Category: Slang

How ‘Clanker’ Became an Anti-A.I. Rallying Cry

The term, which was popularized by a “Star Wars” show and is rooted in real frustrations with technology, has become a go-to slur against artificial intelligence and robots.
How ‘Skibidi,’ ‘Tradwife’ and ‘Delulu’ Were Added to the Cambridge Dictionary

The terms, which started as online slang, are expected to have staying power.
What Does It Mean When Gen Alpha Says Chopped?

As younger generations continue to adopt new slang, a familiar word has become a meanspirited adjective.
An ‘Etymology Nerd’ Breaks Down Slang Like ‘Skibidi’ and ‘Rizz’ on Social Media

Adam Aleksic, who posts as Etymology Nerd on social media, argues in a new book that algorithms are reshaping the English language.
What Is Crashing Out? The Rise of a Useful Slang Term.

Adrenaline rising? Patience waning? Gen Z embraces a slang term for familiar feelings.
Meet Ballerina Cappuccina and the Italian Brain Rot Crew

Meet Ballerina Cappuccina and the Italian brain rot crew, an absurd group of A.I.-generated characters that are flooding TikTok.
How Elon Musk Uses Internet Slang to Marshal His Army of Online Fans

Mr. Musk uses online slang to marshal his 200 million social media followers in support of his efforts to gut the federal government. But he might be reaching his limits.
Quiz: Do You Know the Words That Were Popular in 2024?

A varied assortment of words entered (or re-entered) the lexicon this year. How well do you know them?
How Did ‘Rawdogging’ Become the Internet’s Go-To Term?

When combined with innocuous acts, “rawdogging” has left its overtly sexual origins behind, just like many other dirty slang words of the past.
What Is ‘Yapping’?

A new slang term with an old meaning emerges on TikTok.
Can You Understand Gen Alpha’s Slang?

Are you a “sigma”? Do you have “rizz”? The youngest generation is bamboozling its elders with terms all their own.
What Language Does Your Heart Speak?

The New York Times – Fashion & Style:
A playful (and not very scientific) examination of where love and language intersect.