Why Adults Should Stop Saying “Kids Don’t Talk Like That”
Picture this: A teenager casually drops a phrase like “That’s so sus” or “No cap” during a family dinner. An adult rolls their eyes and mutters, “Kids these days—they don’t even speak properly!” Sound familiar? For generations, adults have criticized how younger people communicate, dismissing their slang, abbreviations, or even tone as “not real language.” But here’s the twist: Language isn’t static, and neither are the people using it. Instead of complaining that “kids don’t talk like that,” maybe it’s time to ask, “Why should they talk like us?”
Language Evolution Isn’t New—It’s Survival
Let’s start with a reality check: Every generation invents its own lingo. Shakespeare coined words like “eyeball” and “swagger.” The 1920s brought “bee’s knees” and “cat’s pajamas.” The ’80s had “gnarly” and “rad.” Today’s youth use terms like “rizz,” “cheugy,” or “mid.” The pattern is clear: Language adapts to reflect cultural shifts, technology, and social dynamics. When adults dismiss these changes as “incorrect,” they’re ignoring a fundamental truth—language survives by evolving.
Kids aren’t “ruining” communication; they’re innovating it. Slang and informal speech often arise from marginalized communities, online spaces, or creative subcultures. For example, African American Vernacular English (AAVE) has heavily influenced modern slang, from “lit” to “on fleek.” Dismissing these terms as “not real English” overlooks their cultural significance and the communities that birthed them.
The Hidden Cost of Criticizing How Kids Speak
When adults mock or correct youth language, the message kids hear isn’t “Speak better”—it’s “Your voice doesn’t matter.” Consider a classroom where a teacher interrupts a student for saying “This math problem’s lowkey confusing.” The student might shut down, associating self-expression with shame. Over time, this erodes their confidence to communicate, participate, or advocate for themselves.
This disconnect goes beyond vocabulary. Tone, pacing, and even nonverbal cues (like emojis or GIFs in digital chats) are part of how Gen Z and Gen Alpha communicate. Rolling your eyes at a teen for texting “IDK, SMH” instead of writing full sentences? That’s like scolding someone for using a microwave instead of a wood-fired oven. Both methods get the job done—they’re just tailored to different priorities (speed, efficiency, context).
The Power of “Code-Switching” (and Why Flexibility Matters)
Most adults already adjust their language depending on the situation—a skill called “code-switching.” You might use formal language in a work email but casual banter at a barbecue. Kids do the same. They know to write “I believe the evidence supports…” in an essay and “Bro, this TikTok is fire” in a group chat. The issue isn’t that young people can’t communicate “properly”—it’s that adults rarely acknowledge their ability to navigate multiple linguistic worlds.
Instead of policing how kids talk, focus on teaching them when to adapt their communication style. For instance, a teen might not realize that saying “This history project’s gonna be a grind” sounds unprofessional in an email to a teacher. Guide them toward alternatives like “This project will require significant effort” without shaming their natural speech. This approach builds critical thinking and social awareness—skills far more valuable than rigid grammar rules.
How to Bridge the Communication Gap
1. Listen More, Judge Less
Next time a kid says something that sounds “weird,” ask them to explain it. You might learn that “spill the tea” isn’t about beverages—it’s about gossip. This curiosity fosters mutual respect and shows kids their perspective is valued.
2. Celebrate Creativity, Not Just Conformity
Language isn’t just about clarity; it’s also identity, humor, and connection. When a student describes a boring party as “mid,” they’re not being lazy—they’re efficiently conveying a nuanced opinion. Acknowledge the creativity behind slang instead of treating it as a lesser form of speech.
3. Use Their Language as a Teaching Tool
Teachers can harness slang to make lessons relatable. A math problem about “calculating the rizz needed to slide into someone’s DMs” grabs attention while teaching algebra. This doesn’t “dumb down” education—it meets students where they are.
4. Admit When You’re Out of the Loop
If a teen mentions “getting ratioed on Twitter,” don’t fake understanding. Say, “I’m not familiar with that term—can you explain?” It models humility and normalizes lifelong learning.
The Bigger Picture: Language as a Cultural Mirror
The way kids talk reflects their world: fast-paced, interconnected, and visually driven. Platforms like TikTok and Discord prioritize brevity, humor, and visual storytelling—qualities that shape modern communication. Phrases like “Let’s Google it” or “DM me” didn’t exist 30 years ago, but they’re indispensable today. Future generations will invent terms for AI, virtual reality, or whatever comes next.
Resisting linguistic change is like refusing to accept that rivers change course—it’s futile and misses the beauty of the journey. When adults stop complaining that “kids don’t talk like that,” they open the door to meaningful dialogue. After all, the goal isn’t to make young people sound like their grandparents. It’s to ensure everyone feels heard, no matter how they speak.
So, the next time you hear a baffling new phrase, take a breath. Ask questions. Laugh with the kids, not at them. Because language isn’t a battleground—it’s a bridge. And bridges only work if both sides are willing to cross them.
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