The Infantilization of Language in Woke America

Once upon a time, Americans expressed gratitude with clarity and dignity. A firm handshake, a respectful “thank you,” or a straightforward “I appreciate it” sufficed. But in the age of participation trophies, crying CEOs, and emotional support water bottles, a new breed of pseudo-gratitude has infested the public square: the phrase “I appreciate you.”

Make no mistake—this phrase is not a harmless linguistic shift. It is the linguistic equivalent of a grown man wearing a “Cozy Gamer” hoodie while sipping a lavender latte. It is soft. It is performative. It is, in every sense of the word, peak millennial nonsense —and now it is infecting Gen Z and corporate America like a virus with no known vaccine.

When Did “I Appreciate You” Replace “I

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