Hey. My 15 year old protagonist refers to her "parental units". I know this expression has been around forever but does anyone know if teens still use it? If not, any other suggestions? Thanks guys! -Robin
Teen slang question
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I'm in my twenties, but I still use it and I know I used it when I was a kid.
I think it originated with Coneheads, right?
I think it originated with Coneheads, right?
We say parentals a lot. But you don't usually hear 'units' anymore. I'm in Wash D.C, if that helps.
Try 'parentalia'.......as in: Dude, you wanna go to a party this weekend? Hell yeah I do, but I think the parentalia will kill me if I come in late again......
Yeah, from Coneheads. Though actually I never saw the movie and only know that because when I was trying to figure out how old the expression was, I Googled it. Hannah, parentals is rather nice. Maybe I'll use that instead...
also..........how about 'parentectomy'......(removal of parents)
Man, I want to go to the movies, but the parents are coming too....damn, I wish I could have a parentectomy
Man, I want to go to the movies, but the parents are coming too....damn, I wish I could have a parentectomy
one more....LOL
Parentnoia - parents + paranoia
my parents won't let me go anywhere because they think I'm going to sneak off and have sex, or do drugs...or whatever! Of course, that's what I want to do...but hey, screw them!
Parentnoia - parents + paranoia
my parents won't let me go anywhere because they think I'm going to sneak off and have sex, or do drugs...or whatever! Of course, that's what I want to do...but hey, screw them!
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Something to think about when using slang is when your book will be coming out. I tend to stick to things that have been used for a longer time (like cool or even parental units) rather than something that's trendy now because sland that's fallen out that can really date a book. Or make up your own slang so that it's timeless with the book itself.
Carrie-- yeah, I agree 100%. The book comes out next fall, btw, and my editor has queried my use of "parental units". I don't know- maybe it is too dated and I should just make up something quirky. Of course, she could just say "my parents". Or, you know, "the wardens" or something. Crazy how much time one can spend considering a single word, hey?
I'm having a similar struggle with music. I have one reference to music playing and I named a too-trendy-last-year-band... which was probably a bad choice. Now I'm trying to come up with another choice-- either something very current (help, anyone!) or older and classic but still popular with people 16-25 or so. And I'd LOVE any suggestions on that one too.
I'm having a similar struggle with music. I have one reference to music playing and I named a too-trendy-last-year-band... which was probably a bad choice. Now I'm trying to come up with another choice-- either something very current (help, anyone!) or older and classic but still popular with people 16-25 or so. And I'd LOVE any suggestions on that one too.
I just got a Christmas card from someone in Cincinnati that specifically mentioned that her 15-year-old says things like "Goodnight parental unit." So they're saying it there.
Slight derailment I couldn't resist...
Dr. Freud would have a field day with this. In fact I think he made a whole career and life study out of it.
I'm 21, and I have some 17/18 friends, and was a teen not too long ago.
I haven't heard it before. I would suggest using just a simple 'parents,' or if you'r MC has an underlying something against her parents then her er... f****wits."
I haven't heard it before. I would suggest using just a simple 'parents,' or if you'r MC has an underlying something against her parents then her er... f****wits."
Thanks everyone. Beatlesluv, that's good to know. I'm in Canada too so if teens in Ontario aren't using it, that carries some weight. I think I'll go with something more generic and not risk the dated slang. Probably I'll end up with something along the f***wits line but slightly milder, given the context. Cheers.
20: still say parental units, or PUs.
Partly because my parental units are not entirely my parents.
North Carolina: PUs still in use, by me and others.
Partly because my parental units are not entirely my parents.
North Carolina: PUs still in use, by me and others.
Fall Out Boy is a hit with kids from 14 to mid twenties basically. They've been around for years, had several albums, their last one was their best one, so I'd say that they're only going to get bigger and bigger.
Other biggies, Blink 182 (even though they broke up a few years ago) were huge with that agegroup. And still at parties I go to today, that stuff is playing and everyone loves it.
Even here in Australia we say Parental Units, but actually it's been reduced to Parentals by now. It's a world wide thing, and I'm 23, I think the younger kids say it without realising it came from Coneheads.
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I appreciate all the responses. Sounds like most folks know the expression and still use it- yay! I'm going to be off line for a couple weeks, so if i probably won't respond again on this thread. Thanks so much everyone!
oh-- i'll check out fall out boy! thanks!
oh-- i'll check out fall out boy! thanks!
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