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What's ^maybe^ in teenage speak, please?

(42 Posts)
escaped Mon 21-Jul-25 09:02:24

My usually lively and enthusiastic DGC are becoming boring teenagers. I'm not used to it, though I'm more than willing to stick it out because I love them to bits!
When you ask a question, and get "maybe" as a reply every time, what if I were to say, "shall we take our clothes off and go on the London Eye today?" Maybe?
I wish the clock would stop at around 9 years old. Make the most of it new grans or those with young DGC! 😃

pinkprincess Wed 30-Jul-25 21:23:47

My grandchildren are all grown up now and I see them less and less.Very hard when they were all part of both mine and my now late husband's lives when they were young children
I have two great grandchildren and I just about have to make an appointment to see them.

Claremont Wed 30-Jul-25 21:13:59

and what a joy it is <3

Allira Wed 30-Jul-25 21:12:12

Yes, they do come out of the other end of the tunnel!

Claremont Wed 30-Jul-25 21:09:51

Just had older teenagers GCs to stay. Fun, engaging, chatty, enthusiastic, kind and considerate, helpful, and a real joy. So as one of them kept saying as we were playing games in the evening 'bear with granny, bear with'.

Sara1954 Wed 30-Jul-25 17:02:34

I think maybe means, God it sounds bloody awful, but I love granny so I guess I could make an effort!
I’ve got two teens, one pre teen, one tot, and two young adults.
I absolutely love my teens, now sixteen we have always had close relationships, I find them really good company, they talk openly about everything, I’ve learned quite a lot from them.
But mostly they make me laugh, they are an absolute joy, but, I’m happy they aren’t my responsibility.

grannybuy Wed 30-Jul-25 16:45:22

My two teenage DGs are the world’s greatest shruggers. Worse than saying ‘maybe’!

Romola Wed 23-Jul-25 16:38:45

I think my DD and SiL have done a great job in that the GSs, now 22 and 19, remained affectionate and polite throughout, though noisy disagreements did occur.
Their uncle, our DS, was monosyllabic between the ages of 14 and 18 except with his peers. I used to feel quite mortified in front of my friends. But he grew up.

Allira Tue 22-Jul-25 23:07:17

growstuff

BlueBelle

Wait till they are a bit older and in jobs that you have no idea what they are talking about way over your head my two that grew up near me have left me well behind
When they are talking about their work I just nod and smile sweetly like an old lady should

You're supposed to say, "Yes, dear, that's nice. Would you like another scone?" grin

The answer would be a 'No, thankyou' (politely I hope).

I will keep practising my scone-making though.

Barmeyoldbat Tue 22-Jul-25 22:21:43

With 5 teenage grandkids I can assure you it means NO

growstuff Tue 22-Jul-25 21:38:04

BlueBelle

Wait till they are a bit older and in jobs that you have no idea what they are talking about way over your head my two that grew up near me have left me well behind
When they are talking about their work I just nod and smile sweetly like an old lady should

You're supposed to say, "Yes, dear, that's nice. Would you like another scone?" grin

mamaa Tue 22-Jul-25 21:28:19

Ha- V3ra and Allira I was about to write the same thing. My Mum always used we’ll see instead of an outright ‘no’, when asked for something like a treat or similar. My brother and I both knew it meant ‘no’ though as whatever had been asked for never materialised and was never mentioned again😉🤣.

Allira Tue 22-Jul-25 19:59:41

V3ra - same with my Mum!

V3ra Tue 22-Jul-25 19:54:24

Gingerrice with my Mum it was always "We'll see" if we asked if we could do something or go somewhere.
She said it one time and I huffed and replied, "Huh that means no."
"No it doesn't," she replied crossly, but we all knew it did 😂

Gingerrice Tue 22-Jul-25 18:59:19

Oh these have made me laugh ! My eldest son told me years ago that he knew what "maybe" meant....I often used it when they were growing up and I was avoiding the conflict of outright No! But the eldest soon got the measure of me and told his 2 brothers one day " When mom says Maybe she means No" ......so that told me!
But I agree make the best of those younger years when everything is an enthusiastic Yes from them ......I do know it won't last

escaped Tue 22-Jul-25 18:39:25

Aha, I get the message,
a "maybe" can be a way of saying "no" without explicitly stating it, particularly in social situations or texting. 🤣

Mojack26 Tue 22-Jul-25 18:32:28

That's teenagers for you! Maybe means maybe...🤣

Nannan2 Tue 22-Jul-25 18:23:55

One of ny eldest grandsons just nods enthusiastically without speaking

rowyn Tue 22-Jul-25 15:34:59

Just be thankful that they speak. My 15 year old grandson is going through a mostly mute stage!!

Blossoming Mon 21-Jul-25 16:03:09

Grunt. Grunt can mean yes, no or maybe.

Allira Mon 21-Jul-25 15:54:25

"Maybe" is more polite than "Whatever" 😁

Mollygo Mon 21-Jul-25 14:34:10

It’s a bit like the hmm or nod that adults use in conversations where they’re not really interested, but don’t want to appear so.
All except one of my DGC even the one with ASC will initiate, listen and respond to conversations. The exception usually says “Sorry, could you ask me again please. I didn’t get it.”
Which I translate as “I wasn’t really listening.”

Oreo Mon 21-Jul-25 14:19:15

Is it? 😄I really don’t know.

NotSpaghetti Mon 21-Jul-25 14:17:57

Isn't that "more likely than not", Oreo - definitely more likely than maybe I think.

Oreo Mon 21-Jul-25 14:13:08

Maybe sounds on the cautious side doesn’t it? A desire not to commit?
I used to work alongside an older Yorkshire woman who said the word ‘Appen’ ( happen) instead of maybe.😁

escaped Mon 21-Jul-25 14:09:59

I'm glad it's not just me then.
Your posts made me smile. Thanks!