Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“I do a lot of movies for kids and tweens, and I just think that it’s my responsibility to be a good role model.”
- Actress Michelle Trachtenberg on why she’s no Lindsay Lohan. (Cosmo Girl)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
person between the ages of 9-13
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
It’s definitely cooler to be 13 than 12. The typical American student finishes middle school at 13, and parents often give their children more privileges at this age, like letting them stay out later with their friends. For most Americans, turning 13 is an important milestone.
Another cool thing about turning 13 is that you finally get to be called a teenager. When you’re 12, you’re not exactly a “child” anymore, but you’re still too young to be labeled a teen. You’re stuck in between being a kid and being a teenager. You’re a tween.
Although tweens have always existed, the word is pretty new. It’s used to describe people between the ages of 9 and 13. The term was invented by advertisers who wanted to sell more products to people in this age group. The advertisers found that tweens care a lot about the latest trends and are willing to spend a lot of money (or their parents’ money) to have them. In fact, tweens spend about 1.5 billion dollars a year!
Michelle Trachtenberg is in a TV show that lots of tweens like to watch, called Gossip Girl. She’s also starred in lots of movies that were popular with the tween crowd, like 17 Again. She thinks it’s important for her to be a good role model for all the tweens who watch her show and movies.
Do you know any tweens? What are the good and bad parts of being a tween?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“A lot of tween girls love the Jonas Brothers.”
“I had to hang out with my sister and a bunch of other tweens yesterday. It was terrible.”
“I’m glad I’m not a tween anymore. That’s a tough time of life.”