The Evolution of Age-Related Terminology: From 'Teenagers' to 'Young Adults'

It's fascinating to explore how age-related terminology has evolved over time. The term 'teenagers' is relatively new in our lexicon, arising in the early 20th century. However, the general concepts and roles associated with different age groups are much older and more complex.

The Historical Context of Age-Related Terms

Three thousand years ago, the age group of 13-19 would not have been considered a single coherent group, any more than the 23-29 or 3-9 age groups are today. People of different ages had diverse roles and statuses within their communities.

The Ancients and Their Roles

People aged 19, 18, or 17 might have been commonly referred to as “Mama” and “Papa” in various ancient cultures.

Three hundred years ago, young men aged 19, 18, 17, or even 16 could serve as soldiers, workers, or farmers. Their younger brothers might have been apprentices or students, and women of comparable ages could be wives.

Everyone in the community was a subject, with terms like 'children', 'progeny', and 'offspring' used by parents and grandparents.

Onlookers might colloquially use terms like 'brood' or 'spawn' for children.

Questions and Clarifications

The terms 'youth' and 'juvenile' have also encompassed different age ranges throughout history. Phrases like 'young woman', 'young man', and 'young person' could refer to individuals of various age groups based on the context.

The Term 'Teenagers'

The concept of 'teenagers' as we know it today is a product of the 20th century. Prior to this, these individuals were often simply referred to as children, students, or workers.

A Workforce and Social Realities

During the formative years of the term 'teenager', working-class youth often started full-time work by the age of 14 or 15. This practice was common before the 1950s when universal free education and welfare states became prevalent.

Photos of 'breaker boys'—boys old enough to be employed in breaking up coal—demonstrate the harsh realities of child labor in earlier times. These boys often had to work full-time, often alongside their fathers, uncles, and older brothers who might have become specialised workers, such as engine drivers.

A personal anecdote can further illustrate this transition. My father left school at the age of 13 and began working on the railways along with his father, uncle, and older brother, who became an engine driver. He was never a teenager as his peers understand the term in Western countries today; he was a working subject.