Understanding Year Nomenclature: The 2020s and 2030s

Language evolves, and with it, so do our methods for referring to decades. The question arises: when will we refer to the 2020s and 2030s as ‘the Twenties’ and ‘the Thirties’? This renaming isn't an instant change but rather a gradual shift in common speech and media.

Historical Context and Current Misunderstandings

Considering the confusion that can arise from vague references, we must be specific. For instance, a colleague visiting from the West Coast clarified my comment about the great blizzard of 1888. Initially, I had said 1888, but he thought I was referring to the 20th-century blizzard. This example underscores the importance of precision in language.

The Transition Timeline and Common Practice

Despite these challenges, the way we refer to decades often involves a lag. The 1920s, for example, were not commonly called “the Twenties” during the 1920s but rather referred to as “the Twenties.” Similarly, the 2000s and 2010s did not have a commonly adopted nickname before the decades were over.

A survey of current trends suggests that it will take about 20 years before "the 2020s" is universally understood as the 2020s instead of the 1920s. By 2035, those born after 1995 will likely see the 2020s as “the 20s,” while those born before 1995 will still associate “the 20s” with the 1920s.

Age-Gap Impact on Nomenclature

The age gap significantly influences how generations perceive decade naming conventions. Many adults over 40 still think of “last century” as the 1800s, whereas those under 40 see it as the 1900s. This generational divide can lead to persistent confusion unless there is a widespread naming convention change.

Implications for Future Decades

The question of how the decade starting in 2010 should be named is even more complex. Should it be called the "2010s," the "2000s," or the "Aughts"? The term “Aughts” was popular in the early 2010s but has since faded in use. The term "2010s" seems to be the most widely accepted term, but this could change over time.

Encouragement for Change and Future Research

As we move forward, it’s important to continue the trend of changing decade names to match the current century. To avoid confusion, let's start using “the 1920s” instead of “the Twenties” for the 20th-century era and “the 20s” for the 21st-century era. This will help bridge the generational gap and ensure clarity in communication.

The evolution of how we refer to decades is an interesting linguistic phenomenon. By staying informed and participating in this evolution, we can better communicate the historical and cultural significance of each decade.