TikToker says the real difference between Gen Zers and cuspers is purses: ‘Tell me I’m wrong’
While people in their 20s are often categorized as Gen Zers or young millennials, there is an entire group of people who live “on the cusp” in between both generations, often referred to as “cuspers.”
According to influencer and podcaster Sarah Thompson (@sarah_thompson25), the best way to identify if you’re a cusper is by what your “going-out” bag looks like. Thompson’s logic is simple if somewhat ironic: If you opt for a smaller, “early 2000s, Y2K vibes” purse with a short strap meant to be worn on the shoulder only, you’re a true Gen Zer.
However, Thompson added that if you choose a purse with a longer strap that can do double duty as a shoulder or crossbody bag — and if it’s specifically not a Lululemon crossbody — then you’re an older cusper.
The tiny purses of the Paris Hilton era that older millennials remember all too well have recently been brought back and adopted by Gen Zers, hence the distinction.
“It’s not a perfect science,” Thompson admitted of her theory. “But it’s pretty solid.”
What is a ‘cusper’?
Buzzfeed defines a “cusper” as someone who was born on the cusp between the Gen Z and millennial generations, specifically between the late 1990s and the early 2000s. A cusper might identify with aspects of both generations and struggle to define themselves solely as either a full Gen Zer or millennial.
A cusper is often also referred to as a “zillenial” because they have traits of both Gen Z and millennials. For instance, CNN explains that zillennials are those who live “along the blurry edge at the cusp” between millennials and Gen Zers.
Technically speaking, CNN adds that millennials are Generation Y, born between 1981 and 1996, while Gen Zers were born between 1997 and 2012. However, Deborah Carr, professor of sociology and director of the Center for Innovation in Social Science at Boston University, told CNN that millennials are a “small cohort” of individuals born between the early 1990s and the early 2000s.
“They’re on the cusp of Gen Z and millennial, thus the mash-up label of zillennial,” she explained.
The ‘cuspers’ speak
Judging by the comments in Thompson’s video, the purse theory spoke to the zillennial cusp crowd.
“Once again telling me I’m a true zillennial,” observed @liamyalgia.
“I went to a 90s night at a club on the weekend. The gen Z girls all had on jeans, sneakers, a silky strappy backless crop kinda thing & the lil bag,” @vibescoordinator added, backing up Thomson’s theory.
“Not a perfect science but you’re not wrong,” observed @jojojoanie.
But just as they are not defined by fitting into neat labels of either generation, some cuspers also spoke up in the comment section, proving that they continue to make their own identity.
“I’m a cusper and I exclusively use tote bags,” said @salamandergirly.
“I’m a cusper but I use the tiny bag and not the crossbody. I’m not a fan of them hitting my hip when I walk,” admitted @angieduran_art.
“I’m a cusp and it’s mini backpacks primarily lol,” noted @bad.vatican.
“Cottage girl gen z girlies crochet their own (it’s me, I’m working on one right now),” added @bmroua.
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