Gen Z Asked What's 'Cringe' About Millennials—Not Prepared for Response

Newsweek

03-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A viral video has left people in stitches after a 32-year-old shared the list of things her Gen Z sister said are "cringe" for Millennials.
"I asked my sister to tell me all the things that are cringey that we Millennials do," Lea, who didn't give her surname, told Newsweek. "Because I started getting some comments on my videos that I was cringey and 'Millennial core'. I had no idea what that meant. I thought I was young and cool, so I had to find out more."
Millennials are defined as those born between 1981 and 1996, while Gen Z fall into the years 1997 to 2012, while Gen Alpha is the cohort born up until 2025.
Lea soon found her sister didn't hold back—and her responses left both her and the internet stunned. From fashion choices like tucking in tops, to online habits like posting polished videos and zooming in, the generational divide quickly became clear. Even the signature Millennial "peace sign and pout" and the classic "Millennial pause" before speaking in videos made the list.
Pictures from the video where Lea shared the things her Gen Z sister told her are "cringe."
Pictures from the video where Lea shared the things her Gen Z sister told her are "cringe."
@laughinglea/TikTok
"I can't believe we are not tucking in our clothes!" Lea said. "The most shocking one is how clubbing culture has changed—I go more into this in my other videos but it's so interesting how both Covid and technology have played such a huge part in shifting culture; especially in drinking culture."
Other habits called out included pulling ugly faces on purpose, using hashtags like "Throwback Thursday" and "hashtag blessed," and dressing up to go to clubs—which Gen Z apparently finds "cringe." Lea, from the U.K., says she was especially surprised to learn that Gen Z often opts for trainers and jeans instead of getting glammed up for a night out.
"I wanted to share this on TikTok because it's absolutely fascinating and I knew other Millennials would be as shocked and intrigued as I was," she said. "I'm blown away by the reaction—thousands of comments from both Millennials and Gen Z-ers sharing their experiences and views, I love it. I am now doing more videos on changes in our culture."
Five Millennial Things Gen Z Say Are "Cringe" Fashion: Tucking in clothes, like the classic "French tuck" is a big no in the Gen Z world. Face: Pulling ugly faces on purpose, peace signs and pouts are out, with Gen Z finding them particularly "cringe." Videos: Well-edited videos, zooming, and the so-called "Millennial pause" are all tell-tale signs of the being a Millennial. Sayings: Things like "throwback Thursday," "living my best life" and being #blessed are all cringe according to Gen Z. The club: When it comes to the club, Gen Z do things differently. The attire is strictly sneakers and jeans, while dancing with your arms above your head is "embarrassing" too.
With over 790,000 views and more than 1,800 comments, on Lea's TikTok page, @laughinglea, since being posted last week, people shared their own thoughts on the divide.
"I can honestly say I was never bothered by other generations when I was of Gen Z age. They're weirdly obsessed with us," said @LauraK11.
While another viewer @val said: "So basically no effort, no having fun, no making jokes. Got it."
"Gen Z are mini boomers. They failed the vibe test. Their opinions have been voided," said @Mick_T.
But Gen Z also got involved, with some even sharing their apologies for others in their cohort. @Caroline said: "As a Gen Z, I would just like to apologize for all the judgy and negative people in our generation. I promise we're not all like this. Also tucking in looks way better, I don't care what anyone says."
Read more
Gen Z think the retirement age should be lower
Gen Z think the retirement age should be lower
Fashion is just one area where Millennials and Gen Z differ, with Pew Research noting how most Millennials grew up against the backdrop of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as remembering 9/11, while their youth was shaped by the 2008 recession.
The site said: "...many of Millennials' life choices, future earnings and entrance to adulthood have been shaped by this recession in a way that may not be the case for their younger counterparts. The long-term effects of this "slow start" for Millennials will be a factor in American society for decades."
For most Gen Z, technology has been a ubiquitous force in their lives, unlike any generation that preceded them.
"The iPhone launched in 2007, when the oldest Gen Zers were 10. By the time they were in their teens, the primary means by which young Americans connected with the web was through mobile devices, WiFi and high-bandwidth cellular service. Social media, constant connectivity and on-demand entertainment and communication are innovations
"Millennials adapted to as they came of age. For those born after 1996, these are largely assumed," Pew Research added.