Out-of-date Idiom?

[MrPixel]

A common expression I grew up with was "the third degree", and I just wrote it into a story. Would younger (Gen Z) readers understand that, and, more specifically, would a Gen Z character use the expression? If not, then what would they use in the instance of expectation of a harsh interrogation?

 

[Lumiere_Amie]

I needed some slang for a Millenial character in one of my stories. I just did an internet search for "millenial slang". try the same for Gen z.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

I understand it, but I grew up with a bunch of old movies...

 

[alohadave]

A common expression I grew up with was "the third degree", and I just wrote it into a story. Would younger (Gen Z) readers understand that, and, more specifically, would a Gen Z character use the expression? If not, then what would they use in the instance of expectation of a harsh interrogation?

They should be able to pick it up from context. And if not, they can look it up.

 

[PennyThompson]

I understand it, but to my ear it does sound like a phrase from an old cop movie.

Maybe just "she grilled him about last night," or "she interrogated him about last night."

Depends on the character saying it and the context of the dialog, though!

 

[Statius]

Consider the age of the character(s) involved.

 

[MrPixel]

I understand it, but I grew up with a bunch of old movies...

That's sort of my concern, since I also picked it up from old movies. I did as @Lumiere_Amie suggested and searched; found nothing close.

My specific usage is referencing harsh parental inquiry as to late-night activities (over 18, of course!)

 

[PennyThompson]

referencing harsh parental inquiry as to late-night activities

"They practically waterboarded me about where I went last night, I was worried they were going to cut off my thumb so they could unlock my phone!"

 

[MelissaBaby]

I agree with Penny, they would understand, are unlikely to use it themselves.

Just my opinion, but older people should assume that younger generations know more about them than vice versa.

 

[Statius]

I agree with Penny, they would understand, are unlikely to use it themselves.

Just my opinion, but older people should assume that younger generations know more about them than vice versa.

That's true.

 

[Statius]

"They practically waterboarded me about where I went last night, I was worried they were going to cut off my thumb so they could unlock my phone!"

And that was very well done on the fly! Is that an out of date idiom?

 

[PennyThompson]

And that was very well done on the fly! Is that an out of date idiom?

Is it from baseball, or from airplanes?

 

[Statius]

Is it from baseball, or from airplanes?

Fantastic question. I haven't a fucking clue!

 

[PennyThompson]

Fantastic question. I haven't a fucking clue!

Well then it sounds like I understand it exactly as well as you do

 

[Statius]

Fantastic question. I haven't a fucking clue!

And I'm waaaayyyyy too lazy to look it up today. I say it anyway. Sometimes.

 

[yowser]

I actually like it when authors telegraph their age.

 

[Statius]

Well then it sounds like I understand it exactly as well as you do

Always used it like spur of the moment, almost. At work is the easiest way for me to explain it. I'm doing one thing and realize I can knock something else at the same time without missing a step, so to speak. Am I making sense or is this my usual ADHD nonsense? Where it makes sense to me but no one else?

 

[PennyThompson]

You could always write it like the movie Brick, a bunch of highschool kids running around talking like Humphrey Bogart

 

[Statius]

You could always write it like the movie Brick, a bunch of highschool kids running around talking like Humphrey Bogart

Love Bogart! No one delivered a line like Bogart!

 

[PennyThompson]

Always used it like spur of the moment, almost. At work is the easiest way for me to explain it. I'm doing one thing and realize I can knock something else at the same time without missing a step, so to speak. Am I making sense or is this my usual ADHD nonsense? Where it makes sense to me but no one else?

Yeah I understand the meaning of the phrase, if not the origin... "Fuck it, we'll do it live," "Build the plane as we're flying it," etc.

 

[Statius]

Yeah I understand the meaning of the phrase, if not the origin... "Fuck it, we'll do it live," "Build the plane as we're flying it," etc.

Oh I didn't mean to imply you didn't understand the meaning (I've had way too many misunderstandings here, don't need anymore), that's just how I interpret it. Apologies for any misunderstanding.

 

[MillieDynamite]

I'm not sure what gen I am. I was born in 1989. What does that make me? Oh, I get what a third degree is.

 

[Statius]

I'm not sure what gen I am. I was born in 1989. What does that make me? Oh, get what a third degree is.

That's either late GenX or Millennial. I can't keep these things straight. Think it's Millennial though? Not that it matters.

 

[PennyThompson]

What does that make me?

Cool as shit

 

[cw5523729]

I'm not sure what gen I am. I was born in 1989. What does that make me? Oh, I get what a third degree is.

Millennial. 1981 and later I think but don't quote me