The term “adulting” has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly among younger generations. It is used to describe the various tasks and responsibilities associated with being an adult, such as paying bills, cooking, working, or managing daily life. Despite its widespread usage, the question remains: is “adulting” recognized as an official word in standard dictionaries?
As of now, “adulting” is not included in most major standard dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or the Oxford English Dictionary in their formal entries. However, Merriam-Webster has added “adulting” to its online dictionary, defining it as “the practice of behaving in a responsible, grown-up manner.” This inclusion indicates that the word has gained enough common usage and cultural relevance to be considered a legitimate part of contemporary English vocabulary. The Oxford English Dictionary has also acknowledged “adulting” as a real word, noting its emergence in recent years, especially among millennials and Generation Z.
Despite its recognition by some authoritative sources, “adulting” is often considered informal, slang, or colloquial rather than standard. It originated as a humorous or lighthearted term used primarily on social media and in casual conversation. Its informal nature means that it is generally avoided in formal writing or professional contexts, where more traditional phrases like “acting responsibly,” “handling adult responsibilities,” or “managing adult life” are preferred.
The origin of “adulting” can be traced back to the early 2010s, when it started appearing on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. It is a blend of “adult” (referring to an grown-up person) and the suffix “-ing,” which turns verbs into gerunds indicating an ongoing action. The term emerged as a humorous way for young adults to acknowledge the challenges and sometimes mundane tasks of adult life, often accompanied by memes, jokes, or self-deprecating humor.
In everyday use, “adulting” functions as a verb or noun, e.g., “I spent the weekend adulting by doing laundry and paying bills,” or “Adulting is hard.” Its playful tone resonates with many young people who find the responsibilities of adulthood both daunting and amusing. While it is widely understood and used, some critics argue that it trivializes the seriousness of adult responsibilities or is a sign of immaturity. Nonetheless, it remains a popular term in social discourse.
If one wishes to use a more “proper” or formal alternative, phrases such as “acting responsibly,” “fulfilling adult responsibilities,” or “managing one’s adult life” are recommended. These expressions convey the same idea without the slang connotations and are appropriate in professional or academic writing.
In summary, “adulting” is a real word that has been recognized by some dictionaries due to its widespread usage, especially among younger demographics. It originated as informal slang on social media to describe the tasks associated with being an adult. While not considered standard language, its acceptance by reputable dictionaries signals its legitimacy as a part of contemporary English, albeit in informal contexts. For formal communication, opting for more traditional phrases is advisable.