I spotted him in the backyard yesterday—the season’s first rabbit. With a big, buck-toothed grin, he hopped through the trees and onto my lawn. Each spring and summer, this little guy wreaks havoc on my grass, chomping down on tender shoots and leaving behind unsightly bald patches, along with a collection of tiny round bunny droppings.
“Be vewy, vewy quiet,” I said to my kids, ages 12 and 9, channeling my inner Elmer Fudd. “I’m hunting wabbits!”
Blank stares. Seriously? No recognition of Elmer Fudd? I could have sworn every kid from the ’70s grew up watching Bugs Bunny. But alas, my children are completely in the dark about this classic reference—just one of the many Generation X gems that seems lost on them.
Here are a few more of my Generation X references that my kids just don’t get:
- I pity the fool! I toss this out whenever one of my kids neglects to change the toilet paper or returns the empty Kool-Aid jug to the fridge.
- What’s happenin’ hot stuff? A playful greeting I love to use, but my kids have no clue it came from Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles.
- Kiss my grits. I often use this phrase to express my frustration with the dreary winter weather here in the Midwest. “Another snowstorm? Kiss my grits!” My son once asked, “What are grits?”
- Where’s the beef? Every visit to Wendy’s is accompanied by this classic line, and every time, my kids pretend they don’t know who I am.
- Move over, bacon. Now there’s something meatier. This is my go-to phrase whenever I need someone to shift on the couch.
- Ancient Chinese secret, huh? I loved that commercial! I throw this out whenever my kids are tight-lipped about something.
- Ooh, la la, Sasson. When my daughter dresses up, I can’t help but say this.
- What you talkin’ about Willis? A phrase I use whenever I’m baffled by my kids’ lingo—like the latest slang my son brings home, such as “on fleek.”
- Nothing comes between me and my Calvins. My 9-year-old once asked, “What about Daddy?” Touché.
- You’ll get nothing and like it. As soon as my kids start asking for more than their fair share at any concession stand, I whip out this classic from Judge Smails in Caddyshack. (I have to admit, my husband introduced me to that quote. Apparently, Caddyshack holds a special place in the hearts of Gen X men and their fathers, especially those who enjoy a round of golf.)
If you’re looking for more ways to connect with your kids or just want to share some laughs, check out this post on Modern Family Blog. And if you’re considering options for home insemination, reputable retailers like Make A Mom offer great kits. For those looking for information about treating infertility, ACOG is an excellent resource.
In summary, while my kids may not appreciate my Generation X humor, it certainly brings a smile to my face. Who knows? Maybe one day they’ll understand these references and pass them on to the next generation.
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