Why Today’s Slang Feels Like a Foreign Language (And Why That’s Okay)
You’re scrolling through TikTok, and a teenager says, “That fit is mid, but the vibes? Chef’s kiss.” A parent nearby frowns, muttering, “What does that even mean?” If you’ve ever felt like today’s slang is a secret code you weren’t invited to crack, you’re not alone. Every generation develops its own linguistic shortcuts and cultural references, but the speed and creativity of modern slang—fueled by memes, social media, and global connectivity—make this era feel uniquely chaotic. Let’s unpack why Gen Z’s language feels so alien to some, why it matters, and how to bridge the gap without cringing.
The Roots of Modern Slang: More Than Just Random Words
Slang isn’t arbitrary; it’s a mirror of a generation’s values, struggles, and inside jokes. Take “slay,” which evolved from a hyperbolic compliment (“You slayed that presentation!”) to a casual affirmation of success (“Slay, bestie”). Or “no cap” (meaning “no lie”), which originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and spread globally through rap lyrics. These terms often emerge from marginalized communities or online subcultures before hitting the mainstream.
What’s different today is the velocity of slang. A word can go from a niche Discord chat to a corporate marketing campaign in weeks. Consider “rizz” (charisma), which blew up on TikTok in 2023 and was crowned Oxford’s Word of the Year shortly after. This rapid cycle leaves older generations dizzy, but it reflects how young people navigate a fast-paced, hyper-connected world.
Why It Feels Confusing: The Cultural Context Gap
Slang isn’t just about words—it’s about shared experiences. When a Gen Zer calls something “cheugy” (uncool or outdated), they’re mocking a specific aesthetic (think pumpkin-spice-latte Instagram posts from 2016). To outsiders, it’s a silly insult. To insiders, it’s shorthand for rejecting trends that feel inauthentic or overly commercialized.
Similarly, phrases like “touch grass” (go outside) or “chronically online” (obsessed with internet culture) critique digital overexposure. These terms reveal anxieties about screen addiction and performative social media behavior—issues older generations might overlook. Without context, the language seems frivolous. With context, it’s a survival toolkit for a world they’re inheriting.
Generational Reactions: “Back in My Day…” vs. “Let Me Explain”
Resistance to new slang is nothing new. Baby Boomers rolled their eyes at “groovy,” Gen X mocked Millennials for “YOLO,” and now Millennials side-eye Gen Z’s “sigma grindset.” The cycle repeats because language evolves to exclude as much as it includes. Slang acts as a social boundary: If you “get it,” you belong. If not, you’re on the outside.
But dismissing it as “nonsense” misses the point. Studies show that slang fosters creativity, builds community, and helps young people assert independence. A 2022 Pew Research study found that 76% of Gen Zers use slang intentionally to bond with peers or express identity. It’s less about confusing adults and more about creating a space where they feel understood.
Bridging the Divide: How to “Get It” Without Trying Too Hard
You don’t need to start saying “bet” or “skibidi” at the dinner table. But showing curiosity can build connections. Here’s how:
1. Ask, Don’t Assume: If a teen says your playlist is “giving NPC energy,” ask what that means to them. Slang often has fluid definitions—a “Karen” might mean “entitled” to one person and “overly strict” to another.
2. Embrace the Humor: Much of modern slang is intentionally absurd. Terms like “eggy” (weird) or “goblin mode” (embracing chaos) are playful ways to cope with stress. Laughing with them, not at them, builds rapport.
3. Learn the Sources: Follow meme accounts, watch trending YouTube shorts, or lurk on r/OutOfTheLoop. You’ll start spotting patterns (e.g., “-pilled” for obsessive interests, borrowed from The Matrix).
4. Respect the Code-Switching: Young people often adjust their language depending on the audience. They might say “fire” with friends but “cool” with grandparents. Mimicking their slang awkwardly can backfire—authenticity matters.
The Bigger Picture: Why Slang Matters Beyond “Being Hip”
Language isn’t just communication; it’s cultural documentation. The rise of phrases like “quiet quitting” (doing the bare minimum at work) or “bed rotting” (spending all day in bed) reflects Gen Z’s pushback against hustle culture and burnout. Similarly, pronouns in bios (“she/they”) and terms like “queerplatonic” redefine relationships beyond traditional norms.
Even corporations are paying attention. Brands that misuse slang (see: “How do you do, fellow kids?” cringe) get roasted online, while those that listen earn credibility. When a makeup brand used “glazed donut skin” correctly in an ad—referring to dewy, luminous complexions—Gen Z applauded the nuance.
Final Take: It’s Not About “Making Sense”
Every generation’s slang puzzles the previous one because it’s supposed to. Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words (including “eyeball” and “swagger”), and Victorians coined “boneshaker” for early bicycles. What seems chaotic now will eventually settle into the linguistic canon—or fade into obscurity, replaced by the next wave of creativity.
So, does today’s slang “make sense”? It doesn’t have to. What matters is recognizing it as a living, breathing reflection of a generation navigating a world they’re determined to reshape—one “sus” or “ick” at a time.
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