The internet is constantly evolving, and understanding the latest trends can be tricky. You might have heard that the laughing crying emoji 😂 has been “canceled.” According to Emojipedia, it’s now considered a boomer thing – and by boomer, they mean anyone over 35. If you’re still using it, you might be unintentionally signaling your millennial status. So, what are the younger generations using instead? The skull emoji 💀, apparently signifying “I’m dead” or “This is so funny I have died from laughter.”
This generational shift extends beyond emojis. Gen Z has been playfully “at war” with millennials for a while now, critiquing everything from avocado toast to fashion choices. Here’s a guide to help you spot a millennial, according to Gen Z’s current standards.
Skinny Jeans: A Generational Divide
Gen Z has a strong aversion to skinny jeans. Popularized in the late 2000s by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Sienna Miller, skinny jeans became a staple for millennial men and women. However, fashion trends have shifted. While the 2000s were about showing off your figure, the 2020s are leaning towards more relaxed and oversized styles.
Alt text: Paris Hilton in the 2000s, wearing dark wash skinny jeans and a sequined top, showcasing a classic millennial style.
A TikToker even declared they would rather die than wear skinny jeans. Another viral video shows @momohkd instructing people to throw away their skinny jeans, burn them, or repurpose them into something else, like face masks.
