Updated: Aug. 3, 2023
Originally Published: July 18, 2005
Just yesterday, I spotted the first rabbit of the season in my backyard. He flashed a big, buck-toothed grin as he bounded through the trees and onto my lawn. Every spring and summer, this little guy wreaks havoc on my grass, munching on tender shoots and leaving behind bald patches along with his tiny round bunny droppings.
“Be vewy, vewy quiet,” I said to my kids, ages 12 and 9, in my best impression of Elmer Fudd. “I’m hunting wabbits!”
They just stared blankly at me. Really? No Elmer Fudd? I thought every kid who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s watched Bugs Bunny. Apparently, my kids have no idea what I’m talking about. It’s just another one of those nostalgic references from Generation X that flies over their heads.
For example:
- I pity the fool!
I whip this out whenever one of my kids neglects to change the toilet paper roll or returns the empty juice jug to the fridge.
- What’s happenin’ hot stuff?
I like to use this while casually checking in with my kids. Too bad they don’t know it’s a classic line from Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles.
- Kiss my grits.
This gem comes to mind when I’m bemoaning the dreary Midwest weather. “Another snowstorm? Kiss my grits!” “What’s grits?” my son asked.
- Where’s the beef?
I can’t help but say this every time we visit Wendy’s. My kids, however, pretend they don’t know me.
- Move over, bacon. Now there’s something meatier.
Whenever I need someone to shift over on the couch, this is my go-to phrase.
- Ancient Chinese secret, huh?
I loved that commercial! I throw this line out whenever one of my kids refuses to share a secret.
- Ooh, la la, Sasson.
When my daughter dresses up, I can’t resist exclaiming, “Ooh, la la, Sasson!”
- What you talkin’ about, Willis?
I use this whenever I’m baffled by my kids’ slang, like “on fleek.”
- Nothing comes between me and my Calvins.
When my daughter asked, “What about Daddy?” I had to agree it was a valid point.
- You’ll get nothing and like it.
Whenever my kids ask for extra at the concession stand, I pull this classic line from Judge Smails in Caddyshack. (I must admit, my husband first introduced me to this saying. Apparently, Caddyshack is a cherished film among Gen X men and their fathers, especially those who play golf.)
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In summary, it’s clear that many of my Generation X references are lost on my kids. Whether it’s classic TV quotes or iconic commercials, these cultural touchstones just don’t resonate with the younger generation.