By Michael Kelman Portney

Let’s be honest: “Gen Z” is a lousy name. It’s the kind of label that sounds like it was slapped on by a tired branding committee that couldn’t think past the alphabet. While previous generations got evocative, defining titles like “Baby Boomers” and “Millennials,” Gen Z got stuck with something that sounds like the placeholder name on a file folder.

But there’s a better name for this generation—one that captures their essence, their experiences, and their unique place in history. That name is “Zoomers.”

Yes, it’s already out there, floating around internet culture, but let me tell you why “Zoomers” deserves to replace “Gen Z” entirely. Not just as a meme or a nickname, but as the true title for a generation that deserves better.

1. It Connects to the Generational Lineage

“Zoomers” is a playful nod to the Baby Boomers. It ties the two generations together in name, highlighting their stark differences while preserving a sense of continuity. Where Boomers are associated with post-war prosperity and rigid tradition, Zoomers represent adaptability, innovation, and an unapologetic break from the status quo. The name bridges the generational divide with wit and depth—something “Gen Z” could never do.

2. It Immortalizes a Pivotal Moment

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the COVID-19 pandemic. No other generation was as defined by remote communication as Zoomers. For many, Zoom wasn’t just a platform—it was a lifeline. Classrooms, friendships, and even entire lives were lived through glitchy video calls. “Zoomers” encapsulates this surreal era of quarantines, virtual graduations, and TikTok dances filmed in isolation. It’s a name that tells their story, unlike the sterile “Gen Z,” which tells us nothing.

3. It Reflects Speed and Adaptability

The word “zoom” itself conveys movement, energy, and progress—all qualities that define this generation. Zoomers have grown up in a world that changes at breakneck speed, and they’ve learned to adapt, pivot, and thrive in ways no one before them had to. Whether it’s mastering new tech, reshaping social norms, or leading movements for climate justice and racial equity, Zoomers are anything but stagnant. Their name should reflect that dynamism

4. It’s Already Embedded in Culture

Here’s the kicker: “Zoomers” is already a thing. It’s organically emerged from internet culture, a name born not from marketing executives or sociologists but from the people themselves. It’s cheeky, it’s memorable, and it carries an air of self-awareness that feels quintessentially Zoomer. Compare that to the soulless “Gen Z,” a name so uninspired it practically begs to be replaced

5. It’s a Testament to Their Identity

Generational names aren’t just labels—they’re legacies. They frame how history remembers a cohort, highlighting their struggles, triumphs, and defining traits. “Gen Z” is forgettable and meaningless, a lazy conclusion to the alphabet. “Zoomers,” on the other hand, encapsulates their resilience, their humor, and their role in a world that’s becoming increasingly digital and interconnected.

Why It Matters

Sure, some might argue that “Gen Z” is too entrenched to change. And maybe they’re right. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t push for something better. Generational labels matter because they shape how we understand and talk about the people who define them. “Zoomers” is more than just a nickname—it’s the story of a generation told in a single word.

So, let’s stop settling for “Gen Z” and start embracing the name they actually deserve. After all, if there’s one thing Zoomers have taught us, it’s that they won’t be defined by a lazy, uninspired status quo.

Michael Kelman Portney is a philosopher, satirist, and human BS detector. His work explores the intersections of rhetoric, culture, and generational identity at MisinformationSucks.com.