A Baby Boomer’s Guide to Understanding Gen Z Humor
Ever had your kid or grandkid show you a meme or video that left you wondering, “Who even is that?” or “Why would anyone do that?” If so, you’re not alone—and you may be overdue for a crash course in Gen Z humor. This baffling, ever-evolving world of jokes, memes, and absurd references keeps us all on our toes, but understanding it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Here’s your guide to finally making sense of what Gen Z is laughing about.
Intro
As new technologies and social media have emerged, the cultural gap between Gen Z and older generations has become increasingly pronounced, especially in humor. While cross-generational differences are already complicated, the evolving trends of social media can make it difficult to keep up. The early adoption of the internet during formative years has shaped Gen Z values, communication styles, and humor styles. Oftentimes, their humor requires specific knowledge of niche events, internet culture, or trends, which can all feel like a language of its own. With platforms like TikTok driving a culture of fast-paced, mass-viral content, trends now rise and fall within days, making it incredibly challenging to keep up. From an outside perspective, the surreal and absurd humor that resonates with them can feel cryptic to those unfamiliar with its origins. This guide is here to help you decode what Gen Z is really saying with their humor, giving you a glimpse into the digital world that defines their generation.
Who is Gen Z?
Let’s begin by taking the time to understand who Gen Z is and how they relate to Boomers in more ways than you may realize. At first glance, Gen Z (1997-2012) and Boomers (1946-1964) appear to be as incompatible as they come, differing in opinions on how to spend their money, how they choose to work, and how they interact with the media. The tension between these two groups has manifested through phrases like “OK Boomer.” This phrase gained popularity online to dismiss the misconceptions and condescension that Boomers project onto younger generations.
Although a 60-year age gap, there are more parallels between these two groups than expected. For example, in their youth Boomers were once perceived as the first truly individualistic generation. They took pride in breaking the status quo whether that be through rejecting the military draft or growing out their hair, they earned the nickname the “Me Generation.” Similar to this, Gen Z follows the ethos of individuality, self-expression, and creativity oftentimes expressed through digital media. Additionally, both groups reflect high levels of political engagement and social consciousness. Even in the 2020 election, Boomers had the highest turnout of any generation while Gen Z had one of the highest rates of youth electoral participation in history. These parallels prove that there is possibility and power in taking the time to understand one another. Rather than dismissing each other for our differences, leaning into these similarities and learning from one another can help to build community and enact positive change.
Context of Gen Z’s humor
To understand Gen Z humor, it’s essential to consider the impact of the formative events they’ve lived through. Not only are they the first generation born into the digital age, but they’ve also been deeply shaped by key cultural and political forces, including the Trump era, COVID-19, and rising partisan divides. Social media has become a space where Gen Z tends to share copious amounts of their personal life discussing topics like mental health, politics, and socioeconomic issues. To an outsider, Gen Z humor may seem absurd, dark, cynical, or just outright strange. But for them, humor has become a vital coping mechanism for processing these impactful experiences.
Gen Z has championed increased transparency and conversations surrounding mental health. While the humor can appear so unserious about everything, they simultaneously seek conversations regarding important topics. This results in an undeniably authentic humor built off of relatablility and self-deprecation. Laughing through the difficult times gives them a sense of community.
There are several layers of complexity when it comes to understanding Gen Z humor. Often embedded with sarcasm and irony, this humor leans into absurdity, finding comedy in utter chaos. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of trends creates a snowball effect making jokes more intricate and absurd as time goes on. These wide-reaching platforms create more niche communities, allowing people to find spaces and create inside jokes fit for their shared experiences. Overall, these multi-layers of subculture can understandably feel alienating and daunting for older generations.
Gen Z Dictionary
Before we put your knowledge of Gen Z humor to the test, here’s some must-know lingo.
Cap- (noun)
Def: A lie
I love Writ 340 no cap
Delulu- (adj.)
Def: To be delusional
She’s so delulu she thought USC Football would win
Lit- (adj.)
Def: Awesome
That party was so lit
Serve- (verb)
Def: To look good
She’s serving in her pink beret
Slaps- (verb)
Def: To exceed one’s expectations
This Taco Bell slaps!
Slay - (verb)
Def: To do a great job
She slayed that interview
Tea- (noun)
Def: Gossip
I heard Sarah and her boyfriend broke up. Spill the tea!
You ate- (verb)
Def: To do a fantastic job
You ate! Your Halloween costume is so cute and creative
Meme 101: What are memes and how are they used?
Now that you’ve got the slang down, it’s time to explore a fundamental part of Gen Z humor online, memes. According to Britannica, British biologist Richard Dawkins introduced the term meme in 1976, defining the phrase as a “unit of cultural information spread by imitation.” Memes range from images, videos, or pieces of text that can be replicated or imitated to transmit a different message. As an evolving pattern, they tend to lack a linear path appearing as random and unpredictable to outsiders. Memes serve as tools for entertaining others and critiquing people or situations. While they help to build community, they also come with a layer of exclusivity, depending on who is familiar with the original joke. For Gen Z, they’re a vital way to bond over shared struggles and create humor out of difficult situations.
Examples of Memes
Now let’s examine how these tools and humor come to life in meme form!
Affirmation Memes
Analysis: This @affirmations Instagram account is dedicated to pairing random images with relatable content to capture Gen Z’s existential dread. These “inspirational” memes play on Gen Z’s use of affirmations as a coping mechanism for mental health struggles, blending irony and sarcasm with a touch of positivity. The bright and sparkly imagery humorously clashes with the dark messages. The mismatched messages and visuals demonstrate the lack of linearity and surreal humor that resonates with Gen Z.
Roman Empire
Analysis: This meme illustrates how understanding the “Roman Empire” trend is essential to getting the joke; without knowing its background, outsiders may struggle to find the humor. The trend began when women asked men in their lives how often they thought about the Roman Empire, leaving many shocked to discover that this was a frequent occurrence. From there, people shared their own “Roman Empires”—unexpected historical or cultural events they regularly ponder.
This particular meme shows a scene from Shrek that, without the “Roman Empire” context, might seem bewildering. The creator is trying to communicate the cultural impact Shrek has had on them and how it often crosses their mind. This trend demonstrates how Gen Z repurposes phrases like “Roman Empire” to carry new, relatable meanings, turning an unexpected cultural quirk into a humorous, shared experience.
Society if
Analysis: This trend uses the same image with different Society if… scenarios to tap into Gen Z’s yearning for simple resolutions to life’s complex problems. These memes depict a utopian society where all appears to be right in the world if only this small problem were resolved. For example, the desire for both sides of the pillow to be cold is a universally shared goal. In a world filled with constant chaos, Gen Z copes with the overwhelming societal issues by proposing these lighthearted, “simple” solutions as the key to a futuristic paradise. These sarcastic solutions demonstrate Gen Z’s unserious, yet dire, hope for change.
Congratulations! You’re now ready to dive into the world of Gen Z humor. Gone are the days of feeling lost when young people start joking around. While you may not be hopping on every meme trend, you now have a better understanding of Gen Z’s perspective and approach to humor. Now, go share a good laugh with the Gen Zers in your life!
Part 2:
This how-to guide was written to educate Boomers on where Gen Z humor comes from and how it works in contemporary memes. These two groups were chosen as I aimed to bridge the cultural gap and tension prominent between these generations. I chose this genre to educate audiences in a way that felt non-threatening to older audiences. My goal is to empower readers to build connections with Gen Z, rather than merely dismissing them. I felt that a how-to guide provided a relaxed, yet informative, format for educating and putting this knowledge into practice. This educational tone helps establish that the piece is meant to teach rather than mock, making it approachable for those who might otherwise feel intimidated by Gen Z’s intricate humor.
In crafting a comprehensive how-to guide, the writing must be specific, contextual, and offer visual aids. They tend to utilize specific and action-oriented language to guide readers through the process step-by-step. An organized structure is necessary, opening with any background or context needed to prepare readers. The inclusion of images helps readers to visually understand the application of the instructions. Additionally, effective how-to guides are concise focusing solely on the essential details. This genre is intended to be user-friendly, efficient, and accessible for people of all different backgrounds.
I kept these characteristics in mind when structuring my writing. However, this guide is not a typical step-by-step manual on how to build a desk. Instead, it delves into the nuances of why Gen Z is the way it is and explores what Boomers can gain from taking the time to understand them. Therefore, this how-to guide is more information-heavy than what’s common within this genre. A large portion of this piece is dedicated to understanding Gen Z’s identity and its influence on their humor. Rather than just diving into the technicalities of their humor, I felt it was important to set the scene before analyzing how this manifests in meme form. I chose to draw parallels between the two generations by pointing out their shared values to help shift Boomer’s misconceptions. I also wanted this piece to serve as a valuable go-to resource for Boomers, which inspired me to include a Gen Z dictionary of key terms. The analysis of memes provides visual aids helping readers to contextualize the humor in live action.
Beyond the formatting, I was intentional with my tone. A key component of an effective how-to guide is catering the language to fit the specific needs of the audience. Despite being centered around humor, I knew that I had to make the language sound more formal to be taken seriously. I intentionally avoided terminology that might feel alienating, aiming to present the information as a helpful tool rather than a lecture. I wanted to avoid making the paper feel obviously written by someone from Gen Z, so I chose to take a neutral stance. Utilizing third-person language such as “Not only are they the first generation born into the digital age, but they’ve also been deeply shaped by key cultural and political forces,” helps the reader to feel more aligned with the author. I believe this approach and the more sophisticated rhetoric help build greater credibility. These choices demonstrate a commitment to meeting Boomers where they are rather than pushing them too far out of their comfort zone.
This genre can be used to address a range of audiences, depending on the intended goal of the piece. You can find a how-to guide for practically any task through a quick Google search. Audiences can include people who range in levels of expertise but tend to cater to beginners in a specific area. How-to guides can also provide valuable insight for readers who are eager to pick up new skills or hobbies. They help to bridge gaps in familiarity and terminology by helping certain audiences adapt to new developments. These guides serve varying purposes with different audiences depending on their needs and the content.
I chose to address this guide to Baby Boomers because, while they share many commonalities with Gen Z, they also experience one of the widest cultural gaps with this generation. I envisioned this piece ending up in a lifestyle magazine like Reader’s Digest. As a publication that covers everything from arts and entertainment to economics and humor, this content would be a natural fit. The piece blends education with entertainment, and appearing in a reputable publication would help build credibility behind its message. The target audience of Reader’s Digest is Baby Boomers and people over the age of 45, but also the everyday person. Therefore, this site’s platform would naturally reach and appeal to the targeted demographic. Rather than having to seek out the information themselves, readers will feel more inclined to educate themselves when it comes from a magazine they trust.
This piece allowed me to tackle a prevalent social issue and inspire real change in an engaging, enjoyable way. By helping these two culturally influential generations understand one another we are closer to achieving a more cohesive and inclusive society. Older generations offer us wisdom, while we provide new perspectives and skills. This guide equips Boomers with the knowledge and awareness to break down those barriers and connect with Gen Z.
References
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Flora, Liz. “Post-Ironic ‘affirmation’ Memes Are the Antidote to Instagram’s Motivational Content .” Glossy, 25 Oct. 2022, www.glossy.co/beauty/post-ironic-affirmation-memes-are-the-antidote-to-instagrams-motivational-content/.
Forry, L. Elizabeth, et al. “A Parents Guide to Understanding Gen Z Humor.” FamilyEducation, 20 Sept. 2022, www.familyeducation.com/teens/a-parents-guide-to-understanding-gen-z-humor.
Hamilton, Cherie. “A Guide to Gen Z Memes.” Hily, 15 Aug. 2024, hily.com/blog/gen-z-memes/.
Instagram, www.instagram.com/afffirmations/?locale=pt_PT. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
Litman, Reid. “Harnessing the Unexpected Similarities of Gen Z & Boomers.” LinkedIn, 15 Feb. 2024, www.linkedin.com/pulse/harnessing-unexpected-similarities-gen-z-boomers-reid-litman-uksfc/.
Lloyd, Andrew. “Inside ‘gen Z Humor,’ the Layered and Absurdist Internet Jokes Millennials Are Struggling to Keep up With.” Business Insider, Business Insider, www.businessinsider.com/millennials-struggling-absurdist-gen-z-humor-memes-2023-8. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Magazine, Smithsonian. “When It Comes to the Baby Boomers, It Is Still All about ‘Me.’” Smithsonian.Com, Smithsonian Institution, 15 Oct. 2014, www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/when-comes-baby-boomers-still-all-about-me-180953030/.
“Meme.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 23 Oct. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/meme.
Partlow, Chloe, and Patricia Talarczyk. “Absurdism and generation Z humor: The effects of absurdist content on perceived humor levels in generation Z students.” Journal of Student Research, vol. 10, no. 4, 23 Dec. 2021, https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v10i4.2011.
Placido, Dani Di. “TikTok’s ‘Roman Empire’ Meme, Explained.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 30 May 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2023/09/21/tiktoks-roman-empire-meme-explained/.
Romano, Aja. “‘Ok Boomer’ Isn’t Just about the Past. It’s about Our Apocalyptic Future.” Vox, 19 Nov. 2019, www.vox.com/2019/11/19/20963757/what-is-ok-boomer-meme-about-meaning-gen-z-millennials.