fortysomething
Between thirty and fifty
Fortysomething describes a person in their forties—anywhere from forty to forty-nine years old.
The word functions as both noun and adjective: a fortysomething executive, She's a fortysomething with two kids.
The pattern extends to other decades: thirtysomething, fiftysomething.
The suffix suggests the exact age is unknown or deliberately vague.
Mid-sixties to eighties births
- baby boomers1946-1964 birth cohort
- cohortGroup sharing circumstances
- demographicsStatistical population characteristics
- censusOfficial population count
population · millennials · consumer · homeownership · suburbia
Decisive dangerous moment
- transitionChange from one state
- reassessmentRenewed evaluation of something
- reinventionComplete self-transformation
- crossroadsMeeting of routes
reflection · identity · self-discovery · divorce · second-act · reboot · purpose · regret
Surface lines from folding
- bifocalsDual-strength corrective lenses
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- achesDull persistent pains
- colonoscopyLarge intestine examination
mammogram · crow's-feet · mortality · joints · fatigue · perimenopause · andropause
Good judgment from experience
- experiencePractical knowledge from life
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- perspectiveAttitude or spatial rendering
- judiciousHaving sound assessment skills
discerning · worldly · settled · established · self-assured · confidence · composure · insight
Secured home loan
- caregivingAttending to dependents
- savingsAccumulated money kept
- insuranceContractual risk coverage
- tuitionPayment for instruction
eldercare · teenagers · orthodontist · PTA
Formally set up
- influentialHaving considerable effect
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
- seniorityRank from length of service
authority · accomplishment · mastery · clout · network · mentorship
Generation X
Mid-sixties to eighties births
- baby boomers1946-1964 birth cohort
- cohortGroup sharing circumstances
- demographicsStatistical population characteristics
census · population · millennials · consumer · homeownership · suburbia
crisis
Decisive dangerous moment
- transitionChange from one state
- reassessmentRenewed evaluation of something
- reinventionComplete self-transformation
crossroads · reflection · identity · self-discovery · divorce · second-act · reboot · purpose · regret · nostalgia
wrinkles
Surface lines from folding
- bifocalsDual-strength corrective lenses
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- achesDull persistent pains
colonoscopy · mammogram · crow's-feet · mortality · joints · fatigue · perimenopause · andropause
wisdom
Good judgment from experience
- experiencePractical knowledge from life
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- perspectiveAttitude or spatial rendering
judicious · discerning · worldly · settled · established · self-assured · confidence · composure · insight · patience
mortgage
Secured home loan
- caregivingAttending to dependents
- savingsAccumulated money kept
- insuranceContractual risk coverage
tuition · eldercare · teenagers · orthodontist · PTA
established
Formally set up
- influentialHaving considerable effect
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
seniority · authority · accomplishment · mastery · clout · network · mentorship
fortysomethingtwentysomething
Person aged 20-29
teenager · thirtysomething · child · octogenarian · septuagenarian
fortysomethingGen Z
Post-millennial demographic cohort
millennial · Gen Alpha · zoomer · digital native · Greatest Generation