For a generation known for doing things differently, Gen Z has definitely carved out their own identity.
They’re tech-savvy, socially aware, and not afraid to challenge outdated norms. However, despite all the talk about generational divides, it turns out some of those “boomer” sayings and habits have quietly stuck around—and Gen Z isn’t mad about it.
In fact, many of those eye-roll-worthy clichés that older generations love to repeat have found a surprising home in the Gen Z mindset. Whether it’s about work, money, or simply how to live a good life, these age-old ideas are getting a modern twist. Here are 14 classic boomer sayings and values that Gen Z has embraced in their own way.
1. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
This might sound like outdated politeness, but Gen Z has fully embraced the art of muting, blocking, and quietly walking away from negativity. They’ve learned that peace often comes from choosing silence over unnecessary drama. Whether it’s avoiding online arguments or opting out of group chats that feel toxic, this classic piece of advice has been rebranded as protecting your energy, and it’s thriving in the digital age.
2. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
With rising costs of living and endless side hustles, Gen Z knows the value of a pound more than most. While they might not say it like boomers do, the sentiment behind this cliché is very real to them. Budgeting apps, money TikToks, and being vocal about financial boundaries are all part of how Gen Z makes this old-school phrase feel current. They might roll their eyes at it, but deep down, they get it.
3. “Don’t air your dirty laundry in public.”
Despite living in the age of oversharing, there’s a growing wave of Gen Zers who prefer keeping the personal stuff private. Whether it’s unfollowing messy exes or keeping breakups off social media, the quieter approach is making a comeback. This boomer gem has turned into a form of self-respect. They might post memes and daily content, but when it comes to the heavy stuff? They’re learning that not everything belongs online.
4. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
In a world where job security feels more like a myth than a promise, Gen Z has taken this one to heart. From juggling freelance gigs to building personal brands, they know the value of having a backup plan (or three). It’s not about being fearful; it’s about being realistic. They’ve seen how quickly things can change, and they’re not waiting for just one path to work out. This old advice now fuels the multi-hyphenate hustle.
5. “Hard work pays off.”
Sure, they may challenge toxic grind culture, but Gen Z isn’t anti-work—they just want their efforts to matter. They’ll put in the hours, learn new skills, and build things from scratch if they believe in the outcome. This cliché gets a modern remix: hard work pays off *if* it aligns with your values. Gen Z’s not afraid of effort; they’re just picky about where they put it. Honestly, that’s pretty smart.
6. “You are who you hang around with.”
Curating your circle has never been trendier. Gen Z has fully embraced the idea that the people around you shape your mindset, habits, and overall vibe. It’s the “protect your peace” era, and this saying fits right in. They’re big on boundaries, emotional safety, and spending time with people who uplift them. So while the wording might sound old-fashioned, the concept is more alive than ever.
7. “You get what you pay for.”
Fast fashion and bargain shopping might still exist, but Gen Z is leaning hard into quality over quantity. Whether it’s skincare, tech, or clothing, they’ve clocked that cheap usually means short-lived. They’ll research, read reviews, and even invest in long-lasting pieces when it matters. This isn’t just about spending more; it’s about making smarter choices, which boomers have been preaching for decades.
8. “Don’t burn bridges.”
Cancel culture might dominate headlines, but Gen Z is surprisingly thoughtful when it comes to maintaining connections—especially professionally. They’ve learned that the world is small, and reputation matters. They might not bend over backwards to stay in toxic situations, but they’re intentional about how they walk away. Staying civil, even when parting ways, is something this generation values more than people realise.
9. “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
In the age of micro-investing, cashback apps, and budgeting TikToks, this cliché has found new life. Gen Z is becoming remarkably money-conscious, and not just in the boring ways. They’re into savings hacks, side hustles, and learning about financial literacy early on. Boomers might’ve learned this through piggy banks—Gen Z’s learning it through finance influencers and digital tools, but the vibe is the same.
10. “What goes around comes around.”
Karma’s had a glow-up. Gen Z might express it through “energy” or “the universe,” but they definitely believe in treating people well, and not just for show. They see how people behave online, how employers treat staff, and how it all comes back eventually. The boomer version of this saying still rings true—just with more astrology and better lighting.
11. “Don’t mix business with pleasure.”
Boundaries are huge with Gen Z, especially when it comes to work-life balance. They’re friendly at work, sure, but they also know when to log off, avoid office gossip, and keep their personal lives separate. They value authenticity, but not oversharing. Mixing business with pleasure? Only on their terms, and with full awareness of how messy it can get. Boomers knew it too—and Gen Z’s keeping the rulebook handy.
12. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
It might sound a little harsh, but Gen Z understands the power of appreciation. Whether it’s networking, mentors, or clients, they know how far respect and gratitude can go. They’re not blindly loyal, but they’re not careless either. Burning down every bridge just to make a point isn’t their style. They’d rather move strategically and remember who helped them along the way.
13. “Learn a trade, it’ll always be useful.”
Not everyone’s aiming for university degrees anymore, and Gen Z’s just fine with that. From coding and design to plumbing and beauty therapy, they’re embracing hands-on skills and ditching the stigma around trade work. They’ve seen what degrees cost and how long it takes to see a return. Learning a trade? Suddenly, it’s practical, empowering, and even cool. Boomers were onto something here, and Gen Z’s giving it a fresh spin.
14. “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”
It doesn’t get more classic than this one. Despite all the generational differences, this bit of old-school wisdom is still at the heart of how Gen Z moves through the world—just with a modern lens. Kindness, respect, empathy—these values are very much alive. Whether it’s calling out bad behaviour or showing up for their friends, Gen Z lives by this one more than they’re given credit for. Turns out, some clichés age well.
