On Writing: Quick Tip for the Gen X-er
Start writing a post
Entertainment

On Writing: Quick Tip for the Gen X-er

If you read your dialogue out loud and feel like dying on the spot, consider a rewrite.

17
On Writing: Quick Tip for the Gen X-er
R-bloggers

So, I hear you're writing a novel. Ah, you want your main characters to be in high school, you say? Around the ripe old age of 14-17? So they're relatable, impressionable, and innovative? Truly groundbreaking.

Rarely am I the one to critique an artist on his or her work, but there has been a disturbing trend in video games, novels, and movies featuring young people: The Most Unrealistic Goddamn Dialogue.

Especially with the utilization of the Internet, certain words and phrases, similar to memes and fashion trends, go out of style fairly quickly; #hip language does not age well, and sticks out like a sore thumb. Even when texting, no one uses "dat" unless they want to get the side-eye. If I see or hear the word "hella" in any form, I mentally give myself fifty lashes.

Take, for example, Square Enix's "Life is Strange," a game about a loner photographer girl who gains the ability to travel back in time. The game had beautifully stylized art, a compelling story, and generally well-developed, realistic characters...

...right up until they opened their mouths. I almost didn't finish this game because the dialogue was so atrocious and cringe-worthy. I'm sure this aspect of "Life is Strange" has already been covered by many other, better-written articles, but it felt like a crime had been committed against me personally. Using cliche quips is maybe acceptable once or twice in a narrative, but about ten minutes into the first "episode" and it was clear that whoever wrote this was above the age of 35 and had the Wikipedia page for youth slang open in a separate window while doing so.

All of these lines were said unironically:

  • "Ready for the mosh pit, shaka brah."
  • "Who even cares? This class is hella bullshit!"
  • "Wowser."
  • "I hope you checked the perimeter, as my step-ass would say. Now, let's talk bidness."
  • "Now you're totally stuck in the retro zone. Sadface."

Dialogue is meant to be immersive, informative, yet colored with a touch of nuance. It can set the tone of a scene and build your world into something tangible. Just as you roll your eyes at the youth who manage a rate of 15 swears/minute, the rest of us roll our eyes at bad writing. The worst thing you can do is underestimate your readers and their ability to detect bullshit.

You know what you should do instead? Write your young characters like they're actual people. Risky, I know, but I remember who I was at fourteen; maybe I didn't know how to drive or make interesting conversation with adults, but I was an articulate speaker, and only used "slang" (which was really just swearing) as an expression of nihilism and pure irony. In my experience, bullying was never as overt as "go fuck your selfie," but more along the lines of emotional manipulation and vague arguments suggesting whose mental illness took priority.

We're not asking you to prove to your readers that you are "with it," but that you don't skimp on dialogue with throwaway lines and irritating, shallow stereotypes.

Happy Writing!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

44653
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28127
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952830
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

154505
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments