Boomer vs Gen Alpha: The Ultimate Slang Showdown

The generational gap has never been more apparent than in the realm of slang and digital communication. While Boomers are still figuring out emojis, Gen Alpha is creating entirely new languages.

The Communication Divide

Boomer Territory:

• "LOL" - Still the gold standard
• "BRB" - Be right back (used unironically)
• "TTYL" - Talk to you later
• "ROFL" - Rolling on floor laughing

Gen Alpha Territory:

• "Skibidi" - Everything and nothing simultaneously
• "Ohio" - Something weird or chaotic
• "Sigma" - Independent, non-conformist energy
• "Gyatt" - Expression of surprise or admiration

The Emoji Evolution

Boomers: 😂😂😂 (thinking this is peak comedy)

Gen Alpha: 🗿💀🔥 (using hieroglyphic-level symbolism)

The difference isn't just about which emojis they use — it's about how they use them. Boomers treat emojis as punctuation. Gen Alpha treats them as a complete language system.

Digital Native vs Digital Immigrant

The fundamental difference lies in their relationship with technology:

Boomers approach digital communication as a tool to replicate offline interactions. They're translating their analog communication style into digital format.

Gen Alpha treats digital communication as a native language, creating entirely new forms of expression that have no offline equivalent.

The Cringe Factor

Nothing makes Gen Alpha cringe harder than watching Boomers try to use their slang. The attempts are usually well-meaning but painfully off-timing. Using "yeet" in 2025 is like wearing a fanny pack to a rave — technically functional but socially disastrous.

Bridging the Gap

Understanding these differences isn't about choosing sides — it's about appreciating the rich tapestry of human communication. Each generation brings its own flavor to the linguistic melting pot.

The key is context. What sounds cringe in one setting might be perfectly appropriate in another. A Boomer saying "that's so fetch" at a corporate meeting? Cringe. A Gen Alpha using "periodt" in a TikTok comment? Perfect.

The Future of Slang

As Gen Alpha grows up and Boomers become more digitally fluent, we're likely to see some fascinating linguistic fusion. The question isn't who's right, but rather: what amazing new forms of expression will emerge from this collision of communication styles?

Ready to test your generational slang knowledge? Take our Boomer Test and see where you fall on the communication spectrum! Check out our Directory for the latest terms from both generations.