Gen-X

Post-boomer demographic cohort

Gen-X refers to the generation born roughly between 1965 and 1980, sandwiched between baby boomers and millennials.

The X suggests anonymity or undefined identity—a generation initially overlooked between its larger demographic neighbors.

Gen-Xers are stereotypically characterized as skeptical, independent, and culturally shaped by latchkey childhoods and MTV: Gen-X irony, a Gen-X slacker.

Also styled Generation X.

culture

grunge

Accumulated dirt or filth

NirvanaRelease from earthly existence
MTVYouth-oriented video network
flannelSoft napped cloth

slacker · Seinfeld · Friends · alt-rock · zine · Tarantino · Nickelodeon · Rugrats · My So-Called Life · Daria

stereotype

self-reliant

Able to provide independently

cynicalDoubting human goodness
slackerIdle responsibility evader
independentFree from external control

latchkey · apathetic · disaffected · ironic · skeptical · alienated · disillusioned · nonconformist · resourceful · adaptable

era

Reaganomics

Supply-side fiscal philosophy

yuppiesMaterialistic city professionals
cassetteMagnetic audio cartridge
VHSAnalog tape format

Walkman · mixtape · Atari · Game Boy · analog · dial-up · pager · Iran-Contra · vinyl · arcade

demographics

millennials

Those born 1981-1996

Opposites

generational cohort sequence

Gen-XGreatest Generation

Americans spanning depression and war

Gen Alpha · Boomers · Gen-Z · Silent Generation · Zoomers

generational stereotyped traits

Gen-XBoomers

Named sports organization

Greatest Generation · idealists · joiners · true believers · optimists

Phrases

generation gapAge-based cultural disconnect
younger generationThose born later
next generationSubsequent group following current
new generationSuccessors to current group
first generationEarliest in a line
older generationThose born earlier

Family

Gen-Xer, generation, generations, generate, generates, generated, generating, regenerate, degenerate

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G