The oldest generation is the Greatest Generation (or GI Generation), generally defined as those born from 1901 to 1927, who lived through the Great Depression and fought in World War II, with some very elderly survivors possibly still alive today, though most are centenarians, followed by the Silent Generation (1928-1945). While most people in these cohorts have passed, a few individuals from these formative eras, particularly the "WWII Generation," remain, often over 100 years old.
There may be some slight variations in the definitions of a specific "generation", but the following list generally reflects the standard years ascribed to each:
Following the trend, the next generation after Gen Beta is likely to be Generation Gamma, born between 2040 and 2054. As we navigate these changing generations, McCrindle emphasized the importance of understanding their needs, values and preferences to anticipate how they will shape society's future.
As of 2023, baby boomers are between 59 and 77 years old, and were born between 1946 and 1964. The term ``baby boomer'' comes from the increased birth rates that occurred after World War II. In fact, 76 million babies were born in the United States during this time period.
Donald Trump is a Baby Boomer, born on June 14, 1946, making him one of the first in that generation, which typically spans 1946-1964; the Silent Generation precedes this, generally from 1925-1945, with President Joe Biden representing the latter. While Trump shares some traits with the broader Boomer demographic, his formative experiences as a wealthy individual diverged from many of his peers, though he later became a significant political figure for many in the generation.
Zoomers (Generation Z) are people born between 1997 and 2012, making them approximately 13 to 28 years old in 2025, a digitally native cohort that followed Millennials and precedes Generation Alpha, known for growing up with the internet and smartphones.
Whilst boomers and millennials may use the 😂 emoji, this has long since been deemed 'uncool' (or 'cheugy') by Gen Z. Instead, this has been replaced by the skull (💀) or the crying emoji (😭), dramatising the idea of 'dying with laughter'.
Across much of the world, it is no longer middle-aged adults who are the most miserable. Instead, young people, especially Gen Z, are reporting the highest levels of unhappiness of any age group.
The Silent Generation (born roughly 1928-1945) is called "silent" because they were raised during tough times (Great Depression, WWII) and matured during the conformity-driven, anti-communist McCarthy era, leading them to be more traditional, cautious, and less rebellious than previous or subsequent generations, preferring to work within the system rather than challenge it. The name was coined in a 1951 Time magazine article highlighting their quiet, conformist nature compared to their "flaming youth" parents, emphasizing their desire to be seen and not heard.
While other cohorts (e.g., Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z) are defined by age brackets, Gen C is defined by its members' digital-first lifestyle and mindset. So whether someone is 10 or 82 years old, they can still be a part of Gen C.
Zillennials are smack in the middle of Millennials and Gen Z. They were born between 1993 and 1998, the last three years of the Millennial generation and the first three years of Generation Z, and take on characteristics of both generations.
Greatest Generation, generation of Americans born between approximately 1901 and 1924, who came of age during the Great Depression and the 1940s, many of whom fought in World War II. The Greatest Generation is estimated to have had about 63 million people.
In the aftermath of the war there arose a group of young persons known as the "Lost Generation." The term was coined from something Gertrude Stein witnessed the owner of a garage saying to his young employee, which Hemingway later used as an epigraph to his novel The Sun Also Rises (1926): "You are all a lost ...
Name Generation Jones is a term coined by Jonathan Pontell to describe the generation born roughly between 1954 and 1965. It's used to distinguish them from the broader baby boomer generation and generation X as they experienced a unique set of historical and cultural events.
Recent research shows that members of the Baby Boomer generation have worse health than previous generations did at the same ages—diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses are more common.
Bae – Boyfriend or girlfriend.
Key points. New research shows Millennials and Gen Z exhibit loneliness and alienation more than other generations. It is possible to be technologically "connected" and socially disconnected simultaneously. Face-to-face meetings can be helpful for combatting loneliness.
The eggplant emoji is frequently combined with other emoji. When paired with the mouth emoji, it means oral sex. When paired with the peach emoji, (a butt or female genitalia), it means anal or vaginal sex. When next to the sweat droplets emoji, it means ejaculation.
“Can't lie” “Can't lie” falls under the same umbrella as slang terms like NGL (not gonna lie) and TBH (to be honest). The 🆑 emoji is perfect to use when you're trying to keep things unfiltered and brutally honest.
The sequence "🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥" means someone is enthusiastically talking about something amazing, excellent, or "lit," using the speaking heads to show they're voicing strong opinions and the fire emojis to emphasize how impressive, attractive, or exciting it is. It conveys intense approval or passion about a topic being discussed.
For Gen Z, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) emoji usually means something is overwhelmingly funny, cute, or heartwarming, signifying "crying with laughter" or being emotionally moved, rather than actual sadness, often replacing the older 😂 emoji for intense amusement. It's used for exaggerated, positive reactions to things like relatable humor, adorable pets, or touching moments.
The breakdown by age looks like this: Baby Boomers: Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. They're currently between 61 and 79 years old (approximately 73 million in the U.S.) Gen X: Gen X was born between 1965 and 1979/80 and is currently between 45 and 60 years old (approximately 65 million people in the U.S.)
The Gen Z stare is a generally pejorative phrase coined by social media users to describe a "blank stare that members of younger generations give in situations where a verbal response would be more common" or appropriate.