Yesterday, I spotted the very first rabbit of the season in my backyard, and let me tell you, he was a sight to behold. With a cheeky, toothy grin, he bounded across the wooded area and onto my lawn. Every spring and summer, this little guy wreaks havoc on my grass, munching on tender shoots and leaving behind large, bald patches, along with his signature round bunny droppings.
“Be vewy, vewy quiet,” I said to my kids, ages 12 and 9, channeling my inner Elmer Fudd. “I’m hunting wabbits!”
Blank stares.
Oh, come on! No Elmer Fudd? I thought every child who grew up in the ’70s was familiar with Bugs Bunny. Apparently, my kids are missing out on yet another one of my cherished Generation X references.
Here are some classic lines from my era that just don’t resonate with them:
- I pity the fool!
I use this line whenever my kids forget to swap out the toilet paper roll or put the empty Kool-Aid jug back in the fridge. - What’s happenin’, hot stuff?
I love to throw this out when checking in with my kids, but they have no idea it comes from Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles. - Kiss my grits!
I often say this to express my disdain for the dreary winter weather here in the Midwest. “Another snowstorm? Kiss my grits!” My son once asked, “What are grits?” - Where’s the beef?
Every time I visit Wendy’s with my kids, I can’t help but say this. They act like they don’t know me. - Move over, bacon. Now there’s something meatier.
This is my go-to phrase when someone needs to shift on the couch. - Ancient Chinese secret, huh?
I adored this commercial! I always say, “Ancient Chinese secret, huh?” whenever my kids are secretive. - Ooh, la la, Sasson.
Whenever my daughter dresses fashionably, I can’t help but exclaim, “Ooh, la la, Sasson!” - What you talkin’ about, Willis?
I use this whenever I’m puzzled by the slang my son brings home from middle school, like “on fleek.” - Nothing comes between me and my Calvins.
When my 9-year-old asked, “What about daddy?” I had to admit he had a point. - You’ll get nothing and like it.
Whenever my kids try to grab more than their fair share at the concession stand, I whip this out, inspired by Judge Smails in Caddyshack. (I should mention my husband introduced me to this saying—Caddyshack is a classic for many Gen X men and their fathers, especially those who play golf.)
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In summary, it’s clear that many of my Generation X references fly right over my kids’ heads, leaving me feeling a bit nostalgic for a time that seems so distant to them. But hey, I guess every generation has its own lingo and cultural touchpoints!
Keyphrase: Generation X references
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