‘OK, boomer’: Gen Z’s sassy dig at old-timers says a lot with very little

The phrase has become the retort of choice for Generation Z children exasperated with the views of their elders

It took off early this year as a comeback to older social media users, mostly white males, who attack messages of inclusion promoted by young people

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Greta Thunberg speaks at a climate protest outside the White House in Washington, DC, on September 13, 2019. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Published: 6:30pm, 9 Nov 2019Updated: 10:24pm, 9 Nov 2019

Call it an eye-roll from the “snowflakes” to the old-timers they blame for climate change and student debt. “OK boomer” is the new rallying cry for Generation Z, and the meme-friendly put-down is suddenly everywhere.

“The reason it’s resonating so well with Gen Z kids right now is that it’s such a simple, short response, and it’s not aggressive,” said Nina Kasman, who sells “OK boomer” goods on website Redbubble.com.

“It’s passive. It means I’m not going to give you a full response because we know boomers haven’t been listening to full explanations anyway,” the 18-year-old student said.

“OK boomer” has become the retort of choice for Gen Z kids, or zoomers, exasperated with the views of their elders – and a potent resistance at those who dismiss today’s youth as easily offended “snowflakes”.

We’re just kind of tired of being put down for the things that the younger generation enjoys or believes in.

Everett Solares, 19

It is fuelling countless memes on video app TikTok, emblazoning hoodies and T-shirts, and was even used by a member of New Zealand’s parliament this week, forcing the older establishment to take notice.