Have you ever felt like you were speaking a completely different language when talking to your kids or grandkids? Well, you’re not alone. A seasoned Hollywood legend, Robert De Niro, recently found himself in the same boat. The 81-year-old actor humorously shared his struggle to keep up with his young daughter’s Generation Z terminology, proving that even the most accomplished individuals can’t escape the ever-evolving world of youth slang.
Robert De Niro Takes on Gen Z Lingo
On a recent episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” De Niro revealed that his daughter asked him to read a whole list of Gen Z phrases. The iconic “Taxi Driver” star laughingly explained the scenario, noting that she wanted to amuse her friends by watching him grapple with these unfamiliar terms. “My daughter made me read a whole list so she could show her friends and laugh at me,” he said, hinting at the generational gap in understanding.
De Niro, with a touch of caution, had one condition when agreeing to this light-hearted challenge: “Just don’t send it around,” he told her. He was willing to read the list, but wanted it to remain within their circle, away from prying eyes eager for a glimpse of the Hollywood star tackling the modern vernacular.
No New Learnings for De Niro
Despite diving headfirst into this ocean of contemporary slang, De Niro confessed he didn’t actually pick up any new vocabulary. “No, I didn’t want to,” he mentioned, laughing it off. For him, the terms were simply the language “you guys say these days,” hinting at the entertaining yet perplexing nature of youth expressions today.
De Niro’s tale resonated with many, including host Drew Barrymore, who shared her own humorous misstep with her children. When she casually used the word “fire,” they retorted that the term was old news. It seems like staying “on fleek” with current trends might be a challenge even for the coolest parents.
Fatherhood at 81: A New Perspective
Adding another layer to his new adventures with being a parent, Robert De Niro recently welcomed his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen in 2023. Becoming a father at the age of 81, the “Godfather II” star shared insights into how his advanced years give him a new awareness of family dynamics. “When you’re older, you have awareness of certain things in life,” he remarked, emphasizing how his understanding has deepened over the years.
With a total of six other children from previous relationships, De Niro’s family tree is extensive, ranging from the ages of 53 to just a few months old. His experience as an older parent highlights the evolving journey of parenthood, from struggling with teen slang to embracing extensive family dynamics.
