teenage

"Teenage" describes people, things, feelings, or experiences connected with the years from about thirteen to nineteen, a period commonly called adolescence. These are years of major change, including physical development, emotional ups and downs, and the gradual building of identity and independence. It is often a time of exploration, change, and strong feelings.

The term became more common in the early twentieth century as society began to treat this part of life as a distinct stage. Before that, many young people were seen as moving more directly from childhood into adulthood. Today, people often speak of teenagers as a clear age group with their own interests, needs, and challenges.

You'll see "teenage" in many contexts: "teenage fashion," "teenage fans," "teenage friendships," or "teenage pregnancy." It usually points to age, but it can also suggest the style, emotions, or behavior often linked with those years. For example, if someone says a person has a "teenage attitude," they usually mean the person seems immature, rebellious, or overly emotional.

Still, the experience is not the same for everyone. Each young person goes through these years in a different way, shaped by personality, culture, family, and circumstances. So while "teenage" is a useful word for this age group, it should not be treated as a complete description of every person in it.