American author and journalist Michelle Dean is well-known for her sharp observations on modern culture. In one of her articles, she noted that the term "millennials," which was first used to refer to people who were born approximately between 1981 and 1996, has recently come to mean more negative things.

This label has become something of a verbal insult, according to Dean. The term "millennial" is frequently used today with an undercurrent of contempt and annoyance, much like one might use disparaging language to minimize or dismiss someone based on their social standing, appearance, or any other attribute. It is commonly used in conversations about social issues, especially when scolding younger generations for failing to live up to the standards set by elders.

Consider a situation where a label that used to only categorize people has changed into something more damaging to demonstrate this phenomenon, similar to how a popular nickname can become a playground taunt if it is used in an offensive manner. In a similar vein, the term "millennial" is no longer frequently used to characterize a generation but rather to point fingers or make fun of them.

This change draws attention to a larger problem of generational miscommunication and conflict in society, where labels that were once neutral have been used as a weapon to create division rather than understanding between various age groups. Dean's observation challenges us to consider how we discuss demographic differences and the possible repercussions of using such terms in a disparaging or contemptuous way.