What is Wordle? And Other Trends “GOAT” Grandparents Know About
If you grew up in the 1970s, you were the “groovy” kid with an Atari. It was “cool beans” to play Oregon Trail, which first came out in 1971. But it was in the early 90’s that it was available for windows which would be “phat,” a phrase used when something was cool. Pokémon came out in the late 1990s, and Pokémon Go came out in 2016, which would be called “buzzworthy.” Candie Crush became a thing in 2012 but would be considered “meh” to some. Some of the past slang and trends might not be foreign to you, but what are Wordle and “GOAT.” Here are some things to know as a grandparent in the 2020s.
My mom would be considered a GOAT grandmother, Greatest Of All Times. She took a texting class to communicate with her grandkids when she was still alive. She didn’t expect her grandkids to call her. Since that generation was more comfortable texting, she adjusted her skills to compensate. Although texting is mainstream now, what are other ways to update your communications skills? Do you have Zoom or Go To Meeting? During the 2020 Pandemic, Zoom usage exploded. More people communicated virtually than just picking up the phone. Grandbabies from across the country could meet the grandparents for the first time or virtual set up a regular storytime.
Selfies became “sweet” in the 2000s. Yes, my mom, the “newbie” to this technology, took it on. Her first selfie was not a selfie in the classic sense, but she took a picture of herself in the mirror. She was practicing. Fast forward to the 2020s, TikTok is the teenage trend. You don’t have to be Sassy Grandma to learn this “dope” technology. Record yourself reading a book to share with a grandchild for their evening storytime. Or be adventurous and record yourself dancing to the Applebee song, Fancy Like That. You would now be considered the “Gucci” grandma.
My mom was the “bomb” at spelling when I grew up. She didn’t tolerate misspelled words, but also, a person using incorrect grammar would be considered a “putz.” However, I was the worse speller, a “nerd” in math but a failure at spelling bees. But to be considered “sic” in spelling in the 2020s, you need to learn about Wordle. In October of 2021, this new game appeared that I am sure she would have loved, Wordle. What is a Wordle, you ask? According to Wikipedia, “Wordle is a web-based word game developed by Josh Wardle. Players have six attempts to guess a five-letter word, with feedback given for each guess in the form of colored tiles.” Wordle is popular because it is challenging, like Mastermind. The words are common but not too familiar. Sign up is free so that you can be “tight” with your grandchild’s games.
What is now trending?
Trying to keep up with the latest terms and trends can be challenging, but don’t be known as a “Karen,” a disparaging way to describe a petty middle-aged woman who is rude. Ignorance of what is going on in the world will be considered inconsiderate or rude by the next generation. Be respectful of their choices of what is important to them: global warming, being a good human, or gender neutrality. Don’t judge your kids for using the latest trends like “Gentle Parenting.” Remember how difficult your days as a parent, now a grandparent are. Use the Holderness Family saying, “I am doing the best that I can.” If your goal is a relationship with your grandkids, take the opportunity to learn. Try #parentingtictok to see what is trending. You too can be an Intentional Grandparent.
