Realizing How Outdated They Sound originally appeared on Parade. Language is a wonderfully curious thing—always growing, always shape-shifting. Even when two people are from the same area, the way they use words can feel like different dialects from parallel worlds, especially across generations. For instance, a saying that once sparkled with relevance might now land with a puzzled blink when it's used, quietly revealing the era it came from at the same time. If you're curious what some expressions and sentences might fall into that, keep reading because we're revealing 13 common phrases people over 60 use without realizing how outdated they Dr. Jenny Shields, the founder of Shields Psychology & Consulting and Dr. Patricia Dixon of the podcast Healing Mentalit-Tea helped us round them up. They both not only call out certain phrases, but they also explain what they mean in case you're confused. Beyond decoding their original intent, they take it a step further by offering modern-day equivalents, giving helpful insight into how language has shifted and what expressions people might be using today out all of the outdated phrases below and see if you are guilty of using them, have ever heard them before or know someone who still uses them in their everyday vocab. You may be surprised to find out which ones our experts 'This phrase has been around for centuries—and it sounds like it!' Dr. Shields stresses. 'The message is solid: handle it now before it snowballs. But for younger people hearing it, it can sound like a folksy nudge from someone's great-aunt rather than a helpful reminder.''Today's generation might say something like, 'Nip it in the bud,' which has a similar vibe, but sounds a bit more modern,' Dr. Dixon explains. 'I've always understood this older phrase to mean that fixing a small problem right away can prevent it from turning into a bigger mess later—whether it's in relationships, business or even just keeping your house organized. The idea is that addressing issues early on saves you from having to do nine more stitches down the line.'Related: "If you've never used a pager, this phrase can land as a little out of touch,' Dr. Shields explains.'This outdated phrase basically means, 'Reach out if you need anything,' Dr. Dixon reveals. 'It's a polite way of saying, 'Let me know if I can help.' Nowadays, people might say, 'Hit me up if you need to' or 'Text me if you need me," which are both more casual and more immediate.' Ummm, what?! If you haven't heard this dated expression, Dr. Shields is breaking it down.'This phrase used to be about grit and self-reliance, but today it can come across as dismissive or disconnected,' she tells Parade. 'It assumes everyone starts from the same place, with equal access to support, time and stability.' 'This was a gentle way of saying, 'I'll tentatively schedule you,'' Dr. Dixon says. 'Today, people might say, 'I'll hit you up,' or 'OK, I've got you locked in.' It's all about keeping things flexible but still making sure it happens—just with a little more digital flair.' 'This classic saying used by people 60 or older means that being kind and friendly gets you farther than being sour or aggressive,' Dr. Dixon points out. 'It's about the power of kindness over harshness. Today's slang might include phrases like, 'That's a vibe' or 'Kindness over clout,' focusing on authenticity and positivity over negativity.'Related: 'This phrase used by people over 60 is a straightforward way of saying you've left a message, but let's be honest—answering machines are almost a thing of the past nowadays, which is why this is outdated," Dr. Dixon notes. "Now, we'd say, 'Check your messages' or 'I DM'ed you,' which is way more current and digital-friendly.' 'This outdated phrase has long been used to explain playful or impulsive behavior, often without harm intended,' Dr. Shields shares. 'However, today, with greater awareness around bullying, aggression and consent, it can unintentionally excuse actions that deserve to be taken seriously. Most parents and grandparents want to raise boys who are kind, respectful and accountable. Letting go of this phrase doesn't limit boys. It affirms how much we believe in who they're becoming.'Related: Not sure what this means? That's because "taping" something is pretty much a thing of the past.'This used to be a common way to ask someone to record a TV show on a VCR—back when we actually owned tapes and knew what a VCR was!' Dr. Dixon Shields adds, 'This outdated phrase reminds us how quickly the world has changed. If you're talking with someone younger, updating your wording a bit can help keep them in the moment with you, instead of trying to decode the reference.'Dr. Dixon agrees, telling Parade, 'These days, someone would probably just ask, 'Which streaming service is it on?' instead.' 'This phrase was once a compliment, meant to recognize women who built professional lives outside the home,' Dr. Shields says. 'Though, today it can sound outdated or even patronizing, as if a woman's ambition still needs to be called out or labeled. Younger generations expect women to have full careers, and pointing it out can make it feel exceptional when it's simply normal. It also reduces someone's identity to their job, rather than seeing them as a whole person.' If you're confused by this method of payment, it's because it was more common with other generations. That's why our experts say it's an outdated phrase in today's world.'That was a classic question from a time when writing checks was the norm,' Dr. Dixon states. 'The modern version of that statement would be something like, 'Can I Zelle or Cash App you?' It's much quicker and more digital-friendly.'Related: 'Someone 60 or older might use this as it means splitting the bill, which was the polite way to say 'We're sharing this,'" Dr. Dixon explains. "Today's generation might say, 'Let's split this' or 'Let's go half on this.' It's a little more straightforward and less formal, but just as clear.' This outdated phrase was often meant to express kindness or fairness, with the intent of saying, 'I treat everyone the same.'' Dr. Shields explains. 'However, if used today, for many people of color, it can feel like their identity and lived experience are being erased. The truth is, race often shapes the way people move through the world. What builds trust isn't pretending we're all the same. It's saying, 'I see your difference and I respect it.'' 'This old saying was meant to remind people not to toss out something valuable just because it's mixed in with something difficult,' Dr. Shields notes. 'Today, it can sound a little outdated or even a bit dismissive when someone is voicing frustration or rethinking how things have always been done. The heart of the message still holds, but younger folks might hear it as, 'Don't make a fuss.'' Up Next:Dr. Jenny Shields, psychologist, the founder of Shields Psychology & Consulting Dr. Patricia Dixon, psychologist, of the podcast Healing Mentalit-Tea 13 Common Phrases People Over 60 Use Without Realizing How Outdated They Sound first appeared on Parade on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Guardian
09-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Minding our language on the use of Americanisms
The continual expansion of the English language is inevitable and welcome. But while Elisabeth Ribbans is right that 'it would be a mistake to regard language as a fortress', it is not unreasonable to lament the effect of some invasive species whose proliferation is so rapid that native alternatives face possible extinction (How the use of a word in the Guardian has gotten some readers upset, 4 June). 'Gotten' may be an innocuous, if inelegant, English word making a return journey from the US, but some other US variants are more problematic. For example, the phrase 'Can I get …?' is suffocating more polite ways of making a request, such as 'May I/can I have …?' or simply 'I'd like …'. It is also annoyingly inaccurate, since in most cases the person asking has no intention of helping themselves and wouldn't be allowed to, even if they wanted to. But wholesale adoption not only leads to neglect of alternatives, it can also produce banality. So when both a sandwich and a sunset might today be described as 'awesome', it is reasonable to imagine that even as eclectic a wordsmith as Shakespeare might consider modern English borrowings as diminishing the language through having gotten McGilchristCromer, Norfolk Thank you, Elisabeth Ribbans, for your article on the cosmopolitan and evolving use of words in the English language. I am always stung by the snobbery I encounter among my British peers regarding American words or spellings. Criticism of American accents more so. My country of origin provokes pride and shame in increasingly equal measure, but to be cowed because of my voice, both written and spoken, leaves a foul taste. Once we've gotten past this distasteful persnicketiness, we can actually appreciate the meaning of the words being used, not just their Amy FultonOxton, Scottish Borders I grew up in the old West Riding, only a few miles from the county border with Lancashire. In the early 1950s, we regularly used the word 'gotten'. It was frowned on by teachers and others addicted to standard English. I believe the use of the word was common in other districts of Yorkshire. It is an English and not an American word, which has sadly passed out of use. Language evolves!Roderick WilsonAmpleforth, North Yorkshire When I worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, US, in the 1980s, my friendly editor had more appreciation of British irony than spelling. She once wrote on a draft paper: 'Richard. Please pick one spelling of 'practice' and stick to it.'Richard LammingShaldon, Devon Am I alone in finding 'shined' for 'shone' less than illuminating? Incidentally, like, who introduced 'like' like?Bill WintripDorchester, Dorset So not an ill-gotten 'gotten' then. Now where do we stand on 'snuck'?Tony RimmerLytham St Anne's, Lancashire Never mind 'faucet' and 'gotten' (Letters, 29 May), I've been racking my brain: in what play did Shakespeare use 'worser'? (Colon used free gratis.)Iain FentonLancaster Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
