she is 20 years my junior/senior (2025)

Hello,

What does it mean when someone says, "she is 20 years my junior/senior." Is there a difference in how these two words are used? Any insight is appreciated!

libre_pensador said:

Hello,

What does it mean when someone says, "she is 20 years my junior/senior." Is there a difference in how these two words are used? Any insight is appreciated!

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If you are 40 and she is 20 years your junior, she is 20 years old. If you are 40 and she is 20 years your senior, she is 60 years old. "Junior" means younger and "senior" means older.

Dimcl said:

If you are 40 and she is 20 years your junior, she is 20 years old. If you are 40 and she is 20 years your senior, she is 60 years old. "Junior" means younger and "senior" means older.

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Hi, I think it isn't used in dialogue very often, is it? My dictionary lists it used in written.

Musical Chairs said:

Not many people say it. They usually say "younger" or "older."

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Thanks.

Harry Batt said:

In the Midwest AE it is the polite way of expressing age as a disparity if youi prefer not to give an age figure. Instead of saying she is 64 if you say my wife is 5 years my junior whoever asked your wife's age is subtley told "it is none of your business."

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I wondered whether somebody "of a certain age" was going to jump in here, Harry. As it happens, this is a phrase I hear fairly often (admittedly usually in the "over 50 set").

Accordingly, to answer your question, Kenny, I would suggest that the phrase is used more often in conversation than in writing although I'd hate to impugn the integrity of your dictionary. I just can't remember the last time I saw it in writing (until this thread) but I do hear it spoken in conversation.

Dimcl said:

I wondered whether somebody "of a certain age" was going to jump in here, Harry. As it happens, this is a phrase I hear fairly often (admittedly usually in the "over 50 set").

Accordingly, to answer your question, Kenny, I would suggest that the phrase is used more often in conversation than in writing although I'd hate to impugn the integrity of your dictionary. I just can't remember the last time I saw it in writing (until this thread) but I do hear it spoken in conversation.

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Hi, thanks for your clarification.
I do believe what you say more than what the dictionary defines. After all, dictionary is just a reference material.

"A trophy wife should be at least 20 years your junior to make the right impression. Twenty five years your junior and massive implants--even better".

I have heard "my junior" used in speech.

Length of service in a position is referred to as seniority, and the terms senior and junior are often used in relation to work.

In the United States Senate, there are two senators from each state, with the longer-serving senator being the senior senator from that state, and the newer senator being the junior senator:

Hillary Clinton is the junior senator from New York; the senior senator from New York is Chuck Schumer.

One might also refer to our most senior teachers, or to junior staff members, based on how long they had been employed. It would also be typical to speak of a co-worker who was your junior in the position, or who was senior to you in length of service to the company.