11 Super Cringe Boomer Behaviors Gen Z Cannot Stand
RDNE Stock project | PexelsBecause the world is constantly changing, things that were acceptable decades ago won't fly anymore. Younger generations, like Gen Z, are much more offended by these seemingly outdated beliefs and behaviors, while older generations, like baby boomers, see it as a way of life.
When boomers do things that Gen Z finds super cringe, they can't help but be annoyed. Gen Zers are digital natives and change-makers, so they're not afraid to voice their discomfort. But for boomers, the way they act and speak was shaped by how they grew up, where they were forced to become resilient all on their own.
Gen Z finds these boomer behaviors super cringe
1. Arguing with service workers
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Over 70% of baby boomers believe they're the most reliable generation, both at work and in their personal lives. While there's certainly a stereotype that boomers are inherently more entitled, their values of hard work and loyalty are different, so they view younger generations as collectively less reliable by their own standards.
Even in passing interactions and social situations, these differences in values and generational mindsets make them butt heads. They may harbor a mentality like "the customer is always right," considering they place an emphasis on the value of their money and spending patterns. This is opposite many young service workers' basic expectations for respect or empathy.
These kinds of misunderstandings can make things like arguing with a service worker seem very cringe for Gen Zers. It makes them uncomfortable almost instantly.
2. Overstepping work boundaries
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Many of the underlying themes of hustle culture that baby boomers bought into early in their lives and careers aren't proving as fruitful for younger generations. Gen Zers value meaning and work-life balance more than compensation in their careers.
Baby boomer bosses and parents may be more likely to urge their Gen Z family members and peers to overwork themselves for the sake of success, despite hard work no longer being the solitary key to success. It's simply not the way anymore, especially for pragmatic Gen Z professionals looking out for their own well-being and personal time.
While they do want to find a sense of purpose and belonging, Gen Z doesn't view work as their entire identity to the same degree many boomer professionals did.
3. Making crude or ignorant jokes
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What's seemingly appropriate for Gen Zers to say is far different from the language that baby boomers use in their daily lives. While this is entirely okay and nonconfrontational, there are some social situations where this difference can cause discomfort and tension.
Stereotypical jokes and ignorant language that boomers use is sometimes offensive to Gen Zers. It makes them uncomfortable, especially because Gen Z is so intentional about language and social issues.
4. Stopping by unannounced
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Many baby boomers place a strong emphasis on the value of family in their daily lives. They spend a lot of time nurturing their relationships and building community with their family and friends, and have unique habits that ensure they're able to connect with them.
But it's these same habits that make Gen Z uncomfortable. They're more intentional with boundaries and social time, not just because they tend to grapple with social anxiety, but because they're adamant about protecting their well-being.
When their parents or grandparents stop by unannounced, they feel disrespected. It's like other people feel they're entitled to their time and space without warning or preparation. For some, it's not a big deal to have a casual chat, but for others, it's a point of tension and frustration.
5. Giving unsolicited advice
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Baby boomers have a tendency to give unprompted or unsolicited advice. Even if it comes from a well-intended place, for Gen Zers, it's super cringe behavior. The advice they give often stems from a world that no longer exists and experiences that are misguided.
Licensed marriage and family therapist Sarah Epstein argues that unsolicited advice is one of the common ways baby boomers spark tension and resentment in conversations with their Gen Z counterparts. Sometimes, Gen Zers just want to feel heard and supported when they're expressing their thoughts, not urged to adopt advice that solves their struggles.
6. Calling instead of texting
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Many Gen Zers feel uncomfortable talking on the phone, influenced by social anxiety or the convenience of texting. But for baby boomers, it's often their primary form of communication. Gen Zers find this incredibly cringe, preferring texting over calling.
For older generations, it's intended to be sincere. They view the practice of phone calls as a more thoughtful approach to communication over texting, so their tendency to call is a manifestation of their values. This disconnect over phone etiquette between generations can spark a lot of tension.
7. Blaming people for their financial status
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Considering many baby boomers grew up in a world defined by hard work and the American Dream, it's not surprising that many of them view people living in marginalized communities and low-income situations as victims of their own choices. Most believe that hard work is the key to success, but like many Gen Zers have acknowledged first-hand, that's not always the case.
By suggesting that this is a choice and essentially blaming people for their financial status, baby boomers irritate Gen Zers, particularly those already dealing with financial instability and money stress. Things like homeownership and finding a secure job feel impossible for many Gen Zers, and hearing their boomer peers blame them for not being able to engage can be isolating and uncomfortable.
8. Being flippant about mental health
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Mental health issues aren't something you can simply overcome or push through, despite what many boomers believe. They grew up in a society that demonized emotional struggles and mental illness. But Gen Z is trying to challenge the stigma around mental health in their daily lives.
Gen Z sets boundaries and openly shares their struggles, whereas boomers tend to view mental health in disrespectful ways. Boomers don't find it appropriate to be vulnerable, but their lack of awareness is just cringey to younger generations.
9. Using phrases like 'well, when I was your age'
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Many boomers have a tendency to use phrases like "well, when I was a kid" or "when I grew up" to give unsolicited advice to Gen Zers. They may have good intentions, but it makes young people feel unheard.
Young people can benefit from experience and guidance, but dismissing their current struggles with advice that doesn't suit their situation isn't helpful.
For Gen Zers who pride themselves on challenging traditional norms and stereotypes, phrases like "it is what it is" or "that's just the way the world works" are irritating.
10. Using the thumbs up emoji
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It seems subtle and even silly for some boomers who may not be digital natives in the same way as Gen Zers, but little things like using the thumbs up emoji or texting "K" in a text feel uncomfortable and even offensive.
A study from PLOS One found that people want to feel heard, and the means by which they communicate and spark those feelings, look different depending on the person. But sometimes, recognizing that these casual digital habits can have more profound meaning bridges the gap and reduces misunderstandings.
11. Enforcing a rigid dress code
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Gen Zers are challenging and changing a lot of things about the workforce. That includes the stereotypical standards for appropriate office attire and dress codes.
They value feeling comfortable and uniquely expressing themselves in ways that these rigid expectations often suppress. So, when their boomer bosses or colleagues expect them to follow a dress code, they simply can't stand it.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
