Why Does Gen X Use Ellipses and Why Does Gen Z Care?
Have you ever received a text like this from an aunt or uncle: “Remember to BUY groceries… if you want…”
And you can’t help but wonder why they’re using ellipses that way? It comes off as passive aggressive, but you know they don’t mean it to.
Why does Gen X use so many ellipses? And why do we as Gen Z care? Let’s dive in!
What is an ellipsis?
An ellipsis is a series of three periods used in writing to indicate a pause.
Here’s an example: “Tony the Tiger was never seen again… or was he?”
Cue dramatic music!
You can even use an ellipsis to end a sentence by adding an extra period: “Oscar the Grouch’s manifesto was lost to history….”
Ellipses, like any punctuation mark, help get a point across. They come with their own set of linguistic rules depending on the subculture using them— in this case either Generation Z (Gen Z) and Generation X (Gen X).
And naturally, different subcultures of people have their own rules about the best way to get those points heard.
Just so we’re on the same page: Gen Z includes anyone born from 1997 to 2012. Millennials (1981-1996) and Gen Z use ellipses similarly. Gen X includes anyone born from 1965-1980. For ease of writing, I’m including the Baby Boomer generation (1946-1964) in with Gen X since they use ellipses in a similar way as well.
Everyone will have that one family member who doesn’t play by these unspoken rules (it could even be you!). There’s always a few outliers amongst the masses— we’re talking large trends today!
Differences between Gen Z and Gen X online communication
To better understand ellipsis use, we need to understand the different ways the generations communicate online.
Let’s pretend you’re sick with the flu. Two of your friends are texting you— one is Gen X, one is Gen Z. Their texts might look like this:
Gen X: R u ok
Gen Z: Are you okay??
If we had your Gen X and Gen Z friend read each other’s messages, Z may interpret X as not caring about you. To Z, X didn’t take the time to write out each word. The lack of punctuation very subtly implies X has better things to do than send a text.
X might not have an opinion on Z. If anything, X may interpret Z as overbearing. The excess punctuation may even convey shouting.
To Gen X, the literal words are what count. Texting and the internet are a means to an end. It does not matter how you write it out, it’ll never be as important as what you’re actually saying. The two messages above are the same. Even the punctuation in a hand-written letter would bear more weight than in a text message.
To Gen Z, context from punctuation is critical to online conversations. This is true for speakers of any language. In the same way you interpret nonverbal signals from someone in-person, Gen Z takes in all the details of an online message. Online communication is legitimate and bears weight in the real world.
So if a Gen X texts a Gen Z telling them to “BUY groceries…” then X is just trying to get something done. There’s no intended judgment of Z’s ability to understand the message. But that’s not how Gen Z interprets it.
How does Gen Z use ellipses?
When it comes to Gen Z, ellipses convey a myriad of different meanings. It depends on the context.
Here’s two examples of a text a friend might send you:
I can’t believe I’m late to work! I’ll call you when I’m done :)
I can’t believe I’m late to work… I’ll call you when I’m done.
In the first example your friend is simply venting. All’s well here!
The second example might strike fear into your heart. The ellipsis, in this case, is conveying impatience. Did you do something wrong? Did you make your friend late? What could they possibly have to say to you??
The “proper” use of the periods and ellipsis means the sender is cutting the conversation short. They’re upset and need to handle other matters.
Obviously, this is annoying if the sender isn’t actually mad.
Usually, Gen Z will use an ellipsis along with other context clues to indicate good feelings. Or, if they use an ellipsis to indicate a pause, they’ll overuse periods or commas:
Gen Z: I was wondering……… can I eat your burrito in the fridge?
Also Gen Z: hey,,,,,,, ur burrito,,,,,, can I have it??
We see this on casual social media platforms and between friends.
How does Gen X use ellipses?
Gen X superstar, Hank Green, said in a recent video that ellipses convey that the sender is still thinking.
It indicates the conversation is open: What do you think…? What are your opinions…? What else do you want to add…?
Let’s take a look at our very first example:
“Remember to BUY groceries… if you want…”
If we take into consideration everything we’ve discussed, then we know that Gen X isn’t too concerned with the visuals of the message— only that something needs to get done. There’s no judgment on the receiver’s reading comprehension.
Ellipses create a natural pause in the conversation. That was their original intention. Even though much of the internet has departed from using ellipses as you would in a book, many people (like members of Gen X) mean to use them as intended. And miscommunications are bound to follow.
Additionally, there’s space here for the receiver to add their own thoughts with the ellipsis. The sender is still mulling things over. Do you want anything from the grocery store? Do you have time to go? These things are implied. The sender is saying I want your opinion on this but explicitly saying it takes too much time. Insert your ideas!
Conclusion…
Acknowledging our differences and moving forward with understanding is the best way to smooth over miscommunications.
It may not seem like it at times, but the majority of people don’t want to offend one another.
Have you ever listened to the way people from London and New York City talk, respectively? They’re all speaking English, but there’s definitely cultural and linguistic differences. This happens just as surely between generations, especially online. And while we may poke fun at those differences, it’s important to set those aside when it matters.
How do you use ellipses? Drop a comment… below!