As people who are older (and sometimes wiser), we realize that things are changing right before our eyes. From the technology used on a day-to-day basis to new slang, sometimes parents can feel a bit out of touch and outdated. It's hard to keep up with our kids when we don't necessarily understand them or all the new trends.
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Parents On TikTok Realize Teens Have A New Hand Gesture For 'Phone'
There are some things that are universal amongst people.
Unsplash | Lina Trochez
From hand signals to abbreviations, there are a lot of things that are universal amongst people. Sometimes, having these things is important when we're lost in translation with each other.
For example, these universal gestures help when we're talking to people who speak another language.
Unsplash | Fezbot2000
Having hand signals that everyone understands can help us when we are traveling or trying to communicate with others who may speak a language other than the one we are accustomed to.
One universal symbol is when people are trying to say, "I'm on the phone."
When you need to tell someone else that you're on the phone or that you need to make a phone call, the universal symbol is usually your thumb to your ear and your pinky down your cheek.
Mostly, it's because the hand gesture looks like the curvature of a phone.
Unsplash | Alexander Andrews
Think back to when you had phones in your home, or even flip-phones as a kid. The hand gesture looks like the phones we grew up using.
Now, it seems that kids have a brand new way to showcase phone.
Unsplash | Kon Karampelas
Thanks to the new generation and the implementation of new technology, there seems to be changes to universal symbols and hand gestures right before our eyes. One dad took to TikTok to showcase just what we mean.
TikTok user @guesswho_718 tested it out on his family at home.
TikTok l @guesswho_718
He went around and first asked his wife, and then he asked his two kids how they would gesture to show that they were on the phone — something that's rather simple and straightforward.
His wife easily made the gesture we all know and associate with being on the phone.
TikTok l @guesswho_718
The thumb to your ear, pinky down your cheek is the way we all say, "phone call," or "we're on the phone." I mean, I've grown up my whole life knowing this.
However, when he asked his kids, things changed.
TikTok l @guesswho_718
Now that iPhones and other smartphones are flat, kids think talking on the phone or showcasing "phone" is a flat palm on their ear — much like the flatness of our smartphones.
His son also did the same thing!
TikTok l @guesswho_718
Many people are shocked and commented on his video saying they "don't like it." Another said that they tried it on their own kids and many said they aren't even sure how to "hang up the phone."
This new generation — they have a lot to learn, right?
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