Later, “babe.”
Gen Z is breaking up with the usual nicknames for their beloveds, per new data on the youngest daters — and they’re choosing some odd alternatives.
“Forget ‘darling’ and ‘sweetie,’” wrote researchers for Coca-Cola. “Gen Z [is] ditching outdated pet names for personalized nicknames that reflect who they are and their friendships.”
Those tried-and-true sweet nothings mean nothing to the Z-crew.
It’s a terrifying truth unearthed via Coca-Cola’s freshly resurrected “Share a Coke” campaign.
Tugging at the nostalgic heartstrings of 20-somethings worldwide, the soft drink imprint has recently reignited the flames of its buzzy 2010s ad blitz.
The marketing movement, featuring soda cans and bottles tagged with popular first names, is meant to encourage customers to connect with loved ones by gifting them the personalized keepsake.
To further appeal to Gen Z audiences, consumers born between 1997 and 2012, the pop peddlers are now rolling out a line of Coke containers inked with their most cherished nicknames.
Fizz fiends of the UK will even have the chance to create customized cans with names of their choice to share with a main squeeze, beginning on May 15.
But, cartons with cutesy monikers such as “snookums” won’t be in mass supply.
In fact, according to Coca-Cola’s findings, 37% of Gen Zers feel the formerly heartwarming handle is one of the most “old-fashioned” and “outdated” pet names on the planet.
Terms of endearment like “chick,” “sugar,” “old man,” “hon,” “muffin” and “bubba” have, too, been deemed déclassé by the judgy demographic.
The cool kiddos are, instead, using newfangled vocabulary to express their feelings of fondness.
A staggering 53% of Zoomers favor the pet name “bro,” while 44% take a shine to “mate” and 35% like “bestie.” Joining the newly en vogue nicknames are “friend,” “bae,” “queen,” “king,” “squad,” “shawty,” “sugar plum” and “day one.”
Gen Z’s obsession with ditching the classics for street slang isn’t an act of rebellion. Instead, it’s a demonstration of love.
“Nicknames play a crucial part in Gen Z friendships, with 42% admitting that they feel happy and loved when they are called by their nickname,” the study authors said. “One in five (20%) say it makes them feel an important part of their friendship group, while one in ten (12%) admit that it makes them feel secure.”
Charlotte Butt, Senior Marketing Manager from Coca‑Cola Trademark, said, “Nicknames are more than just labels; they’re a shorthand for shared history, inside jokes and personal connections” in a statement. “They reflect the unique relationships between individuals and the evolution of language within friendship groups.”
“We’re excited to bring back this campaign with new nicknames, allowing people to express their unique relationships and celebrate the people who matter most,” added Butt. “We were inspired by how Gen Z uses nicknames to build stronger bonds, and we wanted to offer a fun, tangible way to express those connections.”
Here’s a list of the dated pet names that Gen Z daters are putting out to pasture.
1. Treacle (38%)
2. Chick (35%)
3. Sugar (31%)
4. Hon (29%)
5. Muffin (28%)
6. Bubba (28%)
7. Duck (27%)
8. Pet (22%)
9. Babe (21%)
8. Darling (21%)
9. Angel (14%)
10. Love (13%)
