In an age dominated by hyper-connected lives, infinite scrolling, and algorithm-driven entertainment, language is evolving at a pace never seen before. What was once the domain of linguists, subcultures, and niche online forums has become a global linguistic experiment playing out in real time on TikTok, YouTube, and group chats. And nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the slang used by Gen Z and their younger siblings, Gen Alpha.
The terms may sound chaotic at first—brainrot, ate, mother, skibidi, rizz—but behind the apparent randomness lies a fascinating story of cultural exchange, community identity, and linguistic creativity.
One of the most emblematic expressions of the moment is brainrot, a term originally used online to describe the cognitive overload of endlessly consuming “low-value” content. Today, however, its meaning has broadened: it can refer to any form of obsession, from a Netflix series to a song, meme, or celebrity. “It’s living rent-free in my head,” users often say, signalling a fixation that is both humorous and slightly concerning.
Yet many of these terms are far from new. A significant portion of what is now labelled “TikTok slang” actually comes from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and ballroom culture, particularly from Black and LGBTQ+ communities in the 1970s and 1980s. Words like slay, ate, mother, tea, and bussin’ have existed for decades, long before they were picked up by influencers, gamers, and algorithmic feeds. Their sudden global popularity has sparked conversations about appropriation, credit, and the often-invisible historical roots of contemporary internet language.
Meanwhile, other expressions have emerged directly from digital culture itself. The video-game-inspired sus (“suspicious”), viral meme-friendly mid (“mediocre”), or the slightly absurdist skibidi and Ohio—both staples of Gen Alpha humour—demonstrate how online communities create micro-languages that spread at lightning speed. These words often carry meaning only within specific digital contexts, but somehow manage to cross over into everyday conversation.
The cult of the influencer has also contributed its share of vocabulary. Dulu (short for delusional and popularised by K-pop fans), stan (an intense fan of a celebrity), and phantom tax (stealing food from a friend, coined by streamers) highlight how fandoms shape the modern lexicon. Even advice about productivity and self-care has found its own terminology, with phrases like locked in to describe deep focus and let them cook to express trust in someone’s abilities.
And, of course, there is rizz—short for charisma—a term that dominated headlines after being named Oxford’s Word of the Year. It’s a linguistic reminder that modern charm is less about polished speech and more about confidence that resonates online.
For linguists, this explosion of new vocabulary is neither a threat nor a degradation of English. Instead, it reflects the natural evolution of a living language in a digital world. Slang has always been a marker of belonging and identity. What’s new is the speed: a meme born on a Wednesday can become global slang by Friday.
Whether these expressions will endure or fade remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Gen Z and Gen Alpha aren’t just using the language—they’re reinventing it.
Modern Slang 2024–2025
1. de-influencing
Meaning: When influencers encourage people not to buy certain products or to avoid unnecessary or overpriced purchases.
Example:
The video was pure de-influencing — she explained why most “must-have” items aren’t worth the money.
2. beige flag
Meaning: A mildly odd, strange, or slightly boring trait in a person. It’s not negative enough to be a red flag, but noticeable.
Example:
His beige flag is that he sends voice notes instead of typing.
3. Swiftie
Meaning: A highly dedicated fan of Taylor Swift.
Example:
She knew every lyric by heart — definitely a Swiftie.
4. rizz
Meaning: Charisma or natural charm, especially in social or romantic contexts.
Example:
He doesn’t talk much, but he has a lot of rizz.
5. situationship
Meaning: A romantic connection that is more than a friendship but not an official relationship.
Example:
They’ve been seeing each other for months, but it’s still a situationship.
6. parasocial
Meaning: A one-sided emotional attachment to a celebrity or influencer who does not know the person exists.
Example:
Some fans develop parasocial relationships with streamers.
7. heat dome
Meaning: A meteorological event in which a high-pressure system traps hot air over a region, causing extreme temperatures.
Example:
The heat dome lasted a week and pushed temperatures to record highs.
8. prompt
Meaning: In AI, the text, instruction, or question a user gives an AI system to generate a response.
Example:
Your prompt needs more detail if you want a clearer answer from the model.