Last weekend, I found myself trying to explain the word “rizz” to my dad. It was difficult to convey the meaning of the word because it is not just a straightforward definition — it is tied to a whole concept. “Rizz” does not simply mean “charisma”; it embodies a specific way of interacting, often in social or romantic contexts, which comes with a set of connotations shaped by online culture. “It is short for charisma,” I said, “but kind of in a modern way.” My dad, a doctor who cares deeply about precise language in his profession, seemed puzzled. As we talked further, I tried to clarify the meaning of other terms like “aura” and “demure” which, in some online spaces, have evolved into descriptors that hardly resemble their respective dictionary definitions. I realized that if language keeps shifting like this, I would often feel misunderstood when talking with my dad. Our conversations would become a constant struggle to bridge the gap between how words are used online and the meaning he expected. It struck me then: the language landscape, once stable and predictable, was now rapidly changing — and not necessarily for the better.
The influx of new words born out of internet subcultures is not just a creative revolution. In many ways, it is disruptive. We now face a tidal wave of viral slang that warps how we speak, write and think. In the age of TikTok and Twitter (X), words become linguistic trends for a month, only to be replaced by the next viral buzzword. What might seem like harmless fun can erode the accuracy of our ideas, resulting in challenges that prevent our self-expression.
Slang, of course, has always been part of the English language. Every generation brings its own phrases and expressions into the mix. But the sheer speed at which new vocabulary is created and discarded today introduces a kind of linguistic instability. These words do not stick around long enough to become universally understood or integrated into the mainstream. Instead, they emerge, go viral and fade out, often leaving confusion in their wake. This linguistic disruption creates generational divide, leaving many people unable to fully understand each other.
In a July podcast, linguist Anne Curzan explained how social media and texting are transforming the language used by Gen Z, reshaping not just slang but also how we interpret traditional grammar. In her conversation, she highlighted how phrases like “for the plot” and “drop the lore” illustrate young peoples’ playful repurposing of language to narrate their lives and share personal backstories. These expressions are deeply influenced by video games and social media culture.
Words are being used in ways that stray from their original meanings, often creating confusion rather than clarity. For instance, “slay” originally meaning to kill or defeat, is now commonly used to describe someone who looks good or is succeeding , which can create confusion depending on the context. As more words are co-opted into viral terminology, their precise meanings are lost, weakening their impacts in serious dialogue. Terms like “gaslighting,” originally a psychological concept referring to manipulation, are now casually thrown around to describe any disagreement.
Of course, language is not static. It evolves continuously, reflecting the changing needs, values and identities of society. This evolution is a natural and positive aspect of communication, as it allows language to adapt and remain relevant in an ever-changing world. African American Vernacular English (AAVE) has had a significant impact on mainstream slang, impacting the way people communicate across various social contexts. Phrases like “it’s giving,” “periodt” or “be like” all originated in AAVE, but have become widely used in everyday language. This linguistic influence allows minorities to shape mainstream culture by introducing expressions that reflect their unique experiences, perspectives and identities.
Curzan emphasized that this shift doesn’t reflect a lack of intelligence or education. Rather, it’s a different system, one that young people navigate expertly. The challenge, she noted, is for older generations or educators to recognize this as a valid form of communication, distinct from but parallel to traditional academic standards. She encouraged an attitude of openness, suggesting that mastering both texting and academic grammar could be seen as a fun exchange of knowledge rather than a source of stress or judgment.
While Generation Z (Gen Z) and Generation Alpha feel entitled to create their own language trends and slang like the generations before them, the speed at which the internet causes these trends to change leads to serious consequences for linguistic development . Early exposure to communicating on cell phones negatively impacts children, who often adopt these language adaptations before mastering proper grammar, according to a Penn State study.
Content creator Angie Santalo, known as @thatpinkscienceteacher, compiled a list of slang words that are no longer permitted in her classroom, including terms like “rizz,” “skibidi toilet,” “mewing,” “sigma,” and “chat.” These words have become so prevalent they can distract students and often elicit laughter rather than focus during lessons. The fact that such a list was deemed necessary is alarming, underscoring how these trendy terms undermine the educational environment and interfere with meaningful learning.
In some cases, fleeting slang leads to outright disrespect, like when students call Santalo “pookie” – a nonsensical term which inherently undermines the authority and respect a teacher deserves. The casualness with which kids use slang in the classroom shows a troubling disconnect between the language they consume online and the standards of appropriate communication in real-life settings. This is not just a harmless trend; it sets a problematic precedent for how young people they will interact with authority figures and peers alike.
Even more concerning is that some teachers, despite good intentions, attempt to relate to students by incorporating pop culture chants or viral catchphrases into the classroom, which only further normalizes the shallow form of communication.
Educators must make a conscious effort to distance themselves from slang language if they want to uphold the standards necessary for effective communication. By allowing students to speak however they want without encouraging them to understand how to communicate in formal contexts, schools risk creating a generation that struggles to adapt their communication for different situations.
In professional environments, an inability to switch from informal slang to proper language can severely limit opportunities and credibility. The overuse of filler words like “literally,” “totally,” and “like” has become the norm for many members of Gen Z. Constantly peppering speech or writing with these terms can make individuals seem less confident or articulate and may cause them to be taken less seriously by older colleagues.
Employers are increasingly frustrated with Gen Z’s lack of workforce readiness, according to a recent survey by Intelligent. Of the 966 business leaders surveyed, approximately 75% rated recent Gen Z college graduates as “unsatisfactory” workers. Key issues included unprofessional behavior, leading 60% of companies to fire Gen Z hires due to performance problems. One in five employers highlighted concerns with Gen Z’s utilization of inappropriate language, with some considering halting hiring from the generation altogether.
Our modern evolving vocabulary, heavily influenced by social media, has also resulted in a decline in grammatical accuracy among younger generations. The rise of overly casual emails or work communications — littered with slang, emojis, or incorrect phrases — can undermine the professionalism of younger employees. Gen Z has stopped using phrases like “yours truly”, “yours sincerely” and “to whom it may concern,” instead opting to use “best” or “thanks!”.
Precision in language is often associated with professionalism, and while younger people may view language as adaptable, older generations may interpret this casualness as laziness or incompetence. This linguistic disconnect risks undermining respect and authority, as younger individuals may struggle to be taken seriously in professional settings due to their weakened grasp of formal English.
What is at stake here is not just a pedantic concern about grammar or vocabulary; it is about the long-term implications of a generation growing up without the tools to communicate effectively in professional settings. Over time, this could have real-world consequences for career opportunities and workplace dynamics, as younger generations find themselves unable to bridge the gap between casual and formal communication.
