OK Boomer
what it means
Two words that end a conversation by refusing to have it. It went from niche to global in a matter of weeks in 2019.
A dismissive reply to an out-of-touch opinion, usually from an older person.
the origin story
Circulated on TikTok in 2019 and hit the mainstream after a New York Times article; it was later said in the New Zealand Parliament.
It became a flashpoint in generational discourse, provoking editorials about whether it counted as age-based abuse. Its power came from brevity — it offered no argument to rebut, which is exactly what made it so effective and so irritating.
in the wild
Just walk in and hand them your CV, that's how I got my job.
OK boomer.
Is it actually rude?
Depends entirely on who you ask.
how to use it
- Discussing generational discourse and internet history
- Joking with people who'll take it as a joke
- Referencing 2019 internet culture
- As a genuine reply to someone giving sincere advice
- In workplace communication
- Where it reads as dismissing someone for their age
related terms
receipts
Community feedback
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