Bruno Pugh
The way we talk at work is changing fast. Phrases that once felt polite or professional can now feel out of place—especially to younger teams. Gen Z brings a new tone to the table: direct, casual, and emotionally aware. And some old-school expressions just don’t land the way they used to.
Calm Down
What once sounded soothing, “calm down,” now feels like dismissal. While boomers used it to restore peace, Gen Z hears it as emotional silencing. Well, the expression’s intent might be good, but phrasing here makes all the difference. Alternatively, opting for “I hear you” or “let’s unpack this” preserves the connection without invalidating emotion.
You’ll Understand When You’re Older
Condescending by today’s standards, this phrase emerged during hierarchical communication norms. Generation Z, immersed in Google-age learning, sees it as intellectual gatekeeping. In fact, younger generations expect transparent dialogue as opposed to vague deferrals. Today, access to knowledge has reshaped what earns respect: insight over age.
Man Up
“Man up” reinforces gendered toughness, long embedded in societal scripts. However, Zoomers reject toxic masculinity and favor emotional authenticity. To support this concept, mental health experts across the globe criticize its usage as insensitive. Additionally, in the digital culture, the phrase is often parodied; proof that stoicism is no longer synonymous with strength.
Because I Said So
Boomers dropped “because I said so” like it was the final boss of arguments. For Post-Millennials? They want a PowerPoint. Authority without explanation is a no-go for them. Unless you’re in a 1950s sitcom, be ready to defend your logic with Gen-Zs—or prepare for a TED Talk rebuttal.
That’s Not How The World Works
Gen Z thrives on disruption, with many startups challenging the status quo. Phrases steering towards the “way things are” direction will only feel like creativity stoppers in a generation raised to question and reimagine. This generation is not here to accept norms: they’re here to reinvent them.
You Need Thicker Skin
“You need thicker skin” sounds like a dated defense mechanism. To digital natives, the expression signals emotional dismissal, not strength. Raised on mental health advocacy and open communication, they value support over stoicism. Swap the phrase for empathy-driven dialogue that builds resilience without invalidating real feelings.
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
What sounds like realism to older generations can feel like dismissal to younger ones. Gen Z prefers solution-based thinking over resignation and wants to feel heard, not shut down. Swap the phrase for “let’s explore what’s possible” as it encourages compromise without extinguishing hope or personal agency.
Life Isn’t Fair
Meant to build grit, this near-daily saying among boomers tends to shut the door on empathy. Younger generations don’t expect perfection—they expect effort. They see fairness as a shared responsibility, not a privilege. Instead, try asking, “What do you think would make this feel more just?” or another conversation starter along those lines.
You’re Overthinking It
The phrase often shuts people down mid-thought, turning introspection into a flaw. Genzeers, however, tend to view it as “processing,” not overthinking. Rather than dismiss their depth, meet it with curiosity. A simple shift (like asking “want to unpack that together?”) fosters trust, not retreat.
Real Life Isn’t Online
For millennials, digital life was optional. In contrast, Zoomer’s online presence clearly fuels their life, or a major part of it. Online platforms house their communities, passions, and opportunities, and dismissing their way of existence feels like denying reality. The truth is, digital credibility now carries real-world weight.