Etymology Journal · B
Back in my day
Meaning
- A phrase used by older folks to highlight how things used to be simpler or harder back when they were young. It is often a preface to an unsolicited lecture about why today's youth have it too easy.
Nostalgic, slightly grumpy
Used in a sentence
- Back in my day, we walked five miles to school in the snow.
- Back in my day, a phone was attached to the wall with a cord.
- Stop complaining about your data plan, back in my day we had to memorize phone numbers.
The backstory
This is a general generational lament that has been around for centuries in various forms. Every generation eventually feels the world is moving too fast or losing its grip on traditional values.
Heard in
Nationwide
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