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50 Funny And Relatable Gen X Posts Other Generations Probably Won’t Understand
Isn't it fascinating how we've divided the human timeline into these quirky categories? We've got the silent heroes, the booming boomers, the effortlessly cool Gen X, the tech-savvy millennials, the Zoom-loving Gen Z, and hey there, Gen Alpha, you're next in line. But right now, let's turn the spotlight on you, you awesome Gen X'ers – the original latchkey kids, the masters of retro-cool. Born in 1965–1980, you know all too well about neon clothes, jelly bracelets, stirrup leggings, pay phones, big hair, and strawberry shortcake...
From the cosmic dust of the '60s to the neon glow of the '80s, the r/GenX subreddit captures the essence of what it was like to grow up and live in this era. We've curated our favorite posts from the group, so grab your VHS tapes, dust off your Pogs collection, and get ready for a journey through the era of neon fanny packs, grunge anthems, and a world where the only social network that mattered was the one you actually attended in person.
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I Feel Like As A Gen-Xer, This Resonates With Me
Remember when Cindy Brady said that by the time she got the attic room, it would be the year 2000? It seemed so far away.
The Gen X'ers, now comfortably middle-aged, could tell us a lot about life and how it used to be. Today's trends, including music, fashion, and TV shows, often take cues from the vibrant '70s and '80s. A lively Reddit group, r/GenX boasts 98.1k members and is a hotspot for sharing nostalgic and funny content from that era.
Trying To Think Of A Clever Caption, But I Can’t Top This
The Best Part Of Getting A New Cassette
Who else remembers getting pissed off when you unfolded the insert to find that the lyrics weren't included?
I just bought my daughter a Taylor Swift CD and dug out an old CD player. Turns out locking yourself in your room with the radio cranked while reading the liner notes for hours on end is hard coded in teenagers' DNA.
Both cassettes and CDs. Even better I can *still* read them without glasses. Just don't ask me what's on the other side of the room!
Lucky bastid! Mine is fading so fast by the time I get home from the optician I need a new prescription.
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Always bugged me when there were discrepancies between the printed lyrics and what they actually sang!
Or vinyl records that had a poster with them. My Dead Kennedy's poster hung on my wall for decades.
And the acknowledgement part! hoping they're friends with other favorite bands or people... :D
My all time favorite was the liner notes for Weird Al's "Albuquerque", which had about a paragraph of lyrics and then just switched to something like "You know what, this is a REALLY long song with a lot of words, we don't have room to write it all down so just try to listen to it yourself really closely and do your best"
I'm an '88 millennial and remember reading tiny lyrics in the booklets of CDs. Similar enough, or.... does that not count? ^_^;
I remember getting excited when they started including the lyrics!
Me. Except it was CD for me. I’m a Gen z’er. Now, I’m happy Spotify has lyrics.
I COULD actually read them effortlessly . Now ?? Need microscope.
Who remembers when Cassette had two t's instead of just the one? I still have cassettes like this, I just dont know which box they are in :)
I preferred LPs for the easier readability and I could dub from tape - cassette. At least until tape players with two slots became popular (and later owning a car).
I try to recall any casette I bought with the lyrics included. Might have been not very popular where I live. Or I just had to many cassettes with music recorded from lp (and later cd). Some considered it an art to record music on a casette from lp (certainly from different lp's).
I remember one that I lost about a day after I bought the tape. I was mad at myself for years. (This was before you could google all the lyrics.)
if you were lucky enough to get a tape with lyrics in them.. not all had them
I remember reading them from the 8-page booklet inside a double album jacket.
And squinting feverishly while pushing your glasses up your nose? Yes, yes I do.
Heck, I remember reading the lyrics on the backs of a album cover!
I was thrilled when they had that cause then I could get the lyrics right.
Besides the fun things we associate with the '70s and '80s, there was much more to it. Gen X was the first generation with both parents working outside the home, but childcare options were limited at that time. Known as the "Latchkey Kids," Xers grew up preparing meals and maintaining the household after school. This often led to a feeling of being overlooked, with Baby Boomers soaking up the limelight.
Seems Just About Right For Us
This Sums Up The Genx Music-Purchasing Experience
I Feel Like Gen X Is The Only Generation To Just Embrace This Reality
A recent article in the New York Times defines Gen X this way: "A relatively small cohort sandwiched between baby boomers and millennials, this demographic consisting of Americans born between 1965 and 1980 seemed to dominate the cultural conversation for only a brief stretch of the 1990s, when Seattle seemed like the music capital of the universe and ‘Gen X' served as shorthand for all things edgy and cool."
Sit, Ubu, Sit. Good Dog. Does Anyone Remember This?
What Are Your Thoughts On This? Accurate?
I Can’t Disagree
They were the first to experience widespread cable television access as they grew up. In 1981, MTV, the 24/7 music video channel, arrived, capturing the hearts of countless Gen Xers and earning them the moniker "MTV Generation."
Just Had To Leave This Here. Had No Choice In Fact
How Everyone Else Thinks The 80s Looked Like vs. Reality
Saved by the Bell set vs Home aka What we wanted vs What we got!!!
"Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner!"
Gen Xers grew up during a time of significant events. They faced the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, leading to a focus on safe sex. They witnessed history unfold with the end of the Cold War, marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. They saw both the triumph of the first successful space shuttle flight in 1981 and the tragedy of the Challenger explosion five years later. Gen Xers lived through the U.S. government's anti-drug efforts, epitomized by the "just say no" campaign, and they also navigated the energy crises of the '70s and '80s.
Who Else Grew Up Learning To Question Authority From This Character?
Has Happened More Than Once!!!!! Especially About 9/11
How Very
Gen Xers are known for being resourceful and independent due to their latchkey upbringing. They value a work-life balance, having seen their parents' work demands affect family time. Their cynicism can be attributed to the economic and societal challenges they faced during their childhood and early adulthood.
I Suspect We Can All Relate To This
Why am I in tears from laughing so hard over this? Really, I don't understand Gen Z speak.
What Would Some Of Our Disproven Facts Be?
1. Bees are NOT led by a Queen. The hive’s workers are an organization which makes collective decisions. If the Queen ain’t pulling her weight she’ll be defenestrated and replaced. 2. Bermuda Triangle: total crock. 3. Sugar is better than fat in a diet. Lies. 4. You can literally eat five ham sandwiches in a pool and never cramp. Forget the 30-minute wait to swim after meals. 5. Words sometimes DO hurt more than sticks and stones. Shall I go on… wow 🤪
My God... We Suffered... Suffered So Much
Now, aged 43 to 58, the "Coolest Generation" finds joy in simple activities like trips to Costco or Target, cozy Friday nights in, excitement over a new shower or lawnmower, and even crafting jelly from hand-picked crabapples.
Does Anyone Else Still Do This?
I used to, but I can't think of any drink that uses those in the UK now.
Stuck In The Middle With You
Ok, Stuck in the Middle did NOT mix well with the M*A*S*H* theme or Enigma
Oh, Ain't This The Truth
Yep,we were right to be cynical about everything.
To offer a point of reference and comparison with Gen X, we've gathered information about the next two generations. The revolution was influenced by millennials, also known as Generation Y. Born between 1982 and 1994, they're digital natives, seamlessly incorporating technology into their daily routines. They moved from an analog to a digital world. Unlike earlier generations, millennials face intense competition due to the economic crisis, prompting them to strive for better qualifications. Unlike their Generation X parents, they're ambitious and determined to achieve their goals.
Who Had A Car Stereo That Had A Removeable Faceplate?
This Is Only Going To Get Worse
Retirement For Generation X
Generation Z, aged 8 to 23, will be the leaders in the future. They're also called centennials, born between 1995 and 2010, and came into the world with tablets and smartphones. Who are they? They're the Internet generation, it's part of them – in their homes, education, and how they socialize. Finding jobs might be even harder for them than for Generation Y. They're tech-savvy but might prioritize screens over people. Yet, they use the Internet for social causes. They expect instant results due to their digital lives and are influenced by YouTubers. They can multitask but have shorter attention spans. As consumers, they're independent and demanding, and their future jobs might not exist yet.
Yes We Turned Out Just Fine
Klinger, Dame Edna, Rocky Horror, Bugs Bunny, Freddy Mercury (I wanna break free), Monty Python, Bosom Buddies, Some like it hot, Tootsie, Divine, Boy George, Marilyn, and a little later, To Wong Fu thanks for everything, Priscilla Queen of the desert, Mrs Doubtfire, Birdcage, - why is cross dressing such an issue now?
So... Umm... There's That
Only Genx Has This Specialized Skill
Now that's not true. I'm à boomer, with millenial kids, and I was the one who knew how!
Continue scrolling for a dose of nostalgia and fun from the Gen X era – the generation that gave us leg warmers and the modern smartphone. Upvote your favorite ones and drop a comment on the ones that resonated with you the most.
The Blockbuster Strikes Back
Little Bit Of Truth To This. My Mind Is Still 30, But My Body Says Nice Try
From the age of six, I babysat my older brother after school because I was the responsible one. He was nine.
Phil Basically Raised A Generation
There was a period of about 6 months in around 1985 when it was Phil Collins or Philip Bailey and no-one else
We Ate King Dongs And Listened To Gregorian Chants. What A Time To Be Alive
Oh dear. Enigma Sadeness will now be stuck in my head all night. Grrrrrr 😂
Not A Gen Xer, But The Ones I Know Are Exactly Like This
This Place Was A Friday Night Out
Don't forget the refillable pitcher of soda and the red glasses.
My Daughter Found My Old Walkman, So I Left Her A Note
You Can Add Driving During The Day In Any Season, Really
Who All Laid On One Of These Bad Boys As A Kid?
It’s Not Even Funny. It’s A Big Source Of My Stress
Hilarity On A Level That Never Gets Old
This Post Is To All The Genx's With Uncommon Names And The Bitter Sting Of The Gift Shop Keychains
I Learned Opera From A Cross Dressing Rabbit
The Domain (large public open space in the city of Sydney), 1980s. 'Opera at the Domain'. Orchestra start playing Wagner. A low, but very distinct murmuring from the crowd: 'Kill the rabbit, kill the rabbit...'.
What Was Your "Must See" Movie You Shared With Younger Generations?
Omg Fashion Plates!! Who Else Played With These?
Yes We Did. F**king Gop Idiots
Peak Genx - Riding Your Bike Down The Middle Of The Street, Standing On The Banana Seat, No Helmet
This Post Needs To Be 25 Characters But I Think The Fella Below Said Enough
Most Accurate Description Of Growing Up Gen X
Just remember, kids. If it all kicks off, there's fück all you can do about it, so don't waste your time worrying.
Who Had School In A Portable?
Some Humor Needs No Explanation
That feathered hair. That slightly leathery skin that only comes from a decade of sunbathing and cigarettes. Those were the days.
X'ers Were Scrappy Little Hooligans
I Thought This Sub Would Appreciate This Cosplay From Superman (1978)
Note: this post originally had 104 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
When I was growing up my dad and uncle used to listen to the oldies from the 50s and 60s (in the 80s). I never understood why they didn't listen to current music. Now, in 2023, I listen to Classic Rock from the 70s to the late 80's early 90's, and I get it.
Okay so what exactly is the brith year span for gen x/gen z/millennial bs anyway?
Listen there, genXers, older millennials with baby boomer parents remember all of these and then some. I am hear to say, we are standing right beside you, like MJ would sign “🎶 You are not alone 🎶 I am here with you !” I don’t understand genZ either, but they aren’t our kids man, we did not raise genZ, we be raising the Alphas… so who raised the genZ ? Ain’t it genX ?!
As a Boomer, when Gen X talks about things they did that younger generations didn't, I sometimes think Gen X was just the tail end of the Boomers. Or is it that my generation didn't think of themselves as finished? We've been here for all of this. It's part of our lives.
Yesterday on Reddit, I had someone insult me with "boomer", claiming that we all come to conclusions from incomplete facts. (To be fair, she was right about the last part.) I pointed out I was not a boomer. She says, "Gen Xers are not better than boomers." I said, "I never said they were." She says, "You're just more ironic with worse taste in music." It was the argument form of the game Twister. My back hurts now.
As I'm technically a Boomer (1961), is it weird that I relate to all of these?
As a millennial, I love how genx are now like boomers and think they're so special and unique as if MOST of millennials didn't grow up with all of these same things. I know I did and I was born in December 86. Millennials age too! We're not 20 anymore! We're 27-42!!!!!!! Grow up you old weirdos.
I'm technically a first year millennial, born late 1981, but can definitely relate to all of these posts in one way or another. Grew up with all the same trends, movies, games, technology, furniture haha. Great article, always love the ones that pull on the nostalgia strings. Good job, Panda!
As the tail end of Boomers in 1964, I see how this resonates now and with my confused children from 1992 to 2002 birth years. LOL
As a 1964 Boomer - I do recall this all in my "formative years" and having my own kids from 1992 to 2002 - I see where the confusion comes from. LOL
That time when you as an african realise you are actually american.
When I was growing up my dad and uncle used to listen to the oldies from the 50s and 60s (in the 80s). I never understood why they didn't listen to current music. Now, in 2023, I listen to Classic Rock from the 70s to the late 80's early 90's, and I get it.
Okay so what exactly is the brith year span for gen x/gen z/millennial bs anyway?
Listen there, genXers, older millennials with baby boomer parents remember all of these and then some. I am hear to say, we are standing right beside you, like MJ would sign “🎶 You are not alone 🎶 I am here with you !” I don’t understand genZ either, but they aren’t our kids man, we did not raise genZ, we be raising the Alphas… so who raised the genZ ? Ain’t it genX ?!
As a Boomer, when Gen X talks about things they did that younger generations didn't, I sometimes think Gen X was just the tail end of the Boomers. Or is it that my generation didn't think of themselves as finished? We've been here for all of this. It's part of our lives.
Yesterday on Reddit, I had someone insult me with "boomer", claiming that we all come to conclusions from incomplete facts. (To be fair, she was right about the last part.) I pointed out I was not a boomer. She says, "Gen Xers are not better than boomers." I said, "I never said they were." She says, "You're just more ironic with worse taste in music." It was the argument form of the game Twister. My back hurts now.
As I'm technically a Boomer (1961), is it weird that I relate to all of these?
As a millennial, I love how genx are now like boomers and think they're so special and unique as if MOST of millennials didn't grow up with all of these same things. I know I did and I was born in December 86. Millennials age too! We're not 20 anymore! We're 27-42!!!!!!! Grow up you old weirdos.
I'm technically a first year millennial, born late 1981, but can definitely relate to all of these posts in one way or another. Grew up with all the same trends, movies, games, technology, furniture haha. Great article, always love the ones that pull on the nostalgia strings. Good job, Panda!
As the tail end of Boomers in 1964, I see how this resonates now and with my confused children from 1992 to 2002 birth years. LOL
As a 1964 Boomer - I do recall this all in my "formative years" and having my own kids from 1992 to 2002 - I see where the confusion comes from. LOL
That time when you as an african realise you are actually american.
