Every now and then, an old video surfaces that makes people question everything. A clip from 1987, titled "Students in a 1987 high school," was posted on Reddit by user _roldie, sparking a lively debate: Why do these high school students look like full-grown adults?
The footage captures everyday moments—students sitting in class, walking through the halls, and joking around with friends. It’s all set to the classic ‘80s track Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears, with the famous Ferris Bueller’s Day Off quote layered over it:
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
There's social science that explains this but somehow the 80s just hit differently. _roldie - Reddit
But while the nostalgia is undeniable, one thing stood out above all else—these “kids” don’t look like kids at all.
The internet reacts: “They wanted to look older”
Commenters couldn’t get over the fact that these teenagers looked so much older than today’s high schoolers.
"Teenagers before Y2K always looked VASTLY older. We (born in the early '90s) looked like kids. These people are adults."
— @somefunandjames
One user, leodog13, offered a simple explanation:
"Class of 1989. We were all trying to look older. That way you wouldn't get carded getting booze."
— leodog13
Another commenter, @pennytweets97, agreed, saying:
"It's mainly the hairstyles. And they wanted to look older."
— @pennytweets97
Big hair, bold fashion, and different beauty standards
Something just hits different about 1980s teens._roldie - Reddit
So what’s behind this phenomenon? A few key differences stand out:
1. Hairstyles and fashion
The ‘80s were all about dramatic styles—big hair, voluminous bangs, and strong silhouettes. Teens dressed with a level of polish that’s less common today, favoring structured outfits over the casual, oversized aesthetic that dominates now.
2. Makeup was simpler—but heavier
Modern teens have access to countless makeup tutorials and a wide range of skincare products. Back then, beauty routines were different. @jbrower73, who was a freshman in 1987, explained:
"Our makeup was different—no concealer, bronzer, or blending. No YouTube tutorials to teach us!"
— @jbrower73
3. Teens wanted to look like adults
Unlike today, when youthful looks are often celebrated, many ‘80s teens actively tried to appear older. Whether it was to get into bars or simply fit in with the trends of the time, looking grown-up was the goal.
The nostalgia factor
Beyond the debate, one thing is clear—the video captures an era in a way that feels both familiar and distant. The mix of grainy, unfiltered footage and effortless coolness of ‘80s teens makes it a fascinating time capsule. As user littleliongirless put it:
"If your bangs weren’t going both up and down, like dudette, do you even Aquanet?"
— littleliongirless
Whether it’s the hair, the fashion, or just a trick of perception, one thing’s for sure—high school in 1987 had a vibe all its own.
Representative Image: The work-from-home tools get the job done, even if you still can't find the mute button. 
Furry friends are importantRepresentative image via Canva
Couple has annoying conversation
The one phrase people most want to ban forever—and 20 more that drive us all nuts
If you’ve ever cringed at hearing “It is what it is” or rolled your eyes at someone saying “No offense…” before delivering something totally offensive, you’re definitely not alone. Some expressions are so irritating, so overused, or so grammatically cursed that hearing them once more might just push us over the edge.
We asked our Facebook audience, “ If you could ban one annoying phrase from existence forever, what would it be?” and holy moly, did the floodgates open. Typically, a given question might rack up around 5,000 comments—but this one? Over 14,000. People shared responses that were funny, petty, brutally honest, and occasionally downright poignant. From phrases that try (and fail) to sound wise, to those so overused they've lost all meaning entirely—here are the top contenders folks are completely done with.
The one phrase nearly everyone wants to vanish
By far the most repeated offender was:
Over and over, users cited this as the ultimate non-response. It’s dismissive, it ends conversations, and it offers exactly zero comfort or help.
Another big category? Expressions meant to comfort that end up being painful or insulting. These include:
Many commenters explained that these phrases, while often well-intentioned, feel dismissive in times of grief or hardship.
Grammar gripes and word crimes
Grammar lovers had a lot of feelings. Some of the most-cited “please stop saying this” phrases included:
And let’s not forget the collective rage over “pacifically” when people mean “specifically.”
Words that reveal more than they intend
Several users took issue with phrases that feel passive-aggressive or intellectually lazy, such as:
As user Jacqueline C. put it, “'To be honest...' What does that mean? That you're not honest any other time?”
Phrases tied to racism, sexism, or toxic positivity
A significant number of respondents took aim at harmful or politically charged phrases. Among them:
These comments weren’t just about annoyance—they were about the emotional weight and social impact of language.
James G. didn’t mince words when he wrote: “‘Go back to your country, then’ 🤬. The epitome of racist. I love my country, plus my ancestors did not ASK to be brought here the way they were.”
Corporate speak and empty buzzwords
You knew these were coming.
These phrases sparked a different kind of rage—one reserved for staff meetings and marketing emails.
Iris H. summed it up: “Most corporate speak. Downsizing. Low hanging fruit. Pivot. etc…..” Just say what you mean, please.
Why this resonated so deeply
There’s something unifying about shared irritation. These phrases might seem harmless or routine, but for many people, they’re like verbal paper cuts—tiny annoyances that, over time, sting a lot more than they should.
Whether it’s poor grammar, dismissive condolences, or flat-out hate speech in disguise, we’re collectively craving language that’s thoughtful, clear, and kind.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for one of these expressions, take a beat. Maybe there’s a better way to say what you mean. Or maybe… just don’t say anything at all.
And if you’ve got your own phrase that should be banished from existence? Don’t worry—there’s still time to add to the list.
Got another phrase that needs to go? Drop it in the comments on our original Facebook post.
Bonus: The top five most hated phrases from our poll
Let’s make 2025 the year we finally stop saying all of them.