Adulting (or the verb to adult) is an informal, often humorous term referring to the act of carrying out the mundane tasks, duties, and responsibilities expected of a mature, self-sufficient adult, such as paying bills, buying groceries, scheduling doctor appointments, doing laundry, or managing personal finances.
While frequently mislabeled as “brand-new youth slang,” the term has been in widespread use since the early 2010s. Today, it functions as an established informal colloquialism rather than fleeting slang.
Grammar: The “Verbing” of a Noun (Functional Shift)
Linguistically, adulting is a classic example of anthimeria (turning a noun into a verb):
- The Noun / Gerund (Adulting): Used to describe the collection of adult responsibilities (e.g., “I am so tired of adulting today” or “Adulting is hard”).
- The Verb (To Adult): Used as an intransitive verb meaning to behave responsibly (e.g., “I just can’t adult today; I’m staying in bed”).
- The Badge of Accomplishment: It is frequently used with humorous self-congratulation for completing basic domestic chores (e.g., “I cooked dinner and paid my taxes.Look at me adulting!”).
Tone: Irony, Fatigue, and the Modern Milestone Delay
The term is rarely used in serious, high-stakes contexts. Instead, it relies on a specific psychological and cultural tone:
- Performative & Detached: Saying you are “adulting” implies that being a mature adult is not an automatic, natural identity, but rather a temporary role or costume you have to consciously put on.
- Everyday Overwhelm: It gives speakers a lighthearted, self-deprecating way to vent about the endless loop of minor, unglamorous obligations required to keep a household running.
- The Shift in Milestones: Sociologists note that the term rose alongside economic shifts where traditional markers of adulthood (buying a home, marriage, career stability) were delayed, leading young adults to view basic logistical tasks as distinct milestones.
Origin & History: From Tumblr to the Dictionary
Contrary to sources treating it as brand-new internet slang, the word has a well-documented timeline stretching back over a decade:
Early Online Coinage (Late 2000s)
The earliest documented uses of adulting on social networks (specifically Twitter and Tumblr) date back to 2008–2009, coined by college students and recent graduates navigating life away from their parents for the first time.
Kelly Williams Brown’s Book (2013)
The word transitioned from internet forums into mainstream media with the publication of Kelly Williams Brown’s bestselling 2013 book, Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps, based on her popular lifestyle blog.
Word of the Year & Lexical Recognition (2015–2016)
By 2015, the term was so ubiquitous that the American Dialect Society nominated adulting for its 2015 Word of the Year. Shortly thereafter, major authorities like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster added it as a standard informal entry, cementing its permanent transition into the English language.
Sentence Examples
“I spent my entire Saturday doing laundry, cleaning the gutters, and meal prepping; peak adulting.”
“I really don’t feel like adulting today; let’s just order pizza and watch movies.”
“Buying a new vacuum cleaner shouldn’t feel exciting, but here I am, adulting at full speed.”
“Calling the insurance company to fix a billing error was my main adulting task of the week.”
Similar and Related Expressions
- Grow Up: To mature or behave in a responsible, age-appropriate manner.
- Fend for Oneself: To take care of one’s own needs without relying on assistance from parents or others.
- Stand on One’s Own Two Feet: To be fully independent and self-sufficient.
- Settle Down: To adopt a stable, routine, and domestic adult lifestyle.