Whether from the Silent or Baby Boomer Generation, we have witnessed first-hand, the technological revolution that has radically changed the characteristics of our existence. How we go about the basic business of our daily life and the increasingly automated technology which has permeated our lives and requires us to re-evaluate our knowledge, a necessity for our survival.
Our millennial children grew up during this revolution and the innovations of the worldwide web, the internet, the founding of social media giants Google, Facebook and Twitter. Likewise, our Gen Z nieces and nephews also have an instinctive understanding and knowledge of computers. Their ability to grasp new concepts facilitates their proficiency, ensuring their tech-savvy status.
The counterpart of the tech-savvy is the ‘Luddites’. The etymology originated in the 19th century, when members of the English textile industry, in particular cotton mill workers opposed to the industrial revolution, believed increased industrialisation threatened their jobs and organised to destroy manufacturing machinery. The definition was broadened to include those intimidated by new technology or someone struggling to use their new smartphone. We have all no doubt been there, when we become baffled by our laptops, tablets or even our television when we cannot easily fix a problem.
The revolution has also brought with it social transformations, one of which is the now ubiquitous use of conversational acronyms on social media and text messaging, which The Oxford English Dictionary has taken on board. In 2015 it added FOMO (fear of missing out) and MOOC (mass open online course). Linguistic purists, I highly suspect, find this abhorrent, together with emoji and shift for brevity and speedy communication at the detriment of good grammar.
Reading an article recently, I came across MCE (main character energy) and couldn’t at first fathom it. Its meaning is, being the protagonist in your life and becoming your best self, as exemplified by Gen Z’s notorious posting of montages of their best life on social media. Others I am now familiar with are BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of colour). YOLO (you only live once); IMHO (in my humble opinion); ICYMI (in case you missed it).
Also adding to the mix is the development of newly developed coined words and expressions (neologism) for the purists out there. Examples are GHOSTING (the act of abruptly cutting off all communication with someone without an explanation). CHEUGY (anyone uncool, basic and untrendy) and apparently what Gen Z thinks of ‘Millennials’. ‘UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT’ (those who fully understand a trend, or lifestyle, giving it their all and are doing a great job). BARBIECORE (a current trend whereby dressing in hot pink, is honouring the beloved doll Barbie). ‘OK BOOMER’ (disagreement and frustration and a way to end an argument with any one of the ‘Baby Boomer Generation).
Well, who knew? For those in the know you are far more on a trend than I am. For those like me, well now we know and on that note, TTYL.
