# "Old-personisms" that have sneakily snuck into your habits or vocabulary **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 12, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111 "2023-01-12T16:52:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/81 "2023-05-16T21:18:58Z")
“I **am getting** too old for this” doesn’t count. It’s when you say “I **am** too old for this” that it counts. ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2023, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/82 "2023-05-17T07:40:12Z")
remembering how much things used to costs… like " I remember as a kid 7 bucks could get you in the movies with candy popcorn and a soda and maybe you might have enough left over for arcade games …" ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2023, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/83 "2023-05-17T12:06:50Z")
Mrs. solost and I still talk about our $12 dinner and a movie date. It was around the turn of the millenium, before we were married. We went to a mall that no longer exists. It had a Cinemark theater and a food court in the mall right next to it. Cinemark was (is?) a theater chain that showed movies at discount after they’d played in full price theaters for awhile. The food court had a Thai place, and we got two surprisingly really good red curries for $4.50 each. Then we saw ‘Meet the Parents’ at $1.50 each for tickets. It wasn’t just a cheap date, it was a good date. Mrs. solost is a thrifty sort, and rather than thinking I was a cheap date, was impressed at the return we got for our $12. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2023, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/84 "2023-07-02T03:57:49Z")
I spoke of “remembering the Bicentennial” as an example of how old I was (as I have done for about the last ten years) only to be asked by someone _who was an **adult** _, _old enough to buy a drink and who had 3/4 of a college degree_, “What’s the Bicentennial?” ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2023, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/85 "2023-07-02T11:45:10Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > only to be asked by someone _who was an **adult** _, _old enough to buy a drink and who had 3/4 of a college degree_, “What’s the Bicentennial?” Heh, not surprised. One of my kids is an official adult and the other will be, later this year. I should ask them if they know the term. I can’t believe it’s almost time for the Semiquincentennial!! ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2023, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/86 "2023-07-02T12:12:57Z")
Do you remember CBS (I think it was) broadcasting “Bicentennial Minutes,” between shows? It was an interesting diversion. AND IT WAS ALMOST 50 YEARS AGO! ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2023, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/87 "2023-07-03T03:01:04Z")
I don’t use a lot of dated speech. But I might start trying to use more. What terms would you suggest? “Time to breakdance over to the arcade for a quick game of Frogger, some bubble gum cigars and a nickel bottle of Tahiti Treat”. “That’s a ten-four, Ranger Ranger.” “Those flappers hoofing the Charleston are the bees knees”. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2023, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/88 "2023-07-03T09:12:14Z")
“We seniors …” and “When you get to be my age…” are always popular opening lines. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mops](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mops/32/16494_2.png) [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2023, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/89 "2023-07-03T10:24:55Z")
More seriously, I have made it a habit to try to never part with people in acrimony, because there may not be an opportunity to make up. Even when my wife or I leave the house. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2023, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/90 "2023-07-03T11:30:59Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > “We seniors …” and “When you get to be my age…” are always popular opening lines. 🙂 - > **[When I Was Your Age](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozlqNF5Bke0%2F)** > > Provided to YouTube by VolcanoWhen I Was Your Age · "Weird Al" YankovicPermanent Record: Al In The Box℗ 1992 Volcano Entertainment, III, L.L.C.Released on: 1... ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/91 "2023-07-05T01:26:13Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > If you’re saying it as “neether,” you’re still a young’un. “N **ī** ther,” you’re old as dirt. I never knew that was an age-related thing; a “chronolect” if you will. I thought it was more regional/dialectical. My dad was a doctor for many years , and he once mentioned using the “eye-ther” pronunciation because “ee-ther” could be confused with ether. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/92 "2023-07-05T01:31:26Z")
Never mind. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/93 "2023-07-05T01:53:09Z")
When i was a kid, olde folks could be identified with your eyes closed (and/or despite their surgeries) by the use of phrases like “I’d imagine so” and “back in my day.” I remember a high school friend’s Grandma saying “cut the wicks” for “turn out the lights.” Now i feel the same thing is happening. It’s not what has crept in, but what i still use. “Roll down the window” in the car is one that Celtling finds embarrassing. “Dial him up” for calling someone, and “turn it up” for tv volume also come to mind. Oh dear, where is my shawl? ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/94 "2023-07-05T01:59:16Z")
When I was a kid everything cost a nickel. It was the only unit of currency. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/95 "2023-07-05T02:12:23Z")
> [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](#): > > I’ve found the word “fellas” creeping into my vocabulary. Unironically. And this is the street where all the Fellas live. [![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53023928305_9d08137f94_b.jpg "2023-07-04\_07-04-52") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/78538399@N00/53023928305/) ---
**Author:** ![Mallard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Mallard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mallard)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/96 "2023-07-05T02:20:49Z")
I’ve always been a person who liked naps from time to time but more recently that afternoon nap is almost a necessity. (I’m 70) ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/97 "2023-07-05T02:23:05Z")
Well, back in my day . . . No. It wasn’t my day. I was knee-high to a hop-toad. Anyway, back then my grandma used to call the refrigerator an ice box. And she had a bread box. Would that make those phrases dead-personisms? (Grandma wasn’t Y2k compliant.) ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/98 "2023-07-05T13:48:41Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > I never knew that was an age-related thing; a “chronolect” if you will. I thought it was more regional/dialectical. It probably is, I was just having fun. > [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > My dad was a doctor for many years , and he once mentioned using the “eye-ther” pronunciation because “ee-ther” could be confused with ether. Knock, knock? Who’s there? Boo. Boo who? Don’t cry, Ether Bunny’ll be back next year. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/99 "2023-07-05T14:00:54Z")
Wow, I remember that one! Why Ether though? ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111/100 "2023-07-05T14:02:57Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > My dad was a doctor for many years , and he once mentioned using the “eye-ther” pronunciation because “ee-ther” could be confused with ether. **Doctor:** would you like a local or a general anasthetic? **Patient:** either. **Doctor:** OK, pretty old-fashioned, and not what I’d recommend, but ether it is… > [@SuntanLotion](#): > > Wow, I remember that one! Why Ether though? It’s like saying “Easter Bunny” with a lithp. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-personisms-that-have-sneakily-snuck-into-your-habits-or-vocabulary/978111.md?page=6)