Millennials are getting nostalgic remembering old slang that Gen Z never use

Spend just a few minutes on the internet and you’ll come across a modern vernacular littered with slang words such as ‘rizz’, ‘bet’ and ‘bussin’.

But before the digitally native Generation Z took over all corners of the world wide web, Millennials ruled with their own weird and wonderful vocabulary.

Unfortunately, many 28 to 43-year-olds are in mourning for their archaic lexicon.

And it turns out these language lovers are unwilling to swap out rarely-heard phrases despite their unpopularity.

Hundreds of Millennials have recently flocked to Reddit to pay tribute to their lost words and detail what defunct descriptors they’re unwilling to relinquish their grip of.

While some words are definitely redundant in 2024, others aren’t so bad — at least according to the thread creator, @Methodwriter85.

They opened the controversial conversation by asking: “What are Millennial slang terms you still use?”

This prompt has got people feeling oh-so-nostalgic for the Y2K era, so we’ve detailed some of our favourite idioms (and most bizarre expressions) from yesteryear below.

Dunzo

If you’re unaware then ‘Dunzo’ literally just means ‘you are done’.

The phrase was first made popular during an episode of Laguna Beach when Kristin Cavallari announced a car she was driving was ‘dunzo’ after it began smoking.

Speaking about the throwback moment back in 2016, the reality TV star revealed: “People tweet me all the time: 'My car is dunzo!’”

Kirstin Cavallari claims people still associate her with the word 'dunzo'. (MTV)

Tight

‘Tight’ is a throwback expression plucked straight from the ‘90s and early 2000s.

It’s typically used to depict something as being ‘cool’ but can also be used to imply two people being emotionally close.

Cool beans

If the phrase ‘cool beans’ doesn’t send shivers down your spine, then we don’t know what will.

This colloquial expression is usually used to show mild excitement or to express approval of an arrangement.

Despite it originating in the 1970s with the comedy duo Cheech and Chong, it still has a vice-like grip on Millennials.

Badass

According to the Collins Dictionary, describing someone as ‘badass’ means they’re very tough or violent.

However, it can also be used to describe something as amazing and deserving of unquestionable kudos.

Amazeballs

What’s worse than ‘cool beans’? Well, ‘amazeballs’, of course.

Like its predecessor, this word is often employed when something is surprising or good.

This expression of enthusiastic approval was officially coined by fashion blogger, Elizabeth Spiridakis.

However, it is sometimes also accredited to Paris Hilton.

Paris Hilton is usually credited with coning 'amazeballs' but it was actually a fashion blogger. (Instagram/@parishilton)

Rager

If you hear a Millennial claiming that they went to ‘a rager’ last night, they mean they went to an intense and raucous large party.

Usually these ‘ragers’ include a copious amount of alcohol and attendees.

Totes

‘Totes’ is a written and spoken abbreviation of the word ‘totally’, and is used to put an emphasis on what you’re saying.

Users can also employ the word ‘totes’ as a substitution for ‘absolutely’.

Dweeb

Throwback to early 2000s TV, where all the school bullies were throwing around the word ‘dweeb’ for fun.

The word is a derogatory descriptor for someone a little socially awkward.

These ‘dweebs’ stereotypically tend to enjoy studying more than partying and are also often called ‘dorks’ or ‘nerds’.

Word

‘Word’ is another word that had Millennial users in a chokehold.

It has a dual meaning, with the first being that it can be used instead of the phrases ‘oh really?’ and ‘for real?’

Another is that it can mean ‘truth’ and is often used in harmony or to congratulate someone on saying something well.

If you want to hear it in action, you can hunt down an episode of The Office where Dwight awkwardly uses it to express agreement.

I mean, like you needed an excuse to rewatch the show anyway.

Dwight awkwardly uses 'word' during an episode of The Office (NBC)

Da Bomb

The year is 2000 and everyone is putting the prefix ‘da’ to emphasise their words. What a time!

‘Da bomb’ is a slang phrase to express that something is the best and that nothing can ever outstrip it.

Its something of high quality and basically the greatest thing ever.

Homie

One of the most iconic scenes from Alicia Silverstone’s Clueless is when Jeremy Sisto sings ‘Rollin’ with the Homies’ by Coolio.

Years later, the actor admitted he ‘didn’t even remember doing it’, but don’t worry because Millennials will never forget.

‘Homies’ simply means ‘a good friend’ or someone who you have developed a close bond with.

It’s a word with a positive connotation but is usually substituted now for the phrase ‘ride or die’.

Homies often means close friends. (Paramount Pictures)

Adulting

The term ‘adulting’ is usually used to describe completing behaviour that is stereotypically associated with adults.

This could be anything from mowing the grass to taking out the trash, attending a doctor’s appointment on your own or just paying your gas bill on time.

YOLO

‘YOLO’ is a social media phenomenon and common abbreviation for the phrase ‘you only live once’.

It was first made popular on the internet back in 2012 and reached new heights when it featured in the chorus of Drake’s ‘The Motto’.

Booyah!

Used to show you’re ecstatic about something, ‘Booyah!’ quickly became the catchphrase of longtime ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott.

The catchphrase king may have died in 2015, but his contribution to Millennial mainstream culture will live on forever.

Topics: Community, MTV, TV and Film, Reddit

Ella Scott