What is a millennial?

There’s so much written and said about this generation. They’ve generated more column inches than coronavirus. But, what is a millennial? What’s so special about this group? What have they got that other generations haven’t? And what have they done for us?

First of all, what’s the definition of “millennial”?

It’s a word that’s used as frequently as ‘like’. As in, “Like, why hasn’t my last Instagram selfie got more likes. It’s, like, so annoying.” But what does it all mean, Basil? (a reference for the millennials).

Roughly speaking, millennials are people born between 1981 and 1996. There’s probably a bit of wiggle room either way but that’s the Wikipedia definition of it. That means the age range of a millennial is between 24 and 39 years of age - that’s from Bella Hadid to Beyoncé.

What is the millennial generation? Or, more accurately, who is the millennial generation?

Millennials are characterised in popular culture as being easily offended, uber entitled, workshy “snowflakes”. Although some of you might see those as positive traits, they’re not exactly the sorts of attributes that’ll land you that dream job.

The poor old millennials get a hard time from all quarters. Baby boomers (the generation before) and Generation Z (the generation after) give them grief because of the aforementioned stereotypes. And, in general, it seems like the whole world is out to get them. We think that’s out of order.

Here at Bubblegum Stuff we’re all about giving everyone a fair crack of the whip, regardless of the era they happened to grow up in. And, because of that, we think it’s high time people lay off the millennials. After all, this is the innovative generation that’s given us a whole bunch of things we just couldn’t live without. Plus, near enough our entire workforce belongs to that generation (a minor detail).

What have millennials given us?

Well, beyond bottomless brunches, artisanal breads and avocados by the bucket load, millennials invented Facebook, AirBnB and Uber. Not to mention the groundbreaking dating app, Tinder. Which, according to a 2019 study, was the meeting place for 22% of couples married in that year (just take our word for it!).

Wait… there’s more…

Amongst other things, they’ve been the inspiration for a whole host of products here at Bubblegum Stuff…

Millennial AF

Take our game Millennial AF, for example. This is our new card game that takes typically millennial behaviours and poses them in a “Who’s most likely to” questions format. “Who’s most likely to text ‘I’m outside’, rather than ring the doorbell?”, for instance. Players then vote on who that card most applies to. The player with the most cards at the end is the most millennial.

It’s a simple adult party game based on a pretty sophisticated scientific algorithm.

Okurrr and Miss Vanjie Sound Buttons

Talking of sophisticated science, we’ve also got the Okurrr and Miss Vanjie Sound Buttons. These soundbite buttons feature the favourite words of Cardi B and the Kardashians (“Okurrr”), and Miss Vanjie Mateo (“Miss Vanjie”, obvs!) from season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Both of these catchphrases have made their way into everyday millennial slang. And these handy little noise generators are the perfect solution to many of life’s salty situations. Ending an argument? Miss Vanjie. Leaving a room? Miss Vanjie. Roasting your pal? Miss Vaaaanjie!

After all, mic drops are sooo last year.

Millennial Stamps

And, if you need a longer lasting last word on any of the big issues facing society today, we’ve got the Millennial Stamps. These come in Okurrr, Slaying It, Yass Queen and Bae versions. Like the sound buttons, these washable self-inking stamps are based on beloved millennial slang terms. They’re all about making a more permanent millennial mark on things. (But they are fully washable; just in case!)

Get yours now

Our stationery shop, featuring the Okurrr and Miss Vanjie sound buttons, as well as the Millennial Stamps, is open for business throughout the school year, financial year and beyond.

And Millennial AF is just waiting to be picked up for your next games night with all your 24-39 year-old pals. Enjoy!