Is ‘OK Boomer’ an example of casual ageism? If yes, what other examples are there?
Boomer itself isn’t a slur or an insult. It stands for Baby Boomer, a generation of older people. However, the phrase “okay boomer” can be disrespectful and dismissive. It’s a quick, passive-aggressive, and snarky way to shut down an argument without actually making an argument. Many people today – not just millennials – like to do this. “OK Boomer” is most commonly used after an older person has just made an ignorant and prejudicial remark about younger people. Some people believe it is more annoying than offensive and somehow patronizing. A similar language to this might be when people say “okay grandpa” or “pops.”