Why does the Silent Generation encompass 18 years, the Baby Boomers 19 years, and all subsequent generations are 16 years.
Time shortens as distance (cycles around the sun) increases??
Just kidding. Although perhaps it DOES have to do with technology and communication (and thus culture) increasing??
Born in 1960 - the only ones that I recall using are “cool” and “bogus”. Probably groovy back as a kid.
I was just reading about a new slang term the kids are using today. “Chat” But used as a term to mean a friend or anyone (singular or a group) in proximity. “Hey Chat - check this photo out!”
I imagine it is due to texting on the phone being called a chat. (Duh - no way! Hmm - I guess I use more than just two slang terms).
Because certain important secular events (wars, etc.), economic cycles, and other irregularly spaced historical moments help define a "generation."
If you were too young to actively participate in WWII, you weren't part of the "Greatest Generation." The "Baby Boomers" were literally the fall-out of a big demographic cycle of breeding in the aftermath of WWII. The advent of the Internet was likewise a watershed event. Etc.
This should be obvious.
In some cases, the demarcations shouldn't be portrayed as being that sharp - but journalists are lazy.
Regards,