ContestsConcerts + Events

LISTEN LIVE

Do You Know What “Out of Pocket” means? Gen Z has different definition

Do you know what the term “out of pocket” means?  How you answer might depend on how old you are. Merriam-Webster’s only definition for it is about money.  Like, “out-of-pocket” expenses with…

Taylor one

Taylor Swift speaks onstage during the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Do you know what the term "out of pocket" means?  How you answer might depend on how old you are.

Merriam-Webster's only definition for it is about money.  Like, "out-of-pocket" expenses with your insurance plan.  But there are two other ways it's used, and they're a big deal online right now.

A lot of millennials use it when they'll be away from their desk, or unreachable.  Like, "Hey, you might not be able to call me today, I'll be out of pocket."  But for Gen Z, it means something very different.

Over the weekend, some Gen Z'er posted a video making fun of his boss for using it all the time.  He said she'll say things like, "I'll be out of pocket for a few hours this afternoon."  And he thinks it's HILARIOUS.

Here's why:  To Gen Z, "out of pocket" means "out of character" or "UNHINGED."

So if you say it to a young person, they don't hear "I'll be unreachable."  They think you mean, "I'm gettin' CRAZY this afternoon."

So DO you know what the term "out of pocket" means?

Since we're talking about how Gen Z has no clue what "out of pocket" means.  We've put together a list of other phrases they don't know (all for fun...relax)

Put down the phone.

Electric scooters don't belong on sidewalks.

Go outside.

Your student loans are your problem.

Hard work won't kill you

Tattoos are a waste of money.

Not everything needs to be delivered.

"Likes" on social media aren't the same as "likes" in real life.

It's time to get a place of your own.

"Stranger Things"was better when it was called "E.T." and "The Goonies".

They/them pronouns are annoying.

Taylor Swift is just a singer. (just don't tell Ryan Logan that)

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.