Embarrassing Things Parents Say
Parents say a lot of things. And most of the time, they don't even know that what they're saying can sound embarrassing. Whether it's them declaring "I'm the cool parent" or trying out slang like "that's lit" in an attempt to fit in, we're bound to recoil a little bit. Read on to see if your parents (or you yourself) have said any of these 20 things that make kids cringe.
1. I'm the Cool Parent
Starting strong, we have the phrase that parents say when they think they're hip and cool, but they're really just embarrassing us (and themselves). Bonus points for when they say this during a party (where they may or may then proceed to dance) or when they say this in front of your friends.
2. Isn't That Your Crush?
If it isn't already embarrassing enough that they know who your crush is, the cringe is multiplied tenfold when they ask this in front of your crush. Maybe it's better to call in sick tomorrow for school. Or, better yet, hide away in your bed until it's safe to come out.
3. Back In My Day...
You know that when your parents say this, they're bound to follow up with a sentimental story about something in the past. Sometimes it's a valuable life lesson you should be listening to instead of tuning out, but oftentimes it's something irrelevant.
4. If Your Friends Jumped Off a Bridge, Would You?
Ah, the classic. No matter how many times we hear it, though, it always makes us cringe. Parents say this as a reminder for us to not always follow everything our friends do—especially if we're not comfortable with it—but hearing this just makes us roll our eyes.
5. Love You
This is a sweet thing your parents say to you before they drop you off at school or your friend's house, but as kids, we find it embarrassing. It's not until later, once we're adults, that we start saying this back and appreciating the affirmation more.
6. Did You Use the Bathroom Yet?
Somehow, our parents always seem to say this in places where everyone can hear. It doesn't just make us cringe; it makes us want to drop, tuck, and roll away. Even though it's just a simple question, it sounds embarrassing when asked out loud.
7. That's Tight!
Whenever your parents use slang to seem more "cool" and "in with the times," it just makes them sound embarrassing. Worse is when they look to you afterwards as if they expect a thumbs-up, but instead, you now need three business days to recover.
8. This is Lit
What's worse than your parents saying one slang phrase? Multiple slang phrases. All of them, even. Again, they say these to try and fit in or show off how "cool" they are, but it ends up having the opposite effect, and now your face is stuck in a grimace.
9. You're Too Young to Be Tired
While technically true (and as kids, we won't understand it until we get older), this is another thing our parents say that makes us roll our eyes. After all, it's normal to feel tired after a long day of school, studying, and doing homework. Even if we're not physically tired, we're definitely emotionally tired.
10. That's Coolio
This might be a little less tame than other slang words and phrases, but when our parents say this, it's cringe. Why can't they just say "cool" instead? Why add something to the end of it? The answer is: because parents are parents, and they think it's "coolio."
11. Is This the Thing You Kids Do These Days?
Prepare yourself—when parents say this, it means they're about to do the thing in question. Oftentimes, it's straight-up embarrassing, like a dance they might have seen you do or something else they've seen on social media that's "in trend." We completely understand if you want to close your eyes and pretend you didn't see it.
12. Because I Said So
More than being cringe, this just makes you annoyed instead. It's an empty threat that doesn't explain their reasoning, so every time our parents said this, it likely made us more defiant. But if you've ever talked back after you've heard this, you know it's better not to push it.
13. When I Was Your Age...
Parents usually say this when they're about to tell you how they were a model kid back then. Maybe they'll boast about how well they studied, how hardworking they were, or how smart they were. Or maybe it's about how much more they achieved at the age you're at now. Either way, it makes us cringe.
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14. Remember That Time When You...
This is another one where you immediately need to cover your ears when your parents start saying this. It's usually followed up with an embarrassing story about you that they swore they wouldn't tell anyone else, but now they're casually sharing it over the dinner table.
15. I Need to Take a Selfie
Whether it's the word "selfie" or the announcement of the action itself, somehow, this sounds cringe when our parents say it. "I need to take a picture of myself" might be better, but then again, saying "selfie" isn't as bad as some other slang words.
16. Call Me When You're There
This is another saying we learn to appreciate once we're adults, but as kids, our parents saying this sounds unnecessary. It's especially embarrassing when they say it while you're with friends, even though they're just looking out for you and want to make sure you stay safe.
17. You'll Thank Me When You're Older
Parents typically say this when they force you to eat all your vegetables, instil strict bedtimes, limit junk food intake, or other rules. As kids, we'll find this annoying—and cringe when they say this—but it's another saying that we'll understand once we grow up.
18. Remember to Wear Your Coat
Sometimes, we might think it looks "uncool" to wear a coat over our outfits. Maybe we want to show off our new shirts or pants, or maybe it's just not that cold outside to us. No matter the reason, our parents saying this and making us wear a coat anyway always makes us sigh in defeat (and annoyance).
19. Finish Your Homework Before You Play
Every time our parents pause our games to make us do our homework instead, it makes us groan. After all, can't the homework wait? It doesn't help that they'll ban us from playing until we've completed all our assignments, either, because that just means we'll be at our desks forever.
20. Who's This 'Friend' of Yours?
Similar to when your parents say, "Is that your crush?" this is somehow even more cringe. It's worse when they won't let the question go until you've answered it. It's understandable that parents are protective (and oftentimes, nosy), but it's another thing when they're always prying.
