In a generation? So, since when?
According to 2008 figures from the Office of National Statistics, the average woman giving birth for the first time is 27.5 years old.
On this basis, women having their first child now are those born in 1983 - so "in a generation" would mean "since 1983".
Well, John Major's autobiography was published in 1999. Even Margaret Thatcher: the Downing Street Years was published in 1993 - less than two thirds of a generation ago.
Radio 4 news is not alone in trying to add a sense of significance to ordinary stories with generational claims. I'm sure I've heard this cliché more in the last few weeks than, well, for a generation:
- "Town halls ... are facing the biggest spending squeeze in a generation." Daily Telegraph, 24 August
- The housing market is experiencing "the worst downturn it has suffered in a generation". Independent, 24 August
- "Local authorities are facing the biggest cash squeeze in a generation." Daily Telegraph, 23 August
- "Scottish schools face 'chaos' this week as pupils return amid the biggest overhaul of the education system in a generation." Sunday Express, 15 August
- "The whole nation really believed [the England football team], above any in a generation, was capable of great things." Daily Star, 12 August
And today's generation of clichés is global:
- "For the first time in a generation, the number of women serving in Congress could decline." Chicago Tribune, 29 August
- "Australia was ... rolled for 88 - the national side's lowest Test total in a generation." Herald Sun, Australia, 22 July
- "A new constitution is a once-in-a-generation opportunity." Africa News, 14 August
Call me pedantic, but isn't this kind of hyperbole only justified when backed up with the name and date of the relevant event a (full) generation ago?
