15 Texts Women Over 50 Send That Confuse Their Kids (but Make Perfect Sense to Them)
Ever open your phone and see a text from Mom that reads like a secret code? Welcome to the wild world of women over 50 and their hilarious, sometimes head-scratching texting habits. If you’ve ever wondered why your mom’s “LOL” makes you question reality, or why she’s “on her way” but still in her slippers, you’re not alone.
Let’s dive into the quirky texts that make perfect sense to them, and leave the rest of us giggling, groaning, or both.
Using ‘LOL’ to mean ‘lots of love’
Picture this: you text your mom some serious news, and she replies “So sorry, LOL.” No, she’s not laughing at your pain. She’s sending “lots of love.”
For many women over 50, “LOL” is still a heartfelt sign-off, not a giggle fit. They learned it back when texting was new and “laugh out loud” was just a rumor.
So next time you get a “LOL” after mentioning you lost your job, don’t panic. She’s hugging you through the phone, not roasting you.
Saying “On my way” when they’ve just sat down
You text your mom, “Are you coming soon?” She replies, “On my way!” Meanwhile, she’s still in her bathrobe, contemplating another cup of tea.
For her, “On my way” means she’s thinking about leaving. Eventually. Maybe after one more episode of her favorite show.
Take it as a gentle warning, not an ETA. You’ve got time to finish your snack, maybe even take a nap.
Sending voice messages but expecting immediate replies
Your mom loves sending voice messages, telling you her entire grocery list and a story about the neighbor’s cat. She expects you to reply faster than you can find your headphones.
Meanwhile, you’re in a meeting, or the middle of a crowded bus, and can’t listen right away. She wonders if you’ve forgotten her.
If it’s urgent, maybe just text her back “BRB.” She’ll love that.
Texting long paragraphs with detailed stories
Ever get a text so long you have to scroll? That’s just your mom sharing the saga of her day, including what she had for breakfast and every person she saw at the store.
She’s not trying to write a novel—she just wants you to feel included. And maybe test your reading stamina.
If you want, let her know you love her stories, but your thumbs need a break. Or just reply with an emoji and hope she takes the hint.
Using phrases like ‘Back in my day’ mid-conversation
You ask your mom for advice, and suddenly you’re transported to 1974. “Back in my day,” she says, as if you own a time machine.
For her, it’s a way to teach you a lesson and sneak in a little nostalgia. For you, it’s a history class you didn’t sign up for.
Just smile, nod, and get ready for a story about walking uphill both ways.
These phrases help keep family conversations going, even across generations.
Mixing emojis with formal language
Your mom sends you a text that reads like a business memo—then ends it with a winking face and a heart. Is she negotiating a contract or inviting you to dinner?
She likes to keep it classy, but also cute. It’s her way of saying “I love you, but I’m still the boss.”
Just don’t ask her what the eggplant emoji means. Trust me.
For more tips on using emojis in professional or important chats, check out advice on how to professionally communicate with emojis at work.
Replying with ‘K’ instead of ‘OK’
You pour your heart out in a text, and your mom replies with a single letter: “K.” You wonder if you’ve been disowned.
She’s not mad—she just thinks “K” is efficient. Why waste time with extra letters when there are cat videos to watch?
If you’re confused, just remember: “K” means she got your message and is probably making you a sandwich.
More on this idea is explained in the article about why people reply with “K” and how it can feel like an attack sometimes.
Texting idioms that sound like old sayings
Mom’s texts are sprinkled with phrases like “Don’t count your chickens” and “Hold your horses.” You’re not sure if she’s giving advice or starting a barnyard.
These old sayings are her way of keeping things light—and sometimes confusing. She’s basically a walking fortune cookie.
If you’re lost, just Google it. Or ask her for a translation. She’ll love the attention.
Using outdated slang like ‘groovy’ or ‘rad’
Your mom calls your new haircut “rad” or says dinner was “groovy.” You look around for a time portal.
These words are her comfort zone. They make her feel young, even if your friends think she’s quoting a retro movie.
Just smile and say “thanks.” Who knows, maybe you’ll start a trend and bring “groovy” back.
Typing ‘BRB’ despite having no urgent task
Your mom says “BRB” and then disappears for an hour. Was she abducted by aliens? Nope, just watering the plants.
For her, it’s a polite way to say “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be back eventually.” It’s like putting you on hold, but with more mystery.
If you’re wondering where she went, just wait. She’ll return with a weather update and a story about the neighbor’s dog.
If you ask, they might explain it’s simply a familiar way to stay connected without ending the chat. It’s more about manners than hurry.
You could share how you use different texting words today, and maybe teach them new ways to say “I’ll be right back.” It can be a fun way to connect across generations.
Sending texts without punctuation but plenty of capitalization
Picture this: your mom sends a message that reads like she’s trying to warn you about a tornado, but really, she’s just asking what you want for dinner. All caps, no punctuation, just pure, unfiltered mom energy.
Capital letters become her secret weapon for emphasizing words, because who has time to hunt for a period on a tiny keyboard? Punctuation is for people with patience and tiny thumbs.
Your kids might stare at these texts like they’re some ancient code, but for women over 50, it’s just another Tuesday. It’s a mashup of old-school letter writing and the wild west of texting.
So if you get a message that looks like it’s shouting, don’t worry. She’s not mad, she just really wants you to pick up milk on your way home.
Ever get a text from your mom that ends with “TMI”? That’s her way of saying, “Oops, I just told you more about my bunion than you ever wanted to know.”
Usually, “TMI” pops up after a detailed story about something you never asked for, like her new fiber supplement. It’s her polite way of saving you from mental images you can never unsee.
If you see “TMI,” just smile and know she’s trying to keep things light. She’s not trying to traumatize you on purpose.
Sometimes, “TMI” is code for “Let’s talk about literally anything else now.” It’s a gentle nudge to steer the conversation away from bodily functions and back to safer territory.
Learn more about when to use “TMI” and what it means from this page on understanding TMI.
Over-explaining simple plans in texts
Why say “Meet at 3” when you could send a full itinerary, weather forecast, and a list of acceptable snack options? Moms have never met a simple plan they couldn’t make more detailed.
You want to make sure nobody shows up in flip-flops during a snowstorm, so you add extra info. It comes from a place of love and maybe a little bit of “I just want to be helpful.”
Your kids, meanwhile, are just looking for the time and place. Too many details and their eyes glaze over faster than you can say “group chat.”
If you want to try the minimalist approach, send the basics and see if anyone asks for more. This way, you save your thumbs and everyone’s sanity.
Referring to teenagers as ‘the kids’ no matter their age
Moms have a magical ability to call their 27-year-old lawyer son “the kid” like he’s still losing teeth and eating glue. It doesn’t matter if your “kid” is old enough to rent a car or run for office.
When she says, “I’m checking on the kids,” she could mean anyone from a toddler to a fully grown adult with a mortgage. It’s just how her heart works.
Younger generations might find it weird, but for women over 50, “the kids” is a term of pure affection. It’s a way of keeping everyone close, even if you’re already taller than she is.
So next time you hear “the kids,” just roll with it. It’s her way of saying she loves you, no matter how many gray hairs you have.
Texting multiple questions in one message
Ever stared at your phone and thought, “I’ll just ask all my questions at once and save us both some time”? Welcome to the club.
Your kids might open your message and instantly feel like they’re taking a pop quiz they didn’t study for.
Trying to answer everything at once can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. It’s impressive, but also a little dangerous.
If you want to make life easier for everyone, consider sending one question per message. It’s like giving your kids bite-sized snacks instead of a five-course meal all at once.
But hey, if you’re a fan of the rapid-fire approach, just try to keep it simple. Nobody wants to decode a riddle before dinner.
Numbering your questions is a game-changer. Try something like, “1. What time are you coming home? 2. Should I cook dinner? 3. Do you need a ride?” Suddenly, you’re the organized parent everyone wishes they had.
Your kids will thank you with actual answers instead of cryptic emojis. Or at least, you’ll get fewer “idk” responses.
If you’re ready to level up your texting game, check out some tips for mature dating and communication. Because even if your kids don’t respond, your group chat might!
