Finding yourself scratching your head at some of the sayings your grandparents use isn’t surprising thanks to the evolution of language, and some expressions just don’t make the cut. Here are 19 once-popular sayings that only older folks seem to use these days.
The Bee’s Knees
Back in the day, if something was “the bee’s knees,” it was the best, and the BBC explains that the phrase “seems to have evolved in 1920s America.” Today, you might hear older folks use it to describe their favorite things, but younger generations have moved on.
Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch
Older generations often used the phrase, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” This saying is a reminder not to assume you’ll get something before it actually happens. While it’s great advice, younger people now use phrases like “don’t jinx it” instead.
Cat’s Out of the Bag
When a secret is revealed, older folks might say, “The cat’s out of the bag,” but this colorful saying isn’t as common anymore. Nowadays, younger people just say, “The secret’s out” or “Everyone knows.” It’s a quirky expression that’s fading from everyday conversation.
Bury the Hatchet
To make peace with someone, older people might suggest “burying the hatchet,” a phrase that dates back to when Native Americans would literally bury weapons as a sign of peace. Younger people prefer to say, “Let’s make up” or “Let’s move on,” which feels more straightforward.
Burn the Midnight Oil
“Burning the midnight oil” is regularly said by the older generation when staying up late to work. This expression comes from the time when oil lamps were used for light, whereas today, younger folks who have modern-day electricity to enjoy simply say, “I’m pulling an all-nighter” or “working late.”
Close, But No Cigar
A phrase that means almost succeeding but not quite is “Close, but no cigar,” and it originated from carnival games where cigars were given as prizes. Older folks still use this phrase, but younger people are very unlikely to make any references to cigars in this context.
Dropping Like Flies
When many people are falling ill or failing at something, older folks might say they’re “dropping like flies,” and while this expression makes us think of the right image, it isn’t as popular with younger generations. They might say, “Everyone’s getting sick” instead—straight to the point.
Fit as a Fiddle
Older generations might describe someone in good health as “fit as a fiddle,” which can have younger people confused as to why an instrument is being mentioned. This saying is not as common now, with younger people viewing it as an old-fashioned way to compliment someone’s physical condition.
Get Off Your High Horse
When someone is acting arrogant, an old person might tell them, “Get off your high horse.” This phrase goes back to when high-ranking people literally rode taller horses. Today, younger people might say, “Stop being so arrogant” or “Get over yourself” rather than referencing an animal.
Hit the Hay
Older people might say they’re going to “hit the hay” when heading to bed, and this phrase comes from the days when mattresses were stuffed with hay. Not only will younger folks be unable to imagine a mattress filled with hay, but they’re also likely to just say they’re going to bed.
Mind Your Ps and Qs
“Mind your Ps and Qs” is an old saying reminding people to be polite and careful; it’s not commonly used by younger generations, who might instead say, “Mind your manners” or “Be careful.” It’s one of those expressions that’s slowly fading away.
Paint the Town Red
If you’re going to paint the town red, then you’re planning a big night out—at least if you’re one of the older generations. This expression, sadly, isn’t as popular now, as more modern phrasing from younger people is to simply say, “I’m going out.”
Pulling Your Leg
Someone saying they’re “pulling your leg” is someone is joking or teasing, and used to be a popular phrase among the older generation. This playful expression, another example of changing language trends, is not as commonly used by younger generations.
Take It with a Grain of Salt
Another once-popular phrase used by older generations is advising them to take something “with a grain of salt” when they’re skeptical about it. This saying suggests not taking things too seriously. Younger folks might say, “Don’t take it too seriously” or “Be skeptical.” The expression is less common now.
Through the Grapevine
Hearing news “through the grapevine” means getting information indirectly. Older generations often use this phrase, but younger people might say, “I heard it from someone” or “Rumor has it.” It’s a saying that’s slowly being replaced by more modern phrases.
Two Peas in a Pod
Describing two people who are very similar, older folks might say they’re “two peas in a pod.” It’s another expression that’s not as popular with younger generations nowadays, as they prefer more direct language, such as saying that two people are very much alike.
Under the Weather
When someone is feeling ill, those who are older might say they’re “under the weather” rather than simply saying they’re feeling run down. Younger generations are more likely to simply say, “I’m sick” or “not feeling well.” The phrase has a quaint charm but is less common in everyday language.
Wild Goose Chase
A futile search used to be commonly referred to as a “wild goose chase.” This saying paints a vivid picture but isn’t as commonly used by younger people. They might say, “It’s pointless” or “a waste of time” instead. It’s another saying that’s slowly disappearing.
You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
One final phrase once popular with older generations is, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” which is a way to express that it’s hard to change someone’s habits. Younger people might simply say, “People don’t change” in modern conversations.
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