When did we decide to let Gen Z’s social impotence thrive? | Matt Welch

Is there anything more annoying than this particular slang dressed with a clueless “ummm” and a sassed up accent, writes Matt Welch.

Who would have thought today was the day I reached peak Grandpa Simpson yelling at a cloud …

One moment you’re a 20-year-old touring musician party animal, next you’re a 34-year-old with a tie right to the neck, mortgage, thinning hair and blankly staring at the younger generation agitated by the words they speak.

Terms like “slay”, “big yikes”, “vibe” and the worst, “it’s giving” sum up the generation petrified of a thumb emoji.

Is there anything more annoying than any of those phrases said with a clueless “ummm” at the start and accompanied with a nasally, sassed up accent?

“It’s giving” is said when something meets or exceeds expectations, or delivers a certain ‘vibe’ or essence.

Usually with my cheery outlook on the world, I’m met with ‘it’s giving Boomer’.

Then the saying is usually accompanied with a complete rundown of the speaker’s thoughts elaborating on their feelings toward the subject, which in return makes me eager to grab the grim reaper’s face and force the kiss of death upon myself.

Matthew Welch used to be with it but then they changed what “it” was and now what he’s with isn’t it, and what is weird and scary to him. Picture: The Simpsons

That’s a joke. Sarcasm. I won’t assault the reaper. Calm down and keep the “big yikes” in your back pocket.

Things like “hard launches” on Instagram that are an official posting of a picture of you and your new partner.

Talk about main character syndrome.

Who needs the over the top, hollow, fake sounding avalanche of compliments complete with an inspirational run down of a situation the speaker, 99 per cent of the time is way, off on? …

No, my pinstripe suit isn’t vintage, it’s off the rack.

No, your lack of business attire isn’t individualistic.

No, your baggy Ed Hardy jeans aren’t vintage, they suck, they sucked in the early 2000s and yes, they aren’t appropriate for the office.

No need for the inspirational pep talk. Not everything is a moment.

In the words of Patrick Bateman, “your compliment was sufficient”.

If you Google “it’s giving”, there’s a whole Reddit page of (I’m assuming) younger people asking ‘how to say it’s giving in a more formal and professional approach.’

Say nice suit, tie or outfit and move on!

When did we allow such social impotence to be accepted?

Young people, take this with a grain of salt.

You’re reading the words of a guy that grew up knowing his friends were at a house due to the mountain of BMX’s on the lawn and a screeching sound coming down the phone when you dialled up to the net.

Maybe my rapid ageing is just coming out in seething jealousy knowing my days of youth are equivalent to Old Yella staring up at the double barrel.

Take me out to the pastures …

I’m guessing all past generations begin to feel this way when their youth slips away, except the Judas millenials who try to remain young and relevant.

So it’s time to embrace it … don’t get me started on the fall of customer service! Tried walking down an aisle lately?

I’ll be entering my Scarface hammered at the table, just before his inevitable fall years, so please refrain from saying ‘it’s giving’ around me, because it’s giving me the sh*ts!

Say goodnight to the bad guy!

Originally published as When did we decide to let Gen Z’s social impotence thrive? | Matt Welch