I've embarrassed myself more than once while using a seemingly innocent word that has a new meaning to the latest generation, like my grandkids. Since I'm too old to remember what they're calling themselves these days, i.e. Gen X, Gen Z, Gen Whatever, I'll just refer them to as whippersnappers. That word is before my time, but I've heard it used (probably by prebaby boomers aka the greatest generation) in some of the old movies my parents grew up on and feel it is apropos here (since I feel that old today). It doesn't help when our six-year-old grandson asks, every time he sees me, 'How old are you?'
Anyway, take the word 'salty' for example. I've always thought salty meant the use of too much salt or someone who tends to sprinkle way too much 'salt' into their diatribes. In other words–foul language. Now I find out, according to the new generation in charge of keeping us old folks confused, it means to be annoyed, upset, or bitter, usually about something minor. I thought that was a petulant brat. I think I'll keep my meaning.
'Drip' is another word with a total 180º meaning from my era as well as all the ones before me. In my day a 'drip' was a person who had undesirable qualities according to the target of his (or her) desires. 'I won't go out with him. He's a real drip.' Now, according to my 'research' aka trolling the internet, it's used to describe a stylish outfit or confidence. A compliment could be, 'You look drip today.' How confusing is that?
And speaking of 'trolling'–my meaning refers to (re)searching. A couple of years ago a (former) (just kidding) friend pointed out that I was using it incorrectly. His meaning was the modern one which is to antagonize others by deliberating posting inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments.
Welp, I don't think I'll ever catch on to all the new definitions. And speaking of new definitions, when did welp become a substitute for well? I started spotting it on social media posts a few years ago and thought it was from someone who couldn't spell or something of the sort but when I checked it out it turned out to be a post by a very intelligent friend. Boy, am I living in the past or what? According to my trolling, the slang meaning is used to convey resignation, disappointment, or a casual response. I just can't get myself to use these new meanings. All this time I thought it meant someone was still wet behind the ears (newborn acting). Boy, do I feel silly?
I never thought I'd be the antiquated one or, as we baby boomers would say, square. Oh, welp, I guess I'll split the scene before this whole column leaves y'all feeling grody to the max. Meanwhile, see ya later alligator. I still think I have it 'made in the shade.' TTFN! (Ta ta for now.)